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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 20, 2022 1:43:24 GMT -5
Shirt: A+The shirt is made of a light cotton and features elbow-length sleeves with a stitched-up cuff and a bright, floral print. I was initially concerned that the print would be too bright, but the more I look at it, the more it seems to fit the time period. The style of the shirt is simple, but flattering, making for a very practical garment. It has three REAL buttons that button up the front. These can probably be a little hard for little (or big) fingers, but I’m delighted that AG used real buttons for this instead of Velcro. You have to put it on like you would a human-sized shirt. It looks, feels, and works just like a little button down the front shirt! I was a little concerned about how it would fit my early 2000s Kit, but it’s not an issue. It’s maybe a little tight, but it’s not particularly noticeable or noteworthy. Front Back. Overalls: A+ A pair of straight-legged, cuffed-hem overalls. They’re made of a sturdy fabric (I couldn’t tell you what kind, but the feel quite durable). The material is blue with white stripes, giving it a grey look. The straps cross in the back. They open and close with real button closures on the straps! The overalls also have two lower pockets and an upper pocket. Like with the shirt, this feels, looks, and works like a doll-sized version of the real thing. I’ll add that it does have one of those terrible plastic tags stitched into the waistband of the front. I won’t hold it against the outfit, but I wish it wasn’t there. Also like with the shirt, it fits my early Kit just fine…but there’s no way Kit could have worn her panties with these. They were a little too tight for that. Overalls. You can see the plastic tag if you look to the right of the waistline. Scarf: AThis is a piece of fabric made of the same material as the shirt. The common use for it seems to be as a headscarf, though I bet it could also go around the neck. The pattern is on both sides, which I appreciate – makes it feel more like a scrap from the shirt fabric that’s been sewn together. It has an AG tag, but not the huge ones that some of the newer headbands have. Scarf. On my Kit, it looks a little awkward. Somewhere between my Kit and the BeForever Kit, the hairstyle changed. The headband makes my Kit’s hair stick out awkwardly on the sides. I think it’s rather endearing, but it’s not quite the look that I expected. So many stray hairs sticking out. Boots: A+Some sturdy work boots for Kit when she works in the garden. They’re appropriately stiff with brown laces and a durable sole. The eyelets are sewn in rather than being metal, but that’s a minor complaint. Aside from that, they look and feel like real work boots. They were a little difficult to get on my Kit’s feet, but nothing too bad. I’m a little concerned that any wrinkling will mar the fabric. Boots. Good Value?I bought this directly from AG when they were running their Buy One, Get One 50% Off. I think this was my full-priced item from that sale at a retail price of $34, but I was happy to pay it. This is a quality outfit that has all the pieces needed to give Kit and functioning outfit and all the closures to keep this picky AG Collector happy. Overall: A+Most of Kit’s BeForever outfits have been a complete miss for me, but I just had to get this one. It encompasses the practicality and simplicity that I loved from Kit’s original collection. I never got her hobo set, so I’m delighted to be able to have an overall set in her collection, especially one as practical as this (and not too girly). It’s a great, functional outfit that doesn’t feel too frilly or inaccurate for Kit as a character or her time period. If you’re going to get anything from the BeForever collection, get this! Kit, looking for a garden to dig up!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 20, 2022 1:17:33 GMT -5
Beret: A+A red, knitted beret. It sits very nicely on Kit’s head. Beret. Mittens: A+A sturdy set of blue, red, and grey mittens. They feel warm and would likely serve Kit well in a Cincinnati winter. Mittens. On the doll. Good Value?I got these with the Winter Coat for a reasonable price. If you’re especially interested in this set, I recommend looking into it as part of the coat set. It retailed for $20, which, given the cost of outfits at the time, seems a bit much for a beret and mittens. Overall: A+I really like this set overall. The quality is good and the pieces are practical. They look really nice with Kit’s Winter Coat, so I don’t see how you could get one without the other. In Cincinnati, the winter months are cold – Kit is well set up to confront that! Kit with her coat, hat, and mittens.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 20, 2022 1:02:44 GMT -5
Coat: A+This is a heavy coat made out of a woollen material. It drops to just over the knees and opens with real double-breasted buttons in the front. The sleeves are rolled up and stay in place. The belt around the middle actually fastens and has reinforced buttonholes for that purpose. The coat also has the outline of pockets, but they aren’t actually functional. The belt gives the back a very sophisticated look. I think this is a very classic look that could work on a variety of dolls. The belt. The back. One of the sleeves. Good Value?This retailed for $24, which I think was a bit much for a coat at the time (especially when the whole outfit could cost just as much). On the secondary market, the cost seems to fluctuate depending on what comes with the coat. You should be able to find it for a fair price – it was available for a long time. Overall: A+I love this coat for its classic look and practical fabrics. Also, as someone who spent part of her childhood in Cincinnati, I could easily see this coat being comfy and warm in the winter months. I’ve wanted it for Kit for years, and I’m delighted to finally have it! Kit's ready for the cold!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 19, 2022 23:59:26 GMT -5
Dress: A+This knit dress is made of a glittery garnet fabric with garnet faux fur at the neckline and wrists. It’s a simple, flattering cut with an umpire waist and A-line silhouette. The glitter sparkles nicely in the light without being too overwhelming. I really like the dark, yet festive colour. It opens partially down the back with Velcro (the snagging kind, so be very careful with both the dress’s fabric and your doll’s hair) and is easy to put on the doll. The stretch of the fabric makes it very forgiving in fit. Margaret is an early #21 and I think it would look fine on both chubbier PM dolls and slimmer current ones. It’s just a lovely, simple dress that looks good on pretty much everyone. Front. Back. Tights: AA typical pair of white, AG tights. They aren’t the thickest that AG has produced and mine have acquired some snags over the years (I’m not the original owner), but they’re sturdy enough and look nice. Shoes: A+Sturdy shoes made of maroon velvet. They have a slight heel, but still balance well. They close with a snap (a nice change from Velcro!). I’m perhaps a little concerned about the red that’s bleeding through the white lining, but I’ve had this dress on Margaret for over a year and the shoes haven’t stained the white tights, so it must not be that serious. I like these and enjoy how well they match the dress. Shoes. Note the dye staining the inner lining. On the doll. Good Value?This retailed in the early 00s for $26, which was normal for outfits at the time. I think that was fair given that this is an entire outfit. It goes for a lot more now; I paid around $45 for it and thought that was a deal. I tend to like how much this outfit stands out against other brighter, more involved offerings, so I think it’s worth it. Overall: A+I have a soft spot for this outfit because I was the target age in the early 00s and I had outfits very similar to this, right down to the glittery knit fabric. It strokes a certain nostalgia for me. Outside of that, I love how much it stands out from other holiday outfits, both in its simplicity and colour. It’s a lovely outfit and I’m so happy to have it in my collection. Without flash... And with flash, just to demonstrate how different this colour can look.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 16, 2022 2:12:02 GMT -5
Jacket: A+A smartly cut, forest green jacket with purple accents and white lace at the neck, sleeves, and hem. Three buttons are sewn into the front, but the arenât functional. Iâm not sure what this fabric is, but it hits the perfect balance of being neither too thick nor too thin. The purple and dark green accent ribbon is grosgrain, tied with a bow in the front, and itâs expertly placed to give the jacket some shape. The scalloped lace gives it an elegant, refined flair. I really love the rich colours of this! It opens fully in the back with Velcro (the sticky kind â be careful with your dollâs hair!) for easy dressing. Itâs easy to get on the doll and fits Cécile very well. That being said, itâs a tight fit, so I doubt it would fit on a chubbier PC girl. I got this for Cécile, though, so Iâm very happy with how it looks on her. Front. So pretty! Back Skirt: AThe skirt has a white base with purple, green, and dark green stripes. It drops to calf length and has elastic around the waist to keep it up (and for easy dressing). Once again, I absolutely love the rich colours of this and am so happy that AG didnât tone them down! However Iâm not the biggest fan of the âVâ in the back, created by the pattern not matching up at the seam. Since all of these skirts seem to have it, I wonder if it was a problem inherit to the fabric that AG used for this piece. Still, it looks great with the jacket! Front. Back. On the doll. Pantaloons: A+Ok, yes, I know we didnât REALLY need another pair of pantaloons for a doll that already came with them, but hear me outâ¦these are different! They gather at the hem and have ruffled lace. I think they look so nice with this outfit (or, indeed, any of Cécileâs outfit), peeking delicately out from under the skirt. My Cécile wears these fulltime because I like them so much. Why, yes, Cécile did lift her skirt for this. Good Value?This outfit retailed for $34, which, given the general price of AG outfits at the time, seems fair to me for a full outfit. Many of the previous reviews seem somewhat displeased with the outfit, but I think the quality is fine. Nothing to write home about, but also not the worst that AG has put out. At least they took their time with some of the details and put some care into making it look pretty and elegant. Secondary market prices for this can be insane! I got mine for less than retail, but I had to wait a long time to find it. Overall: A+I really like this outfit. Maybe itâs the bold colours or the flattering cut â I dunno, but I was absolutely thrilled when I managed to snag a deal on it. Everyone who has seen Cécile in it has commented on how unique and lovely it looks, and I tend to agree. Iâm glad that AG didnât shy away from the rich colours, even if they might seem a bit âmuchâ to the modern eye. They just scream âNOLA,â to me. This is a gorgeous outfit and I definitely think itâs worth searching for. It might actually be my favourite of C & MGâs collection. I know it's meant for Marie-Grace, but I think it looks amazing on Cécile!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 16, 2022 2:04:33 GMT -5
This beautiful velveteen coat is fit for a masquerade ball! It's edged in faux fur, with three satin bows at the front and pink satin lining that peeks out at the sleeves. Coat: A-This pretty coat is made of light blue, stiff, velvety material with white faux fur trim. It opens fully in the front with three tabs of Velcro, so it's easy to get off and on the doll. Three pink bows adourn the front of the coat, placed over the Velcro tabs. The coat isn't lined, but the hem, sleeve edges, and opening is lined with pink fabric. It's very fancy, though doesn't feel the warmest. It's cut in an A-shape, so it's generally roomy enough for any of the NOLA outfits to fit under, though I imagine bulkier clothing would be quite snug. The coat goes to Cécile's knees. I wish it went a bit lower because Cécie's skirts tend to stick out a bit awkwardly. The sleeves are a tad shorter than I would like, resting midway up Cécile's arms, but I guess it probably doesn't get cold enough in New Orleans for Cécile to be too bothered. The colour is an obvious departure from both Cécile and Marie Graces largely darker, more richly coloured outfits, which can cause it to clash when worn over many of their other outfits (since most skirts will extend below the coat's hem (like Marie Grace's Party outfit, which Cécile is currently wearing). It works with their Fancy Dress (and maybe Marie Graces's Skirt Set), but that's about it as far as colour coordination goes. Front. Note the pink lining under the faux fur. Back. Good Value?AG sold this for $24, and while it's certainly a pretty coat, I don't think a coat alone is worth that much, especially when it isn't lined and doesn't feel long enough to be a proper coat. I got it for about that on the secondary market, but I frequently see it for double AG's original price, which I don't think is really worth it. Overall: A-It's a pretty coat and I'm something of a sucker for having winter outfits for all of my dolls, so I was pleased to find it for a reasonable price, but if I hadn't found that particular deal, I honestly wouldn't have been in much of a hurry to add this to my collection. It's hardly a bad piece, I'm just not the biggest fan of how much it clashes with almost everything that isn't the Fancy Dress, or the awkward lengths of the sleeves and hem. Still, it looks really nice and sophisticated on Cécile and the bright colors so stand out against some of AG;s darker winter outfits. It's not a must-have for Cécile and Marie-Grace's collection, but if you're into having coats for everyone, it's definitely a fancy option. Not ready for a cold walk, certainly, but looking elegant and ready for a fancy night out and about.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 30, 2022 23:06:55 GMT -5
Jacket: A-This smart jacket is made of stiff, white fabric with a burgundy and green flower and vine print. The print is simple in design, yet provides just the right amount of visual diversity to the more solid skirt – it’s a very flattering pattern. The cut is equally flattering, with a peplum around the bottom to emphasize the doll’s form. The neckline and sleeves are trimmed with white ruffles. The jacket is lined with white fabric, a lovely touch to round out a sturdily designed garment. The jacket opens fully in the front with a lace-up closure. The holes are reinforced with grommets, so you don’t need to worry about the fabric fraying. The lace itself is burgundy – matching the flowers in colour – and is made of a silky material. The ends are caped off with aglets to prevent fraying. It’s a lovely look, if not the easiest thing to actually get on the doll. Really, I love the way this jacket looks and the historical lacing detail, but I do wish the process of dressing the doll was just a little less cumbersome. The fit of the jacket is fine. It’s quite difficult to get it to close cleanly over the doll’s shift. Marya is wearing her colonial undergarments, which kept the shift flattened down, but added a bit of bulk overall. Keeping the lacing tight so none of the shift or undergarments show through is quite a task (and I never completely succeeded). My sister had this outfit when we were kids and I specifically remember both of us being frustrated with lacing it up, so it was rarely used. It looks lovely once it’s on, but it’s definitely a chore to get it there. Front. It's worth noting that I had the lacing laced the wrong way in this photo. Back. I really love the peplum. Skirt: A+The skirt is made of a heavy burgundy brocade-like fabric with a subtle floral print woven into the fabric (and when I say subtle, I mean it…it’s the same colour as the skirt and only barely shows up in photos). It opens on either side with Velcro to easily slide over the doll’s head or feet (whichever is your preferred way of dressing). It’s very roomy in fit and, like many of Felicity’s clothes from this era, seems designed to fit the colonial undergarments underneath it. Admittedly, it’s a tad tight around the waist with the undergarments, but not prohibitively so. It looks lovely with the jacket. The skirt. You can sort of see the print here. Demonstrating how it opens. Good Value?This was available for practically the entirety of Felicity’s initial run. It varied in price over the years, research saying that it went from $18 to $24 during its availability. It seems to go for a pretty penny on the secondary market now. I got mine as a package deal with the Windsor Chair, Felicity’s Tea Lesson, and the Reading and Writing Lesson back in 2018 for $125, and I’m pretty pleased with that. Even without the mob cap that the outfit is meant to come with, I’m satisfied with the outfit and what I paid for it. As I mentioned earlier, my sister had this set when we were kids, so my parents clearly thought it was a decent value (they didn’t buy just anything from AG). Would I recommend paying current secondary market prices for it? Eh, I guess it depends on how much you like it as a unique outfit. Frankly, I think it’s generally overpriced for a jacket and skirt (the mob cap can easily be swapped out for one of Felicity’s other caps, like I have), but if you find a deal for it…then have at it! Overall: AThis is a very flattering, smart ensemble. Even when I was a kid, I admired the cut and fit of the jacket and the rich colouring of the skirt. As an adult, I’m very pleased to have a set of my own to enjoy. The jacket is kind of a pain to get on the doll, but the outfit looks nice enough that I’m not terribly bothered by the effort…though I admit that I might feel differently if I was intending to play with Marya instead of just having her look pretty for a few months. If you’re interested in Felicity or colonial attire, I’d say this is a must have. The styling feels very authentic and, however cumbersome, I do rather love that it laces up instead of using Velcro. Plus, I have yet to see a doll that it doesn’t look amazing on. It’s just a lovely, classic outfit that anyone interested in this period should own. Marya looking very sharp and ready for a reading lesson...or some tea. Probably some tea.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 30, 2022 12:35:49 GMT -5
Dress: A+A dark blue sleeveless dress with a spandex torso and mesh skirt with side slit. The torso features foil stars in varying sizes that catch the light in varying degrees of silver (they are all the same colour, they just catch at different intensities as the dress moves). Silver, sparkly elastic straps crisscross across the front to create an asymmetrical look that spans from both shoulders down the front (but not onto the back). The left “sleeve” is made of the same blue and star material as the torso while the right one is just the silver straps. While I personally wish there was a little more fabric here (I like sleeves…), this does look accurate to what figure skaters are wearing, so I can’t complain too much. The asymmetry is fun and I love the way the skirt swishes and moves! It has one of those stupid, plastic tag that AG insists on putting on the front of all their outfits. I won’t ding the dress for it, but I’ll always mention it (slash complain about it…) until they figure out a different way to tag their clothing. The dress opens partially in the dress with non-snagging Velcro (thank God…snagging Velcro would have done a heck of a number on this material). I was initially concerned as I worked the dress over Blaire’s hips that the dress would be too tight, but it ended up having plenty of stretch while still set well for a close fit (but not too tight). That being said, I could see the chubbier PC girls struggling with this one. On Blaire, it had no issues closing and looks, I think, pretty good! The skirt drops to a very flattering length. Front. Back (I'm glad the stars carry over to the back). This tag lives rent-free in my head. On Blaire. Skates: A+White, vinyl skates with white, elastic ties. They have black soles and silver metal (or really heavy plastic – I have to admit that I can’t really tell). In overall look, they’re very similar to other ice skates that American Girl has included with their sets, save for “Team USA” printed in silver on the right skate. I think this is a nice touch and helps this pair stand out from others. I have to admit that I was skeptical of the elastic laces (I have a certain nostalgic love of the old laces, even if they were sometimes difficult to tie), but the skates slid (or, rather wiggled) on almost effortlessly. They fit Blaire well, thought I’m not sure the wider PC feet would fit quite as nicely (if at all). Like with almost all ice skates, it can take a moment to balance the doll and you have to be careful about knocking her since her overall balance is a bit shaky, but if your doll has tight limbs, standing shouldn’t be that difficult. I have noticed that Blaire’s weight seems to settle more to the back of these than I’ve noticed with other ice skates that I’ve had in the past. On Blair. She stands pretty well in them. But I did note that her weight rests on the back of the skates. No amount of repositioning changed that. Skate Guards: A+Dark blue, rubber skate guards infused with silver glitter. They slide easily over the ice skate blades so Blaire can keep them protected when she puts them up. They also help the doll balance on the ice skates, so it might be worth leaving them on if you’re worried about your poor doll taking a tumble. I'm quite a fan of the glitter. Balance is greatly improved with them on (though I don't advise Blair to try skating this way). Hair Clip: A+Ok, so it’s just a couple of plastic, sparkly silver stars attached to a simple black clip, but as someone who really sucks at doing hair, I personally love these simple hair accessories. It works exactly like you’d think: just clip it into a small section of hair! (Your enjoyment of this accessory will vary depending on how much you like more complicated hair accessories). Simple, but I love it! I think the idea is to put the doll's hair up first and use this as an accessory to that, but I tend to leave Blaire's hair down (because I'm terrible at doll hair and don't want to mess with the curls), so I'm happy with it being used like this. Good Value?Honestly, if not for the Team USA tie-in, I likely wouldn’t have purchased this…at least not for full price. It’s $35 direct from American Girl, which is standard for an outfit at present, though this one falls into the category of just not coming with quite enough for me to normally justify that price. All bets are off when it comes to the Olympics, though, which I think AG was probably counting on :-P. The pieces are nicely made, so if I was going to pay too much for an outfit, it’s at least a good quality one to do so for. And I’m sure this will skyrocket in price on the secondary market, so I’m not going to complain for getting it for retail price. Overall: A+This is an elegant, well-made figure dancing dress that feels and looks authentic (at least to this untrained eye!). The deep blue and silver are a nice departure from AG’s traditionally lighter colour palette, and, yes, I really like the Team USA tie-in. The detailing on the dress is great without being too much and it looks absolutely lovely on Blaire. The price may be a bit high for what you get, but if you’re into the Olympics connection, it’s definitely worth getting while it’s available (and if you’re thinking about it, go get it now – the AGP Columbus had none when I went to get it in mid-January and had to order it for me, and they still had none when I went back a week later). I’ll be happy to use it for winters to come! Please don't skate on my counter, Blaire.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 29, 2022 15:41:53 GMT -5
Breezers: A+These shorts are made of black nylon with a red, faux-lace-up tie in the front. They have what feels like padding on the side of either leg. I’ll admit here that I know nothing about hockey attire, but it seems like this would be useful for protecting Nia’s legs from errant pucks! The waist is elastic and has enough stretch to easily slide over the doll’s legs. Nia is a chubby PC girl and they fit her fine. Front. I really like the tie crossing in the front - again, I don't know if it's realistic, but it looks cool! The back. You can see the padding a lot clearer here. On Nia. Shoulder Pads: A+Oooh, I love pieces like this! These are made of a stiff, padded material and, while I have no experience with the real life version of these, look and seem to be constructed just like the real thing. They’re made of four pieces pieced together: a front piece, a back piece, and two shoulder pads. It opens at the left shoulder seam with Velcro and also features Velcro straps on each side and around each arm to hold it in place. I may not have experience with hockey gear, but I have made cosplay armour and this is very similar to how I construct that, so it seems very practical! The flexibility in the shoulders is really impressive. It also has enough padding to at least feel like it would serve as a decent buffer against another hockey player or a wall, depending on how much into the fray Nia throws herself. The front. Demonstrating how it opens. How it all goes on the doll. And from the back. I really love the shoulder pads' flexibility! Elbow Pads: A+The base of these is made from red, flexible plastic with a white centre featuring a stamped star and raised dots. Thick, white elastic with Velcro closures is run through the plastic to hold the pads onto the doll’s arms. These are shaped like standard AG elbow pads and seem pretty sturdy. I like these – they feel like they’d do the job and they stay on Nia’s arms just fine! Simple, but practical. They're easy to put on and stay in place. Jersey: A+This is made of breathable jersey material. It’s primarily white with a thick, blue stripe across the bottom and sleeves and a thinner red stripe over the blue on the torso. The word “Stars” is printed in blue across the front with red and blue stars above it. The V-neck is trimmed in red. The sleeves are full length and go to the doll’s wrists. AG has put one of their ugly plastic tags on the front left of this, but I won’t count it against the outfit. It opens fully in the back with non-stick Velcro for easy dressing. There’s plenty of room for it to fit over the shoulder and elbow pads, even on a thicker doll. It fits great! Honestly, with so many of AG’s recent offerings being super tight and offering very little wiggle room, I’m very, very impressed with this! Front. Back. There's plenty of room even when it's put over the padding. Shin Guards A+They’re just moulded plastic that snap onto the doll’s leg, but I can’t find it in myself to really complain about these. They feature a star in the centre, various lines crossing the guards, and three dots on the bottom. While normal guards are likely made from a different material and have straps, I can appreciate AG’s method to make them a little easier to put on and a little less bulky (this is the same sort of design used on the Team USA Soccer Set shin guards). They snap easily onto the doll’s legs and go up to her knees. Nia’s legs are perfectly encased! The design might be hard to see, but it's there! The design is clearer here. I'd definitely feel protected in these. Socks: A+These are…interesting. They’re a typical pair of thick, knitted AG socks in white with a thick blue stripe sandwiched between two thin red stripes...except they have no foot. Google tells me that this is accurate, so I’m running with it! Good on AG for this accuracy! They slide easily over the shin guards and have plenty of stretch, so they fit and will stay up. Some very nice fabric tubes. Perfectly covering the shin guards. Skates: A+From the start, I love how different these are from AG’s typical figure dancing skates. The boot is black faux leather with a grey design on each skate’s outer side. The ties are white (and they actually tie…unlike the other current skates). The white plastic base and silver plastic blade are very heavy and sturdy. They look just like a pair of hockey skates (to this untrained eye!). They’re super easy to slide on and tie, especially since the socks don’t cover the foot. If your doll has tight limbs, she’ll balance just fine. Super cool skates. No issues with the "socks" at all. Comparison to the Team USA Figure Dancing Set skates. I appreciate the variety. Skate Guards: A+Just a pair of flexible, rubbery skate guards. These ones are red with silver sparkles. They fit over the blades and aid in balance. Nothing to complain about here! I do appreciate the sparkles. I tend to leave skate guards on to help the doll balance while being displayed. Gloves: ABlack, padded gloves with a Pleather, white palm. These look like real hockey gloves, in as much as AG can accomplish that (they’re more like mitts and have no articulated fingers, though the finger shape is sewn into the padded back). Each one has a clear loop to, I assume, hold the stick in place. They’re pretty difficult to get on, but not impossible. I swore a few times 😉. I imagine that a kid would have a hard time getting them on the doll’s hands. Definitely some of the more difficult gloves I've put on a doll of late. Helmet: A-I find the lack of padding disturbing. This is primarily made of thick, sturdy red plastic. The cage is made of hard silver plastic. There’s a soft, leathery chin guard held in place with nylon strapping inside the cage. The fastening is Velcro on nylon strapping and secures under the doll’s chin. There’s a star embossed on each side of the helmet and “American Girl” stamped into the back. The cage opens via Velcro and a hinge at the top to make it easier to put on the doll’s head. If I’m going to be honest, I don’t love the way this looks. The helmets that come with the Team USA winter Olympics sets look fantastic and are easy to get on, but this one is difficult to put on (especially if your doll has thick hair like Nia) and looks a bit large and awkward once in place. Front. From the side. "American Girl" stamped on the back. With the face cage open. And on Nia. Hockey Stick: AMade of durable, blue plastic with black stripes on the handle and a star at the base. “American Girl” is printed on the handle in white. The design is the same on either side. It does fit through the loops in the gloves, though I feel like the doll’s hold is sort of awkward (I also knocked a glove off while I was trying to figure out the posing, and given how difficult the gloves are to get on, that wasn’t something I was exactly thrilled about…). One hockey stick, what you see is what you get! Being held. Don't come after me if I positioned it wrong, please! Tape: A+It’s a roll of red tape on a white roller. The box advertises that this can be used to wrap the hockey stick. I don’t doubt it, but I’m also too nervous to do it myself right now, so I’m going to leave it on the roll. I peeled a bit off and can confirm that it feels and sticks like tape. A tiny roll of tape. Puck: A-It’s a plastic puck. Right shape, wrong material. There’s a white star and white circle on the top of the puck. I wish it was more rubbery instead of being hard plastic. Net: B-Easily my least-favourite part of the set. It’s difficult to put together, impossible to adjust once it’s together, and super out of scale when put next to the doll. It doesn’t even reach the doll’s rear. Even as someone who hasn’t seen much hockey, I can tell that this is way too short. I’d rather AG not have included this at all! There was a lot of sighing and mumbled cursing leading up to this thing finally getting together. Way too short to be accurate. Bag: AA square, black nylon back with silver straps and “American Girl” and “Stars” in red, blue, and white with four stars printed on the side. There’s a zipper in the top for easy packing. The net does not fit (I broke it down and tried), but I imagine that the other pieces would. I’ve only taken off a point because I wish the net fit. That would have made for super easy storage. Not bad! I just wish the net also fit...or, you know, AG had left out the net altogether. Either one. PamphletsI’m not going to grade these, but I wanted to mention them. One has instructions for putting the net together (which I didn’t see until after I’d muddled through it). The other has a little quiz to determine which spot you fill on a team and images of AG other athletic outfit offerings. Nothing super special. Instructions that I totally missed until after I'd put the net together. Good Value?This retails direct from AG for $75, which I think is very fair given the number of pieces included and their quality. Overall: AThis isn’t a perfect set – especially with the tiny net – but I’m so happy that AG finally stretched beyond figure skating, skiing, and snowboarding. This is a lovely, practical, sporty outfit for a non-girly doll (just like Nia, who’s happy to take to the ice and throw some boys through the glass!) and I love that AG took the plunge and made something like this. There are a tonne of pieces included and most of them are very well made (with the others being above average). I’m so happy to have finally bough this! Maybe someday, I’ll actually wrap the hockey stick. For now, Nia will enjoy her outfit as it currently is.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 28, 2022 22:20:58 GMT -5
Socks: AJust a pair of classic, dark blue socks! They aren’t quite as thick as I’d like for spending a lot of time outdoors in winter, but they’re sturdy and well-made. They slide on easily and stay on the doll’s legs. I recommend putting these on before you put on the racing suit. Comfy blue socks! Keeping Hekla's legs warm. Suit: A+This is a one-piece suit made of spandex with an attractive gradient of red, white, and blue. Stars and ribbons are patterned across the centre of the suit. “Team USA” is stamped in white on the right thigh and an American flag over the Olympic rings adorns the left shoulder. The back does not have the patterning, but it does feature the colour gradient. I really like the colouring and sleek look to this! It certainly doesn’t look very warm, but I somehow doubt that’s the main concern 😉 It opens partway down the front with a zipper, which glides smoothly. Actually getting it on is…a bit of a challenge, to say the least! It’s designed to be tight, and while the spandex gives it plenty of stretch, the process of pulling it onto the doll takes a bit of work. It’s not quite as bad as, say, the Black Cat costume from 1998 since it has more stretch than that one, but it’s also not easy. Once you get your doll manoeuvred in, though, it fits fine and doesn’t look strained, though make no mistake that this is meant to be tight! You can clearly see the outline of the socks and the doll’s leg sockets. Hekla is clearly going commando right now because underwear would also show through. I don’t really see this as a flaw of the outfit since, again, I think this is how it’s meant to fit and I don’t know how else AG would achieve the look without it being so tight. I was also surprised by how well it fit Hekla, who was created from an early Kit base, making her significantly chubbier than the current dolls. The plastic tag that AG puts on everything is on the hem of the right sleeve this time. Oddly, I don’t hate this as much as I hate it sewn onto the front of a garment…possibly because I know it will be covered up by the gloves. Front of the suit. Back of the suit. On Hekla. It's definitely a tight fit - I don't recommend putting it on any bashful dolls! USA Flag and Olympic Ring detailing. Plastic tag. Gloves: A+These are made of real glove material and feature a red background with a white strip in the middle and a blue star. The inside appears to be lined with fleece, so nice and warm for holding on to her poles! I love doll items that are tiny versions of the real thing! A little pair of gloves! They look warm and comfy. Boots: AThese big, plastic boots are designed to fit into the doll’s skis. The outside is made of hard white plastic while the inside is softer, more malleable red plastic. A strap around the outside holds them in place. I’m honestly not the biggest fan of the shiny plastic used on the outside of these, nor that “American Girl” is stamped on the back in red. What I do love is the attention to detail, specifically the flexibility points that allow the boot to open up when the straps are undone. Getting them on takes a bit of pushing and finagling – the key is loosening the straps as much as possible. Hekla stands really well in them; they’re great for getting the doll to balance! Boots. They help Hekla stand like a pro! Helmet: A+This sturdy helmet is made primarily of blue plastic. A “Team USA” logo is emblazoned across the front and left side features a white starbust pattern and the words “Team USA.” The inside is patterned like white Styrofoam, though it’s actually just plastic. The earflaps are a bit squishier and were moulded as a separate piece from the helmet, so they have a bit of flexibility. The chinstrap is made of red elastic with a dark blue clip and adjustable chin guard. The helmet also has a clip in the back to secure around the goggles. On the whole, this is a wonderfully detailed piece! It might even be my favourite part of the set for how much thought went into it. The helmet is incredibly easy to put on the doll and has a decent amount of room without being loose. I was definitely preparing to have to fight with it, but the clip is easy to use, the elastic has plenty of give, and it sits on Hekla’s head just right. Seriously, I LOVE this thing! Helmet head-on. The starburst and "Team USA" detail. A closeup of the earflaps and the inside of the helmet. The back with its useful strap. On Hekla. She insisted on her braid hanging in front. Something about it being a signature thing... A close-up of the strapping and how it all holds together once on the doll. Goggles: A+These are made of sturdy red plastic on the outside and a somewhat softer dark blue plastic on the inside. I was very impressed that these are actually two pieces bolted together and not one continuously moulded piece. The “glass” is made of thick plastic. The elastic band is thick with a dark blue background and “American Girl” printed in white. They look like perfectly acceptable, functional goggles! They fit easily over the helmet due to their stretch. The nifty clip at the back of the helmet allows them to be clipped in place to stay put as your doll hurtles down the hill. They can rest either atop the helmet or be slid down over the doll’s eyes. Possibly the nicest goggles that AG has ever made. Another angle. Sitting atop the helmet. That strap on the back is super useful! Hekla has secured them in place and is ready to go! Skis: A-They’re about what you’d expect from skis. They’re made of thick, light plastic with red, white, and blue star designs decaled over the top. The bindings are made of study red plastic with the back one having a little flexibility for getting the boot in place. Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of how plasticky these feel and don’t recall the skis from the early 2000s feeling quite this, well, cheap. I’m fine with them being made of plastic, but wish they just felt slightly less plasticky. They’re surprisingly easy to slide the boots into (I was expecting a fight given my experiences with other ski sets over the years). The doll stands well in them and the skis stay on once they’re on. To me, the skis look a little short, but I’m not very knowledgeable about skiing, so I could be totally off-base there. Patriotic skis! Skis on. Poles: BPlastic ski poles with flat, round ends (I’m sure there’s a word for this sort of pole, but I definitely don’t know it!). The base of the pole is made of blue-fading-into-white plastic with the pole itself tapering as it nears the bottom. Both the bottom disks and the handles are plastic. I don’t really have a lot to say about them beyond wishing they weren’t so plasticky, similar to my complaint with the skis. Those awesome gloves that I talked about above make the doll’s hand too bulky to easily hold onto the poles. You can squeeze them over the glove and they’ll stay in a stationary position well enough, but I wouldn’t expect them to stay in place for any sort of play. Nice idea, but needed a little more thought to the execution (like, I think, pretty much every ski set I’ve encountered across every doll line). I do like how colourful they are. Good Value?The set retails for $75, which I think is fair given everything the set comes with (and the awesomeness of the helmet and goggles). Most of the pieces are well made, they feel authentic, and the tie-in to Team USA is certainly a draw to up the price a bit. My sister got me this for Christmas and while my mum balked at the price, my sister said that she was comfortable with it given all the pieces and the “cool” factor of the outfit (and the average price of outfits in general). Overall: A+This is a nice, detailed set with a lot of pieces and some patriotic, pleasing colouring to celebrate Team USA. Or, if that’s not so much your thing, it has everything your doll needs to enjoy some alpine skiing and look good while doing it! My sister said that it was on the top of her list for me because she felt that Hekla needed it, given that she’s my winter sports/outdoor sports enthusiast doll and a lot of AG’s offerings have fallen flat for me on that front over the last decade or so. This isn’t just a pretty set, it looks functional and like it belongs to a doll that’s very serious about alpine skiing and I love it when AG makes some good, practical sports sets. I think this will be a favourite around here…especially for Hekla. Desperately looking for a slope...
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 27, 2022 13:51:32 GMT -5
Socks: AJust a pair of classic, light blue socks! They aren’t quite as thick as I’d like for spending a lot of time outdoors in winter, but they’re sturdy and well-made. They slid on easily and stay on the doll’s legs. A nice pair of socks! They actually go decently far up Luciana's legs. Pants: AThese feel like a real pair of snow pants! They’re made of a white, waterproof-feeling fabric (perhaps nylon?) and are lined with a warm, fleecy material. “Team USA” is stamped in dark blue on the left thigh. They’re sure to keep Luciana’s legs warm as she hits the slopes! They open in the front with non-stick Velcro and go on like any other pair of pants. It’s a bit of a struggle to get them on and I was really surprised at how tight they ended up being. Luciana isn’t an old doll in the slightest and it was tough to get them closed on her. There’s no hope of this going on a PC doll or even an early AG one. They look nice once on, but there’s not a lot of room in there. My attempt and showing the lining. Coat: A+Much like the pants, this feels like a real coat and is made of the same waterproof material (maybe nylon) that real winter coats are made of. Also like the pants, they’re lined with fleecy fabric, though the coat’s lining is light blue. The shell is light blue, dark blue, red, and white in a geometric design reminiscent of mountains. A Team USA logo adourns the upper right front. It feels like it would be warm, but lightweight and functional enough to give Luciana the flexibility she’ll need to pull off some sick moves. The plastic tag that AG uses to brand its clothes is sewn onto the front. It’s less noticeable here than on some other garments (possibly due to the busy pattern), but I’ll never be a fan of the tag. It opens fully in the front with non-stick Velcro for easy dressing and slides on easily enough. The lining can get stuck on the doll’s hands, but it’s not to difficult to get the coat on. Also like the pants, the coat is a tight fit, though I didn’t have as much trouble velcroing it as I did the pants. I’m not sure if you’d be able to fit a shirt under here or not, which doesn’t bother me overmuch, but I could see that being a negative to some. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the hood will actually fit over the doll’s head! A doll with thick hair likely won’t manage and even Luciana’s is a tight fit and bunches up a bit in front, but the hood will go up, which I definitely wasn’t expecting. I love how colouful it is! It looks nice with the pants. Hood up from the side. And from the front. Emo/goth teenaged-me would have been very impressed by now nicely Luciana's bangs covering her eyes. Gloves: A+These are made of real, red glove material and appear to be lined with white fleece, so I’m sure they’re nice and warm! I love doll items that are tiny versions of the real thing! They’re very easy to put on and stay well. I appreciate that I didn't have to fight to tuck them under the coat's sleeves. Headband: AThis is just a light blue fleece tube that’s been sewn together – nothing too special. There’s a little bit of elastic around the seam, but I wish it had a little more stretch. I appreciate that AG did not give it a huge tag. Perhaps due to the lack of stretch, it’s not the easiest to get over and around the doll’s hair, but once you get it on, it stays in place and serves its purpose. Nothing special, but it works! It definitely does its job of keeping Luciana's long hair from blowing in her face. Boots: A+These are made of white Pleather with red toes, elastic laces, and stitching. The inside is lined with white fleece for warmth. These would be a totally unremarkable, if serviceable pair of boots if not for the soles. DO YOU SEE THAT?!?! In addition to having a lovely red outline and white base, the tread is patterned into a line of snowflakes! That’s so cool! What a lovely detail. They’re also surprisingly easy to put on, even if they take a bit of wiggling. With the elastic laces, I always expect the shoes to get hopelessly stuck on the socks, but that has yet to be the case. I really can't get over the snowflakes on the bottom! Looking stylish and serviceable. Helmet: A+ This is the same helmet design that used for the Alpine Skiing Set, but that’s a-ok by me because I loved that helmet! This sturdy helmet is made primarily of silver plastic. An American flag over the Olympic rings is stuck on the right side (it’s clearly a sticker…I do wish they’d gone with something a little more permanent feeling, but it’s not horrible). The inside is patterned like black Styrofoam, though it’s actually just plastic. The earflaps are a bit squishier and were moulded as a separate piece from the helmet, so they have a bit of flexibility. The chinstrap is made of red elastic with a dark blue clip and adjustable chin guard. The helmet also has a clip in the back to secure around the goggles. On the whole, this is a wonderfully detailed piece! It might even be my favourite part of the set for how much thought went into it. The helmet is incredibly easy to put on the doll and has a decent amount of room without being loose. I was definitely preparing to have to fight with it, but the clip is easy to use, the elastic has plenty of give, and it sits on Luciana’s head just right. There’s even room for the headband! To reiterate my thoughts from my Alpine Skiing Set review: Best. Helmet. Ever! From the front, it looks kind of boring, but it's really quite cool! Team USA, just in case you forget which team your doll is supposed to be skiing for. Inside and the strap. On Luciana. From the side. And the back. That strap serves a very useful purpose. Goggles: A+These are also the same design that was used in the Alpine Skiing Set, and like with the helmet, that’s perfectly fine because this is a great pair of goggles! These are made of sturdy silver plastic on the outside and a somewhat softer dark blue plastic on the inside. I was very impressed that these are actually two pieces bolted together and not one continuously moulded piece. The “glass” is made of thick plastic. The elastic band is thick with a dark blue background and “American Girl” printed in white. They look like perfectly acceptable, functional goggles! They fit easily over the helmet due to their stretch. The nifty clip at the back of the helmet allows them to be clipped in place to stay put as your doll hurtles down the hill. They can rest either atop the helmet or be slid down over the doll’s eyes. Super awesome goggles. Goggles up! And down! (pardon the flash) That strap on the back of the helmet is very useful! You can't have the goggles slipping around while trying to pull off flips and spins. Snowboard: AThis is a piece of plastic that’s shaped like a snowboard (and man, did that feel like a funny sentence to write). The plastic is fairly thin, yet the snowboard is sturdy and feels like it would hold up to play. There’s a decal over the top that says “Team USA” in red and otherwise features a red, light blue, dark blue, and white striped pattern and red stars. I’m honestly not a huge fan of how plasticky it feels, but I also don’t know how else AG could have made this, so I shouldn’t complain too much. The bindings are red and have a foot strap that can swivel up to lock the doll’s boot in place. I wouldn’t exactly call it easy to get the doll’s boots secured into the bindings, but once they’re in there, they aren’t going anywhere. Luciana took a face plant while I was taking photos and the board simply fell down with her – her feet didn’t so much as budge from the bindings, so they do their job! If your doll has tight limbs, she’ll balance well on the snowboard. Be aware that the doll will topple if you let her fall too far forward or back, but otherwise, the board is stable. Front of the snowboard. The bottom. The bindings in action! Good Value?This retails for $75 directly from AG, and I’m sure it’ll go for more on the secondary market with the limited-edition element and Team USA tie-in. Given AG’s current prices for other outfits, the Olympics connection, the number of pieces this comes with, and their overall quality, I think this one is worth it. You get a pretty good bang for your buck. Overall: A+My complaints about the fit of the pants and coat aside, I really like this set a lot! It’s a sporty, practical snowboarding set with some really nice, well-made pieces and a fun Olympic theme. I personally love that it’s not super girly (sorry, AG, all the pinks and purples in your more recent athletic offerings just haven’t been doing it for me) and could also be worn by a boy doll...or just by a girl that’s not into super feminine colours and patterns. Having been a kid that wasn’t especially into what’s considered “girly” colours, patterns, and styles, I always appreciate AG offering something with a more practical design and neutral colour scheme. As a lover of the Olympics, I really dig the Team USA tie-in. Even in non-Olympic years, I see this set getting a lot of use in winter. It’s great! Ready to hit the slopes! Looking good!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Feb 3, 2022 1:25:18 GMT -5
Swimsuit: A+This is made of swimsuit material, which makes sense because it’s a swimsuit! Great job on accuracy, AG! It’s primarily red with two dark blue stripes and one white stripe sweeping across the front and a white star on the lower left. There’s also a stupid plastic tag on the lower right, which I won’t hold against the outfit, but I don’t like it. It opens fully in the back for easy dressing (it might snag – be careful! I doubt this fabric reacts well to snags). I have it on Luciana, who is newer and therefore a slimmer AG, but it has enough stretch that I bet you could get on some older dolls, too (maybe not the chubbier PC girls, though). It’s a really nice swimsuit! From the front on Luciana. And from the back. Swim Cap: B-Back in high school, I had a friend who swam, and she always complained about the swim caps being really tight, difficult to get on, and because she had really thick hair, they made her head look huge. So, going by her assessment, this is pretty accurate! It’s made of dark blue, swimsuit material (so, not the most accurate for swim caps), with “Team USA” stamped across the front and an American Flag on either side. It looks so innocent... Getting it on is a NIGHTMARE! Luciana has some of the thinnest hair of any modern doll in my collection and I had a very hard time getting her hair under the cap (I ended up having to pull it up into a high ponytail and stuffing it under, which is why the cap looks so lumpy!). I have no idea what doll AG had in mind for this because aside from the dolls without hair or the pixy cut CYOs, I can’t imagine any doll with hair thin or short enough to easily go under this. Yikes! And I still didn’t get all of Luciana’s hair tucked away. Super lumpy from the front. Left side. Right side. I really struggled with getting Luciana's hair under this. Goggles: A+Ooh! I like these! They’re like real goggles shrunk down to doll size. They’re made of red plastic with clear lenses and clear flexible plastic sealing around the eyes. The strap is white and adjustable with red buckles on either side. They slide pretty easily over the doll’s head (especially if you managed to get the swim cap on her) and stay in place. No complaints here! The goggles not on a doll. On Luciana's face. They fit really well! From the back to show that they fit well here too. Tight enough to stay on, not so tight that they're squeezing Luciana's head or impossible to put on. Sandals: A+I like these better than the Team USA Volleyball Set sandals. They’re made of dark blue, flexible plastic with one thick strap over the top of the foot. The strap features two thin, white stripes and a red star. The inner sole is textured, much like real sandals, with “American Girl” and a star stamped into the sole’s heel. Much better than a part number, like the Volleyball sandals (the part number is still there, it’s just on the bottom. I’m not completely sure if these would stay on during play, but they’re great for display. The "American Girl" is difficult to see due to the lighting, but it's there. A good fit on Luciana's feet and she balances well in them. Towel: A-It’s a white towel with “USA” embroidered in blue thread across the bottom. I wish it was a full towel instead of half a towel, but I can’t complain about the quality of it. It looks a bit weird when it's all stretched out like this. Good Value?The whole line of Team USA outfits from AG were a bit pricey. This one was $32, which seems like a bit much for a swimsuit, difficult cap, goggles, sandals, and towel with the cap being a major pain in the butt, but when I think of the average price for an AG outfit today, that’s pretty average. I can’t complain. This is too new an outfit to gauge what its value will be on the secondary market, but I imagine that all of these Team USA outfits will be difficult to find and pricey to get in a few years. Overall: A-I wanted all of the Team USA Outfits, so while I’m not especially into swimming, this was definitely coming home with me. Most of the pieces are great quality and I’m glad to have them, but the swim cap is horrible. Maybe you aren’t actually supposed to put it on the doll’s head? I don’t know. My frustration with that aside, I really like the other parts of this outfit and I’m glad to have it. All ready for a swim! Now she just needs a pool...
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Post by chernayakoshka on Feb 19, 2021 21:03:18 GMT -5
Boots: A+These are made of a thick cloth in a dark brown colour. They look and feel very practical, almost like work boots, which is maybe a clash with Caroline’s elegant coat, but it doesn’t bother me that much (I doubt most girls of the time had coats and boots that matched). The laces can be a tad difficult to unlace and then relace to get the boots on and off, but it’s not bad enough for me to ding them on it. Skates: A+I was SUPER impressed with these! When these skates were released, AG was going through a period of declining quality, so I was really surprised when I finally got these and they were as hefty as they are. The base and skate are a heavy metal while the straps are faux leather with Velcro securing them. It’s not hard to get a doll’s booted foot into them and the straps fit easily and hold the skates on. A doll can easily balance in them. They’re incredibly sturdy. The boots fit into the skates easily and are tightly secured with the straps. Balancing is a breeze! Good Value?AG sold this set (which also included mittens…which I don’t have) for $22, which I think is definitely worth it given the quality of the boots and skates alone. Like many of Caroline’s items, these don’t appear often on the secondary market, so you’ll have to expect to pay secondary market prices if you’re really looking for them (unless you’re lucky with finding deals…like I sometimes am). Really, though, this is a quality set and worth paying for. Overall: A+When I bought these from a BST group, I honestly wasn’t sure if I especially wanted them or if I just wanted to snag another piece of Caroline’s collection that I don’t often see. Either way, I figured that it would round out Caroline’s winter outfit…and I ended up being wholly impressed with this set. I really wish that I’d gotten it from AG when I had a chance, but alas. Seriously, great set, good quality, probably lots of play value. I highly recommend it. Caroline looks like she's off to a wobbly start, but at least she's got a sturdy pair
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Post by chernayakoshka on Feb 19, 2021 20:48:03 GMT -5
Coat: A+This is one of the prettiest coats AG has made! It’s made of a dark sapphire wool with white faux-fur trim. The velvety belt and top two straps may look like buttons, but they’re actually some cleverly designed Velcro. The cut of the coat is flattering and its roomy enough to fit over any of Caroline’s outfits. I love the length of it and think it’s perfect for a girl’s coat of the era. The front opens full with Velcro, so it’s easy to get on Caroline. It looks so warm and elegant! Hat: A+The hat features the same blue wool, white trim, and navy blue velvet as the coat. The velvet makes a bow this time. It looks nice and fits Caroline’s head well. I’m hoping it doesn’t mess up her curls, but it certainly seems warm on this cold, snowy day. Good Value?I bought this for the retail price of $32, and while I sometimes think that’s a bit much for a coat and hat, this set is definitely worth it. It’s elegant, it’s made of good materials, and it looks good on every doll that I’ve seen it on. Since Caroline wasn’t out for very long, I don’t see this make an appearance on the secondary market all that often, and I’m sure it goes for more than $32 when it does. Still, it’s a nice set and worth the price more than some of the other winter sets. Overall: A+I LOVE this set. I liked it so much that I got it several years before I added Caroline to my collection. It’s simply gorgeous and while the belt and straps maybe seem a little flimsy, the thick wool, thoughtful detailing, and flattering cut more than make up for it. It’s definitely a must have if you have Caroline…or if you just want a nice winter coat for a doll with fancy tastes.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Feb 15, 2021 10:02:47 GMT -5
Mitts: A+These are made of faux leather with red embroidery. They match the cardinal cloak well. They open fully with Velcro and are very easy to put on the doll. Helpfully, the Mattel version has labels sewn in to tell you which arm each one goes on. Thanks, AG! The mitts go from Marya’s elbow to just over her middle finger and look like they’d do the job of keeping at least her arms and wrists warm. One of mine is looking a little lopsided and folded. Possibly the most useful labels that AG has ever included! Keeping Marya's arm and wrist warm, if not her fingers. Pattens: A-When I was a kid, I was always confused when I saw these in the catalogue. They’re basically flat wooden bases with metal rings bolted to the bottom to give them some lift and leather straps that tie over the doll’s shoe. As an adult, I get the purpose of these: to keep Felicity’s (or Marya’s) lovely gowns and cloak out of the snow and slush. They’re still weird…though I appreciate AG’s inclusion of this bizarre historical footwear! As play items, others have described these as frustrating…and I agree. I haven’t attempted to really “play” with them, but even displaying them is proving to be a challenge. Your doll better be perfectly balanced with tight limbs or she’s going backwards or face down into the floor. Ouch! I wonder if walking in these was equally difficult… Keeping Marya's hem off the ground. Good Value?I don’t have the muff (if anyone’s looking to get rid of one, give me a shout!), so I’m not bothered to have paid something under $10 for what I do have. They came as part of a large lot. AG sold the set for first $16 and later $20. I don’t see this set on the secondary market all that often, now that I think about it, so I’m willing to bet that it goes for a bit when it does show up complete. If you enjoy AG’s stranger historical sets, it’s worth looking for because the pattens definitely elevate it to strange. If you want something to play with, maybe give it a pass. Overall: ADespite the issues with the pattens, I really like the pieces of the set that I have. As a kid, I had zero interest in these pieces, but I now appreciate them as part of early AG’s dedication to producing historically accurate sets as a way to educate children. They’re a fun part of Felicity’s collection and I love how weird and unique both of the pieces I have are. Not a must have by any means, but if you want a more obscure part of Felicity’s collection, these are what you’re looking for. Tottering through the snow with dry hems and warm arms. If only she knew that she was seconds away from tipping forward...
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Post by chernayakoshka on Feb 15, 2021 9:48:51 GMT -5
Cloak: A+This cloak is the epitome of something succeeding in being both simple and beautiful. It’s made of a red felt that’s heavy enough to hold its shape, but still has plenty of drape so Felicity (or Marya, in my case) can wear it easily as she goes about her day. The cape itself is made of two pieces of felt sewn together. Red ribbons tie the cloak around the doll. The hood is quite full, properly covering a doll’s head to give her appropriate cover from the elements. I’m a little unsure why there’s a gathered hole at the back of the hood, but I assume there’s a historical reason for it! There’s a surprising amount of room in it once it’s on. Marya is wearing her colonial undergarments and it doesn’t seem to be affecting the fit at all. I do wish it was a little longer, but I also see the practicality of keeping it up and out of the slushy snow. I’ll also add that the fabric of this thing attracts dust and (ahem) cat hair like nothing else. Hopefully Marya isn’t allergic. All spread out. The weird little hole in the back. Look how big the hood is! Good Value?When it was available, this retailed for $18 and later $24, the same price as a dress. As much as I like this cloak, I don’t think I’d pay the same for it as I would a dress, however useful it is in Felicity’s stories. Maybe that’s just a personal thing. I got mine in a lot, so it was maybe $10 when divided out. I’m quite pleased with that, of course. Overall: A+I have the Mattel version of the cloak, and I’m very pleased with it. It gets a lot of use in Felicity’s stories and it’s clear that it’s meant to be a very practical, versatile piece of clothing. It looks lovely on Marya and I have no doubt that it would keep the weather – whether wind, rain, or snow – at bay. A must have, I think, for any Felicity collector…or someone who has another doll from that era. The cloak looks nice and warm when closed... Or it can be pushed back so the doll can use her hands. It looks nice either way!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Feb 12, 2021 21:29:03 GMT -5
Cape: A+The cape is made of thick faux fur that isn’t particularly special, but it is soft. AG attempted to make it look like actual fur with a soft suede-like lining that’s been cut in a zigzag pattern to, I assume, give it the appearance of having been cut from an actual hide. It’s very obviously not real fur, but I still like the look of it. Red straps tie the cape around Kaya’s shoulders (I don’t know how accurate the red is, but it looks nice). Be aware that if you have the version of Kaya’s Meet Dress or Adorned Deerskin Dress that have the winged-out shoulders, you’ll have to fold the wings back if you want the cape to fit. This makes me smile – I love some of AG’s oopsies. Outside Inside...look at that zigzag cut! Moccasins: AThese are very similar to man of the other moccasins in Kaya’s collection. This pair is made of dark brown suede and are lined with thick faux fur. They look warm and cozy. Also like many of Kaya’s moccasins, these can be difficult to get on (or easy, I suppose…if you haven’t had a hard time with her other shoes, you probably won’t have a difficult time with these!). Personally, I struggled. Mittens: AThey’re made of the same fabric as the boots with the same faux fur trim. They slide easily onto Kaya’s hands and go up to her elbows. They look nice and warm. Hood: A+Also made from the same fabric as the boots and mittens with the same faux fur trip, this also features two feathers, one red and one black and white, and leather straps to tie it under Kaya’s chin. It’s a bit of a difficult fit if Kaya has her hair shells in, but it does fit. Like every other component, it looks very comfortable and warm. Good Value?Currently, you can get this for $28 from AG directly. I got mine on the secondary market for around $20. I think AG’s price is fair. It may not be a “typical” winter outfit, but it feels very authentic to Kaya and the pieces are nice. Overall: A+I really like this set and appreciate the practicality of how it builds onto Kaya’s other dresses to add warmth in cold months. The individual pieces all look and feel warm and comfortable – I have no doubt that Kaya will be appropriately warm when it snows here in Ohio. As a child, I never had any interest in this winter set, but I’m really enjoying it as an adult. A must have for Kaya, I think. Staying nice and warm in the snow. And a closeup of Kaya's lovely face and how the hood fits.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Feb 12, 2021 21:18:59 GMT -5
Dress: A-I really like the concept of this dress, but have some problems with the execution. The style is lovely with a white yoke, light blue main section, and dark blue bottom ruffle. The many silver, cone shaped jingles are sewn to lines of dark blue ribbons. They only adourn the front, and while that might normally bother me, I’m ok with that in this situation. The colour palette is very pleasing and is flattering on Kaya. My set isn’t missing any jingles, nor do I remember my sister’s version losing any when we played with it (mine could use a good polish, though). The jingles, well, jingle against each other when the outfit is moved. It’s unique for AG’s offerings and significant to Kaya’s culture and I love it! What I don’t love is the fabric. It’s made of a silky, satin-like fabric that, regrettably, snags easily. Worse, it closes with snagging Velcro, so I feel like snags are inevitable. I just wish AG had used something a little nicer and more durable for this (and, maybe, the non-snag Velcro). It fits Kaya very well and is easy to put on her (that awful, snagging Velcro does its job, I guess). Belt: A-I’m so torn on this piece! It looks beautiful! A long, dark blue ribbon that can nicely tie around Kaya’s waist with plenty of tail left for a bow with three engraved metallic discs threaded through. The problem is that the discs slide freely on the ribbon, which can make getting it on the doll a little frustrating and requires some careful fiddling to get the discs to sit evenly apart once on Kaya. I also struggle getting it to cover the dress’s waist seam. I can’t recall if my sister and I really cared about this when playing with it when we were kids, but it certainly vexes me a bit as an adult! Not gonna lie, those discs frustrated the heck out of me when I put this on Kaya for the holidays. Maybe it's just me? A closeup of the discs. They are really nice, despite my frustration with them. Rosette and kerchief: A+The kerchief is just a triangular piece of fabric in the same fabric as the bottom ruffle of the dress. Like with the dress, I’m not the biggest fan of the fabric, but it fits nicely around Kaya’s neck with enough to spare to be tied off by the rosette and pulls the ensemble together. The rosette is my favourite piece of this set! Circular rows of real beads are layered to create a flower-like pattern in the blues of the dress and accent yellow. It has some sort of backing to hold its shape and an elastic band that helps it easily tie around the kerchief. Moccasins: BMine are obviously falling apart, which makes me quite sad. They’re made of a soft, leather-like material that, apparently, doesn’t always hold up to the strain of time. The printed design is meant to look like square beads that match the colours of the dress and rosette. Fringe along the top gives this pair a dressier, more special look. While this is a newer addition to my collection, my sister had this outfit when we were kids and somehow, despite years of putting these on and off dolls, I still haven’t discovered the trick to tying them properly. The flaking fabric doesn’t help with this pair. So, pardon my sloppy tying. Look at all that fringe! A closeup of the design...and the flaking of the fabric. Ribbons: AJust some generic, rather long ribbons. They wrap nicely around Kaya’s braids and match the colours of the outfit well. I’m not especially talented with anything hair-related, so even while my attempt doesn’t look the best, it was easy to make it nice enough for me to be content. Good Value?When this was available, it sold for $28. I found mine on the secondary market for around $40. I’m thinking I got lucky with that, as I’ve seen full sets go for over $100. I’m not sure if I personally think it’s worth over $100 (especially if the moccasins are prone to disintegration), but there are a lot of unique pieces to this outfit that make it worth tracking down if you can find it at a reasonable price. Overall: A-I’m rather conflicted on this outfit because it’s one of my favourites for Kaya in terms of its overall look and colouring. It looks lovely on her! It’s a unique and significant to Kaya and really stands out when she’s displayed with other dolls. I also just really enjoy the jingles…it’s so fun! I do wish my moccasins were in better shape (I don't know if this is a common problem or if it's unique to mine), but I'm thrilled to have this jingle dress. Kaya and Tatlo are ready to dance!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 22, 2020 12:54:26 GMT -5
Bed Jacket: A-This is a very pretty piece. It's made of a lightweight, silky material in a light pink colour. The pattern features darker pink vines, flowers, and dots with a few splashes of green. The short sleeves are double tucked, which I think is a nice detail. The whole garment is trimmed in ruffled, dark pink silk trim. It ties closed with a silky ribbon. It falls to a flattering length, hitting at about the doll's hips. My only complaint is that the fabric feels like it would snag very easily. I've been exceptionally careful since I got it and I've managed not to snag it yet, but I always find myself nervous when handling it. I also wonder what the logic of putting such a lightweight jacket over a long-sleeved, flannel nightgown is, but I'm hardly an expert in historical fashion. It looks nice and that's enough for me. Nightgown: A+I really like this nightgown! It reminds me a lot of the PC gowns in its simplicity and fabric. It's made of sturdy, heavy white flannel that feels warm and comfy. The neck, sleeves, and hem are lined with pink lace. The yoke is decorated with pink trim and a ribbon. I especially love the growth tucks at the bottom - just a nice, period authentic detail. It opens in the back with Velcro and is cut roomily enough to fit a variety of dolls (I haven't tried it on any of my PC girls, but it looks like it'll fit). Slippers: A+These might be some of my favourite slippers! They're made of pink yarn and feel pretty warm. The soles have some structure to them, which I appreciate for easier dressing and because the dolls seem to stand better in something with a little structure. The tops look turned down and the front is decorated by a dark pink bow. They're cute, they match the outfit, and they look functional. What is there to complain about? Good Value?This retailed in 2011 for $28, which was pretty standard for sleepwear at the time. It's well-made and comes with enough pieces that I think that's a fair price. I got lucky and got it in a lot of clothing, so I paid something like $10 for it, which I'm obviously pleased about. There's usually at least one floating around on the secondary market at any given time and they seem to be priced at around $40, which I also don't think is unreasonable for a retired set like this. Overall: A This is a lovely pyjama set. I'm not the biggest fan of the material on the jacket, but I love the look of this outfit. It's cozy, it's warm, and its elegant while still maintaining a certain simplicity. Now that Cécile has joined my household, I'm not sure if Caroline will be able to continue wearing it. It looks good on a variety of dolls and works for quite a few of them. I love having this in my collection! Yum! Sweets in bed!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 22, 2020 11:43:44 GMT -5
Nightshift: A-I like this more than I thought I would. It’s a pretty basic, simple nightgown with some nice, subtle detailing. The cotton shift drops to just below the doll’s knees and is both lightweight enough to breathe and keep Josefina (or whoever – Eldora, in my case) cool on warm nights while also being sufficient enough to keep her warm on cooler Santa Fe evenings. I feared it would be see-through, but it isn’t. I always thought the fabric was plain white when I saw it in photos, but it actually has some subtle pinstripes that give it a nice look. The neck features scalloped lace that’s gathered with a permanently tied red ribbon, which gives it a nice pop of colour. The long sleeves have a good deal of volume and are gathered at the wrist. I’m so delighted that this has long sleeves! It Velcros up the back for easy dressing, but be careful – this is the snagging Velcro, so you’ll want to get the doll’s hair out of the way if it’s in any sort of braid or curl. The fit is…a little boxier than I’d like. There’s a lot of fabric here and it’s generously cut, so I can’t think of any AG doll it wouldn’t fit, but that also makes it a little shapeless. It also wrinkles really easily. The ribbon detailing. A closeup of the fabric's pattern. Good Value?The retail price that I’m finding is $24, though I’m sure it debuted for a little less than that when I think of what prices were at the time of Josefina’s release. I think that’s a bit much for a nightshift on its own. I got mine in a lot for something like $10 when I break down the outfits from that lot, and I’m a lot happier with that price! Overall: A-I always overlooked this when I went through the catalogues as a kid. To me at the time, it was just another white nightgown for a doll I didn’t own. Now, I’m glad to have it and really appreciate the subtle details that keep it from being just another white nightgown. I’m not sure I’d call it a must-have for a Josefina collector since I think Josefina could just as easily sleep in one of her camisas, but it’s a nice addition if you like sleepwear (and I do). I will say that my sister, who had Josefina as a child, had zero interest in this outfit because she deemed it boring, but maybe she’d feel differently about it now. Who knows…but I do know that Eldora is delighted to have some sleepwear of her own. Even if I think it’s not the most flattering nightgown (she didn’t ask my opinion…).
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 22, 2020 11:26:26 GMT -5
Dress: A+This is an absolutely lovely dress! It stands out from the rest of Joesfina’s collection as more traditional regency…with a Santa Fe twist. The fabric is thick, but still appropriate for summer (it feels like it’d breathe). Both the hem and the waist have scalloped lace tabs that give the dress an elegant feel. I’m personally a sucker for growth lines, and we see them both at the hem and maybe on the sleeves. The waistline is pleated at the top for a flattering fit. Oh, and the best part? These details go all the way around the dress! No stopping after the front here! The pattern is summery and cheery, feeling both period and location authentic. It opens in the back with Velcro, so it’s easy to put on…just be careful because it’s the snagging Velcro. The fit is very flattering while having enough room to accommodate both PC and AG girls. Spencer Jacket: AThis is a very well-made jacket! It feels like real wool and is fully lined. The four small buttons actually work (a bit difficult, perhaps, for tiny hands, but I love the detail) and there’s a durable plastic snap at the bottom to help hold it closed. The sleeves have Velcro closures (disguised as buttons) to make getting it over the doll’s hands a bit easier. It goes to the umpire waist of the dress and looks, for lack of a better term, very smart. My only complaint is that it doesn’t seem to really go with the dress. I love the jacket on its own and how it looks, feels, and works like a real jacket, but it feels a bit heavy for a summer outfit. I’m in Ohio and I couldn’t imagine wearing something this thick in the summer, even during cooler evenings. Good Value?When the outfit debuted, it was $22, later raised to $28. Given the overall quality of the pieces, I think this is a fair price. I normally prefer outfits to come with shoes if they’re going to cost that much, but the dress and spencer are incredibly well-made. I got mine in a lot of clothing for about $10, which I’m exceptionally happy with. I feel like I don’t see this on the secondary market super often, but it’s not outrageously expensive when I do. Overall: A+Honestly, when I initially got this outfit, I intended it to be for Caroline. It has a classic regency look that would work very well for her. When Eldora joined the doll family earlier this year, she put the kibosh on that idea and claimed the dress as hers. Caroline might get to try it someday – we’ll see! This is yet another outfit that I used to ignore in the catalogue when I was a kid, but I’m thrilled to have it now, especially since the pieces are so well-made. It’s very different from a lot of Josefina’s other outfits and gives the collection some variety. I LOVE this outfit! With the jacket (in some lovely fall weather - hopefully Eldora is cooler than she was wearing this in the summer!) And without the jacket. It's a chilly day today, so I think she looks a little cold!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 8, 2020 22:19:27 GMT -5
Catsuit: A-This costume definitely channels a more “Cat Woman” sort of kitty cat with this sleek, tight bodysuit. It’s made of a soft, stretchy velour that zips in the front. As others have said, getting a doll into it can be a struggle. There’s not a lot of extra space for you to wiggle the doll’s limbs into the suit, so you have to be strategic in how you do it. As a kid, it frustrated me immensely. As an adult, I think I’ve figured it out, but it’s taken a few tries. When I was a kid, Samantha and later Emma paid their dues in this costume – both are chubbier PC girls. Now, it goes to Selina (hah…Cat Woman), who’s also a thick PC girl. I’ve never tried this on a slimmer doll, but it might be easier to put on a more recent doll. The tail has a wire in it, but in all the years that I’ve had this, I’ve never tried really curling it…and I’m not planning on starting now. I just leave it straight, but it seems like it might hold a shape. The back, attempting to show off the tail. Gloves: AI like that these gloves mad an attempt at fingers, unlike more recent gloves. These are made of the same material as the catsuit. They’re actually not that hard to get on and I like the look of them, but I’ve never succeeded in fully getting all the fingers where they’re supposed to go. Still, I like them and think they give the outfit a unique look. Slippers: A+I really wish I hadn’t lost the left one! These are also made of the same material as the catsuit. They’re your standard slippers with gold stitching to make them look like cat paws. They slip on easily and I’ve never had a problem with them falling off (though, again, I’ve only used them on my PC girls, whose feet are a little bigger). One lonely slipper. Mask: B+I’m not the biggest fan of the construction of these masks. The thin plastic mould has kitty whiskers on this version, though the thin elastic band is the same as the one that comes with the Rootin’ Tootin’ Cowgirl costume and I’m always afraid that I’m going to break it when I put it on the doll. I will concede that it actually makes sense here and adds something to the costume (unlike with the Cowgirl), so I’m willing to put up with it to enhance the “cat-ness” of the costume. A closeup. You can also see the headband and mouse. Headband: A+I love this! A sturdy plastic base covered in black velour with black velour ears. I’ve always found it easy to put on the doll and it’s always stayed in place. The ears are big enough to stand out without being comical. I’ve never left these on a doll long-term, so I can’t comment on staining, but I really like them as part of the costume. Mouse: A+This is one of those weird-yet-great things of the early AGoT outfits. Of all the things that I would add to a cat costume, a mouse is rather far down on the list, but it makes sense thematically. This little guy is a cute, plump stuffed animal with a gold nose, gold ears, pink jewelled eyes, and a pink tail. It’s attached to a black elastic band, so you can put it on your doll’s shoulder or leg (your preference). I’ve always had a lot of fun with it. Treat Bucket: A+A sturdy plastic treat bucket! I’ve always had a soft spot for it because it looks like the treat bucket that I used as a kid. It’s shaped like a pumpkin with the eyes, nose, and mouth cut out. The handle is a soft, flexible plastic that can’t be removed. It’s light enough that the doll can life it (provided that her limbs aren’t too loose). Really, I like it because it reminds me of the same generic Halloween pumpkin bucket that I had when I was a kid…regardless of costume, this was just what I used. It's also useful for storing the gloves, slippers, and mouse when the costume isn't being used. Good Value?I got this as a kid, and some online research says that my parents paid about $24 for it. This seems fair given the number of items the costume comes with (though I recall them not being super thrilled with it, possibly because I needed help with the catsuit). It also comes up occasionally on the secondary market for…a lot more than $24 if complete. I guess it depends on how much you want a complete set. Like many, I’ve lost the collar somewhere over the years. I’ve also lost a slipper, which is infuriating… Overall: AThis is one of the first outfits I got from AG as a kid, so it’ll always be rather near and dear to my heart. Even with the catsuit being difficult to put on, I used this pretty reliably as a kid. I just loved the way it looked! AG has had other “kitty cat” costume offerings over the years, but I think this is the best, most “catlike” one that’s out there. I can really appreciate what AG was doing and their attempts at doing something a bit different with it…and now I have a doll that I’ve appropriately named Selina to wear it.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 8, 2020 15:28:37 GMT -5
Boots: A+These are so cute! I always love a winter fashion boot and these are no exception! They’re a standard pair of almost-knee-high boots, but they’re covered with sparkles and feature bows on the side. Even better the glitter doesn’t shed! They’re undeniably loud, but lots of fun…and they pair with any of AG’s sparkly winter offerings (and, of course, the Winter 2020 Mix and Match set). They open in the back with Velcro to make putting them on easier. Nia is a PC girl with chubbier limbs than the current dolls, but they fit her just fine and look adorable! I do enjoy AG designing the box to look like a shoebox. Good Value?Every piece that I bought from this Mix and Match collection surprised me a bit on price, and these boots follow that trend. They cost $16 directly from AG and maybe it’s just because I’ve never purchased doll shoes without an outfit before, but that seems kind of high to me. The quality of them is good and I have no complaints, I was just not expecting them to cost quite so much! Overall: A+I bought these to complete Nia’s holiday look. They match the 2020 Winter Mix and Match items perfectly and I could easily see them having appeal beyond this set. They’re cute boots and I’m very happy to have them. With other Mix and Match items.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 8, 2020 15:24:42 GMT -5
Skirt: A+This is such a fun, sparkly skirt that it’s hard not to love it! Sparkly sequins make this skirt eye-catching, loud, and, yes, maybe a little gaudy, but it also feels appropriately wintery (especially when paired with other items from this Mix and Match set…sparkle is definitely a theme!). It has an elastic waistband for easy fit and dress, and I was surprised to see a built-in slip under the sequin layer! It fits PC Nia perfectly, and I imagine it would fit pretty much any doll without trouble. It also has one of those plastic tags that AG likes to sew onto the front of their outfits. I don’t hold it against the skirt, but I wish AG would find a better way to brand their outfits. Look at the slip! Good Value?Honestly, I think $12 is a bit high for just a skirt. Maybe I’m just out of touch in regards to the pricing of Mix and Match sets, but I was expecting something closer to $10. The skirt is well made and I have no complaints about the quality, I just think it was a bit pricey. Overall: A+When I saw this at the AG Store in Columbus, I remarked to my husband that it was both the gaudiest and the most beautiful skirt I’d seen in a long time. It looks great with the Soft as Snow dress. I’m glad to have it and can see it going with a number of things. Nia just likes how sparkly it is!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 8, 2020 15:21:30 GMT -5
Dress: A +I’ve always loved turtleneck dresses, so my eye was immediately drawn to this when the Winter 2020 Mix and Match set was released. It’s made of a smooth, light purple velvet with a sequined snowflake in the centre. The snowflake is so fun and sparkly! It’s a very simple dress – essentially just a tube with cap sleeves and a faux turtleneck – but I love the sleek look of it. The hem hits a bit above the doll’s knees, making it appropriate for either a dress on its own or as a top to be paired with a skirt. It opens in the back wit non-snag Velcro for easy dressing. Nia is a PC girl, yet it’s cut roomily enough for her to fit easily…it even looks form fitting on her! Whatever magic has been done with this, I imagine that it would work on both PC and more recent dolls – it’s very flattering. I do really wish that AG would stop putting the plastic tags on the front of everything… Closeup of the snowflake design. Good Value?Maybe it’s because I don’t buy the Mix and Match pieces very reliably, but I was kind of shocked when I turned the package over at the AG Store in Columbus and saw that this was $16. I don’t know, It just seems high for a simple dress and I feel like I haven’t paid this much for other Mix and Match items I’ve purchased over the years. The quality is good, so no complaints there, the price just seemed a little high to me. Overall: A+I knew I had to get this when I saw it on launch day. It’s simple, but darling! Despite the short sleeves and length, it feels perfect for winter…especially if paired with something else. I maybe wish it had been a little cheaper, but that doesn’t hamper my enjoyment of the piece. It looks amazing on Nia! On it's own. With other items from the Mix and Match set. As an aside, it's difficult to photograph the colour of this!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 7, 2020 15:51:05 GMT -5
Tights: AStandard AG tights. They have silver sparkles woven into them, so they’re fun and pretty. I’m also pleased to report that I haven’t had any issues with the sparkles shedding so far. They slide onto the doll easily (for tights). No complaints here! Dress: A+This is simple, but pretty! It’s made of soft, wintery blue material with plenty of sparkles! It reminds me of a snowy day…which I’m sure was the point 😉! The sleeves are long (I like the cuffs!) and the hem hits just above the doll’s knees. I’m pleased to have a nice, long-sleeved winter dress from AG! It opens in the back with non-snag Velcro for easy dressing. The fit is a little snug – Hekla was made from a mid-2000s Kit and it’s tight on her! There’s no way this would fit a chunkier PC girl. It looks white in my picture, but it's definitely a pale blue in real life. I really wish AG wouldn’t sew those plastic tags onto all of their outfits. I won’t hold it against the dress, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me. Stupid tag. Vest: A-Made from soft, white faux fur, it’s just a vest…but a pretty one. The belt actually opens and closes (it just slips through the buckle, so it’s pretty easy). The belt sheds a bit of glitter, but I haven’t noticed it being too bad. The sparkly belt complements the sparkles in the dress. My issue with it is the fabric. The faux fur feels a bit cheap to me and I could see it looking worn and dirty pretty quickly. It does look pretty cute over the dress. Boots: A-I love the look of these…but I’m a sucker for winter doll boots! They’re fashionable with white, crisscrossing straps and faux fur trim. They look like they’d be warm and durable for your doll’s winter party needs. They open in the back with Velcro to make them easier to put on (just mind snagging the tights when you’re doing so). Key word there is “should” make them easier…I struggled to get them on. And I don’t know if Hekla’s legs are thicker than the current dolls, but I struggled to get the boots fully Velcroed again. They also look tight on her feet (I the right light, I can see the outline of her toes!). Still, they look really nice with the rest of the outfit! Hekla's poor toes :-( Headband: AThis is simple, but still looks nice. It’s made of hard, yet still somewhat bendable plastic and is covered in glitter. Like the belt, it sheds a bit. It’s easy to put in the doll’s hair and stays once in place. And can I just say, kudos to AG for not giving it a huge tag like they have some of their other headbands. No tag to have to hide! Booklet: This or That?I’m not going to rate this, but I wanted to mention that it was included. It has about 20, winter-themed “this or that” type questions. Just some fun to have with friends, I guess. I wonder if AG is going to start including these in more of the outfits…kind of like the grin pins, mini books, charms, and Innerstar U codes of years past. Sorry, I know it's upside down and I don't know how to fix it! Good Value?I paid $36 for this outfit at the AG Store in Columbus. That’s pretty average for an outfit with shoes and a hair accessory, so I’m not complaining. The quality of parts of it are a little eh, but I wouldn’t say it’s a bad value overall. Overall: AI got this because I wanted another winter outfit and really liked the combination of blue, white, and sparkles. I really wish the dress and boots fit Hekla a little better since she’s the doll I had in mind when I got it, but it’s possible that these issues don’t exist with a more recent doll. PC girls are very unlikely to fit into it. My issues with parts of it aside, it’s still a very pretty outfit with some nice pieces. I imagine that it would look nice on almost any doll and it’s perfect for the winter season. It may not be snowy yet, but Hekla is ready for it!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 7, 2020 14:10:59 GMT -5
Tights: AStandard AG tights. They’re maybe a little thicker than more recent offerings, but not quite as thick as some of Samantha’s early tights. They’re well-made and easy (for tights) to slip on. I always love a good pair of tights! Dress: A+I think this is one of the prettiest dresses that AG has ever made! It’s made of soft, light blue fabric with a delicate, sophisticated lace overlay. The cap sleeves are made of the same lace with light blue trim and lace “straps” to decorate the front of the dress. Some have complained about the lace not being hemmed, but I think it’s common to not hem this kind of lace – it doesn’t ravel – and, at the very least, I probably wouldn’t hem it if I was sewing the dress. A hem would also give the bottom a much heavier look than the light, wintery pattern woven into the lace currently gives it. The satin bow is sewn onto the dress and the bow is sewn together. The front features the same white embroidery that’s seen on the bottom. It’s such an elegant dress! Apologies for the sideways picture - I couldn't convince it to turn the right way. It opens with non-snag Velcro, so it’s easy to put on. Even with the Velcro being non-snag, I’d advise being careful – the one downside to this dress is that it doesn’t feel especially durable. I could see a child (or careless adult…like me) easily snagging the delicate lace. The fit is a little snug, so I doubt it would fit on the chunkier PC dolls, but it’s fine on a newer girl. The colour is gorgeous and universally flattering – I have yet to see a doll that doesn’t look good in this! Shoes: A+These feel like good quality, a lot better than some of AG’s flimsier offerings over the past few years. The pearls and jewels accent the dress’s elegance and the double strap gives them a very formal, different sort of look. They have a small heel, which looks nice and doesn’t impact the doll’s balance at all. Some have mentioned the threads from the pearls getting in the way of the Velcro, which I could see being an issue…but mine Velcro and stay on just fine, so maybe it’s dependent on you particular pair of shoes? No problem with balance! Bow: A+I really, really appreciate the type of fastening used on this! As someone who isn’t great with hair and is therefore apt to ignore hair accessories, the pressure clip on this bow makes it so easy to use that there’s no reason not to use it! It slides in easily without ruining your doll’s hair and stays in place. The blue satin matches the ribbon around the waist of the dress. Nice, easy closure! Good Value?I’ll admit, I initially balked at the $42 price tag when I bought this from AG. There’s no denying that the price increase that came with the “return to quality” launch in 2019 was a little shocking at first…but I think it’s worth it. Because this outfit is quality! The tights are thick, the shoes are sturdy, and the dress is detailed and gorgeous! I’m happy to pay a little more if it means well-made outfits with good materials again. Overall: A+This was, hands down, my favourite thing from the Historical relaunch in 2019. It reminded me of a Titanic dress (I’m nothing if not a Titanic nerd!) and I loved the more “grown up” look of it. It does not disappoint! It’s elegant and eye-catching. It’s well-made and the materials used are absolutely gorgeous! It does, admittedly, feel a little delicate, but I kind of like that about it – it adds to the feeling of it being something special and not often worn. I’m so happy that AG made it, I’m thrilled to have it in my collection, and I LOVE how it looks on Blaire!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 7, 2020 13:56:30 GMT -5
Jacket: A+This is a high-quality jacket with a lot of detail. The fabric is described as “faux suede” and feels like corduroy. It’s soft, yet feels durable. The snap buttons in the front look nice and actually work – no Velcro here! The fringe and rickrack are only on the front panel, but they look nice and the colours complement the sky blue jacket very well. The jacket goes on your doll like a real jacket would. The sleeves have Velcro closures on the cuffs to make it easier to get hands through (I really miss when AG did this as a standard thing). It’s cut with plenty of room for easy dressing, yet doesn’t look bulky on the doll. I have it on Blaire, who’s slimmer than a PC girl, but since the outfit was made in 1998, it should fit the chunkier PC girls just fine. Front of jacket. Back. Skirt: A+Made of the same fabric as the jacket. The fringe and rickrack at the top don’t continue around to the back, but the rickrack on the bottom goes all the way around. The belt actually opens and closes (and, indeed, needs to be used when you’re dressing your doll) and is made of a faux leather. Buckling the belt can be a little difficult since it’s so small, but it’s not impossible or too frustrating. Like with the jacket, the snaps are functional. The waistband is not elastic, but I haven’t had any fit issues, even on a more recent, slimmer doll. It’s a well-designed skirt that looks great with the jacket. Front. Back Hat: AThe hat looks just like a cowgirl hat! It’s made of a suede material that’s nice and soft, though the hat itself feels sturdy enough to endure play. I wouldn’t put anything heavy on top of it, but it’s hardly flimsy and holds its shape well. The soft, faux leather band is adorable and accents the white in the jacket perfectly. The little silver diamonds are a nice touch – the sort of detail that I miss these days. My only complaint is that the hat is kind of small. I really had to squish it down on Blaire’s head, otherwise it just sort of sits awkwardly on top. I wish it was just a bit bigger so it didn’t mess up the doll’s hair so much! Boots: A+The boots are a thick faux leather. I love the two-toned look and the detailed stitching! They look just like tiny cowgirl boots! A zipper on the back makes it really easy to put them on and they look great on the doll. Bandanna: AJust a triangle of normal bandanna material. It’s big enough to put around the doll’s neck or maybe use as a hair tie. The colours go will with the rest of the outfit. It holds wrinkles, which bothers me a bit, but it’s still a nice accessory. Lariat: AThis is pretty cute, if a little unwieldy. It’s made of braided cord and feels stiff and durable. The loops are adjustable, so your doll can tie up a variety of things. Mask: BThis is the one part of the costume that I don’t love. It’s thin plastic with an elastic band to stretch it over the doll’s head. I’m always afraid that I’m going to break it when I put it on the doll and I’m not the biggest fan of how it squishes down the doll’s hair. And, really, I’m not entirely sure why it was included. I guess AG was going more for a bandit look? It’s not terrible – I just don’t think it adds much to the costume. Bucket: A+This treat bucket is made of hard plastic and feels very sturdy – it would definitely hold up well to play! The handle is a soft, flexible plastic or rubber and is firmly attached (you can’t remove it). The bucket is light enough that your doll can hold it up easily (depending on her limb tightness, of course) with the band looped around her wrist. The cat design is actually moulded into the plastic with the yellow bits painted in – not a sticker as I’d always imagined it would be. And in addition to just loving cats, I like that the bucket doesn’t exactly match the outfit – it feels more authentic as a Halloween costume to have a generic treat bucket regardless of costume. I wish my treat bucket had had a cat on it when I was a kid… Good Value?This costume retailed in 1998 for $24, which I think is fair for how many pieces the outfit comes with (there’s also a tank to and, a silver star, which I don’t have). While I didn’t get this one as a kid, my parents did get both my sister and me a costume each from this line, which means that they deemed it a fair value since they weren’t really into paying AG prices for just anything. It comes up on the secondary market every now and then with varying levels of completion for between $40 - $100. My set is missing a few pieces and I paid somewhere between $40 and $50, which I’m happy with. I personally wouldn’t pay $100, but that’s down to personal preference – it is a nice set. Overall: A+I think the 1998 costume line is the nicest that AG has ever put out. This costume has a tonne of detail, is well-made, and has a lot of pieces. I really wish AG still made costumes like this because the Rootin’ Tootin’ Cowgirl is quality and fun. My set doesn’t have all the pieces…but I’m honestly not bothered by that. What I have works just fine for a costume. I hope I can own all of the outfits for this line someday. This might also work for a non-Halloween wild West outfit if that’s more your thing. It’s just a great outfit and I’m so happy to finally have it!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 11:27:03 GMT -5
Basket – AAside from the inaccuracy of being lined (and I understand why AG made the decision to do this), I have no complaints about the basket. It’s well made and is woven into an attractive pattern. The strap is made of rope with a woven cover to be more comfortable around Kaya’s neck. It’s long enough to fit easily over her head and hang at a comfortable mid-body level for easy access to her trading accessories. Hair Accessories – AThese get their own little section because they’re the highlight of the set. The braid wraps are made of strips of faux fur and come with instructions to wrap and secure them around Kaya’s braids. They look nice once in place and are easy enough to do. The “quill” hair ties are equally nice, serving to hold the fur ties in place while giving Kaya a pop of colour. The patterning matches the dress, but it’s somehow not as garish here. I can appreciate that there was an attempt to make the embroidery look like quills. Trading Accessories – BThese are pretty hit and miss. There’s a flute, a “beaded” necklace, a carved bracelet, a beaded bracelet, a shell, and a wooden horse. I like the idea behind these items, but I wish there wasn’t so much plastic in them…or, if that was unavailable, that the plastic had been a little nicer with more attention being given to the detail. Some items, like the beaded bracelet or the shell, don’t look bad, and I’m sure there’s play value in all of it, but I guess I wanted better quality for the price. Good Value?I bought this at the full retail price of $36 and I don’t think it’s worth that. Again, it all comes back to quality. There are a lot of items in the set, but most are plastic and lack the detail that I expect from AG. Overall – B+This isn’t a bad set – there are a lot of pieces, they feel historically inspired, and I think there’s a lot of play value here for kids. The hair pieces are especially fun. But for the price, the quality is just lacking. I sometimes think that AG doesn’t really know what to do with Kaya and her collection. This set was a step in the right direction, but I hope to see more detail and quality in the future. All of the various trading goods, still in their bags. I'm immensely grateful that the hair wraps came with instructions! Kaya with the hair wraps in place, her necklace on, and her trading accessories safely in her basket - she's ready to go!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 11:20:45 GMT -5
Dress – CI like the idea of this dress, but the execution is lacking. The material feels heavy and stiff, less like the soft faux doeskin of Kaya’s earlier meet and adourned deerskin dresses and more like the fabric used in a car or for a couch or something – more industrial. The beads are a nice touch, but look cheap with their bright colours. And I so wish that the printed design was beaded. It’s so lazy for AG to print the design and gives the whole outfit a decidedly modern look. It also only appears on the front and doesn’t continue through to the back, which I would have happily overlooked if it was beaded, but I can’t forgive on something printed. The only reason it rates as high as it does is because it holds its shape well and looks flattering on Kaya. And if anyone needs an even remotely historical outfit, it’s Kaya. It also has one of those awful plastic tags sewn into the front, which I don’t hold against the dress, though I wish AG hadn’t made the decision to put these on everything. Belt – B-It gets a point for being woven instead of printed, but the pattern feels too bright to be historically accurate. I don’t doubt that Kaya and her people came up with some incredibly colourful designs, but I doubt they looked quite this synthetic. It closes with Velcro and fits around Kaya and the dress without struggle. Dress and belt on Kaya. Moccasins – B+I actually kind of like these. The stiffer dress material makes sense here from a design standpoint since they’re shoes and, in my opinion, should be a bit stiffer. I love that they still tie up instead of being Velcro or something, though I’m sure this poses a challenge to some. I didn’t think they were too difficult to hold in place and tie. Difficult to tie, but look pretty good. Good Value?I bought this at the full retain price of $36, and I really regret not waiting for a coupon or rewards discount or something. Given the quality of the outfit, it’s horrendously overpriced for what it is. I, perhaps cynically, think that AG realised that they had Kaya fans bent over a barrel since this was one of the only dresses available to her when it was released. Overall – B-I bought this because I was desperate for another historical Kaya dress, but I really expect better from AG. From a quality standpoint, this dress is a let-down with shortcuts having been taken everywhere. It lacks the simplistic, yet rich detail of her earlier dresses and feels like a rushed attempt to get another Kaya dress onto the salesfloor after a period of having almost nothing for her.
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