As a child I dreamt about a large amount
 of spare fashions for my four Barbie dolls. Barbie clothes didn’t come 
easily back then and I think I only had 2 or 3 sets plus some fakes. 
Back in those days you had to be creative and make your own fashions. 
I’ve never had a talent for that kind of creativity so I was never 
satisfied with the end result. But now, it’s easier to make some of my 
past dreams come true. Whenever I can, I try to grow my Barbie wardrobe,
 but I purchase mostly contemporary fashions hoping they would fit my 
busty beauties. These tend to be a much more gentle alternative for my 
wallet than the superstar era outfits I crave for. Somehow, whenever I’m
 Barbie shopping I end up purchasing a fully attired doll rather than 
just an outfit for her that is usually as expensive as the doll herself.
 Anyway, today’s deceitful winter sun has exercised all its power of 
persuasion on me and my longing for spring and I almost took two of my 
dolls for an open-air photo shoot but then I turned back, because any 
outdoor activity would require a good pair of gloves. The piercing cold 
wind mercilessly drives away any warmth that the sun might provide, so I
 opted for an indoor session and my pretty models are Peaches and 
Crystal. The fashion pack they’re presenting is #B0155 A8EDE from 2016.
I really like the 2-packs from 2016-2017
 not only for the well designed and made outfits that consisted of at 
least 3 pieces but also the accessories that are always welcome. The 
fashion packs would usually include a purse, a pair of shoes and a pair 
of glasses or some jewelry. #B0155 A8EDE belongs to the line that came 
in only one size. Then in 2017 Mattel came up with a collection of 
fashions that would match the fashionista types of bodies and so the 
outfits were available in four sizes. The sets would include shoes in 
two sizes, and the shoes were also available in packs of 5 pairs for 
curvy/tall and petite/regular. Unfortunately, the concept was very short
 lived, because only a year later, the one size outfits were 
reintroduced.
My set consists of a shirt, a pair of 
leggings, a dress, a belt, a purse and a pair of shoes. The shirt 
imitates denim in a very convincing way. It has a collar and the 
elbow-length sleeves. There are even some details to give the impression
 the shirt has some pockets. There is a row of tiny buttons that are 
ether glued or punched to the shirt that closes with Velcro in the 
front. The leggings are very colorful and resemble the Benetton style. 
They’re made of a stretchy fabric and have an elastic in the waist part.
 The dress is very pretty. It’s a kind of sleeveless turtleneck type of 
dress and it’s got some frilly bottom. The fabric is printed so as to 
resemble a loosely woven knit dress. The shirt is a perfect fit, the 
leggings are pretty loose in the waist but that’s covered by the shirt 
and the dress fits nicely for this kind of design.
I’m very happy with the accessories. I 
like the turquoise purse on a long strap. The mold is very accurate and 
realistic looking. The wide belt with a large buckle closes at the back 
with a peg and a hole and it’s supposed to sit loosely on the hips 
rather than emphasize the contours of the doll’s figure. Of course, my 
favorite accessory is the pair of shoes. These come in a very pleasant 
shade of beige. I also like their design -  they’re ankle high, thick 
heel kind of shoes and they fit TnT though the slit in the back is 
stretched, but I’m far from being whimsical when Mattel exercises 
generosity giving shoes away!
It was fun to dress the two 80s classics
 in contemporary fashions and they seem to look pretty and gracefully in
 anything you put on them. I was surprised with Peaches’ articulation 
abilities, her knees bend to three positions as I’m sure Crystal’s would
 too but she’s a hybrid on a late 80s body with round toes. I have 
several 2-pack fashion sets and I’ll be presenting them pretty soon.

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