Mam'selle A Sindy Doll Magazine Issue 36 | August 2024

Mam'selle

Sindy Doll Magazine ISSUE 36 | AUGUST 2024 | £8.95

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'Mam'selle' Mini Magazine has been founded and produced by @dresslikeasindy. Unless stated otherwise all images are original, additional images used with permission from their respective owners. (Mam'selle was a fashion collection created by the Lines Bros Richmond Factory between 1965 and 1967).

Hello Dolls!

COVER PHOTO @SINDY_ATELIER

Welcome to this sunny issue of Mam'selle! A mini magazine for Sindy doll lovers, fans and collectors.

If you’re reading this from a sun-lounger then lie back and enjoy: our holiday photo story; a classy swimwear fashion edit; a look at Gayle and Black Sindy with an interview by Basia from @sindydolls.etsy; and, if it’s not too much work to move off the sun-bed, we have a fab giveaway with Mam’selle’s favourite designer @sindy_atelier - who also captured this month’s cover.

Enjoy the long, hot days Sindy and see you in September.

editor x

Mam'selle I S S U E

36 Sindy Doll Magazine: Contents 04 Sindy Social Scene 07 Sindy’s Sardinian Summer 23 Living with Sindy 24 Gayle v Black Sindy 32 Mam’selle Meets...

36 Swimwear Fashion 49 Travel with Sindy 50 #VintageSindy

Please do contact us with any submissions, ad's, or to be featured dresslikeasindy@gmail.com

MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 3

SINDY SOCIAL SCENE Top Shots: our favourite Sindy Snaps this month of you wearing @sewist53 and @sindybymarguerite

1. @sewist53 | 2. @the_woodlanddollies | 3. @dresslikeasindy 4. @thestripyshed | 5. @the_minimalist_sindy | 6. @dollsarenotforlandfill 7. @sindyandme | 8. @jollydollyshop | 9. @sindy_atelier

FASHION SPECIAL paintery

SINDY-SUE SPRING COLLECTION

&

SINDYBYMARGUERITE COLLECTION

1. @suekulec | 2. @sindy_doll_collector | 3. @shabbydoll_love 4. @myfloridosindydolls | 5. @sindylife2021 | 6. @polly.dollydaydreams 7. @sindy_doll_collector | 8. @dollsarenotforlandfill | 9. @sewist53 MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 5

r e v o c s i d

A Magazine for Sindy Doll Fans READ at Issuu & or order an A5 Printed Copy | Subscriptions available

MADE WITH LOVE

for Sindy collectors

dresslikeasindy@gmail.com www.dresslikeasindy.com @dresslikeasindy

Sindy’s Sardinian Summer

Sarah has finally landed at the Sindy Villa Surprise for her summer getaway. The flight thankfully had not been delayed - and all her luggage had arrived (she had packed an Italian summer capsule wardrobe as suggested in #mamsellemagazine).

In association with Hasbro Holidays. The Villa Surprise is available to rent through Doll B&B.

Now to check out the villa, unpack, and get out of these travel clothes.

Sarah decided to take a cool shower first and then unpack. She liked to put everything away to make it feel like home away from home. She never understood people who just pulled clothes out of a suitcase!

8 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE

Sarah decided she would not waste the day and go and explore the local area. Then the doorbell rang...

She couldn’t believe her eyes. It was a hamper full of Italian goodies Panettone, cheese, wine, pizza, ready to bake lasagne, and a huge box of chocolates. The card read:

nd rise a p r u a S ou t Vill ank y a h y T a t . s ia d your ardin us an S h f t o i Enjoy w d ay e islan h our getaw t i r w u on th o s y reat oking lian t a t for bo I s. these iment enjoy compl s oliday H o r b &B Has Doll B f o f l a on beh

WOW! What a treat. I can’t wait to try it all - I will definitely be leaving a 5-star review for Hasbro Holidays on DollTrip Advisor.

Sarah explored the local area and coastline. She also popped to La Passeggiata in Porto Cervo to do a little shopping…while in Rome and all that!

Plus, Gucci was calling her…

10 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE

After her early morning shopping trip Sarah decided it was time to hit the pool for a few hours.

After a lovely afternoon around the pool, a light supper and a little wardrobe tidy, Sarah decided an early night was in order. What is it about holidays that make you so tired?

SLOW

FASHION DOLL BRAND STORE

VINTAGE AND RETRO STYLE. ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE FASHION FOR DOLLS. MADE IN MADRID, SPAIN

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I must check out the bus timetable so I can hit the local markets!

Sarah was having a slow morning enjoying a leisurely breakfast. First she decided to catch up on some issues of Mam’selle (she didn’t like reading magazines around the pool, as the pages go crispy!)

14 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE

The charming village market at San Pantaleo is set around a picturesque piazza. It’s full of lively cafes, delicatessens and artisan boutiques.

The bustling weekly market was filled with local crafts, linens and jewellery.

Goodness, I’m going to have to control myself. I only have the one suitcase!

POOL DAY

Later that evening...

Does anything beat a light supper (chicken Caesar salad for those wondering) on the terrace followed by a sunset walk through the village? Sarah was really going to miss this when she returned home in a few days.

Sarah was heading into the local village today to pick up some souvenirs for her friends back in Sindy Town. And, she may also pick up a magnet or three…it’s a tradition!

In the evening she headed to the local marina at Porto Ottiolu for a glass of Chianti .

S

WEETMINISA MADE IN THE UK

WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/SWEETMINISA @FUNW.ITHDOLLS

Sarah was just checking her flight details and downloading her boarding pass ready for her flight home in the morning.

I’m so glad I organised a capsule holiday wardrobe just like #mamsellemagazine had suggested. It really helped make dressing easier for this holiday.

Sarah was enjoying her last day around the resort before heading home tomorrow.

Sarah was spending her last afternoon doing the laundry. Now this may seem crazy, but arriving home with a case full of freshly laundered clothes was such a treat.

Whilst it was drying she would finish off the last of the hamper food and the bottle of Chianti, pack her hand luggage, and maybe watch a movie. Sarah had the most wonderful week in Sardinia and was most definitely going to book with Hasbro Holidays again.

MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 21

Follow Sarah’s example by sticking to a colour palette (in her case an Italian inspired red, white and green) and mixing and matching your pieces.

Capsule wardrobe packing check-list:

Knitted sweater Tailored trousers Sleeved dress Kaftan Full skirt Sleeveless top/waistcoat Shorts Bikini Swimsuit PJ bottoms and vest Hat, turban and jewellery g Handbag, tote and basket ba

The End

LIVING WITH.

SINDY.

IMAGE @SINDYDOLLS.ETSY

THE DOLL YOU LOVE TO DRESS

FASHION. INTERIORS. BEAUTY. SHOPPING. TRAVEL.

Gayle and Black Sindy. Two highly sought-after and often hard-to-find dolls. But what is the difference?

Sindy collector Basia from Spain - who is lucky enough to have both in her collection - has compiled a comparison of Gayle and Black Sindy especially for Mam’selle magazine.

Spot the Difference

SPECIAL FEATURE

by @sindydolls.etsy MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 25

meet the dolls...

Both these dolls were sold only in the USA, so they are hard to find in Europe. Gayle was distributed by the Louis Marx toy company in 1978. Known as 'Sindy's friend', she wore a flowery cotton dress and white court shoes. Wesco took over distribution of Sindy in 1981 and launched Black Sindy, under the Pedigree licence. She wore a pink swimsuit, a flowery wrap-around skirt, and white strappy sandals.

Gayle V Sindy To compare these two beautiful dolls, Gayle is in the blue swimsuit so that her body can be seen and Wesco Sindy is wearing her original pink swimsuit.

The most obvious difference between the two is the body type.

01 Face

02

Both dolls have a similar skintone, rooted lashes, and brown eyes. But that’s where the similarities end.

Hair Similar in style, Sindy has rooted saran hair, which makes it softer and shinier than Gayle’s. Sindy came with her hair in a low ponytail with a white ribbon .

03 Markings Sindy’s head is marked: ‘Sindy’ in a rectangular block with 033055X below.

She has ‘Hong Kong’ marked below her waist.

04 Body Sindy has a classic basic body.

This means bendable legs, straight arms that are soft, but do not bend, and flat hands.

05 Value Much harder to find than Gayle, Black Sindy selling prices can start at £550+

Sindy

Sindy

Gayle 30 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE

01 Hair

02 Face

Gayle originally came with her hair in a low ponytail with a white satin ribbon bow.

Gayle has a slightly smaller face with more arched eyebrows, and she has more blush on her cheeks. Both dolls have similar pale lipstick. Gayle also has a double neck joint.

03 Markings Gayle’s head is marked: 2 GEN 1077/033055X. She has ‘Made in Hong Kong’ marked below her waist.

04 Body Gayle has an active body, with bendable arms, twisting wrists, a flexible waist and poseable ankles.

05 Value Becoming harder and harder to find and much sought after, Gayle prices can range from £350 - £700 (as of 2024).

Gayle

WE CHAT TO DOLL COLLECTOR BASIA BARCELONA

e l l e s ' m a M

MEETS...

Name: Basia | Where do you live: Barcelona, Spain | Marital status & kids: Married with 1 child Occupation: Human Resources Manager | IG handle: @sindydolls.etsy | Etsy: LuciaTheCat on Etsy

When did you start collecting Sindy and why? When I was about to turn 50, my husband asked what I wanted as a special birthday present. I told him that I have everything I want and he doesn´t need to waste money on a present. So he asked if there was something I always wanted as a child that he could buy me. I thought about it, and remembered that I had wanted an active Sindy, a doll that a friend of mine had. So… I got one for my birthday and, instantly upon seeing her lovely face and ballerina outfit, had a warm rush of nostalgia from childhood.

That was it - I became a collector.

What is the most prized/treasured piece in your collection?

My most treasured Sindys are the two that I had as a child: the original blonde ‘Lovely Lively’ I got as a Christmas present in 1975, and a brunette ‘Royal Occasion Sindy’, which I won in a newspaper colouring contest in 1977. I wouldn't swap those two for 10 Gayles! (see image below) What is missing from your collection, or what are you lusting after? My current collection is of Sindy dolls and clothes, between 1974 and 1985. They include Pedigree, Marx, Florido and Dutch Sindys. I love them all and can´t think of a Sindy that I am still lusting after. There are still a few clothing items that I would like to collect, so I keep looking on eBay and Etsy, hoping to find them for an affordable price.

How do you find the Sindy collector community? I connect with the Sindy community on Instagram, on Facebook, and on Etsy, where I sell my ´doubles´, and have many repeat customers. The collectors on all these groups are warm and supportive – it’s truly a fantastic community.

FIND BASIA @SINDYDOLLS.ETSY

MEET THE COLLECTORS INTERVIEW

"As a child, I was allowed to choose one outfit for my birthday and one for Christmas."

Basia Are you an out-of-the-box or mint-in-box collector, and why? I am an out-of-the-box collector. I love to take scruffy old Sindys and make them look My international trio: Florido Sindy from

glamorous again, simply by washing them, styling

Spain, Martinair Sindy from Holland and

their hair and dressing them in the clothes they

Pedigree Sindy from the UK.

would originally have worn. As I don´t know how to re-root hair, I tend to buy Sindys with good hair, even if it’s really messy. I do own three boxed dolls – a ‘Tonner Sindy’, a ‘Western Sindy’ and a ‘Gayle’ - but don´t want to buy more, as the boxes take up so much space. And besides, boxed dolls are so expensive!

What's your favourite Sindy year, and why? My favourite year is 1975, which is when I got my first doll. I still have the clothes leaflet that came inside the box, and I remember wanting to buy the outfits of that year. As a child, I was allowed to choose one outfit for my birthday and one for Christmas. Since becoming an adult collector, I have bought almost all the outfits from the time I played with my Sindys, which would have been between 1975 and 1979.

Do you have a favourite Sindy/outfit/scenesetter,

Sindy and me: Basia saying hello from

and why? My favourite outfit is the ´Bib Skirt´ as it’s

Barcelona with her Sindy’s

the outfit my Sindy wore in a photo I have from childhood (see image on previous page).

FIND BASIA’S ETSY SHOP AT WWW.ETSY.COM/UK/SHOP/LUCIATHECAT

MEET THE COLLECTORS INTERVIEW

Do you have a Sindy budget? How do you manage this - as it’s so easy to overspend? When I am bidding on a Sindy, I have a maximum budget in my head, and I don´t go over it. I don´t really limit myself to a budget overall, as collecting Sindys brings me a lot of pleasure and I don´t fritter money away on other things.

Any tips for Sindy collectors (what to look for, where to look, how to find a bargain etc.)?

When I buy online, I always ask sellers about any marks on the body if the doll is fully dressed. I also ask if the knees bend and if the body is floppy. These are all things you can't see in photos. And another thing you can't see, and I'm generally afraid to ask, is: does the doll smell? I have had to give away three dolls because they smelt so badly of mould. I tried all the cleaning suggestions: a week in an airing cupboard, burying in cat litter, and even bleach, but nothing worked.

What’s the best and worst part of collecting Sindy dolls? The best part is: I still get a sense of childhood nostalgia when I open a parcel with a new-to-me doll. The worst part is: not knowing when to stop collecting. I store my Sindys in a chest of drawers and it's almost full, so I intend to stop collecting when there is no more space. In reality, I´ll probably buy more drawers!

Sindy in Numbers First Sindy: Lovely Lively blonde, 1975 Collecting since: 2016 Total to date: 125

WANT TO FEATURE IN MAM'SELLE MEETS? <EMAIL US DRESSLIKEASINDY@GMAIL.COM>

S ' H T I A L es

O R + Curated Miniatur

e d a m d n Ha

WWW.ETSY.COM/HK-EN/SHOP/ORLAITHSBOUTIQUE

Strike a pose with these

POOL

glamorous poolside looks.

Images and styling by Kevin House

Previous page: Bikini, part of Travel Fun Collection, 1996. Sindy sandals, by Hasbro. Towel and sun visor, Barbie

by Mattel.

This page: swimsuit, bag and soda drink, Travel Fun Collection, 1996.

Sunglasses and sun visor, both from Barbie by Mattel.

UKDOLLYCOUTURE

WWW.ETSY.COM/UK/SHOP/UKDOLLYCOUTURE

2024

Bikini and turquoise cover-up, all Travel Fun Collection, 1996

A L L I M A G E S B Y @ S H A R I N G S I N D Y

Swimsuit and frisbee, part of Travel Fun Collection by Hasbro, 1996. Sindy sandals,

by Hasbro. Sun hat, from Integrity Toys.

Monte Carlo original bikini, boxed doll by Hasbro 1993. Sarong, part of Travel Fun Collection, 1996.

Jewellery, towel, sun visor and sun lotion, all Barbie by Mattel. Bag, Zuru Mini Fashion Series 2.

HANDMADE GARMENTS FOR SINDY DOLLS MADE IN SALISBURY, ENGLAND

SINDY COUTURESHOP WWW.ETSY.COM/UK/SHOP/SINDYCOUTURESHOP

Sarong and head scarf, Mode Fashions by Pedigree, 1986. Swimsuit and bag, both Collectable Barbie by Mattel.

M O D E L : M O N T E C A R L O S I N D Y B Y H A S B R O , 1 9 9 3 .

L O C A T I O N : R A I N B O W H I G H C O L O U R C H A N G E P O O L A N D B E A C H C L U B .

P H O T O S : B Y K E V I N H O U S E .

A D D I T I O N A L A C C E S S O R I E S , S T Y L I S T ’ S O W N .

summer

G e t s e t f o r s u m m e r w i t h t h i s e x c l u s i v e b e a c h o u t f i t a n d a c c e s s o r i e s h a n d m a d e b y A n t o n i a @ s i n d y _ a t e l i e r

H O W

T O

E N T E R : T E R M S

W e a r e g i v i n g a w a y a b e s p o k e b e a c h s e t i n c l u d i n g a b i k i n i , c o v e r u p , m a t c h i n g h a t a n d b a g a n d e s p a d r i l l e s h a n d m a d e b y A n t o n i a @ s i n d y _ a t e l i e r .

T o e n t e r j u s t p o s t a n i m a g e o f y o u r d o l l o n I n s t a g r a m o r F a c e b o o k : S I N D Y I N H E R F A V O U R I T E B E A C H O R P O O L S I D E O U T F I T S h a r e y o u r i m a g e s b e t w e e n 6 t h J u l y - 3 r d A u g u s t 2 0 2 4 o n l y a n d u s e # m a m s e l l e g i v e a w a y a n d t a g @ d r e s s l i k e a s i n d y a n d @ s i n d y _ a t e l i e r > W e w i l l t h e n s e l e c t o u r f a v o u r i t e i m a g e a n d c o n t a c t y o u v i a d i r e c t m e s s a g e . O n l y i m a g e s p o s t e d a n d c o r r e c t l y t a g g e d d u r i n g t h e d a t e s s h o w n w i l l b e c o n s i d e r e d i n t h i s g i v e a w a y .

&

C O N D I T I O N S :

> T h i s c o m p i s N O T s p o n s o r e d , e n d o r s e d , a f f i l i a t e d , o r a s s o c i a t e d w i t h I n s t a g r a m o r F a c e b o o k . > T h e E d i t o r ’ s / D e s i g n e r ' s d e c i s i o n i s f i n a l a n d n o n r e f u n d a b l e . > P r i z e w i l l i n c l u d e t h e s e t a s l i s t e d . > O n e w i n n e r w i l l h a v e 2 4 h r s t o r e s p o n d t o D M b e f o r e w e c h o o s e a n o t h e r w i n n e r . A D M w i l l b e s e n t b y @ d r e s s l i k e a s i n d y > I t e m s w i l l b e p o s t e d 1 s t C l a s s R o y a l M a i l o r s t a n d a r d E u r o p e / W o r l d w i d e . > G i v e a w a y i s o p e n t o t h e d o l l c o m m u n i t y w o r l d w i d e , a g e d 1 6 a n d o v e r . O p e n S a t u r d a y 6 t h J u l y - S a t u r d a y 3 r d A u g u s t 2 0 2 4 o n l y .

In Memoriam: Nicola @ pedigree_sindy

Mam’selle memories...

MELVIN (Kintore) Peacefully at Roxburghe House, Aberdeen on Saturday, June 8, 2024, Nicola, aged 54 years, dearly loved wife of Neil, much loved mum of Lewis, dear sister of Donna and Christopher and loved daughter of the late Irene.

“Since the launch of Mam’selle I have found every page so easy to put together; that was until now. The sort of page you never want to write or share: that of the passing of a wonderful Sindy friend. Understanding the Sindy - and in fact the whole doll - community is understanding that even if we have never met in real life, or spoken on the phone, the online connection is very, very real. Most of us chat daily online, or over DM. We know what one another is up to through our posts, and of course we know each other's dolls.

Kindred spirits you may call us all but, whatever it is, the bond, friendships and kindness we all share is the most treasured part of our collection. Nicola was always so kind and supportive to me when I first published Mam’selle. She would share images with the mini magazine, enter giveaways and hashtag events, and when I used to (constantly) send messages to ask if I could use her images in Mam’selle she replied ‘you can use any images, any time.’ So, of course we did - many times - as her images just really captured something unique, the love we all feel for Sindy I guess. Nicola also sent me a batch of images for a future special issue, which we will continue to share, as of course they are beautiful! I have missed Nicola’s images popping up on my feed for some time and I know I can say from all of us, she will be sorely missed online and in real life.”

Bonita @dresslikeasindy and Mam’selle founder

ay ch a lovely w su d a h la o ic ‘N utiful stories of telling bea ’ Sindy photos. through her a Sindy Message from Instagram collector on ‘Nicola was a lovely perso n with a fabulo us sense of humour.’ Ka ren @sindy_doll _collector

Cover Girl: The March 2022 issue - that instantly sold out.

‘I always loved Nicola’s family photos of Sindy.

She managed to capture somethi ng really beautif ul in them.’ Messa ge from a Sindy collector on Inst agram

dy always ‘@pedigree_sin beautiful created such a her photos.’ atmosphere in a Sindy Message from stagram collector on In

Winning photos: Nicola won the Marilyn cardigan comp hosted by Mam’selle and @action_mans_nan.

Family Time: Father’s Day feature in the June 2024 issue.

“A true friend is never truly gone.

Their spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved them.”

Nicola will be greatly missed by the Sindy community. Karen @sindy_doll_collector and myself @dresslikeasindy will be organising something - with permission from her family - in her memory very soon.

60 ICONIC YEARS

Hello, I’ve arrived

SINDY

Pedigree Toys & Dolls Ltd. announce a Limited Edition 60th Anniversary Sindy Doll. Only 1,963 dolls will be produced don't miss this special collector’s doll. Have you got yours?

T R A V E L w i t h

S i n d y

SARDINIA, ITALY

Left: Mam’selle office manager Camille at Porto Ottiolu, a private marina and tourist destination located in the commune of Budoni, Sardinia

@DRESSLIKEASINDY One of Europe's most alluring Mediterranean getaways is Sardinia.

It's the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, and one of the twenty regions of Italy.

With nearly 2,000km of coastline, sandy beaches and a mountainous interior, it’s famed for it’s untouched landscapes. The rugged landscape is dotted with thousands of nuraghi – mysterious Bronze Age stone ruins shaped like beehives.

Don’t miss Cagliari, Sardinia's capital and largest city, which makes a great place to begin or end your trip.

SLEEP: Le Dune Piscinas on via Bau, 1, località Piscinas EAT: Agriturismo La Colti at Località Lu Pireddu di S. Anna VISIT: Nuraghe Su Nuraxi at Viale Su Nuraxi,

SHOP: Porto Cervo at 07021 Province of Sassari COFFEE: Cafè Etnico at Via Rockefeller, 39

MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE |4 5

IMAGE COPYRIGHT © 2024 UNDER LICENCE TO PEDIGREE TOYS AND BRANDS LTD

#VINTAGESINDY

FUN BUGGY, 1985

46 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE

Sindy’s yellow beach buggy got a cool upgrade in the mid-eighties with this white Fun Buggy (44772).

With colourful decorative stickers, a padded roll-over bar to support her matching (natch) surf board. The set also came with a slick turquoise zip-up wetsuit, to ensure Sindy was ready to ride those waves.

SHOP... like a Sindy www.dresslikeasindy.com

Dress Like A Sindy

W W W . E T S Y . C O M / E S / S H O P / T A M K N I T T I N G

@SINDY_ATELIER

sindy

atelier