Madrid Premiere Beauty and the Madrid Fashion Doll Show Charity Auction

I wanted to share the beautiful Madrid Premiere Beauty the Convention Doll for the Madrid Fashion Doll Show held in Madrid last month.  I was fortunate enough to be offered this doll.  As a Steffie fan I was thrilled of course!  I will share more detailed pictures of her and my review and impressions in a post later this week.

As with most Barbie and Fashion Doll Conventions, the Madrid Fashion Doll Show has selected a charity to donate the proceeds of their convention funds.  That charity is the Cruz Roja España, or the Spanish Red Cross.  The Spanish Red Cross helps the most vulnerable parts of society in many ways, all of them very important. With the current financial crisis and the difficulties that many Spanish families have to face, The Spanish Red Cross helps with many different programs; one of them is collecting toys and donations for the Christmas campaign "No child without a toy."

If you like the Steffie doll, one auction I want to bring to your attention.  This is the OOAK doll "Madrid Premier Beauty Winner." She is a variation of the convention doll created by designers "MonLew."  Also known as Luis Manuel Gómez (Lewis) and Mónica Núñez.  Their dolls are "Made with the finest materials and quality fabrics... and "love is included in each of their creations."

Please take a look at all the other amazing dolls on auction that will support the charity.  They are all currently on ebay and ending very soon.   There is a gorgeous Steffie, a GaGa doll by Ovaz, a beautiful creation from The Black Swan Doll Company, an amazing OOAK from Arists Creations, a Magia Showgirl from Magia 2000, and a sketch by Linda Kyaw.  There are all types of dolls in all price ranges, please consider supporting the Spanish Red Cross and the Madrid Fashion Doll Show.

It's still October..., but Happy New Year!

If you are a member of the Barbie Fan Club on Barbie Collector mark your calendar for October 9th.  The next Holiday Hostess will be available for $75.00.  I'm excited about this doll.  I was able to see the doll in person at the 2013 Barbie Convention and I was able to snap a few pictures.  I love her vintage look and gold dress with blue accents with the crown, makeup and jewelry.  Bill Greening has done it again!

Happy New Year™ Barbie® Doll | Barbie Collector

See More pics on Flickr!

Haunted Beauty Vampire Barbie Doll by Barbie Collector

Now here is a Barbie I've been waiting for. If you were a fan of last year's Haunted Beauty, The Ghost Barbie, then here is another amazing gothy-looking Barbie. I was fortunate enough to see Bill Greening's OOAK from the 2013 Barbie Convention and we were told that the Haunted Beauty Vampire would be a similar doll. She really does not disappoint. I love dolls in all black but I love the red accents and the cape this doll comes with. Here is a first look from Barbie Collector.

Barbie Convention: Sunset Parade Barbie: Buy a Barbie and Help fight Cancer!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

 Barbie Conventions are a place to have fun with your friends and fellow collectors but did you know that Barbie Conventions are arranged around charitable purposes?  Typically, convention organizers seek donations of OOAK dolls and these Barbies are auctioned off during conventions or on ebay or similar sites.  All proceeds (after allowed expenses) are donated to a charity of the convention committee's choice.

This doll is the beautiful Sunset Parade Barbie, a one of a kind design by José Luis Montesdeoca, of El Blog de Ken with sewing skills provided by Yolanda Cañete.  Convención de Coleccionistas de Barbie en España is sponsoring the auction. For this auction, all of the proceeds will support Asociación Española contra el Cáncer, a Spanish cancer charity.

Sunset Parade, was inspired by the classical origins of Barbie and the sunsets on the beach where she first fell for Ken.  Barbie, shines in a wide neck sheer top buttoned in the back, which allows you to peek at a blue and gold bikini bra, a nod to the legendary zebra striped swimsuit she in her debut. The layered styled full skirt is turquoise silk, knotted at the waist by a golden bow tie!  A perfect touch reminiscent of a big hug from Ken. Sunset Parade Barbie's subtle makeup and  nude color eyeshadow channel the golden sun.  Isn't she a dream?

I hope you take a look and spread the word.  Let's use our hobby to contribute to great causes.  Well done Jose!  Hope this Barbie brings lots of bids for your charity!  Don't you just love her?!?

Dolly Tally 001: Tarina Tarantino by Designs by Robin Studio

Tarina by Designs by Robin Studio, a photo by The Doll Cafe on Flickr.

Many of you know that the Steffie mold is my favorite mold. When the Tarina Tarantino Barbie came out in 2008 I was just floored by her beauty. This doll is an OOAK Tarina Tarantino I purchased at the 2010 Barbie Convention at the sales table of Designs by Robin Studio. I was immediately drawn to this doll. Shockingly I did not buy her right away. I think I came back later or the next day and was so happy she was still there. It was so funny because earlier that year I had purchased another OOAK Steffie doll (Barbie Basics, Collection 1.5, Model No 3.) from Robin on Ebay. Since that time I have bought many dolls from Robin and recommend her work. She is also on Ebay, Pinterest and Facebook. Check out her work and enjoy dolly number 001 in my Dolly Tally Project.

News: The Doll Cafe Lives!

LOL, no, I wasn't dead but you'd think I was.  I'm shocked that my last post was April 28, 2012.  It seems like this time of year my doll collecting passion is re-awakened.  Well, maybe it's more of my my pre-Barbie Convention panic mode!

Convention this year will be held in New Orleans!  Wow, that's so exciting.  Being the homebody that I am, I have never traveled to that area of the country so I'm seeing the World with Barbie once again this year!!  I'm excited to report that my daughter Steff will be joining me for the second year in a row.  Her first Barbie Convention last year was a blast!  Here is an amazing picture of the beautiful dolls we both received as gifts from our generous table hostess last year Jen M.  Do you see some Steffies and Basics in there?  Boy aren't we lucky!!??!!

I hope that you have been following our Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Flickr, or Instagram posts.  Did you know we also have a Tumbler?  Just choose your favorite online platform and join us for the dolly fun.  Also, be sure to check out our Facebook Group and the Model Muse and Steffie pages online.


For future blogging I will be tagging posts with useful titles with labels and will try to post daily (ok, you've heard that before).  Most of our news will be posted on Facebook and Twitter so I will use this blog to feature pictures from our collection, doll news, and in a continuing attempt to count our dolls we will also be featuring a post on each doll in our collection so we can keep a handle on it all.

Thanks for all your support, comments and suggestions.  Keep reading for more dolly centered fun.

-The Doll Cafe

Randall Craig Update

Randall Craig and me at the 2011 Barbie Convention 

I'm such a fan of Randall Craig Fashions!  Over the years his collections have dressed my dolls so stylishly!  I had the opportunity to finally meet Randall  in Summer of 2011 at the Barbie Convention.  He presented his Convention Collection of amazing light and airy fashions.  He also had two exclusive poodles available for sale.

I just received an email where Randall reports that their website will be undergoing an update soon so look out for that.  Also a new Randall Craig Ready to Wear collection will be out in the second quarter with four new fashions featuring "lovely fabric."  Finally, Randall Craig will be having a sample sale featuring house samples, pre-production samples and possibly some prototypes.  The sale will also take place in the second quarter.  I will post as soon as I find out more details!

You can take a look at some of my Randall Craig pictures here and here.

Barbie hits the red carpet in first UK TV campaign

Barbie is a star, but I'm shocked to learn that this is her first UK TV campaign. According to Adpraisal, ad agency Ogivily has created two adverts aimed to strengthen and build Barbie’s relationship with 4-9 year old girls.  I hope the stores are well stocked with Barbie items for our UK Barbie fans.  May this be the beginning of a nice successful campaign.  Since Barbie is heading off on her Grand Tour for Barbie Convention in 2012, maybe the UK decided to get in on the fun.  This looks kind of like a teaser since I doubt these Barbies will ever actually be produced.  Look at the Ken.  He seems to be the glamorous Ken staring in ads this year.  Barbie looks like she is wearing a dress based on the Heidi Klum Barbie dress.  The Barbie also looks like a glammed up Fashionista Barbie.  Hopefully the UK will see increased interest and sales for our favorite girl in their future!

2011 Barbie Convention Report Part 2

Check out this great video that convention goers at the 2011 convention were treated to promoting the 2012 Barbie Convention The Grand Tour. Credit goes to co-chair Rocky! It is beautifully produced and I think you will enjoy it. It brought me back to the fun times of 2011's convention!  After seeing this, I'm super excited for 2012!

2011 Barbie Convention Report Part 1 of . . .

Barbie Basics 3.0, a photo by The Doll Cafe on Flickr.

It has been an exhausting couple of weeks. I was preparing for, attending and recovering from the 2012 National Barbie Doll Collector's Convention in Ft. Lauderdale Florida! The convention was amazing! So many things to see and do! Please see my Flickr set for the pictures I took of the Barbie Basics 3.0 and the two accessory packs that will be available. These dolls were available for viewing at the Barbie Fan Club event on Friday July 29, 2011. BC Shannon was hosting this table display.  Sadly, it has been reported that this collection will be the last in the set of Barbie Basics.

I'm Back and Ximena says hello!

Yes, The Doll Cafe Blog returns, actually we didn't go anywhere! Most of the activity here has taken place on several different platforms lately. Of course you can always participate at our super fun and informative Forum. For those of you on Facebook, I post there nearly every day, either some Barbie news stories or pictures of my fave dolls. Please join us there! For quick updates, news and stories, our Twitter page is also updated nearly every day! Be sure to follow us on Twitter since we will be live tweeting from the Barbie Convention once again! With less than a month until the National Barbie Doll Convention, you will not want to miss out on the fun!

We have been working quite a bit to update our Gallery. If you have not been there lately, please check it out. Most of our pictures are by members of the forum. They are amazing works of art. Please be sure to register and post comments and vote to make your favorite picture the most popular! On that note, today's featured photo is by forum member souverignofsilence. She is a beautiful Teresa doll named Ximena. Aren't the colors brilliant? If you like this pic see more here!

Thanks for your support and check back for more regular posts!

Free Shipping on All Barbie and Barbie Collector Dolls at e.toys!

Free Shipping on ALL Barbie & Barbie Collector Dolls at eToys.com. Offer good 7.12 to 7.25

I'm still going through my convention photos. What can I say the DC experience was incredible. I shipped back most of my dolls and they have not yet arrived. As soon as they do it's going to be Christmas again.

Here is a picture of me and Doll Artist Matt Sutton. He designed one of the official Convention Dolls. I will post pictures soon!

Barbie Convention in Washington DC

I am currently in Washington D.C. for the 2009 Barbie Collector's Convention. See my Twitter for the most current updates!

Happy 2009

Welcome to 2009 my fellow doll lovers! This year promises to be quite exciting in the doll world. Many new lines will be introduced in a few weeks at the Toy Fair, and Miss Barbie, my favorite doll will be celebrating her 50th birthday! Mattel has set up a website honoring Barbie at 50. Please take some time to check it out!

The 2009 Barbie Convention website has finally gone live. The tickets are already sold out but you can read about the various events and the schedule there in any case.

Keep checking Sephora.com for the new cosmetics by Stila featuring four new Barbie inspired collections. The collection features four Decades of Beauty cans, each $40, with a booklet inside describing the beauty and fashion wardrobes for each doll. The third set inspired by the 80s features the beautiful Steffie faced Black Barbie. Ooh, a must have. well, they all sound great.

Brunette Cowgirl

The last doll in our Convention Week spectacular is brunette Dallas Darlin. I've really had to restrain myself from de-boxing this gal. I could just picture her dressed in amazing vintage outfits or mod like clothes. Every so often I scan ebay for a cheap one so I can have an extra to redress. Until then, I must enjoy her in all her boxed glory!

Convention Helpers' Special Gift

For the first time in 2006 Mattel produced three dolls for the Barbie Collector Convention. Each convention goer typically gets to pick either an African American doll or a Caucasian doll. In 2006 there was a special blond version of the convention doll. The blond version was available to purchase if you won the lottery at the table. Each member at the table picked a number between one and ten. I picked two. The number two was announced. I couldn't believe it! I won the opportunity to purchase the blond Film Noir convention doll (see picture below). If the person with the number two did not want to purchase her a second number was called and that person won the opportunity to purchase the doll.

In 2007 there were also three dolls produced. The difference in 2007 was that the blond Dallas Darlin was given out as a gift to convention helpers. I believe that these dolls were given out to the convention committee and possibly table hostesses. I purchased mine later on ebay!

Denim to Diamonds - 2007 Barbie Convention

The 2007 Barbie Convention was a grand affair held in Dallas, Texas. I travelled to Dallas once and I found it a super amazing cosmopolitan city with a great down home feel. I'm sure all the attendees had a wonderful time. There are many great pictures of this convention online. You should take the time to look them up. The convention doll for 2007 was designed by Mattel designer Bill Greening (yay Bill). I became very enamoured by these dolls for a few reasons. They are the first convention dolls with the model muse sculpt. They also feature the TNT head mold. Additionally, these dolls have a sassy red gown with a cowboy hat. Perfect for a Texas style soiree.

Here is the African American version of the convention doll. She was limited to only 250 dolls and is a Platinum Level collector doll.

Convention Week

I guess it's Barbie Convention week here at the Doll Cafe. For the next few days I will feature close-ups of the Barbie Convention dolls that I own. Here is the AA 2006 convention doll. As I mentioned, I sold her but I took several pictures before I said goodbye. Maybe some day I will replace her. She is rather stunning.

Yay, I'm In

I checked my credit card and it was charged! I am in for the 2009 convention. I am so excited! Here is the brunette doll from the 2006 convention. I did not receive this doll at the convention. My friend gave her to me for my birthday in 2007. I'm so very happy because I sold the other two that I did receive at the convention!

Oh No! The 2009 Barbie Convention is Almost Sold Out!

I read today on the Barbie Convention group that the 2009 convention is nearing capacity! Wow, I figured the convention would sell out, but not this fast! Here is the text from the post on the Yahoo Group:

"[The Committee] is anticipating that the convention will be full as of sometime this week. After that, a wait list will be started and you will be notified. How will those on the wait list be notified - I am not sure. So if you were holding off sending in your registration, I suggest you do so in order to be high up on the wait list."

So far, all of the registrations for people who attended the convention and registered on site seem to have been processed. A few people who mailed theirs in have also been processed. I'm hoping I get in outright or am very high on the wait list. I sent my registration in a few days after the form became available online!

I've only been to one convention in Los Angeles in 2006. It was amazing. Here is one of the dolls I was lucky to win the opportunity to purchase. I sold her since I didn't really bond with her but I regret it now. I did take some nice pictures before I said goodbye! She was designed by Italian designers Magia 2000 and she is named Film Noir. She came in blond, brunette and AA versions.