Thursday, August 21, 2014

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.

55 comments:

  1. That isn't *like* Gloria furniture, it's the EXACT same molds in almost the same plastic, except in the Gloria set I got it had an extra normal chair instead of a pool and ball. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kd_230692/13891629043/
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/kd_230692/13891965924

    I'm really surprised how a completely different brand has access to those molds.

    I got an extra Gloria set so I could make a wheelchair from the lawn chair here:
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/kd_230692/14203222235
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/kd_230692/14263808659

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, Jawn! If that's the case, and I see that it is, I hope they duplicate more of the Gloria sets, especially at this price point.

      Delete
    2. Aha! My first thought with that table base was Gloria, but I didn't know the brand well enough to know how identical it is.

      My fingers are itching for a can of spray paint now but I guess first I'd have to find a Walmart that carries it.

      Delete
    3. Smaller, one of these days I keep telling myself I'm going to have a plastic painting party. I keep buying spray paint, but still haven't had the party, lol.

      Delete
  2. I love the fashion sets! xD And I hope you have an awesome pool party! : >

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can swim, Uraru, but I will save my dolls if they get into any trouble in the pool. :>

      Delete
  3. Love it!! Especially the fashions. I wish they would put these on their website so I can have it shipped the my Neighborhood Walmart Market for free. Unfortunately, I don't have time anymore to hunt things down since where I live is so spread apart. :-(

    Live your posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Um...that would be "love" your posts. Friggin' fracken auto correct. :-/

      Delete
    2. Hmm, Tracy India. Maybe the Sparkle stuff has too low a price point for it to be listed on their website. I just checked and when I search for Sparkle Girlz Dolls all it shows me are Moxie Girlz. They aren't even listed as a character in their refinement side bar.

      Delete
  4. Nice set! In Portugal I've only seen the dolls and I didn't look twice at them. hope we get the fashions and some sets too. Mattel's clothing is droping in quality so I think we can't criticize lower brands about it XD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. V, I agree that the quality of Mattel's clothes AND their articulated play line has been on a steady decline. I don't mind low quality if the price is low too, so these Sparkle fashions are okay with me.

      Delete
  5. Move over Barbie fashions... these Sparkle Girlz fashions, rock! I have never seen these in my Walmart, or maybe I overlooked them each time I have quickly walked past the Sparke Girlz dolls. I will have to check again soon. They are probably made in the same China factory as Barbie fashions, but are 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 times less. The most recent Barbie fashion I purchased at Walmart was $6.97 (reduced to $5).

    dbg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie, the story seems to be that Sparkle is redoing old play sets and fashion molds, but heck, I sure don't mind. Not if they keep their stuff at these prices.

      Delete
  6. Hello from Spain: I have definitely to travel to stores in your city. The pool is fabulous set. It is very cheap. I love it. Also the clothes are very nice and very cheap. Great findings. Fabulous shopping. Keep in touch

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marta, the pool set really is super cute, even with it being so thin, lol.

      Delete
  7. Ohhh, thanks for sharing Muff! I'm on the hunt now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, Doll Crazy. Hope your hunt was successful!

      Delete
  8. Wow, they have a lot of fashions, and some of them are super cute. I'm glad I already have my Sparkle pool party or I would be running to Walmart to get one. I like how the chairs look with the colorful slats. And like I said on my blog, that pool is perfect for some of my kiddies. I think I need to buy one more set at that price. I sure hope they bring out more sets at that price.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vanessa, I was surprised at how many I found too. And even with the so-so quality the clothes are still worth it. This year I've collected a bunch of the Gloria/My Fancy Life sets and the cheapest one was $10. So yeah, if the Sparkle people want to reproduce these I'm all for it.

      Delete
  9. Hey, Muff! Congrats on your latest finds. Yes, some of those outfits are really, really cute. I like the plaid skirt - OMG, I had a red plaid skirt ages ago, lol. Good prices, too. Thanks for sharing. Almost like being there ... ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. D7ana, I can imagine you prancing around in your plaid skirt looking super cute!

      Delete
  10. Love those Sparkle Girlz outfits - and especially at those prices!

    I think there's a shopping trip in my future now! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. It may be cheap junk, but I love that you get to put the beach chairs together one slat at the time! :D

    I've seen Sparkle Girls around, but only dolls and a set with a horse, neither of which seemed worth the price. Your fashion sets seem like a better deal! (I recognize the yellow-white-black top with the face, my Pixy Punks doll came in one of those.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, Anderson. I didn't want to come right out and call it cheap junk, but yeah, lol. I did see a Sparkle set with a horse but I didn't even price it and kept on walking.

      Delete
  12. Hola, que bonitas cosas encontraste, disfrutalas mucho, Chandra seguro las aprovechara bien.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gracias, Lindaivette! Chandra disfrutaba su momento de brillar.

      Delete
  13. LOL @ the thought of you rearranging a store display for a pic! I've stopped to look at the Sparkle dolls plenty of times, but I've never noticed fashions or play sets. I will have to keep my eyes open for these on my next trip to Walmart. Are Chandra's shoes from the same pack as the dress and purse? I'm definitely getting the pool party set now that I've seen it out of the box.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jewell, I have no shame. I rearrange display isles all the time... and not just for taking photos either, lol. I'm too retentive for my own good. It bugs me no end when shelves are messy.

      Chandra's shoes are Mattel. Her clothing pack only came with the top/belt and the bag.

      Delete
  14. Those fashions and the pool party set are really cute! I am going to try to resist the pool party, but I will pick up some of those fashions if I see them here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Resistance is futile, Roxanne, lol. If not for yourself, I think the pool party would be a nice gift for some little kid or part of a door price if you do doll meets.

      Delete
  15. I was wondering if I could put a Superstar Ken head onto an action figure body, like G I Joe, Max Steele or Power Team Elite

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sergio, I only modified one GI and had to rip his head off at the chin. If your Ken does not have a protrusion coming out if it then you can super glue it to the Joe's neck base and it will still have full range of motion. To get it on a Power Team you would have to do surgery and cut a portion of Ken's neck and shoulders and shape it to fit into the Power Team neck hole.

      Delete
  16. I haven't seen any of those at my Walmart. I have a few more that I stop in so I will be keeing my eyes peeled. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Panna wygląda świetnie! Komplet wypoczynkowy z basenem i parasolem jest doskonały! Pozdrawiam serdecznie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cześć Olla i dzięki za zatrzymanie się. Zestaw basen robi przyjemny salon.

      Delete
  18. I really like most of the fashions. My Walmart only have the signs up ($1.97) but no outfits. I plan to check back this weekend. Or maybe I should wait until next weekend when my best dollie friend comes to visit. I really hope to find the pool party set. I would like a couple of sets. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Georgia Girl, I saw a display like that once where there were just rows and rows of prices but no merchandise. At least you know that they are on the way.

      Delete
  19. I will keep a look out for those little outfits, they would work great with Skipper size too. The pool set is perfect to add to collection for the little kids so I will have to venture into Wallyworld and see if they have them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brini, I've opened all the packs and only a few things will fit a Fashionista type body. The clothes fit great on Liv bodies so Skipper's size should work too.

      Delete
  20. Wow, you got some great bargains!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ooo! My Walmart has the Sparkle Girls clothes sets, but not the singles! I hope those surface nearby soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Presto, assuming there is only one boutique pack I might get that one too if I find it because I see at least 3 outfits in Adrian's photo that I would like to have.

      Delete
  22. I knew when i saw these outfits on Flickr I said "Muff is going to be all over this like white on rice!" lol I cant wait til my WalMart gets them I want modify them. I saw that Bratz on sale for $15 Im kinda waiting on her to go down to $10 then I'll snap her up. Also you should check out the Hello Kitty sets they have a baking one and gardening set on sale for $5. Also becuase I know you are a modifying diva you should check out a Pixie Party Tinkerbelle if she ever goes on sale she is 9 inches in height and articulated as well. Here is a from link from Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tru_fashionista_luv/14344645047/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jay, you know if it's cheap then I'm on it! I saw the Hello Kitty's when they were on clearance at Target a few weeks back. Even at 70% off I decided not to get them because I've been sorting all my accessories and I have tons of little goodies already.

      I have been watching the articulated Disney Fairies at Walmart and Target forever and they wont budge from $16.99. I just checked Amazon and the price Tru Fashionista is back up again. I really want Silvermist and I would leave her exactly as she is.

      Delete
    2. I'm holding out for a sale on the disney fairies too. The artiulation doesn't seem to be great, but might be mod-able, and the outfits are pretty cute. Here's a pretty thorough review if you're interested: http://fastfeetnella.blogspot.se/2014/07/review-disney-fairies-periwinkle-and.html

      Delete
    3. Great link, Anderson! Even with the limited range in sitting, I'll still keep an eye out for a reduced Silvermist. I just think she's really cute, but not $16.99 cute. I have not been to the Disney store in a long time. Next time they have their $10 a doll sale I might mosey on over and see if they carry any.

      Delete
  23. Isn't great to have an alternative to Mattel! At a better price than Mattel. It gives me more things to purchase. I don't think they will be around at Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ms. Leo, even though the fashions are more suited for smaller, Liv type bodies, you are right that it's a great alternative to what Mattel produces.

      Delete
  24. I just started reading your blog last weekend (all of it in a 48 hour period) and I must say that I'm enthralled with all of your posts. Unfortunately, they've inspired me to start looking here. But that's okay! There are five of us here who will benefit!! Thanks for sharing the great find!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, hello and welcome, London! That's a lot of reading you did! I don't post that frequently, but when I do, I'm kinda wordy, lol, so I appreciate you making the effort.

      Delete
  25. Replies
    1. Thanks, Nykole! Also, I'm having a hard time posting to your blog, so I wanted to say that I really liked your Kloom Doom design.

      Delete