Here Come the "The Get Real Girls"

By STEPHANIE OAKES

Six new dolls called the 'Get Real Girls' are now on the scene to challenge Barbie. The buzz on the street has the inventors crossing their fingers that they have a hit.

Each of the girls specializes in a particular sport – Gabi the soccer player, Nini the mountaineer, Skylar the snowboarder, Corey the surfer, Nakia the basketball player and Claire the scuba diver.

Then there's 'Smartees' -- They come with a variety of careers, such as Ashley the attorney and Vicky the veterinarian.

The Get Set Club dolls come in simple T-shirts, jeans and sneakers, with separately sold career outfits.

The Get Real Girls national debut occurs this month as a half-million of the dolls – and their sports gear – hit specialty stores and Target with a $24.99 price tag.

"It's been phenomenal," says Jana Machin, the company's chief executive officer. "We get so much feedback from girls and parents, both moms and dads: 'She's rock-climbing up the side of our couch.' "

Next year, the company plans to add two more girls, Kadin (volleyball) and Zoe (skateboarding), and two Get Real Guys – Piersin and Jack (skateboarding and surfing).

Ms. Chavez, (who used to work for Barbie's maker, Mattel), designed the 'Get Real Dolls' to look fit and athletic but not anorexic. The six dolls encompass several races and nationalities.

Oh, and since you were wondering--unlike Barbie, underneath all the Get Real Girl has on modest, molded-on sports bra and underwear.

"She looks very athletic ... and it's a bit more dignified," Ms. Machin says.

Virtual dolls

To see dolls online, go to www.getrealgirl.com, www.barbie.com,
www.smartees.com and www.getsetclub.com.