Fashion Dolls 101

 Send in the Trolls Somewhere I have a fun collection of troll dolls, but they are put up somewhere. All I could find for this photo shoot were my most recent purchases, but they were happy to pose for a New Year’s photo.  None of these guys are Russ trolls, just cute little knock offs from China. And, yes, one of these cuties is in the likeness of former President Trump! Happy New Year from the little troll family!  Related: Merry Christmas from Shirley Temple and Tonner’s Elf Holly A Very 8” Dolly Christmas 2023 Christmas Nutcrackers Now at Michaels The Elves of Christmas Decorate the Tree Survey: 2023 Holiday Decor Trends Miniature Christmas Doll Accessories at Michaels

These two little 8 inch cuties are all decked out in their Christmas finery while they deck the halls for Christmas.  Tonner’s Holly is wearing her original elf costume while Ideal’s Shirley Temple wears a Christmas dress she borrowed from Ginny.  Shirley Temple was made in Hong Kong and issued in 1982.  Robert Tonner’s Holly Elf was released in 2006 in a limited edition of $500  She has the Tiny Betsy body and a new head sculpt with red hair.  Most of these sweet little 8” dolls display so well together. Next year I should try adding a Ginny, Tiny Betsy and Madame Alexander to my 8 inch Christmas doll  display. Related: A Very 8” Dolly Christmas 2023 Christmas Nutcrackers Now at Michaels The Elves of Christmas Decorate the Tree Survey: 2023 Holiday Decor Trends Miniature Christmas Doll Accessories at Michaels

  Elves have become synonymous with Christmas, not because they have anything to do with the birth of Christ, but because of their association with Santa Claus. Sometime during the mid 19th century as the festival of Christmas grew in popularity,   Scandinavian writers began incorporating elves into their Christmas stories about St. Nicholas.  Whatever the case, elves have been popular Christmas toys for many decades. This burgeoned in 2005 with the release of the Elf on the Shelf book and first Scout Elf toy. The doll has become so popular it is often hard to find other Christmas elves. However, Walmart, Dollar Tree and a few other stores, offer elf dolls and figures in various sizes and costumes.  This year the Mr. Christmas Tree Trimming Elves found at Walmart made their way to my house where they quickly made friends with the other elves of Christmas and started decorating the tree. So cute! Enjoy the Christmas holidays. Enjoy them even more with the Elves of...

~ ‘Tis the season for Christmas miniatures at Michael’s! ~ The Michael’s craft store chain has received their Christmas goodies, and just recently added some adorable minis to their store displays. Included in the holiday miniature assortment are Christmas cookies, donuts, a tiny box of ornaments, a cheese board, and other doll-sized holiday foods and decorations from their Ashland brand. The diminutive dimensions are probably best suited for 10-12 inch dolls, but the 14 inch girls can definitely use many of them.  Head into Michael’s to decorate for your dolls this holiday season with these cute Christmas miniatures. I doubt these delectable decorations will last long!  Related Articles: 2023 Christmas Nutcrackers Now at Michaels 2022 Dollar Tree Elfs The Elves of Christmas 2022 Celebrate  the Holidays Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree with Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls    The Birth of a King Live at Opry House Colton Dixon Performs National Anthem, Announces Chris...

  ~ Cute 2023 Christmas Nutcrackers Now at Michaels ~  The cute holiday nutcrackers are now on display at Michael’s, and it is quite an assortment! This year there are soldiers, nurses, teachers cooks, sports, ballerinas, and, of course, lots and lots of Santa nutcrackers in various costumes.  The festive nutcrackers come in three sizes and three price points and can be displayed on the floor, table or shelf depending on your preference. sThe smallest one is ten inches heigh and the largest ones are approximately 3 feet tall.  Related Articles:   2022 Dollar Tree Elfs The Elves of Christmas 2022 Celebrate  the Holidays  Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree with Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls    The Birth of a King Live at Opry House Colton Dixon Performs National Anthem, Announces Christmas Tour Cute Dia de Los Muertos & Halloween Figures at Michael's 

  The new Barbie movie has definitely been making waves. While many people raved about the recent  film, a lot of people hated it. But that didn't stop the movie from making Barbie a household name again.  Barbie: The Unofficial Story Tonight at Walmart I spotted this publication: Barbie—The Unofficial Story.  This publication features an overview of Barbie and her clothes, her entertainment empire, and a look at the doll as a social icon that inspires little girls. Boy, how times have changed! It wasn't that long ago that radical feminists were telling us how awful Barbie was for little girls!  People Magazine Special Barbie Issue Recently, People Magazine dedicated a special issue to Barbie doll. The special issue featured a “true-life” history of Barbie doll; exclusive interviews with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and more scoop from the movie, as well as a look at some of Barbie’s iconic fashions. Whether you loved it or hated it, t he new Barbie Movie ...

 September is here and that means Dia de Los Muertos and Halloween cannot be far behind. Where can you find colorful and whimsical figures for the October holidays? At Michael’s, of course! These colorful Dia de Los Muertos figures are definitely ready for a night on the town! And who wouldn’t want to go dancing with this die-namic skeleton couple? They would definitely still be fashionable on Halloween. Speaking of skeletons and Halloween, how about these spooky little figures? If whimsey and color are your game, Michael's is the name! But don't wait too long or they will make like ghosts and disappear. Related Articles: Día de los Muertos dolls abound at Cheekwood's 16th annual celebration A Very Vintage Barbie Halloween Halloween Fun with Jackie Evancho    Byers Choice Carolers at Katy’s Hallmark Bob Carlisle’s ‘Butterfly Kisses’ Song, Books & Dolls–a Look Back

  The new Barbie Movie is out in theaters and the media has been raving about it. What’s not to love? Well, apparently a lot.  Why Some People Hated the New Barbie Movie Even a week or two before the release of the movie people were saying things like this post on Facebook: “How many people think that the Barbie movie is a waste of film?” Once the movie came out, while the mainstream media and the usual suspects in the Hollywood critics chorus chanted the same praise phrases, a few critical thinkers disagreed— a lot.  Both Elon Musk and Ben Shapiro pointed to the heavy-handed use of the word “patriarchy” throughout the movie.  Musk Tweeted , “If you take a shot every time Barbie says the word ‘patriarchy,' you will pass out before the movie ends.” And political pundit Ben Shapiro, also points to the ubiquiitous use of the word "patriarchy" in what is perportedly a film for children, as well as several adult-themed, even vulgar humor moments in the film. He took to so...

~ Will BARBIE Live Up to the Hype? ~   How many people are planning to see the new Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling? It's opening weekend this weekend!  I will confess, I haven’t made plans to seen the film yet. Chalk that up to a very busy schedule, not to lack of interest.   I am wondering what my readers think about the movie. I am seeing some negative posts calling the movie "a waste of film." among other things. Yet some people believe it will be “refreshing and innocent." One reader on the Doll Collecting Examiner Facebook page says, "I went last night with my doll club. It was really fun!" Political commentator Ben Shapiro posted a different perspective on Facebook . Michael Knowles responded to it here . If you have thoughts about the movie, please let us know your opinion in the comments below.  With stars like Will Ferrell and Michael Cera, as well as Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, I cannot imagine it being a BAD movie. Wh...

~ Why Are People So Hyped About the Barbie Movie? ~ Chances are you have heard about Greta Gerwig’s Barbie feature film  spectacular, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and slated for release July 21, 2023.  A  survey was recently conducted to find out   why people are so excited to about the upcoming Barbie movie  and the results were translated into an infographic. In the visual below, you can find out  why people would watch it,  which  other actors they are thrilled to see , whether people  know what the movie is about , and more! 💅 Y ou can find the full story  here . Related Articles: Barbie Red, White & Blue for Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4 Chelsea Is Growing Up Little Green Chelsea Merboy Doll The Changing Face of Chelsea, Barbie’s Youngest Sister   Back to Basics: New Barbie Looks Collection

 ~ Barbie Red, White & Blue for Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4, Veteran’s Day ~ This Barbie line has been out for about a year now, but I haven’t posted an image yet. So here they are:the red, white and blue swimsuit Barbie and Ken, looking as patriotic and festive as Mon’s apple pie.  If you like the Stars and Stripes, this is a great patriotic swimsuit for beach and pool diorama. Pop a red skirt over it and it makes a cute top for Barbie when she’s not by the water.  Hurrah for the red, white and blue and all the patriotic holidays! Related Articles: Chelsea Is Growing Up Little Green Chelsea Merboy Doll The Changing Face of Chelsea, Barbie’s Youngest Sister  

As recently reported, Chelsea and her friends are growing up! On a recent trip to Walmart, I couldn’t help but notice her new look and features again.    She is now elementary school aged with a new wardrobe.  Chelsea was adorable as a toddler and cute as a little girl, but she has her own charm as a slightly older version.  I guess Mattel will be introducing a new baby sister in a few years since Chelsea inevitably will be going the way of Kelley and Shelley.  Related Articles: Little Green Chelsea Merboy Doll The Changing Face of Chelsea, Barbie’s Youngest Sister  

The cutest doll in the Barbie Dreamtipia line might be the Little Green Chelsea Merboy Doll. With his green molded hair, green tail, green chest plate on a blue sash, and blue sash around his waist, this tiny merman is ready to make a splash.  It’s interesting that the ocean-dwelling Dreamtipia mermaids and mermen honor the rainbow with their colors. The rainbow is historically the sign of God’s covenant with his people that He will never destroy the world with water again following the great flood. Symbolism at its finest!  If you like mermaids or just want to add something cute to your doll collection, the Little Green Chelsea Merboy Doll might be what you are looking for  plus, he would look cute in a St. Patrick’s Day display