Plaid Summer Set (retired)
Jan 20, 2011 12:56:17 GMT -5
Post by EofA on Jan 20, 2011 12:56:17 GMT -5
Full disclosure: I wanted to like this outfit since after all it's not like we get new stuff for Addy very often. I am fortunate to own all of Addy's AG outfits and then some, so I'm likely a hard grader when approaching this outfit compared to most people, since I'm assessing it in the context of the rest of Addy's collection. Given that context, I have to say that I'm just not that into it. Here's why:
Dress: I definitely think the muted colors are pretty, I like the light fabric choice, and I like the boat neckline. I wish the bodice was fuller so it could be more gathered at the waistline, but that's me being uber-picky. However, I definitely take issue with the skirt construction. It should be fuller and maybe even a tad longer. A growth tuck wouldn't hurt, either, and would add structure to what is a kind of shapeless bottom. I'm pretending that Addy is nearly grown out of this dress and that's why it's so short and has no tucks left.
The skirt certainly won't fit over her AG cage crinoline (but then, I'd personally not wear a hoop under this dress since it's meant to be a casual frock and not fashion forward. My understanding is that the cage crinolines were fashion items for fancy occasions, not undergarment necessities for girls of Addy's age and station, so mine doesn't get used all the time and wouldn't be in this case). But even for a casual summer dress I believe a light petticoat is a period necessity, and unfortunately there's just no way to get one comfortably under this skirt. So that disappoints me. However, since AG doesn't sell petticoats or cage crinolines for Addy any longer, the average consumer isn't going to know what's missing.
The pinafore: Nicely made. Now me, I don't usually like pinafores because period-appropriate ones are often too fussy for my modern tastes. However, aprons were worn during play to protect dresses from soiling, and this one is period appropriate so far as I can tell, so that's good. It is definitely versatile and will be a welcome addition for Addy collectors who don't have the white bibbed one that came with the retired Needlework Kit.
Boots: These are cunningly made of canvas and faux leather. They are pretty much neutral enough to be worn with other dresses, so that's versatility in their favor. But they are also almost exactly like Addy's black and white lace-up boots, and I find that a cheat. I'd rather have had Balmoral-styled boots that button just off-center, for variety. That would have been a unique and welcome addition to Addy's collection, I think, and I wouldn't even have cared if the buttons were functional so long as it all looked good. I'll take these boots, but I'm disappointed they're not a more unique addition.
Here's another thing that disappoints me: my Addy won't wear boots without stockings and this outfit doesn't come with stockings. Granted that stockings can rub and hold in moisture and perhaps be uncomfortable in the summer, but my Addy's super-modest and she's gotta wear 'em. Your Addy can do what she wants, but mine is glad we have extra stockings lying around since AG didn't give her any this time.
With or without stockings, I think these boots will always need to be somewhat unlaced to get them on Addy's feet. But that's easily done, except for maybe the youngest child.
Hair ribbon: It's pretty. It compliments the colors in the dress. It holds back Addy's too-long hair.
Overall Grade: B- for nice concept, disappointing execution. If the dress has a fuller skirt and the boots been of a unique design and not a copy of what Addy already has, and had the outfit come with stockings, the grade would be higher. I'm glad AG is still making things for Addy, don't get me wrong, but I am exercising my right to be a picky collector here.
I also have to add that while I understand the 'summer' theme of this group of 25th anniversary releases, when one looks at Addy's entire collection it's obvious that what she really needed was a cold weather dress. Most of her dresses by AG are short sleeved, and I'm here to tell you that PA can get nippy in the fall and winter months! So while I appreciate the consistent theming across the Historical line for these releases, I'd have really appreciated it had Addy gotten something long-sleeved to round out her collection instead of yet another summer dress.
Lots more pictures:
Dress: I definitely think the muted colors are pretty, I like the light fabric choice, and I like the boat neckline. I wish the bodice was fuller so it could be more gathered at the waistline, but that's me being uber-picky. However, I definitely take issue with the skirt construction. It should be fuller and maybe even a tad longer. A growth tuck wouldn't hurt, either, and would add structure to what is a kind of shapeless bottom. I'm pretending that Addy is nearly grown out of this dress and that's why it's so short and has no tucks left.
The skirt certainly won't fit over her AG cage crinoline (but then, I'd personally not wear a hoop under this dress since it's meant to be a casual frock and not fashion forward. My understanding is that the cage crinolines were fashion items for fancy occasions, not undergarment necessities for girls of Addy's age and station, so mine doesn't get used all the time and wouldn't be in this case). But even for a casual summer dress I believe a light petticoat is a period necessity, and unfortunately there's just no way to get one comfortably under this skirt. So that disappoints me. However, since AG doesn't sell petticoats or cage crinolines for Addy any longer, the average consumer isn't going to know what's missing.
The pinafore: Nicely made. Now me, I don't usually like pinafores because period-appropriate ones are often too fussy for my modern tastes. However, aprons were worn during play to protect dresses from soiling, and this one is period appropriate so far as I can tell, so that's good. It is definitely versatile and will be a welcome addition for Addy collectors who don't have the white bibbed one that came with the retired Needlework Kit.
Boots: These are cunningly made of canvas and faux leather. They are pretty much neutral enough to be worn with other dresses, so that's versatility in their favor. But they are also almost exactly like Addy's black and white lace-up boots, and I find that a cheat. I'd rather have had Balmoral-styled boots that button just off-center, for variety. That would have been a unique and welcome addition to Addy's collection, I think, and I wouldn't even have cared if the buttons were functional so long as it all looked good. I'll take these boots, but I'm disappointed they're not a more unique addition.
Here's another thing that disappoints me: my Addy won't wear boots without stockings and this outfit doesn't come with stockings. Granted that stockings can rub and hold in moisture and perhaps be uncomfortable in the summer, but my Addy's super-modest and she's gotta wear 'em. Your Addy can do what she wants, but mine is glad we have extra stockings lying around since AG didn't give her any this time.
With or without stockings, I think these boots will always need to be somewhat unlaced to get them on Addy's feet. But that's easily done, except for maybe the youngest child.
Hair ribbon: It's pretty. It compliments the colors in the dress. It holds back Addy's too-long hair.
Overall Grade: B- for nice concept, disappointing execution. If the dress has a fuller skirt and the boots been of a unique design and not a copy of what Addy already has, and had the outfit come with stockings, the grade would be higher. I'm glad AG is still making things for Addy, don't get me wrong, but I am exercising my right to be a picky collector here.
I also have to add that while I understand the 'summer' theme of this group of 25th anniversary releases, when one looks at Addy's entire collection it's obvious that what she really needed was a cold weather dress. Most of her dresses by AG are short sleeved, and I'm here to tell you that PA can get nippy in the fall and winter months! So while I appreciate the consistent theming across the Historical line for these releases, I'd have really appreciated it had Addy gotten something long-sleeved to round out her collection instead of yet another summer dress.
Lots more pictures: