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Mattel’s “My Melody” Barbie doll arrived today, and I’m happy to see Mattel continue their relationship with Sanrio as I am a big fan of Hello Kitty and her adorable friends. Here she is right out of the shipping box. Mattel did a fine job with the box graphics that really work to sell the cuteness-factor of the doll’s outfit and accessories.

Any Barbie doll collector knows that getting the dolls out of their boxes is a feat unto itself. This doll is no different. There are many plastic tags holding her to the box, and every accessory is sewn down to her dress so as not to move in the slightest during shipping. After the wrestling match, I mean, deboxing, I got her set up and she displays very nicely.

My first observation is that she’s very cute. Mattel always does an awesome job with their concepts, and this doll is no different. I’m sure they had an opportunity to do the bunny cowl just like My Melody, and I’m glad they elected to forgo a direct transformation of Barbie into My Melody. What we have, instead, is a refreshingly contemporary ensemble that echoes the spirit of Sanrio and My Melody. Here’s a closer look at the fabric, trim, and some of the accessories (photo right). The dress is made out of a synthetic satiny material that is smooth and has lots of sheen. The cute ruffle front is a nice detail to the dress. The lacy underskirt is sewn to the dress, and thankfully, the belt is not permanently fixed into place.

What I found a little disappointing was the quality of the fabric and the fact that the dress wasn’t lined. The little pink knit sweater isn’t either; the stitching is so tiny on the sweater that it rolls a bit and exposes the unfinished hem (photo right).

The above photos show some of the back details. I’m happy to report that there is no, I repeat no, velcro on this doll’s outfit. The Mattel designers must have been listening this time (the first Hello Kitty Barbie has velcro), and I thank them for that. There are three metal snaps down the back of the dress to secure it in place.

“My Melody” Barbie doll comes with a scarf that is made of a very cute thin orzanza material with My Melody print on it; it’s finished very nicely with no open seams. Her belt is a pink pearlized pvc with cute plastic My Melody belt buckle. It’s removable and the end slides out of the belt buckle, but I had a difficult time getting it back in. Her purse is my biggest disappointment. It’s cute and has a little My Melody dangle similar to the “Hello Kitty” Barbie doll’s purse, but this purse isn’t half as nice. It’s completely open at the top with no closure (see close-up back-view photo above right). I was really hoping for a super-cute high-quality bag, and I think Mattel cheaped out on this one. “My Melody” Barbie doll comes with three necklaces and two plastic bangle bracelets. The two beaded necklaces are removable, but sadly the My Melody chain necklace is not. A little work and I’m sure it could be removed. She has super-cute molded wedge heels with a pink fabric bow detail up front. A nice surprise.

The pink lace stockings are a nice addition, but the sunglasses are not as cute and contemporary as the ones that accompanied “Hello Kitty” Barbie doll.

Barbie doll’s hair is styled into two long pigtails. It’s a cute style, but the execution left a little to be desired. As you can see (photo right), she has a weird extra bit of hair at the nape of her neck. Upon further inspection it’s the remaining hair that Mattel used to wrap around the pigtails. Instead of just mixing it back into the pigtails they decided to brush it straight down and then wrap the scarf around it. It’s not very cute and it looks really messy.

“My Melody” Barbie doll’s face paint is made for spring. It’s colorful, bright, and youthful. Like her predecessor, she uses the “Model Muse” body sculpt, and the popular “Steffie” head-mold. Though I don’t like the “Model Muse” body, she’s a cute doll.

I’m not sure if she’s worth the $40 -- I’d say more in line with $25 to $30 because of the quality issues and lack of details; though I am happy that she is in my collection.

“My Melody”

Barbie doll