Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year! (Addended)



Here's hoping that the new year finds you at peace with all endeavors and that all areas of your life are fully blessed.

Peace and blessings,

dbg

ADDENDUM:
Portions of the following text entered my email in-box on Sunday, December 27, 2009, from Catherine Pulsifer of wow4u.com. I kept it unopened as a reminder that I needed to read it.  I opened and read it fully this first day in the year 2010 and thought I'd share the Quote of the Week and the Thought for Your Week.


QUOTE of the WEEK:

“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.  Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives – not looking for flaws, but for potential.”

Ellen Goodman



THOUGHT for YOUR WEEK:

Recipe for a Happy New Year
by Author Unknown

Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate.  Cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts.

Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution.

Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

dbg

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Vintage Dress Me Boy

In 2008, Vogue introduced a trio of Dress Me Boys to their line of Ginny dolls -- a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead.  It was not until 2009 that I discovered the existence of these 7-1/2-inch tykes and the disappointing absence of an AA counterpart.  In August of this year, I wrote the company to inquire about the inclusion of an AA boy and was told, "Our design department is working on next year now, and the items below are set for discussion. Stay tuned to see what happens."



When it comes to dolls and what I desire, patience is usually not a virtue for me.  Using a 2006 AA Vintage Dress Me Ginny, I created an AA Dress Me Boy and named him, Jimmy.  I made a second one for a dear friend.  Currently, there are only two dolls like this (that I know of) worldwide, but that's about to change. 



On December 16, 2009, I shared the above image of my OOAK AA Dress Me Boy, "Jimmy," with Dave Smith of Vogue Dolls and again inquired about the possibility of an AA doll in 2010's line.  The following is my e-mail inquiry and Dave Smith's reply of December 21, 2009, (which he granted permission for me to share):

Hi Dave,

I wrote you earlier this year regarding an AA Dress Me Ginny Boy (using the vintage Ginny body and head sculpt). I wanted to share the attached image of the AA Dress Me Ginny Boy that I designed using an AA DM Ginny.

Do you know whether or not your company plans to include an AA Dress Me Ginny [boy] in next year's line? Thanks!
In my lifetime,


Debbie Garrett
Author, Black Dolls A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion


http://blackdollcollecting.com/
http://dollsmagazine.com/blogs/dolls-in-black.html
"Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go." —Author Unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~
HI Debbie,

Yes, he is scheduled for release approx end February early March 2010. We will also have an AA Crib Crowd DM also.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


Dave Smith
Vogue Dolls
~~~~~~~~~~

Woo hoo (I thought).  I could not contain this information and asked Dave if I could share it with other black-doll enthusiasts. I was given the okay to "blog away."  Collectors can look forward to an AA Dress Me Boy as well as an AA Crib Crowd DM doll during the first quarter of 2010! 

I'm keeping hope alive for curly hair!

dbg

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Happy Kwanzaa!


Festivals of the World Kwanzaa, Dolls of the World Barbie (Mattel) 2006



Kwanzaa Keeya (Mattel) 1999



Far Right, Nomsa Celebrates Kwanzaa Cissette (Madame Alexander) 1995

To those who celebrate the Principles of Kwanzaa, Happy Kwanzaa!  For additional information about the origin of Kwanzaa, visit The Official Kwanzaa Website.


Peace and blessings,

dbg

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show Recap

Despite inclement weather, the 2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show held on December 5, 2009, in New York was another show success.  Show attendees' comments confirm the show was another first-class event. Viewing the video of some of the dolls and artwork exhibited, illustrates works by immensely talented individuals. 

Click image to enlarge

I know first hand of the talent possessed by one exhibitor:  Tanya Montegut - Dolls by MonTQ.  Before the show, I was given a preview of the dolls Ms. Montegut would exhibit.  The above pair of suede-cloth dolls, "We Love," were included in the preview and were on exhibit at the show along with several other Dolls by MonTQ that sold on show day.

Owning these beautiful dolls makes up for my inability to attend the show.  There's absolutely nothing better than owning a new doll or two. 

Merry Christmas, peace and blessings to all.

dbg

Thursday, December 17, 2009

True Type AA Male Figure's Photo Shoot



My preordered, in August, Hot Toys' TrueType AA Male Slim Version (a Terrence Howard look-alike) arrived earlier this week. He's been nude until this a.m. when I decided to "go green" (keep my green in my pocket) and use clothing that I have on hand for him.

A Ken fashion (Toys R Us) and shoes purchased from Old Joe Infirmary were selected. Everything fits, but I am just not feeling the graphics on the shirt -- flowers and squiggly designs. Flowers, Ken... come on now?  This confirms that I should purchase a second Rocawear Darren.  The Rocawear male fashion alone is worth TRU's former price of $12.99. (The price has inched up to $14.99 now, but it's out of stock online).  Oh well, you know what they say about hindsight.


TrueType wearing a Ken fashion and black sneakers from OJI

Next, I placed a white T-shirt over the Ken shirt to test this look. It's okay... but a bit bulky.


White T over the Ken shirt

My thinking was the T-shirt alone with the blue cords may not work either, because of the short length of the T. I tried it anyway.


TrueType with white T-shirt and blue corduroy pants

Hmmm... not so bad.  Which look do you prefer?

dbg

Monday, December 14, 2009

A Visit with Santa



Here's the link:  http://dollsmagazine.com/blogs/dolls-in-black/368-a-visit-with-santa.html

Merry Christmas!

dbg

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Complexion Comparison

I promised to share photos of Barbie Basics Model 004 and Model of the Moment Nichelle with Cyano Dolls and Re-Roots, who wanted to know if their skin tones are the same.   I also included Princess of South Africa (redressed) in the comparison images below. 



Model of the Moment Nichelle, Barbie Basics Model 004, Princess of South Africa (Americanized)



(click images to enlarge)

I think their complexions are the same.  What do you think?

Live Pictures and Close Ups of Three Barbie Basics


Barbie Basics Models 010, 004, and 008 (click images to enlarge)

My three Barbie Basics dolls arrived from Mattel earlier this week.  I photographed them today after a thorough examination (through their boxes). I'll debox these (as well as the Rocawear dolls) after I find an area to display them.


Model 010



Model 008



Model 004 -- note the gold eye shadow

dbg

Live Pictures of Rocawear So In Style Dolls

I have not had an opportunity to deboxed them... yet, but here are photos of the entire Rocawear So In Style dolls.


Rocawear S.I.S. Grace, Kara, and Chandra (click images to enlarge)



Rocawear S.I.S. Trichelle and Darren


I went back to TRU today... the stock of these and the Barbie Basic dolls is diminishing rapidly, especially the Rocawear dolls.

dbg

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Pre-Purchase Browsing


(Image scanned from the back of Darren's box) So In Style Rocawear dolls: Grace, Kara, Trichelle, Chandra, and Darren

Before going to Toys R Us today, I decided to see if the Rocawear dolls' images were on the TRU website. They are, all except Rocawear S.I.S. Grace, that is.   My plan was to order them from TRU online if they had not been available at the local store, particularly since one online seller is offering them in a buy it now auction for a three-figure amount!

My wait for them is over:  My husband purchased the set for me while we were at TRU.

I like Trichelle's fashion the best.  I'll share photos after I've deboxed them.

dbg

Monday, December 7, 2009

Thankful Blessings

This morning I visited CollectiblesToday.com for information about a baby by Linda Murray that I briefly saw in DOLLS magazine's electronic publication Dolls Interviewed.

While at CollectiblesToday.com, I saw the following holiday themed sets by Hawthorne Village:

The Holy Family is part of the African American Nativity Collection.  At $29.99, the set appears to be made of straw and other natural-looking materials. The Holy Family is Issue One in this interesting series.

The Holy Family, The King of Peace Nativity is the first in this series and includes resin African American Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and manger. The cost is $59.99. Issue Two will follow: Angel of Joy and King Gaspar.

Ebony Elegance includes resin figurines Mary and Baby Jesus for $19.95. Joseph is issued separately.


Now back to the baby that took me to CollectiblesToday.com.



Thankful Blessings Imani is a 20-inch resin baby by artist, Linda Murray. Imani comes with a musical blanket that plays "Jesus Loves Me." Issue One in a series of three, the doll retails for $149, payable in installments. Issue Two, Jada; and Issue Three, Joshua will follow.

To see other African American items available at CollectiblesToday.com click here.

dbg

Saturday, December 5, 2009

S.I.S. Rocawear Darren ~ Free Remote Control Car and Doll



S.I.S. Darren's image is now available at the Toys R Us website. The other Rocawear dolls' images are not yet available there, but all can be ordered from ToysRUs.com. The Rocawear dolls also qualify for a special promotion at ToysRUs.com:

FREE Remote Control Corvette & Doll (44.99 value) with ANY Barbie Doll or Playset purchase of $100 or more!


Shipping charges on the free item will apply at checkout.

See the free car and doll here.
dbg

Friday, December 4, 2009

International Black Doll and Gift Show's Commerical



A "couple" of dolls made by the talented artist, Tanya Montegut will be coming to Texas, but they will be featured at the International Black Doll and Gift Show on Saturday, December 5, 2009, along with others that are for sale. I'll share an image of my dolls next week.

dbg

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Rocawear So In Style Dolls Coming to a Store Near You Soon...

... or they may already be there. 

Rocawear So in Style Chandra (the new girl in the S.I.S. line) and Rocawear Trichelle were purchased at a Maryland Toys R Us by a fellow doll enthusiast and member of my WLBD discussion group. 

The dolls are a brilliant result of a collaboration between Mattel and Rocawear (co-founded by music mogul Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter).   The dolls' Rocawear fashions are reflective of the hip-hop culture that is appreciated within US borders and internationally.  I imagine that teens who have long forgotten the joys of doll play and some, whose interests never included dolls, will find these hip-hop clad dolls appealing enough to own.

If your plans include adding the Rocawear S.I.S. dolls to your collection, or if you would like to encourage a teen girl to revert to former doll play/appreciation, check your local stores for availability.

Rocawear Grace, Chandra, Trichelle, and Kara are already available for ordering at the Toys R Us website for $12.99 (sight unseen as images are not available at this time). 


L-R:  Rocawear S.I.S. dolls, McBride-Irby, and the original S.I.S. dolls
Photograph from Toys R Us blog

Read Dolls of Color's recent interview of S.I.S. designer, Stacey McBride-Irby, who shares more about the S.I.S. concept and how it became a reality. 

dbg

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Doll Art Event


Experience The Season of The Dolls


At

Cultural Interiors
5372 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019

December 5th, 2009

Artists Reception 3:00 - 6:00.


Dolls will be on display through December.  For more info call 323-292-1500




Dancing Debra by Mari Morris


Ingrid by Ingrid Taylor






















Sand by Sandra Marchand

Images from Cultural Interiors' Newsletter

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The 2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show


Photograph courtesy of BlackDollShows.com

BlackDollShows.com will host The 2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show, which will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Riverside Church, South Hall, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, New York 10027.


Admission is $6.00 for adults and children 12 years and older.

Attendees can expect to find an array of dolls of color of various media. At the time of this writing, nearly 40 exhibitors have committed their presence. As their website indicates, “Doll types anticipated at the show include: traditional, pin, pendant, pedestal, hanging, center-piece and statuette dolls… an assortment of other gift types will be available to round-out your gift-giving list.”

New York Black Doll and Craft Show, presented by BlackDollShows.com this past July, was deemed a great success. Images from that show can be viewed here.

If you are in the New York area on December 5, 2009, do make plans to attend this holiday-themed event, The 2009 International Black Doll and Gift Show, featuring beautiful black dolls. Your presence and support will ensure even greater success for this show.

For additional information, please visit: http://blackdollshows.com/

dbg

Monday, November 30, 2009

Die Another Day Barbie®


Photo from Vogue Collectibles, Inc.

Designed by Linda Kyaw, this gorgeous Barbie® doll pays tribute to a favorite Bond Girl (Jinx Johnson), inspired by the movie, Die Another Day.  Halle Berry... I mean Barbie® wears a vibrant orange two-piece swim suit and retails for $39.95.  Dr. No Barbie® and Goldfinger Barbie® complete the trio of 007 Bond Girls available in doll form.

Remember, shipping is only $1 at Barbiecollector.com through December 8, 2009.
dbg

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee

Get a glimpse of Prince Naveen and Princess Tiana, here, the characters in Disney's, "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee" and see a video of Princess Tiana's official welcome to Magic Kingdom.  The second video at this link describes Prince and the Frog merchandise available at the theme parks which includes dolls, Princess Tiana figurine, child-size Princess Tiana gowns, etc.

The Princess and Prince are played by different characters at this link:
http://micechat.com/forums/disneyland-resort/127776-princess-tianas-showboat-jubilee.html


dbg

Black Friday @Toys R Us

I was surprised to see the Barbie Basics dolls on Black Friday, including two of the AA versions at Toys R Us.  The one with the deepest complexion, Model 004 was missing... possibly sold out. The dolls are all beautiful.  Model 008's complexion and hair color are pleasantly deeper than the prototype's online image.  Their basic black dresses are simple, which is to be expected for dolls priced at $21.99 at the store and $19.95 online at BarbieCollector.com. 




I also saw three adorable, 14-inch babies by FAO Schwarz  at TRU:  Emma, Kiri, and Lily, priced at $34.99. It was a pleasure to see a line of multi-ethnic babies; however, a Hispanic baby is not included. 

dbg















 
Top-Bottom: FAO's Emma, Kiri, and Lily

Thursday, November 26, 2009

All Things Princess Tiana and other Tidbits

During a recent trip to Wal-Mart in an unsuccessful attempt to locate Princess Tiana magnetic paper dolls, I purchased several Princess Tiana items (coloring book, a storybook with an attached writing device and magnetic pen, and another storybook) to send to my 4-year-old niece along with the Princess Tiana toddler doll that I purchased for her several weeks ago. 

After reading an inspirational blog written by a lovely Ms. Santa philanthropist, who is donating  Mattel's So In Style dolls and other toys to day care facilities in her area, I remembered seeing Princess Tiana dolls for $4.99 online at Target.com.  I revisted the website today to confirm that this price is still valid.  These are excellent for donating to Toys for Tots or other organizations that distribute toys to needy children.


While searching Target.com, I discovered Princess Tiana's BFF, Charlotte La Bouff, available in doll form for the same reduced price of $4.99.  Until now, I assumed Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen were the only dolls available in this line.

According to Target.com, shipping will be within 2 to 4 weeks for both dolls.   The links follow:


BTW -- Target.com is an Ebates.com affiliate.  If you are an Ebates.com member and link to Target.com through Ebates.com, Target purchases qualify for 3% cash back from Ebates.com.  If you have not joined Ebates, use this link to join now -- it's free!

I also found a downloadable/printable Princess Tiana paper doll!  This will have to do until I find the magnetic version.


dbg


MSNBC News Nightly report:  Princess Tiana... a long time coming

(Images obtained from Target.com)

Happy Thanksgiving!



"I want to thank you, Lord, for life and all that's in it.


Thank you for the day and for the hour, and the minute."


— Maya Angelou
 
Happy Thanksgiving!
 

dbg
 

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Holiday Decorating with Dolls


Below is a link to my most recent DOLLS magazine blog and slideshow.  Enjoy.

http://dollsmagazine.com/blogs/dolls-in-black/359-holiday-decorating-with-dolls.html

dbg

Monday, November 23, 2009

40% Off Lee Middleton Dolls Through 11.28.09


Bye Bye Blue Bird (image obtained from the Lee Middleton website)

All dolls at the Lee Middleton Home Store are discounted 40% off through this coming Saturday, November 28, 2009. I called and specifically asked about dark-skinned dolls.  The following were available at the time of the call:


Puppy Kisses Boy
Merry Little Snowman
Glory Days
Bye Bye Bluebird
Blessings of Hope
Harvest Ball
My Cupcake
Tiny Cheer
Little Bailey

Images of these can be viewed at the Lee Middleton website by entering their names (individually) in the search box at the website.

To place an order via phone, call 1-800-233-7479 or to inquire about other dolls that are included in the sale.

Shipping is $12.50 for one doll; $15 for 2. Extra shipping will be calculated for any amount above 3 dolls.

Note to reborners:  Many of these dolls and others that are not listed will be perfect reborn specimens. 

dbg

There's Not a Demand For Them

This is often the excuse used by doll manufacturers and doll artists for excluding black dolls from their lines of production.  Manufacturers and artists have used variations of this excuse time and time again after receiving requests for and inquiries about the absence of black dolls. 

If there is no demand for black dolls, why does my collection and the collection of several fellow black-doll enthusiasts exceed numbers in the 3 to 4 digits?  Are we using our ever-decreasing disposable income on three-dimensional inanimate objects that have no meaning to us?  Personally, I am not. 

I love black dolls and would enjoy being recognized as an avid black-doll enthusiast by the people who create them.  I become incensed and frustrated when I hear statements like:

"Black dolls don't sell."
"I don't see color when creating my dolls." (This statement was from an artist who usually only creates non-black dolls--well, I guess she doesn't see color.)
"Black dolls are more expensive to make."
"It is difficult to find the right color brown for my medium."
"We can't get the color right."

To artists and manufacturers who have used any one of the above excuses why black dolls are not incorporated into your lines, know this:

Excuses only benefit those who make them.
The right types of black dolls are in high demand.
Black-doll collectors do exist; we are not invisible!

In my book, Black Dolls a Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion, I referenced the frustration that black-doll collecting sometimes causes.  The chore of finding appealing black dolls and the above types of excuses are the two main causes of this frustration.  On page 10, I wrote the following:

Cures to collectors' frustration woes do exist.  Certainly doll manufacturers and artists realize that dolls represent people and are used as playthings and cherished collectibles by people of all ethnicities.  With this certainty, the need for adequate doll representation for everyone is apparent.  The inclusion of black dolls in all doll lines will allow artists and manufacturers to service the entire doll market.  Excluding black dolls results in the loss of potential business revenue from black-doll collectors and from parents who desire to expose their children to dolls reflective of their image.
Based in their familiarity, inspiration, and immediate association with fellow African Americans, AA doll artists most assuredly can supply the demand for creating beautiful black dolls.  There are many talented AA doll artists whose dolls "live" in obscurity because of the artists' anonymity...
Doll manufacturers should incorporate the talents of  black doll artists.  Manufacturers and mainstream doll artists can and should solicit opinions from black-doll collectors via focus groups and surveys.  By any means necessary, they should think inclusion not exclusion.

dbg

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Got Sam's?

I've been a Sam's Club business card holder since 1991.  Today's Sam's Club sneak preview email contained a link to a free, printable one-day pass for me to share with non-Sam's card holders.  The pass is good from November 22 - November 29, 2009.  The link follows:

Sam's Club One-Day Membership

To keep this blog on the subject of dolls, below are links to specific dolls and doll categories available at Sam's Club online.

Friends Forever Girls® Doll - Nika

B. Girlz 18" Doll and Extra Outfit Set

Hearts a Flutter

Madame Alexander's "Mammy Visits Atlanta" Doll

All Madame Alexander Dolls

All Dolls (I think)

dbg

Friday, November 20, 2009

Reward and $1 Shipping = Big Savings


Image from BarbieCollector.com

After receiving yesterday's email from Barbiecollector.com announcing a sneak peek at the 2010 dolls and offering $1 shipping through December 8, 2009, I hurriedly visited the site, viewed, and preordered three of the Black Label Collection Barbie Basics designed by Bill Greening.  The order qualified for the $1 shipping.  I was also able to use this quarter's Barbie Fan Club Reward, worth $30, which helped tremendously with the final cost of the order.  I eagerly await the December arrival of my stunning trio.



dbg

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Prince Naveen -- Too Lukewarm for Some

Has Disney finally, totally gotten it right by introducing an African American princess into their cast of animated princess heroines? I hear a resounding "yes" from doll collectors, parents, along with a host of others who have longed to visualize a character of Princess Tiana's magnitude, who finds her ideal companion, Prince Naveen, the person with whom she realizes that pleasant dreams do come true. This resounding "yes" is from an African American female perspective, however.


Disney's Prince Naveen character from the movie, The Princess and the Frog

Let's completely exhale and consider the African American male perspective. Prince Naveen's ethnicity is clearly not African American. My best guess, using his tanned appearance as my first clue; his straight black hair, and the name, Naveen, as additional clues, is that he is of East Indian descent. So, our beloved Princess Tiana finds herself in love with someone "other than a black male," as one astute African American male, whose opinion is highly respected, describes Prince Naveen. He further adds:


The bottom-line here is that the young black boys and girls will not find themselves trusting, helping and loving each other by this movie's conclusion. It will be the beautiful black woman and the "tanned-other-than-a-black-guy-with-overt-white-features" who emerge together in perpetual bliss. And for many current and future black women who lack the presence of positive black males in their lives, this will help germinate seeds of doubtful character, insecurity and lack of trustworthiness in the black men they meet. And [there] are already droves of them out here who have literally stopped dating "their-own-kind!" Yup, this is really going to help the black family!
All children are impressionable and our babies, especially, need to know that there is nothing wrong with being black, regardless of what others attempt to insinuate.

I realize that Disney's attempt with this movie is to create a first as well as appeal to a wider audience than African Americans by incorporating other cultures into the mix. Princess Tiana's BFF, Charlotte, is Caucasian and, as stated, Prince Naveen is something "other than" African American. For Disney, it all boils down to the mighty dollar. Greater appeal equals greater profit from moviegoers and merchandise purchasers.


L-R:  Princess Tiana todder doll, Just One Kiss Princess Tiana doll, Prince Naveen and Princess Tiana Wedding Gift Set

While the concern that Princess Tiana's prince is not African American has always been my reality; like many others, I have been blind sighted by the ideal of our first African American animated princess, overlooking the obvious in the tan, other-than-black male character, Prince Naveen. While Princess Tiana is part of my doll collection in full force, Prince Naveen is not. This is not to say that I won't eventually purchase the doll and contribute to Disney's profit margin, but in this collection, he will not be someone "other than a black male."


After viewing the movie, parents should discuss it with their children, stressing its make-believe nature, emphasizing their individual morals and cultural values, and iterating and reiterating again and again that there is nothing anomalous about possessing a high concentration of melanin pigment. This especially needs to be stressed to young, black princes because they do exist.

What are your thoughts?

(Due to spam, commenting has been turned off on this and all other posts.)


dbg

Monday, November 16, 2009

Julia Discounted @ Big Lots


Mattel's reproduction of their 1968 doll tribute to actress Diahann Carroll for her role as the first African American to star in the nonstereotypical primetime TV sit-com, Julia, is currently discounted at Big Lots.  The doll's original retail was $49.99.  Big Lots has it for $20.  This doll has been seen in other cities at Wal-Mart for the same price.  Quantities are limited.  There were only 2 at the Big Lots that I visited today.  I did not purchase either as I already have 3. 


The doll uses the original Midge or vintage Christie head sculpt, features a twist 'n turn waist, bendable legs, and wears a two-piece nurse uniform complete with hat and white high-heel shoes. Also included is a reproduction of the original 1968 booklet printed in full color, which features other Barbies and friends from 1968.

The reproduction doll was created in celebration of Barbie's 50th Anniversary and commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the landmark Julia show, which proved to be a hit by excalating "to the top ten list of most watched programs during its first year..."*


*http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/J/htmlJ/julia/julia.htm


dbg

Friday, November 13, 2009

I Believe in Angels...

...JC Penney does, too.  Their Angel Giving Tree online allows customers to adopt an angel during this gift-giving season and grant the angel's gift wishes.  I just did. 



Image from JCPenney.com

It was very convenient to shop online and select items from the angel's list and have them shipped directly to the Salvation Army based on the zip code I chose.  Shipping was free when I used the promo code and validation number provided by JC Penney after I selected my angel.  I chose a 6 year-old girl who wanted a baby doll, clothing, and shoes. 

If you decide to participate, at checkout, remember to choose the checkout + promo code option.  To have your angel's items shipped directly to the selected Salvation Army, choose their address (which will be provided to you) as the shipping address along with your angel's ID.  This is explained under the FAQ link at their website.  You can also have the items shipped to you and hand deliver them to the Salvation Army. 


To select an angel or browse the angels' wish lists, click here.

dbg

A Joyous Barbie Reunion

My latest DOLLS magazine blog can be accessed at the following URL.
http://dollsmagazine.com/blogs/dolls-in-black/355-a-joyous-barbier-reunion.html

Happy Friday!

dbg

Thursday, November 12, 2009

More S.I.S. Dolls... New Gear... New Friends

New "rocking" gear, and two new friends may be added to Mattel's So In Style doll mix soon.  Check them out here.

dbg

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

If I Were a Blade or Wesley Snipes Fan...

...I'd certainly own this Hot Toys Blade II figure. 

Internet-captured photo of Blade II action figure by Hot Toys, distributed by SideShow

But I'm not, so chances are slim to none that I will ever acquire it. 

The figure retails for around $189.  

dbg

Monday, November 9, 2009

Nice Black Barbie Memorabilia

After reading a recent blog by Who's the Mama Here? and learning about HSN.com's Barbie Loves Stila sale ($13.98 reduced from $40), I immediately ordered the Foxy version featuring the 1980 first Black Barbie -- or first black doll given the name, Barbie.




Instead of receiving the item ordered, I received the above paint can that features the Jewel Girl Barbie from the year 2000.  I called HSN to report the mishap and was instructed to return the item using the return shipping label provided.  A credit for the return shipping was applied to my account and the correct item shipped to me.


Today, the Foxy version arrived. The colorful, numbered, limited edition paint can contains black crinkle packing paper and the above featured items:  the Foxy doll palate of two eye shadows and cheek color, tangerine lip glaze, and waterproof black mascara.  Attached to the can is a "Barbie Look Book" with a brief illustrated history of each top-selling Barbie doll over the last 5 decades.

This is a nice piece of Black Barbie memorabilia. 

At the time of this post, the HSN sale is ongoing but Foxy is the only version that remains.

dbg

Can you tell by now...

...how well the Black Doll Enthusiast blogger name fits me?  My collection is very eclectic and incorporates a few antique, but mostly vintage-to-modern black dolls of all types and mediums.  While a black porcelain doll began my adult collection in 1991, porcelain is my least favorite medium.  I shy away from it as much as possible.  One recent exception was made, but because the doll did not appeal to me 100%, it was returned to the manufacturer.

I wrote the above blurb as an explanation for sharing the following "dolls" that I spotted online at JCPenney.com - ventriloquist dolls!  Yes, I own some black versions of these, too.  If anyone else is interested in just looking at them (even if you find them creepy), the link to their image and ordering information follows:

Ventriloquist Dolls

dbg

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Male Action Figure with Dreadlocks ID'd for Kerri



A link to the above image was used in a previous blog about Dark Skinned Male Dolls, read by one of my readers (Kerri) who wanted the identification of the dreadlocked figure.  The dreadlocked action figure was purchased from Old Joe Infirmary for $4.99.  It was sold as a "Nude African American figure" and has since sold out at OJI.

A Black Doll-E-Zine subscriber, Willena Nanton, informs that this figure is based on the role of Tyr Anasazi played by actor, Keith Hamilton Cobb, in Andromeda.  It was made by Blue Box Toys.   Ms. Nanton asked that I share this information with Kerri. 

I'll go a step further by adding a link to a merchant from whom the figure can be purchased for $14.99, never removed from box:
 
http://www.collectorsgateway.com/Gene-Roddenberrys-Andromeda-Tyr-Anasazi-Action-Figure-_p_435.html


Thanks again Willena and thanks Kerri for asking. This information is helpful to me as well.

dbg

Friday, November 6, 2009

Poll Results and E-mail from Danbury Mint

The Michelle Obama Inaugural Doll "I like it; I don't like it" poll closed today.  Based on the photos of the actual doll that I took and shared in last week's The Excitement Has Fizzled blog, 18% of voters like the doll and 81% dislike it.

With reference to the aforementioned blog and the photos that I shared, I received the following e-mail from  Mr. Jerry March, Vice President, Danbury Mint.  I asked and was granted permission to share the contents of this email including its photo attachments:


Dear Debbie,


I am the marketing manager for the Michelle Obama Doll, and I just came across your posting and photos on your blog. I am very sorry that you are not happy with your doll. We've done everything possible to make sure that our doll is as close a likeness as you can get in a 16" porcelain doll, and we take your criticism seriously. In looking at the photos on your site, it appears that the doll is not positioned or styled as we had intended. Attached are two photos taken of a production doll from our warehouse with a standard camera that shows the doll after it has been styled as described in the unpacking card. Though it is not identical to the photo in the advertisement (which used an artist's rendering based on our actual sculpture since the doll had not been produced yet), I hope you would agree that it is an attractive doll, and actually a very good likeness of the First Lady. We've used only the finest quality porcelain, the dress is embellished with real crystals, and all the materials used for the dress and jewelry are of the highest quality. We chose to paint on the shoes because you can get much better accuracy and detail with hand painting than with constructing shoes that size.


We take our customers' opinions very seriously, and we are dedicated to creating the best products possible. I hope you will take another look at your doll and perhaps change your mind about its quality. If not, please accept my apologies, and know that we will do everything in our power to create the best product possible going forward, and will continue to go to great lengths to make our customers happy.

Thank you for understanding.

Best regards,


Jerry March
Vice President




I conveyed my appreciation to Mr. March for his personal attention and informed him that I had already returned the doll. 

There is a definite need for more companies like his, where customers' opinions truly matter.




dbg