The Bottom Line
This doll is a must-have for fans of period dress! The original Brenda Starr, with her soft vinyl face and yellowish skin tones did not capture my imagination the way this new Brenda Starr has. Also, its wonderful to have a doll besides Gene that wears historical clothing so well--and, which has an exquisite historical wardrobe. The Basic doll is not ultra-articulated dolls, but it does have bending at the elbows and knees. This doll would be a welcome addition to any fashion doll collection.
Pros
- Fantastic period girdle and bra.
- Hair is done in elegant chignon at back of head.
- Looks great in period and modern clothing.
Cons
- Not as articulated as the basic dolls in other lines.
- I know Brenda Starr has red hair....but, I'd like to see her dye her hair more often!
- A waist or rib-cage joint would be a welcome addition.
Description
- The historical clothing available for this doll is a treat.
- Doll can share clothing with Brenda Starr, Sydney Chase, and the Chicago dolls.
- Doll retails for only $59.99.
- Hair is tied back very elegantly!
- Doll has articulation at the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
- Doll has red hair, blue eyes and deep red lipstick and nail polish.
- Sewing and detailing on period bra and girdle are well done.
- Doll also wears shiny pink open-toe sling-back shoes.
Guide Review - Basically Brenda by Effanbee
This review is the fourth in a series of reviews on Basic fashion dolls--so far, we've looked at the basic Alexandra Fairchild Ford, Tiny Kitty, and Matt O'Neill. Now, we turn to the second re-incarnation of the Brenda Starr fashion doll by Effanbee.
<p>
If the original Brenda Starr fashion doll by Effanbee wasn't your cup of tea, don't overlook this new interpretation of Brenda by the newly revamped Effanbee Doll Company. This new Brenda Starr has lovely skin tones, and a beautifully painted face done on the same type of vinyl that Tyler Wentworth is made of.
<p>
Brenda is a perfect second fashion doll to choose if you already have a Tyler Wentworth--since Brenda and Tyler can share clothing, you can combine Brenda's historical wardrobe with Tyler's (mostly) modern one, and you have ultimate flexibility for both dolls.
<p>
I've been especially impressed by several of the costumes available for Brenda so far, especially classics like Fit To Print. Since Brenda has only been on the market for one year, only a few outfits are available so far, but I expect many more outfits in the next few years, and in the meantime, if you like to change your doll's clothing often, Brenda can raid Tyler's closet.
<p>
As mentioned in the Matt O'Neill review, Brenda also goes well with Matt. My only slight disappointment with Brenda is that she doesn't have waist or rib-cage articulation, and I've been spoiled by the latest group of very--articulated dolls. Nevertheless, don't miss this doll!
