By Chris Varaste

I have a favorite childhood memory from my days at The English School of Vienna, where the British staff would, as a daily custom, serve afternoon tea in lieu of lunch. Different from high tea, afternoon tea consists of a light meal served outdoors, preferably in a garden setting. While developing an appreciation for this tasty meal break, I made another discovery — Barbie^® doll also enjoys sipping tea in the afternoon!

She was a legend in her own time, and sparked a legacy that continues to affect the lives of millions. How do you capture the essence of Elizabeth Taylor – actress, businesswoman, activist – in creations like Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds Doll and Elizabeth Taylor Violet Eyes Doll?

In honor of their release, the Elizabeth Taylor Trust shared their thoughts about Miss Taylor, the dolls, and her lasting cultural and humanitarian impact.

I first heard about the Twilight novels from a close friend’s daughter, and I must say, her giddy enthusiasm was contagious! Based on her glowing review and curious about this growing phenomenon, I picked up Twilight at an airport bookstore and sank my teeth (sorry) into the story during my cross-country flight. By the time I landed, I was hooked. Like so many fans, I was in the Twilight zone.

As new Barbie^™ holiday ornaments debut and continue a cherished tradition, blogger Matt Stevens reflects on his family’s own decorating delights…

By Tara Zucker

My heart skips a beat when I see him walking up to my door. I can’t control myself—I start to imagine various scenarios and all the joys that await. I conveniently forget any past failures, gripped with a certainty that this time everything will be perfect.

By Chris Varaste

Kitty Corner^™ Francie^® Doll epitomizes a teenage girl’s devotion to fashion and fun as she prepares for a fab slumber party! When you’re hosting a sleepover, success lies in the details, including a change of clothes, pizza with everyone’s fave toppings, and a late-night double feature. Luckily, eternal hipster Francie will make sure her get-together will keep you entertained all night long.

By Chris Varaste

The effort that went into this year's National Barbie^® Doll Collectors Convention was mindboggling! I'm still entranced by those spectacular Silkstone^® Barbie dioramas in the grand ballroom of the Hyatt Regency!

By Chris Varaste

I just returned from this year’s Barbie^® Convention held at the Hyatt Regency in Orange County, CA, and as is often the case, I can’t wait to go back next year! As far as guilty pleasures go, Barbie Conventions remind me of fabulous televised special events like the Olympics or Academy Awards (except, ha, we always want the Oscars to end…)!

By Chris Varaste

By Chris Varaste

Iconic Hollywood fashion and costume designer Nolan Miller leaves behind a remarkable legacy that changed the television landscape and influenced popular culture for five decades.