but first some info about the reproduction Poodle Parade Barbie, her haircut is not the best, thus why it is hidden by the scarf.
As Margie mentioned there are doll shows in Illinois. There are 4 dolls show run by Karla. You can find all the info on her website: https://karlamorelandpresents.com/
She has two shows in Naperville, January and June, and two shows at Kane County Fairgrounds, April and September, which have a program too. You will find a mix of dolls including antique dolls, vintage dolls such as Mdme. Alexander and Ginny, vintage to modern Barbie, other fashion dolls, doll props/miniatures, bears, reborn babies, and more.
There are also two shows called Chicago Toy Show which lean more towards action figures, cars, Funko, etc., and some dolls might show up. They are held at the Kane County Fairgrounds. Link: https://www.chicagotoyshow.com/
If you can, visit Gigi's Dolls & Sherry's Teddy Bears on Northwest Hwy in Chicago. The shop is only open by appointment, but trust me when I say you will want to go to see all the dolls they have. They have vintage to modern Barbie and other fashion doll lines like those by Integrity, Gene dolls, Tonner dolls and more. https://www.gigisdolls.com/
There are a couple doll clubs in Illinois. Illinois Fashion Doll club is for all fashion dolls. We've been around since 1997. We have random meet-ups like seeing a movie and having lunch or going to the doll show and having lunch and so on. We have a private group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/140428457494
Windy City Collectors Club is Barbie focused and has been around since 1992. There is an annual fee to be a member. Meetings usually are the second Thursday of the month at either Russells BBQ in Elmwood Park or the Elk Grove Village library with a couple zoom meetings for club business. The next meeting is tomorrow, February 8th at 7pm at Russells BBQ, which you can come as a guest to check it out. The theme is Valentine's Day, so people will bring dolls that fit that theme as well as other items they wish to share. They have a public group on Facebook and a member's only group. The website has the tentative dates for upcoming meetings, but the March one has been pushed to March 7th. https://windycitycollectors.org/
Just keep researching. If you can, build a research library with things like the old magazines--Barbie Bazaar, Miller's, Haute Doll, and FDQ, plus old Barbie collector books. There's also some old blogs out there with Barbie collecting info.
Check out different doll forums. There's tons of groups on Facebook and tons of doll people posting videos and such on Instagram and some people still over on Flickr too.
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