Barbie & The Rockers Ken

So this Ken is legendary to me. He was obviously in some sort of pan-sexual Bowie-fever dream, you know? The 80s were a really confused time for poor Ken. He came out of the "swingin' 70s" a changed man--have you ever seen Fashion Jean Ken? I mean, it was like a public outing!

If 1981 was the year everybody realized Ken was actually Barbie's gay BFF then 1986 may have been the year Ken took up a lover publicly. His name was Derek. They were the doll equivalents of Boy George and that drummer from Culture Club.

I sold the entire Rockers to some lady in France. They're more open with their sexuality there from what I understand.

Bob & Doug

Eh, you hosers! It's Bob & Doug McKenzie!

I was such a dork that I had two sets--one in the box and one unboxed. I'm that lame. And my husband KNEW I would have to open them so he was like: You should get two.

Oddly, I never buy toys anymore so maybe this is why I need to catalog the ones I have/had.

1988 Happy Holidays Barbie

This is the first of the famed Holiday Barbie dolls! She came out in 1988 and I'm about 90 percent certain she was a gift from my mother or grandmother. Her box was sort of mangled so I got rid of it. What can you do? I've probably mentioned this before but I *hate* NRFB dolls. To me, not opening a doll and touching her is like saying you hate her. The only toys I never opened were those that I got when I was an adult. And I didn't open them because I knew it would destroy the value. And it bugged me to not open them. But enough about me.

Here she is from behind. She's running to greet her holiday party guests in her over-the-top sparkly gown!

Even though I didn't have the box, I did keep every little accessory, including her hair bow, shoes, and jewelry. |

I sold her on eBay last Christmas to a lady that had me send Babs directly to her sister as a gift. That made me happy. It sounds like that lady would really appreciate this doll. That's one of the reasons I don't mind selling my dolls on eBay as an adult. Collectors love their collections and probably will get more out of the toy than I do today.

This post brought to you by the words "contemplative" and "tedious"!

Bob & Doug Unboxed

Bob & Doug McKenzie unboxed! Sold these guys on eBay.

Check out the detail! McFarlane Toys are exceptional in quality. And not too pricey.

I had a bit of a crush on Rick Moranis in the '80s. I mean, he was not only in Ghostbusters and Strange Brew, he sang his heart out in Little Shop of Horrors. If there were Little Shop action figures? I would NEVAH sell them. Seriously, that is the best movie ever!

Don't bogart my beer, hoser!

Edward Scissorhands

This is Edward! *sniff* What young girl that wore black didn't love Edward?

Edward and his sad little snipped-up face.

Scissorhands!

Ooh, I have a macro setting. Jealous?

Astronaut Barbie

Ah, I loved the "We girls can do anything, right Barbie?" era at Mattel!

This Barbie cracks me up because she's stylishly pink, even in space! It reminds me of my favorite Happy Days episodes--those featuring Pinky Tuscadero. Pinky wore pale pink even when rockin' a smash-up demolition derby. Seriously, I wanted to be Pinky when I grew up. Any woman that can smash a car in a pink helmet is worthy of my adoration.

This is Astronaut Barbie's butt. She's so tall and slim! Ha.

Bopsy of the Sensations

In spite of her pro-nostalgia pro-boomer stance, I'm a fan of Bopsy as a personality, if not a name. I mean, who the hell would ever want to be named Bopsy? What is that about?

It appears Bopsy is just a Midge doll--don't get me wrong as I f'in' love Midge!--but with a retro makeover (which is odd when you consider Midge was already the hippest of the vintage dolls--save for Skipper).

I love the back of the box where it says: Pop Stars with the 80's Sound! (And, presumably, a 60's look?) At any rate, Bopsy is my favorite of The Sensations.

Becky of the Sensations

I like Becky for several reasons. She shared my name, she had brown hair, she was vaguely ethnic, and she sang classic Motown. At least, I figured she did, based on her ensemble. During the 1980s, the only thing more annoying than pegged jeans were the Baby Boomers. They were extremely nostalgic for the 1960s and we suffered through an entire decade of "anniversaries" of important dates from the 1960s. The Baby Boomers were nostalgia-crazed and it just about drove me over the edge. I can't tell you how many Gen X'ers grew up feeling as though they were born 'in the wrong decade'--as though that even makes sense.

Anyway, Becky here fed the craze and I ate it up. Up to a point. I like Motown but the Boomers have always pissed me off a little.

Dreamtime Barbie

1984 was a good year for me, not so much for Barbie. At least not this Barbie. I had no respect for her! My stuffed animals had been securely placed in a "net" above my bed that held them in all their aging glory. I was done with them. Barbie? She was still lugging her huge pink teddy bear all around with no shame!

Seriously Babs! Are you gonna read it a bed time story? Puh-lease.

Style Magic Whitney

Style Magic Whitney was the Last Whitney--and she closed down the 1980s in style! I loved all the Whitney dolls because they were brunettes! And they just had a real classy look about them, you know? That's what I liked in the late 80s: class! Ha!

Sure is stylin'! Like magic!