A Philly Collector of Playscale Dolls and Action Figures

Where to Find [Older] Liv Bodies

2012-02-01T23:34:00.000-05:00

Given the recent articulation reductions in some Liv doll lines, some Liv fans might wonder, where can we find the better Liv bodies?

Walmart and Ross Dress for Less still have some of the earlier Liv lines. Walmart has them at $6.90 while Ross has them at about $7.99. Pretty decent prices for flexibility.

Curly-haired Opal Review by Parent

2012-01-26T23:14:00.002-05:00

I was on Facebook when I noticed that

a. the Mixis dolls have their OWN FB page called, MixisJr. that features the dolls. Hoo-ray, hoo-ray!

b. there is a new review for curly-haired Opal. This reviewis by a parent and shows a little girl’s reaction to Opal. Cute factor in 1:1scale.

So glad to see the new FB page and the new review. Maybe the new dolls will be released. Fingers crossed as usual when I mention the Mixis dolls.

333 Views in 11/07/11

2012-01-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased to learn that my eBay guide on the Mixis dolls has received three hundred and thirty-three views.

333

Yaaayyy! High fives all round.

Preview of Valentine's Day Barbie, Nikki, and Chelsea Dolls

2012-01-26T18:28:00.001-05:00

What wears pink, red, and white and is "sweet" to the eye but spares the teeth?

I Love Valentines Barbie and Nikki. Or Valentine Chelsea and Friends.

This year's supermarket Valentines Barbie and Valentines Nikki appear in the photo above. Hmmm ... I have seen more interesting holiday dolls; these two seem fairly standard. So I can easily leave them on the shelf.

What about the corresponding Valentines Chelseas? Alas the little treats will be harder to resist. An online dealer presents the Valentines kiddies as a three doll set on eBay. Offline, you could probably find the dolls for less than the eBay amount AND be able to buy all or any of the favorites you want for under $10.00 each. But hey, eBay dealers have eBay and PayPal fees to pay as well as the dolls' cost. (Sometimes, you can search and search for the ethnic dolls and NEVER find them. Sigh.) Knowing that these Valentines kiddies will be out gives us enthusiasts time to search for them. Or to plan to buy when seen and then sell to our fellow enthusiasts.

Say, does anyone know under what circumstances the ethnic companion doll is the ethnic Barbie and when the not-white doll becomes Nikki? That question popped in my head when I saw these dolls.

Another Plane, A Gelato Truck, and a Mobile Home

2012-01-25T22:52:00.000-05:00

Anyone seeking raw material for new playsets? How about an airplane with a cockpit AND passenger seating, or a gelato truck, or a mobile home? Got your attention? Good.

I was walking by a Toys R Us Express store when I saw three NEW fashion doll playsets. Yes, for 11.5 dolls. No, I'm NOT talking about Mattel playsets. Not talking about Hasbro stuff either. These playsets are from a generic toy company whose name might be "Sweet" although more likely, that is the brand name for their playscale toys. I have not bought any of these sets yet, but I did want to alert PhillyCollector readers to these roughly $39.95 each set. Let's start with the airliner ....

Next to the gelato truck - note, NOT "ice cream truck" - "gelato truck" ....

And here is the mobile home ....

Since I do not own any of these new toys, I found other links to provide additional reviews and photos about them:

Airliner review and photos

More airliner reviews here and here

Reviews for the mobile home, can be read here. Happy reading. Please share any projects - big smile.

More Photos of the Simba Mini Cooper

2012-01-23T23:36:00.001-05:00

More photos of the Simba Mini Cooper can be found in my Webshots folder, Vehicles. Please stop there if you would like to see closer photos of the car.

A review of the Sindy Mini Cooper can be found at this link. If you would like to share any car photos you have, please leave a link with your comment. I'll revise this post to share them.

Yet Another Red Mini Cooper Anyone? Canada 2002

2012-01-21T23:43:00.000-05:00

First, I see a cool car on Vanessa's blog. Then I see Suwi's got some cars on her blog. Whoa and among them, Suwi's got a Sindy car similar to one of mine. I'm oooohhhing and aaahhhhing then I think: hey, this is a mini surge here. So here is my contribution to the red Mini Cooper surge.

Look who will be at the wheel ... she's R&D's Susie. San Francisco Days Susie from March 2004.

That's Susie's portfolio on the car hood. (Note my car does NOT have the Union Jack flag on top.) Don't worry, she will put it inside the car. She has a matching black pebbled hide over nighter that she wants to put in the car first.

Susie shifts to adjust her seat belt. Had she left something in the seat? One of the other Susies seems to have left a sewing kit on the seat. That's no fun.

Susie sinks back for a few minutes. Wait til she sees the others. Sewing kit on the driver's seat of her car. Hrmph!

I'll post additional photos of the Canadian mini Cooper soon.

Selling DAFs at The Doll Page

2012-01-21T22:46:00.001-05:00

am photographing and uploading stuff to put on The Doll Page Show and Sell website. I have had good luck there so that's where my things will go.

What am I putting out now? Nine Smartees books, Cordelia from BtVS and Angel fame, Nadja and Colette from NuFace (Integrity Fashion Royalty), loose furniture, heads and bodies (coming), various nude or boxed dolls, Halloween Kellys (coming), two Susies, Maxie's friend Kristen, nude Lucy and Ethel, etc.

Thanks for listening and for any future visits.

Seen at Target: Chelsea and Her Friends. Cute Overload

2012-01-20T22:59:00.001-05:00

Run, don't walk to see the new Chelsea and friends dolls at Target. I expect lots of cute and adorable in this post's comments and elsewhere. Squeal of delight. My two favorites are Renee and Tamika so far. The box that held a set of the new dolls only had one Renee and one Tamika per that box.

At first, I thought that Renee and Tamika might have new ethnic facemolds. Then I realized that their faces are pretty much the same as Kitsie's. The illusion of difference is due to the complexions. Hmmm ... something to think about.

More little darlings ...

And the box back ....

Need Another Johnny Depp as a Pirate Figure?

2012-01-19T23:59:00.000-05:00

Okay, this post is mainly to doll collectors, but there might be a few action figure collectors who would like to chime in or to comment. Your chiming and your comments are welcome - big smile on my part.

Hot Toys has a new Captain Jack Sparrow action figure. O - M - G - have they got a figure! Check this promotional review at MWC's website. Jeff Parker provides a delicious review with equally superb photos. Had I space and money to spare enough, I would soooo love to buy this action figure.

Okay, not even being able to afford the lovely Mattel version, I accept that I am even less likely to nab this one at this time. But ... I can dream, hey?

2012 Spinmaster Liv Neon Colors and a New Doll Blogger

2012-01-18T11:29:00.002-05:00

I saw Spinmaster's new color-focused Liv dolls in a Philadelphia Target store: Liv for Color and Liv Brites. So I did some online investigating and discovered a new-to-me doll enthusiast's Flickr photo album. (Flickr seems to be the place to go for the latest in new doll discoveries.) Emily, the new-to-me blogger, reveals some unfortunate news about these new Liv line: less articulation than previous lines - please read her blog post about the vivid Liv dolls.

Liv for Color

Sophie with blue hair and blue dress, Alexis with pale pink hair and pale pink dress, andKatie with dark pink hair and dark pink dress shown in above photo.

Hayden with purple hair and purple dress and Daniela with red hair and red dress in photo below.

Target Exclusives Brites

Alexis (orange hair), Katie (purple), and Sophie (pink hair).

Sweet Sixteen Grace Gets a Car

2012-01-15T09:39:00.002-05:00

Okay, it is Grace's sixteenth birthday, and what does she get? Think Mattel here, think tradition ... yes, you knowwhat she got. A car. Screaming much?

Have car, can travel. Grace's girlfriends, Trichelle and Kara, look on. Chandra is not in this photo. Maybe the photographer just grabbed the two available dolls. Maybe Chandra is tired of all the Grace-Grace-Grace stuff of the day. Maybe she didn't get there in time to ogle the new purple vehicle. Maybe next photo session, she'll return.

Dolls or Action Figures? A Sideshow (Collectibles) Quartet

2012-01-01T00:16:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, it was easy to differentiate a doll from an action figure. Dolls had limited articulation and usually rooted hair. They wore cloth clothes that could be put on and taken off. Action figures had molded plastic clothes that were part of their plastic bodies; they had molded hair or molded headgear. Action figures were articulated in several spots to allow them to move. So what are the four characters in this photo? Dolls or action figures?

Okay, if you recognize the manufacturer - Sideshow Collectibles - then you will have a good sense that these are action figures. Sorry to blow the suspense and the surprise for the doll collectors who may not be familiar with Sideshow Collectibles.

The four figures from left to right are

Odd Job from James Bond series

Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer series

Wai Lin from James Bond series

Tee Hee from James Bond series

So how can you tell that these are action figures?

1. The size of the eyes. Yes, action figures' eyes are usually smaller than fashion dolls' eyes. Action figure eyes tend to be more realistic than dolls' eyes although there are idealized, manga-styled action figures and character fashion dolls resembling (more or less) human characters.

2. The demeanor of the figure and expression of the eyes. Action figures look at you or look away, but their gaze usually is more remote than fashion dolls. Fashion dolls flirt. They are sooo happy to see you. Or they really, truly do NOT care, they are above you, they ... hey, do YOU notice THEM, NOT noticing YOU?! Fashion dolls are divas. They crave attention.

Action figures would rather you NOT notice them. They have all sorts of plans that may or may NOT involve you. And if you think that that grin on Tee Hee's face has any ingratiating inclination ... well, let me tell you that Grandma's teeth were never that long. No, action figures are not necessarily evil. They just aren't that into you.

See Odd Job's expression? Does he look as if he wants anything from you? Nope. Come or go, it's all the same to him. And the second Buffy there? (Sideshow's first 1:6 scale Buffy had molded hair.) Well, that Buffy doesn't seem comfortable in that white satin dress. She's thinking about staking the Master, the evil vampire who killed her. Wai Lin? Why is she here now? Why her, why here, why now? And what is Angel up to now?

I could continue, but I made my point. However we use them, dolls and action figures are NOT the same. Not just due to gender issues although here is an article about gender and our figures that takes a similar line to what I've written although it's written by an outsider, a NON-collector/enthusiast. I thought it was an interesting piece. But my ramblings emerge from the mind of a fervent collector/enthusiast. So I am not completely aligned with all of the author's ideas.

When I return to this theme, I'll either mention other action figures or start on the doll end.

Happy New Year!

For Sale: Fashion Royalty Nadja, Bratz Sanity Vanity, Others

2011-12-31T00:24:00.000-05:00

My For Sale entries over at TheDollPage are not complete yet, but if you are curious, check what I have on that site.

Two Faces of Justin Bieber (Doll)

2011-12-29T00:08:00.000-05:00

Visited Walmarts - for inexpensive cat food. Yes, the cat has to eat, and either Walmarts or Target have the best prices for his food. Target is usually more tempting - for non-cat food things - so I sacrificed and went to Walmarts instead. Halo intact, I ventured over to the toy section - just to "look see." Found something unexpected: new Justin Beiber faces: one open-mouth (grinny); the other closed-mouth. The Bridge Direct, Inc. - the company who bring the playscale Justin Bieber dolls to vinyl - now offer combable aka rooted hair and talking Justin Bieber dolls.

The open-mouthed doll is called "Talking Justin Bieber"; other JB dolls are called JB Performance Collection dolls OR JB Style Collection dolls. The talking doll amused me because he has such tiny teeth. He has a smidge more personality than the closed-mouth dolls. He reminds me of Mattel's "Sweet Talking Ken." Weird, hmmm? Mattel's Ken resembles Justin Bieber whose doll in turn pulls a Ken act. Justin, however, has 12 set mushy phrases like "I heart?love? my fans." Sigh. Poor Ken. Your fiftieth anniversary and NO VOCABULARY of your own.

Snore. Oh, sorry. How rude to fall asleep over my own blog post. Can you imagine having a friend so vapid that he only repeats what you tell him to say? Who couldn't speak his own lines? I mean, you might as well date a tape recorder with voice distortion replay, lol. But the new Beiber doll has hair you can comb. Head falls forward. Yes, I am TOO awake still.

For additional photos of the Basic or the Style Collection dolls or outfits or playsets? You can find them at the company's website for Justin Bieber toys. Related news briefs can be found here as well.

In the meantime, here is the special set that I saw:

The Concert set looks cute ... nice looking musical instruments. Guitar, keyboard, and DRUMS.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T23:43:00.001-05:00

First sighting of a pink flamingo wearing a Santa suit.

Merry Christmas Eve.

Links to WishBooks Past

2011-12-20T09:31:00.002-05:00

When we were younger, my sisters and I used to peruse the Sears Wish Book and Spiegel's Christmas catalogs every fall. We would check off the dolls that we wanted and imagine how we would play with them. If you have similar memories of sitting or want to investigate vintage dolls, click this a link to online catalogs.

Happy viewing! Link courtesy of Maynard G from the Power-Team Yahoo Group.

Beastie Boys, Childhood Cancer and $750.00

2011-12-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

Beastie Boys fan, anyone? And is childhood cancer a cause you would contribute to? If you answered yes to both questions, then you can have playscale Beastie Boys action figures for $750.00 USD. You can find additional information and photos of the action figures at the official store. There also is a video link showing a cute but VIOLENT video where several G.I. Joe action figures are "killed" by gunshots and fire.

eBay Mixis Guide Update and eBay Photo RSS

2011-12-15T18:58:00.000-05:00

1. I have added a few photos to my eBay Mixis Guide.

2. I have started an eBay photo album under the Barbie Group. You can subscribe to that group there if you'd like.

Pajama Bria at Dollar General

2011-12-14T23:28:00.001-05:00

She's cute ... well, all of the Moxie Girls are cute. They are like the anti-Bratz. Sure, they all have the same face - as far as I can tell - like the Bratz do. But the Moxie Girlz do fall straight into the "cute" category. Big eyes, little nose, and small mouth. Oh and big hair. And BIG head. Sigh. It's the big head that helps me NOT buy them.

I had not realized that there were any Black Moxie Girlz included in the Pajama Moxie Girlz sold at Dollar General stores. I had just seen the other girls: Avery, Lexa, and Sophina. No Bria for this wave, or so I thought.

So, check different neighborhoods for your Moxie Girlz Bria. Good luck finding here!

Hot Australian Pop Star in Playscale - TRU Exclusive

2011-12-13T17:29:00.000-05:00

He's the thirteenth on the Billboard 21 Under 21 list for 2011, but this Australian pop singer is far from unlucky. Cody Simpson, from Gold Coast, Queensland, is now available as a TRU Exclusive. He's from a new toy company, The Wish Factory.

You can find a YouTube video on young Mr. Simpson here. Please note: his height is down as 11.5" so he will be shorter than Kens but taller than the High School Musical boys who are 11" tall. Still, he's a new play scale male ... available from Toys R Us stores or at toysrus.com .

Vivid Imaginations and One Direction - More British Boys

2011-12-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

How many of you want more male teenagers in your collection? Possibly Niel? Vanessa? Anyway, we have the JLS guys overseas representing male teenagers. And through the bounty of Vivid Imaginations we have MORE, yes MORE male teens. Who this time? Another boy band created from the British tv show, X-Factor ... One Direction.

Here are the five boy dolls - from the British-Irish boy band - Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson - shown in play scale at Amazon in the United Kingdom.

Still not enough? Well, hold on until January 2012 for another British-Irish boy band, this time, The Wanted.

I Have Seen StarDolls

2011-12-09T23:18:00.000-05:00

StarDolls have landed in Philadelphia! Hooray! I have seen them. Cheers!

Where? Walmart? Which ones? Bonjour Bisou 1 and 2, and Doll Space 1 and 2. How many from these sets do I want? Three. Which three: Bonjour Bisou 1 and 2, and Doll Space 2. Anything I want to add to the conversations about these dolls?

1. See the doll and then choose the one you want. Some of the facial screening looks off. The eyes are painted higher than the intended eye place.

2. Arrrgggggghhh! That's the sound that surprisingly did NOT emit from my lips when I noticed that the handbag for Bonjour Bisou 1 was PLASTIC! All the handbags are plastic in these sets.

3. I like their head-body-foot look so much, I might keep them on their original bodies. Might ... no, they need new bodies. Shame I might have to lose their big feet. I like big-footed female dolls.

Bonjour Bisou 1 and Doll Space 1

Doll Space 2 and Bonjour Bisou 2

A Vampire Diary: Enduring Michelle and a Sideshow Poll

2011-12-08T23:14:00.000-05:00

"Are you sure you don't want any popcorn?"

"Yes, Michelle, I AM sure. Ask all night, I still won't want any."

"No need to be grumpy. I agree to help you find your annoying girlfriend ..."

"TJ is NOT my girlfriend. She's my gal-pal."

"... and you won't even make nice for me while I watch my show."

"Why this show though? America's Next Top Model - why don't you just stake me?" [No]Angelus adds sotto voce, "Not like you could use this stuff - "

"I heard that!"

"Sideshow chicks are almost as dumb as teenagers. Almost ... say, we've got company, Me-shell. And guess what folks? You don't have to watch this drippy show. You can take this poll where you can give Sideshow Collectibles feedback."

"Somebody ought to have fun tonight."

"Say, [No]Angelus ... are you sure about the popcorn?"

Vivid Imaginations - Brown British are Coming!

2011-12-04T12:29:00.001-05:00

Ladies and gents, folks of all ages, this tip is from SuperCoolDollhouse. SuperCoolDollhouse, you are the MAN! Scoop King! Let's give him both hands. Applause.

Behold, Britain's Boy Band, JLS, who reached second place on The X Factor in 2008. The X Factor is a musical talent reality show that I would not watch unless I had to choose between watching that show and being torn limb-to-limb. Shudder. "JLS" is an initialism for - Jack the Lad Swing. However, in spite of the reality show source, something "good" came from that television: four new ethnic male dolls! Squeak!

1. Vivid Imaginations brings JLS members to vinyl life.
Aston Merrygold
Marvin Humes
JB Gill and
Oritse Williams

2. The JLS dolls are PLAYSCALE - 30 cm! Their arms and legs seem to be straight, not jointed. Shame that. It's tricky finding poseable young male bodies. Word association? Cute. I can appreciate cute young guys as well as cute older men - wink. Especially in playscale drama.

There seem to be three versions of the dolls: original set with each group member packaged separately, a 4-doll set of the original group members, and a third set with doll wearing their Outta This World exclusive outfits.

3. Price, postage, PRICE. At one website, the sale price for the JLS members is 14.99 GBP for one doll which today translates to $23.39 USD. So the JLS guys will cost a little more than most Mattel pink box dolls. Given that each doll has a complete outfit - top, pants, shoes, and other small accessories, that is not a steep price. Postage from the U.K. or from Australia, I don't want to think about. although I could remind myself that these are once in a blue moon figures ... so they might be worth it. Whether Amazon.co.uk will sell them to the U.S. or outside of Britain, I have to find out.

Thanks again for the scoop, SuperCoolDollhouse.

Price Query: My Scene Madison, Sutton, and a Little Black Convertible

2011-12-02T22:11:00.000-05:00

I could use a little help from my friends.

I have a My Scene Cruisin' in My Ride gift set that includes Madison, Sutton, and a black convertible with leopard-patterned seat covers. Cool, huh? Yes, I think so. At last, a Barbie car in a color one might actually have - aside from the many red vehicles she has had. Since I have two red cars already, this black one was a welcome change.

My dilemma? Setting a price to this gift set and deciding whether I should sell this item. So I check to find out what price for this gift set. No reports on this gift set. So I look up the Barbie-Ellis Convertible gift set on Amazon.com - and you might be surprised to find that set at $142.29 . Whoa! Price inflation is common among collectibles on Amazon - and I am NOT criticizing that pricing. Sellers can set any price they want. Whether the item is bought, well, that is another story. Usually, I set "fair" prices. Either the market value when I bought the item or something more to consider the current demand. prices. And if you really want something, well, you might pay that price. But Amazon also has an exclusive Delancey-Hudson-silver car for $99.99. It seems to be that the prices should be reversed. I have NEVER seen the Delancey-Hudson set.

I saw TONS of Barbie-Ellis-convertible sets back in those early My Scene years. Tons of them. But I only found ONE Madison-Sutton-convertible set. At a Kmart in southwest Philly, in a neighborhood called Eastwick. I fell in love with the car. Sutton and Madison looked the same as they did usually. So what should I charge for mine? Mine that I cannot find on the Internet when I checked for it.

Here are some photos so you can help me decide.

These accessories include: a drugged puppy that floats under Madison's arm, a molded plastic purse, his (blue) and hers (rose) sunglasses, a camera, a cell phone, and a few other things. Something I find odd is that while the box illustrations have Madison and Sutton drawn in instead of Barbie and Ellis, the overlarge fake foot/shoe that Madison wears seems to be the fake foot/shoe for Barbie - it looks pinkish instead of pinky-brown like Madison's complexion.

Another thing to consider: the shipping. I know that will be expensive. Finding a box to fit this will be trying, too. So I'll wait to hear from my online friends.

Wee Roddy Wrestler ... Love His Bagpipes

2011-12-01T23:36:00.001-05:00

He's not playscale but I'm sharing his photo here - taken at a Family Dollar store - because the bagpipes look so adorable.

So in Style Alert! Hispanic Marisa Joins the Group

2011-11-29T22:50:00.000-05:00

Please see what the latest So in Style friend looks like. Her name is Marisa, and she is Grace's Hispanic friend. I believe that she will be part of the next Rocawear wave. Has anyone seen her yet? I haven't but then I have been avoiding toy departments and toy stores. I've got to reduce BEFORE I allow myself to bring more dolls in.

But Marisa does look lovely. Beautiful screening. Even if she is the SAME face. Trying to dissuade myself from even window shopping. Sigh.

DAFs Must GO! Accessories Going, Too!

2011-11-28T23:56:00.000-05:00

My downsizing might enrich your collection - wink.

This sale has been prompted by Cat of A Doll Affinity's last three posts. Cat posted photos of her friend Julie's doll collection. Okay, we've seen doll collections before, right? Well ... not so many like this. The dolls are set in dioramas that cover most of the walls of an entire room, The Dream Doll Room. Sigh.

I have been feeling a little overwhelmed by the size and makeup of my doll collection. I have too many for the space I have. There are new dolls and action figures I want to add to my collection. Sooooo ... it's time to do some serious exporting. Exiting are a LOT of blond Mackie-faced Fashion Fever Barbies, some duplicate dolls that I have, action figures that I can live without.

(Shoooosshhh! No need to tell anyone that, is there? No, of course not.)

Here is a link to my The DollPage background with a link to my ads including one for the NRFB Integrity Janay/Alysa dolls that I am selling for $15.00 each. Those blond Mackie-faced Fashion Fever dolls are shown here. I will be adding additional dolls, action figures, and accessories.

Note: I will NOT be selling any Hot Toys guys (they're HOT, lol) or my Power Team guys or my Flavas and lots of others. Next to go up are some My Scene playsets, loose furniture in lots, DAF clothes I don't want.

Note 2: I have another set of photos up under Doll Page Album One. Most of the items in that photo album are no longer available. I have to update the album so that the photos remain without the sales info.

Choice Awards Tawny of the Flavas - The Accessories

2011-11-25T23:17:00.000-05:00

My post about Choice Awards Tawny would be incomplete without a look at her clothes and accessories. And Tawny came with nice quality accessories. Let's see them.

Open her box and you would see Tawny, her microphone, her jewelry, her second outfit, her wig, and her wig box.

Before we look at her outfits and accessories, Tawny needs to take off her heavy coat. Shake herself out a little. Whew! That's a little better.

Okay, let's start with her jewelry which consists of 2 silver necklaces, a silver bracelet, and two pairs of earrings. Nice, hmmm?

She also has a pair of top-stitched loafers that she wears and a pair of silver sneaker-boots that she has to round out her second outfit. The loafers tickle me. I usually think of loafers as "nerdy shoes." I have worn them, but I would not consider them footwear for a hip hop or street artist. Then again, I have about as much knowledge of "cool circa 2003" fashions as Mattel did. Ha.

Her first outfit includes a plushy tan mid-calf coat with a "fur" collar, a white knit halter top, her Choice Awards badge, bronze knickers and the loafers; the second outfit consists of a silver short-sleeved top, denim mini-skirt, and the silver boots. Her Choice Awards plaque is also in this photo. You can see her clothes on the Barbie mannequins below:

Then there are her hair accessories. The auburn wig , her wig case, the clear wig holder, her golden barrettes, and her silver brush. Oh and her red-black graphic sunglasses.

Let's close that box and put it aside.

Can we see you wearing the sunglasses, Tawny? Thanks!

Finally, here is a look at her Choice Awards Night backdrop.

But where is Tawny now? I suppose she got tired and left to take a nap. Even the brightest of starlets get tired at night. So do I. Good night everyone. Hope you've all had a safe Black Friday.

Awards Night Tawny of the Flavas 2003

2011-11-21T22:37:00.000-05:00

Quick: How many waves of the Flavas did Mattel create between 2002-2003?

Answer: Six. Street, Sport, Bike, Denim and Diamonds, Party, and Choice Awards.

How many answered five, not including the Choice Awards dolls? I might have answered so 7-8 years ago. The Flavas dolls seemed to have ended with the Party wave of dolls. For years, I did not realize that the Choice Awards dolls existed. Then I came across the Choice Awards Liam and Tre in a local Value City store. and I knew I HAD to have Tawny. Want-funds-determination all worked to bring a kind fellow collector with an extra Tawny to me. My once Grail doll became a new doll in my collection.

If you are familiar with the Flavas line-up, you will know that the six teenagers are Happy D, Kiyoni Brown, Tika, P Bo, Tre, and Liam. For all the waves except Choice Awards, those are the names of the Flavas crew. Choice Awards has the regular Flavas crew EXCEPT Kiyoni Brown. Instead, there is a new character, Tawny.

I think that Tawny is Kiyoni Brown with a lighter complexion. I offer the following photos as my visual evidence. The first photo shows Denim and Diamonds Kiyoni Brown on the left and Choice Awards Tawny on the right. The second photo shows from left to right: Choice Awards Tawny, Street Kiyoni Brown (on replacement body - AA Birthstone Barbie, Cancer), and Denim and Diamonds Kiyoni Brown. See the resemblance?

Later this week, I'll submit photos of the deboxing of Tawny. Her wig merits a raspberry, but her loafers and sunglasses are adorable.

In the Luxury Market: H. R. Giger Bar in Sixth Scale

2011-11-21T20:51:00.000-05:00

Okay, I can barely get the dolls I want at this time. So this link might make you think that D7ana has flown completely over the cuckoo's nest. I haven't. I encountered something interesting on LinkedIn that I wanted to share. You might even find the photos inspiring ;-D

Where can we find a beautiful, stunning recreation of the H.R. Giger Bar in playscale? On the Scales and Models website, look under the Portfolio section in the far left column and click on the third link that reads, "H.R. Giger Bar".

I think I hear the sighs and ohs.

New Liv Fashions at Target

2011-11-20T15:54:00.001-05:00

I noticed some new Liv fashions today. Here is the Liv for Hair set for the girls and the guy.

Likes for me: Alexis' red shoes, Daniela's violet tunic top, Jake's black falcons on gray background tee shirt and black boots, Katie's red flippy skirt and tennis rack, Hayden's multi-tiered dress, denim vest, and brown riding boots, and Sophie's blue jeans.

Anyone else see these? Have any favorites among them?

eBay Mixis Guide and Query

2011-11-18T16:08:00.001-05:00

I wrote an eBay guide for YNU Group's Mixis fashion doll. Thirty-three people have seen it before this announcement. No one has clicked on it so far - brows furrow and head tilts in amazement. So I ask for suggestions on how I can improve that guide so that I can get clicks there.

Thanking in advance.

Target Christmas Exclusives 2011

2011-11-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

Below are the 2011 Christmas Target Exclusive Barbies under the group A Perfect Christmas I have seen to date:

Happy Hunting.

Oh, No - New Joes!

2011-11-15T18:50:00.001-05:00

Yes, just when you think your shopping cart is full or layaway order is complete, here's some additional news: new G.I. Joes are OUT. Yes, the 12" kind. (I ignore the smaller ones. Too small.) Here is a photo of three playscale Joes:

The first from the left, I could ignore. He is a Heavy Gunner. Cute but nothing special going aside from him being a Joe. The big gun doesn't interest me. I have a shoebox full of Power Team and Joe guns. Yawn. Necessary, but not high on the fun factor for me. But the second Joe comes with an extra WOW factor. Behold a Police K-9 Unit - Joe and an incredibly realistic German Shepherd dog. Uh huh. A really cool dog, done better than any by Muh - oops, rude of me to comment on that. Let's just say that this dog looks like a dog and not a fantastical rendering of a drugged creature. Then there is the third from the left Joe. OOooooohhhhh. He is a First Responder Firefighter. He has a hatchet and a firefighter outfit. Imagine the drama possibilities of that. Joe and the hatchet rushing to break down a door to save someone.

Of the three Joes shown here, I put the Police K-9 Unit top on my want list. I mean, look at that dog. Here's a closer shot of the dog.

Need to pass this information on to another collector who likes dogs. (Actually, I am partial to cats, but realistic playscale cats are hard to find. Sigh. But having the dog, well, that would be fun, too.)

Ken Updates: New Fashions and Ice Skating

2011-11-15T18:43:00.000-05:00

Whoa! Can those be Ken fashions I like? Let's look again. Darker colors, yes. Murky teal and brown top with teal-brown camouflage pants. A traditional pullover and slacks. Oh and what about that little "straw" hat with the sleeveless striped tank. (Aside: getting a little cool here in Philly for that kind of outfit ... in spite of this brief warm-up. But hey, he's Ken and dazzling wherever he stands.)

Speaking of "dazzling," have you seen smarmy Ken's return as an Ice Skater. This year though, he is in a gift set with Barbie. What more could he ask for for his 50th anniversary? Let's see ... a car, an apartment, furniture, etc. Maybe other guys would. But not Ken.

More Stardolls News

2011-11-13T18:34:00.001-05:00

Stardolls have landed on Toysrus.com online!

Unfortunately, they seem to be out of stock. Pout. But you can see photos of several dolls in this new Barbie line. Grin.

Okay, I have GOT to do some selling and purging. Must, must, must!

Sixth scale Sneaker Photo Inspired by Alex's Posts

2011-11-13T12:23:00.000-05:00

Sneakers are popular footwear for my playscale crew. Whether plastic or cloth, sneakers come in all sizes and different colors. See the photo above ... sneakers, sneakers, and MORE sneakers.

Toy blogger and toy collector, Alex aka @lex of Toyhaven wrote two posts about some incredible playscale sneakers. Footwear so well-crafted, you might think that they were created for full scale humans. You can check that footwear out here on canvas shoe and adidas links.

Nickelodeon's Victorious by Spin Master

2011-11-12T22:30:00.000-05:00

Looking for variety in your articulated fashion doll body? March over to the toy section where the Spin Master dolls are and check out their newest doll offering, Victorius. Victorius is a relatively new teen sitcom about a high school girl, Tori, who attends an arts high school. (Anyone else thinking, Fame?)

Here are two Atamaii doll reviews about the Tori doll.

French Article on Earring Magic Ken

2011-11-11T22:21:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know A Philly Collector of Playscale Dolls and Action Figures is written in English. English is my native language. I LOVE English. But a journalist wrote to me last week about using my Flickr photo of Earring Magic Ken to illustrate an article about marketing flops. Alas, my photo was not used - a clearer one was found. Still I found the article, "read" it using my rusty French reading skills, and then used Babelfish to translate the article for a cough "more accurate" read. I am providing the link here for the Ken page of that article; you can read the original French Lacutalite article OR the Babelfish version for an eyebrow raising translation you won't soon forget.

By the way, do you think that Earring Ken was a marketing flop?

Veterans Day Salute

2011-11-11T15:21:00.001-05:00

I thank the military veterans for their sacrifices and their dedication to keeping the American people safe.

African American Stardoll - Nevraforever ROCKS!

2011-11-09T00:37:00.005-05:00

Doll enthusiast, Nevraforever, has photos of some of the new Stardolls including one that I think is an African American doll. No, I don't mean the one shown wearing the yellow blouse and navy pants. Per Nevraforever, the AA doll's name is Pret-A-Purple. I had mentioned seeing Pret-A-Purple (described by her outfit color ;-P) in an earlier post.

Thanks to LauraLA also for sharing this link and for mentioning that she saw these dolls at a Toys R Us store. I did not see them in one of the Philly Toys R Us stores I visited earlier today.

This Fall/Winter of 2011 promises lots of exciting new doll series.

Ken's Jacket of Bright Colors

2011-11-07T22:28:00.000-05:00

For Ken fans or Ken foes, check this new outfit available at Target. My Kens AND my Joes AND my Power Team guys all fell down and laughed for about 15 minutes after they saw it. Poor Smarmy Ken. I must remember to be kinder to him when I speak to or about him.

I Recant ... He Can Be Cute

2011-11-04T22:26:00.000-04:00

Remember, I wrote that I did NOT like the new Ken face sculpt? The one I have been calling Smarmy Ken, when I recognize him at all? Cough. Well, maybe I spoke and wrote too soon. I happened to be at a Walmart store today. My feet happened to wander over to the toy department ... Walmart's Super Saturday is this Saturday, November 5th starting at 11 a.m. ... I just wondered if they had anything that I could see before the big (cough, crowded) event. Nothing new to me. There seemed to be fewer things than I would have thought unless they were holding off on restocking and putting out new stuff. Then it happened. I saw him.

The Beatles "saw her standing there," but me, I saw him hanging there. On the Barbie pink pegboard. Hunky twelve-inch guy. Smarmy Ken with black hair brushed down. Oh my my. Come to momma. Picked him up - still intact in his clear plastic box. Lookee here. The Chiffons' "He's So Fine" starts up. (Okay, that is on the soundtrack of my mind - the story had started their annual ear torment of holiday ditties to force a buying mood on patrons - or to drive patrons running and screaming from the store?) Our eyes met and locked. (BTW, his are blue.) Oh he was smooth ... until he began singing Eddie Money's. "Take Me Home". Well, that was a fun song, but it snapped the spell. Maybe. Someday. But not today. But I did take his picture to share.

Nice, huh? Sigh.

Hot Links to New Mattel Doll Photos

2011-11-03T23:51:00.001-04:00

Much gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair - kidding, joking, but darn there are photos of new dolls popping up. Bam, bam, bam! Here are links to some of them. Remember, don't shoot the messenger?

I glanced at a few pages on eBay. I had to see this beauty, the Brunette Stardoll in an actual photo. Can't wait to see an actual doll to the Black doll in the purple dress. Sigh.

From Facebook member Sandra B, frequent contributor to doll news, especially at The Doll Cafe. Two Barbie I Can Be doll sets that include KEN as part of the series. What? I While I want to ignore these sets because they have Barbie with Smarmy Ken, I am torn about them. So far, I have avoided buying Smarmy Ken. But these sets are too cute. Firefighter Ken and Police Barbie. Doctors Ken and Barbie in ONE set. Yes, for Ken's 50th birthday, Barbie is allowing him to work alongside her as either a firefighter OR as a doctor. Hmmm ... what do you think about that?

Moving along, let's see photos of the upcoming Dancing with Stars Barbies on Red Carpet Dolls blog.

New S.i.S. Marisa. As Tiffany Tran notes in the comments, this adult Marisa resembles the AKA Centennial Barbie. (My one who got away, lol.)

Just to keep you glued to your computer chairs. I know - wicked, wicked enabler am I!

Online Photo Updates

2011-11-02T23:08:00.001-04:00

Added a few photos to my Flickr Photostream AND to my Webshots albums.

November Notes

2011-11-01T23:44:00.002-04:00

Thanksgiving, Native American Indian Heritage Month, new doll series Prettie Girls, etc. And SALES, SALES, SALES!

Where is T.J.?

2011-11-01T23:38:00.002-04:00

October snow. Come on - when does it snow in PHILADELPHIA in October? Halloween's come and gone. No holiday fun with T.J. Where is T.J.?

We haven't had a row so she's not avoiding me on that count. No one else can recall when the last time they spoke to her. I shouldn't be worried about her. It's just not right that she's gone. What is she up to? Guess I'll have to find out.

[No]Angelus

Halloween Happenings 2011

2011-10-31T23:51:00.001-04:00

T.J. did not oversee the Halloween party this year. Some of the East Philadelphians decided to hold a Best Costume Competition. Here are the photos ...

The Other N Word

2011-10-31T23:35:00.000-04:00

The word I am about to type may send shock waves through the North American continent. But let us face the reality: some dolls have them. Some action figures have them. Others do not. Approve or disapprove, you may want to know where your next doll or action figure stands on this count. For those who wish to add this feature to your playscale people, I have a link to show you how one doll artist adjusts hers. Here is the word:

nipple

There, I typed the word. How many of you are reeling? No one? Good. I was worried about reader reactions because in the United States and possibly Canada and Mexico, nipples are NOT to be SEEN. Does anyone recall the cacophony of horror that erupted about the event 38th Super Bowl game or the more recent event on a reality dance show? Fortunately, I do not watch football games or dance programs so my sight was never impaired by those glimpses of the human female anatomy.

Sometimes, I expose my dolls' and action figures' nipples. Sometimes, I just want to show the doll's or action figure's body stripped so that you can see the proportions without distortion from clothes. I forget that some of the Asian fashion dolls (Ladies Mission and Girl's Mission especially) and action figures (oh, those Power Team guys!) have some breast detailing. Other times, I notice the doll's um definition and I COVER them up. The - you know, other N word. Either with a towel or heavy top. Face red, I think, I cannot show nasty, naughty nipples. Oh, I typed that word again. Tsk.

Back and forth. Nipples are there and should not be considered worse than any other body part; on the other hand, I have to overcome some reluctance to see or to mention them.

For additional reading, please check these websites:

Taboo: Nipples

Barbie nipple tutorial

Breast feeding baby

Facebook censor

Stalker Review at Silent G's Onesixthophrenia

2011-10-26T23:09:00.001-04:00

Hello ... any G.I. Joe fans out there? Sure there are. And you are all far more knowledgeable about Sideshow Toy's G.I. Joe line than I am. (My last Sideshow figures were from Buffy, James Bond, and Planet of the Apes. Oh, dating myself there, hmm?)

Yes, Sideshow Collectibles has a G.I. Joe line. Mighty fine figures they are, those Sideshow Joes. A good example is their Stalker character. Read Silent G's Stalker review. Then head over to the Sideshow site. Beyond "doll" and veering closely to art.

Happy viewing - I mean, reading.

Jo, Winner of the Sinatra (Barbie) Body

2011-10-23T21:16:00.000-04:00

Jo reading Halloween stories to Tawny Tommy, So in Style Kianna, and a few of the other children.

Voila, Jo, formerly from Mattel's Timeless Treasures, When I Read, I Dream line. She won the most votes - 5 out of 6 (Takara's School Girl Kisara took the remaining vote). Jo has removed the black-white check suit - I didn't think that the suit suited her character - and now wears a Spin Master Liv fashion. The Sinatra body gives her a long-legged, teenager look that I find a better fit for her face than the child-body she originally had.

For anyone curious to see Blossom and Kisara with the Sinatra body, here are their photos:

Blossom Unbound

Kisara Jams

Notes: the Sinatra Barbie body feet are longer than the old-style high-heeled Barbie feet, but they are not flat like the Poser feet or large as the BigFoot Barbie feet.

Does anyone else think that Jo looks like a younger sister of Gillian from the Fashion Fever line? I think that I will have mine share that connection.

Links to New DOTW Promo Photos

2011-10-17T22:46:00.002-04:00

Recent online visits to Angelic Dreamz and Pink Ponytail Presents made me wonder:

Is it possible for any DOTW Barbie from Ireland to have ANY other hair color BUT red? Are there no blond or brunette Irish lasses? And is "lasses" an offensive term nowadays?

Can DOTW from China wear any other color but RED? Yes, the Mattel dolls from China look lovely in red, but would it KILL them to dress in another color. Just once ...

Do the dolls from Australia HAVE to be blond? Although this one looks interesting - she's not grinning for a change. Please no more Mackies though. I am overrun by Mackies. Especially blond ones.

Suggestion: grab up the Shoe Obsession Barbie ASAP - looks like she actually eats. Or has eaten. She looks as though she has a bit of substance to her. Imagine a fed-looking, healthy Barbie. We'll forgive the fishnet stockings. Okay, I will. Speak for myself, right? Wink.

DOTW Argentina breaks the mold on TWO counts. Can you guess what they are?

Hispanic Heritage Month Blog Posts

2011-10-16T01:04:00.003-04:00

Just a notice to playscale and ethnic doll fans, our blogging buddy at Male Doll World has a series of posts showing Hispanic and Latino MALES. That's right Hispanic/Latino dolls and action figures. Please see the start of that series here. My favorite is this guy - although I do think his legs are ssooooo large. (My Kens shudder at the thought of fitting that gentleman in dress pants.)

Update: Who Should Get the Sinatra Body ... and Why?

2011-10-14T21:27:00.000-04:00

Now you knew that the new articulated Sinatra Barbie body would receive another head, right? Lifts hand up to stop the rush of oh, nos!, how could you do that? Yes, the face is pretty. However, from the LARGE assortment of pale and tanned faced blond Mackies with similar eye make up, I prefer the Festival of the World: Oktoberfest Barbie. I don't need so many similar faces. And no, Oktoberfest Barbie will NOT be receiving the Sinatra Barbie body at this time. OB prefers her rounded look, And I have other plans for that body.

... however, those plans aren't solid yet. Perhaps I can get some help from my fellow enthusiasts? There are three dolls that need articulated bodies who could match this doll body. They are Jo, Blossom, and Kisara. Here are the ladies themselves:

MiladyBlue reminds me that I have NOT introduced these ladies so that everyone can know who is who. From left to right, we have Jo in the pink pullover, grinning Blossom, and finally. School girl Kisara in her original schoolgirl uniform - black jacket, white blouse, tie, and black plaid skirt.

Jo (nickname for Josephine March) of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is part of the When I Read, I Dream collection by Mattel. Other dolls in that series include Fern (E. B. White's Charlotte's Web), Anne of Green Gables (Lucy M. Montgomery), and Heidi (Johanna Spyri's Heidi). Jo is not shown on her original body; her head is on a Mystery Squad Kenzie body. The original When I Read dolls were on Stacie-sized bodies, about 8" tall.

Blossom by Tyco is from the 1980s television show, Blossom. Blossom is on her original body that makes her a little over 9". Other dolls in the Blossom group include her brother Joey and friend Six. Fellow doll enthusiast and blogger, Ms. Leo has several photos of Joey out of his box. I've heard about the existence of a fourth doll in this series, Vinnie, but I am waiting to see photos. (Color me curious ;-D)

Kisara is a Takara Jenny friend.

For this body replacement, I am sometimes partial to Kisara, sometimes partial to Jo. And Blossom clearly could use a larger body for her um larger head. Anyone want to submit a vote on which of these three heads you think should inherit the Sinatra Barbie body? I'm posting a poll to gather your responses.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

What I Got When I Went to Toys R Us Yesterday

2011-10-08T23:20:00.000-04:00

Frannie and Vanessa, I guess you know me, lol. One of the dolls I got is the Sinatra Barbie doll; the other is Dolls of the World, Ken from Japan. Why? Well, first I was going to get the Rock Hudson set. I mean a good looking guy with a NOSE ... how could I resist? Hmmm .... $79.99 being too steep is how I resisted. The only other $79.99 set was Lucy and Desi. I would have bought them, but I'd only want Desi. And I don't like the way Mattel paints Desi's pupils to the far edge of his eye.

In my dream world, I would have bought the new Johnny Depp doll, but he was not among the available choices. (See how that Angelica choice, Vanessa, was a near miss?) Harley Davidson Ken was likewise, not available. And I had wanted the DOTW Ken anyway so I got him. He's getting out of his cartoony outfit as soon as I can decide what he should and can wear. Also DOTW Ken from Japan has these dreamy cheekbones. His features are different from other Kens.

Sinatra Barbie? Okay, I confess. The suit did it. Yes, I bought her for her black-white checked suit. And that gray plastic fedora hat. Sigh. Love the V-neck white shirt too.And the long black tie. I could work those pieces for my other dolls. And use that pale, poser body for one of my very fair dolls. Which one? You'll learn more in a future post.

For now, let's have the Buff Guy and the Gal-in-the-Suit.

Who Went to Toys R Us Today ... Me!

2011-10-07T23:25:00.000-04:00

I think I have been pretty good lately. No big doll purchases, hmmm?

Well, I succumbed to the Toys R Us sale. Got two dolls on their buy one, get one free sale. Alas, not Jack Sparrow. No, not Rock Hudson and Doris Day. No, not the Museum dolls. Hmmm ... which ones?

I'd like to hear your guesses as to which two dolls and/or doll sets I bought today. I'll post the photo of them tomorrow.

Additional Footwear for Jakks Pacific G.I.R.L. Force Ladies

2011-10-03T23:48:00.000-04:00

Remember the Jakks Pacific G.I.R.L. Force dolls from 2000?

I do. I had to go to the suburbs to get my first two - Bianca and Creanna - from a Target there. (This is before the South Philly Target existed.)

Anyway, I received a query asking which other shoes the Jakks Pacific G.I.R.L. Force dolls can wear. My initial answer was any of the shoes Mego produced for their over 12" celebrity dolls: Farrah Fawcett, Diana Ross, etc. I see another collector offer that same advice, but now we have new dolls and new shoe sources. Yay!

1.) Mattel's Barbie ... the "big foot" Riding Club Cali Girl dolls. Yes, Mattel produced some plastic cowboy boots for their big foot dolls. Jakks Josie wears the red-black pair made for Lea. There were a white pair of cowboy boots for Barbie and probably a pair for Summer. (I don't recall seeing the color of Summer's boots. And, no, there was no Christie or Nikki for this series. Then again, I don't see me riding a horse. Ever. lol)

2.) Mattel's Flavas ... the black boots worn by Jakks' Valerie are boots made for either Happy D or Kiyoni Brown (possibly both?) Both pairs of Mattel boots are slit down the back to allow easy removal of the doll's feet. Whew. Thank you for that, Mattel!

3.) YNU Group's Mixis open-toed sandals. Jaz shows off these stylish black sandals. Note: the closed toe loafers belonging to YNU Group's Opal do NOT fit the Jakks dolls. And I would not even think of trying the Mixis zippered boots. The Jakks Pacific dolls have rounder legs than the Mixis dolls.

Say, has anyone ever seen a Jakks Pacific Felicia doll? Glamerboy, wonderful doll researcher and creator of the Jakks page cited above, writes that she was NOT produced. There was another Black doll in the G.I.R.L. Force line who was not produced either. Pity that. Sigh. She looked pretty and different.

Photos of other Jakks dolls appear at Lady Bast's site, in my Flick account, and in my Webshots folder. Know of any additional Jakks Pacific doll websites or blog entries? Please share with me or Jen of Doll Links fame. Thanks in advance.

Mattel Hobbit Bodies

2011-10-02T23:59:00.002-04:00

Hobbit bodies anyone? Here they are. These hobbit bodies belong to Rebelde Schoolgirls Mia (blonde) and Lupita (brunette). They are roughly 11" tall. Markings on the middle of their back read:

C2008 Mattel, Inc.
INDONESIAN
1468

Rebelde Schoolgirls Mia and Lupita

Mia turns on her side for a profile shot. Lupita holds aside Mia's hair

Other Mattel Teen Fashion Dolls

Rio de Janeiro Skipper, Mystery Squad Drew, Generation Girl Lara, High School Musical Taylor and Rebelde Schoolgirl Lupita (dolls left to right)

The hobbit body is shorter than that of most of the teen fashion dolls shown here. Only High School Musical Taylor has a shorter torso; Taylor is about 10" tall. The hobbit dolls also have wider hips and more narrow shoulders. Neither the waist nor the bust twists for the hobbit dolls. Finally, their legs seem a little wobbly. But if you would like a different height and a different build for your teen dolls, the hobbit body can provide that difference.

Fashion Fever Barbie's Benetton Friends, 2005-06

2011-09-30T22:48:00.000-04:00

I am selling my Fashion Fever Benetton Teresa so I thought I would submit a photo of her and the other two dolls in this 2005-06 wave of the Fashion Fever dolls. The Fashion Fever dolls were produced from 2004-2008. In the first two years, they kept me and other doll collectors/enthusiasts on frantic runs and searches to find the WANTED doll of the moment. Then Mattel created a new body for the Fashion Fever and other teen dolls, the so-called "hobbit" body. The first doll in this photo has the hobbit body.

Additional photos of the Fashion Fever Benetton Barbies are here, here, here, and here.

Philadelphia Puerto Rican Parade 2011

2011-09-25T23:57:00.001-04:00

I did not attend the 49th Philadelphia Puerto Rican Parade this year, but Izzy and Wilson did. Alas, Izzy lost her flags in the excitement. This year's theme was "Our Latino Heritage." For those who did not attend the Parade this year, here are some links from local news stations.

ABCnews

CBSnews

Aside: New York celebrates their Puerto Rican Day Parade on the second Sunday in June. Anyone know why?

P.S. Yes, they are both wearing LimbeDolls sandals.

Updates on OldJoeInfirmary and YoYo

2011-09-24T21:26:00.000-04:00

For those who do not read the Comments section - what? that's one of the BEST parts of PhillyCollector - Allenoel provided the NEW Old Joe Infirmary website. Alas, they no longer carry the civilian fashions that they once did. Gone too are the loose nude figures. Sniff. Applying handkerchief to eye corners. I will manage.

Second, Amazon's YoYo is now running. By "running," I mean that it is now an active website. I haven't seen any spectacular sales at YoYo yet, but we can give the website time. Present rating: ho hum.

OldJoeInfirmary on Hiatus and Newcomer YoYo to Come

2011-09-20T23:18:00.000-04:00

Alas and alack! Old Joe's Infirmary seems to be on hiatus. Oh shame that I cannot see fashion separates there. Well, I hope that they come back. I got nice clothes and some of my action figures from them.

According to the Gifts and Decorative Accessories website, Amazon.com has a new toy store, Yoyo.com. That site is not yet up, but you can leave your email address for updates and special offerings.

Some of the comments left on the Gifts and Decorative Accessories website state that online toy sales has cut into brick and mortar toy store sales. Do you think that is true?

Incredibly Cute Target Exclusive

2011-09-18T22:38:00.000-04:00

Okay, I do NOT collect any of the Blythe Littlest Pet Shop dolls. Remember. I draw the line at big-headed dolls. Usually. I am not keen on inset eyes either. (Exception, my childhood Chrissy, Kerry, two Mias, and Hasbro Aimee, oh and my baby Pumpkin.) However there is something so incredibly cute about this new Target exclusive Blythe. She's wearing a dress that has the Target design in black and white. Oh and she's possibly the ONLY Blythe Littlest Pet Shop doll I have seen with BLACK hair. Big blue Daisy-like eyes. I don't even *see* the peculiar creatures with her.

Repeating to self: I only took this photo for Niel and others who find these dolls cute. Have NO intention of going back to Target after I get paid and nabbing one for myself. No, no, no. Hard enough to resist the Barbies, the Liv bodies, the Integrity dolls ... but do I see wee little Wellies on her feet? Noooo fair, Target!

Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15th - October 15rh

2011-09-15T22:12:00.001-04:00

Hola! Today is the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States of America. The cultures and the contributions made to the country by Hispanic Americans will be in the spotlight from now until October 15th. Since I am not aware of any Hispanic fashion doll designers or action figure designers, I will share information about Hispanic dolls and/or action figures in my collection or that I would like in my collection. (If anyone knows any Hispanic toy designers, please share that information. Send a link or links here and I'll add them to a separate post. Thanks in advance - smile.)

These three lovely Hispanic dolls are from the 2002 Fashion Forward line that was produced by Integrity Toys and Jason Wu using Helene Hamilton's Hispanic Candi face mold. Whew. Quite a mouthful, hmm? That's my over-simplified version of this part of Candi doll history.

Note: to see catalog photos of these dolls, please click the last word here.

Fashion Forward 2002 Hispanic Candis

Ultra Chic Candi

On the Go Candi

Sublime Elegance Candi

Ultra Chic Candi's accessories

Pssst ... interested in having a Hispanic Candi of your own? Well, visit My Favorite Doll. Margaret Matsui has a Holiday Candi Toast on sale for $15.00 USD. The wine red dress with the puffed skirt alone is worth the $15.00 easily. I have the Asian Holiday Candi Toast so I know of what I speak. Gorgeous. And she comes with a bottle of champagne and two long-stemmed glasses ... doll-sized, of course.

Wait, forget I mentioned this doll being on sale. Give me time to get one okay? No, I am joking. I really don't need the dress again OR the doll again. Really. Truly.

Oh, and you might also add one or both of the International Swedish Candis. Might. I'm not twisting anyone's arm. Wink.

New Vampire Guy - He's Such a BRAT!

2011-09-13T22:50:00.000-04:00

Toys R Us is having a sale. Among the items offered is a Bratz "Masquerade" Boyz. In case any fans of vampire dolls/action figures missed him, I am submitting this post. His name seems to be "Penn Vamp." Black hair - of course, lol - and big pale blue eyes.

Is he on my list? No, he has that big Bratz head.

Happy Viewing!

Introducing Everyday People and A Different Perspective on Collecting

2011-09-13T22:46:00.000-04:00

As a blogger and blog reader, I feel fortunate to have access to what I consider some of the best and the brightest of writers and writer-artisans. Yes, that's YOU. Aw, don't blush. I thank you for reading here and for sharing this hobby with me. I can count on my right hand, the number of people I can talk dolls and action figures to in my offline world. Right hand .... right index finger, lol. But hey, I turn on the computer, plug in the Clear modem, and bam! Kindred spirits galore.

I have added a new blog to my list, Everyday People that I hope you will visit and enjoy. The blogger there offers a different perspective on collecting dolls. To avoid prejudicing the audience in any way, I will not comment further. I have only one comment up so far - I confess, I am a little behind on blog reading as well as blog posting. That is, I read these posts - links provided below - but I have yet to comment on them. I DID get permission BEFORE adding these links.

Here's to yet another interesting, new blogger!

Buying Dolls

Dolls as Distractions

Favorite Barbie Dolls

Et Tu, Dana? Walmart's Sophie Nabs Another Collector

2011-09-10T01:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, yes. I confess. It is another case of collector see, collector do. Collector will get broke, too. Sigh.

I am referring to my finding and buying the Liv It's My Nature Sophie on sale at Walmart. Sophie cost $5.00 before sales tax. Sigh. This Walmart Sophie has landed herself in many collectors' homes. How did she manage to get into my cart and in my house? A geas, I think. Here's how the spell unfolded:

1. I went to Walmart for some groceries. (What, you don't go to Walmarts for groceries? I guess you like paying full price for Jalapeno Pringles and Archway Ginger Snaps. Huff. Okay, I wasn't getting the veggies or the meats part of groceries. Just the FUN part. Besides, Walmarts carries turtle food and the markets don't. Not the kind Fakir and Big Guy - the turtles - like anyway. Turtles have so little to occupy themselves; they deserve to have the ReptoMin sticks they prefer.)

2. I just happened to wander into the Clearance section. (Yes, danger zone for us collectors. But my boots moved me that way. I just walked into the space most damaging to my wallet.)

3. I saw the tiny scissors. I saw the adorable boots. I scanned the box once. Five dollars. I scanned the box again. Still five dollars. I reasoned that it would be a sin to NOT get a poseable doll body, fine silvery scissors, and kicky brown boots for the bargain of five dollars. She was the last Sophie there. All the forces aligned: me, the doll, the sale, and enough money in my wallet to get her. God MEANT for me to have her. Roll of thunder.

So, Sophie entered my cart. She got blipped out along with White Castle hamburgers and 8 mini Mounds candy bars (only a dollar!). I did NOT get the Ghirardelli's 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate for about $4.00. I feel pretty virtuous.

Liv Fashions Worn by Other Dolls

2011-09-09T22:07:00.000-04:00

Here are three photos showing Spinmaster's Liv fashions on dolls other than Liv.Most of us have Mattel fashion dolls so Nikki, friend of Teen Skipper, HSM Sharpay, and Flavas Kiyoni Brown model a few of the Liv jacket separates. The Liv sleeves are long for Teen Skippers and HSM Sharpay. Jointed at her elbows, Kiyoni might have been a better match for the black leather jacket or the orange-red jacket, but who could resist that bright turquoise jacket against Kiyoni's rich brown complexion? Not I.

The next two dolls are less commonplace: Who's That Girl Kana and Takara's Mitsuki model Liv jackets, too. Again, the sleeves on the long-sleeved jackets are too long. I probably could have swapped these jackets - had Mitsuki wear the yellow-black herringbone jacket and Kana the gray-pink camo one, but the selected styles suited the dolls better. I'd rather the outfit "fit" the doll's character than that it fit the doll's body. Although it is best when both size and style fit.

Me, I will overlook the over-sized hood. Kana tried to "work it" by stuffing her long hair in that cavity. Kana has a small head anyway. The hood is deep. I don't think that it ruins the outfit.

Here the five teen dolls pose for a group photo

That will "wrap" this post ... but wait, Belinda has an offering. Belinda chose the Liv boy shirt for her photo.

Belinda had to go there. Sigh.

I have some other Liv outfits that I will show on Momokos and other dolls in a future post. These four photos will allow you to see Liv fashions on other dolls. And you can see Liv fashion quality. How do these doll clothes compare with others? Well, these are playline fashions. Liv fashions use velcro and have unfinished hems. I would rate them as better than the current Barbie playline fashions, but no where near the exquisite tailoring in Integrity's Fashion Royalty clothing line. Spinmaster has their pulse on current fashions - as far as I can tell - I have seen the open-toe boot in trendy fashion stores in Philadelphia. These outfits are affordable, trendy, and now part of my doll wardrobe.

Momoko's 10th Anniversary: 2001-2011

2011-09-08T23:24:00.002-04:00

Guess who is celebrating her 10th anniversary this year? None other than the inimitable Momoko!
Round applause. Now for us, Momoko-fans, here are some important links.

Petworks blog Go and see new dolls and prototypes, etc.

Momoko on Facebook

Momoko on Twitter

Thanks, Lorraine, for these updates!

Larger Photo of Two Stardolls ... See Link

2011-09-07T23:14:00.000-04:00

EW of BlogofStench fame found a larger photo showing two of the Stardolls by Barbie. Oh, I gotta have that brunette. Check that smile. Must have. Must have.Has the larger photo brought any converts to the Stardolls line?Snoopy dancing my way to bed and dreams of dolls to come.

A-Z, A-Z ... Azone Original Dolls

2011-09-07T23:07:00.000-04:00

Tired of me going on about Barbie and Ken and Skipper, hmm? Want to see something different? Would some Azone Original Dolls do? Okay, I only have four of them, but they're a cute set. And maybe a little storytelling about the "characters" assigned to those figures a la my fellow collector Niel's recent family post?

Azone International or Azone Green International PTE Ltd. is located in the Republic of Singapore. Azone International sells dolls of various sizes as well as detailed fashion doll clothes and realistic accessories. They distribute Integrity Toys' exclusive FR Nippon line. Most of the Azone fashion dolls have a strong Anime aka cartoony cast to their face sculpts and facial screening. Usually, I am not a big Anime doll fan. Sure, I grew up watching several Japanese cartoons: Astro Boy, Marine Boy, Kimba the White Lion, 8th Man, etc. But I prefer more realistic looking faces and heads in "normal" proportions. My Anime-styled Jenny friends are my least favorite from the Takara line. [Mitsuki and Kisara from Takara's Jenny line do not fall in that category.]

The Azone Original dolls that I have are Loco Island Minako, Jelly Beans Generation Reimy, Sarafan a la Mode Reina, and Tangerine Cat Belinda: Pluses: these are poseable dolls, they have adorable faces, and outfits and footwear with real-life detailing like LimbeDolls footwear. Minuses: Anime faces, biggish heads, tiny feet, and delicate bodies like Momokos. Azone dolls are NOT Tonka truck dolls.

Wait ... that's only THREE dolls - Minako standing, Reimy about to put on her right sneaker, and Reina undecided about what to do with her hands .... where is Belinda?

Ta da, here she is, ducks! Belinda, the one and only Tangerine Cat! Fresh from the Liv Fashions shoot. (More on that later ....)

Tanned Minako and pale Reimy are "sisters." Do you think that their heads and faces seem similar? I did so they became "sisters" to account for that likeness. (Note: Azone did not connect these two dolls as far as I can tell.)

And what do these ladies do? Minako and Belinda are actors - Minako plays romantic comedies while Belinda does period horror flicks. College student Reimy is a photographer. She did not take these photos. Izzy is the - cough - genius behind the camera.

Reimy appears again in this photograph with the ever shy, ever pensive Reina. Reina is a part-time secretary for Reverend Hadley of Sin No More church and the unwed mother of Vampire Tommy. (Vampire Tommy is the little Tommy who wore the vampire costume in a Halloween post, NOT Tawny Tommy who swiped the pizza from the Joes.) Vampire Tommy isn't really a vampire - he has "delicate health," but his deadbeat Dad had called him a vampire so Tommy believes he is one.

For additional information about Asian fashion dolls, please read this Wikipedia entry, Bobagirl Pam's website, or any of the sites included in the International Jenny and Licca Webring. I bought the dolls mentioned here from 2002 -2006 so the secondary market, particularly other doll collectors might be your best bet for finding them at decent prices. Admirers of the anime doll style can find current Azone dolls and accessories online at Hobby Search, HobbyLink Japan, or possibly Azone International themselves.

Aside: I have bought from Hobby Search and HobbyLink Japan so I can vouch for their excellent services. It helped that I ordered the dolls sent by EMS, an express mail service, so I had tracking for my packages. EMS packages get handled by the United States Postal Service once they reach this country. (That was my experience; if anyone else received their overseas package through another shipper, please let us know. I'll pop that answer in a separate post.)

So there we go .... Azone International Original Dolls. Because I do collect other dolls than Barbie ;-D

Update on Stardolls by Barbie - Mattel's New Winner

2011-09-05T15:48:00.001-04:00

Okay it's a lazy holiday afternoon, and I'm online - yay, Clear account - when I notice an email message from Robin of Roville. Yes, I do associate with cool DAF people - you know who you are, no finger pointing here, lol. Anyway, she's curious about a potential doll line called "Stardolls by Barbie." Now that's what I think of as a call to action. So I pull up Google to search the terms, Barbie, 2012, and Stardolls. Initial link haul doesn't seem promising, but then I hit the mother lode of tips in a Flickr account. Wahh hoo!

Here we go:

Stardolls, self-described as "the world's largest online fashion and dress up games community for girls," has signed a deal with Mattel to produce a Stardolls by Barbie line. Now I see why Mattel is dropping the Basics - although I still LOVE some of the Basics - these new dolls look promising. Stardolls had done some promoting for other Barbie lines so this new Stardoll-Barbie collaboration is a natural progression.

Dancing, dancing, DANCING - sorry, that's me.

Thanks also to Tru_Fashionista_luv on Flickr, mighty Mattel, and Stardolls!

Come on 2012!

Additional news from Robin and Frannie about the Stardolls. Cheryl's Dolls and Collectibles will be carrying these dolls for $29.95. Thanks, Robin!

Window Shopping Inside Target:

2011-09-04T21:29:00.001-04:00

Recently, I did some window shopping at two Target stores. Here are photos of some playscale items I saw and the comments I made to myself:

Oh, the same old, same old: Mattel/Disney reissuing the same dolls. Like this Cinderella and Prince [Eric?] set. What's new? The longer package with nothing to warrant the package length. Cute posing, but the straight-armed stiffness detracts from the fluidity I would imagine as part of the dance pose. Still it is nice that children have access to fairy tales, even if they are bowdlerized Disney versions. (Me, I read the gory Grimms' versions. Toes and heels chopped off for marital profit. What a world?!)

This one surprised me: Miss Dorothy Gale by Mattel. Mackie face on a Model Muse body. The Mackie face, I can take or leave, depending on the face screening. The Model Muse body, I could live without. Too thin and limited articulation. And much as I loved L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz as a CHILD, my usual response to another Mattel WoO doll is "Can we find another classic?" BUT, I rather like this sultry, over-made up teenaged Dorothy. If I see her on sale, I might get her. Provided I like the face screening ... i.e., no wonky eyes ...

No, I have NOT succumbed to Monster High Fever. Yes, Ghoulia has the cutest red-framed eye glasses. Yes, Cleo has pretty skin color. The big heads and insect-like limbs lose me. Looking at these dolls - so clever how Mattel repackages a current wave, Gloom Beach, by putting the dolls together in one box - I wonder if Mattel imagines a future where the earth is ruled not by roaches but by hybrid insect-humans. That's what the Monster High dolls seem to me.

Justin Bieber fashions for the 12" guys in your life. I like the purple Chucks (cloth upper, rubber soled sneakers), but I am waiting for a sale on these. There seem to be three outfits - I photographed the two that I saw. The outfits consist of a pullover and/or a hoodie, skinny jeans, and footwear.

(One of my Kens would like to know: do the Justin Bieber footwear fit any Kens? Fashionista Ken feels he could use the sneakers and the skinny jeans.)

Finally, MGA Enterprises aka "The Bratz People" offer these two dolls that fall under the "aw, they're soooo cute" category. Moxie Girlz Lexa and Moxie Boyz Jaxson don complimentary masquerade party pirate gear here, but they are sold separate.

I've also seen the Target Barbie Basics in Red No. 2. (Couldn't take a photo because my camera had run out of "internal memory.") But yes, although I have several Lara/Drew faces already, I intend to get this one. Might need to sell some older Lara/Drew faces, but that's the Collector's Way, lol.So that's a post about my recent Target visits. If you'd like to share links for photos from your recent Target visits, let me know. If I receive more than 3 links, I'll set up a fresh post with the list of Target-visit links.

SiS Pastry Kara 2 - Seen at Walmart

2011-09-04T20:32:00.000-04:00

Curious about the only doll among the So in Style Pastry, 2nd wave dolls, who isn't immersed in pink and/or purple? Here she is, Kara, wearing a green and gray outfit. Fellow SiS pal Trichelle accompanies Kara in this photo.

Whoever thought that green and gray would be an antidote to excess pink/purple?

Lost a Follower, Gained (an Improved) Perspective

2011-08-30T23:33:00.000-04:00

I had had 132* followers (minus about 3 duplicate ones). Cool huh?

Recently though my Followers count dropped to 131 followers. Oh, no! What happened? I mean, you can stop "following" without removing the "following" link. Someone felt strongly enough, that he or she wanted me to know that. And I thank that person for the act because that act made me realize how bad a blogger I had become. Missed posts. Missed promises. Shame.

I have to remember that I need to earn my Followers. Keep you entertained and/or informed. Or else, you will leave. And I will miss you.

So it's back to writing and posting for me.

* Actually, I had fewer than that because about three people either liked the blog enough to "follow" twice OR they forgot that they had "followed" before. Shrug.

Hurricane Irene, Clear Modem, and the Woe for One PhillyCollector

2011-08-27T23:30:00.000-04:00

Quick, before Hurricane Irene reduces my Clear modem lights: I am among the East Coast DAF bloggers physically located in the path of Hurricane Irene. I will say this: I was here FIRST! Not that I or anyone else can do a lot against a weather juggernaut like Irene. Sigh.

Sad thing - aside from the obvious - is that I just got a Clear connection. Can I say, no fair.

Hope everyone stays safe and that your collectibles do not get damaged.

Mystery FR doll

2011-08-24T17:10:00.000-04:00

. wrote to ask about these dolls.

I recognize the doll on the left as Paparazzi Bait Adele. She is not a Barbie doll, but an Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty doll. Does anyone recognize the other doll? Please let us know.

Thanks in advance.

Earthquake in Philadelphia - Folks, We're Okay!

2011-08-23T16:55:00.000-04:00

We had an earthquake today. Philly. Yes, as in Philadelphia, PA.

Sigh. I missed feeling it - noticing it anyway because I stepped out of the room. Darn. I had to miss it. Maybe next time?

Streaked Skippers (Hem, Hair Streaked, That is)

2011-08-22T01:00:00.001-04:00

Here are the answers to which Skipper has which color streak in her hair:

Barbie Sisters' Bike for Two Dolls - Skipper and Chelsea – pink streaks

Skipper and Chelsea - Sisters Sleep Out – blue streaks

Barbie Sisters' Beauty Fun Skipper Doll – purple streaks

Now here's a question I have for you Skipper fans: do the color streaks have any particular meaning or are they just different colors?

At Last ... Articulated Skipper 2011 ... Well, Sort of ....

2011-08-21T16:07:00.000-04:00

Finally! She’s here … a jointed knee Skipper! Whooo hooo! Yay! Stomping of feet and clapping of hands. Okay, her arms are slightly bent at the elbow – no joints, alas – but still, there is some progress. Oh and the younger girl, Chelsea (formerly Kelly) also has jointed knees. Someone … cough Vanessa cough … might wonder why the sisters did not have jointed elbows as well. I mean, Mattel gave the shorter Flavas girls (Happy D and Kiyoni Brown) jointed arms. Why not Skipper and Chelsea? Oh, well, I guess baby steps are needed, hmm? Today knees … tomorrow elbows …

To celebrate the semi-articulated Skipper, let’s show off our current Skipper know how (hint, hint Skipper Collector, come on down!) Which current Skipper has a pink streak of hair? Which Skipper has a blue streak? And which Skipper has a purple streak?

Answer will be posted tomorrow ...

Designing Joes Decide: They Can Create Their Own Mandals

2011-08-16T22:56:00.000-04:00

They won't admit, no, but look and see ...

What was that about imitation?

Sandals and Mandals by Limbe Dolls, Part Two

2011-08-15T23:08:00.001-04:00

Power Team guys: Eugene (left) and Wilson (right)

Who were the models in the first "Sandals and Mandals by Limbe Dolls? Let's note them by the footwear they borrowed for this occasion:

Pink-white lace w. lace up worn by former Princess of Japan (FPoJ) and Flavas Kiyoni Brown

Red-white-royal blue lace up worn by Izzy-Never-Bella

Black-white polka dot slides worn by Beach Blast Nikki

Brown braid gladiator mandals worn by Legolas Ken

Yes, you guessed it: Limbe Dolls sandals can be worn by other dolls and action figures. Need new sandals for your big-foot beach Barbies? Likewise, some Kens can borrow from the Power Team guys' casual wardrobe. Mandals, whoo hooo. While Mattel has made Ken some in plastic, these Limbe Dolls mandals are softer, more fashionable cloth. However, Limbe Dolls sandals are too wide for Momokos, Susies, Takara Jenny and friends, and similar small feet dolls.

What comments did the East Philly crew make about Limbe Dolls sandals?

"I like the colors, the comfortable fit, and the arch support," Izzy states.

"The masculine colors," the Power Team guys, Eugene and Wilson agree. "The simple design."

"The unusual braiding of the gladiator mandals," Legolas Ken said. "It takes a brave doll to wear mandals. Also, Kiyoni and I loved how the sandal colors contrasted with our coloring."

"Oh, yes, the pink and white lace patterned one," FPoJ and Kiyoni add that those mules make them feel more feminine. FPoJ likes the way the pale pink almost merges with her fair legs while Kiyoni likes how the pale pink and white "pops" against her dark complexion.

"Now those, I was going to paint with some silver or gold nail polish. Have a neat pair of metallic lace sandals. That's the way that I would makeover the lacey ones." Izzy inserts.

"Oh, no! Don't let her, D7ana!" FPoJ and Kiyoni plea.

Now in spite of the general enthusiasm for the LimbeDolls' footwear, there were a few requests and caveats.

"Girly girls, you two. Keep your sissy pink. Lace up sandals are tricky to wear anyway because they fall down too much." Izzy casts her eyes on the black with white dots slip ons. "I'm trying those on next ...."

"Are you kidding, kiddie?" Beach Blast Nikki asks as she moves away from Izzy. "My pink toe nail polish looks even better with these black-white satiny slippers. Try getting them off my feet."

"No thanks." Izzy adds sotto voce, "They probably stink now."

"Ladies ... pink is good for girls. But do you think the gladiator tie-ups look masculine enough for us?" Eugene asks. (Eugene is the Power Team guy in the red-navy color blocked mandals; Wilson wears the black criss-crossed ones.) Wilson notes that civilian Kens can revel in fashion but soldiers and military personnel favor more traditional apparel.

Legolas Ken steps to the front and raises both arms. "Enough. Wilson speaks for himself, His statements are not necessarily those of any of the other Power Team figures or other DAFs. Also, I think we have finished our review of Limbe Dolls footwear for this time."

"Thanks for your patience, all."

Curious about the mandal sensation? Here are some links for additional reading:

Mel Gibson's Mandals

NY Daily News photos

Oh and a big THANKS to Limbe Dolls and her generosity.

Sandals and Mandals by Limbe Dolls

2011-08-12T23:36:00.000-04:00

Look who's wearing Limbe Dolls footwear? Two photos today; better photos and chatter tomorrow - big grin.

Let's see who knows their fashion dolls.

Johnny Has a Page on FaceBook!

2011-08-12T22:51:00.000-04:00

Anyone remember my ethnic dollar store doll, ~~Johnny~~? Well, someone chose him as their FB graphic. Check him here.

Who'd have thought it?

Guess the Gifts from Limbe Dolls

2011-08-09T23:32:00.000-04:00

Surprise gifts came my way. Some of my guys and gals are delighted. Others feel a bit peeved. Well, that can happen when there are so many different sizes of playscale characters. Want to guess what I received? Okay, I'm leaving three clues:

1.) This is the season for wearing these items

2.) These items are brightly colored and comfortable

3.) These items were created during the development of a new instructional video series Limbe Dolls will produce for September

Bring on the guesses ...

Publish Post

Blog Jog Day! AUG 7, 2011 - Query Regarding Subscribe Widget for Blind Readers

2011-08-07T20:24:00.000-04:00

Dear Blog Jog Day participants AND any PhillyCollector readers:

I would like to add the alt image attribute to my Blogger Subscribe widget. Any suggestions or links that would help me fix that widget, I would appreciate. I would like to make my website more accessible for blind readers.

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Happy Blog Jog Evening (smile)!

Blog Jog Day! AUG 7, 2011

2011-08-07T01:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Blog Jog Day! Please enjoy my site then click over to Emily White at http://emilytwhite.blogspot.com/ to see what the next Blog has to offer! Lost in the links? You can always go back to the main Blog Jog Day Blog at http://blogjogday.blogspot.com and find a new link to jog from.

Thank you for stopping by my site!

Teresa's Birthday Guessed! Ding! Ding! We Have a Winner!

2011-08-02T22:28:00.000-04:00

Everyone, let's take time to applaud Frannie of Thrift Store Dolls. She submitted the correct date for Teresa's birthday: July 19 (1988 - but we don't have to keep that part, lol).

What does Frannie win for her investigation/recollection? A good condition, vintage Francie outfit called "Tennis Tunic." So, Frannie, please send your mailing address to me at d7ana (@) yahoo.com.

This August, I will have contests for my Followers aka Allies so stop by. My way of saying, "Thanks" for your time and collaborations.

August Heat vs. Our Playscale Pals

2011-08-01T21:14:00.000-04:00

August. Sultry summer time. Pfft.

Dog days of summer. Hot, humid atmosphere. Thunderstorms bringing relief. Mego melt? Try any manufacturer's melt - excessive heat is dangerous to all plastic and/or vinyl DAFs. Direct sunlight - no, no. Please be careful about exposing your DAFs to direct sunlight AND please try to keep them cool. Plastic joints and seams will melt and make it harder to pose.

Denise Van Patten has suggestions for protecting your DAFs in general safe as well as specific suggestions for Barbie types. Additional reading can be found at
1st Collectibles.

Hot weather is tough enough for sweating humans, but it's brutal and fatal for our plastic and vinyl folks, too. Take care.

Happy Belated Birthday, Teresa! Drum Roll, Too.

2011-07-31T23:27:00.000-04:00

God, it feels good to finally close my legs!

Oh, I didn't know I was on yet. But check the photo of me below. If you were told to assume a dramatic position, well, you might have done it, too. I was supposed to show how flexible I was. I was also supposed to be bought by some kid who would rip open my packaging and take me out of what had quickly become a painful position. My luck though, I go to a collector who doesn't remove me from my box until 14 years later. On a hot and humid late July afternoon. I kicked off my once-cool brown high tops and wrestled out of the pink corduroy wide legged pants and the long-sleeved argyle sweater. Console myself with this thought: if the kid bought me, I'd probably be in pieces. Here's how I posed in the box:

Whew!

Glad I got out of prison - the box. Why now? I am here to replace another Teresa who was going to bore you with the fashions she inherited from some other Fashion Fever girls. Some officious bit calling herself Izzy-Never-Bella starts snapping orders at me. Yo, Little Mama - who died and made you Queen? She tosses a dress at me, and tells me I won't be able to use the other fashions. The Teresa closet post was scrapped, but drums are on. Guess I am the Teresa understudy. Whatever.

Do any of you remember when my birthday was? First one to write back with the correct date will win a vintage Francie outfit. TBA tomorrow, August 1st.

Wait, bossy Izzy is back with a camera. If I weren't so relieved to have my legs comfortable again, I would seriously kick her ... okay, smiling for the camera.

Jef Beck's Ken Book Available!

2011-07-30T16:38:00.000-04:00

I Love Ken: My Life as the Ultimate Boyfriend by doll enthusiast Jef Beck is available online. The book seems to be about Ken as a dating expert. Sounds cute and fun, hmmm? This being Ken's 50th anniversary, what better time to read our favorite male fashion expert's views on dating. Anyone?

Updates to PhillyCollector: Accessibility for Blind Readers

2011-07-28T22:26:00.001-04:00

One important update long overdue is to make PhillyCollector blog accessible for blind readers. Yes, Virginia, there are blind doll collectors. Big smile. Hey collectors! At this time, blind readers cannot subscribe here due to the "Subscribe" image NOT having a text alternative. Text alternatives appear instead of photographs or graphics on a web site. They are GOOD because they allow a blind or sight-impaired (sorry, I cannot and will not type "sight challenged") viewer or someone who has turned off graphics (for faster web page loading) to "read" or to "hear" what is on the web page. I have been trying to insert text alternatives here. I have not had luck. So I have to investigate - probably best among the blogging set, rather than the collecting set - oh, thinking in terms of dolls and action figures again - I mean bloggers as opposed to collectors/enthusiasts as to how to make PhillyCollector more accessible.

So far, I have found these articles helpful:

http://www.unleashwebaccess.com/2011/02/help-blind-users-read-your-blog-help-everyone/

http://www.mainecite.org/awd/accdocs/article7.html

http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=57&TopicID=167&DocumentID=2757

However, if anyone uses the "alt image" HTML tag for his or her Blogger subscription link, please share your tips on how I could add it to a Blogger subscription link. My thanks in advance for any advice.

ToysRUs Clearance Sale Today! New Liv Series!

2011-07-25T21:56:00.000-04:00

Okay, it isn't the greatest of sales. I checked the two pages of Barbie stuff. Nothing I wanted. But then, I am not You, so there might be something that You, Faithful Reader(s), might want. Or the free standard shipping for orders of $75 or more might lure you to the ToysRUs site. (Note: video game hardware, software, accessories are NOT included in this free shipping offer.)

I won't be getting anything this time: spent my doll funds last Saturday. Got a few of those Liv jackets for sale. Thanks, Ms. Leo! No, really thanks ;-D

However, there is more to the ToysRUs website than the for sale items. Example? Doll research! Yay! Guess who will be bringing new, tanned, JOINTED bodies out? You guessed it - Spinmaster. Cheers. Applause. The series is called Liv Color Change and you can click on the last word of this sentence for a link to show three of the tanned Liv girls. Love their robes and the foot bath thing. Neat.

Additional links to Liv dolls include these two websites: Liv Color Change dolls and Liv dolls dancing to Beyonce's "Single Ladies."

Good luck! Happy Viewing.

Upcoming Third Anniversary of PhillyCollector of Playscale Dolls

2011-07-18T22:49:00.001-04:00

Time flies? Well, it can and does move quicker than expected when you're doing something you enjoy. So here I am, three years after I began this blog, PhillyCollector. Yes, three years. I've learned how to upload photos and insert links. I've wrestled with HTML to present lists and tables ... we won't say who won those early battles. Suffice to note: I am NOT backing down yet. Puff.

In fact, I am considering a blog update. No! some of you might be thinking. Please keep this cluttered format. Please. How else will we recognize you? By your cough wit? Ha! Yes, an update is overdue for the blog.

Why am I telling you this? Well, I value your opinions. You are readers of PhillyCollector. Let me know what you think I need to do to refresh. I'll consider doing it.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Surrender at Toys R Us

2011-07-17T18:29:00.002-04:00

Okay, this is one of those times when an accessory takes precedence over dolls: the Liv drum set. This I could NOT resist. The accompanying Daniela will - of course - serve as a donor body. But I had to have the drums. Sale price ... $16.18 with tax for both the body and the drums. Eight dollars and nine cents each piece. Not bad. No, there are no musical genes in my body. No dreams of becoming a rock star in my present or my past. But drums and motorcycles are two "cool" must have items. I have plenty of motorcycles and skooters. I missed the Liv drums sale at Walmart. Could not take a chance that I might miss them. I don't have a drummer yet for them, but I have the prop now. So, that's good. I have completely justified my surrender to buy.

Doublemint AA Cheerleaders at Toys R Us

2011-07-16T19:45:00.002-04:00

I really should NOT have been there in the first place. Toys R Us. It's just that I had not visited the South Philly Toys R Us for so long. I thought: I don't have to buy anything. Just look and see. See if they have something that the Cottman and the Aramingo stores do not have. Just looking was my downfall.

Because I was there and I did see this set and I almost broke down and bought them. Almost. I told myself that I had at least FOUR Desiree-faced dolls already. Told myself that I was getting tired of the Desiree face already. Told myself that the doll bodies were probably "hobbit Barbie bodies." Told myself that complexion variation was NOT reason enough to get another set of dolls with the same face. Repeated that reminder at least three times. Finally tore myself away after I found a long-desired item that caused me to set this Toys R Us special down.

The item so fascinating to me is the Toys R Us Exclusive African American or black cheerleader pair of Grace AND Nikki! Yes, two black female dolls in the Barbie pantheon, in the same box. Like Cara and Christie. Or Christie and Nikki. Wow. And although they both have the same face sculpt (grrrrr), they have different complexions! So I was very hard-pressed to leave these dolls behind me.

Now for those of you who do not have a Toys R Us selling this doll set, I suggest you walk your fingertips to this web page if you would like to add this Grace and Nikki set to your doll collection. Me, I am wondering when I will be back at the South Philly Toys R Us. Because I think I might get that set after all ....

By the way ... Toys R Us has FREE shipping for these dolls. Enabler? Moi?!

Working on Posts to Come

2011-07-15T22:38:00.000-04:00

Hi all!

I'm working on some post ideas. Will be here again. Soon ...