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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 11:12:47 GMT -5
Sweater – A-Ok, so this sweater is a little weird. It fits more like a jacket than a sweater with a non-stick Velcro opening in the front. The “wool” is white with pale pink and yellow green flecks throughout. The stiffer, sparkly bits are softer than one might expect and give the outfit a shimmer. I’m honestly not entirely sure if AG knew what they were going for with this one – it’s not really a sweater, nor is it a jacket, and the fabric is more than a bit strange. However, I did have a sweater very similar to this in material in 1999/2000, so this sweater doesn’t seem quite as weird to me as it might to someone today. And yes, it was itchy as Hell, but not as bad as one might think (you got used to it after wearing it for a bit). One itchy, weird sweater coat thing. Headband – ASame material as the sweater. It’s wide and has plenty of stretch. It looks nice and warm on the doll’s head. As a kid, I treated it like just a headband, but I wonder now if it was meant to double as a sort of earmuff. Headband earmuff thing? I don't know and I'm not sure AG did, either. Leggings – A+I unashamedly love these. They’re a stretchy, pink velour with a sort of silvery undertone. Their shimmer matches the sweater well. They’re also very easy to slip on, which is definitely not always the case with AG leggings. As a youngster, it bothered me that they were so slim in comparison to the sweater, but I don’t mind the look now. They’re pretty fun. I might wear these in adult size if they came my way today... Boots – A+These remind me a lot of boots that my mum had and that I saw in the stores in the late 90s. The white “fur” trim ties it into the sweater. They’re easy to slip onto the doll’s foot and close securely and simply with a snap-closure. I think they’re super cute! I'd probably wear these, too. Good Value?This outfit retailed for $22, which is what my parents would have paid for it in ’98. It’s a full outfit complete with shoes, so while it’s a bit strange, I don’t think the price is unwarranted. My parents (who generally didn’t buy from AG since they considered it overpriced), at least, seemed to think it was fair. Overall – AI think this is hands down one of the weirdest outfits that AG has ever produced. Other reviewers say that it came with a treat bag, but mine, oddly, did not. When I circled it in the catalogue, I intended for it to be a winter outfit, which I think is how it was marketed at the time? Either way, that’s what I’ve always used it for and that’s what it serves as now. This was one of the first AG outfits that I ever received, so I’ll always love it regardless of its weirdness. Aziza is wearing it here, but Samantha, Kit, and Emma have also all taken their turns in this outfit. I also recall my friends really liking it, so it tended to get shared when friends would bring their dolls over to play.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 11:02:10 GMT -5
T-Shirt – A+A very standard, versatile, cute t-shirt. It’s made of a thick cotton with a pink AG flower decal. Opens in the back with Velcro for easy dressing. It’s a simple piece, but I love the realism of it (it feels and looks just like a real t-shirt) and the versatility with other outfits. Jacket – A+This is the star of the outfit for me. There’s a lot of detail in this small jacket to the point that it’s basically a doll-sized version of a person’s jacket. The outer layer is a sturdy reddish pink windbreaker material with lines of simple embroidery of pink, dark blue, and light blue. The durable zipper (which can actually zip shut with no problem) matches the colour of the jacket. The cuffs are light blue, which matches the nice, thick, soft lining. I doubt that the hood would cover most dolls’ hair, but it looks nice as part of the jacket. It slides easily onto the doll with plenty of room over her t-shirt. It’s not tight and fits her like a genuine jacket would. Just a very well-made piece. Jeans – A+' I’ll admit that I have a soft spot for these because they remind me of jeans that I wore in the early 2000s. They’re made of a durable denim and cut into a flare that was very popular during those years. The embroidered and beaded flower detailing on the sides is super cute. They’re easy to put on with a Velcro “fly” and button. I really like that they offer enough room in the rear for the pants to stay up when the doll sits down. Shoes – A+As seems to be the theme with this outfit, these shoes are doll-sized replicas of the real thing. The white and blue match the outfit nicely and the Velcro-closed zigzag laces make them easy to put on and take off. I have no idea what tennis shoes are typically made of, but these feel like they’re made of that same material. The rubber soles also help the doll stand properly since they grip the floor so well. Socks – A+These socks are so fun! They’re just the average AG sock, but the stripes match the outfit while giving them a fun accent. What especially pleases me about them, though, is that AG cut the jeans in such a way that you can see the socks through the jeans’ side-slit! This was something that I remember doing in the early 2000s, so it tickles me to see it in doll form. Look! You can see the socks through the jeans opening! I wonder if it would be weird if I tried to bring this trend back...:-P Good Value?I got this outfit in a lot from Craigslist, so I couldn’t tell you how much I paid for it (though it was definitely pretty cheap), however, the internet says that it retailed for $26 if purchased separately from a JLY doll, and I think it’s a fair price given everything that comes with it. I really miss when the modern meet outfits came with this many pieces. Overall – A+I added this to my collection as an adult collector, but it’s very reminiscent of what girls were wearing in the early to mid 2000s. I’m very impressed by the detail put into all of the pieces and how much each one resembles its girl-sized counterpart. Of all of the modern meet outfits, it’s definitely one of my favourites. (The bandana that Aziza is wearing is actually mine from the early 2000s – I don’t wear it anymore and thought it matched the colours of the outfit well – and the watch probably comes from this outfit’s accessory set, but I don’t have the full set and can’t be sure).
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 10:50:14 GMT -5
Dress – A+This dress looks like it’s multiple layers, but it’s actually just one ingeniously sewn together to look like there are several layers. It’s all made of stiff, serviceable cotton that certainly would have served Caroline well as she attended to her chores. The greens and pinks of the dress are flattering against Caroline’s complexion. It’s simple in design yet fancy in patterning, and I love it. Cap – A+The cap is a standard mob cap with a pink ribbon and bow to tie it into the outfit. Long ribbons hang down from either side so you can tie it around Caroline’s chin or leave it loose like I do. I always enjoy a practical mob cap. Shoes – A+Sturdy, light brown boots. From a pragmatic standpoint, they’d hide dirt well. From a collector standpoint, I like how different these are from the fancier shoes of Caroline’s collection. They lace up with enough extra to tie into neat bows. Very nice boots! Good Value?Unfortunately, I didn’t decide that I wanted this outfit until it was retired, so I paid about $50 for it. Retail, it was $32, which I think is very fair for a full outfit with shoes. Overall – A+I, sadly, didn’t pay much attention to Caroline until after she’d retired, but once I did, I liked that she had this outfit as an alternative to her fancier dresses. It’s perhaps a little nice to be a proper work dress, but I could see her pulling it on to get some chores done. The pieces are beautiful, constructed well, and very pragmatic, and, to me, they recall the PC era of practical outfits. It looks like Caroline has been hard at work! Her hair could do with some neatening up!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 10:43:08 GMT -5
Wreath – A+My wreath is from about 1994 and I absolutely love it! It’s actually a pretty simple design: plastic greenery around a plastic hoop. The greenery is nice and full. My candles are removeable, but they don’t fall out easily. The candles are made of wood, painted white with red tips. The wreath is adourned with red ribbons and red berries. I haven’t yet figured out what the berries are made of, but whatever they’re coated in is starting to crack with age. Either way, this is a sturdy piece that, when treated well, will last for decades Good Value?My wreath came from eBay with my Saint Lucia Dress, Sari, and tray and treats for $50, which I was very happy to find. It looks like it retailed for $16, which seems really high for just a wreath! I wasn’t collecting Kirsten as a kid, but I’m pretty sure that my parents would have laughed in my face if I asked them to spend that much on a wreath. Overall – A+My discontent with the retail price aside, I do love this piece. Like the Saint Lucia Gown, it’s a classic part of Kirsten’s collection with a prominent role in her story. It’s one of those pieces that I think really makes Kirsten stand out as an immigrant to America and I adore it for that reason.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 10:40:29 GMT -5
Gown – A+This is a lovely gown. It’s made of a heavy, crisp cotton with lace at the neckline, sleeves, and hem. It’s longer than Kirsten’s other gowns and has wide sleeves and a high neck. It’s simplistic in design, but very clean and undeniably Swedish. It Velcros in the back for easy dressing. The red sash on mine (tagged 1994) is sewn into the back of the dress, so it’s impossible to lose. Socks – A+Standard AG socks with red and white stripes. They’re sufficiently thick and easy to put on. Comfy for winter and they match the outfit very well! Ribbons – AMy ribbons are still in their package since I don’t really want to mess around with Kirsten’s hair, but they seem nice enough. They’re red and are made of a woven material to match the sash on the dress. Good Value?My version was tracked down on eBay for $50. It also came with the wreath, Sari, and tray and treats, so I thought this was a good deal. Some research has said that that it was $24 retail, which seems like a lot at the time given that it didn’t come with the wreath. Overall – A+This is such a classic part of Kirsten’s collection and holds such a significance in her story that it’s definitely think it’s worth tracking down on the secondary market. It stands out amongst my entire AG collection as something very different and it’s one of my favourite holiday dresses.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 10:34:51 GMT -5
Dress – A+I love this dress for its simplicity. The colour is a lovely blue-green with subtle dotted lines in red, green, blue, and purple. The colour is very pretty and both ties into Kirsten’s collection and stands out for being unique from the normal light blues and reds. I love the ruffled detailing on the shoulders and the simple cream collar. It’s slightly tight in the sleeves, which baffles me since both my Kirsten and my version of the dress are early PC, but it’s not too bad. I love the growth lines on the skirt. Good Value?Mine was purchased on the secondary market with Sari for something like $40, which I thought was fair for two retired pieces. Retail cost was $20, and I think that’s a little high for a dress and hair ribbons once one considers inflation. My parents, at least, wouldn’t have paid it if it didn’t come with shoes. Overall – A+I love having this outfit for Kirsten. I think it’s an underrated classic that perfectly sums up the beauty and practicality of Kirsten’s collection. I almost find it hard to believe that she works in this since it’s so nice. It’s not considered a “core” piece of Kirsten’s collection, but I adore it! I also don't know how Kirsten is going to work with her bangs in her face, but that's her problem to figure out ;-)
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 10:26:55 GMT -5
Blouse – AThis is such an elegant top. The body is made of white, silky satin with three delicate buttons down the front. The sleeves are a sheer white material with got and solid white stripes running through it. The sleeves open with a snap closure, allowing for easy dressing. Unfortunately, this thing snags like crazy. I’m mildly surprised that I didn’t absolutely destroy it as a child because even with me being a careful kid, the Velcro closure snags the satin shirt very easily. Mine has held up pretty well over the years, but it definitely has a few runs and snags from repeated use. Jumper front. It also shows any wrinkle that it might have, but most of it is covered by the jumper, so I've never paid much mind to it. Jumper – A+This jumper is the best part of the outfit! It’s made of a heavy velvet material and has gold and white “snowflakes” embroidered into it. The neckline and armholes have a gold trim that stands out on the black velvet. It opens partially in the back with Velcro (the sticky kind) for ease of dressing. It hangs beautifully on the doll and has such a classic holiday look. Jumper in bad lighting. Tights – A+Standard AG tights, no complaints. They’re both nice and sparkly while also feeling pretty comfortable. I wish my sparkly tights from my youth had been this soft! Soft, sparkly tights! Headband – A+Just a headband, but it’s well made and the golden beads provide an elegant tie-in to the jumper. Hey, look! No huge AG tag! Shoes – A+Like the headband and tights, these are pretty standard: just a pair of black pleather flats with two golden beads to make it part of the outfits, but they’re so elegant and fit the ensemble so well that I can’t help but be impressed. Simple, classic shoes. Good Value?This is a piece from my childhood, so I didn’t purchase it, but research shows that my parents spent about $22 on it. Even given inflation adjustments, this seems reasonable for what you get – the items are well made and there are enough of them to give you a full outfit. Overall – A+This outfit holds a place near and dear to my heart because it was one of the first AG outfits that my parents bought me years and years ago when I got my Samantha in ’97. Unlike some outfits from that era, I think this one has held its timelessness very well. It’s still very elegant and looks like something I could see a girl today wearing to a nice event. Emma has been wearing it for years and I just love how it looks on her.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 10:14:09 GMT -5
Shirt – A+I’m not sure if I’d describe this as a peasant top or not, but it’s a pleasing magenta colour with flower embroidery. It’s a little shapeless, but I think it’s meant to be that way – this came out when I was in the upper end of the target age group and I definitely saw shirts for girls like this. It many ways, it’s reminiscent of Josefina’s camisas with its gathered scoop neck and puffy sleeves. I’ve always liked this top for how modern it is (for the early 2000s). Top. Capris – A+Olive green capris made of, I think, twill. Like the top, these remind me of pants that I both wore and saw other girls wearing during this period, so I’m fond of them. They’re a flattering length with the hem able to be tightened with drawstrings. They also have a drawstring waistline, which matches what I was wearing in those years. They also likely have some mix and match potential. Capris. Shoes – A+Lovely canvas sandals. Like other parts of this outfit, these are very similar to what I was wearing in the early 2000s, so they appeal to me for that reason alone. The buckle on them actually works and is the only way to get the shoes off and on, which proved to be a slight difficulty when I was a kid, but I like it as an adult collector. Saila’s feet are a little big in the sandals, but her feet are longer than an AG’s – they aren’t small on an AG doll. Comfy looking canvas sandals. Good Value?This retailed in the early 2000s for $22, which I think is fair for what you get. My parents bought it as a set with the Flower Power Outfit, the Denim Jumper Outfit, and some accessories. I don’t remember how much it was, but for them to purchase the set, it must have been a fair price (my parents really weren’t big on buying stuff from AG when there were local options available). I don’t know what it goes for on the secondary market, but the original price is good for an outfit and shoes. Overall – A+I used to put this on Kit when I was younger, but now Saila has claimed it. Honestly, I think it looks better on darker or medium-skinned dolls. Looking back at AG’s photos of it, it looks like the shirt was meant to be tucked in, but I’ve never done it that way. I love it regardless. I adore the muted colours and how much it resembles things I was wearing in 2001, so the nostalgia factor is strong. This is one of my favourite Spring or back-to-school outfits.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 9:58:06 GMT -5
Shirt – AThis is a nice, lavender, long-sleeved shirt. The sleeves are adourned with flower decals and flare out at the wrists. Honestly, it’s a very plain shirt, but that’s part of why I like it so much – this is very similar to shirts that I wore when it was released. Not the best photo of the shirt's colour, but you get the idea. Jumper – A+A lavender-tinted denim with a pinkish border at the bottom, magenta trim at the top, and purple and pink beadwork along the bottom. The bottom beading only goes across the front panel, but I’m ok with this because, again, it’s very similar to things I was actually wearing at the time of its release. It’s a wrap-around jumper that secures first with a button and then with a hook-and-eye to hold it shut. I’ve always really liked this jumper because it was so reminiscent of what I saw girls in my middle school wearing. Jumper front. I love the beaded detailing on the bottom. A closer look at the inside of the jumper and the snap that closes it. Shoes – B-I remember really liking these when I got them. These purple, chunky shoes seemed really cool when they came out. I still like the way they look with the outfit, but they haven’t held up well over the years. The suede has started to flake off. I took Emma to the AG Store in Columbus for an afternoon of photos, and I lost a lot of the flocked suede in that time. Very disappointing since I liked the shoes so much. Poor shoes, losing their suede flocking. Good Value?This retailed in the early 2000s for $22, which I think is fair for what you get. My parents bought it as a set with the Flower Power Outfit, the Field Trip Outfit, and some accessories. I don’t remember how much it was, but for them to purchase the set, it must have been a fair price (my parents really weren’t big on buying stuff from AG when there were local options available). I don’t know what it goes for on the secondary market, but the original price is good for an outfit and shoes…flaking aside. Overall – AI was in my peak childhood collecting years when this outfit came out, and I remember liking it so much because it resembled outfits that I was both wearing and seeing at the time. It’s well-made and looks good on every doll I’ve put it on over the years; the colouring is just incredibly flattering to a variety of complexions. I wish the shoes had held up better over the years, especially since I was a very careful child with my AG clothes, but it is what it is. This is one of my favourite outfits to bring out during Spring and back-to-school season – it really makes me nostalgic for my Middle School years. And here are a couple of bonus photos of Emma wearing at the AGP Columbus to better showcase the colours... Yes, poor Emma has some dry hair (hence her interest in the hair salon set!). We've been working on fixing it :-)
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 9:39:18 GMT -5
Blouse – A+This is a super cute blouse that I, perhaps embarrassingly, would totally wear today. It’s made of a crisp, white cotton with eyelet lace around the cuffs and on the collar bow. The sleeves flare out and the collar crosses in a sort of bow to give the front a very 70s flare. It opens fully in the back with Velcro (the sticky kind, so be careful) for easy dressing. Sadly, mine has yellowed around some of the lace with age, but I don’t hold that against the outfit. Front. Back. Jumper – A+The jumper is absolutely gorgeous! It’s made of a lovely, soft, cranberry coloured velour that manages to be both slightly tacky and visually appealing. Despite its softness, it keeps its shape and hangs well. The embroidered flower design is pretty and somehow manages to tie the look together. The belt buckle does actually work, but the dress also opens in the back with Velcro (the sticky kind), so it’s easy to put on. Jumper! It looks a lot more pink in this photo than it actually is. Tights – AI actually like these. They’re kind of gaudy, but I sort of love that about them. Mine haven’t shed yet, so maybe AG fixed whatever was causing that. They’re thick, but my stepmom insists that this was how they wore tights in the 70s (and she confirms that they were super uncomfortable). Yes, they do feel incredibly itchy and I’m so glad that I don’t have to wear them, but I think they look nice (and delightfully tacky) with the rest of the outfit. Itchy itchy tights! Shoes – C+This is the one part of the outfit that I don’t really care for. These shoes are just so…yuck, and they feel really cheap. The platform is made of thick foam with the straps being shiny pleather. They open with Velcro for easy closure (which snags like crazy on the tights), but they’re still hard to get on and it’s hard to balance the doll once she’s wearing them. My stepmom says that she did own shoes like this, so I guess they might be historically accurate, but I have very little love for them beyond that. Shoes of disappointment. Good Value?My set was a Christmas gift from my husband in 2017 (who was dismayed that Peggy didn’t have a Christmas dress…he has quite a soft spot for her), so I paid nothing for it. He got it from the secondary market since it was retired, so I don’t know what he paid for it, either. It retailed for $32, which I think is fair given the construction of the set and the pieces it comes with. The shoes are a let-down, but I’m pleased that the outfit had shoes at all. Overall – A-Of all of Julie’s Christmas outfits, this one is definitely my favourite. The shoes drive the overall grade down, but I love every other part of it. When my stepmom and I visited the AG Store in Columbus, she pointed this outfit out specifically as one that she would have worn in the 70s, so it seems to be accurate for its period. It looks great on Peggy and I’m so happy to have it in my collection.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 8, 2020 9:27:44 GMT -5
Top – A-I really like the cut and bright colour of this top. It’s a bit different from normal pyjama-fare, but I like that about it and feel like it ties into Julie’s “groovy” theme well. The material is soft and feels very cozy. The only thing I’m not a huge fan of is the sticker-like flower on the front. It just feels a little cheap to me, like something I could get from Target or Walmart. The top. Pants – A+These are super fun! I love the colours and the zigzag pattern. The tassels are a little strange at first glance, but they’ve really grown on me. Look at those fun tassels! Slippers – APlush slip-on slippers with an elastic band in the back to keep them on the foot. They seem like they’d be nice and comfy. The band keeps them on securely and while I initially thought they were perhaps a bit small, I now think they’d look a tad odd if they were any bigger. A nice set of slippers. The doll doesn’t balance particularly well when in her slippers, which is a slight downside, but my dolls tend to sit or lie down when they’re in their jammies, so I’m not too bothered by this. Fuzzy flip flops! Good Value?I got these not long after they came out and paid full retail for it: $24. This seems standard for a pyjama set, so I’m not complaining. Overall – AI’m glad I have these pyjamas in my collection. While I wish something had been done differently with the decal on the top, I love the pants, the colours, and the tassels enough to still enjoy the set. Peggy likes her groovy jammies and I agree that they look pretty comfy. I’d love a pair of pants like that for myself 😊
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 7, 2020 18:56:55 GMT -5
Rotary Phone – A+This obnoxiously yellow rotary phone comes with a working rotary. The handset is attached via a cord, so you can have your doll play telephone if you want. The colour is bright, but I recall seeing one of these in my mum’s toys from the 70s, so I love it for nostalgia reasons alone. The phone, one of the plates and holders, and celery with peanut butter. Plates and Holders – A+The plates are doll-sized paper plates, so be careful with them. The holders are delightfully goofy – plastic flowers that are perfectly sized to hold the plates. I can’t speak for the accuracy of this one, but I like them! A closer look at the plate/holder and the celery snack. Food/Drinks – A+Like most AG food, these pieces are clumped together, but I’m ok with that at this point. We have celery sticks with peanut butter, deviled eggs, a bag of Jiffy Pop popcorn, a glass of iced tea, and a gelatin dessert in a glass. There are a good number of pieces involved and they’re nicely detailed. I especially like the Jiffy Pop popcorn as a nice period touch. The second plate/holder, drink, and the deviled eggs. Per mum "Yuck, that dog's going to be so gassy!" :-P Jiffypop, gelatin, and stuffed monkeys. Monkeys – A+Cute stuffed hugging monkeys! They’re small-sized versions of real toys that I’ve seen, so I’m happy with them. Their hands are held together with Velcro, so they can be separated. Good Value?This was a Christmas gift for me, but it looks like it retailed for $50. I’m actually not sure this is a great deal, even with all the pieces it comes with. I like the pieces as a set and as individual items, but $50 seems a bit steep for what you get. $40 or even $35 sounds a bit more fair in my opinion. Overall – A+This set was a surprise to me. My husband…or, excuse me, Ded Moroz (Russian Father Christmas) left this under the tree a few years ago. It hadn’t been on my radar, but I ended up loving it as a fun addition to Peggy’s collection. The pieces are a lot of fun and have a lot of play value. Had I personally paid the full amount for it, I might have been a little more disappointed, but it as a gift, I really love it.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 7, 2020 10:55:15 GMT -5
Petticoat – A+A simple, standard taffeta(ish?) skirt. I can’t complain. The length is nice, it’s easy to put on, and I’m ultimately pleased that AG chose to construct the garment in this way. I love the look of the little pleats. I’ll also note that at this point, Marya has worn this gown without her colonial undergarments. This was the first year of trying it over the hoops, and I have to say that I’m very impressed with how well it fits! I was prepared to fight with it, but the skirt has Velcro on both sides, allowing me to undo it and pop it over Marya’s head to settle nicely over the hoops. The skirt looks fuller, but is still long enough to be decent. Colour me impressed! Petticoat. I didn't do a very good job of photographing the Velcro, but it's there! Gown – A+I’ve always liked this. It slips on easily with an open front (snaps under the trim hook the stomacher in place). The lace around the neck and sleeves are elegant and I love the “folded” trim down the front. It looks historical and accurate (from an unknowledgeable point of view) and is very pretty once on the doll. I’ve always been pleased with how well this hangs. It’s made of the same fabric as the petticoat, giving the impression that they’re one piece instead of two. I have no idea why the lace is showing up as blue - it's white and mine isn't stained or anything. Stomachers – A+You get two of these, one with pink bows and one with white lace. They’re both the same in construction with snaps to hook them to the gown. I’m pleased with having a choice in design and have used both over the years. I continue to maintain that the design of this ensemble is genius. Two stomachers so your colonial fashionista doesn't have to fee like she's wearing the same thing every year! Pinner Cap – A+A very standard colonial AG pinner cap. Mine never came with a pin (if it ever did?), so I just plop it atop Marya’s head. It has a nice little blue ribbon to tie into the outfit. Cap on Marya's head. Good Value?This outfit existed for a long time, basically from Felicity’s release to her archival, and I know it’s undergone several price changes to reflect AG’s ever-rising prices. I got mine from a lot of clothing that was purchased locally, so while I don’t remember what the exact breakdown per outfit was, it was under retail. Given all the pieces that come with this set (and I don’t have some of them – it also came with a hair ribbon, a choker, and shoes), I think even the retail price is worth it. This is AG doing what they do best: quality outfits with historically accurate pieces. Overall – A+This is a classic AG piece that really speaks to the company’s mission. It’s made of quality materials and I’m super impressed by how it comes together and that it was designed to look good both with and without the undergarments. Marya looks amazing in it! Some have noted that the colouring clashes with Felicity’s red hair and (in some versions) very green eyes. I don’t have a Felicity to put it on and don’t plan on getting one, so I don’t have this issue, but I do think it’s a valid point. My sister, who does have Felicity, held off on getting it as a child and still isn’t terribly interested because of the colour clash. Perhaps the blue is an odd choice in this way, but I do enjoy having some variety from the normal Christmas/holiday fare. I’m always happy to pull this out every holiday season.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 7, 2020 10:30:36 GMT -5
Stays – A+These are very well made. I’m very impressed by how structured and stiff they are and how much like a “real” corset they feel. The lacing may not be entirely accurate (it’s done shoelace style, but should probably be spiral), but I’m content with this change…trying to spiral lace a corset of this size would probably be a bit tricky! It’s admittedly a little tricky to actually get on the doll. Your options are to either completely unlace it, slip it around the doll and then thread the lace again or to loosen the laces, slip it over the dolls legs, and then lace it up…either way, you’re looking at relacing in some form. This doesn’t bother me and I enjoy the slight curve it gives the doll’s figure, though I could see kids getting frustrated with it. Front Back Hoops – A+These are also really impressive in their construction. I miss the detail and craftsmanship that AG used to put into pieces like this. I’m not sure what the hoops are actually made of, but they feel like sturdy plastic at the very least (similar to plastic boning in modern corsets). My set was purchased on the secondary market, but they’re PC and have held up incredibly well, no crimping or misshapenness to the hoops at all! Hoops. They certainly look rather strange when not on the doll! Pocket – A+This is simply darling! It’s a simple design – just a pocket of fabric with some lovely embroidery – but it lines up with the pocket slits that can be found on some of Felicity’s dresses. I have no idea how much play value something like this gets, but from a historical accuracy and display value, it’s fantastic. Pocket Good Value?The set retailed for $18; I bought it on the secondary market for $35, a price that I’m extremely happy with. The quality is amazing and I love the functionality of it all. While I wish I could have snagged it for $18, little me simply wasn’t into dolly undergarments, so I had to scour the secondary market for it and honestly would have been content to pay slightly more than what I ultimately did. Overall – A+This set perfectly sums what I loved about PC era and older Mattel era. The attention to detail in this set is phenomenal and I love how “real” it all feels. I have no idea how well these sets sell/have sold among the target audience, but I’m in love with them. The only downside is that I’m not sure how well the undergarments will fit under some of Felicity’s or Elizabeth outfits, especially those produced post-Pleasant Company. They definitely give dresses a different silhouette, which I love for the accuracy – I wish AG still did more sets like this. Marya was impatient to put one of her lovely gowns over this, but agreed to let me photograph her undergarments before she continued dressing.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 7, 2020 10:14:03 GMT -5
Sweater – A+The sweater is the reason I purchased this set. It’s a flattering, wintery blue and feels super comfortable. I sort of wish it was a little thicker, but it’s so smooth and comfy that I can’t bring myself to be that bothered by this detail. The decision not to have set-in sleeves is an interesting one from a design standpoint, but I like it. It’s a snug fit and you might have a difficult time getting it on a chunkier PC girl, but it looks nice on a Mattel doll. It fully opens in the back with Velcro for easy dressing (though I do wish it was the non-stick Velcro). Front Back Leggings – A+I really like these! They’re nice and thick and feel like they’d be appropriately warm for winter. Like the sweater, they may be hard to get on an older doll, but fit the current ones just fine. Leggings Headband – B+I’ve always wanted this headband to have a little more stretch. Maybe it’s just because I’m not a hair person, but I’ve always struggled to get this on a doll’s head. It’s serviceable enough, and I can’t complain about the actual construction, but I’d love some more give to it. At least it doesn’t have a huge tag like so many of AG’s current headbands. Headband Because of the problems I have with the stretch, I'm never able to get this very far up on the doll's dead. Hekla isn't worried because it keeps her hair back well enough, but I wish it didn't sit so far back! Boots – A+I wish I had a pair of boots like this! They’re soft, comfortable, and easy to slip on. They seem like they’d be nice and warm on a cold winter day. Boots Good Value?I bought this set when it came out and paid the full retail price of $30 for it. I honestly think it may have been a bit overpriced for what it came with, but I’m happy with the quality overall and, in light of recent prices, would happily pay for it again. Overall – AThis set has seen a lot of use in the six years or so that I’ve had it. It’s perfect for a casual winter outfit and its flattering, soft colours making it appropriate for either a holiday outfit or just a general, comfy winter ensemble. It’s been used for a couple of dolls over the years, but now Hekla has claimed it. Previously, it belonged to Saila (Maplelea). Two dolls with very different complexions, but it looks great on either one. A very versatile outfit! Hekla, looking ready to settle down and open some gifts!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 6, 2020 20:17:20 GMT -5
Dress – AThis is a very flattering dress. I love the festive red and black plaid, the black lace trim and velvet ribbon, and the sheer white lace at the neckline and white cuffs. It all just looks so sophisticated and fancy, while providing a unique addition to Samantha’s wardrobe. I honestly couldn’t tell you if it’s historically accurate, but it certainly feels “Victorian-inspired,” and unlike some of BeForever Samantha’s other offerings, I think that works very well here. I’d been worried about the fit since my Samantha is a PC girl and this outfit came out at a time when AG was making their clothing notoriously tight, but it isn’t as bad as I feared. It is a bit tight and closing the Velcro can be a struggle, but once it’s on, it doesn’t look tight. In fact, I think it looks very flattering. That being said, be aware that you’re in for a bit of difficulty if you want to get this for a PC-era doll. It’s doable, but it’s definitely a bit tight. As an aside, I love that it uses non-stick Velcro. There’s still a chance of snagging the lace, so I’d advise the kids (and adults) use care, but it’s a definite improvement over the normal Velcro. Samantha in her dress! Pardon the blurry image - my phone camera isn't great. Tights – A+Standard AG tights. They’re thick enough with sufficient stretch to fit on a chunkier PC doll. No complaints here! Boots – A+I love these boots! They’re mid-calf length, made of a sturdy velvet, and feature a cute velvet bow on the front. They’re also the first boots I’ve owned that have a little heel! To my surprise, the shoes are well-balanced and the doll doesn’t tip forward or fall over. It’s easy to put them on – they just Velcro up the back with non-stick Velcro and there’s plenty of room to do this without snagging the tights. Tights and boots Hairbow – A+I get a lot of use out of this hairbow. It’s a white lace, permanently-tied bow on a stretchy hair tie. It’s easy to tie, it’s simple, and it’s very easy to pair with other outfits. I’m very not a hair person, but I don’t have any problems with this bow. Tea Tray – A+The tea try is decently-weighted and feels like tin or another light metal. It has a lovely shine and looks lovely on a table. The one downside is that it’s easy to mark it up with fingerprints, which hasn’t yet been a problem for me, but I could see it bothering some collectors. Napkin – A+A simple, white cloth napkin with an embroidered border and a rose in each corner. It’s delightfully delicate and looks very suited to the sort of fancy party that Samantha would likely be hosting or attending. Teacup, Saucer, and Teapot – A+These are all made of glass or porcelain and feature a charming rose pattern. I love that they’re made of something other than plastic and look like smaller sized versions of the real thing. The cup and saucer also have a nice faux-gold border that looks very elegant. Petit Fours – A+These are pretty standard for AG’s current food offerings, but I’m admittedly a sucker for tiny food items. I’m not even bothered that these are connected because they look so nice. I’m perhaps a little disappointed that there wasn’t a plate provided for them (surely, Samantha won’t be eating these off the napkin!), but my sister just got me a little dessert display tray for the dolls, so they’ll go nicely in that. The whole set on the tray. Good Value?I paid the full retail cost of $64 when this set came out. In 2014, I didn’t have as much disposable income as I do now, but I still felt that it was a fair price for everything this set comes with. There are a lot of pieces in this set and all of them are good quality, so I’m very happy with the value. Overall – A+When Samantha was re-released with her BeForever collection, I honestly wasn’t impressed with it…aside for this set. The holiday set nabbed my attention as soon as it was released and I was more than happy to add it to my collection. I don’t have Samantha’s original cranberry dress, but with this outfit, I don’t think I’ll really need it. I like this dress so much that I’m happy to have it as Samantha’s Christmas dress. It’s easily one of my favourite pieces that AG has released in the last few years.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 6, 2020 20:01:02 GMT -5
Dress – CI don’t know what it is, but this dress just lacks something that makes the other holiday dresses pop. The only nice thing I can really say about it is that I like that the colours are a departure from the normal holiday fare. It’s nice to have some purple and pink amongst a sea of green and red. That’s where my praise ends. The material of this is just awful. It’s thin and feels very synthetic and cheap. I know that holiday dresses don’t have to necessarily be geared toward cold weather, so I’m not bothered by the short sleeves…but I am put off by just how thin and flimsy the dress is. It feels more suited to Spring than Winter, regardless of where in the US the doll lives. Given the quality of the other holiday dresses I own, this one is a let-down in the quality department and, in my opinion, lacks the detail to make it stand out. I guess I do like the satin ribbon and appreciate that it’s permanently tied. Some versions seem to have fit issues with the ribbon being too loose, but mine is fine. It also struggles in the fit department. I got the dress off the secondary market, so I’m not entirely sure what year it’s from. I’m also not sure what year my Molly is since she was a gift from a friend, but she’s definitely Mattel and isn’t particularly thick like my PC girls. Still, the dress is hard to get on and is incredibly snug – I struggled to get the Velcro closed. Additionally, I think it hangs oddly on Molly and I can’t get the ruffles to sit properly. Good Value?I got this in a lot of outfits and paid about $10 for it. For that price, even with my dissatisfaction in the outfit’s quality and fit, I can’t really complain. Had I paid the full $28 for it, I might have been a lot more disappointed. Though, that being said, I don’t have the necklace, hair ribbon, or socks, so maybe they add more value to the set. Overall – CI’m just not a fan of this holiday dress. The fabric and flower accent put me more in a mind of Spring, and while I don’t mind the simplistic design, the fit leaves a lot to be desired. To me, this dress embodies a lot of the quality problems that AG started to have after I stopped collecting as a kid in the early 2000s. My Molly will continue to wear it for now, but once I get my hands on her original Christmas outfit, I don’t see this one getting much use.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Mar 6, 2020 19:55:00 GMT -5
Dress – A+This is perhaps a very fancy dress for someone in Addy’s social position, but it’s gorgeous and given great justification in the story. Despite doing a lot of sewing, I’m embarrassingly unfamiliar with fabric and couldn’t tell you if it’s real taffeta or not, but it’s stiff, feels durable, and holds it’s shape very well. It hangs beautifully on the doll and just has a classic look that I love. The ribbon is a more satiny material and has fringe at the ends – it really pulls the whole thing together. The back of the dress and the bow. Apologies for the messy bow! I either tie them really well or really poorly :-P The detail in this dress is impressive. I love the white collar with black ribbon. The sleeves have tiny black bows on them, while the front is adourned with three tiny buttons. I wasn’t initially sold on the green and red plaid, but it’s completely won me over and looks amazing (and very festive) on pretty much every doll. Showcasing some of the front detail. I can't get over how sophisticated the white and black collar is! Fit-wise, my dress was purchased in 2013, but it fits my PC Addy just fine. I have no idea if her undergarments and hoops would fit under it, but the dress alone closes and fits well. Good Value?When I got this in 2013, I paid full price for it. I don’t remember exactly how much it was, but some Googling is showing $28, which sounds about right. Normally, I might say that it was overpriced for what it was: a dress and a hair ribbon, but this is such a beautiful dress and is so well-made that I can’t be upset about the lack of shoes. I’m happy with what I paid. Overall – A+I think this might be one of my favourite dresses that AG has ever made. Even the later version that I have is incredibly well-made and looks absolutely beautiful on every doll I’ve put it on. I got it long before I had Addy, and while I think it looks best on her (and she’s not willing to share it anymore), I’ve yet to find a doll that it doesn’t flatter. It’s a timeless piece that could find a home in any collection. My sister (who does have an Addy, but no outfits for her) was watching me dress my Addy today and was really taken with this dress – she’s never shown any interest in Addy’s collection outside of the doll. I’m so happy to have it in my collection! Addy enjoying the Christmas tree in her festive Christmas dress!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Dec 6, 2019 13:16:24 GMT -5
Dress – A+This is a very pretty dress. The body is made of white material with black polka dots. Over that is a white mesh overlay with embroidered snowflakes across the bottom. These are two patterns that, I feel, shouldn’t look good together…and yet somehow, they do. This is a very festive dress that looks both seasonal and stylish. A black velvet belt ties around the middle to further accent the black patterning. Interestingly, the dress doesn’t Velcro up the front and is instead closed with buttons! I’m very pleased that there’s no Velcro since I think that would snag the mesh overlay, but I’d be lying if I said that the buttons weren’t difficult to button. Granted, I have clumsy fingers, but I could imagine a child getting very frustrated with this. Still, I applaud AG for not using Velcro. There is a plastic tag on the front of the dress. I don’t hold it against the dress, but I wish it wasn’t there. Front Back Shrug – A+A faux fur shrug with two rhinestone accents and Velcro in the front. There’s not a lot to say about it – it fits nicely around the doll’s neck and is a beautiful addition to make a sleeveless dress look a little more winter appropriate. It also looks vaguely like my black cat when she's curled up, which makes me smile. Leggings – A+Very classic above-ankle leggings with rhinestones sewn into the bottom. I’m pleased to have something other than black tights to go with this outfit and think the leggings look really nice. On Odette, they go a bit higher than they would on an AG doll, but I still like the overall look. Shoes – A+Shiny pleather shoes with elastic straps. And, of course, some rhinestones to tie it into the rest of the outfit. I like the classic look of these and think they give the ensemble a sharp, elegant air. These are a nice pair of shoes that could probably serve other dresses and look lovely with this one. Odette’s ankles are skinnier than an AG’s, so they probably won’t be as loose on an AG doll. Headband – B+I really like the construction of this – a velour band that goes all the way around the head with a small elastic part to allow some stretch. The snowflake-ish design ties it into the embroidery on the dress. Unfortunately, it’s very tight and difficult to put on the doll’s head. Admittedly, I’m using a Vanage doll to model this outfit and haven’t tried it on an AG doll, but it was quite a struggle to get it in place. But…why did they have to give it that huge tag? Good Value?I got this on the secondary market for, I believe, $24. It retailed for $36, but went on sale in early 2019. I don’t think I’d recommend it at full price, but I’m happy with what I paid for it. I’d love to get a winter outfit with sleeves, but this feels appropriately wintery and I’m very satisfied with it. Overall – A+I’ve not been terribly impressed with AG’s more recent holiday offerings (mostly because I want a dress with proper sleeves), but I really like this one. It very clearly screams winter and is an elegant, classy ensemble. On Odette, it’s a bit short and the shoes are loose, but that’s not AG’s fault – it’s mine for putting it on a non-AG doll! I love the way it looks regardless. Definitely one of my favourite holiday/winter looks that AG has produced in a while.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Dec 6, 2019 11:43:10 GMT -5
Leotard – AThis is a lovely turquoise leotard with elastic straps and pink/turquoise flowers and rhinestones sprinkled across the front. The cut across the front is very flattering (especially on a doll with a vinyl chest plate like Odette). The tutu is made of four layers of soft tulle. The bottom two layers are light turquoise, the middle one is darker, and the top layer has sparkles. I can’t speak to how authentic this is as a ballet outfit, but it looks very nice on a doll. I love that it’s turquoise instead of the cliché pink. I have to take a point away for the use of snagging Velcro, though. I could see the satin getting very snagged if one wasn’t careful. Front Back Tights – A+Very standard AG tights. They’re a light shade of turquoise that complement the leotard. They’re suitably thick and fit 19” Odette very well (and I'm sure they'd do even better on an 18" doll). They might have some mix and match potential if you’re interested in going that route. Shoes – A+I’ll start by saying that I’ve never done ballet and know absolutely nothing about ballet shoes. With that perspective in mind, I really like these. They look vaguely like they’re trying to imitate pointe shoes and are made of a lovely turquoise satin. The straps are made of elastic and cross over once before “tying” around the leg. They go midway up the leg and are very easy to slide on over the tights. Headband – A+This is a stretchy velour sort of material with sparkly blue fabric on one side. The sparkly part is surprisingly soft. The flower is a nice accent to tie it in with the leotard. Instead of being a normal headband, it goes around the whole head, sitting securely, I imagine, during play. I really like this piece. I also love that it doesn’t have one of those big honking tags attached to it. Program and Ticket – BThese are fine. The program is a very standard piece of heavy gloss paper folded in half with “Dance Recital 2016” (is this outfit really that old?!?!) printed on the front and a list of dances on the inside. The ticket is, well, a ticket? There are several (I haven’t opened the packet they came in) printed on stiff, cardboard-like paper. The construction of both pieces is fine, but I wonder what they really add to the set. I don’t see myself having much use of them for display reasons and I have a hard time imagining kids getting much play value out of them. They feel like they were added just to pad the outfit out. Good Value?I paid the full $34 for this and I wish I’d waited – as of December 2019, it’s on sale. It’s not necessarily a bad value – I feel like the ballet outfit itself is substantial and well made – but I do think it’s slightly overpriced for what it is, especially since the only “extras” are the program and tickets, the usefulness of both I call into question. Overall - AThis is a very pretty ballet outfit. I love that they went with a shade of blue instead of pink or white and the style/cut is very flattering. It looks beautiful on Odette and is very appealing as a dance costume. I think it stands out among AG’s previous ballet offerings and is a worthy addition to my collection. I think it’ll hold up well to play with all pieces staying on the doll, which, while not very important to adult-me, would have mattered to me as a kid.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 25, 2019 0:04:33 GMT -5
Dress – AThe dress is Vrry simple cut and design – just a sleeveless black dress with sparkles. And then I took a picture of it and saw how much it sparkles. I love the sparkles! I personally think it feels a little itchy and I probably wouldn’t want to wear it, but it looks really nice. It's a very thematically appropriate fancy dress for Luciana. I definitely get “stars” from this. It closes with no-snag Velcro that, despite it’s name, does snag on the tights when being put in Luciana. It’s a little tight to get on, but it looks great once she’s wearing on it. I do wish that the cut didn’t display her arm sockets so prominently – I had a similar issue with the shirt in her Stellar Outfit. It does come with the plastic tag, which I won’t hold against the outfit, but felt was worth mentioning. Tights – A+Very typical black AG tights. The feel thick and durable. A good staple and I’m always happy to have another pair. Shoes – A+Metallic pink flats with star cut-outs. Very cute and match the outfit well. If you’re into mix and matching, I think these have very limited potential, but they’re perfect for this outfit. Headband – CWhat is this? I do think the outfit needed a headband or something, but the choice to make it like this baffles me. It’s a plastic pink headband with a large sparkly pink pom-pom. I just think it’s an odd accessory that feels a little silly and childish. Good Value?I paid the full $32, which I think is fair, especially given recent prices. Luciana needs a fancy outfit and this certainly fits the bill. Most of the pieces look nice and feel decently made and I foresee the outfit getting a lot of display use. Overall – AI’ll be honest, the headband brings the overall rating of this outfit down because I really dislike it and feel like there were better hair accessory options out there. Otherwise, this is a beautiful outfit that echoes Luciana’s space theme wonderfully. It has a very modern feel and I rather wish I had something like this (in less-scratchy fabric). Luciana looks simply radiant in it.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 24, 2019 23:55:58 GMT -5
Released in 2017, retired in 2019.Kit's Aunt Millie recycles everything - she would appreciate making socks into a monkey. Includes a felt stocking with a sock monkey.I didn't see a review thread for this, so I figured it was time to make one... Sock Monkey - AMy sister hates sock monkeys, so I had to get this for that reason alone. Joking aside, it’s a cute, fairly standard toy. I could do without the HUGE tag. It's appropriately sized to Kit. Stocking – A-I honestly don’t care for the kind of cheap-feeling felt material. The embroidered design is nice and I like that Kit’s name looks hand-written. Again, it has a big, stupid tag. It’s fine, but not incredible. The sock monkey fits inside nicely and looks pretty cute. Good Value?Honestly? I’m not sure it’s worth the $20 I paid. The sock monkey is nice, but the stocking feels a bit cheap. I only jumped on it because the BeForever line was being phased out and I didn’t want to miss it, otherwise I might have waited for a sale or coupon. Overall - A-Since I don’t have Kit’s Amelia Earhart doll, I like this set as a Christmas gift for her. The sock monkey is very cute and is sized to be a satisfying gift for Kit. The stocking leaves something to be desired – I wish it was just a bit thicker and made out of a nicer, maybe less-stiff material. Maybe it’s period authentic? I don’t know. Kit looks happy, at any rate, and I’m pleased to have a gift for her.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Nov 24, 2019 23:48:58 GMT -5
I bought this when it was on sale earlier this year. I loved it as an alternative to the original Christmas dress and had been a little sad when I missed it the first time around, so I was very pleased when it came up for sale when the BeForever line was being phased out. Dress – A+The dress is made of a flannel-like material in a very festive plaid. I Love the colours – not too girly, but still very cute and obviously holiday-themed. It's a good contrast to the first Christmas dress. The style feels authentic, but I’m not an expert. I absolutely love the little caplet, white collar, and four red buttons (done in accent red). The belt is made of a red silky fabric. It feels like it would snag easily, but the Velcro is no-snag, so this hopefully won’t be a concern. I do wonder how it will hold up to play. It's sewn in, which means there's no need to tie or fasten it. I hate the plastic tag, but won’t hold it against the dress. Tights – A+These are typical AG tights. They feel thick and like they’ll hold up well to play. Very versatile. Shoes – A-The shoes are a shiny pleather, no heels, and close with a no-snag Velcro closure. They look quite sharp. I wish that they had snaps instead of Velcro, but I like them overall. They feel like a classic part of Kit’s wardrobe. Unfortunately, I found them to be very difficult to get on – they’re slightly too small and tend to catch the tights on the Velcro. Hair bow – AA very basic hair bow – a silky satin ribbon tied onto a stretchy hairband. Good Value?I think so. I got it for $25 or so on sale. Had I paid the full $36, I might give it a harder look in comparison to the original red dress, but there are enough pieces (dress, shoes, tights – a full outfit) and the quality is high enough that I’m very satisfied for the price I paid. Overall – A+I think this looks really cute on Kit. I actually kind of like it better than her red dress (for whatever reason, mine fits my Kit oddly, even though it was purchased the same year I got Kit). I was really surprised that it fit my PC Kit so well! The sleeves are a little short and I can’t figure out if that’s intentional or not, but I like the rest of the outfit enough that it doesn’t bother me. The style feels unique to her collection, yet appropriate to her time period. I think it’d be difficult to use outside of Christmas because the theming is pretty strong in the colours, but I love it as an alternate Christmas dress. Pardon the fresh-out-of-the-box wrinkles 😉
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Post by chernayakoshka on Sept 28, 2019 21:39:21 GMT -5
If I’m going to be honest, I never wanted this dress as a kid. I saw it year after year in the catalogue and always passed it up as drab and boring. Sometimes, I dream of going back in time and giving little me a very firm slap. This is a fantastic, classic outfit that is a must-have for any Samantha collector. Dress – A+The dress is a nice charcoal colour with white cuffs, neckline, and stitching. White buttons and a black bow finish the look. I don’t think the material is flannel, but mine is some sort of cotton that feels pretty comfortable. The sleeves have Velcro to aid in getting Samantha in and out of the dress. It looks very sophisticated on her and I love how “Victorian” it feels. With it being so easy to put on and take off, I could see it getting a lot of play and I think it would stand up to that play very well. I think my dress is a Mattel one (I got it from the secondary market), but it fits my chubby PM Samantha very well. I don’t have the hair ribbon, so I can’t speak to that, but the dress is one of my favourite pieces in Samantha’s collection. It just looks so good on her and stands out from the rest of her collection with its dark colour and subdued elegance.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Sept 28, 2019 17:21:16 GMT -5
I got Molly’s lunch when I was a kid even though I didn’t have Molly. I liked the set and thought it suited a modern girl just as well as a girl from the 1940s. Now, I still like it for a modern, but am very pleased to finally have a Molly to give it to. I got this in the early 2000s and believe that it is Version II. Lunchbox – A+Molly’s metal lunchbox is bright red with a silver interior, a silver handle, and a latch to keep it shut. Granted, I was an older child when I received it (about 12 years old), but I think it’s pretty sturdy and would hold up well to play. The latch is both secure and easy to use. It’s a nicely made box that seems like it would be able to withstand a lot. Sandwich – A+My version comes with half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I’ve always been impressed with AG’s food, and this is no exception. The bread is actually textured and there’s a “crust” side that’s darker and smoother than the rest. It looks like an honest-to-God PB&J. Mine seems to be made of a soft, somewhat bendy plastic. Pear – AThe pear is well-shaped with detailed yellow-green colouring and the occasional brown spot. It’s definitely a pear! My sole complaint is that the seam is very visible in the plastic. I never noticed it as a kid, but I definitely see it now…and it bugs me. Cookie – A+Looks just like a knock-off Oreo! I like the design carved in the top and the ridges around the edge – there’s a lot of detail in this little cookie. It makes me really want an Oreo… Carrot and Celery – A+I love the detail in these. Both have lines moulded into them to make them look more realistic, and it’s a touch that makes them stand out. I’m really glad that I don’t have the version that’s clumped together because that would just be kind of lame – I like them as separate pieces. Like the sandwich, they’re pretty bendy. Napkins AThis might seem a little enthusiastic for paper napkins, but I just adore that they’re like tiny versions of the napkins I had in my lunchbox as a kid. There’s nothing particularly special about them – they’re just napkins – but they look great! I did always wonder why Molly need so many of them. This is a great addition to Molly’s school collection. My BFF in middle school had the Version I of this lunch set and I remember her food being similar (she didn’t have the lovely hand-moulded stuff – we were just too young for that version!). Molly’s lunch may have been simple, but it certainly looked good. A+
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Post by chernayakoshka on Sept 28, 2019 16:36:06 GMT -5
I didn’t have Molly as a kid, but I still asked for this bag for Christmas (and got it!) for my modern doll. I liked it that much and still feel that, like many of Molly’s school stuff, it’s a pretty timeless accessory. Mine would be from the early 2000s. Bag – B+The red canvas bag is huge, plenty big enough to carry all of Molly’s school supplies (and probably then some!). The faux leather strap is long enough to either loop over Molly’s shoulder or even over her head for easy carrying. I’m especially impressed that the buckles are actual, working buckles and Mattel didn’t cheap out by using Velcro. Molly’s name is clearly visible across the front, lest any of the other dolls get jealous and try to steal her awesome schoolbag! Yet, it only gets a B+ for me because the faux leather did not hold up well over the years. I was on the older end of the target audience when I got this in my youth – around 12 years old – so I played with it very gently. As an adult, it’s been used as a display piece with very little use of the buckles. As you can see in the picture, the faux leather has flaked away from the areas around the buckles. I’m pretty disappointed in this because it’s otherwise a fantastic piece, but this flaking is very obvious and looks terrible. Report CardI love little touches like this. One side of Molly’s report card gives us her grades while the other provides her basic class information. Even though I didn’t use this for Molly as a kid, I still appreciated this look into her school life – what’s she’s good at, and what she can improve. I like it even more as an adult collector with a Molly. It’s printed on thick cardstock and gives the appearance of being handwritten. Flashcards – AThese are pretty standard flashcards. I had similar ones in my school days. Obviously, I never separated mine, but they’re printed front and back and are made of thick cardstock. There’s nothing particularly special about them, but they’re a good replica of the real thing. Gaining Skill with Words – A+I’ve always adored AG’s schoolbooks for being tiny replicas of, I assume, books actually used during the time period. This one is no exception! Its well made with a sturdy cover and thick pages. The pages are in full colour and include actual assignments and examples of what’s being taught. These are the details that set AG apart from other companies to me. Binder, Pencil Case, Pencils, and Eraser – A+This was my favourite part of the set when I was a kid. At the age I was when I got this, my school lists were starting to regularly feature binders and pencil bags as required supplies, so I enjoyed having a doll set that also had these things. The binder is solidly made with replica lined notebook paper and three metal rings to keep everything in place. The pencil bag is a blue, sturdy fabric with a white zipper and holes to keep it in the binder. Obviously, I never took my eraser and pencils out of their little plastic bags, but I like what I’ve experienced of them. They look like mini versions of the real things, and that’s all that really matters to me. I don’t know if the pencils really write or not, nor if the eraser really erases. My best friend in elementary school had this set and used it frequently, and hers did write and erase, but she had an earlier version. Either way, I’ m not looking to use these and am happy with them as they are. The bag may have its problems as far as longevity is concerned, but I’m pleased with this set overall. It worked well as a modern school set when I was younger and now serves in its intended roll as Molly’s schoolbag and supplies. I can confirm that it has a lot of play value for kids (my old BFF and I used it every time we played school with the dolls) and good display value for collectors. A very solid A once the wear on the leather straps is considered.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Sept 28, 2019 15:43:31 GMT -5
Despite having had Molly for several years now, her school outfit is a recent acquisition…and I wish I’d gotten it sooner! I remember seeing it in the catalogues as a kid and my best friend in elementary school had it for her Molly, and in those years, I wasn’t terribly impressed with it and thought it was a little boring. I guess there’s no accounting for taste as one gets older because now I think it’s an adorably classic look! It’d probably work just as well for a modern doll as it does for 1940s Molly. I’m not particularly into mix and matching, but I’m sure this outfit has plenty of potential for it. It’s a must have for Molly collectors! Blouse - AThe shirt is a crisp, white blouse with long, slightly puffy sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. The two buttons on the front and the lace around the collar and cuffs are a nice touch. The sleeves have Velcro at the cuffs for ease in putting Molly in and out of it, which I greatly appreciate as both a former-kid and an adult with very non-nimble fingers! The sole drawback is the Velcro on the back of the blouse. It only closes at the top, leaving the bottom of the shirt open. This isn’t a problem when pairing the blouse with the jumper, but those looking to mix it with other bottoms may find this to be a problem. Jumper – A+The jumper is made of a soft flannel and features a flattering plaid of green, red, and white. In addition to looking really good with Molly’s colouring, it would probably also work as a Christmas dress if needed. The pleated skirt is both classic and gives the outfit some structure. Mine is the PC version and fits my PC Molly very well – I can’t speak for whether later versions will fit PC dolls of if PC versions of the outfits hang on Mattel dolls, but mine fits its corresponding era doll appropriately! I actually sort of wish that I’d had a jumper like this to wear to school… Since mine was purchased from a board member, it didn’t come with the green hair ribbons. That’s just as well to me since I rarely change hair stuff out, but I’m sure they were the standard, satin ribbons Overall, a cute, classic ensemble that’s very flattering on Molly and could work for a doll in any era from Molly’s to the present. I’m so glad that I have this and urge every Molly collector to add it to their collection if they haven’t already – it’s such an essential piece for her era. A solid A!
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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 7, 2019 14:00:33 GMT -5
I got this outfit as part of a lot when I purchased my Caroline in 2017. I only got the dress without any accessories, so I can't comment on those. As for the dress itself, I really like it! The fabric is thick and carefully designed. The flowered print reminds me more of spring than winter, so I use the dress as a spring dress. If you buy this dress for your PC Felicity, I advise that this dress fits snugly. I have it on Marie Grace (who stands in as Marya Gregoryavna, a Russian aristocrat) and it's tight on her. The dress fits her, but I could see it giving the chunkier PC dolls some trouble. Which is a shame since I feel that the colours could suite a variety of dolls, from Felicity to Elizabeth to Marie Grace and any other doll you might want to put the dress on. The rich colours are very flattering and the gown itself is very well made. I'd give it an A, only because it seems that the accessories are more mixed and I don't have those.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 7, 2019 13:25:11 GMT -5
I purchased the robe and fuzzy wuzzies along with Molly's pajamas from eBay in 2017 (they were marked as PC, so I'm going to assume that that's what I have). I love them and think they make Molly's pajamas look extra comfy. A+! The RobeThe robe is made of soft flannel and features a life-saver pattern. The dark blue of the robe accents the red and white of Molly's pajamas well. The robe can be tied together with a silky, blue and red rope. I've never attempted to fully tie it shut, so I can't comment on how well it holds together, but I like the look of the rope itself. The robe is soft and thick, and I imagine that throwing it on chilly weather would make one exceptionally war and comfortale The Fuzzzy WuzziesFuzzy wuzzies refers to the slippers, in case there was any doubt. I love these! They're red and fuzzy, matching both the robe and pajamas perfectly. I've never had any trouble getting them on Molly's feet, and she's worn them several times since I bought them. Those into mixing and matching can likely find plenty of other uses for these delightful slippers! I personally love having slippers during the colder months and I'd jump at the chance to have something as comfy as these. OverallThis set is a great addition to Molly's pajamas. She's so huggable when she's wearing her robe and slippers! I highly recommend it as a must-have to any Molly collector.
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Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 7, 2019 12:54:28 GMT -5
Molly's pajamas have always been one of my favourites - they just look so comfy! I bought the PC version of these from eBay in December 2017 so my Molly would have something to wear for the holidays. Overall, I'm pleased with them, save for a few minor quibbles, and give them an B+. The TopThe top Velcros up the front and then ties across the middle. I do wish that the buttons were actual buttons instead of Velcro. If you don't line the Velcro up perfectly, the top can gape and look a bit awkward. I've also always struggled with the tie - it never looks right! There's always one end that sticks up while the other lays perfectly downward. This is probably an issue with my tying abilities, but it bugs the heck out of me. No matter what I do, I can't get them to stop doing this! So, great idea, but difficult to execute. The BottomsThese are just standard pajama bottoms. The ends are rolled up and tacked to the pants for a cute look. I am impressed at how well the patterns were matched in this. OverallI like the pattern of the pajamas - the red and white stripes remind me of a candy cane and their colouring looks good on Molly. The fabric is a bit stiff and thin. I could see these working as either spring or fall pajamas; they seem too warm for summer and not warm enough for winter. Still, they look pretty comfy and, my issues with the top aside, make Molly look like she's ready for a snooze.
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