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Post by fionabrigade on May 21, 2017 11:57:12 GMT -5
The Gabriela McBride Mini Doll was released on 5/1/17. I ordered mine from Barnes & Noble using a holiday gift card.
She is an all plastic bodied doll similar to the recent BeForever minis, the first one showcasing the Sonali mold in a miniature scale. The sculpt looks very similar to the classic Cécile version except for the raised hairline. Mini Gabriela comes dressed in a 1-piece tank/crop top, jeggings, sneakers, headband, and underwear. It's an accurate replica of the full sized meet outfit (unlike the recent Tenney Grant mini doll). She does come with box hair as the stiff curls are flattened on the back of the head. I'm pretty sure you can fluff them up a bit but it doesn't bother me. Not much else to add; it's a cute doll and is a fun way to collect the GOTY without sacrificing a huge chunk of money and space.
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Post by fionabrigade on Mar 15, 2017 16:32:43 GMT -5
I purchased the Logan doll at Tenney Grant's collection debut on 2/16/17. Logan Everett is AG's first 18" boy doll and the second doll to use the Kaya mold. He has gray eyes and short brown hair. There is some length on the front of the wig and it is tapered in the back. I didn't notice much variation in the face paint and eyes among the selection of dolls at the store. They all had uniformly placed eyebrows and forward glancing eyes. However, the quality of the wigs varied quite a bit from full on pompadours to deflated school boy side parts. I chose one in between the extremes. The facial coloring is a bit drab for my taste and I think the doll appears almost sick when displayed next to the other dolls. I decided to darken his eyebrows by simply going over the existing lines with Prismacolor pencil, which did liven up his face and added an assertiveness that I found lacking. The new hand sculpts on Logan and Tenney are identical, with the right hand in a grip and the left splayed open. The Meet outfit consists of a blue and green plaid button up cotton shirt (the fabric is NOT flannel), graphic T shirt, gray boxer briefs, skinny black jeans with front and rear pockets, and gray sneakers. Nice quality overall except for the excessively glossy print on the T shirt, which looks tacky. The white velcro closure on the jeans show through at some angles and probably should have been black. Logan is priced similarly to Tenney yet does not come with any book or accessory. The doll really should have come with additional pieces to increase the purchase value (maybe a pair of socks, a watch, a backpack, or a CD of Tenney's songs?). His brushable hair can be styled in marginally different looks: (L to R) Clean side part, Tousled up, Superman curl Logan showing off some outfits. Darkened eyebrows in the photo on the left. I'm thinking about adding some blushing over the bridge of the nose to even out the facial contrast Logan next to Kaya. It's the same sculpt and is stamped "Pleasant Company 2002".
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Post by fionabrigade on Feb 23, 2017 23:03:18 GMT -5
The blue and yellow brocade dress and outfit was Felicity's Meet Outfit when she emerged from the archives under the BeForever branding in February 2017. The outfit was retired when she went back into the archives in December 2019.Released on 2/16/2017 Felicity loves to stroll through Williamsburg, visit her father’s shop, and explore in this authentic 1770s outfit. It features: -A traditional floral brocade blue-and-yellow dress with a scoop neck, short sleeves with ribbon detail, and bustling in the back -White knee-high stockings -Sturdy brown shoes with golden decorative buckles
__________________________________ I like the dress overall but the length is a tad short, it really needs to be about a 0.5-1" longer. Without a bum roll the skirt drapes strangely in the back IMO but I use multiple tutus underneath to poof it out as I don't have that set. The vibrant brocade fabric is an interesting color as it can appear anywhere in the blue-green spectrum depending on the light source. I purchased mine on the grey market late last year and noticed that it is missing a layer of white lining behind the yellow skirt panel seen in the final product. I don't really mind but that's a bonus for those who waited for the official release.
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Post by fionabrigade on Jan 6, 2016 19:22:11 GMT -5
Lea Clark Mini Doll Suggested Retail Price: $24.99
I picked up this doll at Target for $9.99. She comes packaged with her hair in a low ponytail complete with dress, underwear, sandals, and an abridged mini book of Lea Dives In.
Her eyes are a pale blue-green almost reminiscent of Caroline's, not the hazels seen on the 18 inch Lea. I do not own the big doll so I won't comment on the hair coloring. Sandals are strapped down with clear elastics.
Unlike the big version, this dress has patterns that line up.
Skin tone comparison with Mini Grace. Unfortunately, Mini Lea does not have the sharply arched eyebrows as seen in her 18" counterpart. She has a gentle curved brow instead. Crafty individuals can easily turn her into Marisol with a simple repaint.
Girl of the Year Conference
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Post by fionabrigade on Jan 1, 2016 9:44:03 GMT -5
Lea's Beach Dress A tie-dye print dress with bows at the shoulders Green flip flop sandals Matching sunglasses A pretty butterfly hair clip
As of January 1st, this outfit can only be purchased bundled in Lea's Exclusive Set ($180). I'd suppose it would retail for $28 separately (180-120 doll-32 accessories). I was able to pick up this outfit on eBay a few months before its official release though it was missing the blue butterfly clip. The dress is made out of a t shirt material with an elastic waist. It velcros half way down the back. The sandals are a soft, pliable plastic and have The AG logo imprinted on the soles. Easy slip on and off. They could have been molded better as the seaming where the plastic meets near the toes is a little sloppy. Keeping in line with Lea's aesthetics, the sunglasses have a fun and vibrant print on its rim. Cell phone pics below (butterfly clip substituted by flower clip from the TM Sunny Isle outfit):
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Post by fionabrigade on Dec 1, 2015 14:43:09 GMT -5
FROSTED VIOLET GOWNI wasn't planning on purchasing this mega gown but saw it at the Mission Viejo, CA pop up store post-Thanksgiving for 20% off and thought why not? The gown is a pale lavender with a combination of sequin, metallic decal, and embroidery detail on the bodice. I wish it was a smidgen darker tone as it photographs almost white. The sequined cloak fastens with an elastic around the purple jewel. Mine came defective and I will have to return to the store for an exchange. The cloak's lining is unfinished, leaving a hole in which I can slip my finger between the 2 fabrics. The purse has a metal chain and fastens with velcro with just enough space to put a coin or doll sized gloss inside. On or off? Extra bling Sequin Overload. Imagine the beanie and cloak paired with the Sparkle Spotlight shorts!
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Post by fionabrigade on Dec 1, 2015 13:57:16 GMT -5
Santa DressComes packaged with a jersey knit dress and stocking hat. Dress has faux fur cuffs and black button detail down front.
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Post by fionabrigade on Nov 18, 2015 22:54:27 GMT -5
Might as well add my photo review before Grace's year is up. I purchased Grace #1 on New Year's and exchanged her for #2 several days later after admiring member's photos posted here. If given the chance, one does have to carefully inspect the dolls in store because I do notice a lot of variation in the bangs, eyebrow placement, and potential eye wonk. Due to release day crowds, Grace #1 was practically grabbed off the shelf with a quick glance at 3-5 dolls displayed nearby. Learned my lesson and returned to the store on an empty weekday to pick out a doll with a face I liked better. The store employee was a bit surprised when I went to exchange the dolls, but she understood the collector mentality and said she was the same way about food . I've eyeswapped mine with Caroline eyes but think the doll looks beautiful as is. Not much a fan of the meet outfit. Possibly one of the worst "designed"; it's absolutely tragic IMHO. That's doll #1 in the first set of photos and #2 on the bottom. Doll: A Meet: D Bracelet: A
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Post by fionabrigade on Nov 18, 2015 15:52:52 GMT -5
I have a weakness for doll hats so I purchased this cap along with the other new Truly Me hats. Top of hat measures 5.25" in diameter and the hole for the head is 4" in diameter. It's a tight fit for dolls with thicker wig caps and often looks awkward. I can't get it to look right, and it's probably because the brim is too small. There is a metallic thread woven in to catch the light and add some pizazz. Grade: C
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Post by fionabrigade on Nov 18, 2015 15:39:23 GMT -5
I finally took Aviv/Grace out for a photo shoot in the City Outfit. I don't like how the faux collar is attached to the sweater; I would have preferred a dickie for more versatility. But, I like how it is possible to tuck the shirt collar inside the sweater for a cleaner look. Love the shorts with the metallic thread woven in for that extra zing. I don't care for the headband and shoes, too cutesy and matchy-matchy for my taste.
B+
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Post by fionabrigade on Aug 11, 2015 13:04:44 GMT -5
Silver Sparkle Beanie
The hat is 6" inches in diameter, is covered in sequins, and has a stretchy knit trim. Retails for $10 but I got it for 15% off with the buy 2 or more Truly Me accessories deal.
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Post by fionabrigade on Apr 21, 2015 1:53:49 GMT -5
I purchased this kitten a month ago, after searching three Sam's Club locations to find the set. I don't know if it's possible but the gray kitten is even cuter than the white one released last summer. That one just looked mean and cantankerous. The blue eyes are more prominent in this version, as if it's staring into your soul. I named this little guy Maknae 막내 (the k is silent). Highly Recommended! A+
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Post by fionabrigade on Dec 23, 2014 6:08:50 GMT -5
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Post by fionabrigade on Sept 10, 2014 13:08:57 GMT -5
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Post by fionabrigade on Jun 17, 2014 22:06:33 GMT -5
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Post by fionabrigade on Jan 3, 2014 6:44:53 GMT -5
"I'm superior to the 18" Izzy!" The meet outfit is a spot-on recreation. The light green eyes are more representative of Caroline's IMHO.
No ombre tips here: There is a layer of pink hair in the back of the head.
Same Classic face, 2 distinct looks: Izzy has more lashes and eyeshadow (difficult to make out in photo). All of the Isabelle minis I went through had upward glancing eyes. Mine has a wonky pupil paint job but I find her expression amusing and she reminds me of Clara from "The Light in the Piazza" (or maybe Daffy the Mogwai from Gremlins 2?).
This happened shortly afterwards. GOTY Smackdown!
Hanging out with Ivy and her alpaca. "Time for mate de coca!" *giggles*
Picked this up at Target for $23.99 in the kids' books section. Also found at B&N. Currently unavailable direct from AG as of 1/2/14.
I had a grand time posing and photographing this mini doll. Unlike the Saige mini, I wasn't apprehensive of messing up the hairstyle. I like that AG is experimenting with different paint applications on the face and I find her look much more appealing than past Classic face mold minis.
Some minor quibbles: The pants impede the pose-ability of the legs. I had a hard time getting the doll to sit. The hair should have had the full ombre effect as seen in the illustrations. Alas, like the 18 inch counterpart, AG chickened out here as well.
Grade: A-
Summary: Ranks high for play-ability and to borrow from LEGO terminology, she is very swooshable. Minus points for lack of ombre hair.
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Post by fionabrigade on Dec 3, 2013 22:40:05 GMT -5
Channeling Cinderella: The Clock Strikes Midnight
The gown has an additional layer with tulle on the bottom to add volume:
Tiara detail. It feels like metal: Detail of the back and removable belt: So cozy:Snowflake embroidered cape with velvet texture (satin on underside): "The cold never bothered me anyway!"
So in a nutshell, I did not plan on purchasing this outfit after seeing the early AGSF pictures...it looked nice but my dolls avoid princess-y things (Poor Grayson!). Yet I'm a sucker for limited edition items (a store exclusive no less!) and I changed my mind when I saw it in person. Despite the initial $72 sticker shock, the price is comparable to purchasing a holiday dress ($36) and holiday accessories ($28) plus the $2 upcharge for gift boxed items. Pros: It sparkles and is shiny Pleasantly surprised at the gown's additional layer Drapes nicely Sparkle design continues on the back / looks good from all angles Tiara is metal, not plastic (which I believed it to be made of from the early photos) Cape is super soft Cons: Poor finishing - gown came with some loose threads hanging on the back Bodice fits loose (or it could be that my Marie Grace is super skinny) Tight gloves are a pain to get on Should have come with an additional accessory - A sceptre would have been perfect to complete that regal look Cheap velcro closure on cape Belt seems like an afterthought Grade: B; Recommended if it is within your budget.
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Post by fionabrigade on Aug 23, 2013 15:49:47 GMT -5
I picked out Saige the end of last month from AGPLA. I've been eyeing her all year and finally decided I wanted her in my collection, since I was lacking a doll with the classic face. As mentioned in an earlier review, many of the dolls had uneven eyes and I had to go through several to find one which did not look like she was squinting in one eye. I also had issues with the placement of the eyebrows on many of the dolls, most were clear on the doll's forehead and gave a shocked/bewildered/startled expression. I stumbled upon this gal and knew she was the one.
Taking out the rope braid, the hair is a nice length but is a bit frizzy and dry on the ends. I thought it was odd that she came with a "Care for Your Doll with STRAIGHT hair" hang tag when she clearly has wavy locks. Also interesting to note is how the hang tag is now printed in English and French, possibly in a move for our Québécois friends.
The meet dress is a little plain but looks great when jazzed up with her meet accessories. Her generic blue underwear is not printed with her logo like past GOTY, which I find disappointing. Her logo is subtlety used on her earrings. At the store the display dolls had the ring over her index finger and it slid off quite easily but when placed on the ring finger as pictured in the catalog, it holds in place well.
Saige looks surprisingly mature when placed next to my other dolls and I am surprised I like her more than I thought I would.
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Post by fionabrigade on Aug 21, 2013 21:09:31 GMT -5
I'm not a fan of the mini interpretation of the classic mold but mini Saige does look sort of cute (certainly not as creepy as the Kit and Caroline minis). The boots and embroidered belt are nice and detailed. She looks great displayed next to her big counterpart. I hope this item sells well so that there will be further releases of miniaturized GOTYs.
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Post by fionabrigade on Jul 31, 2013 20:30:42 GMT -5
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Post by fionabrigade on Jul 31, 2013 20:24:31 GMT -5
Fun set but the hairclip is difficult to attach to a thin wig cap such as my #47's. The teeth had nothing to grab on to and did not stay secure.
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Post by fionabrigade on Jun 28, 2013 19:05:30 GMT -5
I purchased this outfit primarily to obtain the golden boots (boy, are they outlandishly fabulous). I find the dress itself to be a tad strange, but I do like the shimmery effect when the gold flecks hit the light. Bonus points for the lining. The necklace has a nice weight and it seems like the chain has been shortened from earlier versions so that it falls higher on the torso (which I prefer). The cactus flower on the pendant is also embossed on the boots; nice touch.
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Post by fionabrigade on Jun 14, 2013 9:29:24 GMT -5
I purchased "Rimple" from the DC/Virginia store last month. Very cute doll but the wig is a mess. It's supposed to be a layered cut but instead appears to be hacked by a pair of scissors. The front pieces are are extremely off kilter from the rest of the hair length thus impairing ease of styling. MAJOR shedding after first brushing and she had a large clump of hair fall out yesterday (again, I've only had this doll for a month now). Texture of hair is stick straight and smooth, quite similar to Julie's. Issues aside, hair is low maintenance and a quick brush has the doll looking in order. Overall, I still enjoy this doll. She looks great in many pieces and I have a growing appreciation of the Sonali mold and wanted to have a doll in my collection representing South Asian descent. Grade: B- Hopefully in the pic below you can make out the differences in length of the hair:
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Post by fionabrigade on Jan 3, 2013 19:24:22 GMT -5
I love the black "denim" leggings and appreciate that they are not capri length, which AG tends to overdo. The sandals are a bit snug and I had some trouble closing the back. The sweater is unique and looks like something one may find at Urban Outfitters. Unfortunately, it is prone to pilling at the edges. I've had this outfit for 2 whole days on a display doll yet the sweater appears older than that.
Honestly, the sweater is what initially attracted me to this outfit but I think the set looks a whole lot better when worn without it.
B+
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Post by fionabrigade on Jan 3, 2013 19:06:29 GMT -5
It's a free t-shirt, nothing too special. Standard cut with velcro closure in the back.
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Post by fionabrigade on Dec 19, 2012 21:36:29 GMT -5
I'm going to start off by saying that I do not like how AG styles this outfit on the dolls for the official images. The combination of 3/4 length sleeves on the sweater, mini skirt, and calf-length leggings give the appearance of a girl wearing clothes several sizes too small. Thankfully, that is not the case in real life (IRL).
The sweater is a nice deep shade of purple and is very plush. The sleeves can be pulled down to the doll's wrist to make it standard length, easypeasy. Unlike AG, I prefer the cowl neck to be crushed down so that I looks loose and natural rather than so rigid and structured standing straight up. It velcros in the back but it is not the snag-free kind.
The skirt is nice. It is short but I don't seem to mind as my dolls' characters are older than AG canon. I appreciate that the emblem is embroidered. AG could have cheaped out and given us an iron-on.
The leggings are very standard. It would have been nice if they hit the ankle or were stirrups. The shoes are fine, but I like to pair the outfit with a good pair of boots. The 2 hairclips are an added bonus.
A.
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Post by fionabrigade on Dec 19, 2012 0:23:02 GMT -5
A very versatile set, the highlight being the leotard and velvet shorts. The shorts are so soft and have a nice sheen. I don't care for the graphic t-shirt but it is nice that AG deviated from a standard crew and gave us a v-neck tee. The only failure here is that purple wrap. The fabric feels not nice and may be prone to snagging.
Even though I have yet to try this outfit on a doll it still gets an A as the quality and value is evident.
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Post by fionabrigade on Dec 19, 2012 0:14:08 GMT -5
What a load of junk! The bag is extremely thin and feels cheaper than any product you'd find at the dollar store. The necklace is nice and the sport bottle is so-so (a bit off scale, borderline small) but what you're left with is a bunch of small cardboard paper pieces that I would not expect a kid to get much play value from.
Grade: D
Disclaimer: Set purchased with the Starter Collection
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Post by fionabrigade on Dec 19, 2012 0:04:17 GMT -5
I saw this outfit in Mckenna's release catalog and I knew I had to get it. I like the vivid and contrasting colors of the jacket and how they don't necessarily match. The zipper is silver unlike the orange one pictured on the included hairstyle card. Pants are not surprisingly thin and are appropriate material for work-out bottoms. A.
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Post by fionabrigade on Nov 19, 2012 14:33:51 GMT -5
Kaya's hair falls to her ankles when out of the braids. She only has short hairs on the back of her head so that may be a little strange but it does not hinder the style-ability of her wig. Ignore the corn, Kaya has been plucked from a Thanksgiving display. Please excuse Julie, she wanted to get photographed as well:
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