Plaid Summer Set

[Normandiefr]

I picked up this lovely outfit at AGPLA. It's absolutely beautiful on Addy and ranks as one of my very favorite Addy outfits.

The dress is a little tight on my PM Addy, as are the boots, but I still love this set. The boots took some work to get on her larger feet (just loosen the boot laces quite a bit).

I give this set a big A+!

Retail: $32

Addy's Plaid Summer Set comes with:

A lovely plaid dress with a muted orange/brown/pink pattern. The shape is similar to her flower picking dress.

A fresh white pinafore that ties in the back.

Two tone fabric boots (mustard yellow and off white).

A wide peach colored ribbon.

The plaid dress looks great with the pinafore:





And without:



From the back with ribbon:




The boots and a closeup of the fabric:

[EofA]

Full disclosure: I wanted to like this outfit since after all it's not like we get new stuff for Addy very often. I am fortunate to own all of Addy's AG outfits and then some, so I'm likely a hard grader when approaching this outfit compared to most people, since I'm assessing it in the context of the rest of Addy's collection. Given that context, I have to say that I'm just not that into it. Here's why:

Dress: I definitely think the muted colors are pretty, I like the light fabric choice, and I like the boat neckline. I wish the bodice was fuller so it could be more gathered at the waistline, but that's me being uber-picky. However, I definitely take issue with the skirt construction. It should be fuller and maybe even a tad longer. A growth tuck wouldn't hurt, either, and would add structure to what is a kind of shapeless bottom. I'm pretending that Addy is nearly grown out of this dress and that's why it's so short and has no tucks left.

The skirt certainly won't fit over her AG cage crinoline (but then, I'd personally not wear a hoop under this dress since it's meant to be a casual frock and not fashion forward. My understanding is that the cage crinolines were fashion items for fancy occasions, not undergarment necessities for girls of Addy's age and station, so mine doesn't get used all the time and wouldn't be in this case). But even for a casual summer dress I believe a light petticoat is a period necessity, and unfortunately there's just no way to get one comfortably under this skirt. So that disappoints me. However, since AG doesn't sell petticoats or cage crinolines for Addy any longer, the average consumer isn't going to know what's missing.

The pinafore: Nicely made. Now me, I don't usually like pinafores because period-appropriate ones are often too fussy for my modern tastes. However, aprons were worn during play to protect dresses from soiling, and this one is period appropriate so far as I can tell, so that's good. It is definitely versatile and will be a welcome addition for Addy collectors who don't have the white bibbed one that came with the retired Needlework Kit.

Boots: These are cunningly made of canvas and faux leather. They are pretty much neutral enough to be worn with other dresses, so that's versatility in their favor. But they are also almost exactly like Addy's black and white lace-up boots, and I find that a cheat. I'd rather have had Balmoral-styled boots that button just off-center, for variety. That would have been a unique and welcome addition to Addy's collection, I think, and I wouldn't even have cared if the buttons were functional so long as it all looked good. I'll take these boots, but I'm disappointed they're not a more unique addition.

Here's another thing that disappoints me: my Addy won't wear boots without stockings and this outfit doesn't come with stockings. Granted that stockings can rub and hold in moisture and perhaps be uncomfortable in the summer, but my Addy's super-modest and she's gotta wear 'em. Your Addy can do what she wants, but mine is glad we have extra stockings lying around since AG didn't give her any this time.

With or without stockings, I think these boots will always need to be somewhat unlaced to get them on Addy's feet. But that's easily done, except for maybe the youngest child.

Hair ribbon: It's pretty. It compliments the colors in the dress. It holds back Addy's too-long hair.

Overall Grade: B- for nice concept, disappointing execution. If the dress has a fuller skirt and the boots been of a unique design and not a copy of what Addy already has, and had the outfit come with stockings, the grade would be higher. I'm glad AG is still making things for Addy, don't get me wrong, but I am exercising my right to be a picky collector here.

I also have to add that while I understand the 'summer' theme of this group of 25th anniversary releases, when one looks at Addy's entire collection it's obvious that what she really needed was a cold weather dress. Most of her dresses by AG are short sleeved, and I'm here to tell you that PA can get nippy in the fall and winter months! So while I appreciate the consistent theming across the Historical line for these releases, I'd have really appreciated it had Addy gotten something long-sleeved to round out her collection instead of yet another summer dress.

Lots more pictures:

[JSMT]

I am not that picky. I really mostly just go with "do I like the way it looks? And fits?" And in this case my answer is, "Yes! I like the way it looks very much, and it fits well." It is gentle and soft and it brings out a very soft and sweet side of Addy.

I love the pale colors on her, and the pink in her ribbon is really lovely in her long, black hair. I also like how it is a pretty crisp look, rather than a wilted look.

It is really nice to look at in this cold, dark February, right before Valentine's Day. (Pink is great for Valentine's Day.) But I can also see it being a wonderful spring, summer, late summer/early fall, dress.

I'm very pleased with it.

_{*mod edit to remove dead image link*}

Hi this is my 1st comment on agplaythings....

I do like this dress.... Though I haven't fallen in love with it yet.

my complaints are:
1) Too short
2) skirt is not full enough

I find that AG is skimping on fabric, thus making some outfits less historically accurate, and that bothers me.

[reenee11]

Not much to add, except that I really like this set and think that it is a great value for all that comes with it.

[skukla]

[Lucy Skylar]

[QNPoohBear]

The dress is a pretty pink, beige and white plaid pattern. The apron has darling little pockets. The boots are really nice. The "leather" part is soft and not patent leather like Addy's black and white lace up boots. The boots do not have metal grommets like Addy's other boots so that makes it difficult to unlace. The hair ribbon is plain and nothing special.

As others have said, the skirt needs a growth tuck and is way too skimpy for even a petticoat. It's a bit snug on my chunky PM Addy, especially in the sleeves, but it fits fine. The boots fit too even over socks but only after I take the laces out. They're too much of a hassle to play with because they're so hard to get on and off.

Grade: B+

[QNPoohBear]

No apron

[skukla]

Plaid Summer Set's Boots and Apron when paired with Addy's Kite Flying Dress and the white socks from her Shoes and Socks set: