|
Post by MrsMac on Nov 8, 2009 14:45:03 GMT -5
I recently purchased the fashion show exclusive capri outfit, the accessories set (Goody bag and bracelet to match the ones the girls attending the show get as well as a pair of pink sneakers) and the doll size pink mini tote with the fashion show logo. Though there is a slight colour difference between the hem of the capris and the shirt I probably wouldn't have even noticed it if I hadn't read reviews here already and it certainly doesn't bother me. (After all, the shoes are a slightly different pink as well but since they are all bright pink they coordinate nicely.) Please note that each fashion show seems to set its own prices for the souvenirs. I paid $12 for the capri outfit (I've seen them for $15 as well), $7 for the doll tote (they also sold a girls version for $25) and $10 for the accessories set. (There was a hair accessories set available with fringe-y pony holders and pink and red claw clips as well for $8.) First, the outfit... This is fitted and I wouldn't even think of trying to fit a PM girl into it! The knit fabric on the pants is a nice weight but you have to readjust after the dolls have been sitting or it rides up a bit. The doll shirt is a match to the girls shirts they sell at the fashion shows so my daughter was thrilled to have another matching doll/girl outfit. The doll accessories... I like the low cut of the sneakers and the pink will go with a lot of the other AG outfits (much to some collector's chagrin). The doll bracelet is, again, a match to the one the girls who attend the fashion shows get in their goody bags and is cleverly made, loosening and tightening with a pull on the end of the strings. (It only fits on the doll's left hand, though, being just a tad too small for the right.) The paper goody bag itself is an exact match for the girl's and looks cute with the t-shirt since it has the peach stars on it as well. The doll tote... I love these little totes and this pink one is no exception. It, too, has the peach shooting star motif to match the t-shirt. Here is Rose modeling all the fashion show goodies!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Oct 14, 2009 19:26:05 GMT -5
I love Kit's trunk (which is actually Rebecca's trunk at our house). I didn't expect it to be made of heavy wood (since it's supposed to be a steamer trunk made for traveling and those weren't designed to be heavy or they wouldn't have been able to move them). The masonite exterior is incredibly sturdy and the faux leather covering is really beautiful. The heavy cardboard drawers are well made and hold up to use. I understand why the lid comes off now and though I would prefer a one piece construction it makes sense to make it safe for kids. This is an absolutely gorgeous display piece and provides a ton of storage. Considering Rebecca's tiny trunk with a few clothing items is $100, $159 could be considered a good price for a big trunk like this!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Oct 7, 2009 17:02:52 GMT -5
I was lucky enough to get Lindsey the Ice Dance outfit (in wonderful condition, complete with everything but the skate guards) from a friend who was ready to pass it on. This outfit consists of the blue velvet skate dress with a sparkly two tier skate skirt and bead trim at neckline and wrists, the white fur trim skates with sparkle accents in the fur and in the blue laces, a beaded headband, a gold medal on a red, white and blue ribbon, a fuzzy blue teddy bear (after so long this is hard to find) and the aforementioned sparkly skate guards.
The level of detail on the skate dress is amazing! The powder-y blue colour is flattering (especially to Lindsey), the two fabrics work well together and the beaded trim is gorgeous. The fit, however, is a bit of a problem. This outfit didn’t come with tights and now I understand why: the dress is so tight underwear and tights have to go by the wayside to get it one (and even if you can stuff your doll into the dress with tights on they show through the front…not pretty). The velcro in the back is the kind that likes to stick to everything and it’s hard to get the dress on without it catching on the skirt. This dress could present problems for kids unless they are super patient and careful. As a collector, there is no real way to hide the stand gripper under the dress but that doesn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. (There’s no way the doll can balance on the skates without a stand.)
Here is a close up of the skirt
The skates are nice and heavy and they have some detail to them (with the sparkly fur and blue laces) that make them complement the dress rather than just being standard white skates.
The headband is heavily beaded and beautiful, though the huge American Girl tags on the side will have to go.
The medal is real metal, nicely detailed and heavy; the red, white and blue ribbon opens to go around the doll’s neck and closes with Velcro.
I have to admit it, the teddy bear cinched the sale for me with this outfit. He’s fluffy, he sparkles (there are little sparkly bits in his fur) and he reminds me of Oscar the Grouch. Lindsey is in love and so am I.
I'd give this outfit an A- since the velcro and fit issues are a concern. Overall, though, this outfit is a reminder of how really nice American Girl quality can be.
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Oct 1, 2009 11:04:50 GMT -5
Tons of these were returned last year at the the AG store I worked at. They were not of very high quality, one of the bolts just snaps when a child tries to pull it. I was going to buy it with my discount and passed when I saw them coming back early. Which is why I said in my review that it is definitely just a display piece and wouldn't stand up to play. The quality of the piece is actually wonderful; it just isn't sturdy and must be handled with care. There is so much attention to detail on the sleigh and visually it is stunning. But it is mine, not my girls, and they were told in no uncertain terms that they weren't to play with it. I don't mind the fact that it is purely for holiday display and it was worth the cost to integrate my dolls into my Christmas decor. If you really want to play with it, though, then no, you shouldn't buy it because it will probably break the first time you try and pull it around the room.
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Sept 29, 2009 22:23:25 GMT -5
I was lucky enough to get the Holiday Sleigh last October for my birthday. (Well, it actually arrived in late November thanks to being backordered.) I must say, it's absolutely beautiful...and BIG. This takes up a lot of room in storage (you really have to keep it in the box in the original molded styrofoam to keep the pieces from breaking) and requires a lot of room to display but I think it's worth it. The colours are gorgeous (I actually like the black with silver body better than the red of Samantha's Central Park sleigh) and the details are amazing, from the red quilted velvet seats to the little bells on the sleigh poles and harness. Though it is made of metal (with leather reins and harness), the pieces must be treated very gently because they can break easily and there is no way a child could put this together on their own or hook a horse up. (I have Penny and had to finagle the harness over the one that came on her, which took forever.) I also doubt if it would survive much real play. As a display piece for the holidays to show off two dolls comfortably, though, the sleigh can't be beat.
The one thing I really would change (what were they thinking?) in this set is the lap robe. It's small, so only one doll can use it, and it's WHITE. Given that it is faux fur on one side and a satin material on the other it would no doubt get dirty easily and be difficult to clean. Totally useless. I ended up buying the plaid and dark "fur" lap robe from Samantha's sleigh to use with mine and I like it so much better.
If you have the room to store and display it and don't mind spending a big chunk of change for something that will be strictly for display the sleigh is definitely worth it. It really helped integrate my dolls in to my holiday decorating and I can't wait to get it out again this year. If you have a cat, though, be forewarned: I spent ages shooing my cat off the dolls' laps as the sleigh seems to be the perfect place for a nap!
Here are some pictures
Right out of the box...it's huge!
Ready to hitch up the horse
The red velvet quilted seat is gorgeous
Ready for a sleigh ride - just need passengers
My daughter's dolls take it out for a test drive
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Sept 20, 2009 12:45:38 GMT -5
Here's a picture of the phone set I took when my daughter's #32 arrived last year so you can see what you get.
Yes, it's cute but I wouldn't pay $20 for it alone. My daughter had to have earrings and the phone since it was all new but I don't think she's played with it much since then. There has to be a cheaper equivalent; I'm going to go look at all the OG play sets now!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Aug 16, 2009 15:43:22 GMT -5
I purchased this goody bag on eBay, where it was described as being the "deluxe" goody bag for parties held at AGPNY. My daughters and I just love all the neat little items included and they have all laid claim to part of it. (I, of course, kept the cute t-shirt!). The bright pink and white daisy motif cardboard "bag" with handles contained:
1 Light pink doll size shirt with dark pink daisies and "American Girl Place" logo on the front
1 T-shirt shaped notepad (which looks just like above)
1 Daisy shaped cardboard frame
1 Bright pink zippered vinyl case
1 Ribbon bracelet with velcro closure and daisy accent
1 Mini poster book (at 5.5" x 7.75" the perfect size to put in your locker at school according to my oldest girls)
1 Sticker sheet
1 bright pink hair elastic (headband length)
I give this goody bag a solid "A," mostly because I absolutely love the pink t-shirt and the cosmetic bag (which made my 13 year old so happy). This is definitely the nicest goody bag I've ever seen from AGP!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Aug 16, 2009 15:28:31 GMT -5
I just got the new revised Doll Souvenir set from AGP Chicago. It contains 1 pair of white socks (with red stripe), 1 white and red striped belt, 2 red hair bands, 1 star charm, 2 clear glitter star hair clips, 1 stretchy band watch and red high tops with embroidered dots at the side and striped soles. The cost for all this cute stuff is $12 (the SKU is PLDA2.) The shoes and hair clips are adorable though I probably won't use the rest of the items much. Given the special AGP box, though, I think this would make a wonderful gift with great bang for the buck. Here is a picture of what you get along with a close up of the new shoes:
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Aug 16, 2009 15:21:55 GMT -5
I just got these from AGP Chicago after being reassured by Ingrid, the Personal Shopper, that the fit problems had been corrected and they were no longer too tight. I love them! They fit perfectly on Rose (a newer #25) WITH underwear on and are a nice, soft light denim fabric. Well worth the price since I love to mix and match tees and jeans for the dolls.
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Aug 4, 2009 22:09:12 GMT -5
I just received my Kailey from another board member and I am so glad I decided to get her. She's GORGEOUS! Yes, her hair is a bit thinner in back (no pigtails for this girl) but the glorious colour makes up for it - with long, soft, shiny highlighted hair like hers you want it keep it down so you can admire it anyway. I talked myself out of buying Kailey for the longest time and I'm glad I finally caved.
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Aug 4, 2009 21:28:11 GMT -5
Thanks to a wonderful trade with mnagfan, my Rose is now the proud owner of the new American Girl Butterfly Mini Doll Tote (which coordinates beautifully with the AG Mall of America t-shirt and AG Pretty Party Earrings Set she got as well, as you can see by the pictures). The mini tote is the same fabric (vinylized canvas) and style as the red mini tote that featured all the AG Place city names but features a new colour (hot pink), pattern (peach-y orange and yellow flowers and butterflies) and has the American Girl star logo on the front. There's an inner snap to hold a mini doll in securely (like the girl size version) but Rose prefers to take hers shopping, finding it comfortable to carry on her shoulder or in her hand (with a little help from some clear rubber bands). The SKU number for this item is F9074-KF1B and it retails for $8.00.
I absolutely LOVE this tote and give it an A+!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Apr 4, 2009 12:28:33 GMT -5
AGR asked me to post my comparison of Lindsey's pin (received when my Lindsey had her head replaced early in 2009) with Mia's blue rhinestone pin (from her hair accessories set) and a regular mini bobby pin. Here it is...
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Jan 23, 2009 14:16:55 GMT -5
I have both the new and old Hanukkah sets and I much prefer the menorah in the new one! The holes seem to be drilled deeper so the candles actually stay in place (though it takes more work to get them in). With the old set, the candles fall out if you so much as breathe on them; the new ones stayed in place all month without my having to fix them even once!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Jan 22, 2009 14:33:00 GMT -5
My daughter purchased this set with her Christmas money and we noticed the zipper pulls have been changed from the original star shaped ones. Here is a photo of my older backpack and hers, side by side; as you can see, nothing has changed but the pulls.
And a close up of the new flat star imprinted pull
My daughter loved the set and was happy with her purchase, but since the pictures on the AG website still show the old style pulls I thought I would document the change her for future reference. This backpack is sturdy and will hold up to years of play so it should be around for quite awhile, one way or another!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Jan 13, 2009 16:43:14 GMT -5
I have Emily's snowsuit but I have been contemplating sending it back. I was disappointed with how mustard-y the yellow was in person and since I already have Molly's skating outfit, she doesn't really need this. I noticed there was a substantial price increase as of the first, too!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Dec 1, 2008 16:10:28 GMT -5
I found Miss AG Bear and a passel of her little "mimi me"s on eBay and when she arrived I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this bear. (And I used to collect the high priced Steiff and Merrythought bears, so I am very picky!) She's made of a nice medium weight plush, has jointed arms and legs and sits up nicely. The nightshirt is well made, has three real buttons covering a snap closure and the old multi colour abstract girl logo on a black patch on the front. The matching headwrap thing is a bit odd, though. (When my husband saw Miss AG Bear peeking out of her shipping box he asked me where I got the "gangsta bear." He has now renamed her "TwoPaw Shakur." ) Big Miss AG Bear has passed the biggest bear test of all, though: the snuggle test. Every one of my three girls picked her up and cuddled her the minute they saw her (and all three then tried to talk me into letting them keep her). She has been sitting on my desk for a few days now and she gets picked up and hugged at least 4 or 5 times a day. The mini version is just as cute! There is a definite difference in the colour of the big and mini Miss AG Bear's nightshirts (the big bear's is a definite teal with green undertones while the mini bears' nightshirts are a true turquoise blue) and the "buttons" are simply large round beads sewn on the front above the old AG logo. Mini bear's arms and legs are jointed, and she has velour paw pads, button eyes and an embroidered mouth, nose and "claws" just like her larger counterpart. She stands about 5 1/2" tall. Here are the two versions of Miss AG Bear together A close up of the mini bear And my daughter's picture of the AG Bears together
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Nov 28, 2008 16:42:58 GMT -5
I just got the case as a replacement part (which means it was just tossed into a bag and into a cardboard shipping box with no wrapping) and it arrived in mint condition. I have another one 9the whole set) on the way; I'll have to check it carefully when it arrives!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Nov 14, 2008 13:54:19 GMT -5
I LOVE this outfit! It's a definte A in my book. It comes with:
A purple snow jacket with a lavender (snap front) belt and white top stitch detailing and an embroidered snowflake on the shoulder.
Grey snow pants with a white floral-and-scroll pattern screen print.
Lavender cable knit hat with a brim.
Purple snow mittens with lavender trim at cuff.
Ubiquitous hanger (the new all white version)
"Snickerdoodle" book with story about a girl named Kayla who gets teased about her last name constantly (including at snowboarding camp). It also has a glossary of "snow board speak" and blank pages with a snowboard outline so girls can design their own.
My impressions on opening the box: The jacket is a pretty deep shade of purple and I love the little belt detail. Be careful not to pull on it, though, because it is sewn in one small place in the back and could tear off easily. The velcro runs all the way up the front opening, which will make it nice and fitted. The snow pants aren't a true grey as they appear in the picture; they are more of a pretty lavender grey with the white pattern overlayed. The lavender knit hat is the same pattern and basic construction as the red one in the Scarlet & Snow outfit, only shorter, done with a different edge trim and a brim. The mittens are, well, mittens. I like the fact that they are the same slick material as the jacket (not knitted or regular fabric).
Remember that the boots don't come with this outfit (they are part of the accessory set) so if you are like me and don't want the snoboarding stuff you will need to substitute something. I ordered the Winter Weekend boots as a replacement part and they look really cute with it.
I will post pictures soon.
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Oct 12, 2008 21:08:09 GMT -5
My oldest daughter fell in love with this doll the minute she debuted and begged for her for her birthday. I was pleasantly surprised when she arrived; Charlotte (as she is now named) is even prettier in person. We got the doll with the pierced ears, earring set and the cell phone and accessories. Here is our review - with lots of pictures!
Charlotte's hair is a honey blonde (rather than a light yellow blonde like #27) and her eyes are blue. She has the nice single layer bangs (which I love) and nice full sides; the back is a bit thinner than the sides but it's not really thin and looks very nice left down. With this wig, you can shake the doll with her hair down and when it settles you can't see through it. (Unlike my Jess, who suffers from premature alopecia and can only wear her hair in ponies or braids, poor dear.) My old #25 didn't have hair much thicker than this in back and #32 has the added bonus of the little shorter hairs in back so she can wear her pulled to the side without a problem.
We love the changeable earrings, too. The doll comes with a basic set of silver studs - hearts, round balls and stars (you actually end up with two sets of the stars since the doll comes with those in her ears, too) and three sets of earring jackets you can use to change the look (hoops, heart and stars). We love the hoops with the studs or stars best; I don't think Charlotte will be wearing the other earrings much. (We also got a set of the party earrings, which are much prettier and colourful.)
The hole in the ear is big but it holds the earrings in nicely and makes them easier (and safer, since the ends of the posts are blunt) for kids to get in and out.
I have to say I am in love with the new meet outfit! This outfit is actually something my girls would wear. The capri leggings and ballet flats have great mix and match potential...I'd definitely buy this outfit all on its own.
Here Charlotte is, straight out of the box,
I'd give this doll an A overall. There really isn't anything about her I would change and my daughter is madly in love with her...what more can you ask for?
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Aug 1, 2008 20:07:38 GMT -5
I got this outfit at a truly bargain price on eBay and was thrilled when it arrived in the mail. The red, white and blue colour scheme is my favourite of all the cheer outfits they've made - and it doesn't have the ubiquitous "AG" on it! The pieces are beautifully made - the red star is embroidered, the top fits snugly but isn't tight, the striped trim lies flat and the skirt is a nice weight material and has a zipper in back rather than velcro. (The top has the usual velcro closing.) The Pompons are attached to soft fuzzy elastics (similar to the ones used for very little girls' hair) and are easy to hold. The white sneakers are versatile and will go with just about anything (and show no yellowing after 7-10 years). Jess and I give this outfit an A!
This set originally came with white panties but alas, ours did not. (Don't worry, Jess supplied her own.)
The skirt has a zipper rather than velcro for a nice flat look.
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on Jun 19, 2008 18:14:33 GMT -5
Coconut's first beach set (Coconut's Beachside Accessories) was retired in 2006 but it must have been popular because this new set is simply a variation on a theme. The 2008 version introduces new colours and has one less toy to get lost in the sand but it is just as cute.
This set consists of
One inflatable purple beach ring with purple, maroon and white rope trim around the edges held on with maroon strips and bearing the name "SS DOG PADDLE."
One white sailor hat with maroon piping.
One maroon plastic sand pail with white metal handle and blue and white wave accent. Coconut can hold this in her mouth.
One orange plastic lobster toy (with magnet back so Coconut can hold this, too).
As you can see from the picture, the beach ring inflates in the typical fashion (only it's small so you don't get dizzy blowing it up); mine has been inflated over a month and is still nice and full.
I got this set with a free shipping code as a last minute add on to my order and I'm glad I did. It's looks cute with my summer beach themed display and is worth the $14 I spent! I give it an A!
|
|
|
Post by MrsMac on May 20, 2008 13:11:34 GMT -5
It was 85 degrees today so Coconut and Licorice decided to try out the retired Seaside Friends Set we just purchased on eBay. ($12 to $15 plus shipping is the average eBay selling price as of this posting.) This set consists of:
One bright cabana striped fringed towel to keep Licorice and Coconut's paws off the hot sand
One pink lei with matching flower headpiece
One blue lei with matching flower headpiece
One magnetic starfish
One pair of pink sunglasses (same style as the 2008 Coconut Garden Set but a lighter pink)
One small sheet of temporary tattoos
This set is perfect for summer and I love the fact that it has accessories for both Coconut and Licorice; those who don't have Licorice can simply use the extra lei and flower headpiece on their dolls. The beach towel is a bright, beautiful cabana stripe and at 6" x 6" is the perfect size to do double duty as a comfy spot to sit a doll. I wish the sunglasses fit the dolls, too, but alas, they are too small. The temporary tattoos are cute and my daughters all tried to claim them the minute I opened the box.
I confess, though...I really bought this set for the starfish. I love the magnetic mouth feature and the starfish is just too cute no matter who is holding it!
Overall, I would give this set an A. I like the fact that Coconut, Licorice or the dolls can use parts of it seperately or together. Considering replacement leis for the doll's Island Luau set run $4 each alone from AG the price of this set (even on the secondary market) seems more than reasonable considering all you get.
Besides, look at those happy faces, ready for fun in the sun!
|
|