Why we like: From the age of 6 to approx. 13, I had a freakish fetish with Porcelain dolls.  The first gal that sparked this ‘hick-town’ hobby of mine, was a “free-with-purchase” gift at the Sears Lancôme counter. Despite her crooked wig and unflattering apparel, my passion for porcelain grew.  My cabinet was accepting and embraced all types – whether they came as a cosmetic counter freebee or a big purchase bequest (ie. Birthdays & Chanukah only).   Just as any addiction, this leisure pursuit came at a cost.  Slumber parties were rare events, as most girls my age were scared to sleep in a room full of china dolls (I blame Chucky).   

Although this pastime has been put to rest, the collection now occupies much-needed space in my Mother’s living room.  Dolls of any kind, will always have a place in my heart.    

What you’ll find there: It’s a vivacious virtual world of doll making, that enables users to create an avatar of oneself in doll-form or work with the template of your favorite celebrity/ royal icon/ musician/ model etc.  My personal favorites are Amy Winehouse, Camilla Parker-Bowles and Twiggy. Once your specimen has been designed, you can go to Starplaza to buy trendy clothes and makeup sponsored by big-top brands in the “real world.”  There’s a community too, which is probably a great place to meet a child predator (if that’s your thing).  

Where in the world: My guess would have been U.S. with all the garish consumerism, but alas twas’ Stockholm, Sweden. 

In a nutshell: Broke?  Blow some ‘big ones’ in cyberspace.  As a new member, you’re given an allowance of $25, which (if you’re a frugal spender) can go a long way.  Once your handbag is empty, I’d suggest withdrawing from the Stardoll realm as membership fees and expense fees definitely outweigh the initial fun-factor.