I have collected Barbie Dolls since I was 12. I played with them constantly until then, but friends and family kept giving them to me! It was a natural gift for me as they were all I wanted at one time. So began my collection. I loved (and still love) the clothes, the hair, the heels, the PINK (my favorite color). I probably have around 100 Barbies, although I am not a serious collector.

My favorite Barbie is probably Empress Bride Barbie, designed by Ken Mackie. She has a beautiful, beaded, white gown. I also own two Doctor Barbies — one from the 80s and one from the 90s. I also like my UNICEF Barbie, from the 80s. I recently aquired Versace Barbie, wearing the famous Corset Dress worn most notably by the singer Beyonce. Only $140 for a designer Versace gown. Not bad. Regrettably, I never had Barbie for President. But I’ll still vote for her when she runs! I think I only had one or two Ken dolls. They were considerably less fun. Learning this lesson about men early on was a good thing! My mom was lucky enough to visit an FAO Schwarz going out of business and bought me several lovely Barbies at discount prices including Indian Barbie, Ballerina Barbie, and a Native American Barbie.