Happy Golden Birthday BARBIE!!

When Barbie came out in 1959, my next-door neighbor, Colleen, got one. I still remember Barbie and her little black and white swimsuit that was just like one my mother wore. I was, according to my parents, too old to have a Barbie, but I sure enjoyed the one Colleen had. She had lots of clothes for her, too. We spent many hours playing with Barbie that summer before I entered junior high.

I've owned a number of newer Barbies, but have passed most of them on to one of my nieces who loves Barbie. Some of my Barbies I have donated to a lady who makes trips to Guatemala and gives them out to the young girls who live at the dumps as an incentive to get them to see the visiting doctors. The girls love the Barbies and other donated toys she brings. She makes a trip every November.

So to you dear BARBIE, who has filled many a childhood hour with fun, frivolity, and fashion, HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY.

My dolly circa 1953

This is one of my favorite dolls that I got for Christmas in 1953. Also in the picture is my brother and my dad. It looks like my brother is holding our cat, whose name I have now forgotten. This doll is at the bottom of the blog on the left sitting by Catalina. I had to give her compo arms and legs because her "magic skin" arms and legs deteriorated and fell off. I still have her original clothes but they have acquired a few wear spots in the past 56 years.
I was cleaning house today and came across this picture in a box of things that belonged to my dear mom (who was not a breast cancer survivor).

Ladies in Red

Two of the Revlons got new dresses for Valentines Day. They decided to pose with the Queen of Diamonds.

Queen of Diamonds

This is a Revlon Queen of Diamonds in the 22" size (VT22). The dress, slip, and underwear are original. The fur stole is not original, but the Q of D did wear a fur stole. This stole has been with this doll for a long time and fits her perfectly. The shoes are reproductions of her original shoes. Her hair is still in its original style. She is one gorgeous doll.

The 14R

This doll is from one of our "dolly rescue" missions. She was really in sad shape, so she got a new curly wig and some fancy new clothes. Now she wants her picture on the dolly blog. Be aware that the 14R doll is NOT a Revlon fashion doll. Frequently these dolls are mistakenly listed as Revlons. Only Ideal dolls with the VT markings and 15N for the 15" Revlons are Revlon dolls.

A brunette pixie-face Revlon

I like the brunette Revlons very much. This is a pixie-face, 17" VT18. Her hair is identical in style to one of my other pixies, although it's a little hard to tell in the picture.

The Ballerinas

These are some of my ballerinas. The one to the left of the Revlon pink fairy is an all original Aida ballerina. (Note: I did add the little rose in her hair for a little color)

The Pink Fairy Princess

This is the Revlon Pink Fairy Princess. This doll was made in 1957, marked VT18, but is a 17" doll like the other pixie-face Revlons. She originally had wings, a halo, and a wand...very hard to find these items, although I have seen some of these with wings for sale on eBay. I love her pink hair.