The arms are made from cheap hard plastic now, and the elbow doesn't unbend at all. They say their making Barbies more realistic, in reality their just making them cheaper. Sad but true. I believe this is our last year making Barbie purchases unless they pre-date the new cheap era.
My daughter loves Barbie dolls. When she got this Skipper doll and found out that she was Barbie's sister she was thrilled. She plays with them together and does their hair. Wonderful toy.