Bicycling Outfit I (RETIRED)

[SailAwayAK~]

This outfit was released in 2004 and retired in 2008.

In the early 1900s, proper young ladies like Samantha chose clothes that would ease their ability to ride a bicycle astride. Her bloomers are perfect for the task. Adding a feminine touch is her diagonal-striped blouse, and removable gaiters protect her shoes and stockings from getting dirty. Includes a straw boater hat trimmed with yellow spring flowers and a brand-new ribbon. Includes trading cards.


Samantha's Bicycling Outfit:
Grade: A

Hat: Quite nicely done. The trimmed ribbon is a lovely touch and everythign is securely on there. The weave on the straw is larger then on her bathing suit set. Quite nice though. What I really love is that they added an elastic cord to keep it in place. Nice detail that I think more of the hats need.

The blouse is quite lovely with a collar that has the creasing/layering detail. The sleeves are wonderful and have the small lace trim at the bottoms. Mine came witht he hair snagging velcro but it opens all the way down the back. I just hope they make a skirt at some point. It would be nice to have a bit of mix and match.

Bloomers: Kind of Blah. Not much in the way of details except the nifty oval shaped button. Just an elastic opening so I can only hope my Sam's fat arse can get into it. We shall see tonight. Made from a brushed cotton. Lovely colour.

Spats: Made from felt. Then maybe starched. Not sure. it is a thinker felt then I use for crafting or my blanket making. Could possible be blended with a wool to make it more substantial. All edges are nicely finished except the top edge. that is just a clean cut edge. Has the scallop detail where the false buttons are and opens in the back with velcro for easy on and off.

Overall I love the outfit and it's detailing. The bloomers leave a little to be desired but the details are in the top as they should be. Like I said before, I would love to see them make some more skirt and shirt sets for a little mix and matching. Quite lovely and exactly what I come to expect in it's details from AG.

[Kalani]

I got it today and I love it except...
I had a great deal of trouble getting the pants onto my Kirsten (Samantha is visiting the girl next door until Friday) I feel that they are too tight to be historically accurate (not to mention deuced uncomfortable) There's no way Samantha would be able to wear her bloomers underneath. (never mind the real type of underwear women wore)

I absolutely love how Kirsten looks in the shirt and hat, with the skirt I made...very sophisticated

Edit:
It fits my PM Samantha better then my Kirsten (I am thinking Kirsten is older and fatter then Sam) however I like it on Kirsten better. (and Kirsten says to get her more clothes too)
Unfortunately my toddler lost one of the spats Hopefully it will show up.

[C.I.Fairfield]

I do adore this outfit - so sporty! I love that it is such a different color from the rest of her collection. The blouse has tucking detail on the collar and has a 'pouter pigeon' front - so fashionable in the early 1900's! Although others have said the bloomers were skimpy, I think mine are actually a little on the too-big side.

My only objection to the set is that the elastic on the hat is white. It should be a dark color, like Sam's hair, so that it could be hidden. I took it off and colored it with a Sharpie, then sewed it back on. You could also replace the elastic with a new dark colored one if it bothers you.

Edit: I finally have pictures! Since I first posted this, I've noticed a problem with the spats - they stretch out of shape if not handled carefully. Still love the outfit, though.

[tara]

This is not my favorite Samantha outfit and I was debating sending it back. I didn't but I may sell parts of it later.

The blouse: Best part. If you look carefully you can see how the stripes go in different directions, and the tiny lace and poufed sleeves are oh-so-elegant. My Erica Parkington uses it when speaking to her clients in her Boutique de Couture.

The hat: More sporty-ish than the blouse, but high quality trims and it works beautifully with the retired play dress. It's Erica's meet hat when the play dress is her meet outfit.

The bloomers: Just poufy bloomers. Rather plain, in a thick fabric.

The gaiters: They're thick, scratchy, felt. With buttons sewn on not tightly at all. The plus is that they can be worn over some shoes to give the appearance of high button boots.

Grade: ****
B

[glasshalffull]

I like the top, but never cared for the bloomers or hat.
As an alternative, I mostly pair up the top with the skirt to Samantha's swimsuit. When I do that I am satisfied, but I wish I did not have to spend $26 essentially for a top. I wish I could've just bought the top as a replacement part, but customer service said it's not available as a replacement part.

[Danibananni]

I find that the pants don't fit on any of my dolls, mattel and not. They won't come up high enough.

[zeemeems]

The bloomers aren't great, but the gaiters, hat, and blouse redeem this outfit.

[keeperofthepast]

A friend has this and now I am in love with the blouse! The hat is cute as well. The blouse is just adorable with the puffed sleeves and lace at the cuffs. It would work perfectly for a 1980s girl when the Victorian clothing style was in vogue.