Remember I said I was over anniversary dolls? It still holds true and I’m a wee bit disappointed in myself as I tell you I caved in and bought the 65th Anniversary Barbie doll. I saw her in a shop a few weeks ago and she’s so much better in real life than in photos. At the time I told myself no I didn’t need her, but I kept thinking about her so went back to get her last week. And I love her. Up to a point. And that point is the end of her drop waist, ruched bodice. But let’s start at the start.
I bought the brunette version of the doll, and seriously, why did they even bother with blonde, this doll is everything. Well, almost everything. The doll itself has a new face mould (another reason for me to buy her), one which Mattel is calling the closed-mouth Brooklyn. As much as I love the original Brooklyn sculpt, this one has a touch more sass, while still having freckles and baby hairs. Her hair is spectacular, brunette twisted braids swept up into a high ponytail. They fall beautifully around her face and shoulders. The doll uses the Model Muse body type and while I like the proportions of this body, I hate the stupid popped out hip and unbending limbs. Why didn’t they use the Pivotal body that has similar proportions but is poseable? I probably won’t re-body this girl, she’ll go into the anniversary display cupboard as is, unless I can find a cheap pivotal body the right colour.
The dress is yet another re-hashing of the original black and white striped swimsuit theme – and I must say I’m over black and white stripes, something sapphire blue would have been nice – this time with a ruched fine striped drop waist bodice with sweetheart neckline and full skirt in three layers – sheer wide stripes over a white under skirt and scalloped striped overskirt. I’m not a fan of big boofy dresses, and again it feels like they’ve been done to death lately. Every time I look at this doll I can’t help thinking it’s a shame they didn’t just continue with the ruching into a slim gown with perhaps a mermaid or fishtail hemline. The doll is so sassy, I think it would suit her better too. The look is finished with sheer gloves with bow detail (love!), black shoes that are a twist on the original Barbie mules, silver and blue earrings and small blue and white cat-eye glasses. She also has a wrist tag which is a nice touch.
The doll is described as having pops of sapphire blue, but you really have to look hard for them – the tiny spot on the earrings, her eyeliner, lenses in the glasses and wrist tag. I really am disappointed they didn’t go with the blue theme, perhaps a blue and white ruched dress. Overall, I do love her though and I’m glad I went back and bought her.
Here in Australia, Mattel Australia was offering these brunette dolls on ‘pre-order’, even after both the blonde and brunette had been in Myer for a couple of weeks. They seem to be in stock now though and Big W is also carrying the blonde doll.
Don’t forget, I’m now on Instagram – @jenjoysworld(and a non-doll photo art account @jenniferbs_world). There’ll be some unique content and behind the scenes stuff, so head over and follow.
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