Joe's List

I really wish I hadn’t surfed across Joe’s List - Joe Blitman’s Fashion & Celebrity Dolls. OMG he has an extensive offering of hard-to-find doll collectibles for sale. There’s an African-American Barbie Convention Doll Set I could die for but $400 is just not in my budget right now. Arrgh!

He also offers other Convention items as well as mint condition clothing and accessories. Check out the other Mattel fashion dolls available as well as fashion dolls by other manufacturers.

Barbie and computer gadgets are my weaknesses so Joe’s site will definitely be a struggle for me to avoid spending money. Please pray for me...I am so serious.

Smooches...

© 2011, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

My Life According to Barbie

Check out this super cute Barbie photo blog by Stacy McAnulty,  My Life According to Barbie. She’s also written a book by the same title. It’s available on Amazon.com via Kindle.

© 2011, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

How Many Dolls Do You Have? Don't Ask Sharon the Barbie Lady of Arlington, TX! [PHOTOS]

OMG! Check out these pictures of the collection of one Ms. Sharon the Barbie Lady of Arlington, TX! I am so keeping the pictures for my family and friends who are amazed (and complain) about the number of Barbies I have. LOL Sharon's collection includes over 900 Barbies and over 100 Kellys/Tommys.

Sharon has been collecting for over 15 to 20 years. She has a very understanding husband who custom built floor-to-ceiling cases for her in a room in their home. Keep him, Sharon and does he have a single brother? What a collection! I could sleep so peacefully in that room.

Thank you so much for sharing your collection with us, Ms. Sharon! Smooches...


P.S.  If you want to share photos of your collection, don't be shy! E-mail them to vanessa@vanessabyers.net.

© 2010, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Barbie Basics Model No. 8 Red Collection

Thanks to a great friend, I am the happy owner of two of this hard-to-find Target Exclusive Barbie Basics Model No. 8 from the Red Collection. I am partial to Afrocentric hairstyles so I fell in love with the curls on this doll in the promo photo. For dolls that I really love, I try to get two --- one to collect that remains in the box and one to "accessorize". One of the reasons I love the Basics collections is the opportunity to release some creativity in dressing and redressing the dolls. To keep my collections complete, I may be forced to get the other two dolls in the Red Collection. Anyhoo, I'll share more later. Smooches...

© 2010, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Comme des Garçons Barbie

From the Telegraph:

The Comme des Garçons Barbie doll by Japanese fashion designer, Rei Kawakubo, comes in a Jingle Flowers box. Kawakubo has designed a multicolored, silk dress, with a full, asymmetric skirt that stands away from the body – perfect for Barbie’s Christmas social whirl.

The dress is in a photo-style, print graphic and forms part of ‘Jingle Flowers’, the Comme des Garçons ‘new nonsense’ Christmas range.

The limited edition Barbie is part of the Barbie Collector Platinum Label collection, and comes in its own box, featuring the Jingle Flowers print, and display stand.
Comme des Garçons Barbie was launched in Tokyo last week and sold out.


© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Heidi Klum Gets Doll'd Up…Fabulous! [VIDEO]

Here’s a video capturing a bit of the discussion on the design for the Heidi Klum addition to Mattel’s Blonde Ambition Collection. She worked with the always-fabulous Robert Best, one of my favorite Barbie designers. If you recall, he was a contestant on Project Runway a couple of seasons ago.

Anyhoo, Heidi’s doll is gorgeous. That dress is oh so cute. (“If it’s not pink, it’s not good.” Loved that comment!) And those shoes!!! OMG Everything works well on this doll; I can hardly wait to redress another doll in that fabulous ensemble.

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Real-Life Barbie: Cindy Crawford

From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Crawford

Cynthia Ann "Cindy" Crawford (born February 20, 1966) is a former American model. Known for her trademark mole just above her lip, Crawford has adorned hundreds of magazine covers throughout her career. She was named #3 on VH1's 40 Hottest Hotties of the 90s. Her success at modeling made her a celebrity that has led to roles in television and film, and to work as a spokesperson.

Early life

Crawford was born in DeKalb, Illinois, the daughter of Jennifer Sue Crawford-Moluf (née Walker) and John Crawford.[1][2] She was discovered at the age of 16 by a newspaper photographer. He noticed Cindy at work during her summer job of detasseling corn and took a picture of her. The photo and positive feedback she received were enough to convince her to take up modeling. She entered the Elite Model Management's Look of the Year contest at 17 and was the runner-up. The Elite modeling agency in Chicago then started representing her.
Crawford graduated from DeKalb High School in 1984, as valedictorian.[3] She won an academic scholarship to study chemical engineering at Northwestern University, which she attended for only one quarter. She dropped out in order to pursue a full-time modeling career. After working for photographer Victor Skrebneski in Chicago, Cindy moved to Manhattan in 1986; she was signed with the Elite New York modeling agency.

In 1987, she briefly appeared during the opening credits of the Michael J. Fox film The Secret of My Succe$s.

Career
During the 1980s and 1990s, Cindy Crawford was among the most popular supermodels, and a ubiquitous presence on magazine covers, runways, and in fashion campaigns. She was repeatedly and frequently featured on the cover of many magazines, including: Vogue, W, People, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Allure. A partial count in 1998 totalled over 400 appearances.[4] Crawford also appeared in many fashion campaigns during her career, including those for Gianni Versace, Escada, Revlon, Ink. She has also worked for Omega, Maybelline, and Clairol.

Fashion designer Michael Kors summed up her impact:
"Cindy changed the perception of the ‘sexy American girl’ from classic blue eyed blonde to a more sultry brunette with brains, charm, and professionalism to spare."[11]

After modeling
Crawford quit modeling in 2000. She continues to provide celebrity endorsement for a variety of projects. In 2005, Crawford created a line of beauty products with Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh called Meaningful Beauty for Guthy-Renker. Crawford has admitted to regularly receiving certain cosmetic procedures, including Botox, collagen, and vitamin injections. She first saw a plastic surgeon at the age of 29.[12]

In 2005, Crawford launched a new line of furniture under the "Cindy Crawford Home Collection" name. This collection is manufactured by HM Richards Inc., and is sold through many retailers including Art Van Furniture and Rooms To Go. She assisted in the creation of the line by directing the designers to include certain features, colors, or styles that fit the needs of families or reflected her own tastes.[13] She also has a furniture line with Raymour & Flanigan and will launch another home goods line with J. C. Penney in late 2009.[14]

This one-of-a-kind Cindy Crawford Barbie was designed by Robert Best for a charity auction. The winning bidder paid $33,000 for this doll.

I think this Chocolate Obsession Barbie doll looks like Cindy Crawford!

Cindy Crawford’s Official Website: www.cindy.com/

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Christian Louboutin Barbie #1: Love the Shoes!

This is the first of three dolls in the Christian Louboutin series of dolls from Barbie® Collector. It comes straight from the "My Year in Paris" dairy calendar’s September scene—Barbie vividly dreaming of being a jewel thief on the rooftops of Paris with her sophisticated partner in crime, Christian Louboutin. Barbie wears a sleek, black catsuit with hood, headband and ultra-chic Differa gold sandals by Christian Louboutin.

The Doll comes with four pairs of Barbie shoes by Christian Louboutin each with the signature red sole, miniature shoe boxes and cloth bags. Shoes include the Differa gold sandals, Altameche Leopard boots, the Claudia ankle straps in Barbie 219 Pink and the Belle Ankle shoes in black.

Monsieur Louboutin ruffled many feathers earlier this year when he declared a redesign of Barbie's legs would be required before the doll could wear his creations. It seems the Barbie we've known and loved has fat ankles but let's not go there, okay? His shoes are fab so I may have to buy the doll just to get them!

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

The Barbie Basics Collection: Permission to Play, Uh, I Meant Redress and Accessorize

The new Barbie Basics Models Collection 001 is perfect for collectors who love to redress and accessorize their dolls. I confess that would be me. I have bought dolls just for their fabulous ensemble or accessories to adorn another doll. Thank you for this collection, Mattel.

I must tell you that I’d planned to only purchase three of the dolls until I saw these photos on Flickr. All of the dolls are so much more appealing than the photos on the Barbie Collector site.

Here’s more info about the Collection:

Customize. Personalize. Play. Barbie Basics is all about permission to play. Part of the Barbie Basics Collection, this collection of dolls and fashions is all about customizing the fashion staple, the "Little Black Dress," and making it your own! This collection includes 12 different dolls each of which is dressed in a different style of a "Little Black Dress.” Barbie Basics Accessories, sold separately, help you personalize your very own "Little Black Dress" Barbie!

As you probably already know, the entire collection is on back order on Barbie Collector and pre-order at many doll dealers on the internet. There may be a few available at your local Toys R Us or other large stores. Shop wisely, as the dolls are advertised on the internet for a wide range of prices.

Let’s hope Mattel produces a sufficient quantity of these creations but remember this is Collection 001 so let's try to exercise restraint. LOL

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Barbie Goes Muslim (for charity) and Causes International Controversy

Barbie has been almost every legitimate profession one can imagine. She's also been from several countries around the world too. Barbie has been praised for encouraging girls to be all they can be and criticized for unrealistic body measurements. She's had houses, automobiles, motorcycles, clothing, jewelry, etc. etc.

Now Barbie is the center of controversy again as Italian designer Eliana Lorena has created Burka Barbie for a fundraising auction at Sotheby's. The doll is part of a 500-Barbie doll collection. Checkout: Burka Barbie to raise funds for Save the Children csmonitor.com

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PHOTO: Newscom

Barbie Collector Catalog Spring Preview 2010

My Barbie Collector catalog arrived with an awesome cover of the Christian Louboutin Barbie from the 2010 "My Year in Paris" diary calendar. The mixture of Barbie with real people is so fabulous!

This catalog is definitely a keepsake. The folks at Barbie Collector put together a catalog with offerings that can be described as HOT...HOT...HOT! I'll blog about some of the dolls in the catalog but it definitely has an adult flavor this time. The problem is I'll probably have to eat Ramen Noodles all year just to afford the Barbie dolls and accoutrements that I want!

Smooches...

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Learn the Moves: Do the Barbie Dance [VIDEO]

I know you loved the Do the Barbie video, here’s your chance to learn the moves with choreographer JaQuel Knight. Not only is this fun; it’s great exercise.

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Vogue's Black Barbie Issue

Italian Vogue continued its celebration of black beauty with a feature on black versions of our favorite fashion diva, Barbie. Click here for the article and check out my favorites of the beautiful photos below.

I have to tell you that looking at the photos made me want to pull out my dolls and re-dress them the way the dolls are in the photos.

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

For Barbie Lovers: Do the Barbie Dance [VIDEO]

My friend Rona sent me this video, Do the Barbie. I love it. Some of the moves may seem familiar because JaQuel Knight also choreographed Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video.

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Jonathan Adler's Barbie Malibu Beach House...Gorgeous!

OK, what real-life Barbie wouldn't love the absolutely fabulous beach house with the interior designed by the Jonathan Adler? It is gorgeous!

Thanks for the video, barbiedolldup!


© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Barbie is 50!

Barbara Millicent Roberts debuted at the American Toy Fair in New York on this day in 1959. Her creator, Ruth Handler, guided her production into toy history. Millions of Barbie dolls have been sold and she continues her prominence in spite of ambitious competitors in the fashion doll arena.

Barbie has changed tremendously since her inception. Well, her inception, which is down played, is actually the Bild Lilli doll that Handler brought over to the States from Germany.

Anyhoo, the original ponytail Barbie in that black-and-white striped swimsuit has transformed to represent different ethnicities, different countries and had many different careers. Barbie has even run for President of the United States.

Barbie has accomplished a lot in her 50 short years on the planet. As her legend continues, it’s crucial that little girls understand that Barbie’s message is more about her accomplishments --- teacher, astronaut, CEO, physician, businesswoman, paleontologist, Marine, veterinarian, prima ballerina, etc. --- than her measurements.

She’s also represented countries around the world and has even promoted learning sign language and understanding people who are wheelchair-bound before it was politically correct.
Barbie’s first fifty years have been awesome; wonder what’s in store for her next fifty years?

Happy Birthday, Barbie!

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

The Josephine Baker Doll by Integrity Toys

Jason Wu and Integrity Toys have released The Josephine Baker Doll and Fashion as a part of its Hollywood Royalty Collection. Ms. Baker is deserving of such recognition by having dolls molded in her honor.




She was a trailblazer in many fields. Though aspects of her life were tragic, she demonstrated the power of a determined female to accomplish her goals in spite of adversity.

The Official Josephine Baker Website




© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds Barbie

Mattel produced this The Birds Barbie doll based on the Alfred Hitchcock classic movie, The Birds. I really want to buy this doll for a couple of reasons: first of all, I’m a big Hitchcock fan and secondly, I really like the outfit worn by Tippi Hedren’s character, Melanie Daniels. I’m trying to not to spend frivolously but if those birds can be removed from the doll's outfit, I might give it a try.

Here is a photo of the famous scene of Hedren and the children running from the school. This movie was Tippi Hedren’s break out role. She owes her movie career to Hitchcock who spotted her in a commercial and cast her in the starring role. She’s also the mother of actress Melanie Griffith; could she have been named her after her mom's character in this movie or is that just a coincidence?

Anyhoo, back in the day when there was only had one television in our household, my mom sort of got me hooked on Alfred Hitchcock. She still loves suspense movies today. The Birds, Dial M for Murder and Rear Window are just a few of my favorite movies that he directed. Of course, watching “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” was, and still is, a regular occurrence as it is in re-runs on the Chiller TV channel.

© 2009, Don’t Just Play Barbie…Be Barbie!, www.bebarbie.net

Kwanzaa Barbie

In 2006, Mattel produced Kwanzaa Barbie in recognition of the seven-day celebration developed to strengthen African-American values of family, community and culture. There's also an aspect of Kwanzaa that discourages commercialism and encourages educational gifts for children.

Initially, when I saw the Kwanzaa Barbie advertised, I was disappointed in the commercialization of the celebration. The doll was included in their Dolls of the World - Festivals of the World Collection so I understood their perspective.

I was also disappointed that the doll, although dressed in African-inspired attire, had way beyond shoulder-length wavy hair and gray eyes. I'm sure there's a black woman somewhere in the world that looks like that but for the most part, the doll reinforces a negative self-image in little black girls. She's a beautiful doll but the same hair with a shoulder-length cut and brown eyes would have been much better. This doll is no longer in production but is likely available on the secondary market.

Post-Election Comeback

Hey, everyone. I'm over the craziness and exhaustion of the 2008 General Election. Yes, my candidate, Barack Obama is now the President-Elect and many are pleased throughout the world.

If you're not an Obama supporter, that's cool too. The people in the United States spoke and Barack Obama again out-campaigned a more seasoned competitor. Barbie fans still don't have a President Barbie and that's OK, too.

Barbie in 2012!

I do hope you will become or remain engaged in the political process wherever you are. Now...back to Barbie collecting for Barbie fans!