Hello everyone, today I felt like talking about dolls, but it's been a long week and I don't want to get out of bed, so I thought I would share some of my dreamies and ramble about them a little bit.
Barbie Fairytopia Dolls (2003)
There's something about the fact that, in the midst of making some of the higher quality dolls Mattel has ever made, they came out with a Barbie that is just blue. I love the tones of the skin--they're pastel but in a kind of alien way. I really struggle to pick a favorite from these three. Fortunately, because they were playline, there's still a good number of them floating around (I actually just saw one on Facebook Marketplace today) but unfortunately, that also means a lot of them are missing wings, skirts, or just generally look like they've been through a war. Maybe once I have a more stable income I'll buy the set NIB on eBay.
Barbie Lounge Kitties (2003)
I guess Mattel was feeling innovative in 2003, because along with the Fairytopia dolls, these dolls are some of the most unique things I've ever seen from them. I am in love with the outfits and the furniture they come with, and even the packaging is gorgeous. (If I remember correctly they also have poseable tails?) These girls are quite expensive now--the eBay listing I stole this image from was $400--which I suppose makes sense because they are higher end and definitely not something Mattel would make today. Still, I don't know if I could ever pay that much for it considering the black cat's outfit is pleather and will fall apart the minute you unbox her now.
There's something so magical about this era where the outfits are so well designed but the dolls are still rocking their boxy 90s builds. It does make me laugh that they put a corset on the black cat doll over Barbie's heinous waistline. I will say I absolutely adore the faceups. The tiger cat's super pale skin and lip with the dark double lidded eye shadow is one of my all time favorites, and the black cat's mug is a close second. This may be one of the draggiest things Barbie has ever done, and I say that with love.
Reel Drama Monster High (2022)
Oughhh, what do I even need to say? Monster High has definitely released some stinkers, but this line really feels like they saw a fan-edited doll and made it real. I was far too broke to snag them during any time they were being produced, but I hope to at least get a Frankie eventually. I think they're all incredible though. Chef's kiss, perfect execution, etc.
Hard Rock Cafe Barbie (2008)
I didn't even know Barbie was allowed to look like this. Mattel, I'm begging you, we need more punk Barbie! Honestly, I like a lot of the Hard Rock Cafe Barbies, but this one is a stand out. I think it's the detail on the corset, or just that this style of dressing has really come back around. The half dyed hair, the arm warmers, the fishnets, the real chain jewelry?? It's unreal. I can't find from cursory Googling what she originally retailed for, but since she was a gold label doll, she is easily hundreds of dollars now. I might murder someone to get this doll, but what I will not do is spend $200.
Moxie Tweenz Wave 2 Bijou (2011)
Moxie Tweenz is such a weird line that honestly I don't know much about, but they went incredibly hard with this design. I'm in love with her boho-western aesthetic, and we don't get enough dolls with cardigans. I'm also a sucker for a bold light lipstick and inset eyes. Apparently she also has an interchangeable wig feature which both confuses and intrigues me. I personally am not a "dolls with wigs" type of collector, but I'm impressed that they would include that as a feature in a playline doll. But this was also the era of Spin Master's Liv dolls, which also had inset eyes and interchangeable wigs, so maybe that was just in vogue. Either way, hats off Bijou, I need you on my shelf.
Bratzillaz Magic Night Out (2013)
I feel a bit like a liar putting this whole set on my dreamies list, since technically I do have Chloetta from this wave already, but I don't have her outfit. I feel like I usually try to practice some restraint as a collector, and I'm definitely not a completionist, but Bratzillaz is the exception to that. I already have at least one of each core character, but they are such gorgeous, beautiful quality dolls that it just makes me want to get more. Magic Night Out is I think the epitome of what makes Bratzillaz great. I love that they're never afraid to drastically change characters' hairstyles for an outfit--the hair colors on Jade and Yasmina?! This wave also features probably the most sought after Bratzillaz character, Vampelina, and for good reason, since this was her only ever appearance and she is absolutely stunning in her little crinoline. It's a shame Bratzillaz didn't take off nearly as much as Monster High. I guess they did technically rip them off, but Mattel deserved it anyway.
Pinkie Cooper (2012)
I'm gonna try to wrap up, as I've realized that I have a lot more dolls on my list than I'm prepared to talk about right now, and what doll collector's list of dreamies would be complete without Pinkie Cooper? I was trying to decide how I could make myself sound not like other girls, but I am in fact just like the other girls about this. Pinkie Cooper is adorable and I love her, although I tend to like Pepper's outfits a bit more because of the higher contrast. It's a pain that she's so expensive now because (fun fact!) she is not even all that rare, just in high demand. As an autistic dogboy, I just think it would be cool to have, and I'll settle for a cheap, beat up Pinkie that I can nurse back to health whenever I come across one.
Thank you for reading my rambles! I will definitely make an extended dreamies list at some point, but first I might make a list of some dolls that I think are underrated or less known. I'll post some of the dolls I actually do have once I have a little more energy, and also some of the crafting I've been doing with them. See ya later!
Love, Alec
