Flairies: Dolls so bad they make Barbie look good

Kay and Magpie recently got two Flairies as a gift from their Aunt And Uncle. For those of you who are not familiar wtih Flairies, here's their back story straight from the Toys R Us website:

Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale Fashion Fairies Dolls: From the new movie, Barbie A Fashion Fairytale, we welcome three magical fashion Flairies: Shim'r, Glim'r and Shyn'e. Each Flairie has her own distinct personality and shows off the latest trends of glitter-encrusted bodies, detailed fashions and sparkling hairdos.

And if that description doesn't have you cringing already, check out the photo:

I know that Barbie is not the ideal role-model for young girls, but compared to a Flairie (and why isn't it spelled Flairy?) she's wearing mom-jeans and practical shoes while spending her spare time at the local library.

I'm not really sure what marketing genius thought that a children's doll needed such a short skirt paired with ridiculously high heels, but even that I would forgive if the Flairies looked like they had limbs that actually functioned. 

Still, I thank the Flairies for one thing, and one thing only: I am suddenly grateful for every second my daughters spend playing with their assorted Barbie and Polly Pocket dolls. They no longer seem so bad.

Am I alone here? Are the flairies not as awful as I think?

Despite my comments, I am very grateful my brother-in-law and sister-in-law were nice enough to give these dolls to my kids. They are very lucky in the aunt and uncle department, even if not one of them follows the trend of glitter-encrusted bodies.