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Post by Jamirae on Jan 10, 2020 7:15:30 GMT -5
This outfit is great in that it is what a lot of kids are wearing these days. Black skinny jeans (faux fly and pockets) , long sleeve Tee with an edgy contemporary graphic and an outer vest. Funky electric red short boots that tie and a gray knit hat complete the outfit with a pair of panties included. A lot of pieces but $36 is a lot of money.
The quality is simply not there. The jacket is very simply cut. The outfit has none of the care that a similar TM outfit with black leggings, white shirt and red vest that was out on the market several years ago. There’s a low quality feel to all of the items.
A personal thing to me— the white front of the tee, surrounding the graphic is too stark fit me so Im dying it a light gray. But that’s a person taste issue and Im not dinging the outfit fit thst
The best piece is the black jeans. The vest is useful in that AG is scant in cold weather outerwear. I give this a C.
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Post by Jamirae on Jan 9, 2020 23:21:09 GMT -5
This outfit is a terrible disappointment to me. At $36, I’ve gotten much nicer outfits from the regular collections for the dolls. I had expected a step up quality in these CYO outfits.
The dress is.....ok. Just ok. I liked the repurposed Isabelle dress that was offered a few years ago. Much better quality, IMO. So are Grace’s pink dress, Kit’s pink Easter dress and Sam’s Pink BF meet dress.
The underskirt is stuff , the bodice is not great. I’d expected a better quality, more luxurious dress. Yes, the quality is better than OG’s clothes but this dress is supposed to be for AG premier CYO line, something special, for a $200 doll This didn’t elicit a single sigh of delight and contentment from me.
The worst part of this outfit are chunky molded plastic shoes. Very much shoes like OG’s that come with their outfits. Cheap and chunky looking. Terribly clunky and not what a pretty party dress for an AG doll should have for footwear. I give these shoes a flat out F for Fail.
Underwear included as this outfit would be on the doll. The undies are the usual AG meet underpants. Nothing unusual or special about them
The outfit also comes with a plastic silver tiara. Like what was being given away at the doll spa and as giveaways.
I give this entire outfit a D. Price, quality, prettiness, creativity, stylishness all below expectations for any AG doll,
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Post by Jamirae on Jan 15, 2019 11:20:28 GMT -5
Oh dear, thanks for the review. This is another clear example of what AG needs to change. Just s little more fullness in that apron a a smidgeon more on the straps would have made a world of difference
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Post by Jamirae on Jul 8, 2018 8:06:55 GMT -5
Wow, those pictures clearly show how skimpy AG has become with fabrics. I agreed the new overalls are NOT generously cut and a bit on the short side in leg length. It would have been a nice touch if they had not be sewn rolled up. But it’s the width dimensions that bugged me the most. Old times overalls were not fashion statements but intended to be loose and comfy, as Kit’s old ones are. But I guess we just have to have the backstory that these are older ones that Kit is beginning to outgrow! I’m sure they kept clothes as long as one could stuff ones body into them in the Depression Days.
Your Josefina in the old overalls is huge!!! Good thing the older clothes are cut generously. All of your dolls are beautiful as are the photos. Thank you for sharing them. Especially the overall comparison. Enlightening!
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Post by Jamirae on Aug 30, 2017 9:27:55 GMT -5
Edited original review with a heads up
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Post by Jamirae on Aug 29, 2017 0:01:46 GMT -5
This item was part of a 2017 release that included the Roller Skating Accessories and other items. It retired in 2019.
"Roller skating was a popular pastime in the 1950s! Maryellen is ready for the rink in a plaid sundress with a full skirt and rickrack trim, a pink ribbon hairbow and matching pink shoes."
At first glance this is another generic dress in style. The neckline is square with small shoulder straps. The skirt part of the dress stays very full on its own, but adding a petticoat, a crinoline would make it fuller still.
AG seems to focus on colors not traditionally for red heads in ME's collection, and they work well. This dress is no exception in this regard. The pink and coral are flattering on ME. The dress can be worn without much of a stretch from Kit's time on to today. Melody shined in these colors, and my new Nanea also looks fabulous in it, complete with pink ribbon.
The shoes are simply pink pumps. Nothing special other than being a color picked up in the dress. I would have so preferred something different. However the dress is supposed to be a roller skating outfit, and the accessories that have to be bought separately does include white roller skating boots with pink Pom poms.
The dress is festive and the pink hair ribbon on an elastic is a nice little extra.
The dress came terribly wrinkled but the fabric is nice. The price of $28 is fair these days for the quality. I really like the dress. So bright and cheery, and versatile among my dolls. But I'm not so crazy about those ponytail elastic ribbons and plain pumps. Had those two accessories been a little bit more interesting, I'd give the set a solid A. As it is a B because of how well it flatters do many dolls though not original or special in accessories and being such a generic dress .
Am adding this after photographing Nanea in this dress. The bow on it is not centered and I don't like where a prominent strip lies on the top of the dress. Not something I noticed at first. Though I bought it at a store, because AG is sealing the boxes now, rightfully, im, it's not as easy to check out the contents as it was. I suggest opening the box after buying and making sure all is centered on outfits and that any fabric patterns are where you want them. They do differ from outfit to outfit I tend to snip bows and other such accoutrements from clothes and reattach with tiny safety pin, especially if the detail is not one I like on an outfit all of the time so I can easily switch it out. But the bow on this dress was just fine where it should be for me. Unfortunately, the one I bought is not centered
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Post by Jamirae on Apr 29, 2017 20:39:37 GMT -5
I love the set. Though a whole different way of packaging, it's done with care, almost like a real set is. You can see the individual pieces as you lay the strip of vinyl encasing the set.
Yes, it's plastic but well done. I can't come up with much better with moving pieces and inserts. I agree that the tripod could have been a bit higher, and I wish there had been a selfie stick but I still rate this an A.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 24, 2017 7:48:45 GMT -5
I really liked this dress. It was my pick of the two holiday outfits for this year. The color is different from the usual red, and so the dress works very well for Valentines Day and even Easter and summer. Being a matchy, matchy person, I thought the accessories worked really well for this outfit, but would have no problem using other AG pieces for different looks for this dress.
The problem with the dress as so well stated in the above review is the that the white lining does show at places which gives the dress an unfinished, odd look. Yes, it can be fixed, but at $36 for a doll's outfit, it should not have had this flaw. At $14, as the dress ultimately cost on sale, it's a steal. The quality is far, far better, the accessories much more useable and again better made than OG outfits that fit into this price range.
I have to agree with the C grade for the dress, at full price, maybe a C- or D, because it really is unacceptable to have a dress at this price point to have those very visible flaws that require adult intervention to fix as little fingers cannot do the snip and color that they require. If it weren't for the flaws in quality., the dress would have been a A- for me, with the minus because of that top $36 price point. An A+ for design and attractiveness. The only dolls, I don't like in the dress are possibly some of the red heads but these days, folks don't care about those things. The darker dolls really look stunning in this color.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 4, 2017 8:36:19 GMT -5
It would take a lot, IMO , to detach the the over apron. I wish AG would make it easier at the seams to separate a number of outfits. I've separated some pieces that I wanted to use on their own, and AG attaches those pieces in a way that makes it very difficult to detach and then reassemble. For a non sewer, anyways.
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 22, 2017 17:31:20 GMT -5
Yes. I believe Isabelle was the last mini made with a stuffed body. Once BF minis were made, they've all been plastic. I don't like it one bit.
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 22, 2017 14:23:57 GMT -5
Well, I ordered her yesterday from B&N and she arrived today already! She is a cutie. Her box has a lot of dark blue instead of the berry and white of the usual Minis. Sealed shut with little round clear tape stickers. Similar to mini Lea's box actually but a bit more customized to Tenney with her name in big letters, front and center.
First thing I noticed was that AG cheaped out and did not give her a denim vest. Pretty poor, AG, given that Maryellen did get her aqua bolero. Kinda doesn't connect in the look since the 18 inch doll has the vest and the cover of the mini book shows Tenney with guitar and wearing the vest. Not nice, at all, and I'm complaining.
Her tee shirt is just an ordinary one, cut a bit short, no tie like the 18 inch version. Very thin fake leather skirt, but in plain a line rather than some tucks and pleats. Really cute shoes with a lot of detail, much better than usual minis. Her hair is in a pony tail, and no side curl for the mini version. This one does not have thick hair at all, but these things do vary from doll to doll, and even in the minis.
Her coloring is a bit deeper than BF Mini Kit's. Her hair also more gold, darker . Eyebrows more arched and her lips a deeper color. I like that in this doll, the freckles are smaller and lighter than Kit's . The freckle pattern just close to the nose area actually looks better IMO. She's a prettier doll than the mini Kits, IMO.
Book is a paper back, but that's old news.
Really, the biggest problem I have with this doll is that AG decided not to give her the full meet outfit. It's glaringly noticeable since Tenney comes with that denim vest and is photographed in it not with just that songbird tee shirt she wears under it. I also wish, she had that characteristic curl,, but she doesn't. She looks like a good mini of #24, IMO. Hair not that much curl like the big Tenneys, no side curl I like her better than BF mini Kit. [Back to Top]
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 20, 2017 9:14:11 GMT -5
I bought this dress for my Jenny Grace, a Grace doll who is taking the role of Nellie's little sister in my doll world. She gets Sam's and Nellie's outfits as well as Rebecca's as I have moved her time period up to Rebecca's years.
The dress is adorable. Brings out those blue eyes. The length is on the short side, but it is a Play dress. I think the length is great for the look of the dress, however. A bit too long might not have been optimal, but it is on the short side.
The hat is a bit tricky to get positioned just right. That is not unusual though with AG hats.
I'm thrilled with this dress. It looked terrible in leak pics, so much better in person. Different from anything else AG has released so I like this uniqueness. Priced decently, and good quality.
I give it an A.
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Post by Jamirae on Sept 3, 2016 11:54:26 GMT -5
The 6.5" (16.5 cm) Melody mini doll has black hair and warm brown painted eyes. Her smooth vinyl limbs are posable. She arrives in a tiny version of Melody’s authentic 1960s outfit. Includes a mini abridged version of the book No Ordinary Sound.
Most of this is from a July post I made when I got my mini Melody from the Book Depository. They offered her early for about $15, free shipping, no sales tax. Since then she's been available through Amazon for as low as $10. Wanted this to be in a permanent place, since she is part of the Melody collection.
Mini Melody a very pretty doll. She has the "That Girl", Marlo Thomas flip hairdo that I so coveted as a young girl and is also reminiscent of the Mattel Francie doll I so adored, my last play doll as a child. The meet outfit is also similar to some of Francie's dresses.
Though she looks very much like mini Cécile, a pre BF mini, I think she is cuter. I initially attributed any facial differences to normal variations in the same mold. but I think the face is more detailed though the eyes do not have the spoked wheel intricacies I so prefer in the minis. But it works with her. Better than than mini Cécile's hazel eyes panned out. Maybe a tad lighter in vinyl shading but just a bit.. Definitely warmer in color than Addy's vinyl. Her eyes are not as large as BF mini Addy's. More a thing with the Addy than with her--I think the 18 inch BF Addy's eyes are smaller and AG did not pick up on this in making the corresponding mini.
Hair is easy care, just goes right into place when brushed with a little plastic brush. Mine has thick hair and looks cute in two pony tails to the sides. Hair also long enough to put into a single pony tail and the flip keeps it from sticking straight out.
The dress is made out of a thick fabric and the collar piece is a bit too heavy, IMO. She has white underwear and knee socks, cute faux leather blueish shoes with bows on them. Overall, a very nicely made outfit. Wish AG had included a bit of ribbon for her hair as they did with other BF minis with their outfits, but that will be easily and inexpensively remedied.
Some issues with the doll:
Her legs are splayed as is the case with all of the BF minis. I have her next to mini Cécile and her legs are much closer together. That all vinyl body, for some reason, does not allow the legs to be parallel to each other.I'm working on getting it to do so. It does allow her to stand up on her on more easily, however.
Her hair is not textured like the 18 inch doll's. This is something I also noticed on mini BF Addy. A shame, as I do like the textured hair. It's also another departure from how the bigger dolls are made, which irks me, as I do want the minis to look as much like their 18 inch counterparts.
I don't think her features are as distinct as the Sonali mold. This is something I've noted with the BF minis. If this doll did not have dark vinyl, she has nothing in her features to make her a black doll. THis is something characteristic with a lot of black dolls that I saw when I was growing up. The doll was just a dark vinyl version of the white doll. That AG did make different face molds for the dark vinyl dolls was something that I thought was steps better than the old ways, and better than OG's minis, which all have the same face molds with coloring the only distinguishing feature (other than the Asian version). This is not the case with mini Sonali. That she is so like mini Cécile, marks the change in mini distinctions of face molds less clear, back when AG made the first Sonali mold minis.
Overall, I enjoy mini Melody.She's cute, adorable, in fact. A in cuteness factor, for sure. But some issues as noted. She and mini Maryellen are the cutest BF minis, IMO.
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Post by Jamirae on Aug 26, 2016 20:00:59 GMT -5
Love this dress. Give it an "A" for overall value, versatility. Looks good on everybody.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 30, 2016 17:16:18 GMT -5
The issues I have with the BF mini mold I've brought up with the Mini Doll2 so won't repeat them. This doll is exactly the same from what I can see to the BF meet mini. Just a different outfit. Actually just a different dress and different color ribbons is all I can see that is different with this doll. She has the same pantaloons, socks and boots as Meet Mini Addy.
The dress is adorable. Very simple, but the color works well for Addy. I'd hoped that she would have gotten the school outfit which was the only regular new BF outfit Addy got other than the meet and nightgown. But AG chose to give her one of her older outfits--my guess is that it was a simpler, cheaper way to go. Pretty dress, but I'm disappointed that she, Josefina and Kaya are the only three who do not get a new BF outfit for the SE minis. With Josefina, not much choice, and some vindication with the complexity of the outfit chosen and the change in hair structure. With Addy, this is the simplest of her dresses, sigh. No hat for Addy which comes with the 18 inch version of this outfit. Disappointing.
So AG stuck a few cheap lilac ribbons in her hair and stuck the simplest dress to make for this SE mini . Takes me a few minutes to change the meet version to the SE. Not much work went into outfit for SE mini Addy.
Give this a B-. AG took an easy out with the choice of outfit and hair style for Addy. Not taking off for the BF changes of the mini since that was covered with the BF Mini and it's now a given. The dress is very pretty and flattering to the doll despite the fact it's not new and simple, without a hat that would have give it a bit of pizazz.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 30, 2016 16:31:24 GMT -5
I have both this BF mini Addy and the 2016 SE mini Addy here, and two dolls are just about identical. I really do not like the BF revision of the minis. I particularly do not like it when it comes to mini Addy. IMO, the whole reason for the minis is that they are miniatures of the 18 inch versions, and should look as much like them as possible. Changing the torso from cloth to vinyl eliminates a major AG feature right there. The other problem I have with these minis is that the faces have all been made to be more alike. The Classic mold is very much like the Josefina mold to the point that if you don't know what the mold a shown doll has, it's difficult to differentiate. The Addy mold has been altered to be more like the Josefina mold as well. The distinction of the Addy mold is not as prominent. Very disappointing to me. Another major change is that Addy's wonderful textured hair is now smooth. Another giving way to sameness among the minis Her part runs all the ways down the back of her head so if you take the hair out of the braids, it will be more difficult to wear loose. Also, the hair does not appear to be as black as the older minis and or as Addy's hair is. Perhaps it's the texture of the hair that shows the ripples of brown more. Ordinarily, I like that effect in AG hair, but this is another point away from the 18 inch Addy. We have a blander mini Addy here, IMO.
The other thing that is of great difference is her neck, She has a significantly longer neck than the older Addy. For some reason, the new minis, in the Josefina and Addy molds have an extra long neck. It doesn't help that the meet dress has a lower neck line either. Actually, when I put my BF mini Addy in the old pink meet dress, the longer neck does not look bad. But looks less like the big doll, IMO
This new mini also appears to have lighter eyes. Vinyl tone more mellow but could be a variation, and some rosiness in the cheeks that are an improvement.
The mini outfit is exquisite, but I am partial to that dress. I think it's similar to Cécile's red special dress, and I love that style. I'm thrilled that Addy has this new meet outfit and that I have this dress for my minis as well. It will get a lot of wear.
The pantaloons, socks and boots,are, again similar to the big dolls. An accurate representation there, and really I feel that's why I'm buying these minis. To get the look alike clothes.
I give this doll a C. The softening of the Addy features to be less distinct, the loss of hair texture, less flexibility in styling hair, the funny looking neck are serious drawbacks, and important ones. Not to mention loss of the the soft body. But she is a pretty doll, yes. The outfit I give a solid A which brings the doll up from D level.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 29, 2016 13:59:25 GMT -5
This is one of the best deals in the BF collection, IMO, even at full price. For $28, one gets a maxi dress, sandals, necklace, bracelet and scarf. The scarf can also be used as a shawl.
Yes, maxi dresses like that with similar prints and colors were part of the 70s.. But this is a great dress for Lea and other modern dolls too. The SE mini Julie doll is wearing this dress, so iff you want dolly-doll matches, snap them both up.
The quality of the dress, is typical AG good, the scarf and sandals, excellent IMO. Other pieces pure extras, and I love it. At $28, you are getting your money's worth and at 20% and 30% off sales, the set is a downright steal. Matching mini at $19 also good value.
The dress itself, well, I'm not into showing a lot of vinyl cloth transitions, and thecut of the dress does do that. I think the mini version of the dress did better to hide those parts of the doll. But with Julie's hair, the necklace and if you use the scarf as a shawl, that can be covered. Colors a bit away from traditional AG's with a lot of yellow in there and not that much pink and purple. Love the generic sandals and soft lilac scarf/shawl can be used for a number of outfits.
I give the dressa solid A.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 27, 2016 8:41:07 GMT -5
Mini Maryellen was released at Maryellen's debut in 2015.
The 6.5" Maryellen mini doll has hazel painted eyes and shiny strawberry-blond hair. Her smooth vinyl limbs are posable. She arrives in a tiny version of Maryellen's authentic 1950s outfit—a striped dress with bows, knit shrug, and black Mary Jane shoes. Includes a mini abridged version of the book The One and Only: A Maryellen Classic 1.
I was looking forward to this cutie for a long time because AG did release a stock photo of her early. They described her eyes as brown in the scrip that came with that photo, though they looked dark green. The doll also looked very much more like the older pre BF classic mold dolls in that the face shape was rounder, the eyes further apart and also the definition the eyes had. The new classic BF minis had more oblong faces that made them difficult to differentiate from the Josefina mold. A major problem I have with these new BF minis is that the classic mold ones do not look as much like the big dolls as they used to look. That and the vinyl bodies that are yet another departure from looking like true minis of the 18 inch versions were drawbacks to the new version.
But with mini Maryellen, it appears as though AG has remedied the situation. Though I suspect it just might be that the mold and factory used were different. No telling.
This is a sweet mini definitely worth getting especially during one of AG's sales. The outfit is very close to the 18 inch version complete with the hair ribbon and knit bolero! Right down to the double strap MaryJanes that are not that generic black one piece vinyl that the SE minis seem to be getting. The doll is adorable.
I'm thinking of getting a look alike wardrobe for this sweetie to match the big doll, though I've found some cute plaids and pieces that work for the 50s and for her in my stash. This one is a keeper and I'd get a few more of her except I have waaay too many minis. I love that the older mini Felicity, of which I have a number, can be her little sister Beverly, and an extra mini Josefina can be made into Angela, take ones pick from extra minis for the Karens, and you got a nice piece of that gang.
I give this mini an A. Done to look as much like the 18 inch doll as possible, very cute, all the little extras from the head (ribbon) to the toes(special shoes) and the bolero to boot. This is the best done of the minis, IMO, though SE mini Kit and Kaya are also up there.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 27, 2016 7:41:58 GMT -5
Of course, the SE mini Maryellen is wearing her most special dress, the Bridesmaid/Birthday dress that her mother has made for her. Did not expect anything else, though I'd have loved most any other outfit for her.
This outfit is as simple as they come, and all this mini gets is this one piece dress, panties and shoes. End of the matter. AG got chintzy cheap with the SE Rebecca and Maryellen in that they skipped the hair accessory. That they are in fancy attire makes the exclusion worse, IMO. They really should have included at least a ribbon, and I'll be looking for pieces for each of those minis to wear to complete the look. Very disappointing AG. Especially when the 18 inch doll is shown with her hair down rather than in the high ponytail. At least AG gave the meet mini a hair ribbon.
The SE mini Maryellen I have is virtually identical to the BF mini in the meet outfit. Just sligtly thinner hair maybe. Hard to say with that high pony tail that I will be taking down when I get some hair ribbon. I think they just took the very same doll and stuck her in the dress and shoes. The BF mini Josefinas were released under the same time constraint, but AG did bother to make to very different doll types. THis one was a quick and easy job, and I resent this.
Of course with no stockings which at least mini SE Rebecca got (in fairness so did the big Rebecca for that outfit), you are just about guaranteed to get scratches, dents or at best shiny spots from the stand that comes encasing this doll's legs.
I'll be commenting more on Mini Maryellen's face which is identical for all I can see to the meet mini which I'm also reviewing. The classic mold in this doll is much more like the older classic molds. THe eyes have the "spokes of wheel" lines radiating rom the pupil with two white dots which the mini BF Rebecca has and not the mini Kits or Samanthas. The face shape is more differentiated from the Josefina mold in this doll than the BF classic mold minis. Eyes also further apart. A much cuter look, IMO, more like the 18 inch versions and like the older classic mold minis I don't quite understand why this difference is here, but it is.
I give this doll a C- for AG giving it such a quick easy sloppy job For $28, they could have at least given her the ribbon and a different hair do. REally, AG.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 26, 2016 22:41:12 GMT -5
It took AG a very long time to come up with this doll even with just half a meet outfit. She just got a new skirt and sash. Everything else in her outfit is exactly the same as what the old mini Josefina had.
The revamp of this doll from the older version is not at all sextreem IMO. One of the less drastic changes in the face mold. Of course the body has been chaged and the face mold is slightly different, but really, it's not a huge difference. The eyes are a bit furthre apart and lack the "spokes" taht radiate from the older version is what I notice. Also slightly less rosy, but that could be an individual variation.
Give the doll a C. Nothing surprising or special with this doll. Nothing wrong with her either. Average product and the price is high for this doll at $25.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 26, 2016 22:34:41 GMT -5
I have the privilege of having two of these dolls along with the mini BF Josefina in the new meet outfit, all within a short time period. The quality varies and some feature vary even within the same doll type, even among the minis, though they are lot less complex than the 18 inch dolls. My two mini SE Josefinas differ in that one has a crooked part and one has a slightly fuller face than the other. Not huge differences, though the staggared part is annoying . A major difference between the SE mini and the meet version of Josefina, is that the part of the SE mini goes all the way back down the doll's head in order to accomodate the double braid hair style. The braided tucked under as we see with big Josefina in her Feast outfit is well done, and something I will not be taking apart. Would never get it looking the same again.
The outfit is one of my favorites for Josefinal and it is carried right through to the ribbons in the hair. Love the intricate ruffles on the camisa. I really did not think AG would pick this outfit for the SE mini because of the complexity, and I'm delighted that they did so. Almost makes up for the half new meet outfit of the BF version.
Very pretty doll. Like the BF Josefina mold, give AG lots of points for the more complex outfit and hair do, and give this doll a B+. Points taken off for the marks and scratches on her legs due to the stands which are pretty much a given for the bare legged SE minis due to them coming in those hard vinyl stands with casts that encase the legs. But this is one cute doll and IMO she makes the BF meet mini Josefina look downright drab.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 26, 2016 22:23:43 GMT -5
There are variations among the minis, and this SE mini Julie is no exception. The doll that most resembles this beauty is mini BF Rebecca. My SE mini Julie's part is not well centered and a lot of her roots show (not so attractive seeing those little wholes in the scalp. Very pretty doll, however. IMO, the BF mini Josefina mold is the best of the bunch with mini Kaya very close second. The classic mold didn't cut with me, though with Maryellen,it appears to be getting better
Mini SE Julie is a doe eyed beauty in her sleeveless BF maxi dress. I would have guessed that AG would have picked the her new lilac holiday dress instead, but I'm glad of their choice as it gives more color variety in clothes in the SE series. The best part of these minis for me, is their clothes, nd AG did not disappoint with this maxi dress on this min. Complete with undees, sandals and a thick ribbon rather than the scarf that the 18 inch version provides.
I give this doll a B, B-. Like her better than mini SEs Samantha and Rebecca. But for $28, a bit more care with the hair could have been done.
These minis come in their stands which are made of hard plastic, and yes, she has dents/ scratches from them as do the other minis whose bare legs are hitting the plastic of the stands.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 26, 2016 20:32:28 GMT -5
My mini SE edition of Kit does have some differences from the BF mini Kit, but I attribute this to the variations that occur within the line. Face shape is close enough, and my guess is that I could find the BF mini Kit in meet outfit that is more similar to the SE doll than the BF mini I have. My SE mini version is a prettier and superior doll, IMO, with lighter freckles, thicker, slightly longer hair and a bit more peach to the cheeks. This mini Kit still has the less round face shape, like the BF mini Samanthas, and the meet dressed mini Kit, which is a face shape much like the BF Josefina molds, something AG appears to have changed with mini Maryellen.
The big difference, of course, is the outfit. I like the polka dot outfit better on the mini than the 18 inch version. I'm glad AG scaled down the polka dots, wish they had not made the outfit all one piece. Bad enough that the 18 inch version has the skirt and blouse attached, the mini version has the vest attached as well. The detail is there right down to the buckle, unlike what AG did with mini SE Rebecca's outfit. Also mini SE Kit has a hair barrette, whereas AG left out mini SE Rebecca's hair accessory.
Unlike mini SE Samantha, AG gave this doll the same colored shoes as the 18 inch version. Still the cheap vinyl MaryJanes, but, at least similar to the big doll. No socks, but the 18 inch version doesn't have them either, nor do the meet dolls, both 18 inch and mini.
This is a cutie, that appeals to me more tthan the meet version. Worth $28... umm, maybe not. But at $19, I'd snap her up, even if I didn't collect minis. I'd actually hoped for the new Photographer outfit for this doll due to the cardigan included, and didn't care for the 18 inch version of the dress, so it was a pleasant surprise that I like this cutie. I give her a B, a higher mark than the mini SE Sam and mini mini Rebecca.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 26, 2016 19:48:08 GMT -5
I opened my new mini Rebecca in her periwinkle holiday dress, right about the same time I had my mini Lea out. The two dolls look very much alike, IMO. Soame face mold, about the same hazel eyes, brownish hair with the part at the same place and same style. Differences are that Lea has medium vinyl versus light, lighter hazel eyes for Lea vs darker for Rebecca, more golden blonde hair color for Lea as compared to Rebecca. The two minis that I have also were remarkably similar in the mold used, as compared to the SE Julie and Josefina that I have. Both of those dolls had nuances in face shape that were noticeable, something I could not discern between mini Lea and SE Rebecca. Regular BF mini Rebecca has a fuller space and shorter, tighter curls. She is also a bit darker in vinyl tone. I believe this newer SE version also has more hair, much thicker at the roots, IMO.
The dress is very pretty on the mini doll I like the mini version better than the 18 inch one. Detailing is not to scale and the laurel wreath buckle is missing, however, but doesn't look bad at all. The dress is made so that the skirt puffs out which is very attractive.The length is longer than most Rebecca dresses; this is the case with the 18 inch version as well. I wish AG had given this outfit shoes similar to the 18 inch set--instead the standard generic cheap black vinyl Mary Janes is what she got. Surprisingly, she does get bloomers on top of the tights, which SE mini Samantha did NOT get. What I wish AG had done, instead of including those bloomers which are unneccessary, IMO, was to give her the headband that mini SE Samantha did get. It's a lovely handband that goes with the 18 inch version of this dress, and I think this mini doll could have used something to keep her hair back. Very disappointed that this was left out.
I give the doll a C. Generic shoes, no hair band, no buckle and thinner hair detracts from what would have been a doll worth its $28 price tag. For $19, the sale price it had within the same quarter of its debut is more like it.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 21, 2016 11:41:24 GMT -5
I'm so glad that Ayla started a review of the SE 2016 minis! I have all of the mini Samantha versions in categories of glass eyed, painted eyed with pie wedge bangs, with the revised bangs, the BF mini, so I'll give my take on this new doll. First of all, this SE mini is identical to the BF Samantha mini in all regards, individual variations not withstanding. My criticism of the BF revisions still stand and can be read on that mini's review. No sense belaboring the points. The SE 2016 minis come in larger boxes with a clear plastic front, that do make it difficult to extricate the dolls without damaging the box or doll. However, yes, I succeeded with some difficulty. It can be done. For those who want to keep the box for resale purposes, that may be of note. With most of the front clear plastic, one can also see most of the doll if you want to display the doll in the box, something not doable with the old boxes where there was only that little bit for the dolls' faces to show. But other than resale and display purposes, the box is not useful, IMO, unlike the better made, sturdier, older boxes that can be used handily for storage of little things and furniture building. This new box is flimsy. These new minis come already in their stands which are made of hard plastic "casts" that go around the legs of the dolls. My mini Sam does not have any marks on her legs, probably because of the thick stockings she's wearing. The Josefina and other dolls who have stands encasing their bare legs all have scratches and/or dents. The same goes for all the other minis I placed in the older version of these stands that encase the legs on the mini shelves. Every single one with bare legs show marks. Some of the ones with stockings covering their legs do not, though even some of those show markings. Since I am looking at the stockings right now to check on her legs, I can tell you that the stockings are thick and good quality. Not going to run easily. Very nice. No panties for the doll which is fine, as it would have added thickness to the doll, not needed at this scale. Big disappointment with the shoes. The 18 inch version of the Special dress has burgundy shoes; the mini has the same old standard black rubber Mary Janes that one can find manywhere. I would have loved for this doll to have matched the 18 inch doll as much as possible and the shoes would have been very nice. Nope. This dress is a favorite of mine among the BF Samantha outfits. Love the dress. So I was delighted that AG picked this dress for the SE minis. The fabric looks to me to be the same one used for "big" Sam but the print is small enough that it remains in decent scale for the mini. Care was taken to sew tucks on to the bodice to give it a similar effect as the bigg dress, and the lace was abbreviated, again to give the same effect. It would have been wonderful had AG just made the tinier dress all to scale, but they did not, but did take trouble to give it details for a similar effect. I'm pleased with the dress and will love having it for a number of my minis. My SE mini Samantha has okay hair. Easy to style in place. Not the best among minis for hair volume and length. THis can vary from doll to doll, I have found, when buying multiples of the same mini. I am seeing this right now with mini Lea. I'm hoping that the second SE mini Sam I've ordered has better hair. It's purely a chance thing, especially with these SE dolls since you cannot get a good look at the hair as you could with the older minis, loose in their boxes. Gorgeous doll. I got one with no flaws in facial painting. Her vinyl is a bit duskier, more buff than some light vinyled minis I have, but definitely lighter than mini Lea. Her face shape is closer to the Josefina mold minis than it is to the older Mini Samanthas, and mini Maryellen. Her eyes are also closer together than I like, but this is the same situation with the BF mini Samanthas. Yes, she is a bit taller than most of my cloth bodied mini Samanthas, and definitely taller than nearly all of my glass eyed minis, but the early glass eyed ones were made smaller. She and mini Isabelle and mini 25th Anniversary Samantha are the same size. She is a bit shorter than mini Lea and mini Josefina, and I suspect that's due to the classic face shape. These minis are priced at $28 including a stand. Frankly, given the prices of Mattel dolls in the Barbie line, and what OG is charging for the mini Lori dolls, this is too much. The $19 price tag is more in line. Because I collect the minis, I am willing to pay the price even when I don't think the doll is intrinsically worth it, and I do not. FOr the price, I give the doll a B to C, which is a bit of an upgrade from what I gave the first BF mini Sama. For the price AG is asking, the doll really should have gotten a better quality box, more a keepsake quality, the shoes should have been burgundy, not to mention the already belabored (on my BF mini Sam review) issues of the new mini line. That the stands cause markings and dents is really a fail on part of AG as they want this line to be a collectible one. However, it is wonderful to get a mini of the AG doll, and in one of the pretty new dresses. That AG is offering that opportunity, is great, IMO. But what they have done is average, in outcome, IMO. I think the inflated price was done to leave room for discounts, which have already happened less than 3 months after the dolls were released. Quite the disincentive for us collectors to buy right away when AG pulls this sort of thing.
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 15, 2016 15:18:52 GMT -5
I agree with @wickfield that the embroidery on the slippers would have been more welcome on the nightgown, but I still like this new piece for Josefina. Not as much as the older one which also could serve as a very nice and needed long sleeved camisa, but this one does bring a new color to Josefina's tops with it's beige/off white, and can also be used as a camisa, though the straight line bodice makes it a bit more awkward. It is priced at $24, just like Addy's and Samantha's summer night gowns, and like Sam's new BF night gown, only has the faux leather slippers as the extra accessory for that price. It would have been nice had AG added a hair accessory as well, but they did not.
I give this a B as opposed to the A. the older gown would have gotten despite its lack of slippers because of the wealth of use the older one can get as a long sleeved camisa.
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 15, 2016 15:01:08 GMT -5
Though a pretty nightgown, I did hesitate picking up this one since Sam's old nightgown is really such a thin material, not winter fare. But NY summers do get hot, so I got this sleeveless one that will also look pretty with her kimono robe. Also think it's a very nice gown for modern dolls to wear as well.
The slippers are similar to Nellie's; I could not find Sam's original knitted sock/bootie slippers that came with her kimono, but these are more pragmatic , I think, to go with the robe. I may not have the older slippers at all, come to think of it.
At $24, this is priced as many such night sets are and I'd have left it as that except I picked up Addy's at the same time and opened both boxes just now, and really, AG,...why no little bow or other little extra for the same price? With the embroidery, sleeves, the cute slippers and bows with combs on them, TWO of them all for the same price when it came to Addy's set, and just the sleeveless nightie and slippers for Sam seems to be a bit sparse. In all fairness, Josefina's set is the same, just a night gown and slippers. Maybe the material in the slippers is more substantial. Or maybe it's just to even out the cost without making everything equal.
So I give this a B. It's pretty, works with the prior robe, sleeveless so can be a summer nightgown, has a fitted look, a different type of slippers, but a bit slim for what it's offering as compared to Addy's.
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 15, 2016 14:47:35 GMT -5
I finally got around to opening up this nightgown for my sweet Addy. This is a very pretty summer nightgown with a lot of intricate embroidery, lace and a bit of ribbon. Some cap sleeves, a generous cut for a full dress, and an intricate neckline are some highlights of this white nightgown with blue and spring green trim. It comes with knit sock slippers in light blue with bows in the front and scallop at the top of the bootie. As a bonus, there are two bows with combs for Addy's hair--not sure why they would go with night clothes, but a welcome additon to AG Hair wear, and would work very well with Addy's styles. Not only are the bows "extras" as compared to any number of the night sets, but they are more intricate than most of the bows and hair pieces that come with outfits. That the set is priced still at $24 and including this extra, and what I think are more detailed slippers than usual, makes it a very good deal. It's also a very nice night gown that can be worn by any of the dolls without being out of era, IMO. A modern girl would love such a nightie and knit boot slippers. I am, in fact, seeing how these will work with Rebecca's blue robe.
I give this a solid A all around.
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Post by Jamirae on Jan 13, 2016 20:41:50 GMT -5
I just got my mini Lea, also at Target. Didn't see her at Amazon, and my B&N order was pushed back. I usually get these minis closer to the release of the big doll, so this is late for me.
She looked exactly as expected from the early leaked version. No way could one predict 18 inch Lea's eyes from the mini. They easily could have been a gray. Unlike a number of the earlier BF minis and mini Grace, her eyes have "spokes of a wheel" type rays emanating from the pupil in a shade different from the base eye color. THis gives the doll a starker expression, IMO. She has few lashes and thicker ones than what Mini Grace has. She seems to be a bit lighter and yellower in vinyl tone as compared to mini Josefina, the only other medium complexioned mini doll. She also has fuller lips than the other mini of her face mol and I think they are lighter in color, though it could be the contrast with the vinyl coloring and the fact that there is more of that color there than usual
I got two of them and they do vary a bit. A slight flaw in the lips of one of them, paint maybe chipped off or scraped off, easily fixable. One slightly fulller faced and hair a lot thicker than the other. They were side by side on a shelf at B&N, the only two there. I daresay one is a bit blonder than the other too.
Very pretty doll, and going to be lots of fun. Though I wish AG had kept the cloth body so that these minis would be more like the 18 inch dolls, that the body is now all vinyl makes it easier to find and fix some other clothes for these dolls. I found some Sparkle doll outfits at $1.99 apiece at WalMart that with a stitch and snip or two, fit the minis well. Some cute things that serve Lea particularly well.
As with big Lea, the dress pattern can look quite different from doll to doll. For both dolls's dresses the pattern lined up perfectly, and but for one, the look was primarily pink, and the other had more yellow. the yellow sunlike print just didn't make it on the one dress. For the mini, it's not such a big deal, but it could change the whole look I would think, on the bigger doll
The legs of the minis seem to be more splayed apart when standing now, and it really seems to show on mini Lea for some reason.
This is only the second GOTY mini with the plastic body, I believe. I think I prefer mini Grace due to the expression and the lip coloring looking more natural. Mini Grace's eyes are not so blank looking.I think slightly darker lips for Leah wouuld have helped too, and not as big. The exaggerated splayed legs also bug me, though I'm hoping they come together a bit in time. A stint in the mini doll stands might do it.
Very reasonable way to get a piece of the GOTY action, and with some DIY, one can make a Lea world more easily and inexpensively than getting into the 18 inch stuff. I am happy that AG is making GOTY minis.
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Post by Jamirae on Jan 12, 2016 21:46:23 GMT -5
"Her doll will be all set for an elegant holiday party with a festive red dress."
This was one of the holiday outfits for 2015. The set includes a sleeveless red dress with a full short skirt, red hair band and shiny black tee strap shoes for $36. It was the one most often shown with the holiday accessories which included a black shrug this year.
Didn't much like this dress. It looked and felt cheap and skimpy. Liked the other dress, the Gorgeous Gold more, though close examination showed it wasn't particularly well made either. The other outfit also came with a purse, an extra piece for the same price. The masses seemed to agree with me since the Gorgeous Gold sold out in a lot of places, and this dress was reduced to half price along with the Holiday Accessory set. At $18, it's a good deal.
Actually, this dress really looks good on Grace, GOTY. Color is great for her, and the style suits her well. Though the skirt is very short, too short, IMO, that is what I noticed a lot of little girls wearing this holiday season. I prefer this more tailored dress to the last red holiday dress from 2013. It's just that for the price, it needed to offer more pizzaz and really should have had another piece included, and it just didn't do either.
I give this out fit a C- at full price, B+ at 20% off and A- at half price.
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