Mam'selle
Sindy Doll Magazine ISSUE 19 | March 2023 | £6.95
HAPPY
Mother's day
COVER PHOTO @PEDIGREE.SINDY
Hello Dolls! Welcome to the March issue of Mam'selle! A mini magazine for Sindy doll lovers, fans and collectors. As well as celebrating Mother's Day, this month sees the launch of our new regular photo story 'The Love Story of Doris & Buddy' (starting on page 11), and a look at Kelly the 'almost Sindy' doll from 1979. Have a wonderful month dolls.
editor x
Mam'selle I S S U E
19 Sindy Doll Magazine: Contents 05 Sindy Social Scene 06 Meet Kelly from M&S 19 Living with Sindy 20 Shopping with Sindy 30 Dear Sindy... 32 Travel with Sindy
Mam'selle Friendship Issue: We love this picture of Sindy with her friends by @pedigree.sindy, who also took this months cover image!
Please do contact us with any submissions, Ad's or, to be featured dresslikeasindy@gmail.com
34 #VintageSindy
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 3
NEW SKINCARE PRODUCTS
zenasminiatures Unique Dollhouse Miniature Clothing, Kits & Downloads www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Zenasminiatures
SINDY SOCIAL SCENE Top Nine: our favourite Sindy Snaps this month...
1. @sindy_from_england | 2. @action_mans_nan | 3. @gibbspaulus 4. @stylemysindy | 5. @sindydolls.etsy | 6. @sindylife2021 7. @x.jac.c.x | 8. @juliesretroandvintagedolls | 9. @polly.dollydaydreams
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 5
Meet Kelly: The 'Sindy' doll sold exclusively in Marks & Spencer in the late seventies.
Meet Kelly: The M&S girl from 1979
Feature, Research and Images by @dollabouttown As told to @dresslikeasindy Often mistaken for a Sindy, Kelly was a doll in her own right - albeit fleetingly. And is the 'forgotten' chapter in the vast Sindy story. Although Kelly was in fact, produced by the same Sindy company, Pedigree Dolls & Toys Ltd. - she was made exclusively for British high-street chain Marks & Spencer and sold briefly in their stores at the end of 1979. Kelly has the same body mould as a 1979 'Funtime' Sindy and was only available as a blonde. A former Pedigree employee revealed she was named after Kelly from Charlie's Angels. Kelly Garrett (played by Jaclyn Smith) was considered to be the most 'popular' angel from the American show which was a huge hit in the UK in the late 1970's also.
Kelly was a fully moveable fashion doll who came with a reverse socket head made of soft vinyl, painted facial features and rooted nylon hair. She was dressed in a red floral dress very similar to the Marx Sindy and the 'Springtime' Sindy dress of 1981. She was boxed with the tagline 'Step into Kelly's World' above the Marks & Spencer St. Michael label. Sindy was well-known for her scene setters and the Kelly collection was no exception, as she too came with many extras. Alongside her floral dress, Kelly had five extra fashion outfits all with the St. Michael label sewn in. Also, it's worth noting they all came with square plastic snaps to fasten rather than the metal ones used on Sindy clothes at the time. Kelly also had a few select scene setters so you could totally immerse yourself into 'Kelly's world.'
Step into Kelly's World: Kelly was given her own collection of scene setters that were all very similar to Sindy scene setters from the late 1970's and early 1980's. These detailed illustrations are from the back of the boxes.
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 7
The Kelly furniture sets included a very modern Bed/Settee - a foldaway bed with sheets included. The blue and white floral print fabric adorned the sofa cushion (that became the mattress) and an additional sheet and pillow. The sofa bed is also marked with St. Michael on the base. For her clothes Kelly had a wardrobe that is an exact replica of the Sindy wardrobe launched in 1976, but distinguishable by its blue swirl designs on each of the doors corners. It came with white coat hangers and a blue printed facia on the top (not shown in this image).
Kelly Facts: Launched in 1979 Sold exclusively in M&S Originally cost approx. £3-£4 Currently worth approx. £100
The St. Michael Kelly 'Coffee Table and Chairs' set was shown on the box illustration (see previous pages) as a table with two brown chairs. The set was actually issued with cream chairs - one rocker chair and one straight legged chair. The white table was similar in style to the Sindy brown 'Lounge Set' launched in 1980 but, was taller, to be used as a kitchen table and was sold with place settings. Again, it is distinctive for its blue pattern in the centre of the table and on the legs. Interestingly, a brown rocker chair was sold with the Sindy 'Lounge Set' and a white straight legged chair was then added to the Sindy 'Bedside Table and Lamp' set, and sold as 'Bedside Table and Chair' in 1981. Excess stock maybe? >> See Kelly's fashion sets on the next page . Kelly was also given a dressing table and stool to complete her bedroom. It is identical to the Sindy 'Dressing Table and Stool' from 1975. Again, the M&S version is easily identified by the blue trim on the mirror and on the legs of the dresser and stool. The stool cushion is the same floral fabric as the bed/settee soft furnishings. The dresser top accessories were included with this set also.
01 Kelly's daytime looks included this brown and yellow set - a very popular colour combo for Sindy in the late 70's. The jumper echos many of the 'Pony Club' designs of the late 70's/early 80's
02 Another daytime look that precedes many of the 'Separates' fashion pieces that launched for Sindy in 1981. Note Kelly's mules and court shoes are identical to Sindy's.
03
This yellow floral dress shown inside the wardrobe illustration (previous pages) - is often mistaken for Sindy - it's actually more beige/brown in colour. The neckline and sleeves are a similar cut to 'Tartan Touch' (1979) and the skirt resembles 'Gypsy Lady' (1980).
04
Kelly's nightwear ensemble is similar in style and feel to many of Sindy's nightwear sets like 'Sleep Tight' (1974) and 'Good Morning' (1978). The ditsy floral design is much busier than Sindy's style though.
05 Kelly's wedding dress is reminiscent of 'Wedding Bells' (1976) with its satin fabric and floor-length design. Although, it is identifiable by its puff sleeves, lace trimmed funnel neck and stitched detail on bodice.
e l l e s ' m Ma MEETS... NAME: CATHY PALMER | WHERE DO YOU LIVE: BEDFORDSHIRE | MARITAL STATUS & KIDS: MARRIED WITH 2 KIDS AGED 27 AND 23 | OCCUPATION: RECEPTIONIST
We chat to Sindy collector Cathy Palmer. Cathy's images have appeared in many issues of Mam'selle and this month sees the first instalment of her Doris and Buddy stories. Read on to find out more... When did you start collecting Sindy and why? How do you find the Sindy collector community? I started collecting in 2018, initially to replace my childhood Sindy's! We all say that, then more creep in. The Sindy collectors/family are all so friendly and supportive, and I’ve formed some great friendships. What is the most prized/treasured piece in your collection? A Lovely Lively from 1975 purchased last year at Dollycon. What is missing from your collection or, what are you lusting after? A 1968 blonde Side-Part Sindy and Crown. Are you an out-of-the-box or mint-in-box collector? and why? Definitely an out of the box collector. I adore setting scenes for them. What's your favourite Sindy year? and why? 1975/76 that was the first time I saw her aged 8, and
I
thought she was the prettiest doll I’d ever seen - I just adored her face.
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 11
MEET THE COLLECTORS INTERVIEW
"I started collecting in 2018, initially to replace my childhood Sindy's! We all say that - then more creep in!" Cathy Palmer Do you have a favourite Sindy/outfit/scene setter? and why? Blonde Star Dance Sindy 1984 known as Lottie in my collection she is a mini me! And, my Blonde Party Girl known as Doris. Do you have a Sindy budget? How do you manage this - as it is so easy to overspend? If there's something I want to add to my collection I will save up to get it. I would say smaller items and clothes, I spend around £20 per week What’s the best and worst part of collecting Sindy Dolls? The excitement you feel when you win one. The worst part, it's very addictive! Any tips for Sindy Collectors? (What to look for,
Sindy in Numbers
where to look, how to find a bargain etc.) When
First Sindy: Lovely Lively Blonde, 1975 Collecting since: 2018 Total to date: 39 (including the new Kid Kreations Sindy's)
Barbie as some don't know who she is and try Loft
searching for vintage dolls, look up Cindy dolls, even Find. Also, scour Car boot sales and Charity shops .
Cathy explains how the Doris and Buddy stories came about...
WANT TO FEATURE IN MAM'SELLE MEETS? <EMAIL US DRESSLIKEASINDY@GMAIL.COM>
MEET THE COLLECTORS INTERVIEW
"I am a total 1950's lover. I grew up listening to Buddy Holly - my dad was a huge fan. He produced some amazing numbers in his short life. I have sung myself for the past 10 years or so,
guest singing
with a couple of bands, and I’ve performed at vintage events like Twinwood Festival. I don't sing nowadays due to a thyroid cyst located next to my voice box - I kept losing my voice towards the end I can only manage a few numbers nowadays sadly. For events, I dress in a retro fifties style - think pencil and full circle dresses & skirts, and wide legged trousers, red lipstick, and I've had my hair done by a vintage stylist called, Sarah's Doo-Wop Do's. Today, I’ve a more pared back vintage themed look and hair style - a quiffed fringe worn pinned back with a bun, or curled worn down." The inspiration for my dolls definitely comes from my love of the 1950's. My 'Doris' Sindy reminded me of the American actress Doris Day. She arrived a week before Doris Day passed away in 2019, so she lives on in her. Doris is also known as Babs from a scene in 'Carry on Camping' - that was my first trip out and about with her. My 'Buddy Dolly' doll is a Mattel Ken Fashionista Doll and
is
in
memory
of
American
Singer
and
Songwriter Buddy Holly. Buddy was sadly killed in a plane crash on 3rd February 1959, aged just 22 - he had been married just a year. He too lives on through my doll Buddy Dolly. The name was given by a musician friend and it just kind of stuck. I have always connected with these two famous people, so the storyline come easily to me. I feel that’s so important when collecting - making sure you connect with your dolls. Cathy tells us: "Buddy and Doris will return to acting and singing next year. They are enjoying... (spoiler ahead) family life at the moment with Little Peggy Sue."
NEW PHOTO STORY STARTS THIS MONTH: TURN PAGE TO READ PART ONE & TWO OF THE ORIGINAL DORIS & BUDDY LOVE STORY WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND WORDS BY CATHY PALMER.
The love story of Doris & Buddy Part one
The Thrill of It All Xanthe met her cousin Doris at the airport. Doris had arrived today from Ohio, USA.
She has moved to the UK to be closer to her family, especially her sisters Mae and Dana.
14 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE
It's so great to have you home!
Doris Day starred in 'The Thrill of It All' in 1963
Doris was not prepared for the English weather - thankfully Xanthe had packed a spare rain Mac!
Arriving at Xanthe's house she was greeted by her sister Mae, friends Lottie and Margo.
Dana is going to be so excited when you visit her in Scotland.
Doris soon took a job as an actress. She starred as Barbara Windsor in Carry on Camping.
SAUCY! She played Babs again in another movie that year. With a role as Goldie Locks in Carry on Again Doctor.
As much as Doris loved acting she really was looking for love. She had been on a few dates with a fellow actor Bobby Bratz, but really he was so into himself!
That Christmas she met Owen at a friend's Christmas party.
Owen is lovely but I thought there would be fireworks! Like in all those romance novels by Sindy Cartland, Sindy Collins and Sindy Steele!
... to be continued
The love story of Doris & Buddy Part two
Maybe baby! 'Maybe Baby' was a hit for Buddy Holly and the Crickets in 1957
Doris and Owen were still dating come the new year. They were having fun and loved spending time with Marmalade the cat and Honey the pup.
18 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE
Doris will you marry me?
Come Valentine's Day, Doris and Owen had decided to take their relationship to the next level. They shared a romantic evening together. Much to Doris's surprise Owen proposed to her!
Doris said.... 'yes, yes, yes - I will marry you!'
Th
Doris Day starred in 'The Pajama Game' in 1957
On hearing the news her sister Dana came to visit. A girlie sleepover and catch-up was very much needed.
e
jam a P
a Gam e
I'm so worried about Doris this all seems so sudden? Does she really love Owen?
Oh Dana. I'm so glad you are here.
... to be continued
THE GIFT FOX CREATING CUSTOM FOIL PRINTS AND PERSONALISED GIFTS
PEDIGREE SINDY 60TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION A4 PRINT IN GOLD FOIL WWW.ETSY.COM/UK/SHOP/THEGIFTFOX
LIVING WITH.
SINDY.
WALK IN THE PARK, 1982
THE DOLL YOU LOVE TO DRESS
FASHION. INTERIORS. BEAUTY. SHOPPING. TRAVEL.
24 | MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE
Happy Mother's Day
'Sixties Mother' by @every_day_is_like_sindy'
'Doll and her baby' by @pedigree.sindy'
'Three little babies sat in a Pram' by @sindy.tude'
@thesindyballetgirl | @thelittlesindymuseum @sindy_dreaming | @sindyrediscovered
S H O P P I N G
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3
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Tea Cup, cake slice and toast on plates, all by @katieannecrafts (www.etsy.com/shop/katieannecraftsetsy) Tray, vintage Sindy. Other items handmade and AliExpress
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S P E C I A L w i t h
s i n d y
5 6
7
MARCH FINDS: MOTHER'S DAY 1. Wine Case and Glasses, £2.85 WWW.ALIEXPRESS.COM 2. Candle, £4.18, WWW.ETSY.COM/UK/SHOP/MINIMATTERS2
3. Lilac Potted Plant, £5.04, WWW.MINIMUMWORLD.COM 4. Hexagonal Box of Chocolates, £3.75, WWW.DOLLSHOUSE.COM 5. Chanel No.5 Perfume, from a selection at WWW.ALIEXPRESS.COM 6. Cat Mum Mug, £4.82 WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/KELLYLYNMINITURES
7. Subscription to Mam'selle Magazine from £6.95 per issue, @DRESSLIKEASINDY
! y a d o t e ib bscrDoll SAuSindy Lovers' Magazine FREE to read at Issuu & as a glossy A5 printed issue Enjoying this copy of Mam'selle? Then why not subscribe to the next six issues with our subscription price offers? Price includes UK delivery to your door every month.*
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BY SANDY JENNINGS
DEAR SINDY...
before Collector Sandy Jennings shows us how she up-cycled her 1968 Bedside Table. She had noticed it had 'yellowed' compared to another she already had.
Firstly, give the bedside table a good clean in some warm soapy water. Remember to protect the battery compartment (located underneath), remove the shade and also protect the bulb fitting - see Sandy's tip. Carefully paint (or spray) with some white two-in-one primer and paint. This saves a lot of time. Allow to dry and apply a second coat if you think you need to.
after
Use a gold sharpie pen to highlight where the gilt would have been - on the legs and drawer handle. Add a bulb and reattach lampshade.
.
34 | .MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE
Tip...
Look for Dolls House Round Pea Screw Bulbs 12V Lighting
... how can I restore my bedside lamp? YOU WILL NEED: Stays White 2-in-1 Primer & Paint, or Spray Paint Gold Sharpie .
Sandy says, "Use a bit of scrunched up paper towel to protect the light bulb socket and the battery compartment."
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 35
T R A V E L
@SINDY_ATELIER Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Seville was originally an Iberian town. Under the Romans it flourished from the 2nd century BCE onward as Hispalis, and it was an administrative centre of the province of Baetica. The oldest part of Sevilla lies on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River
SLEEP: Hotel Becquer,C. Reyes Católicos, 4 EAT: La Chunga Tapas, C. Arjona, 13 DESSERT: Bar El Comercio (Churros) C. Lineros, 9, VISIT: The Alcázar Réal (Royal Palace) ,Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004
SHOP: Calle Sierpes
S P E C I A L w i t h
S i n d y
SEVILLE, SPAIN DO NOT MISS! Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla: The Museum of Fine Arts of Seville is one of the most prestigious in Spain. The work of revered painters Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Zurbarán, and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and the sculptor Juan Martínez Montañés, are housed here.
SEE: Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol): A sculptural wooden structure with an archaeological museum, rooftop walkway & viewpoint.
SEE: Seville Cathedral One of the mosque’s few surviving portions, its minaret, called the Giralda, was incorporated into the cathedral as its bell tower.
VISIT: Plaza de España (Spanish Square) Built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 in Sevilla. During filming for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, it stood in for the fantastical Theed Palace - home of Queen Padmé Amidala. The Andalusian square appears specifically in one of the scenes when Princess Amidala (Natalie Portman), Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and R2D2 walk the city of Theed on planet Naboo
MAM'SELLE MAGAZINE | 37
IMAGE @SINDY_DREAMING
#VINTAGESINDY
WALK IN THE PARK 1982 'Sindy goes for a stroll with her best friend - a red setter, and her friend's baby' was how the new Walk in the Park (44510) was marketed in the 1982 style guide. The stylish royal blue coach built pram (inspired by the Balmoral Coach launched by Silver Cross in 1877) came complete with bedding and a rain cover. Her red setter stayed by her side with a brown ribbon and gold chain lead. The pram colours were updated in 1986.
LE MINIATURE DI KATIA
Miniature Cakes handmade in Italy. Each model is unique. 1: 6 scale & 1:12 scale made from polymer clay. WWW.ETSY.COM/SHOP/LEMINIATUREDIKATIA
OM
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L
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W
.C
WW
M
DO LLYDO
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HANDMADE RETRO STYLE CLOTHES FOR FASHION DOLLS. MADE WITH LOVE AND CARE IN SPAIN.
