Barbie's Dream House

 I never had Barbie's Dream House when I was a kid (I did have the Fashion Shoppe, which I wish, wish, wish they would reproduce) and I missed the first release a few years back.  So I jumped on the new release gift set with bubblecut doll and additional outfits.  Warning: Picture heavy

Looks just like the original. 

2020 Barbie's Dreamhouse Giftset #GNC38-9644

Before setup and move in.

Furniture needs to be assembled.

Bubblecut reproduction and 2 extra outfits

Reproduction 2-piece pajamas 1962-63.  They added blue mules with pom-poms, brush and comb and an alarm clock.

Reproduction Busy Morning #956.  For some reason they included the tray and drinks from Friday Night Date

Reproduction Blonde Bubblecut in turquoise Silk Sheath

She really is very well done.  She is stunning with the hairnet removed and her hair fluffed out (I forget to get a picture.)

Assembling the furniture, time consuming but pretty easy.

Hour and a half later........TaDa!

I made a matching bedspread and pillows.

Babs loves her new digs!

This structure is quite large but folds up nicely.  The only place I can open it full without worrying about the dog is on the dining room table.  I will probably set up specific dioramas for a few days, take pics and then take down.  I like it but did have buyers' remorse after it arrived (it has a hefty price tag) but I sold a Miss Revlon doll and it almost paid for the whole thing.

I would love for Mattel to do the Fashion Shoppe reproduction.  I LOVED mine when I was a kid.  It is a bit larger than the Dream House but I would get it in a minute if they issue it!

So this doll brings my total to 157.  I might ask The Husband for one or 2 new ones for Christmas, just haven't decided yet.  There are a few I want to sell, so I need to work on that before the holidays.

Thanks for stopping by.........

Barbie Collection Catalog Project - 106 - 110 Vintage Reproductions

Reproductions of the vintage Barbie dolls are a great way to collect some iconic dolls and outfits, and be easy on your budget.  Mattel does a pretty good job of reproducing them in most cases.

Nothing says Barbie like a ponytail and black and white striped bathing suit.  I think this is the best reproduction they have done to date.

1993  35th Anniversary Barbie - Brunette  #11782 

1993 35th Anniversary Barbie - Blonde  #11590

The doll in this set is reproduced nicely, she has gorgeous hair.  But the fabric of the outfit feels really cheap to me although it looks exactly like the original.

2005 All That Jazz 1968 TNT Mod Barbie  #J9162

This doll's hair is soooo stiff and I think her forehead is a little too large.  I love the outfit but the vinyl fabric of the coat, boots and hat has just deteriorated to the point you can't touch it without flecks coming off.  And the color block squares of the dress bodice and the skirt do not match up properly.  Poor quality control by Mattel on this one.

2007  Red, White and Warm 1968 #K9142

Gorgeous American Girl reproduction with soft silky hair.  And the outfit is a stunningly beautiful recreation of the original. Great job, Mattel!

2001  Gold n' Glamour  #54185

Barbie Catalog Project 69-73

This doll is part of the holiday series were issued every year for grocery stores and big box discounters.  There were only 2 in this series, this blonde Barbie and the AA Barbie.  One of the few Barbies issued with straight shoulder length hair they are both lovely.  I am still trying to find the AA version at a reasonable price, she has the Christie face mold and is so pretty.

1998 Tree Trimming Barbie #22967

Sorry these pictures aren't clearer.  When I went to dress her in her original outfit I discovered what a pain in the A$$ it is too get her velvet leggings on!  They have some kind of separate nylon lining that is impossible to move up her legs.  Needless to say, it was either shoot her in the buff or find an old picture of a Christmas diorama from several years ago......I lucked out.  I am going to have to make her a new pair of dark green pants to go with the ugly Christmas sweater.

I believe, but don't quote me, that this was the first doll in the City Seasons series.

The doll herself doesn't thrill me.  Her makeup is a little washed out and that forehead needs some bangs or fringe or whatever they call them these days.  Now her outfit is another story.  It is very well made, especially the coat.  She is wearing a short sleeve black full bodysuit.  The coat seems to be a light wool, lined in red taffeta with fake fur trim at collar and cuffs with a little brooch.  Hat, scarf, bright red mittens, patent purse with chain strap and midrise heeled black boots make this very classy.

1998 City Seasons-Winter in New York #19429

I love this doll, it is my favorite AA doll with the Nichelle facemold.  She is just so pretty.  Her uniform is cute and fits well, love the boots.  I also like the fit of the pants and I may attempt to make a pattern from them.

1998 Disney Animal Kingdom Barbie AA #20989

Another beautiful doll with the Mackie facemold.  I will use her as a twin to the free spirit  Butterfly Arts Barbie in future story lines.

She has the most fantastic pair of gold pumps, I hope I never lose them.  I don't know about anyone else but I never put the sheer tights back on the dolls because I always poke the toes through when trying to put the shoes on!  Is there a trick to this?  If so someone please let me know.......

1999 Cool Collecting Barbie #25525

This is a cute retro style doll.  She also comes with a few miniature toys but only the Barbie game is to scale.  The viewmaster and 8 ball are too big to use in dios.

Thanks for stopping by.......

Barbie Collection Catalog Project 48-52

Ooops!  I got my catalog posts a little out of order.  I was trying to catalog the dolls by year but it didn't quite work out. Oh well, no big deal.

So here is the next grouping.

1995 Enchanted Evening Reproduction Barbie #14992

I like the reproduction dolls becuase it offers people a reasonable way to get a version of the iconic vintage dolls and some of the most popular outfits from back in the day.

I got this reproduction because I always wanted this outfit.  This is a very nicely done reproduction.  The outfit is well done and the fabric quality is nice.  I love the doll!  She has beautiful platinum hair and gorgeous skin tone, almost porcelain like.  She is a movie star in my diorama life known as Ava Winter.  She is a star.

1995  Phone Fun Skipper AA #14313

This is my all time favorite modern Skipper.  She is just sooooo cute!  And has the most incredible head of hair.  Just a little darling.

1996 Spiegel Summer Sophisticate Barbie #15591

I am not in love with this doll, her forehead is too large and the skin tone is too pinky.  But her outfit.....oh my be still my 50's heart!  I had to have it and decided to keep the doll to play the Mother in one of the many dioramas that I haven't gotten around to making yet.

1996 Wild Bunch Francie AA Reproduction #17607

The original doll was a bit of a coundrum when issued because at the time there was no AA Barbie, just her friends Cara and Christie.  Not that she couldn't of had a cousin of AA ethnicity but it wasn't as prevalent back then.  I always wanted her but there is no way I could afford an original so this is a great reproduction for many people like me.

The outfit is nice but not my favorite Francie outfit.  I definitely got this set for the doll and she is very nice.

1997 Silken Flame/Red Flare Reproduction Barbie #18448

I got this set for the black hair bubblecut as I have the original of both of these outfits.  This whole set was a little disappointing.  The doll just doesn't look as good next to my vintage bubblecuts as the reproduction ponytails do next to their vintage counterparts.  Her hair is much thinner and finer than the vintage ones and she just doesn't measure up.

The outfits are okay but next to the originals the poor fabric and sewing quality shows.  The satin and velvet is very stiff.  Don't get me wrong, it's great to have if you can't afford an original but the quality compared to the reproduction Enchanted Evening outfit is of lesser quality, I think.

Well, the cataloging is coming along, 54 done so far!  I am trying to get at least 5 done a week and hope to start getting some of the outfits done soon too.  I have seen some other peoples collections on FB and mine is nothing compared to some......I don't know how they keep it all straight!

Thanks for stopping by.........

1964 Barbie Sparkle Pink Gift Set Reproduction # 1011

This giftset was something I longed for when I was a
little girl, but she never made it to my house. I have
satisfied my dream with the reproduction of the Barbie
Sparkle Pink Giftset.

She was a gift from The Husband last Christmas and
has been packed away because of the move.  Finally
freeing her from her box I see she is very well done.

The doll itself is very nice, a good weight and
her subtle pink lips are so pretty.  Her hair is
much softer than my original bubblecut and a
very light blonde almost platinum.  She has a
pretty pink one piece bathing suit, pink mules
and clear stand.  She also comes with a fashion
brochure from that era describing the fashions
and the prices.  Don't we all wish those prices
were today prices!

I love these separates. So many ways to
combine them.  Here we have the one shoulder
top and wrap skirt.  The fabric is a little
stiff not as nice as the original.

Add the bolero and hat and we have a
very stylish cocktail outfit.

The coat is very disappointing.  There is no
way this will close with or without clothes
on.  Even if the button loop was elastic it
still wouldn't fit.  Anyone else have this
problem?

I really like this 1964 Barbie reproduction giftset
and am happy to finally have these outfits.