The truth is that Ken was literally made for Barbie. And for 43 years, Barbie was like Prince William’s “Waitie Katie.” Though every year, Mattel released one or more wedding gowns for our girl, Ken appeared to have commitment issues and never popped the question (perhaps because he was named after Barbie’s real-life brother and the idea of the siblings marrying was creepy). So, after more than four decades as a couple, in 2004 Mattel shared the shocking news that the dynamic duo had split up just days before Valentine’s Day, The toy company explained that it was just time for the two dolls to go their separate ways. Rumors hinted that Ken needed to establish his own identity and that Barbie needed to focus on her ever-expanding list of careers. Well, after seven years apart and Barbie weathering a crush on Australian hottie Blaine, she and Ken got back together and they got married in 2011.

This series of Valentine’s Day Barbies is a nod to that 2004 just-before-Valentine’s- Day breakup. Though in some ways, Barbie was happy to have Ken out of her shadow, she was still pretty miffed that he decided to kick her to the curb just before the holiday that celebrates love, and during a business trip to New Orleans, Barbie got a voodoo doll on which to inflict some revenge on Ken.

Barbie’s ensemble features stretchy pink bell-bottom capris dotted with iridescent dots paired with an aqua top printed with hearts. Her one-of-a-kind accessories include aqua sneakers, gray crocheted beanie hat, a silver faux lizard skin purse held on the wrist by a beaded stretch bracelet, matching belt and choker necklace, love-themed cellphone clipped to the purse’s bracelet, a silver beaded ankle bracelet, mauve felt voodoo doll, no pins included, and the self-help book “Breakup: The Path to Healing,” both held on the wrist with a stretchy wrist band.

The Millie Fashionista Barbie doll is included. She has straight blonde hair, blue eyes, arched feet, and splayed fingers. Her limbs do not flex. I don’t see any flaws. Only the doll, dress and shoes were formerly owned. Everything comes to you from a non-smoking, Barbie-loving home that is pet-friendly so long as the terriers keep their paws off Barbie.

Please note that I do not ship outside of the continental U.S. International buyers may purchase but will need to arrange shipping via an independent service or the one provided by Ebay. Thanks for looking! I am so appreciative of my followers and my circle of loyal repeat buyers who take in my restyled girls. Hats off to you.