Barbie Collector Cherry Pie Picnic Doll - 1st from the Willows, WI Collection! Review and Photos!

Recently I decided to branch out a little and order a doll I was on the fence about from a seller I was also on the fence about. The doll I'm referring to is none other that the fabulously vintage Cherry Pie Picnic Barbie doll, the 1st in the new Willows, WI Collection. The seller I purchased her from, Amazon Warehouse Deals, sells "used" items that are often times new and unopened items but are in damaged packaging to various degrees. I was apprehensive about the condition of the item I would receive, but couldn't resist the lure of a 15% discount on a somewhat pricey doll, so I took the plunge and this is what I ended up with:

Here's a look at the front and back of the box. The doll I purchased was described as being in "Used- Like New" condition.

The back of the box came with a nifty little inspection sticker.

And in the above picture you can see the extent of the damage. It's basically just some dirty looking scuffs on the upper edge of the back of the box. I can deal with that for a 15 percent discount... especially since I debox most of my dolls n.n

Inside, Barbie is safe and sound with no evidence of tampering.

I was a little worried after seeing the Amazon sticker using the word "repackaged," but I feel sure that she has never been removed because all of the usual Mattel restraints and staples are still in place. Barbie has blue eyes, shades of gold eyeshadow, and cherry red lips.

Here's her picnic supplies consisting of a cherry pie with two removable slices, two plates, two cups, two forks, and two napkins with napkin rings.

and her beautifully detailed picnic basket!

As displayed out of the box in front of a human size picnic basket :3

It was my mom's idea to have the dolls picnicking inside our basket!

Cherry Pie Picnic Barbie has a cherry print blouse, jeans, and a patent red belt.

Her jeans are cuffed mid-calf and she wears red mules. My mom's brunette repro Barbie wears coordinating attire including denim overalls and a cherry print blouse as well.

Grab a slice!

All of the picnic items fit neatly into the basket and it easily snaps shut to hold everything securely!

Like I mentioned, I was on the fence about this doll before, but after seeing how well she photographs, and the extensive amount of detail in her accessories, I think she is honestly quite stunning. I'm looking forward to reviewing the next doll in the Willows series in the future! What do you guys think of Cherry Pie Picnic Barbie?!

Till next time~

2015 Amazon Exclusive Collector Draculaura Doll! Monster High Doll Review + Tons of Photos!

Thanks to my mom's new love of Tumblr, I became aware of this Amazon.com exclusive Draculaura doll and pre-ordered her as soon as I could! She has so many details that you just have to check out! Meet my new favorite MH doll!

I had to start with a black and white photo because her Victorian styled outfit demands it!

I absolutely adore her coffin box, I plan to display her in it because the box is almost as gorgeous as she is!

... almost...

I didn't get the greatest contrast on this photo, but the box reads "Draculaura" followed with "EST. 411 AD"

A lovely likeness of her on the back as well.

With the lid and stand removed.

 This is her stand. You'll notice that it's far more detailed than the standard MH doll stands.

Out of the box she looks great, although her hair needs some work...

But with some careful brushing her curls are soft and voluminous!

Close-up of her makeup and eye paint.

The full out of box look~

Details of the dress.

The delicate edging of her cape.

The center of the lace overlay features a vampire bat.

Her beautiful pink locks.

Her hat!

I would usually trim the staples holding the hat in place immediately, but I think I'll leave these in since her hat looks unlikely to stay on without them. I wish they would have used black staples to hide them better though u.u

 The umbrella~ more elegant details!

Her appropriately Victorian styled boots are very cute.

She also comes with this little booklet with notes, graphics, and fancy doll photographs!

A sample of what's inside.

Like I stated earlier, I really want to display her in the box because it looks awesome, however I was a little worried if she would look a mess without her restraints, staples, and hair sewn to the back... Much to my surprise I think she still looks fantastic:

She's still on her doll stand, which fits in the box with the lid closed, and I left the piece of plastic attached to the backing that holds the umbrella so I wouldn't have to worry about her dropping it. She has a hard time holding the umbrella because of the weight, and that's why in the photos it's resting on her hat for extra support:

I think the umbrella being too heavy for her is my only complaint, and honestly I feel like it's an extremely minor issue. I think this doll is fabulous and she's really priced well for a collector doll. Some of the recent collector Barbies I have purchased were well over double the price, had far less detailing, and were not even close as far as the wow factor this doll has in person. Definitely recommend this doll if you're a Monster High fan or even if you just love Victorian/Gothic clothing and dolls as much as I do!

Until next time~~~~

American Girl of the Year Grace Thomas Doll! GOTY 2015 Photos & Review!

Meet the 2015 American Girl of the Year doll Grace Thomas!

And prepare for a lot of photos!

Here she is NIB back when I fist purchased her in February!

~

And out of the box she's right at home in Caroline's Parlor.

 Closer look at her cute shirt.

Her hair has various shades of brown and it's very smooth and easy to brush.

Closeup to show her unique brows, lips, and freckle pattern.

I think some people find her glossy lips a bit much, but her unique lips were one of the main reasons I wanted Grace so much. I didn't start collecting American Girl dolls until last year so she is ultra unique for my collection and interesting... although those that have been collecting longer have voiced that they find her very similar to Chrissa from 2009.

She can be purchased with pierced ears and her own exclusive earring set that can be worn in various combinations:

And she comes with a charm bracelet that's adorable:

Her outfit is completed with gray boots with bows on the side:

~

And finally just some shots of Grace hanging out, bein' Grace~

Since I've had Grace for a few months already, I feel confident in saying that I really like her and think she is one of my favorite AGs. She has great accessories, and the Josefina mold is one of my favorites along with the Marie-Grace mold. Even my mom, who is not entirely into the look of AG dolls, finds Grace impressive because of all the little personal accessories and details. If you are planning to purchase her I absolutely recommended adding the pierced ears option because the earrings are ridiculously cute.

So what do you guys think of Grace Thomas?! :D

In this last photo she is paired with an Our Generation suitcase from Target and wearing an AG coat that came with my latest Jill's Steals and Deals score. Reviews for both items are coming up! See you then!~