Charlotte Olympia Barbie

When this Charlotte Olympia Giftset was released at Barbie Collector last fall, it sold out in minutes.  I didn't even try to get one.  A "Gold Label' Barbie means that less than 10,000 are produced.  In this case, the box states "No more than 2,700 Worldwide".   In Barbie terms, that's a truly limited edition!

Charlotte Olympia Barbie immediately started its eBay run, selling for up to 4x its original retail cost of $125.   I gave up hope.   The prices have come down quite a bit, but the average is still almost double.

Earlier this month, I thought I would do a random eBay search.  You cannot imagine how excited I was to find a seller offering her at original retail price.  Yes, dear reader, that's right!  I actually bought a NRFB Charlotte Olympia Barbie for $125.  And it actually arrived in perfect condition!  I was almost afraid to open it.

But open I did!

Charlotte Olympia is a London based designer who started her business in 2008.  Her products are produced in Italy and are inspired by "old Hollywood Glamour".   They are quite expensive! (If you haven't figured out the spider web connection, think "Charlotte's Web". )  

Here is a photo of the Barbie.  She uses the "Shani" body which is like a twist n turn waist doll with legs that click at the knee.  The head looks like s silkstone head!  She is quite a lovely doll.

Then you have all the accessories that are included.   There is a the small clutch and the iconic banana shoulder bag (that's 3 purses).  There is a pair of cat eye sunglasses and a "web" fascinator/hat.   You get the red shoes which are a miniature version of the "Dolly Shoe" which sells for $795.

Then there are the green "Eve" shoes.  Which are just gorgeous!

Constance couldn't resist the green shoes!

And then there's the iconic kitten flats that can also be purchased on her website.  (Do yourself a favor and just go browse the official website.  It's some very special eye-candy.)

These shoes actually look good on the Made To Move Barbie foot.  Here is a photo.

And then a closeup.

Her earrings are also web-inspired.  She is wearing some very lovely red "leather" gloves that match the purse, but the coolest part is there are plastic protectors inside the gloves!  Love this idea.  (Pay attention IT)

There is also a torso protector under the jacket!  The packaging on this collector's edition is amazing! The details are intricate and superb.  The leopard is the Charlotte Olympia mascot whose name is Bruce.  He has a shopping bag in his teeth.  The set also contains a shoe box with shoe protector bag.

Now, the important question:  Can this ensemble can be shared with IT dolls?  The sheath is closed with velcro, so there is some "give and take".  It looks amazing on Shapeshifter Natalia Fatale.  "Nice kitty!"

This is an exceptional giftset with a lot of fun play time!  Had I been able to secure one last fall, it would have easily made it into my top 10 of 2016.  If you can find one at retail, jump on it!  It's worth every penny!

East 59th Street - Part Deux - Ladies Who Lunch

I've not made up my mind about keeping Evelyn Weaverton.  If I do, I'm afraid I may have to put her head on a different body.  This will sound weird, but I think she is "too lovely" to fit in with my Victoire dolls.  With that in mind, I opted to release Constance Madssen.  (I don't have another Victoire with the cream skin tone and I believe she also shares a highly stylized palette.)

Here is what Constance looks like in her box ...

And, again, the accessories were generous.

The shoes for Luxurious Leisure are not plastic like the shoes that came with the other ensembles.  The straw purse reminds me of the purses that used to come with Dressmaker Details ensembles; it is minimal and the little flowers just cheapen it.  The earrings are small loops.  She does have several bracelets, a hat, second set of hands, pack of Marlboro (?) cigarettes, a cigarette holder, red sunglasses, and a red pillow.  I would've liked a ring and necklace to make it feel a little more substantial.

Faubourg, who reigns supreme among my Victoire ladies, decided to welcome her to the clan.

"Constance, darling, welcome to Athens.  I've come to take you shopping and to lunch."

"We're in Greece?  That's fabulous!  I know just the place."

"Not Greece, sweetheart.  Athens, Georgia.  You know, home of the Bulldogs!"

"Well, I guess I am dressed in the right colors then.  Where are we going?"

"Darling, you can't wear that to lunch.  The driver is taking us in to Atlanta today.   ... And please put away that cigarette before you singe my fur!  The human lost her mother to lung cancer and she has been putting dolls on the chopping block left and right!"

"Is this better?"

"Ack!  We're going to Lenox, not Jonesboro!  You'll be in Buckhead!  Please put on something more appropriate ... and don't forget your fur and fascinator!  ...

... Since you are getting undressed, I am very eager to see the revisions in the Victoire body.  I hope you don't mind; I've brought Number Two to compare."

"Number Two?"

"That's what I call her.  She was the second doll int the Victoire series.  See what being the first to arrive does for you.  You will always be Constance!"

"Well ... I hadn't planned on undressing for the camera ... but in the interest of knowledge ..."

"It's wonderful to see that the changes are very subtle.  That means we can all share the same wardrobe.  May I see a view from behind, please?"

"I better be getting more than lunch for this ..."

"Wait until you see our closet!"

"Okay ... now from the side ...."

"I can see the difference in the way the thigh joins the hip.  It may be time for me to invest in a little plastic surgery for myself after seeing how much firmer the tummy appears ...  Now, hurry and get dressed."  (STAIN ALERT:  The red has already lightly stained the thighs and torso!)

"I didn't realize you had such an amazing closet here.  Why do we even need to go shopping?"

"Oh my!  ... And I didn't realize how much you resemble Karen Walker from the television series Will and Grace.

"Wait for me!"  Number Two yells from off stage.

"Does she have to go, too?  I am just getting the hang of all of this ..."  Constance is already beginning to develop into her true divalicious self.

"Well she did take off her clothes and show her bits."

"I'm not going to wait for her to redress.  I bet she's not ready."

"Number Two never makes mistakes when we go out.  Just wait and see."

"I told you.; Number Two is always on point!  Ready girls?  Buckhead awaits!"

.... I hope someone else is paying ... I wasn't packed with lunch money ....