Teresa Takes a Walk on the Wild Side!
Written: Sep 06 '03 (Updated Sep 06 '03)
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Pros: Beautiful combination of features on brown-toned face and hair
Cons: Combination of leopard print coat and short gold skirt a bit tacky, but not offensive
The Bottom Line: Teresa's face alone is worth the purchase. If the wild outfit doesn't suit your tastes, dress her up in different clothes!
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| indigospot's Full Review: Wild Style Teresa |
I vividly remember the first time I saw Wild Style Teresa, during a warm midsummer evening at a Toys 'R' Us in San Francisco in 1998. That was also the day the Barbie doll collecting "bug" bit. As a child, I couldn't have imagined that there would be as much diversity in Barbie's world--in terms of ethnicity, themes, the number of additional characters, and the inclusion of collectibles for adults--as what I encountered on that aisle. as the vast selection of choices sent my head spinning, an unfamiliar but attractive face on the shelves caught my eye, and kept drawing my attention to her. Barbie's Latina friend Teresa didn't yet exist when I played with Barbies as a child; I envied those kids who now had in Teresa, a new, prettier alternative to the same old, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Barbie.
I didn't pick up Wild Style Teresa that evening (I instead chose the Puerto Rican Doll of the World Barbie, which features Teresa's face mold), but I remember that the decision was difficult to make. Of course I picked up Wild Style a couple of weeks later. Despite the fact that I've picked up a few dozen other Teresas since then, Wild Style remains one of my favorite versions of this character, for more than just sentimental reasons.
Wild Style Teresa (WST), along with her blonde Barbie counterpart, was released in 1997 exclusively for sale at Toys 'R' Us. As the doll's name implies, WST outfit is an celebration of being a bit "out there." The centerpiece of WST is her medium-length leopard print "vinyl" coat with faux fur trim at the collar and cuffs. Under the coat, Teresa's wearing a very short sleeveless skirt of gold metallic stretch knit. For legwear, WST comes with white pantyhose and oxford-style high-heeled boots. A pair of sunglasses and black earrings complete the ensemble. (In case you're wondering, Barbie's jacket was similar, except for the black and neon-pink maze print)
Although the first-person description on the back of WST's box claims that leopard prints are "hot," I'm not so sure. Unless you're a true "wild child," animal prints are best worn in moderation. I have to admit that these days, WST's clothes probably give her the appearance of being a lady of the night! On the technical end, Teresa's thumbs easily catch onto the hem of the coat's sleeves, whenever I've tried to slip on the outer garment. I think the oxfords are unattractive and don't coordinate well with the rest of the ensemble, but at least they stay securely on her feet (whereas pumps and mules tend to fall off without much effort!).
What I really love about WST is her adorable face. Her skin is deep brown, emphasized by her dark brown eyes and similarly colored lips. Her long brown hair, flecked with golden highlights, is tied back in a ponytail, and a curly tuft of bangs comes down over her forehead. Combine those features with Teresa's open but tentative smile, and you have a Very Gorgeous Doll.
Because of the shoes, comb, earrings and other small pieces, you should keep WST away from very young children (although if you're buying her at this point, you're not likely getting it for kids, anyway!).
Wild Style Teresa hasn't been available at Toys 'R' Us for years; since WST is a "Pink Box" or "Playline" doll, most doll collectibles stores don't have her in stock either. Contact private collectors (through the classifieds in Barbie Bazaar for example), or go to eBay (check listings regularly, as she's offered infrequently).
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 12.95
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 9 Years or Older
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Epinions.com ID:
indigospot
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Location: Oakland, CA
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Artist, avid reader, comic book fan, toy collector, and obsessed Barbie doll collector since 1998
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