Saturday, March 8, 2014

Forever Young

Can you believe this lovely lady turns age 55 on March 9.
Mattel introduced Barbara Millicent Roberts to the world in 1959 and ever since she has lovingly been known simply as Barbie.


In honor of this event, I spent an afternoon with Barbie.
She has had many careers over the years.
In more recent years, she has been an astronaut
and a Presidential candidate.  Some of her early occupations shown here have been traditional roles held by women.

Here her crisp white nurse's uniform
is topped with a navy cape (note the red lining)
and she is ready for any emergency
with a hot water bottle and a vial of medicine. 

A smart royal blue suit is the uniform she wore
as an American Airlines' flight attendant.

Barbie is an excellent chef.
She favors wearing a rosy pink dress with her apron and chef's hat.

This silver tutu was worn in Barbie's starring role
in the Nutcracker Suite Ballet.

Barbie is elegant dressed in black
as the solo vocalist with the symphony.


When she is not working,
Barbie has a wide variety of leisure activities.

Skiing ...

Ice Skating ...


Tennis ...


Barbie even likes to change her hairstyle from her typical ponytail.  This doll came with a trio of wigs
-- brunette, blond or redhead -- 
depending on her mood.  

Here is a close-up of two of the wigs on the wig stand.
This doll wore a gold striped swimsuit
rather than the usual black zebra stripe.


As I examined the clothing, I was amazed at the realistic detail.
Look at the teeny, tiny zipper closure on this dress!

And, I love the beading on this straw purse.

At the end of the afternoon, Barbie's long-time beau, Ken,
arrived to escort her for a birthday dinner celebration.  


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARBIE!

I hope you enjoyed this trip with me down memory lane.
Childhood in a box! 

Until next time, live and love well.


Join me this week at these fun events:
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound


This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

13 comments:

Sue said...

Oh how I adored the black dress - soloist outfit and the ice skating outfit..they were favorites! Thanks for this look at Barbie.

Elena said...

I always enjoy your posts so much. I didn't know that Barbie was born one year and one day before me! I loved seeing all her outfits and all the detail. A special treasure!

cynthia lee designs said...

This post brought back some great memories...I had some of those Barbie's when I was little and Ken too. What I didn't realize was that I was born 20 days after Barbie.

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

I just love Barbie! Yours is really neat.

Blessings,
Amy Jo

Deborah Montgomery said...

Never knew Barbie was shortened from a longer name! You have some beautiful outfits for her.

LV said...

She definitely has been a very popluar young lady since her birth. I never owned one.

Diane said...

Oh, happy birthday, Barbie!! I still love her and all of the clothes that she had at the beginning. I gave away the Barbie that I received in 1960 to my oldest niece, along with all of her cute clothes. Oh, how I wish that I had her back - she is probably worth a mint!! Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Oh my gosh Debra, I remember some of those outfits. Priceless! I had that first shorthaired Barbie, but I gave it to my niece one year. I had so many wonderful Barbie things. My sis still has all of hers. Loved this trip down memory lane! All these years I have never heard her full name. Knew her only as 'Barbie'. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Anonymous said...

This made me tear up. I spent so many hours daydreaming with her. I'm so glad you shared this. The girl deserves so much more than the bad rap she's getting these days. She holds nothing but good memories for me.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARBIE!!!
Happy Pinks!!!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

...Can't believe that all along she was only four years older than me. teehee

Marti McClure said...

Oh I just love Barbie! The outfits are fantastic as us the wonderful story you wove. My favorite will always be the black dress. Thank you for such a great post and a trip down memory lane. Happy St. Patty's Day and Pink Saturday too! Xoxo. Marti

Tea in the Library said...

What a great post! Thanks for bringing back some great memories!

Anonymous said...

Would you believe I had fashion dolls as a child but never owned a Barbie! Loved seeing her clothes, so much prettier and well made than the newer stuff. I never ever knew Barbie had a full name. :)

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