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Barbie gained a new friend in 1972, Steffie. She had a gorgeous new head mold that has been used for numerous Barbie family dolls over the years. Walk Lively Steffie was brunette with brown eyes and had pretty rooted lashes. She came dressed in a pink and white print jumpsuit with a sheer pink scarf and red pilgrim shoes. What made Steffie unique is that when she is placed on her walk 'n turn stand and pushed along, her arms and legs move back and forth as her head looks from side to side! Walk Lively Barbie (#1182) and Walk Lively Ken (#1184) were also produced that same year in '72. 

Barbie's vibe changed in the early 70s and this was considered the era of "action," whether it was talking, walking or carrying accessories. This new level of articulation allowed Barbie to pose in a more realistic fashion. The Live Action dolls could dance, Busy Steffie could grab things with her newly-designed hands and this Walk Lively Steffie could strut her stuff!

Moving bodies, extending hair, and a kissing mechanism were some of the added actions Mattel developed for Barbie dolls and her friends in the 70s. More examples of Barbies that could do things are Dramatic New Living Barbie, Barbie with Growin' Pretty Hair and Quick Curl Barbie. 

Some considered these types of Barbie dolls gimmicky and, I have to admit, I much prefer the dolls produced before the action era. They seemed to be of better quality and the fashions were much cooler! I love, love, loved the 1969 Fab Fur #1493 (fake fur, of course, Barbie loved animals!), and 1969's Golden Groove with gold boots #1593.

What are your fav Mod Barbie fashions?

  • 1972 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 #steffiedoll #walklivelybarbie #70sbarbies
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Francie Fairchild was a fashion doll issued by Mattel from 1966 to 1976 and re-introduced in 2011. Marketed as "Barbie's MODern cousin", the doll had an amazing line of "mod"-style clothing. Her fashions highlighted bright colors and geometric patterns similar to fashions associated with London's swinging Carnaby Street in the late 1960s. At 11¼ inches tall, Francie was shorter than Barbie, but taller than Barbie's little sister Skipper, making the character presumably between the two in age.

In the late 60s, Mattel wanted their Barbie line to better reflect the times. However, fearful of losing their core customer base, Mattel decided to produce a "test" doll first, and introduced Francie in 1966. She featured a body reflecting that of a young teen, with a flip hairdo, rooted lashes and a slight figure. Some believe that the Francie doll may have been based on the character "Gidget", whose real name was Frances Lawrence (sometimes called Francie). Francie was such a smash hit that she led the way for Barbie's makeover and MOD debut in 1967.

Francie came in several models over her decade-long run, beginning with a straight leg model (1966–1968) who came in a red and white swimsuit and a "bend leg" doll (1966–1967) who was dressed in a geometric print swimsuit. "Twist 'N Turn" Francie was issued in 1967 and she could twist at the waist. She wore a striped one-piece swimsuit with pink bottoms. These three versions looked very similar. Then Francie was  updated in 1969 with a short flip hairstyle and again in 1971 in a no-bangs hairstyle. All of these dolls were available in blonde or brunette and had rooted lashes, except for the straight leg dolls, who had painted lashes. 

In the 1970s, several hair-related variations of the Francie doll were issued: a blonde "Hair Happenin's Francie" (1970–1972), a blonde "Growin' Pretty Hair" Francie (1971–1973); and a brunette "Quick Curl Francie" (1973–1974). A tanned version, "Malibu Francie", was produced from 1971 to 1976 with blonde hair and blue eyes. She used the Casey head mold. "Busy Francie" (1972–1973) was a blonde doll designed with a hand that was able to grip small objects. 1975's brunette "Baggie Francie", so called because she was sold in a clear plastic bag as opposed to a box, was the last of the Francie dolls produced.

This photo is of my 1970 Hair Happenin's Francie in the hard-to-find 1973 Best Buy Fashion #8644. She has a twist and turn waist, bendable knees, short blonde hair with bangs and a blue ribbon headband (my doll is missing the headband). She comes with four extra blonde hair pieces: Mini Curls, a topknot with large curls; Swingy Swirl, double flip curls on headband with an orange ribbon; Twisty Twirls, a braid on a headband with two banana curls and pink yarn bows  and, lastly, Fluffy Whirl, a green riccon headband with short curls. Hair Happenin's Francie comes dressed in a blue dress with white crochet trim and aqua low heel shoes. The 1970 version has straighter hair while the 1971 and 1972 models have fluffier hair and paler lips.

"Black Francie", first issued in 1967, was the first doll in the Mattel line with a dark complexion. But, the doll did not have stereotypical African American features, since it was made with the same head molds as the white Francie doll. Because of this, a doll named Christie, first issued in 1968, is often considered the first true African American doll in the Barbie line. 

A German variation of Francie (1972) was made with a different head mold, but the same body type as her US counterparts. Blonde-haired, blue-eyed German Francie was sold only in Germany and was only produced as a standard doll and a "Busy" variation.

There are also Japanese variations of Francie and she was hugely popular in Japan. Japanese Francie and her exclusive fashions are the most valuable and sought after items amongst collectors. The rarest of all the Francie dolls is the Japanese Sun Sun Malibu Francie. She is a Malibu Francie with a deep suntan, and uses the original Francie head mold with rooted lashes and long brunette, side-parted hair. American-issued Francies used the Casey head mold, with blue eyes and blonde side-parted hair with no rooted lashes. The Japanese Francie dolls were produced in a very limited quantity so command a price of up to $4,000!

Francie has been reproduced by Mattel three times: in 1996, as a brunette bend leg doll with a reproduction swimsuit and Gad-Abouts outfit; in 1997, as Black Francie (limited to 5,000 dolls) wearing a reproduction of The Wild Bunch; and in 2005, as a blonde, no-bangs Francie, wearing a reproduction of Smashin' Satin.

​Which Francie is your favorite?! Would love to hear from you, dolls!
  • 1970 - 1972 Hair Happenin's Francie #1122
    • NRFB $550 - $800 
    • Mint/Complete $225 - $300
Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
Article source: Wikipedia 2014
#hairhappeninsfrancie #hairhappeninsbarbie #franciebarbie #70sfrancie #franciedoll #vintagefrancie #modfrancie
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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. ​​
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.  
​
  • 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
#tntbarbie #tnt #twistnturnbarbie #twistnturn #1967barbie #1968barbie #60sbarbie
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Barbie has lived in some pretty groovy homes over the years. Who wouldn’t want a “Dream House”? A reader of my blog was interested in learning more about Barbie houses and I thought it was a fantastic idea because I haven’t seen much written on this topic. So here is what I learned…

Barbie’s first home, built in 1961, was the “Barbie Doll Dream House” #0816. It’s the most common of all the Barbie cardboard structures. It unfolded into one big room that included a bedroom and living room. Barbie started the “open concept” home! Furnishings included cardboard items such as a twin bed, coffee table, TV, matching chair and ottoman, sofa, a vanity chair with a mirror, table lamp, books, a framed photo of her boyfriend Ken, and pillows. Barbie had records to play on her record player and she had quite the collection - Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Kingston Trio and The Preps!

My favorite, although not a home - is 1963’s Barbie Doll Fashion Shop #0817. I’m actually on the hunt for a minty one so let me know if you have one for sale! The shop includes a fun fashion stage where Barbie and her friends can try on and twirl around in new outfits. The next Barbie structure debuted in 1964, Barbie Goes To College #4093. Outside panels include scenes of a football stadium and game, and a drive-in movie theater. The interior view is a campus dorm room and a sweet shop - a place to meet friends for an ice cream float! 

Let’s fast forward to the Mod Era. The vinyl Barbie House Mate #5152 came out in 1966. The interior includes a plastic lavender sofa with end tables, ottoman, closet and attached turquoise floral print twin bed. That same year, the fold out Francie and Casey House Mate house #5092 was built. This structure’s interior has a built-in desk, gold plastic tub chair and pink plastic bed with a mod zebra-striped bedspread.

Over the years, many more digs were built for Barbie, her family and friends. These structures included the 1966 Francie House #3302, 1966 - 1967 Barbie Family Deluxe Home, various World of Barbie Houses from 1966 - 1972, 1966 Francie and Casey Studio House #1026, and 1967 - 1968 Barbie and Francie Dressing Room Case #1024. There was a housing boom in 1970 because Barbie got a cute restaurant called Barbie Cafe Today #4983,  Barbie Lively Livin’ Room, Barbie Teen Dream Bedroom #4985, and the Barbie Cookin’ Fun Kitchen #48987.

Barbie had fun trying on new looks in her 1971 Unique Boutique Wig and Fashion Shop, and jetting off to Vail in 1972 to her Sears Exclusive Barbie Mountain Ski Cabin #4283. The Barbie Family House #1066 was produced from 1969 - 1972. This is the one I bought on eBay and am looking for ways to display my Barbies in it. The vinyl on this house is often cracked. Funny how over the years the 1960s cardboard Barbie houses endured better than the plastic ones in the 70s! 

​From 1968 - 1976, there are many variations of the Barbie and Stacey Sleep ’N Keep Case. A Jamie Studio Apartment #4996 and a Jamie Party Penthouse #4990 came out in 1970. I have fond memories of the Barbie house I had as a little girl, the 1970 - 1972 Barbie Lively Livin’ House #4282. It was also called the Barbie Live Action House or Surprise House. It was a two floor, three room structure with three patios and four white patio fences. The patio panel can be flipped over and connected to the structure’s walls making more scenes on the other side of the house. My fellow Barbie blogger, Mary, has great photos of Barbie homes!
​
What is your favorite Barbie house or structure? Would love to hear from you!
#barbiedreamhouse #vintagebarbiedreamhouse #barbiehouses #barbielivelylivinhouse #barbieliveactionhouse #barbiemountainskicabin #franciecaseyhouse #barbiedollfashionshop #barbiehousemate #70sbarbiehouses
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P.J. dolls are one of my favorite - I just love her adorable pigtails! She was introduced in 1969 as Barbie’s new best friend, replacing Midge… ouch! The first P.J. doll was marketed as “New ‘N Groovy Talking P.J.” She wore a pretty pink and orange floral dress and used the Midge face sculpt, but P.J. was more hip and mod. She had long blonde pigtails with beaded, colorful hair bands, brown doe eyes, pretty blue eye shadow and long rooted lashes. When you pulled the string on the back of her neck, she’d say fun things like, “Oh, you’re the grooviest!” and “Help me get ready for my date". Talking P.J. that still speaks is a real find for collectors! There are also Talking versions of Barbie, Christie and Ken. The second P.J. to arrive was the 1970 Twist ’n Turn P.J. in her cute pink swimsuit. 

Live Action P.J., the third P.J. to be produced, was movin’ and groovin’! A special stand allowed P.J. to dance with the touch of the “touch and go” stand. Her box highlighted her many skills like, “I dance to your favorite music,” “I dance more than ever before,” “Start the action, touch my touch ’n go stand,” and “There’s lots I do - just like you.”

The final P.J. of the Mod Era was 1972’s Sun Set Malibu P.J. She used the Steffie face sculpt and wore a fab lavender one-piece swimsuit. She joined her other tan friends, circa 1971, Malibu Barbie, Malibu Ken, Malibu Francie and Malibu Skipper. Beach pal Malibu Christie joined the squad in 1973.

P.J. wore the same size clothes as Barbie so they could share closets. The only fashions that have a P.J. label are her swimsuits and the items from her two gift sets. Mattel tells us the initials P.J. don’t stand for anything, that it is simply her name. I find that odd so I like to think it stands for Penny Jane! What’s your guess?
  • 1969 Talking P.J. #1113
    • NRFB $275 - $350, Mint No Box $125 - $175
  • 1970 Twist ’n Turn P.J. #1118
    • NRFB $275 - $350, Mint No Box $125 - $175
  • 1971 Live Action P.J. #1156 (without stage) 
    • NRFB $275 - $350, Mint No Box $75 - $125
  • 1971 Live Action P.J. On Stage #1153 (with stage)
    • NRFB $300 - $375, Mint No Box $150 - $225
  • 1972 The Sunset Malibu P.J. #1187
    • NRFB $225 - $300, Mint No Box $75 - $125
  • 1970 P.J. doll in Swingin’ in Silver Gift Set - Sears Exclusive #1588
    • NRFB $1,500 - $1,750, Mint/Complete $275 - $350
  • 1971 - 1972 Live Action P.J., Fashion ‘N Motion Gift Set - Sears Exclusive #1508
    • NRFB $850 - $1,100, Mint/Complete $200 - $250

Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
#pjdoll #pjbarbie #tntp.j. #liveactionpj #sunsetmalibupj #70spjdoll #barbiesfriendpj
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1971 Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie from www.modbarbies.com

Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie #1144

1971 Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie from www.modbarbies.com

1971 Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie

1971 Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie from www.modbarbies.com

1971 Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie from the collection of Lynne Pelzek

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Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie is now with her friends in my collection! I was so excited to win this minty Barbie on eBay for just $95! Isn't she lovely? As a child, the reason I fell in love with Growin’ Pretty Hair Barbie was because I could lengthen or shorten her hair with a little tug! I thought this was ingenious. I also loved my Crissy doll for the same reason – do you remember her?! Growin’ Pretty Hair Barbie #1144 came with cute hairpieces – curls and braids – and accessories to complete her fun look. You could also style her blonde hair yourself with her little hair tools. The 1971 version was blonde with a side part, wore a pink dress and had pink ribbons on her hair accessories. The 1972 Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie wore a peasant / empire dress and the bow on her hairpieces was blue.The latter Barbie is worth more to collectors.

Baby dolls lost their popularity in the early 70s to fashion dolls like Barbie and Dawn. Children loved the hair play options with fashion dolls. Barbie’s retractable ponytail embraced this hair play craze. Aspiring hairstylists loved this Barbie because it provided hours of practice and dozens of hairstyle possibilities. Some children did more than just crimp and curl Barbie’s hair though. Barbie’s life span could be, umm… cut short with a deadly snip of scissors. Uh oh, now a real stylist had to be visited to fix the damage!

It was a great idea for Mattel to sell a Barbie with many hairdo possibilities, rather than the somewhat surrealistic Hair Fair Barbie #4043 issued the same year. Hair Fair wasn’t even a doll! She was a head sold with accompanying wigs and accessories. However, in 1971 Mattel also released Hair Happenin’s Barbie #1174 who had hair options to add to her short, titian (red) hair. This Barbie was different than Barbie with Growin’ Pretty Hair because Hair Happenin’s came with red (titian) mini curls, midi swirls, and a fashion fall. She is considered by collectors as one of the most beautiful , rare and desirable dolls of the Mod Era. She can fetch upwards of $2,000 when Never Removed From Box!

References:
The Best of Barbie: Four Decades of America’s Favorite Doll, Sharon Korbeck (2001)
Barbie: A Rare Beauty, Sandi Holder (2010)
​
1971 Growin’ Pretty Hair Barbie - Values: $300 - $375 NRFB; $150 - $225 mint/no box
1972 Growin’ Pretty Hair Barbie - Values: $475 - $550 NRFB; $275 - $350 mint/no box
Values from "Vintage Barbie Dolls" by Hillary Shilkitus James (2011)
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Growin' Pretty Hair Francie 1970 / www.modbarbies.com

1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair

The 60s brought a new generation, a youth revolution, called "mod" which strongly influenced music, fashion and make-up. Think go-go music, mini dresses and heavily applied mascara and eye liner. Does anyone remember the show Laugh In?! Mattel embraced this new attitude and in 1966 released Francie, Barbie's MOD'ern cousin. Her fashions even coincided with the times with groovy names like Fur-Out, Swingin' Skimmy, Leather Limelight and Hip Knits. How would you recreate Francie's pink party look today? 
​
I have several Francie dolls in my collection and, one of my favs, released in 1970, is this Growin' Pretty Hair Francie #1129. She wears a cute pink mini dress with a pink metallic top and satin skirt with pink tulle and silver dots with a silver trim waistband and bow, sewn in panties, and soft, pink pointed heels. Her hair is pulled up in a bun with a retractable ponytail, bangs, and adorable pin curls on each cheek. The pony retracts through the top of her head when her left arm is turned to shorten her hair, and pulled out to make it longer. The first issue #1129 didn't come with any hairpieces but the 2nd issue model number changed to 1074 and included two hairpieces and some hair accessories.
Growin' Pretty Hair Francie 1970 / www.modbarbies.com

1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair

There is also a Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie. All Francies and her wardrobe were phased out in 1975. Total bummer. Bring back Francie! Amiright dolls?!

Who is your favorite Francie doll?

​Ideal Toy Corp. produced the first fashion doll with a retractable ponytail named Crissy in 1969. She has auburn hair and is 18 inches tall, much larger than Barbie or Francie.
​
1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair - Values: $225 - $350 NRFB; $125 - $200 mint/no box

Values from "Vintage Barbie Dolls" by Hillary Shilkitus James (2011)
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UPDATED MAY 2025
​Live Action Barbie brings me back to when my mom went to Woodstock. In fact, this Barbie is often referred to as "Woodstock Barbie." I purchased Live Action Christie for just $99 on eBay. Isn't she gorgeous?! I was a little nervous because there was only one fuzzy photo of her on eBay. The seller said she was in very good condition but I'd say she's mint! Her head and hair were wrapped in cellophane and the outfit is perfect and complete. I'd say I scored on this one! 

I've had Live Action P.J. and Live Action Barbie in my collection for a while so they're happy their last sister Christie joined them. Can you say Dance Party?!
Barbie and P.J. came in two varieties: either with a battery-operated stage or a Touch N' Go stand. Christie only came with the Touch N' Go stand. I had so much fun playing with them as a girl because I could make them dance and, as K.C. once said, shake their booty! That reminds me, I also enjoyed playing with my tambourine as a kid and bouncing around - good times! 

Christie is dressed in a funky top with long fringed sleeves, and bell bottoms trimmed in purple suede cloth, accented with an orange scarf in her hair and chunky shoes. (I want this outfit for myself!) Barbie wore a tie dye bell bottom jumpsuit with suede cloth trim and fringe. To complete the look, she wore a suede cloth headband and bracelets with fringe (my doll is missing these).

​P.J. donned a red knit mini dress with hose and fab gold fabric boots. A purple suede cloth fringed vest with a golden bead button closure completed her outfit. That's a lot of fringe on these dolls but I've always believed... there's no such thing as too much fringe!  Speaking of, check out these super-cute boots I bought on Shoe Dazzle today!

Christie uses the Midge head mold with rooted lashes and has straight black hair. Barbie uses a body similar to Living Barbie's but with added waist mobility. She has very long rooted lashes and her eyes are centered, not side-glancing. Prior to 1971, Barbie's eyes glanced to the right, but most Barbie dolls released from 1971 on have centered eyes. Live Action P.J. (like Live Action Christie) uses the Midge head mold but has brown eyes and side-parted blonde hair with a cute braid in it. 

Which were your favorite Barbies from the 70s? I'm looking for new blog post ideas and want to know what you're interested in! In the meanwhile, do a little dance...

xo, Lynne

1970 Live Action Barbie - Values: $275 - $350 NRFB; $100 - $175 mint/no box
1971 Live Action P.J. - Values: $275 - $350 NRFB; $75 - $125 mint/no box
1973 Live Action Christie - Values: $225 - $300 NRFB; $75 - $125 mint/no box

Values from "Vintage Barbie Dolls" by Hillary Shilkitus James (2011)

​#LiveActionBarbie #LiveActionPJ #LiveActionChristie #LiveActionKen #WoodstockBarbie #LiveActionBarbieDolls #HippieBarbie
Live Action Christie

Instructions on how to make Christie dance!

Live Action Christie, Live Action Ken, Live Action P.J., Live Action Barbie dolls
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Photos by Zen Photography

Live Action Barbie #1152

Live Action Barbie #1152

Live Action Christie #1175

Live Action Christie #1175

Live Action P.J. #1156

Live Action P.J. #1156

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Live Action Christie, P.J., Barbie and Ken plus super star Trixie Mattel!

Live Action Christie, P.J., Barbie and Ken plus super star Trixie Mattel!

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Ah, yes. The ever popular question, "How much is my Barbie doll worth"? I once read a Barbie is worth... whatever someone is willing to pay for her!

I'm old school and start my research with Barbie reference books. The book I always reach for first is "Barbie Doll Photo Album - 1959 to 2009 Identification and Values." 

I find it has the best, most professional photographs for easy ID and the Barbie doll values seem comparable to the listings I see on eBay. I'm surprised to see a number of published Barbie ID books to have such out of focus and unprofessional photos. Were they taken with a 70s Polaroid? : )

Another good place to look for #BarbieValues is on eBay. You can "follow" Barbies to find out what they sold for. I set up a daily search so every morning eBay emails me all the new, vintage (wait, is that an oxymoron?!) Barbie listings that meet my criteria. To set up a daily alert, go to eBay.com and in the search bar enter Mod Barbies (or whatever you're looking for). Search results will appear. From there,  in the top right corner, you'll see the word Advanced. Click on it and this is where you enter your search criteria. When done select Search. When your results show, right above the first doll,  select Follow This Search. Then go to My Ebay/Searches You Follow/More Actions/Edit Email Options. Check the box that says, "Email me daily when new items match my search." Voila! It's a fantastic way to start your day with the latest Barbies you covet up for auction!

The Internet posts a plethora of Barbie values as well. A good site is What is it Worth. Earliest Barbies from the late 50s and early 60s are the most valuable, and have shown the greatest value increases over the past 10 years, says a new index launched by justCollecting. 

Most valuable Barbies in the justCollecting Barbie Index
1. Barbie #1 Brunette (1959): $9,000
2. Barbie #1 Blonde (1959): $8,250
3. Barbie #2 Brunette (1959): $8,000 
4. Barbie #2 Blonde (1959): $7,500
5. Roman Holiday Outfit (1959): $5,000

I learn a lot about Mod Barbies and values in Facebook groups such as Groovy Barbie, Crazy for Mod and Barbie & Friends Fashion Doll Guide. Group members share photos and stories, and post Mod Barbies for sale from their personal collections. It's a great forum to discuss our beloved obsession. Um... I mean hobby. : )

Where do you go to find Barbie values? I'd love to hear from you!

xo, Lynne
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1971 Malibu Francie / www.modbarbies.com

1971 Sun Set Malibu Francie

Japanese Sun Sun Malibu Francie doll / www.modbarbies.com

1971 Japanese Sun Sun Malibu Francie (rare)

Malibu Francie doll / www.modbarbies.com

1971 Malibu Francie

Hi Dolls!

How's your summer so far? Are you indulging in fruity umbrella drinks with wide-brimmed hats and cool retro shades at the pool with a good book like me?! With the arrival of bikini season, I'm going to feature one of my favorite dolls (I know, I say that about all of them!) from my personal collection, Malibu Barbie's cousin, sun-kissed Malibu Francie #1068. And there is a rare brunette Japanese Sun Sun Malibu Francie also produced in 1971. 

The Sun Set Malibu group of tanned friends also included Malibu P.J., Malibu Skipper and Malibu Ken. In 1973, Malibu Christie #7745 was introduced and I thought she was one of the prettiest dolls I had ever seen. I was lucky enough that my family purchased all of these dolls for me! I grew up in Wisconsin, but with my strong affinity towards these dolls, I  knew I was destined someday for SoCal. And voila, I've lived in San Diego for almost 20 years now!

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) and flair of the early Barbie dolls that collectors love so much. 
1971 Sun Set Malibu Francie - Values: $175 - $225 NRFB; $50 - $75 mint/no box

Values from "Vintage Barbie Dolls" by Hillary Shilkitus James (2011)
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