AGATHA FROM THE LIVING DEAD DOLLS SERIES 23

Picture property of © 2000-2013 Mezco Toyz, LLC.

MATERIAL QUALITY: Good
HAIR: Not bad
FACE SCULPT: Not bad
MAKE-UP: Good 

BODY ARTICULATION: Poor

CLOTHING: Not bad

FASHION ACCESSORIES: Poor

BONUS: Poor

VALUE 4 MONEY: Good

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: The Living Dead Dolls universe has nothing to do with the fashion dolls market but there is always one doll for you... even if she's dead!

MEI LI ULTRA BASIC - TONNER COMPANY STORE EXCLUSIVE DOLL

Picture property of Tonner Doll Company, Inc. 

MATERIAL QUALITY: High quality and nice to touch.
HAIR: Long and dark ready for styling.
FACE SCULPT: Tonner dolls are usually blamed for looking too alike. Luckily, Mei Li has got a different kind of beauty. I love her face!
MAKE-UP: Soft and sexy. She really looks hand-painted, which means that you must like this sort of make-up.  

BODY ARTICULATION: A fully articulated body that's perfect for posing and taking pictures of.

CLOTHING: Just a plain bodysuit. 

FASHION ACCESSORIES: Nothing at all... not even shoes.

BONUS: Nothing at all... not even a doll stand.  

VALUE 4 MONEY: This is an ultra basic doll, which means that you get the doll and the doll only (well, yes, plus the bodysuit). She's not usually expensive, but obviously her worth depends on how much you enjoy restyling dolls. 

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: She's very beautiful and fully articulated; but if you're not into restyling  dolls, she may be just too basic for you.

HOLLY GOLIGHTLY HOW DO I LOOK? - BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S 2011 DOLL

Pictures property of Integrity Toys, Inc. 

MATERIAL QUALITY: Excellent as any other Fashion Royalty doll.
HAIR: A great updo with a touch of color.
FACE SCULPT: She looks a lot like Audrey Hepburn, which means that you are either going to love her or going to hate her.
MAKE-UP: As seen in the Breakfast at Tiffany's movie: so chic! 

BODY ARTICULATION: A fully articulated body that's perfect for posing and taking pictures of.

CLOTHING: Absolutely gorgeous! The fabric used in the black dress is to die for, and you get a second outfit totally different and totally edgy!

FASHION ACCESSORIES: Hats, gloves, glasses, jewelry and cigarette holders, a lot of accessories and all superb! Except for the shoes that are boring.

BONUS: Great packaging and a doll stand.  

VALUE 4 MONEY: The dolls inspired by Audrey Hepburn's movies are always a good investment. This one is no exception, and you get to treasure a delightful collection of unforgettable outfits too!

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: If you love either Audrey Hepburn or the marvelous original creations by Givenchy, this is your doll. Check out the rest of the Breakfast at Tiffany's series, though.

VÉRONIQUE PERRIN EXOTIC FIRE - FASHION ROYALTY 2005 CLOSE-UP DOLL

Picture property of Integrity Toys, Inc. 

MATERIAL QUALITY: Excellent as usual with Fashion Royalty dolls. However, the skin tone of the body doesn't match the one used for the head, arms and legs.
HAIR: I love it: long, soft and easy to style.
FACE SCULPT: She actually looks much prettier live than she does in the official pictures.
MAKE-UP: Although I'm not a big fan of these sort of closed mouths, the make-up used for the eyes is so gorgeous that the lips don't matter that much.

BODY ARTICULATION: Being used to the awesome fully articulated bodies that are lately exhibiting the ladies from Integrity Toys, this one is half of the way: not as limited as the first dolls in the line, but not as articulated as the latest ones.

CLOTHING: The bathing suit is as simple as well designed, and its colour is simply fabulous. 

FASHION ACCESSORIES: A superb bag, a pair of edgy shoes, cool sunglasses, and crafted jewelry.

BONUS: A solid packaging, a great star shaped doll stand, and a card with the story of the doll.  

VALUE 4 MONEY: I got it for a surprisingly cheap price; but if I had to pay for the actual full one, I'd consider other choices. She's a great doll, but the Fashion Royalty line is crowded with more amazing girls to choose from.

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: If you can get her for a reasonable price, don't hesitate. In case you must pay what she actually costs, you may want to consider other choices from the same line.

BARBIE PALM BEACH SWIM SUIT - FASHION MODEL BARBIE DOLL

 Picture property of Mattel, Inc. 

I absolutely fell in love with Robert Best's Palm Beach line for 2010. The Swim Suit doll is the first one from that line that I review. My hopes were high... not anymore. 

MATERIAL QUALITY: As I've said many times before: I love SilkStone material.
HAIR: Although the original hairstyle looks great in the official picture, it gets all messy as soon as you take out the net that supposedly protects it from getting ruined. I haven't tried it yet, but fixing it doesn't seem an easy job.
FACE SCULPT: Too ordinary.
MAKE-UP: It tries to match the orange tones of the clothing. 
BODY ARTICULATION: The SilkStone way: limited.
CLOTHING: It looks disappointingly cheap. I love the colour, though.
FASHION ACCESSORIES: No earrings. A pair of cool designed but horribly manufactured sunglasses. The shoes are actually not as great as they look in the official picture.  

BONUS: Just a plain doll stand.
VALUE 4 MONEY: SilkStones are usually supposed to be valuable dolls. This one in particular is an exception: her price hasn't gone up yet, and you can even find her much cheaper than it should. You'd better spend your money in some other SilkStone dolls: there are plenty of them, and much more valuable.

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: The worst SilkStone doll I've met so far.

POPPY PARKER SPRING MORNING - FASHION TEEN DOLL

Pictures property of Integrity Toys, Inc. 

I can't describe what I've just felt a few moments ago when I got my package from AngelicDreamz (perfect shipping, by the way)and I opened it. I expected a box with a display plastic on the cover, since these are the only ones for Poppy Parker I had seen so far (guess these are for the smaller dolls). Instead, I got a huge spectacular hard box with pink ribbons featuring the Poppy Parker Fashion Model logo on the cover. When I opened it, well, I finally found THE PERFECT DOLL for me: this 16" work of art is meant to drive me crazy and definitely broke! I already know where my next euros are going to. She deserves all my money for she's instantly won my devotion. Maybe it's the size (can't wait to look forward to getting a smaller one), maybe it's her eyes and her mouth, maybe it's the high quality clothing and the perfect fashion accessories. Many doll collectors hate her, I know; but now I also know why many others love her SO MUCH!

MATERIAL QUALITY: Excellent as expected from an IT doll. Now in this bigger size, I appreciate it all much more!
HAIR: Superb, but you'll need to wash it if you're willing to restyle.
FACE SCULPT: Many people think it makes her look too insolent, but I personally find this sculpt as absorbing as gorgeous! 
MAKE-UP: Soft and tasteful. If she had more make-up on, she'd look clownish.

BODY ARTICULATION: A fully articulated body that's perfect for posing and taking pictures of.

CLOTHING: Perfect quality and design. Easy to put on and take off. 

FASHION ACCESSORIES: Perfect shoes, belt, gloves, bag and jewelry.

BONUS: Gorgeous both packaging and doll stand.  

VALUE 4 MONEY: Many collectors seem to be a little bit afraid of 16" dolls. The bigger Poppy Parker dolls are not as wanted as the smaller ones, yet they're an awesome investment.

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: Poppy Parker's my favourite doll so far... period.

FRANCIE DOLLS FROM BARBIE COLLECTOR

Pictures property of Mattel, Inc. 

Since Barbie Collector is revisiting the Francie doll, now in a SilkStone body, I think it's time to review her myself. 

MATERIAL QUALITY: SilkStone or plastic? It's up to you. Luckily for this young beauty, the three reproductions as well as the new four ones use good materials. So, it's just a matter of personal taste. You won't be disappointed either way.
HAIR: Petty haircuts and timeless quality. Francie is getting a lot of love from Mattel.
FACE SCULPT: She's true fresh air running through the over-saturated Barbie sculpts. Kitty Corner's sculpt is delicious!
MAKE-UP: Just a little... here and there.
BODY ARTICULATION: Limited as usual, which is a pity for those of us who love to take pictures of their dolls.
CLOTHING: They're all mainly 60's style, however they're all different and fun.
FASHION ACCESSORIES: Cool bags and shoes, hats and stockings. There are even some adorable pets.  

BONUS: The usual doll stand. Some Francie dolls include extra fashions and accessories.
VALUE 4 MONEY: SilkStones are always more valuable dolls than the reproduction ones. The Francie doll isn't an expensive item to collect, anyway. Don't expect her value to go much higher either.

FINAL RATING: 
IN OTHER WORDS: Francie dolls should deserve more attention from collectors. She's being taken good care of from Mattel, which means that you'll get a good item to collect.

MONSTER HIGH DOLLS

Picture property of Mattel, Inc. 

MATERIAL QUALITY: Good playline quality, although the hands look too fragile.

HAIR: I've seen amazing things done to these girls' hair, however it doesn't quite work for me: I need more hair!

FACE SCULPT: The sculpts look all the same. Mattel should have paid much more attention!

MAKE-UP: It's cool and really defines each doll's personality..

BODY ARTICULATION: A pivotal body perfect for playing with. 

CLOTHING: In my opinion, it usually is the worst part of these dolls. Even the outfits that you can buy separately are not too appealing. True, sometimes you get a few cool fashion items but most of the time it's all a little bit Ok, whatever!

FASHION ACCESSORIES: There're plenty of them. Some are cooler than others but for a playline collection they're good enough. 

BONUS: It depends on the line you buy, but there's always something extra either for you or your doll.

VALUE 4 MONEY: They should be a little bit cheaper. They seemed to be a great investment at the beginning, when little girls all over the world went crazy for these dolls and they were sold out in many countries. Some time later, I don't think they're that worthy. 

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: Cool playline dolls with a lot of potential... if you know how to get it out!

DON'T GET THAT DOLL OUT OF THE BOX... YET!

Getting a doll out of her box is NOT always the wisest thing to do. Sometimes, a doll is better kept in. When shouldn't we get her out?

1. When you don't like the doll not even in her box. Just resell her!

2. When the doll's price is going crazily up in the market. Wait! Maybe you've got a true wanted item in your hands. You'd better keep her in the best possible condition.

3. When you're not sure that you REALLY want to keep that one doll in your collection. If you feel like she doensn't quite fit in your life, just resell her in pristine condition. You'll make much more money and will be able to get a better doll for you.

4. When the packaging is so exceptional that it's actually part of the whole ensemble. If the box is a perfect showcase, just keep it!

5. When you haven't got a proper place to display your dolls. Getting a doll out of her box just for the sake of it, it's just silly! Make sure that your dolls are not going to get ruined before getting them out of their safe boxes.

BARBIE THE WAITRESS - FASHION MODEL BARBIE DOLL

Picture property of Mattel, Inc. 

I must admit that I would have never bought this doll myself but I was given her for my birthday last year, so let's see if she made me change my mind... or not.

MATERIAL QUALITY: SilkStone material always feels like a TRUE collectible.
HAIR: Personally I think that a Barbie doll should have never worn such an ugly hairstyle. I know that Robert Best wanted to celebrate the working woman with this particular creation but... it's ugly.
FACE SCULPT: Maybe it's the hairstyle but... I'm not crazy about this sculpt.
MAKE-UP: Well, yes, she uses make-up. Next, please!
BODY ARTICULATION: As limited as in any other SilkStone doll.
CLOTHING: What can I say? Yes, it's a waitress uniform and it's pink but... did anyone mention Barbie?
FASHION ACCESSORIES: Are an apron, a cap and a coffe pot fashion items? I don't think so. The shoes are... well, white.  

BONUS: A plain doll stand, like usual.
VALUE 4 MONEY: SilkStones are always valuable dolls. This one in particular is not one of the most wanted. Get her only if the price is low.

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: I didn't like her before and I don't like her after. The SilkStone line is full of much more beautiful dolls than this one.

BARBIE THE INTERVIEW - FASHION MODEL BARBIE DOLL

Picture property of Mattel, Inc. 

When I first opened the box I said WOW! but then... a few annoying details prevent this doll from getting a higher rate. 

MATERIAL QUALITY: SilkStone material feels like a TRUE collectible... and it's perfect for taking pictures of.
HAIR: Ok, the original hairstyle is pretty smart but... don't they know at Mattel's headquarters that using so much hairspray (and other grease products) can really ruin a doll's hair? Yes, she's a collectible but restyling is also huge among fans. Why not making it a little bit easier?
FACE SCULPT: Pure SilkStone way: mature and elegant.
MAKE-UP: Pure SilkStone way: tasteful.
BODY ARTICULATION: Pure SilkStone way: limited.
CLOTHING: I'm not crazy about the fabrics, but the design is gorgeous.
FASHION ACCESSORIES: Great earrings and bag. Cool gloves. Horrible sunglasses (their quality is so unexpectedly low) and even uglier shoes (the color is just awful).  

BONUS: Pure SilkStone way: a plain doll stand.
VALUE 4 MONEY: SilkStones are always valuable dolls. This one in particular is no exception. If you find her at a pretty good price, don't hesitate and get her!

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: She could have been one of my favourite SilkStone dolls, but the hairstyle, the sunglasses and the shoes are just too wrong to ignore.

BARBIE RUBY RADIANCE VS. IN THE LIMELIGHT - BARBIE DOLL

Pictures property of Mattel, Inc. 

These two dolls are both being shipped out tomorrow to a couple of new homes. So, I thought it would be cool to review them before they leave me.

MATERIAL QUALITY: Acceptable as most Barbie dolls are: better than the playline ones but still far from reaching the quality top.
HAIR: The original hairstyles are both cool. Now I wonder: how long would it take to restyle them? 'Cos to get them straight seems a nightmare to me.
FACE SCULPT: I personally think they're both ugly. I guess that's because Barbie looks older and charmless. It's just my point of view, but I do think these sculpts are among the ugliest I've seen so far.
MAKE-UP: As ugly as the face.
BODY ARTICULATION: Very basic.
CLOTHING: Two original creations that would have probably looked great in another doll. Sold them both before trying so... can't truly tell.
FASHION ACCESSORIES: Just a pair of not-so-cool shoes, and jewelry.

BONUS: A doll stand.
VALUE 4 MONEY: The price of either doll is crazy: you can get them pretty cheap and awfully expensive. Honestly, neither deserves your money. The world of Barbie Collector is full of nicer dolls.

FINAL RATING: 

IN OTHER WORDS: Get the clothing if you find it cheap, 'cos it's the only worthy part of either doll.