Laurebelle Couture Exclusive "Glam Addict" Giselle

The latest lottery for members of the W Club is an European exclusive Giselle called Glam Addict. This doll is very beautiful and has a stylish fashion that comes with additional shoes and accessories. It's being called a mini giftset. The price for US and Canadian customers is $150. plus either $15. or $25. respectively for shipping.  The price for the rest of the world is EU 140 ($185.33) + EU 30 ($40.) for shipping. The difference in price has many Europeans howling with dismay. After all, if this is a European exclusive, why are the Europeans paying so much more? The answer was a mixture of shipping costs, VAT, customs and whatever other taxes and duties exist. Laurence explained that she is pre-paying certain of these fees which would normally fall to the buyers and so these costs must be passed on. It's quite a burden for overseas collectors. But...maybe they don't have to pay for health insurance. Perhaps their income taxes are proportionally lower. There's always some other benefit to offset these issues.

The lottery closes on February 14. I have entered but my luck in the past 3 years has not been good. This is probably the best looking Giselle so far and I don't have any in my collection. I would restyle her hair done in a more glamorous Hollywood style to suit the fashion.

Lingerie

People have been posting such wonderful lingerie and purple themed photos over at Prego (again) so I thought I'd cull a bunch and post them here for all to enjoy.

Amelia by Janet in Oregon

Tyler by aquabluerose

Hypnosis by Lyanne NZ

Dollmore's Diana by Sisen

Gothica and Toxica by Valtoy

Ellowyne by M2

Iplehouse Elena by LeeAnn

Photoshoot (The Do-Over)

Dasha and Elise had a second chance in front of the camera earlier today. What a difference the proper background makes!

 Mauve Absolue wearing Behind the Drama's gown and a vintage mink stole.

 Geometry showed up wearing a Ficon leather gown.

In the image above, I desaturated the backdrop and column.

The Mermaid Barbie Doll

Designed by Linda Kyaw, released on 2/8 and on backorder until 3/8/2012. Price $100.

Description:
Sure to make waves wherever she goes, Mermaid Barbie® doll wears a sheer bodice accented with beads and rhinestones in iridescent blue and silver. Iridescent paillettes create the first half of her shimmery tail ending with two different shades of pleated organza.

Pretty picture, isn't it? I would like to see this doll in person. She comes with the rock display but the ad says she cannot stand alone as shown.  I know many Barbie collectors do not remove their dolls from the boxes and this one is definitely a 'stay-in-the-box' doll. I can see this as a lovely 8X10 print for a doll room.

So what do you think? Is $100 a fair price for this mermaid beauty?

Mary T's Doll House to Close

An announcement signed by Mary T of Mary T's Doll House was sent out earlier this evening. Here is the text:

I just wanted to write and update everyone on what is happening at Mary T's Doll House.  I have had a great time being a doll dealer, but the time has come to move onward and forward.  As a result, I will be shutting the shop down.  This is not an easy decision, but one that is right for me.   I have decided not to carry any of the 2012 lines and Integrity is aware that I declined my allocations.  My website will remain active for awhile so that I can sell remaining stock.  I have had a wonderful 14 years as a dealer and I thank each and every customer for supporting me all these years.  I am still  a collector at heart, so I hope to stay in touch with many of you as I consider you all not just customers, but my friends.

_______________

 

BFC Membership for 2012 Opens Today

Membership for the 2012 season in the Barbie Fan Club opened today for current members. New members may begin to register on February 15. This year all members will received a Silkstone dress form.

That's a big step up from a mouse pad. Of course you will also get your membership card.

 Every 3 months you get a $20. credit towards a purchase. There have been occasions when it was more than $20. You cannot save up your credits as each expires at the end of the quarter in which it is granted.

Membership is $24.95. This year I was charged $2. tax for the first time. Soon I will have to pay tax on the air I breathe.

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop