Re-Launch of My Barbie and Fashion Blog

Welcome to my new blog! I have a new domain name: http://www.bebarbie.net/ and a fabulous new blog design by my new best friend, seven of Blogs Gone Wild.

Both dolls showcased in the header are designed by Byron Lars. They are from his first Barbie series: The Runway Collection. On the left is Indigo Obsession with Plum Royale on the right. There are two more dolls in the series: In the Limelight and Cinnabar Sensation. Cinnabar Sensation was released in a black version and a white version --- my collection includes both.

Photographs don't do these dolls justice; you really have to see them in person to appreciate their beauty and intricate workmanship. I'll introduce you each of them as well as more of my collection. I'll also share some Barbie background information, talk about fashion and introduce you to some women that I think are real-life Barbies.

I hope you enjoy it here and will visit often. In the meantime, have a beautiful pink day.

Smooches!...

Remembering Fashionista Dr. Donda West

The world mourns the lost of Dr. Donda West, mother of superstar Kanye. Let's keep him lifted in prayer. Personally, I liked her style. It's easy to fall prey to our society so enthralled with youth, thinness and beauty. But whose standards should we follow anyway? I could go on and on about diverse beauty.

Dr. West and I shared the same tastes in handbags, I love this photo of her rocking the Louis Vuitton Multipli-Cite'. She looks so young and vibrant. Rest in Peace, Sister Queen. Job well done.

Mattell adds Black Silkstone Barbie for 2008 --- Toujours Couture

I must add at least two dolls to my collection over the next six months. One is the Hollywood Hostess Barbie that I already have on order and the other is the Toujours Couture Barbie.

The Toujors Couture is a Black Silkstone Barbie --- one of the very few black Silkstones. I'm going to reserve my final opinion when it's released in February 2008. Right now, I'm not feeling the color of the outfit or those boots. She would have looked so much better in the La Vie Rose wardrobe.

I'll likely sacrifice and buy more than one of her. For sure I'm going to opt for black pumps or slingbacks. Look for the photos in February.

Real-Life Barbie: Kimora Lee Simmons

Remember how I posted that I wouldn't pay full retail for the KLS Barbie? OK, I am so taking that back. I have become such a fan of Kimora Lee Simmons from watching her television show, Life in the Fab Lane.

What I'd perceived as kind of rude and crude is just her way of making sure that she and her daughters live a fabulous life.

Kimora is such an entrepreneur; I enjoy watching her mind work. She also feels entitled to all of the fabulosity she's attained and you know what? There's nothing wrong with that.

Kimora has worked hard to become a fashion, jewelry and entertainment mogul. I really became a fan when she visited Mattel for an update on her Barbie doll. Miss Kimora made sure that the Mattel folks made no mistake that she wanted her doll to be known as a Barbie doll --- not Barbie's sidekick.

Barbie comes in all flavors and that's something that Mattel seems to forget from time to time.

Kimora also made it clear that she wanted her doll to have a long coat and the accompanying dog. That may not seem to be a big deal but it is. The Mattel folks tried to convince her that she could only have a short coat with the dog but Miss Kimora wasn't having that, OK.

In a life of fabulosity, the KLS Baby Phat Barbie would only have the most fabulous attire exuding an attitude of ultimate fabulosity. Count me in for the purchase of the Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie at full retail price. It's fabulosity, folks!

Toy Recall bad for Barbie but to what extent?

The flawed Chinese-made toys will surely cause huge losses for Mattel. In an industry that has already seen Bratz overtake Barbie in the doll category, this latest flap will be bad but just how devastating remains to be seen. Click here to read more.

Baby Phat Barbie on hold

I don't know why, but the launch of the Kimora Lee Simmons Baby Phat Barbie has been delayed until February 2008. Perhaps the production of the doll was not up to Ms. Simmons' standards. The prototype can be so much better than what hits store shelves.

Anyhoo at an advertised $60, it's not likely I'll buy it any way. I really like that faux fur coat but not enough to pay full price.

Another reason why I don’t like Bratz

Movie Review

Unlike "Bratz," at least Barbie has careers

By Ted Fry

Special to The Seattle Times

"Bratz: The Movie," with Nathalia Ramos, Janel Parrish, Logan Browning, Skyler Shaye, Chelsea Staub, Jon Voight. Directed by Sean McNamara, from a screenplay by Susan Estelle Jansen.

110 minutes. Rated PG for thematic elements.

Based on the immensely popular character dolls with risqué wardrobes, creepy owl eyes and sassy plumped-up lips, "Bratz" is the second movie of the summer to spring from a line of toys. "Bratz" may not be as bombastic as "Transformers," but the target demographic will doubtless find it just as awesome.

The live-action versions of Yasmin (Nathalia Ramos), Jade (Janel Parrish), Sasha (Logan Browning) and Cloe (Skyler Shaye) aren't quite as disturbing as their synthetic counterparts. But they still bring to life the Bratz ethos of materialism and plastic friendship.

As the opening sequence attests, these girls think closets full of possessions are paradise; "I love the smell of retail in the morning," chirps one as they troll the mall. [Click here to read more.]

Cher Doll

I really want to add the 2007 Cher dolls to my collection. The photos of Cher in that Indian outfit and that black skimpy number are to die for in the photos I've seen.

The problem with photos in the magazines or on the web are that they are frequently of protypes of a doll and do not reflect how a doll actually looks when it hist the shelves. The facial mold may be a tad diffferent and my major pet peeve are cheap-looking materials.

In an affort to keep my collection focused, I really need to skip the purchase the Cher dolls. Since they are less than $40, it's likely I'd be disappointed anyway.

New Dolls for Barbie Collectors; Have you seen them?

Mattel's Barbie Collector website is showing off 40, count 'em 40 new dolls added to the Barbie line-up. Some look very promising and I'll surely add them to my collection. Get a peek for yourself, go to www.barbiecollector.com.

Great for New Barbie Collectors: About.com Barbie Collecting Start Page

For newbies to the world of Barbie collecting, the About.com website is a must see on your list of sites to research. Their Barbie collecting start page is chock full of links that should satisfy your desire to learn all things Barbie. If you’re not a newbie, it’s a great site for you to visit also.