School Outfit (retired)
Apr 7, 2019 10:44:35 GMT -5
Post by chernayakoshka on Apr 7, 2019 10:44:35 GMT -5
When this outfit was released as part of the new BeForever line, I thought it was one of (if not the) best pieces of the historical collection. It was also one of the first things I purchased at the American Girl Place in Columbus, which makes it just a little more special to me. I originally bought it for Kirsten (since I didn't have Addy at the time), and while it looked good on her, it's simply breathtaking on Addy. While I still prefer the original school dress in overall appearance, I'd say that this is one of the nicest outfits that Mattel has made for the historical line in a while.
The Top
I love the design and detail on the jacket. I don't claim to be a historian, but it feels appropriate for the period. I do sort of wish that the undershirt and jacket were separate pieces, but I think they were going for ease in dressing the doll - as a child, I probably would have struggled a tad to get the jacket over another shift (because I did not have the nimblest of fingers), so I get that and don't consider it a big letdown. I honestly wish I had this jacket in adult size; it's stunning and I'd wear it all the time!
Although it's been a few years since I bought the outfit, I distinctly remember being impressed with it because it wasn't just another dress or dress/apron combo, as I recall thinking of many of the new offerings (not in a bad way, just as an observation). Mattel put some thought and time into this one, and it definitely shows. The detail in the jacket is what I love to see in the historical collection, especially in the pre-1900s ones (that I feel are often ignored these days). I do wish that it was lined, but that's the seamstress in me talking
The Skirt
The skirt is a simple skirt, same colour and trim as the top. There's not a whole lot to say about it except that it pairs well with the top, hangs nicely, and hits at an appropriate length. The waistband is elastic, making putting it on and taking it off remarkably easy.
This was just quickly taken as I was getting ready to change Addy out of the outfit, so pardon the turned-up hem in one place and her pantaloons peeking through.
Overall
I give this outfit an A+, especially for a more recent offering. There are also two little hair bows on combs that slide effortlessly into Addy's hair (and don't mess it up!). I neglected to take pictures of these, but I'm happy with them. Some have noted that the fabric is a little thin, and I won't disagree...but I like the design of this so much and adore how well Addy wears it that I won't complain. I still hope to acquire the original school dress someday, but I'm also pleased to have this one in my collection. The two outfits are so different that I think most collections will have room for both of them (and kids may enjoy having a couple options for Addy's school adventures).
So, well done, American Girl. This is one of my favourite outfits that's been produced in the past decade or so.
b
The Top
I love the design and detail on the jacket. I don't claim to be a historian, but it feels appropriate for the period. I do sort of wish that the undershirt and jacket were separate pieces, but I think they were going for ease in dressing the doll - as a child, I probably would have struggled a tad to get the jacket over another shift (because I did not have the nimblest of fingers), so I get that and don't consider it a big letdown. I honestly wish I had this jacket in adult size; it's stunning and I'd wear it all the time!
Although it's been a few years since I bought the outfit, I distinctly remember being impressed with it because it wasn't just another dress or dress/apron combo, as I recall thinking of many of the new offerings (not in a bad way, just as an observation). Mattel put some thought and time into this one, and it definitely shows. The detail in the jacket is what I love to see in the historical collection, especially in the pre-1900s ones (that I feel are often ignored these days). I do wish that it was lined, but that's the seamstress in me talking
The Skirt
The skirt is a simple skirt, same colour and trim as the top. There's not a whole lot to say about it except that it pairs well with the top, hangs nicely, and hits at an appropriate length. The waistband is elastic, making putting it on and taking it off remarkably easy.
This was just quickly taken as I was getting ready to change Addy out of the outfit, so pardon the turned-up hem in one place and her pantaloons peeking through.
Overall
I give this outfit an A+, especially for a more recent offering. There are also two little hair bows on combs that slide effortlessly into Addy's hair (and don't mess it up!). I neglected to take pictures of these, but I'm happy with them. Some have noted that the fabric is a little thin, and I won't disagree...but I like the design of this so much and adore how well Addy wears it that I won't complain. I still hope to acquire the original school dress someday, but I'm also pleased to have this one in my collection. The two outfits are so different that I think most collections will have room for both of them (and kids may enjoy having a couple options for Addy's school adventures).
So, well done, American Girl. This is one of my favourite outfits that's been produced in the past decade or so.
b