Since 1959, Barbie has been the world's most beloved doll. Sold in 150 countries, on average, one Barbie is purchased every three seconds. Love her or hate her -- and many people do -- Barbie's reign as the most stylish, well-heeled toy in the marketplace seems as secure now it was 47 years ago.

This week in London, Christie's will be auctioning off one of the largest and most significant Barbie collections in the world. With more than 4,000 dolls for sale, buyers can have their pick of a number of extremely rare, limited edition, designer dolls and clothes. Of particular interest to me, as someone who likes clothes a lot more than she likes dolls is Parisienne Barbie's Hubert de Givenchy balloon skirt.

I can't believe I'm about to admit this, but I'm totally jealous of that doll right now!