Fashion Dolls 101

One of the figures I have had on display this year as part of the semiquincentennial celebration is this historic Betsy Ross figurine from Avon  Fifty years after she was released in 1976, she has been a part of my America250 celebration all summer   The 1976 Avon Betsy Ross Sonnet cologne figurine remains one of the most recognizable patriotic collectibles from America’s Bicentennial celebration. Issued by Avon to mark the 200th anniversary of the United States, this charming figural bottle combines vintage perfume history with classic Americana design and continues to appeal to collectors of both Avon bottles and Bicentennial memorabilia. Design and Details of the Figurine The bottle depicts Betsy Ross in colonial attire, typically shown with the early American flag. Many versions feature the flag draped across her skirt or lap, highlighting the traditional story of her sewing the first Stars and Stripes. Standing about 5.5 inches tall, the piece held 4 fluid ounces of Av...

  There are tons of cute toys in the new 2026 Walmart “Let’s Go to the Toy Shop” catalog but my eye was immediately caught by the Barbie holiday offerings. I think it is nice that they offer a Hanukkah sweater in blue tones with the blue checked pants, but I am really diggin’ that adorably festive Christmas sweater with matching red checked pants. It’s super cute for the holidays. And take a look at Ken! I like the formal red dress for Barbie, but I LOVE that tux for Ken with the snazzy red jacket. Guess I better start counting my Pennie’s now, while Pennie’s are still around.  It looks like it is going to be a Happy Holiday Season in 2026 with Barbie. 

  We are only two small gnomes, red-white-and-blue from tip of cap to toe of boot, standing with our little flags. One of us holds the Stars and Stripes. The other holds the America 250 banner. One a simple sign that reads USA, the other a heart of red, white, and blue. We keep to our humble hearth and home, and we have long memories. We do not understand why so many of our countrymen—especially the young—have been taught to look away from the deliberate terrorism of September 11, 2001. Nearly three thousand souls were murdered that morning when airplanes were turned into weapons against our towers, our Pentagon, and the seat of our government. We said we would never forget. Yet twenty-five years later, many have forgotten, or have been carefully instructed to forget, or have decided that speaking plainly about what happened is somehow racist or “Islamophobic.” We remember Todd Beamer and the brave passengers of Flight 93 who rose up, fought back, and forced their plane into a Pen...

  You may have heard about the dog days of summer, those last summer days where the weather is just too hot and no one has the energy to do anything except lay around like a dog. Well, let me introduce you to the “troll days of summer.” It’s that odd season between the Fourth of July and summer picnics and the opening of school where it’s still summer but somehow it doesn’t feel like the carefree days of summer… it just feels hot. But our trolls are here to tell you that if you find a shady spot and a few friends, you can still find some summer fun! For one thing, it’s America 250 until the end of the year so any time is a good time for a patriotic picnic or a festive gathering with friends. For another, Fall is just around the corner so it won’t be hot for that much longer. Find a shady spot or a pool or a lake or a creek and put out your favorite picnic blanket, invite some friends, and just relax. The Summer of America 250 won’t last much longer. Enjoy it while it’s here like ou...

  Recently found in a 2004 Westview newspaper clipping , this article captures a special moment when the Belle Mead Plantation Belles Doll Club met renowned doll artist and designer  Robert Tonner . About Robert Tonner Robert Tonner (born 1952) is a celebrated American fashion designer, sculptor, and doll artist. He founded the Tonner Doll Company in 1991 (originally as Robert Tonner Doll Designs). By the early 2000s, his company had become one of the leading names in high-end collectible fashion dolls. In 2004, he was at the peak of his influence, known especially for the popular Tyler Wentworth collection, along with lines like Betsy McCall and Kitty Collier. He was actively designing sophisticated, couture-inspired dolls that appealed to adult collectors. Today, Tonner remains active in the doll world as a sculptor and designer. After closing the main Tonner Doll Company in 2018, he has shifted toward more independent and limited-edition work, including new character dol...

  Just when you thought they couldn’t get any more festive, the Barbie micro minis are pulling out all the stops with new accessories for the big America250 4th of July Celebration! It’s All in the Details The little micro minis have had some makeovers to their outfits. From left to right: The brunette ponytail 2026 mini has had her top painted with red stripes, a red bracelet, and red lipstick added and found a sweet navy blue shrug to wear. The blond 2026 ponytail had her skirt painted red instead of pink, has red lipstick and a cute black shoulder bag. The 2025 blonde ponytail has a flag purse and a red, white and blue shawl to match her outfit. The 2025 brunette had her top painted red to go with her blue pants, as well as new red lipstick, and the plump 2026 mini had her purple skirt and pendant painted blue.  A “before” shot of some of the girls.  It’s a fun challenge trying to find or make accessories for such tiny girls, but every success is enjoyable   Happy...