Like many people, you may not have heard about Growing Up Skipper until the Barbie movie came out! She’s one of Mattel’s “uh-ohs” like Sugar Daddy Ken, lol. Growing Up Skipper #7259 (Barbie’s little sister) debuted in 1975 but was discontinued in 1977 amid controversy over how her body “grows.” Mattel received numerous letters from women’s groups and parents complaining about the doll and her ability to grow breasts. The front of her box stated, “Make her grow from a young girl to a teenager in seconds." The back of her box said that she transforms from a cute little girl to a ..read more

Author's 1968 Talking Stacey doll 2005 reproduction of 1969 Twist 'n Turn Stacey in Night Lightning gift set from author's collection 1968 TNT Stacey from the 2018 Barbie Mod Friends reproduction gift set from author's collection Stacey was introduced in 1968 as Barbie's Mod British friend. She came in two versions, Talking Stacey #1125 and Twist 'n Turn (TNT) Stacey #1165. Both were produced from 1968 - 1971. During this time, Stacey wore two different hairstyles and five different swimsuits. All versions came in blonde and red (titian) hair. Stacey debuted a new hea ..read more

Barbie the Movie dolls going for a spin in her vintage pink convertible I’ve been counting down the days until July 20th to be first in line to see Barbie The Movie! (Subtitle: Ken the Accessory - Like a Purse with Pants.) With all the trailers streaming, I feel as though I’ve already seen the movie, ha. It looks campy, witty, satirical and, yes, thought-provoking! The production sets and costume design are next level, vividly colorful and absolutely stunning. It truly gives you the Barbie “feels” as if her world has come to life. I bought three Barbie dolls and her iconic pink vintage Corvet ..read more

1976 Deluxe Quick Curl Barbie 1976 Deluxe Quick Curl Barbie in box with long hair piece ​By the 1970s, fashion dolls had surpassed baby dolls in popularity. Children loved the hair play possible with fashion dolls. For example, 1971 Barbie with Growin’ Pretty Hair features tresses that can be lengthened or shortened with a gentle tug of her ponytail. Barbie doll’s retractable ponytail embraces the hair play craze and the doll comes with hairpieces and accessories to complete the look. Quick Curl Barbie capitalized on the popularity of hair play in the 1970s. Basic hair play t ..read more

1975 Quick Curl Cara Quick Curl Cara has been on my dream list for years and I've finally been able to add her to my Mod Barbie collection! I have the Canadian version. Same doll but the box is a little different. Both box versions say 1974 but she didn't arrive until 1975 for purchase. Cara was introduced in 1975 in two versions; #7291 Quick Curl Cara and #7283 Free Movin' Cara (next on my wish list)! A year later, Mattel came out with #9220 Quick Curl Deluxe Cara and #9528 Ballerina Cara. All four Caras use the Steffie head mold. My favorite is the first Quick Curl Cara. I just love love l ..read more

Aloha Hawaiian Barbie! She’s the most recent addition to my collection and I’m excited to tell you about her. In 1975, the first edition of Hawaiian Barbie #7470 was released. I discovered there are several versions of this doll so I’ve broken it down for you – it’s a bit confusing! The only Hawaiian friend produced for Barbie in the 70s was 1978 Hawaiian Ken #2960. Here’s more info on Hawaiian Ken: manbehindthedoll.com/mbtd_hawaiian78.  In the 90s, a few more Hawaiian dolls were added including Skipper, Midge, Christie and Teresa. Their names were ..read more

1969 Talking Julia Barbie doll 1969 Twist 'n Turn (TNT) Julia Barbie doll Julia, a friend of Barbie, ​was introduced in 1969 and two different versions of the doll debuted​ that year​ – both using the Christie face sculpt.   The first Julia doll is a Twist ‘n Turn (TNT) #1127 wearing a two-piece white nurse uniform and hat – which is harder to find than the one-piece uniform it changed to in 1970. She was created in the likeness of Diahann Carroll from the TV series “Julia” in which she played a nurse and widowed mom in Los Angeles. The show ran from 1968 – 1971 and Julia was sold ..read more

Barbie is pretty in pink! 2019 Proudly Pink Silkstone Barbie, a doll in the Barbie® Fashion Model Collection, celebrates the 60th anniversary of Barbie's birthday. I love her gorgeous vintage face sculpt! Any time you reach a special anniversary year, it's the perfect time to look back at where you've been, and look forward to a future filled with possibilities. The Barbie® Fashion Model Collection has played with that dichotomy for decades, with Principal Designer Robert Best drawing on designs and styles that have stood the test of time and adding his own contemporary elements. T ..read more

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 ..read more

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, p ..read more