Coach and Barbie Get Together, and Downton Abbey…Paint?

Hello-Hello, welcome to a Wednesday.

We begin today with a look at something on the whimsical side. As much as your faithful scribe has nattered on about myriad issues with Coach (insane logos, declining quality, etc.), we admit to being somewhat enchanted by the special edition Coach Barbie® doll.

COACH BARBIE® DOLL

The new doll is the result of a collaboration with Mattel, and comes packaged much as one would expect.

Coach/Mattel via If It’s Hip It’s Here

The doll is in a Tattersall Trench, with a pair of the brand’s Patty sunglasses atop her head.

Coach/Mattel

Authenticity, even in miniature, is apparent throughout the doll’s wardrobe: she carries a Coach Classic Duffle made from the very same leather used for the full size bag, even the buckles on the adjustable straps work.

Coach/Mattell

Her shoes are colorblocked Tristen sandals.

Coach/Mattel

The miniature bags are just darling. ~~(Perhaps because there aren’t logos all over them…?)~~

Coach/Mattel via British Vogue

The new doll is selling for $95, it is available for pre-order at Coach, and also at Mattel’s site.

Little did I know there was also a Trina Turk Barbie currently available, I discovered this one while hunting for the Coach version.

Mattel

I remain hopelessly out of touch on all things Barbie, so it is oodles of fun to graze the Mattel website!

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Next on today’s hit parade, that Downton Abbey paint. The Telegraph has more:

Mylands, an old British paint firm that has supplied the film and television industry for decades, has announced that it is selling Amber Grey, the very colour used in Mrs Patmore’s kitchen, and Empire Grey, the hue of Carson’s pantry

Here is a look at Amber Grey:

Mylands Facebook

And Empire Grey.

Mylands Facebook

Author Harry Wallop’s column in the Telegraph isn’t entirely complimentary.

But with Downton Abbey you can take your loyalty to another level. Not only will you soon be able to buy Lady Mary lip gloss from Marks & Spencer, but you can now splash a bit of Downton on your walls, painting your home in the same shade as the Earl of Grantham’s family seat.

But the latest Downton merchandise proves both the endless commercial potential of the television programme, and also how the heritage home interiors industry has reached its apogee.

You may read Mr. Wallop’s entire column here.

BTW, Downton Abbey is back to shooting for Season 4, there have been some new casting notes posted on the show’s website. Shirley MacLaine returns as Cora’s mother.

Downton Abbey Facebook

Paul Giamatti will play Cora’s playboy brother Harold. Many viewers will recognize the actor, one of his more notable roles was the title character in HBO’s John Adams.

HBO

Also joining this year’s cast, Gary Carr. Mr. Carr plays a jazz singer named Jack Ross, “…a charming and charismatic young man.” According to website The Master Copy, the actor “is no stranger to the small screen, his television repertoire includes the hit BBC One drama Death in Paradise and the new BBC Three comedy Bluestone 42.”