Mod Barbie & Other 70s Dolls
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60's and 70's barbies

4/1/2021

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Hi dolls! Here's my collection of Barbies from the 1960s and 1970s. I have blog posts about each one. Just enter their name in the search box to the right. Which are your favorites? Enjoy!
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1974 Dusty and skye dolls by kenner

3/21/2021

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1974 Dusty doll by Kenner
1974 Dusty
1974 Skye doll by Kenner
1974 Skye (trade-in version)
1974 Trade-in Dusty doll1974 Trade-in Dusty doll
In 1974, Kenner debuted two sports action dolls, suntanned Dusty and her African American gal pal Skye. Dusty wears a navy one-piece swimsuit and Skye's is pink. The dolls encouraged kids to participate in outdoor activities like tennis, golf, softball, volleyball, fishing and horseback riding. Watch their commercial here.

The dolls are 11 1/2” tall, around the height of Barbie, but their waists are thicker, chests smaller and feet flatter. No high heels for these girls! She did have cool platform sandals though in addition to her cute tennis shoes and cowboy boots. Dusty wears her platinum blonde hair in a shag, a popular trend in the 70s, while Skye has a beautiful afro of curls. Dusty has a sprinkling of freckles and white’ish light pink lips. 

Dusty is an action doll that comes in four sports versions; golf, tennis, softball and volleyball. The sports equipment and outfit were also sold separately as accessory packs. Dusty and Skye’s hands are in a gripping position so they can hold on to sports equipment like a tennis racket, fishing pole and golf club. They have jointed wrists and elbows, vinyl “skin,” a spring action arm, clickable, bendable legs and a twistable waist. Their stance is a little wide, but it’s perfect for standing on their sports stand. When the doll’s waist is twisted back and let go, she can swing at her golf, tennis or soft balls. When pushed down, the right arm springs back up which lets her punch a volleyball. There’s a base for the doll to stand on and either a hanging apparatus or stand for the ball. 
​
​When it came to fashions, in addition to the sport sets, there is an Awards Night Set, with either a tennis or golf outfit, evening gown and accessories. There were stylish outfits too, like crop tops, bell bottomed jeans and funky platforms. Dusty and Skye could wear each other's clothes.

There was a trade-in Dusty that you could buy for just $1.99. Compared to the original Dusty, the trade-in version is easy to identify. She has longer hair, wears a light blue one-piece swim suit, doesn’t have freckles, is unjointed so her arms and legs are straight, and she has pinker lips and a peachier skin tone.

Dusty has a golden palomino horse named Nugget who has a fuzzy coat with a beautiful mane and tail to brush. Nugget's head moves up and down. You can watch Nugget's commercial here. 

Dusty didn’t have many extra items but she does have a 1975 Bubblin’ Bath and Shower with accessories - which is kind of random. I guess being so sporty and sweaty, she needs a lot of baths, lol. Dusty and Skye also have a gymnastic set. Dusty has a boyfriend named Cliff but I’ve never seen him.​ He may have just been a prototype that never went to market.

There’s a British Airways Dusty who’s a flight attendant. There's a Dusty's play-jet, her take on Barbie’s United Airlines Friendship plane. The British Airways jet-setting girl has four international outfits including a kimono, an island look with a hulu skirt and surfboard, a ski jacket and pants with skis, and a safari jumpsuit.

Dusty's horse Nugget
Dusty's horse Nugget comes with accessories like a bucket, fence and grooming tools to brush its tail and mane.
Dusty's horse Nugget
Dusty's horse Nugget

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The history of Malibu barbie

11/28/2020

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1971 Malibu Barbie #1067
1971 Malibu Barbie #1067
1971 Malibu Barbie and Ken
1971 Malibu Barbie and Ken
​​A plastic tan never fades! In 1971, Barbie kissed her mod years goodbye and welcomed Malibu Barbie #1067. She rocked the quintessential California surfer girl vibe with her blissfully tanned skin, blue eyes and platinum blonde hair – even though her roots peg her to be a native of Willows, Wisconsin! With California’s white beaches and Pacific blue waves, Malibu was the perfect setting for a new Barbie lifestyle. Golden couple, Malibu Barbie and Malibu Ken, could paddle out into the ocean to surf, roller skate on the boardwalk, make sandcastles and picnic at the beach or lay out and soak up the rays.

Mattel gave Malibu Barbie a fresh look. For the first time, she featured an open smile and her coy, sideways glance was updated to forward-looking eyes. Her TNT face was replaced with the Stacey face mold. She has long, straight, blonde hair with a slight off-center part and a smile much like Marcia Brady’s! Her lashes are painted on and she has soft coral lips. Malibu Barbie was ready for the surf in her powder blue swimsuit, lavender goggle glasses on top of her head and yellow beach towel. 

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​Malibu Barbie established a look that first springs to mind, even to this day, when someone says “Barbie.” I was obsessed with the Sun Set Malibu dolls as a little girl in the early 70s; I dreamed of being a Cali girl. I grew up in Wisconsin and, in the late-90s, I moved to San Diego where I still reside. Coincidence? Was Malibu Barbie my inspiration? Especially since she, too, is from Wisconsin? :-)
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L to R: 1972 Malibu P.J., 1971 Malibu Barbie, 1973 Malibu Christie, 1971 Malibu Francie, 1971 Malibu Skipper
L to R: 1972 Malibu P.J., 1971 Malibu Barbie, 1973 Malibu Christie, 1971 Malibu Francie, 1971 Malibu Skipper
​The Malibu dolls were an instant hit so Mattel added Malibu friends and family soon after. It also spawned licensed products, such as Colorform sets and coloring books. The tanned Malibu Sun Set included Barbie’s boyfriend Ken, little sister Skipper, cousin Francie, and her best friends P.J. and Christie. The introduction of the Sun Set family was an off-the-charts hit but, as Stephanie Deutsch, author of Barbie the First 30 Years, notes, “It sadly marked the beginning of the end of the "Golden Time of Vintage Barbie dolls." The following mass-produced, low-budget Barbies lacked the quality (lashes, elaborate hairstyles, etc.) and flair of the early Barbie dolls that collectors love so much. ​
Click on images below to see full photo.
1971 Malibu Barbie
1972 Malibu P.J.
1971 Malibu Francie
1971 Malibu Skipper
Malibu Barbie and her friends were produced from 1971 – 1984. In 1979, they were renamed from The Sun Set Malibu to Sun Lovin’ Malibu dolls and have tan lines. In 1981, they were renamed “Sunsational” Malibu dolls. That same year is the first year there was a black Ken doll, #3849, Sunsational Malibu Ken, who has a funky rooted afro. There were previous black male dolls in the Barbie line such as Brad and Curtis, but this was the first black Ken doll. In 1983, Mattel introduced a Latina Sunsational Malibu Barbie #4970. In 1983, the Malibu dolls were renamed “Sun Gold” Malibu dolls. The 1983 Sun Gold Malibu Barbie #1067 uses the SuperStar Barbie head mold. 1986 was the last year of the Malibu series of dolls. 

Malibu Barbie was so popular that Mattel reinvented her in countless different versions throughout the years (see list below) such as the 1974 Sports Set Sun Valley Barbie skier, 1974 sailing Newport Barbie, several versions of 1975 Gold Medal (Olympic) Medal Barbie and a number of reproductions including 2013's Malibu Barbie by Trina Turk.
Lilac-eyed 1981 Sunsational Malibu P.J.
1983 Sun Gold Malibu Barbie (black)
1983 Sun Gold Malibu P.J.
1981 Sunsational Skipper
Below is a summary of Malibu Barbies produced from 1971 – 1975:
  1. 1971 Malibu Barbie #1067
  2. 1971 Malibu Ken #1088
  3. 1971 Malibu Skipper #1069
  4. 1971 Malibu Francie #1068
  5. 1971 Sun Sun Malibu Francie (Japan) 
  6. 1972 Malibu P.J. #1187
  7. 1972 Forget-Me-Not Malibu Barbie #3269 is a Kellogg’s promotion in a baggie
  8. 1972 Twist ‘n Pose Barbie from England is a Malibu Barbie with a paler skin tone with Malibu Barbie’s makeup, hairstyle and blue swimsuit
  9. 1973 Malibu Christie #7745
  10. 1974 The Sports Set Sun Valley Barbie #7806 wears an orange and yellow ski suit and comes with a hooded jacket, skis and ski poles
  11. 1974 The Sports Set Newport Barbie #7807 wears white pants and a nautical-style sleeveless top with sunglasses. She’s packaged with a red and white striped bikini and surfboard with sail.    
  12. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie #7233 debuts Mattel’s Gold Medal collection of U.S. Olympic dolls featuring Malibu Barbie, Ken and P.J. dressed to compete in the 1976 Olympic Games with gold medals around their necks. She wears a one-piece red and white swimsuit with a blue collar.
  13. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie Skater #7262 is packaged with a special plastic base that allows her to glide across the floor to simulate ice skating. She wears a cute red, white and blue sweater with a white skating skirt and ice skates.
  14. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie Skier #7264 wears a red ski suit with blue trim, red cap, and comes with skis and ski poles
  15. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie #9044 and her U.S. Olympic wardrobe is a Sears store exclusive. It includes the basic Gold Medal Barbie in a swimsuit with an ice-skating outfit, a parade dress ensemble and not one, not two but THREE gold medals!
  16. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie Winter Sports #9042 is a Sears catalog exclusive with Gold Medal Barbie Skier and an aprés-ski fashion: a white blouse, a red, white and blue long patterned skirt and blue pilgrim shoes
  17. 2002 Malibu Barbie (reproduction of 1971 doll) #56061
  18. 2009 50th Anniversary Malibu Barbie (reproduction of 1971 doll)
  19. 2013 Malibu Barbie gift set by Trina Turk #8259

2013 Malibu Barbie by Trina Turk
2013 Malibu Barbie by Trina Turk
Sources:
Barbie, a Rare Beauty, Sandi Holder, 2010
Barbie Doll Photo Album, J. Michael Augustyniak, 2010
Barbie, All Dolled Up, Jennie D’Amato, 2009
The Best of Barbie (four decades of America’s favorite doll), Sharon Korbeck, 2001
Face of the American Dream, Christopher Varaste, 1999
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Twist 'n turn barbie doll #1160

7/11/2020

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1967 Twist 'n Turn Barbie #11601967 Twist 'n Turn Barbie #1160
Twist 'n Turn Barbie (#1160), also known as TNT Barbie, debuted in 1967. The 1965 American Girl Barbie doll was the first with bendable legs, but TNT Barbie was the first who could turn at the waist! She was a dynamite addition to the prior static dolls who didn’t twist. A pivoting waist added playtime fun and more pose options. She wore a salmon-colored bikini featuring a groovy net cover-up, and she kept the red fingernail and toenail polish that were a hallmark of earlier Barbie dolls. Check out her 1967 commercial!

In response to rapidly changing styles and ideals of beauty, the Barbie face of 1959 wasn't relevant for the mod fashions dominating the fashion runways. Mattel's designers re-launched Barbie with a brand new look. Now featuring long, rooted eyelashes and a more youthful face, TNT Barbie was given a trendy hairstyle of straight chest-length hair with bangs. TNT Barbie’s new rooted lashes made her eyes as dramatic as those of Twiggy, the famous 60s British model. Mattel also made a Twiggy Barbie doll in 1967, its first doll based on a real person. 
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The TNT doll's flowing straight locks got a boost in color and, for the first time, her super-shiny hair was given a description. Hair wasn't just blonde, brunette or titian (red). That wasn’t fashion-forward enough for a model! Now her hair came in Sun Kissed (light blonde), Summer Sand (grayish blonde - which I have in my collection, see side photo), Red/Titian (rare), Platinum (rare), Go Go Co Co (brownette), and Chocolate Bon Bon (dark brown).

In an interesting marketing move, Mattel initiated a trade-in promotion for the popular TNT Barbie. Mattel promised children they could exchange any old doll and pay $1.50 to acquire the all-new Twist 'n Turn Barbie. The trade-in dolls (#1162) were identical to regular TNTs, but they sealed in a plastic bag and packaged in a slim pink box.

There's no doubt this was a turning point doll for Mattel. It was a departure from the doll's earlier more staunch, proper look. Pop culture strongly influenced Barbie doll fashions and attitude, which continued throughout Barbie history. The movin' groovin' world of the late '60s, with its mod haircuts, micro-minis, and moon boots, inspired Mattel designers to create a new line of clothes for Barbie and her teenage friends.  
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  • 1967 Twist 'n Turn Barbie #1160
    • NRFB $600 - $875 (blonde + brunette), $1,200 - $1,500 (redhead)
    • Mint/Complete $275 - $375 (blonde + brunette), $450 - $600 (redhead) 
  • 1968 Twist 'n Turn Barbie (Trade In) #1160
    • NRFB $475 - $575 (blonde + brunette), $875 - $975 (redhead)
    • Mint/Complete $275 - $375 (blonde + brunette), $450 - $600 (redhead) 

Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
​​

​Sources: The Best of Barbie, Sharon Korbeck 2001; Barbie Doll Photo Album 1959 to 2009, J. Michael Augustyniak 2010
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#tntbarbie #tnt #twistnturnbarbie #twistnturn #1967barbie #1968barbie #60sbarbie

Vintage Barbie Dolls by Hillary Shilkitus James
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1967-70 Mod Twist 'n Turn Casey doll #1180

4/15/2020

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1968 Mattel Twist 'n Turn Mod Casey doll #11801968 Mattel Twist 'n Turn Mod Casey doll #1180














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​This is one of the first dolls that got me addicted to collecting Barbies! I remember having Casey in the late '60s. I was fascinated with her shiny gold hot pants and a single dangling earring! In many cases, this earring has tragically turned many Casey doll ears green but my doll avoided that pitfall, somehow. Whew! This photo is from my personal collection and is still one of my favs. 


Casey is Francie's fun friend who shares the same body mold as Francie which makes it easy for them to raid one another's closets! Casey debuted in 1967 with rooted eyelashes and super cute chin-length hair. Francie and Casey had a third bestie they hung out with named Twiggy #1185 who was the first "personality" doll based on the '60s top model from London. 

1967 TNT Casey doll #1180
1975-76 Baggie Casey #9000
1975-76 Baggie Casey #9000
Mattel only produced one more Casey doll, the 1975-76 blonde Baggie Casey #9000. She came in a clear plastic bag with a cardboard piece stapled to the top; that's why collectors call her "Baggie". She looks different from the '60s Casey. She has long straight hair with a non-bend knee and non-twist waist. She wore a two-piece red or pink bikini. There was also a brunette version who wore a yellow bikini, "Baggie Francie" #7699. Casey used the same head mold as Francie.

The only difference between the 1967 Casey and the 1968 - 1970 dolls is that the '67 Casey with brunette hair may have oxidized to a reddish color. The latter year dolls' hair did not change color so mine must be from that era. And for a blast from the past, here is a 1967 commercial with Francie and Casey! 

​1967 Twist 'n Turn Casey #1180
​
Values:
$350 - $475 NRFB
$175 - $225 mint/no box


​Doll values from:
Vintage Barbie Dolls by Hillary Shilkitus James
Find Barbie and Friends Reference Books on Dolls and Fashions here
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Barbie's boyfriend Ken and Christie's boyfriend Brad

3/29/2020

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1971 Malibu Ken #1088, 1970 Brad #1542, 1971 Live Action Ken #1159 (l to r)
1971 Malibu Ken #1088, 1970 Brad #1542, 1971 Live Action Ken #1159 (l to r)
Ken and Brad are best of friends. They’ve likely bonded because they both know what it feels like to be living in their girlfriends Barbie’s and Christie’s shadow. You know, the purse holder at a Red Carpet event, while the women do their step and repeat, haha! I have to admit, among my extensive Barbie collection, I only have two Kens and one Brad. So, I’ve decided to give them some love and let them be in the spotlight for a change!
 
Ken Carson was born on March 11, 1961 and stood at 12” high. Ruth Handler, prior President of Mattel and inventor of the iconic Barbie, named Ken after her son and Barbie after her daughter. I remember my first Ken doll in the early 70s. It was 1971 blonde Malibu Ken #1088. He wears red swim trunks and comes with a blue towel. He and Malibu Barbie made a powerful “it couple” cruising Malibu beach in their yellow dune buggy with their beautiful tans, bright smiles and laid-back surfer vibes.
 
The other Ken in my collection is 1971 Live Action Ken #1159. He joins my Live Action Barbie, Christie and P.J. so now they make up a band and, man, can they groove! They have a new body construction that allows them to dance on their Touch ‘N Go stand. Ken wears flashy, satiny gold pants (sa-weeeet!), a multicolor shirt, a brown suede fringed vest and brown shoes. Later that year, they added a stage with a microphone, mod stickers you could apply, and a record with two hit sides with a sheet of lyrics. He was Live Action Ken on Stage #1172. There was also a Live Action Barbie and P.J. on Stage.
 
Ken’s bro Brad
I recently acquired a 1970 Bendable Leg Brad #1142, the first black male doll in the Barbie line. He was introduced in the latter part of 1970. Such a handsome dude. My Brad is looking pretty groovy in his denim shirt flanked with flowers and jeans. He comes in an orange shirt with orange and brown print shorts. Earlier that year, Brad debuted as New Talking Brad #1114 and was introduced on the box as Christie’s boyfriend. He wore orange shorts with a colorful orange, yellow and olive jacket to match 1970 Talking Christie’s outfit. #CoupleGoals Unfortunately, he was only produced from 1970 – 1972. In 1975, a black male doll was introduced by Mattel and his name was Free Moving Curtis #7282. He had the Brad head mold and his outfit was identical to Free Moving Ken’s (see below) but in orange.
 
Ken’s history from 1961 – 1975
Ken #750 was introduced in 1961 as Barbie’s boyfriend. According to toy maker Mattel — Barbie met Ken on the set of a TV commercial in 1961. He’s 12” tall with flocked hair (blonde, brunette or light brown) with blue eyes and wears red swim trunks and cork sandals. Later in 1961, Mattel swapped out his yellow beach towel for a red and white striped beach jacket. Mattel felt he was under-dressed in just his swim trunks! The following year in 1962, Ken wears the same outfit but has a newly sculpted head with painted hair in blonde or brunette. In 1963, he remained the same except that he was 1/4 inch shorter; the only time Mattel produced a shorter version of Ken. In 1965, Ken #1020 had lifelike, bendable knees that clicked. Available in blonde or brunette, he wears a blue jacket with a “K” decal and red shorts and sandals.
 
No new Ken doll was produced in 1968 but Talking Ken #1111 was introduced in 1969. He now came with a more bulked-up buff body (he must have spent 1968 lifting at the gym!) with bendable legs and a new painted head mold with a more current looking face. He wears red shorts with a red jacket. 1970’s Talking Ken wears orange shorts with a blue jacket and orange stripe. 1970 also brought New Good Lookin’ Talking Ken #1124. OUCH. Were they implying Ken wasn’t good looking before? They wouldn’t be wrong, ha! 
 
1972 brought a number of Ken dolls. Busy Ken #3314 in an orange or red tank top worn with a brown belt, jeans and white sneakers. The new holdin’ hands feature had jointed elbows, thumbs and wrists that allowed the doll to realistically hold things including a portable TV, a soda set, a travel case with stickers, a record player and a telephone; the kind you had to use your finger to dial! His inner circle included Busy Barbie and Busy Steffie. Mattel produced a 1972 Talking Busy Ken #1196 wearing a blue and red print shirt with a brown belt, red corduroy pants and brown shoes. The last Ken doll produced in 1972 was Walk Lively Ken #1184 who wears a blue polo with plaid pants and brown shoes. Joining him was Walk Lively Barbie and Walk Lively Steffie.
 
Other Kens in the 70s include 1973 Mod Hair Ken #4224, the first Ken doll with rooted hair. He only came in brunette and had facial stickers to give him a mustache, sideburns and a beard When he wears the 'stash, he gives off a Freddie Mercury vibe! He wore a brown and white plaid jacket, white shirt, brown pants and brown shoes. 1974 brought the Sports Set Sun Valley Ken #7809 who wears a blue ski suit with a red turtleneck, and red skis. The Sports Set also included Sun Valley Barbie, Newport Barbie and Yellowstone Kelley. In 1975, there was a Funtime Ken #7194 in blue swim trunks. The set also includes Funtime Barbie, Funtime Cara (who is identical to 1973 Malibu Christie), Funtime Skipper and her girlfriend Funtime Skooter.
 
1975 Free Moving Ken #7280 wears a red and white striped polo and attached white shorts. Basically, a onesie! No judgment here. :-) His ensemble includes a red belt, white sneakers, white socks with red and green stitching, a gray plastic golf club and tennis racquet with a ball. There was also a Free Moving Barbie, Free Moving P.J. and Free Moving Cara. From 1975 – 1976, there was a Gold Medal Ken doll skier #7261; commemorating the 1976 Winter Olympics in Montreal, Canada.
 
Way back in the start, Mattel introduced a friend for Ken in 1964, Allan #1000, and he was touted as “Ken’s buddy.” He has painted red hair and rust-colored eyes, wearing blue swim trunks and a multicolor striped shirt. Allan came with bendable legs the following year, just like his pal Ken.
 
But we were on a break!
Interestingly, in the past 60 years, Barbie and Ken have never gotten engaged nor married. In fact, they were on a bit of a break from February 2004 to February 2006. Barbie started dating hunky Australian surfer Blaine. Ken resurfaced with a makeover in 2006. Coincidence? Hmmmm… Not to fret, our love birds reconnected and have been living happily ever together since – probably in different apartments. There’s still no ring on Barbie’s finger. Ken, you know what Beyonce has to say about THAT. Then again, knowing how independent Barbie is – she probably doesn’t want a ring. You go girl. 

1968 Talking Ken #1111; $175 - $225 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box​
​1970 Sun Set Malibu Ken #1088; $75 - $150 NRFB and $25 - $45 Mint/No Box
1970 Talking Brad #1114; $100 - $175 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box
1970 Live Action Ken #1159; $200 - $275 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box
1971 Busy (w/Holdin' Hands) Ken #3314; $200 - $275 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box
1971 Walk Lively Ken #1184; $175 - $225 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box 
1972 Mod Hair Ken #4224; $75 - $125 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box
​
Doll values from:  Hillary James, The Complete & Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls 2nd Edition, 2011

#KenDoll #Ken #BarbiesBoyfriend #Mattel #BradDoll #NewTalkingBrad #CurtisDoll #VintageKen #ModKen #FreeMovingKen #LiveActionKen #ModHairKen #BusyKen #TalkingKen #WalkLivelyKen #FreeMovingCurtis #Barbie #ModBarbie #VintageBarbie

Find Barbie and Friends Reference Books on Dolls and Fashions here
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1974 - 1978 Mattel Sunshine Family

1/18/2020

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1978 The Sunshine Fun Family dolls #sunshinefamily #70sdolls #steveandstephie #sweetssunshine #babysweets1978 Mattel Sunshine Fun Family; Dad Steve, Mom Stephie, big sister Sweets Sunshine and baby brother

Trend-setting Barbie was living in her 3-story posh beach townhouse tooling around town in her pink Star 'Vette sports car. Dawn sashayed down her fashion show stage and zipped around in her pink convertible action car. Fashionista Tuesday Taylor entertained her highbrow, cosmopolitan friends in a beautiful penthouse apartment. Then... there was The Sunshine Family. A fashionable and luxurious lifestyle was definitely not their vibe!

This salt-of-the-earth hippie family wove macrame belts and purses and made pretty flower pots. They probably also embroidered jeans, baked granola and tie-dyed vintage T-shirts. They made their living selling these treasures to local folks from their mobile craft store in the Piggyback Shack on the back of their far-out yellow van. 

Mattel produced The Sunshine Family (SF) from 1974 - 1978 and they were 9" tall. The first set of dolls included Dad Steve, Mom Stephie and baby Sweets. All of the adult dolls were made of soft, posable vinyl with jointed knees. They wore prairie dresses, peasant blouses, bell bottoms, turtlenecks, cords, rainbow striped tank tops and sandals. I'm willing to bet they recycled and were vegan! Next came The Sunshine Family's white-haired grandparents and family pets, a friendly cat and playful dog.

In 1975, before the second issue of SF in 1976, Mattel added groovy African-American neighbors, The Happy Family, along with their set of grandparents. The Happy Family set included Dad Hal, Mom Hattie and baby Hon. One doll you don't hear much about is SF's red-haired aunt and cousin (a baby). All SF dolls were made the same size and shape.
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Initially, the dolls' fashions were DIY and you could customize the threads yourself. The second series SF fashions were redesigned and looked a little more modern. Steve wore jeans instead of khaki pants and another red turtleneck but in a brighter color and different fabric. Stephie had a more noticeable update. Her granny-style dress with the apron was replaced with a cooler jumper dress over a short-sleeved red blouse. Her hair was shorter, blonder and styled a bit differently.

In the last year of production in 1978, the third series of The Sunshine Family was updated and changed its name to, "The Sunshine Fun Family." The African-American dolls were renamed "The Happy Fun Family."

​Baby Sweets grew up to be big sister Sweets Sunshine and the family added an unnamed cute, freckle-faced baby boy with red hair. The box the new family came packaged in says, "And now there are 4! Mom, Dad, big sister and baby brother having fun together!" Dad Steve had a new outfit along with a funky, tight-curled hairstyle. Mom Stephie wore a new dress, had longer hair with a more natural color and upped her game with eye shadow and lipstick! Blonde-haired Sweets had orange ribbons in her ponytails and wore a cute orange jumper with matching orange shoes. The baby donned a jumper with a white top and brown shorts that matched the Dad's new outfit. The Happy Family also came in a family of four with big sister Hon Happy. The little girl versions of Sweets Sunshine and especially Hon Happy are probably the hardest to find of the SF dolls because they were only produced for about a year.

The Sunshine Family's modest (vinyl fold-out) one-bedroom home had a wood-burning furnace, rocking chair, kitchenette set, bed and other accessories and furniture. The house was comprised of a bedroom, kitchen, patio and living room. The Sunshine Fun Family got an updated house that included a kiddie pool and swing set. Each Sunshine family of dolls and each family accessory came with its own things-to-make Idea Book. It gave kids suggestions on how to creatively decorate The Sunshine Family's home with odds-n-ends around the house. You could grow potato plants in tiny paper cups, braid yarn to make a rug, make a sofa out of a milk carton or build an ice cream stick fence.

The eco-conscious Sunshine Family had other cool things like a Craft Store that came with a functional spinning wheel and pottery stand, a 2-story farm complete with a cow you could milk, a baby's nursery and a 3-wheeled Surrey bicycle the family could ride together. You could also purchase separate fashions, coloring books and paper dolls.

In our bicentennial year, 1976, a set of dolls were released called the Star Spangled dolls. These were my least favorite. The collection included blonde-haired Miss Alison Thompson (Colonial Girl #7941) in a long blue and yellow dress with a white wrap; Rosa Lee Linden (Southern Belle #7939) with long red hair wearing a floral dress and straw hat; brunette Sara Jane Benson (Pioneer Daughter #7940) wearing a pink bonnet, long purple dress and floral purple shawl; Indian Maiden #7938; Regina and Richard Stanton (Liberty Patriots #7944); Jazz Performers #7945 and Thanksgiving Pilgrims #7943. 
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Thank you dolls for tripping down memory lane with me! xo

Sunshine Family, 1976 Indian Maiden, Star-Spangled Series
Sunshine Family, 1976 Colonial Girl, Star-Spangled Series
Sunshine Family, 1976 Southern Belle Rosa Lee Linden, Star-Spangled Series
Hal, Hattie and Baby Hon from the 1975 Happy Family, friends of the Sunshine Family
#SUNSHINEFAMILY #BABYSWEETS #THEHAPPYFAMILY #70SDOLLS #STARSPANGLEDDOLLS #BABYHON #STEVEANDSTEPHIE #HALANDHATTIE #HONHAPPY #SWEETSSUNSHINE #SUNSHINEFAMILYDOLLS #MATTEL #MATTELSUNSHINEDOLLS #70SSUNSHINEFAMILY

REFERENCES:
HTTPS://CLICKAMERICANA.COM/TOYS-AND-GAMES/SUNSHINE-FAMILY-PLAY-SETS-1970S
HTTPS://WWW.METV.COM/STORIES/THE-SUNSHINE-FAMILY-WERE-THE-MOST-1970S-TOYS-OF-THE-1970S
HTTP://ILOVETHESUNSHINEFAMILY.BLOGSPOT.COM/
HTTPS://CLICKAMERICANA.COM/TOYS-AND-GAMES/SUNSHINE-FAMILY-PLAY-SETS-1970S
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Hasbro World of Love dolls

12/25/2019

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Love, Soul, Flower and Peace (clockwise starting with top left corner)Love, Soul, Flower and Peace (clockwise starting with top left corner)

​Do you remember World of Love ​fashion ​dolls? Hasbro introduced this doll line in 1971 during the Mod Barbie era. ​Hasbro touted World of Love dolls as "She's what's happening. She's today's American teenager and she's part of the World of Love." These dolls have ​a hippie vibe and are aptly named for the era - Love​, Peace, Soul and Flower! ​They had a catchy TV commercial where the little girls say they want to be like the Love teenage dolls and rap "I got Love, I got Flower, I got Peace, I got Soul!" 

Each doll ​wears a colorful outfit to match their colorful world. These 9” dolls have​ ​rooted ​hair and ​eyelashes, a twistable waist​ and bendable legs.​ ​Two new dolls were added to the collection, Music #4420​,​ and ​a male doll named Adam #4425. Every doll needs her Ken!​ Or another Barbie. No judgment here. :)​ Allegedly, Adam was named after one of the doll designer's sons. 

Love ​#4400 is ​a blond​e​ while Flower ​#4410 is ​a redhead​. Peace ​#4405, ​Soul ​#4415, Music #4420 and Adam #4425 all don jet black hair. ​The first issue World of Love dolls came in cardboard boxes with lids. The second issue came in wider cardboard boxes with cellophane around them. All of the Love dolls have “MADE IN HONG KONG” ​marked on their back and “HASBRO/U.S. PAT PEND” on their lower body. 
​
The Deluxe dolls were introduced in 1972. ​The dolls didn't change but each ​came ​wearing a​ personal t-shirt with her face imprinted on the front, along with an extra outfit. ​There's Deluxe Love #4402, Deluxe Peace #4407, Deluxe Flower #4412, Deluxe Soul #4417 and Deluxe Music #4422. Also in 1972, there was a 2nd edition Love doll wearing a different fashion. She remained product #4400. There wasn't a Deluxe version of Adam.

​The dolls were also sold in Europe under the name of Miss Matchbox Disco Girls, who also produced Matchbox cars. ​​The Disco Girls are blonde ​Britt, ​brunette ​Tia, ​redhead ​Dee and ​African American ​Domino along with Tony. He reminds me of Mod Hair Ken, both creepy IMHO!

​The Beautiful Hair Bonnie Breck doll promoted Breck shampoo in 1971. ​​Miss Breck ​is made from the same mold as the Wolrd of Love dolls. Her dress ​uses​ the same material as Flower's ​dress ​but ​it's a different ​prairie style. “2/HONG KONG” ​i​s marked on her back and “HASBRO/U.S. PAT PEND” on her lower body.

Hasbro had another line of dolls that debuted in 1972 called Leggy dolls.​ ​These long-legged, 10” vinyl dolls include red-haired Kate, brunette Nan, African-American Sue and blonde Jill. They are marked “1972/HASBRO/HONG KONG” on their lower body. 

#worldoflove #hasbroworldoflove #lovedolls #hasbrolovedolls #70sdolls #70slovedolls #love #soul #peace #flower #music #dolls #hasbro

​References: 
https://bit.ly/3gPigIb​ and http://plaidstallions.com/hasbro/love.html​

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Peace, Love, Soul, Music and Flower (l to r)
Peace, Love, Soul, Music and Flower (l to r)
Hasbro World of Love doll named Music. She is the 5th doll in the collection.
World of Love Doll named Music. Hasbro produced a line of dolls called World of Love in 1971 - 1972. She is the 5th doll added to the collection.
1971 World of Love doll named Beautiful Hair Bonnie Breck
Hasbro 2nd edition World of Love doll, Love #4400 in 1972; same doll, different outfit.
Hasbro 2nd edition World of Love doll, Love #4400 in 1972; same doll, different outfit.
World of Love Dolls boxes/packaging
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1976 - 1978 Tuesday Taylor

10/25/2019

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1976 Ideal Tuesday Taylor doll #TuesdayTaylor #Ideal #doll #70s
1976 Ideal Tuesday Taylor doll
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I love me some Mod Barbies but let's take a peek at another mod doll from the late 70s... 1976 Tuesday Taylor! She's often confused with Tiffany Taylor, but more on Tiffany later.

​Tuesday was advertised as a 'sophisticated city girl who goes to exciting places and has a fantastic career.' She has a few things in common with Mod Barbie; both are 11 1/2" vinyl fashion dolls with rooted hair and eyelashes and painted eyes. Both wear hip, stylish fashions. 
PictureTwist Tuesday's scalp and she goes from blonde to brunette!
Tuesday had a unique gimmick: you could rotate her scalp (see photo on left) transforming her from a sun-streaked blonde with short bangs to an exotic brunette - all with a quick twist of the top of her head.

​Hair play with dolls was very popular in the 70s. When you look closely at my photo, you'll see a line on the top of her head. That's the part you twist and she flips her hair colors. 
Ideal also produced an African-American counterpart, named 
Taylor Jones, with black and bright auburn hair. She's valued higher than the white doll. Ms. Jones reminds me of one of my favorite Barbie dolls, 1974 Malibu Christie.

The second iteration of Tuesday is 1977's posable Suntan Tuesday Taylor.  She still had the color-changing hair but her new gimmick is she tans. When you place little doodle stickers on her body and put her in the sunshine, cute tattoos show up when you remove the stickers - fun! The tan does go away after indoors for a while. Malibu Barbie has been known to say, however, 'A plastic tan never fades.' That line cracks me up every time! Suntan Tuesday is highly sought after with her vertical, oval-shaped sunglasses. A European version also had the same sunnies but came with a shorter, Marlo Thomas flip hairstyle (like Barbie's "Marlo Flip" Twist 'n Turn doll!)
The third model of Tuesday was 1978 Beauty Queen Tuesday Taylor (photo on right.) She does not have posable arms, wrists and legs like the first two Tuesday dolls. She only has blonde hair without the rotating scalp. Unfortunately, there was not a black version of this doll. LAME.
​
The last and final edition is 1978's curly-haired Super Model Tuesday Taylor with her Fashion Stepper. A walking mechanism allowed her to walk like the Walk Lively Barbie dolls of the 70's. Like the Beauty Queen doll, she does not have rooted eyelashes or the rotating scalp and only comes in blonde. Her arms, legs and wrists are bendable unlike the Beauty Queen. Super Model Tuesday Taylor came in an African-American version but, this time, her name wasn't Taylor Jones. It stayed Tuesday Taylor. AGAIN LAME. 

Ideal designers expanded Tuesday's world with a convertible penthouse apartment that you can change from day to night with the backdrop (more chic than Barbie's Country Living home!), a two-level Summer/Winter Vacation Home (perhaps in Malibu?), a Skipper-like little sister, 9" Dodi, and a 12" tall yoked-out boyfriend, Eric. He has a pea-size head compared to his body, sooooo funny! Dodi and Eric didn't have any of their own fashions in addition to what they came dressed in. 


1978 Beauty Queen Tuesday Taylor
1978 Beauty Queen Tuesday Taylor
Now, Tiffany Taylor! In 1974, Ideal's Crissy doll was a bit dated and phased out. Ideal wanted to jump on the "dolls that do stuff" trend so created an equally large doll, Tiffany Taylor, from 1974 - 1976. At 19" Tiffany is much larger than Tuesday. Tiffany was the same size as Crissy doll but they are not part of the same family.

Tiffany has rooted hair and lashes, blue eyes, non-bendable arms and legs and was a competitor of Super Size Barbie of the same size. Tiffany's eyes are half-closed giving her a 70s "stoned" look (lol!) and her eye makeup is much heavier than Tuesday's. Tiffany also came in a black model. Initially, Tiffany was a great idea but since Barbie was the Queen Bee, Ideal reused Tiffany's gimmicks on a smaller doll, more like Barbie's size. That's how Tuesday was born! 

Source: Collectible Doll Fashions: 1970, Carmen Varricchio (2003)
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1971 Dramatic New Living Fluff, a friend of Skipper

7/29/2019

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1971 Dramatic Living Fluff #11431971 Dramatic Living Fluff #1143
​One of Skipper's friends from the early 70's is Dramatic New Living Fluff #1143. I'm so excited to add her to my collection. Fluff dolls are very hard to find!

Dramatic New Living Fluff was introduced in 1971 and was the first friend of Skipper's since Skooter and Ricky "retired" in 1967. Skipper followed big sis Barbie everywhere which was a bit annoying, lol! Dramatic New Living Skipper and Living Fluff are only available as blondes. Fluff styles her hair in two pigtails held in place with orange hair bows, and she has bangs with cute pin curls on the sides.  She dons a colorful yellow, orange and green striped one-piece jumper with a bright orange vinyl skirt that has two yellow buttons and attached shorts. She has pretty brown eyes with rooted eyelashes.

Fluff had a new face mold, which she shares with 1972 Pose 'n Play Tiff. Fluff came with a yellow skateboard showing off her athletic skills and prowess! Her body is identical to Dramatic New Living Skipper and has the same body markings. 

In 1971, a Sears exclusive "Living Fluff Sunshine Special" gift set #1249 debuted. It came with a Living Fluff doll (with what appears to be lighter blonde hair) with the same markings as the original Living Fluff. She wore her original playsuit but also came with a cool five-piece fashion ensemble with Skipper labels. The wardrobe included red velvet pants with yellow and blue rickrack, a knee-length ruffled skirt with a matching red head scarf, a gold velvet vest with red trim, coordinating opaque gold tights and a white peasant blouse with yellow, red and blue rickrack. The set also includes flat gold shoes and her infamous skateboard. This set is VERY hard to find. 

Skipper added a few other friends in the 70's; 1972 Pose 'n Play Tiff #1199 and 1976 Growing Up Ginger #9222.. 

According to Hillary James, author of The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls (2nd edition,) a Dramatic New Living Fluff doll never removed from the box (NRFB) is worth around $275 - $350, mint with no box can garner $75 - $125, and. the average doll, in the range of $50 to $75.
​

1971 Dramatic New Living Fluff #1143
1971 Dramatic New Living Fluff #1143
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1972 Busy Barbie #3311

5/26/2019

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1972 Busy Barbie #3311 modbarbies.com1972 Busy Barbie #3311



​Hi dolls! The newest addition to my Mod Barbie collection is Busy Barbie (#3311) who debuted in 1972; the year maxi dresses, mini skirts, knee socks and patterns happened in a big way!

Her "busy" hands can hold a number of accessories including a phone, record player, color TV, travel case and a soda set of a brown tray with two glasses. Her hands can bend and turn at the wrist, and also grasp and carry. 

While the innovations on this doll were designed to make Barbie more active and powerful, with her gripping hands, she ultimately didn't last long. Production costs were prohibitive, and the doll's joints a bit too fragile to survive a lot of play. Personally, I'm not a fan of the mechanical-looking hands.

Busy Barbie has bendable legs and elbows, a twist-n-turn waist, and painted lashes. She's wearing a blue denim halter top with attached white panties, a patchwork gingham long skirt with a ruffle on the hem, white pilgrim shoes and has a pretty brass barrette in her hair.

Seven Busy Barbie dolls with the holdin' hands feature were released in 1972. There are three talking versions; Talking Busy Barbie #1195, Talking Busy Ken #1196 and Talking Busy Steffie #1186. The four who couldn't talk are Busy Barbie #3311, Busy Ken #3314, Busy Steffie #3312, and Busy Francie #3313. A European Busy Francie was released at the same time, German Busy Francie.

Talking Busy Barbie has short blonde hair and real lashes, not painted lashes like #3311. She wore blue satin hot pants, a red tricot top with a chartreuse belt and knee boots. Talking Busy Steffie said things like, "I dig having my own TV," "The new fashions are wild" and "That music is groovy."  

According to Hillary James, author of The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls (2nd edition,) a Busy Barbie never removed from the box (NRFB) is worth around $475 - $550, mint with no box can garner $275 - $350, and. the average doll, in the range of $175 to $275.

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1977 Barbie and Her Super Fashion Fireworks Gift Set #9805

9/9/2018

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1977 Barbie and Her Super Fashion Fireworks Gift Set #98051977 Barbie and Her Super Fashion Fireworks #9805

​The latest edition to my Barbie collection! Dressed in a tricot tangerine one-piece swimsuit, the 1977 "Barbie and Her Super Fashion Fireworks" gift set #9805, was a Kresge (Kmart) exclusive. Each pack had four colorful outfits, and with three fashion packs produced, added up to twelve cute outfits. One set included fashions #9552, 9559, 9560 and 9561; a. second set had #9550, 9553, 9556 and 9558., and the third set included #9551, 9554, 9555 and 9557. In 1976, they were called Sweet 16 fashions. 

​She was included in another gift set in 1977, "Barbie doll Plus 3," #9953. Barbie came with three Best Buy fashions, #s 9153, 9160 and 9161.. This was an exclusive set sold at the dime store, Ben Franklin. Who remembers Ben Franklin?! It was the BEST place to score all types of candy!

1977 Barbie and Her Super Fashion Fireworks Gift Set #9805
1977 Barbie and Her Super Fashion Fireworks #9805
1977 Barbie and Her Super Fashion Fireworks (#9805)
  • NRFB $120 (value given from 2010 so probably worth more now)
Values from Barbie Doll Photo Album 1959 to 2009, J. Michael Augustyniak
#BarbieSuperFashionFireworks #FashionFireworks #KresgeBarbie #BenFranklinBarbie #KmartBarbie
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1976 European Standard Barbie Doll #7382

9/8/2018

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  • The 1976 European Barbie #7382, like a number of other 70s Barbie dolls, looks similar to the infamous and highly successful 1971 Malibu Barbie - such as the 1974 Italian (European) Twist 'n Turn Barbie, 1975 Gold Medal Barbie #7233 and 1974's (the sports set) Sun Valley Barbie skier #7806. 
  • This 1976 - 1977 Barbie was only released in Europe and Canada. She was also known as the "pale or pink skin" Malibu Barbie. She was a simple doll, made inexpensively with straight (no-bend) legs and a no-twist waist. She used the popular Stacey head mold and wore a blue two-piece swimsuit.

1976 European Barbie doll #7382
1976 European Barbie doll #7382 | courtesy of Barbie List Holland
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1974 European Barbie #8587 (Italy)

5/27/2018

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1974 European TNT Barbie doll #85871974 #8587 European Twist 'n Turn Barbie in 1975's "A Busy Girl’s Ready-Set-Go Clothes!" #7242
I'm so excited about the newest Barbie in my collection! I was having a not-so-great week, coming down with pneumonia. To cheer myself up, I looked at Barbies for sale on eBay lol! I came across a beautiful doll that the seller didn't know the name of. I was lucky this Barbie came across my search! I thought she was a perfect Yellowstone Kelley Barbie so I felt I scored, purchasing her for $150. When she arrived, I realized it wasn't Kelley. I blame it on my pneumonia brain, haha! ​

I did some research and discovered that she is a #8587 TNT European Barbie - wow! She was also sold in Canada but the red-haired version was only sold in Europe. I have the red-haired European Barbie (Italy); she looks like a hybrid of Yellowstone Kelley and Malibu Barbie. 

She has the Stacey head mold, wears a one-piece turquoise swimsuit (the same maillot 1971 Malibu Barbie wears), and bending legs. She was produced in several versions from 1971 - 1976, like this this doll. In 1974, she wore a yellow swimsuit. According to Stefanie Deutsch's book, "Barbie, the First 30 Years," the Barbie I purchased is worth $150 - but this value was given in 2003. I'm hoping she's worth more now! She came in blonde and red hair, the latter being hard-to-find.
​
My doll came dressed in 1975's "A Busy Girl’s Ready-Set-Go Clothes! #7242." According to Mattel, Barbie® doll's bright crayon color mixers included striped tricot halter, long scarf, and knee socks. These pieces accented the woven yellow skirt and jacket with red stitching. The skirt had a yoke at the waist, and the jacket had pocket flaps placed vertically along stitch lines. The bottom was banded. Red woven knickers with an elasticized waist and yellow chunky shoes completed the look.

She KINDA looks like Yellowstone Kelley, right?!
1974 European (Italian) Twist 'n Turn Standard Barbie #8587 with strawberry blonde hair
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Quick Curl Miss America & Walk Lively Steffie

12/16/2017

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1973 Quick Curl Miss America and 1972 Walk Lively Steffie
1973 Quick Curl Miss America and 1972 Walk Lively Steffie from author's collection
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Here she is, Miss America! Naturally, if your career starts as a teenage fashion model, and you're smart and want to make the world a better place - why not showcase those traits in a pageant?! Mattel came out with two different Miss America dolls using Barbie's body and the popular Steffie head mold; 1972 Walk Lively Miss America (#3200) and 1973 Quick Curl Miss America (#8697). You could curl and straighten her hair with the help of a special curling wand, comb and brush. Quick Curl Barbie capitalized on the popularity of hair play in the 70s. 1973 Quick Curl Barbie wears the same fashion as 1972 Walking Miss America but Quick Curl Barbie had painted lashes and Quick Curl hair. Quick Curl Miss America was produced from 1973 to 1979. All Miss America dolls are brunette with the exception of Quick Curl Miss America - the only blonde.

A fun fact... from 1973 on, outfits for Barbie were no longer named. Fashions are now known only by their numbers. Well, that's no fun! Bring back Glimmer Glamour, Intrigue, Movie Groovie, and Stripes are Happening!

Walk Lively Steffie (#1183) is one of three in the Walk Lively series (there was also a Walk Lively Ken and Barbie). The Walk Lively dolls came with a special Walk n' Turn stand which allowed the dolls to move their head and limbs when pushed. Barbie's same-sized friend, Steffie, was introduced in 1972. Steffie used a gorgeous new head mold that would be used for numerous Barbie family dolls over the years.

1972  Brunette Walking Miss America (#3200)
  • NRFB $275 - $325 
  • Mint/Complete $100 - $150
​1972  Brunette Miss America  - Kellog's Special (#3194)
  • NRFB $275 - $325 
  • Mint/Complete $100 - $150
1973  Blonde Quick Curl Miss America (#8867)
  • NRFB $175 - $225 
  • Mint/Complete $75 - $125
1972 Brunette Walk Lively Steffie (#1183)
  • NRFB $225 - $300 
  • Mint/Complete $75 - $125
Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
#WalkLivelySteffie #MissAmericaBarbie #QuickCurlBarbie #WalkingMissAmerica #QuickCurlMissAmerica #Steffie

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