Silk Sheath - 1962 - 1963

Veronica in Silk Sheath

The silk sheath was available in 1962 and 1963. It came in 7 colors, pale yellow, black, turquoise, red, green, white and gold. They each came with matching open toe shoes, although they are missing. It's a simple, classic design that Veronica wears with style.

Vintage: Repurchased

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Meet the Dolls: Veronica - 1964 Ponytail Swirl

Veronica

This ponytail swirl is a beauty. She has had some work done, hair and lips, but that's okay, she's mine. She is wearing her original red jersey swimsuit.

Vintage: Repurchased

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Happy Birthday #1919 - 1965

Skipper in Happy Birthday

Skipper's all ready for the party in this adorable dress with petticoat and picture hat. This set came with a birthday cake, candles, invitation, party favors, and a present......all of which I no longer have. I am also missing the little white gloves and her shoes were white but she could only find one, so the black flats will do.

Vintage: Owner Original

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Knit Fashion Paks - 1963

Barbie

Here again are great versatile pieces from the Fashion Paks. Each piece was separate and came in royal, gold and the stripe. The knit paks also offered slacks, a dress, middy top and shorts and skirt. I would love to find some of these in the solids to coordinate with what I have, but
Barbie is making the most of it!

Vintage: Owner Original

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Let's Hear It For The Boys: Ken #750 - 1962-1965

Vintage Ken

Growing up my Barbie never needed a man in her life, mostly because my life was full them with four brothers, a Dad, loads of other male relatives and my brother's friends. There was no room for anymore guys in my pretend world.

So my Barbie was a SWF until she was almost 40, when I finally broke down and bought her this man, Ken.  Ken was always a little dorky to me, but hey, she likes him and at her age she needed some arm candy on occasion.




A few other Kens and buddies have been added to escort the ladies about town and you will meet them all.  Unfortunately Ken's wardrobe is very sparse right now, so I am working to add some suitable basics such as shirts and slacks. This isn't even his original outfit but his buddy, Allan's.  There is no way his wardrobe will ever match Barbie's but he needs to look sharp when they go out.

Vintage: Repurchase

First Things First #1252 - 1966

Francie in First Things First

Okay, apparently my parents had a thing for under garments. Francie is fully togged out in panties, slip, pettipants, garter and stockings.

This outfit is also complete and in good condition, probably again because she didn't wear it much.

Vintage: Owner Original

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Under Fashions # 1655 - 1966-1967

Bailey in Under Fashions

Really, who buys a Merry Widow outfit for their little daughter's doll? Um, my parents. This is one sexy outfit and Bailey is looking quite hot. This outfit is complete, right down to the cardboard legs the hose came on (I forgot them in the pic). It is in excellent condition, no runs, all the garters work.

The reason it's in such good condition is that I didn't I put it on the dolls very often. First off, it is very hard to get clothes on over them and then everything will look lumpy. But secondly......and most importantly, it is a bitch to get that sucker on. This was worst than stuffing yourself into Spanx! At least she doesn't complain when I'm tugging it on!

But she does look pretty sexy in it....for a doll.

Vintage: Owner Original

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Skating Fun #1908 - 1964 - 1966

Skipper in Skating Fun

It may still be hot and humid here but Skipper is dreaming of snowy winter days. She's ready for the skating pond in her one piece tights, skirt, fur hat and muff. She's gonna need some new skates though as these have lost their blades. But she sure looks cute!

Vintage: Owner Original

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Swingin' Easy #955 - 1963

Barbie in Swingin' Easy

A green version of an early outfit called 'Let's Dance, this dress can actually be found in a light green and medium green. The silk sash has faded from emerald green to purple which is a shame. The classic dress came with black open toe shoes, white vinyl purse and necklace (missing).

Vintage: Owner Original

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To Debox or Not To Debox....that is the question?

My apologizes to Bill Shakespeare, but to a doll collector THAT is the question!

35th Anniversary Barbie NRFB - 1994

NRFB.   How important are those four letters to you?  Does it mean everything to keep your doll in this pristine environment and admire her through the plastic like Ralphie admiring the Red Ryder BB gun at Higbee's Dept. Store?

I think it is a hard decision for most doll collectors.   Do you preserve your doll for future value or do you throw caution to the wind and remove her?  I guess it depends on the doll, if she's rare and what you want from your collection.

I kept my 4 original dolls because they meant something to me, they reminded me of being a kid, when you could escape some of the unpleasantries of the adult world around you and create your own perfect one.   They were my best friends.

I started collecting other dolls because they are beautiful and I loved to look at them. I had vintage dolls and NRFB dolls, some were sold and more were added. But there was a sort of disconnect, I liked having them but I don't think they meant that much to me.

Then I got a box lot of nude dolls off eBay.   The plan was to clean them up, make some clothes and donate them.  As I started something came over me.......this was fun, brushing their hair out, making or selecting just the right outfit....it was play, it was FUN.   This what these dolls are for.....fun. 

So I personally have changed my doll collecting philosophy .......DEBOX, that is the answer.

35th Anniversary Barbie (aka Barbara) - Deboxed

35th Anniversary Barbie, better known as Barbara, has been freed from her box.   And a good thing too as her ponytail rubber bands had completely disintegrated into a dry, brittle mess.   She got a new rubber band for the ponytail but I kind of liked the way her hair looked with the end free, sassy, so I left that one off.   Doesn't she look happier? I think she is eyeing up Barbie's Closet as she has been wearing this same old striped swimsuit for what, 20 years now (she was issued in 1994), outrageous for a doll that is a fashion icon!

Barbara will soon be joined by other dolls freed from their confines.   It won't happen all a once and a few may never see freedom but I have decided MY dolls are meant for playing.......what are your dolls meant for?





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Fashion Avenue: Boutique Coll. - 1998 - # 22923

Carrington in Fashion Avenue # 22923

Another adorable outfit in sunny yellow gingham with embroidered flowers and pink piping . Once again the hat looks better without a ponytail and the shoes are a little more stylist.

Fashion Avenue: Owner Original

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Fashion Avenue Boutique Coll. 1997 - #18133

Courtney in Fashion Avenue # 18133

Courtney looks absolutely adorable in this outfit. I'm sure the mad hatter hat would look better without the ponytail.....but those shoes, a little too sensible for such a cute outfit.

Fashion Avenue: Owner Original

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Meet the Dolls: Pretty In Plaid - 1998 - Carrington & Courtney

Carrington (L) Courtney (R)

Meet Carrington (brunette # 20668) and Courtney (auburn # 20667) from the pink box line 'Pretty in Plaid'. This is a 'Mackie' face and it is my favorite. I purchased Courtney new in 1998, she wore a yellow & green plaid dress (which I can not find now). I got Carrington in box lot of nude dolls off of eBay back in November '13 She original wore an orange & pink plaid dress.

I think they are stunningly beautiful.

Modern: Owner Original & Repurchase

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Scoopneck Playsuit Pak -1962 - 1963

Evelyn wearing white scoopneck playsuit.

I think the fashion paks that were available for Barbie were a great idea. You could build a nice wardrobe for your doll with these add-ons. Evelyn models the white playsuit (it came with an orange plastic belt which is missing so she added the belt from another outfit). The playsuit also came in black, red, pink and black/white print. It could be paired with skirts and pants from other paks.

I know it's not as glamorous as a lot of Barbie's outfits but it is a very versatile piece.

Vintage: Repurchase

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Meet the Dolls: Evelyn - 1964 Ponytail Barbie

1964 Ponytail - Evelyn

Meet Evelyn. She is a 1964 ponytail. She has had a little cosmetic surgery....retouched lips and redone hairstyle! But I am happy to have her in my collection. I purchased her back in the 90's



She's quite the beauty.

Vintage: Repurchase

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Shoppin' Spree # 1261 - 1966

Francie in Shoppin' Spree

Francie is out for an afternoon of shopping and lunch in this simple shift and matching coat ensemble. All she's missing is her purse and gloves.  I'm a sucker for matching dress and coat outfit.

Vintage: Owner Original

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School Girl # 1921 - 1965- 1966

Skipper in School Girl

Lil' sis, Skipper is looking smart for her first day of school in this classic outfit. But she's missing her school books, ate the apple she was suppose to give the teacher and can't see a thing without her glasses (all missing items).

Vintage: Owner Original

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Togetherness #1842 - 1968

Bailey in Togetherness

Straight from Carnaby St. Bailey shows off her MOD look with this outfit. This outfit is complete. The leggings are very hard to get on and her shoes do not fit well over them. Hot pink lacy tights would have been better and cuter!

Vintage: Owner Original

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Sweater Girl - #976 - 1959-1962

Barbie in Sweater Girl

Barbie channels her inner sexy secretary with this outfit, although it came with knitting apparatus (balls of yarn, knitting booklet and scissors - all missing). The sweater is wool so a lot of them have moth holes. I've been lucky, just a gold button missing.

Vintage: Owner Original

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First Formal #1260 - 1966 - 1967

Francie in First Formal

Francie is the belle of the ball in this sweet gown with embroidered flowers and scalloped hem. A cute cape in fuchsia helps keep the cool spring evening air at bay. A pair of blue low heeled pumps and short gloves (missing) complete the outfit.

Vintage: Owner Original

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Fashion Pak - Party Pink. 1965 - 1967

Skipper in Party Pink

Skipper is ready for the party in this cute little pink and lace dress. This same dress pattern was used in #1904 Flower Girl but in yellow.

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Golden Elegance #992 - 1963

Barbie in Golden Elegance

By far this was the most elegant, fancy schmancy outfit my Barbie has ever owned.  I was amazed my parents bought it for me.....I think my Mom really liked it.  That's real fur, folks, real FUR!  I am missing a few items - short gloves, necklace & earrings and the hanky.  The hat is missing a pearl. 

I love this outfit.  It is one of my favorites.

Vintage: Owner Original

Silver Sparkle #1885 - 1969

Bailey in Silver Sparkle.

A cute little mini dress to wear out dancing. This outfit came with clear open toe shoes which I have but for some reason they won't stay on very well. I guess as Barbie gets older her feet swell too! So she is wearing a stylish pair of silver pumps.

The metallic knit top on this can snag very easily on pointy little doll fingers. Care must be taken when getting ready for a night on the town.

Vintage: Owner Original