Sparkle Girlz Fashions & Pool Party

Chandra models a Sparkle Girlz top and purse that I got at Walmart over the weekend for $1.97. I don't have a Sparkle to measure their height, but this is actually a dress, not a blouse. Anyway, I only found this single fashion so I came online to check if other blogs had come across them and Adrian had found bunches more.

Today, after visiting 2 Walmarts I was about to give up because neither had any fashions and I figured the one I found was a clearance. But then, just like a sign from the Heavens, Adrian commented to me that not only were there single fashions but there was also a "Fashion Boutique" and it has 5 outfits for $8.88. I couldn't give up after that and I went to one more Walmart. They had 24 different fashions!!! But no boutique pack. Oh well, Muff was still pleased.

And yes, I completely rearranged this display so you could see each fashion by itself, lol. The additional 6 fashions you cant see on this rack can be seen in the ones I purchased.

The fashion's quality range from crappy clone-esque to middle-of-the-road Mattel. Dare I say a few pieces are even up to Liv standards. However, when you consider the price - they are totally worth buying.

When you are going through the racks be sure to check multiple packs because like in the photo above, the shirts are the same, but the pants are different.

Before finding the Sparkle stuff, I had picked up these two dolls that were in the clearance section. I was going to put the Bratz back since I got so many fashions and didn't want to spend so much money. But I had to put Nikki back too because I saw this:

A freakin' pool party for only $7.97! I was like, "Is this price right?!" Then I picked it up and shook it and it sounded like it was full of toothpicks, lol. Then I was all, "Hmm yeah, I can see why it's only $8.00." But I was just so curious about it and wondered how bad it could possibly be and got it anyway.

Just like some of the Gloria/My Fancy Life sets, the instructions to put it together are printed on the box.

You will pull out a single cardboard insert. One side of it shows the table, pool and life preserver.

Other side shows the beach ball, lounge chair and lawn chair.

It's made of the thinnest plastic imaginable. However, it is very easy to put together. Will it fall apart just as easily? Probably. You should put all the slats on first before you connect the sides of the chair, but I wanted to show you the general construction of the separate pieces.

The lounger is the perfect size for a Barbie. It only has a single position, so you can't adjust it. The wheels do roll though. Those sun glasses are too big for her head and are only staying on her face because a rubber band is holding them in place.

The table is a whole lot cuter than it appears on the box. On the box it looked short and stumpy, but it's a nice height. This Chandra has click knees and her legs will only bend a little bit. Even so, she still sits nicely in the chair. A doll with articulated knees sits in it perfectly.

The inflatable pool has two blow ports which gives the pool a nice double ring design. Chandra can barely fit into this pool so this is probably more suited as a kiddie pool than for an adult. A Liv body can sit it with no problems but she looks rather silly. 5 Kelly's or 3 Sis's would fit great. I'm not about to put any water in this thing, but I would not trust it being water tight at all.

The beach ball and preserver are hard, thin plastic, so if you drop them on a non carpeted surface they are going to break very easily. The little pink towel that comes with the set is actually a nice piece of fabric. Not too thin and slightly plush to the touch.

Overall, and even with its very, VERY thin construction, it's a darn nice set and totally worth the price. I kind of judge sets on if I would want to purchase a second one. And you know, I kinda do. I could see multiples of the table and chairs sitting outside a bistro restaurant or as picnic stations in a park. Also, since they come unassembled you could easily give them a customized paint job. I'm overloaded with sets as it is, so I doubt I'll get another one, but I'm quite happy to add this one to my collection.