I feel that we 'went' for the Genes at first because she was so different, so one of a kind at the beginning. But I always felt she had a cold rather dead look in her eyes ..as if she's 'on something' & people who repaint her really make her look more approachable, nicer when they 'warm 'up those cold fish eyes. But the prices also kept me from getting too carried away , thank goodness. Then came the Tonners & other dolls which in some cases, I liked better but again the prices kept me grounded. I always hate paying more money for doll clothes than my own. ( I've gotten such sale bargains on my own clothes) The Elle doll was a better price & I liked her looks...too bad they couldn't have gone further with her ( I need normal shoes, not boots!) Now the whole doll market is oversaturated & too expensive. Barbie is still the same ole hunk of vinyl Barbie that you can find at the thrift shop for a few dollars...so you are really paying big bucks for an outfit & is it worth it? I've yet to find a larger doll, even an, Elle at a thrift store..or a Candi...but there are bins of Barbie.
speaking of Candi, I recieved mine today & they are so great I esp. like the 6 sided box, ( what would that be called, a sexagon) that shows her so well on the front side & her assess. on the back side .. love the compact with the Subtle Elegance Israeli doll..it even has it's own little powder puff...now isn't that Special! The little purses can be opened to receive the compact et al. Love the clear shoes on this one...love the little pins that come on their outfits..it's these little touches , plus what I believe to be beautiful faces that make these dolls. I'll display the dolls, for the nonce, in these boxes...as I don't have much room & they can stand atop one another.
Kathy, I love your dolls!
Pat Hawkins