I figured it must be. Emerald green would have been too much, but against a tourmaline green dress she should look dazzling in her faux emeralds.

i can't wait!!

well, i joined the club today, the barbie collector's club. the small print at the bottom of the webpage says if i quit the club, the collector's barbies i buy, i have to return. wonder if that means if i don't renew next year, do i have to return the dolls i purchased during my year of membership? can't wait to get the package to determine what they're talking about. it'll be here in 7-14 days!

That sounds so incredibly exciting! Keep us posted! How do you display your Barbies, so they are safe and kid-proof?! We need a photo of your collection and how you have them displayed!

haha! no, really, you don't want to know how they're displayed. let's say they don't see the light. and i will indeed keep everyone posted. i counted up the dolls i have right now (plus the one from qvc) and i'm up to 49. that's it? as other enthusiastic doll collectors might say. but i'm out of room with them!

I know how collections can eat up available flat space. I thought AM might have built your tiered risers so they could be displayed above closets and in other unused space like that.

ok, we lost some posts here. where are my buttons????

I can paste the lost ones if you'd like. I am crazy enough to save conferences topics to file...! (I think the buttons are cute with the Yellow background!)

There were about 5 days of lost posts, between the time I tarbabied the old conferences and transplanted them here. You can still get to the old site if you want to copy the lost posts (old site - http://206.97.234.70 and new site is http://www.spring.net or http://208.165.85.156).

got some barbie-related news: mattel's ceo resigned (or was fired) due to lagging sales in the 4th quarter.... and little debbie snacks' 40th anniversary doll arrived at my house today. she looks a bit different (the face) but is a barbie never-the-less. just $21 total with shipping.

hey, why's there a hyperlink on news????

I was going to telnet to look at it but I cannot see anything after several posts yesterday. I wonder what the new one will be. sigh! Is Little Debbie/Barbie cute? Is she wearing that little hat, too?

nope, this is the anniversary edition and she's in blue with a knit top and a stretchy light blue skirt with a tulle overlay with sparkles. very pretty. she carry's a silver bag and has silver accents on her dress and hair.

This is not the same Little Debbie with which I am familiar...! Sounds lovely!

Here is Arthur and Gwenivere

Did they also make Whazzisface, her boyfriend? I forgot the name, you know - the other guy?

Guinnevere or Barbie? also, barbie will be sporting a new waist soon. she will have a belly button and her waist will be covered with stretchy "stuff" (technical aren't i?) so you won't see the armatures when she wears midriff bearing outfits that are, like, sooooo coooool today. wonder if she'll sport a naval ring as well?

Stupid question time: Why does Barbie need stretchy tummy "stuff"??? Can you see her armatures now? I obviously have not had my hands on a Barbie in ages and ages - my son wanted the real thing when he got old enough ;)

i don't know. let me find the article and the PICTURE!

Yay! Pictures! Inquiring eyes want to see *grin*

here's the article and the picture shall be here forthwith: ----------------- By Michelle Healy, USA TODAY A year after hitting the big 4-0, everyone's favorite party girl is getting a major overhaul, smack-dab in the midsection. Barbie: The new doll bares midriff. Consider it Barbie's millennium makeover. That's what the folks at Mattel are calling the redesign that will enable the world's most popular fashion doll to twist and bend at the waist without joints showing. That unsightly seam at her waist? Gone, history. In its place is a cute little bellybutton. At next week's American International Toy Fair in New York, Mattel will unveil the latest body incarnation for its $1.5-billion-a-year baby. Jewel Girl, due out in August, will be the first Barbie to sport a midsection material that allows much more human, natural movement, says Barbie marketing executive Anne Parducci. "It looks almost like skin and has a soft, fleshy feel," she says. "Bend her over and she gets a little bit of a (paunch)." Why mess with a middle that has worked so well all these years? Barbie was looking "a little dated," Parducci says. Whether it's cropped tops or low-slung pants, "today's styles show off the midriff. It's hard to do that with an ugly (abdomen)." At least two retailers who have seen the new body praise it for enhancing the fun quotient and for being more "realistic" - if that term can be applied to a plastic plaything famous for being perched on tippy-toes. It's "a great new body that looks more natural," Toys R Us buyer Deborah Terrell says. "More mobility and flexibility only enhances the Barbie experience," says Wal-Mart spokesman John Bisio. Toy watchers may recall 1997 reports of a much-ballyhooed Barbie makeover that was supposed to result in a doll with wider waist, slimmer hips and smaller bust. It never materialized. Preliminary discussions about changes "got car ried away by the press," Parducci says. One change that did come to fruition was last year's introduction of what Mattel calls a "more contemporary" smiling face. Though some collector Barbies will sport a reserved, closed-mouth smile, the new subtle-yet-toothy grin is set to reign over mass-market Barbieland, popping up on 95% of the 2000 dolls. --------------- so they gonna do her neck, legs, and arms next?

New Waist Barbie

Unreal! You still cannot see but I hope it is made of tough stuff which will not deteriorate over the years or she will fall apart just like real women do!

Maybe they'll design her an abs excercizer!!! Oh, and she'll have to have proper gym clothes - a nice sideline for Nike perhaps? Or does she already have those?

she has gym clothes but they're not endorsed YET!

I'm surprised - I thought they'd have done that ages ago!

Yup! Adidas or someone... Perhaps they ask too high a price for that little bit of advertising...?

ok, empress of emeralds came in today! she's beautiful. her box lid comes off and you can straighten out her jewelry and hair if you need to. i'm so *excited* and, avon's newest barbie is angelic inspirations. my friend is an avon lady and ordered her for me at her price. i saved $6. (she's $29.99 with a $10.00 purchase or $54.99 by herself). she's really pretty and her hair is done a bit differently along with her makeup. am trying to find a pic for you guys to see.

What color is the dress in real life? She is stunning - about that waltzing in a straight line...I think I shall be thusly adorned...! Can't wait to see the new Avon acquisition! (and your wee little pix will not cause the demise of Spring as we know it!!!)

her dress is a deep emerald green. it's quite lovely. even the AM was excited!

Oooh! Gotcha...She was lovely with the strawberry-blonde hair...*sigh* She must be stunning for AM to single her out of all of your others. If you had not told me to turn on the telly that time she was on QVC I would not know how lovely she really is! I am realy happy for you! *hugs*

here's a link to the new avon barbie: http://www.donnas-dolls.com/avon_angel.htm

That is gorgeous - and an Angel! I would collect angels if I had someplace to put them. Lovely gold and porcelain Renaissance Angels...

From Amy (irishprincess) who says she thinks she will never get too old to collect Barbies, Merlin and Morgaine

More from Amy: IMPERIAL COLLECTION: AUTUMN in LONDON:

From Amy's collection and wish list:

The left one is Peruvian and "even the baby is cute." The right one is Native American which is still on her wish list.

oh the imperial collection is beautiful and most expensive. but the detailing is perfect. the first one was blonde with a blue dress. am so glad there's someone else out there nuts about barbie! am gonna scan a couple of pictures....

Excellent - amy will be happy to hear about your scans - perhaps we can entice her back for a little while...*grin*

here goes and i shrunk them quite a bit but they may be too big still.... Venetian Opulence Barbie 3rd in the Masquerade Series (and the best in that set IMO)

ok, and the Porcelain Faberge' Imperial Elegance Barbie (a whopping $400 to boot)

due to my scanner, blue spots appear on the dress above. her dress is cream accented with swarovski crystals...

Dazzling Barbies. I had no idea they were so ornate. I love the gold and blue one...just stunning. Is she a regular Barbie or all porcelain?

These Barbies look exquisite on your watered silk background. I love the masquerade Barbie you posted. Amazing!

the faberge' (blue and cream) is all porcelain, which explains the high price!

Wolf, when I look at this and the prices... Makes me feel worried - think of the kid's college, or sumpthin'!

oh, alex, i've not purchased a doll over $100 unless it was on sale for under that. don't worry for me!

Aren't these vastly costly - for a doll - Barbies for adult collectors? Children seldom get to play with ones like these!

you know that's right. no, the high dollar ones are for adults. and mattel knows they can get folks to pay.

i'd much rather spend $800 on a piece of jewelry than a doll...at least i can carry that around with me *grin*

Yup! Or like that $40,000 diamond Barbie. I want to be wearing the diamonds if I spend that kind of money on them!!!

that's what i'm saying!

Actually, I don't spend anything even close to the amount she spends of clothes, but then, Bob Mackie does not design Most of my stuff...*sigh*

can't remember where we discussed the star wars royalty collection, but tonight, i added the third and final one. queen amidala in her senate gown (the red one with the horned hairdo).....she was half-off original price and i couldn't pass her up, since wal-mart didn't have any of them left (after their $18 sale of the dolls)...

I don't remember your mentioning them. Oh yes! Now I do. There was one with a blanck travelling outfit, as well, or am I thinking of something else?

nope, you're on the right track!

Good...I shall check back through the posts to refresh my memory...*sigh* Do you have some shelves where all of these ladies are viewable? You are acquiring quite a lovely collection now.

the shelves where they sit are in the closet. they are stacked on top of each other. the star wars collection sits on my dresser at the moment since both the closet and the top of a filing cabinet are stacked high and no more will fit. (1/2 of a small closet is converted to shelves) oh, and toys r us is having a barbie giveaway--you fill out a slip, mail it in and enter the drawing: grand prize: retail value of barbie items at $10,300, can you imagine??? 1st prize: 10 winners receive a barbie pc computer package with color monitor and software 2nd prize: 5 winners receive a barbie party with refreshments, an appearance by barbie at the location of their choice. or course, i'm interested in the grand prize! who wouldn't be? but if we win anything at all, my daughter would be happy (and so would i, really)

Wow! Enter! (Like you didn't a thousand times already?!) Good luck, Wolfie!!!

i suppose i could enter a thousand times, it says only one entry per outer envelope. hmmmm, how much can i afford in stamps? i'd better get moving!

Go! Wolfie Go!

Sign language Barbie to go on sale LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Barbie, the world's most famous plastic bombshell, has been a doctor and a designer, but never in her 41 years had she been a champion for the disabled, until this week when she found work as a sign language expert. With one hand permanently molded into the sign for ``I love you,'' Mattel Inc.'s new ``Sign Language Barbie'' comes with sign language stickers and attempts to teach girls American Sign Language (ASL), said Julia Jensen, a spokesman for the El Segundo, Calif.-based toymaker Mattel. ``For over 41 years, Barbie has taken on several exciting aspirational roles ranging from astronaut to presidential candidate,'' said Adrienne Fontanella, president of the girls' toy and Barbie division at Mattel. ``But this is the first time Barbie has communicated an ASL signing position, and in the role of teacher, she can help to break down barriers and facilitate understanding between children with and without disabilities.'' Mattel worked with the National Center on Deafness at California State University, Northridge to ensure the American Sign Language Barbie doll was accurately representing a sign language teacher, Jensen said. The sign language Barbie, which sells exclusively at U.S. Toys 'R' Us stores, comes with a chalk board, reusable vinyl sign language stickers, and is packaged in a schoolroom setting. By using the stickers, children can make their own sentences through the use of American Sign Language, Jensen said. Jensen added that although Barbie teaches sign language she herself is not deaf or disabled. However she has a disabled friend, Becky, who Mattel began producing in 1997 complete with her own wheelchair and camera, Jensen said. This year Mattel plans to release a ``Paralympic Becky,'' in time for the August 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia, Jensen said. The Paralympic Becky will come with an athletic uniform for track and field events, specially designed wheelchair, riding helmet, gold medal, and tiny water bottle. Paralympic Becky will specialize in track and field events, Jensen said. Her pal, Swimming Champion Barbie, also to be released this summer, will win Olympic gold this year, despite only recently learning how to swim, jaunts in children's baths notwithstanding. ``It's the first time Barbie will be able to swim on her own. She has a wind-up feature that will allow her to do the backstroke and freestyle,'' Jensen said. ``We have no plans at this point for a disabled Barbie but I can't tell you it would never happen,'' Jensen added. In the near future, she added, Barbie is expected to become more socially conscious and will be more active in raising awareness about disabilities, Jensen said. ``This is an area where we feel there is a need. There are plans right now for that not just within Barbie but other Mattel brands.'' Barbie's new direction hints at changes inside Mattel after several tumultuous quarters during which the toy giant tried to remake itself from a traditional toymaker into a family products concern. Earlier this month, Mattel said it would sell its troubled Learning Co. software business, considered a large part of its problems, in a transaction that could fetch far less than its $3.5 billion purchase price. The unit's huge losses led to the resignation of Chairwoman and Chief Executive Jill Barad and several other executives. So far a buyer has not come forward. Meanwhile, Barbie doll products produced more than $1.5 billion revenue for Mattel in 1999 and analysts said domestic Barbie sales in 2000 so far were healthy.

Q: Have you heard about the new teenage Barbie doll? A: As soon as you take her out of the box she starts to resent you.

of course!

I musta been lucky, mine never did - or, if he did, he did not let it show. You have that to look forward to, huh?!

Barbie Pursuing New Career: President WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Last week it was disability rights. Next month, Barbie will launch her campaign for the White House. The White House Project, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that promotes women candidates, said it has teamed up with Mattel Inc. (MAT.N) to market a ``Barbie for President'' doll, which will hit stores May 1. Among her 75 careers over the past four decades, Barbie has worked as a doctor, designer, soccer champ, diplomat and astronaut. Last week, she added sign language expert to her repertoire. Marie Wilson, president of the White House Project, said on Monday a President Barbie was a natural next step. ``Girls nationwide own an average of eight Barbies. Since Barbie is such a large part of girls' lives, we want to be there with a message that encourages them to be tomorrow's leaders,'' she said in a statement. Each ``Barbie for President'' doll will be sold with a copy of the White House Project's Girls' Action Agenda, which urges girls to pursue leadership roles in their schools, communities and homes. ``President Barbie represents possibilities and girls need to know that becoming president is possible,'' said Wilson. Wilson, who also heads the Ms. Foundation for Women and initiated the feminist magazine's ``Take Our Daughters to Work Day,'' said she had suggested that Mattel turn Barbie's big pink dream house into the White House. Sold exclusively at Toys R Us (TOY.N), the doll will be available in three races: black, white and Latina, the group said in a statement released on Monday announcing the 41-year-old doll's latest guise. The only woman to run for president in 2000, former Cabinet secretary Elizabeth Dole, dropped out of the Republican primary contest and threw her support behind Texas Gov. George W. Bush. The White House Project on April 30 will release the results of a national straw poll and a survey on potential women vice presidents. The poll and survey are part of the group's ``Pipeline to the Presidency'' initiative, which tries to promote a dialogue with young women aged 18-24 and encourages girls and women to get involved in politics. ``Our democracy demands full political representation,'' Wilson said. ``We won't settle for anything less.'' Later this year Mattel also plans to release a ``Paralympic Becky,'' in time for the August 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, Australia, and a Swimming Champion Barbie. Barbie doll products produced more than $1.5 billion revenue for the El Segundo, California-based toy giant Mattel in 1999 and analysts said domestic Barbie sales in 2000 so far were healthy.

White House Unruffled by Barbie for President Doll WASHINGTON (Reuters) - She's beautiful, elegantly dressed and very popular but the Barbie doll running for U.S. president is not worrying anyone at the White House. Dressed in an ice blue suit with a ``Barbie for President'' button on her lapel, the svelte doll made by Mattel Inc is running for the highest office in the land from a red, white and blue box emblazoned ``Barbie President 2000.'' ``Barbie...Um...can't think she's gonna have much of an impact on the race unless they run Malibu Barbie and then maybe California will be impacted,'' White House spokesman Joe Lockhart told reporters on Thursday, tongue firmly in cheek. The White House Project, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that promotes women candidates, this week said it had teamed up with Mattel to market the ``Barbie for President'' doll, which will hit stores May 1. Overall Barbie doll sales generate more than $1.5 billion in revenues for California-based Mattel. Presidential Barbie, who comes equipped with a slinky red evening gown and matching shoes, seems to understand it may be tough to beat the main presidential contenders: Democratic Vice President Al Gore and Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush. In a disclaimer written in small print at the bottom of her box, the company notes: ``Podium not included. Doll cannot stand alone.''

Emerald Empress Thanks Amy

all four of the new collection (royal gems) are out (prototypes of the other 3)...will scan the pic tomorrow!

Ooh good. The above one was emailed to me.

well, this goes to show that tomorrow never comes *grin* i finally scanned the pic and as soon as i get it to the right size, i'll post it!

ok, lemme fix that...

well, i don't get it.

ok, don't have a pix of her yet but Harley Barbie #4 is at TRU for $69.99. She is a blonde who has had high and low lights put in. and she has really full lips. oh, and can someone tell me why the beauty mark is placed over the right side of the mouth and not the left? i've seen several folks of beauty with these natural moles on the left. so shouldn't barbie be the same?

TRU link: http://www.toysrus.com/index.cfm?siteID=UZR89t2CmH4-gLepfGfa4Pkg0zpjnVxQCw

(scroll down the page and click on Harley #4)

Awesome!!!

NEW Barbie dolls to coincide with her and OUR aging gracefully. these are a bit more realistic... 1. Bifocals Barbie. Comes with her own set of blended-lens fashion frames in six wild colors (half-frames too!), neck chain and large-print editions of Vogue and Martha Stewart Living. 2. Hot Flash Barbie. Press Barbie's bellybutton and watch her face turn beet red while tiny drops of perspiration appear on her forehead. Comes with hand-held fan and tiny tissues. 3. Facial Hair Barbie. As Barbie's hormone levels shift, see her whiskers grow. Available with teensy tweezers and magnifying mirror. 4. Flabby Arms Barbie. Hide Barbie's droopy triceps with these new, roomier-sleeved gowns. Good news on the tummy front, too-muumuus with tummy-support panels are included. 5. Bunion Barbie. Years of disco dancing in stiletto heels have definitely taken their toll on Barbie's dainty arched feet. Soothe her sores with the pumice stone and plasters, then slip on soft terry mules. 6. No-More-Wrinkles Barbie. Erase those pesky crow's-feet and lip lines with a tube of Skin Sparkle-Spackle, from Barbie's own line of exclusive age-blasting cosmetics. 7. Soccer Mom Barbie. All that experience as a cheer-leader is really paying off as Barbie dusts off her old high school megaphone to root for Babs and Ken, Jr. Comes with minivan in robin-egg blue or white, and cooler filled with doughnut holes and fruit punch. 8. Mid-life Crisis Barbie. It's time to ditch Ken. Barbie needs a change, and Alonzo(her personal trainer) is just what the doctor ordered, along with Prozac. They're hopping in her new red Miata and heading for the Napa Valley to open a B&B. Includes a real tape of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do." 9. Divorced Barbie. Sells for $199.99. Comes with Ken's house, Ken's car, and Ken's boat. 10. Recovery Barbie. Too many parties have finally caught up with the ultimate party girl. Now she does Twelve Steps instead of dance steps. Clean and sober, she's going to meetings religiously. Comes with a little copy of The Big Book and a six-pack of Diet Coke. 11. Post-Menopausal Barbie. This Barbie wets her pants when she sneezes, forgets where she puts things, and cries a lot. She is sick and tired of Ken sitting on the couch watching the tube, clicking through the channels. Comes with Depends and Kleenex. As a bonus this year, the book "Getting In Touch with Your Inner Self" is included.

*lol* OK, went to good old walmart today and found a couple new barbies. one was millenium bride, a new collection, for $49 (rounded). another was a the first of what looks like a new holiday series...barbie is celebrating christmas 2000 with a 2000 ornament. didn't get the price and don't have pics. BUT i'll keep scouring my mags and the net and let you know!

ok, here's the millenium wedding barbie link: http://www.barbie.com/collectors/00_preview/pshow/pshow_h/27674.asp

and the new holiday line starts with celebration barbie: http://www.barbie.com/collectors/00_preview/pshow/pshow_h/28269.asp

ok, and the 2001 lineup is up for preview at the newly redesigned barbie.com. here's one of the new limited collection set that's out now: http://www.barbiecollectibles.com/collectors/series/series_h/classicalgoddess.asp

just got a piece of mail from the barbie club, 2001 club kits are now available to order, this one includes a note pad set w/pen along with all the other goodies usually found inside. (a collectable pin, a binder for the barbie insider editions, and an outfit with accessories, plus an order form for collector club dolls)

Wow! Marketing is everything, I guess. No free samples?! My Daddy warned me about those!

------------- "Smart" Toys Don't Like Abuse --------------- Mattel Corporation has gotten into the high-tech act by pro- ducing a line of talking dolls. The strategy is to attract older girls who are tired of Barbie. The new dolls, called Diva Starz, scream if their hair is pulled and object if you keep them in pajamas after the sun comes up. More of these latest toys include robotic dogs, toys which communicate and new versions of dolls with change vocabulary and actions as they age.

What's the latest Barbie line, wolfie?

you know, i get catalogs all the time and keep forgetting to post here! i'll get back to you on it!

OK I'll take your raincheck.

Barbie has not lost herself on me, I'm just floundering in the throes of life. am way behind on my collection though i did see one i just love and have to have. i think she's Grand Entrance and Wal-Mart has her ($50). all of the Royal Jewels are available either through Mattel or QVC (i think QVC still has the first one). they go for $99. last i checked, the first one (Empress of Emeralds) was going for $92 on QVC. still haven't picked up the latest Harley Barbie but Toys-R-Us still carries her AFAIK. perhaps i should put these dolls on lay-away and pick them up when i return from a business trip.

ok, as i was telling marcia in an email, i found the replacement barbie for butterfly art. she has absolutely no tattoos, straight hair (vs crimped), plain denim skirt (vs fringes), no jewelry, the box is smaller, and the doll has a different stock number than the original but carries the same name. i will take a pic of these dolls side by side and post them for you to view. no promises as to when but, i'll do it. oh, and the tattoos included in the box are referred to as temporary stickers but also referred to as tattoos in the ingredient list.

as promised, here are the butterbly barbie photos *fingers crossed* but first, let me apologize for the quality of the pics. hopefully you can make out the differences!

Avon has a new barbie for us collectors: she's the Ring in the New Year Barbie Doll. this time, avon has included the hispanic version this time (don't remember seeing that one offered before). and the avon website doesn't have her listed yet. she comes in a display box and has a musical ornament that plays "auld lang syne." (all this for $36.99, whew)

Wow!!! I am assuming you have told the resident Santa of your need for this one. What a splendid holiday ornament. Pictures??

no, i was hoping avon had it but their site isn't updated with the new campaign stuff yet. maybe i'll scan it, though the picture is cut right down the middle of the booklet.

did i mention that Mattel is just around the corner from where i work and i can go there during lunch? *laugh* look out, here comes wolfie!!!

oh, and did i also mention that the AM gave me the green light to shop there? *rubbing paws together with glee*

here is the ring in the new year barbie at avon:http://shop.avon.com/avonshop/default.asp?department=shop&level1%5Fid=3

try this:http://shop.avon.com/avonshop/product.asp?src%5Fpage=product%2Easp&department=shop&level1%5Fid=&level2%5Fid=3&pdept%5Fid=13&dept%5Fid=54&pf%5Fid=2330&level=3