Long story short, I was gifted a chest of vintage Barbie dolls and outfits. Some of the components of the ensembles were lost, some pieces fell victim to rough play and/or the ravages of time. Everything needed freshening up and there were some blanks to fill in in most cases. In the process of sorting them, I marveled at the amazing quality of that first decade of Barbie fashions. I wanted to “do them proud” and make them complete ensembles again, so I did.

One thing was quite clear when I pulled this outfit out of the doll case it was gifted in—the white cowl-neck angora collar on the cardigan was unsalvageable. I carefully took off what remained, and because it looked so plain without it, I added buttons. The creamy white halter sweater washed up nicely and though the velvet slacks aren’t quite as blue as they were originally, they’ll do. Because the doll I chose to wear the outfit is flat-footed, off with the original golden wedges and on with the aqua blue clogs.

I also added a faux-leather purse embellished with a music-themed disc, held on the wrist with a beaded stretch bracelet, a golden chain necklace, a single, musical notes earring, and a cellphone. I named this new version "In Tune."

I acquired this doll second hand so she likely saw some play time, but her condition belies it. She got her spa day and emerged as fresh as a flower. Her limbs do not flex but she has a posed right arm. It requires a little finesse to get her splayed fingers through the sleeves of the sweater. Cover the hand with a Barbie sock or glove to ease the process.

Everything comes from a non-smoking, Barbie-loving home where déjà vu is a real thing.

Please note that I do not ship outside of the continental U.S. There are currently a number of independent shipping firms that serve the international community. I do combine shipping when feasible. Place items in your cart and request an invoice or message me and I will create a custom bundle with the desired items and combined postage.