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impy
Travel in Style Dress // $28
Item #FCP23
This adorable travel outfit is just right for exploring the city and seeing the sights! The trench-style belted dress features a functioning placket and shoulder-tab details. Her ballet shoes feature contrast toe caps and bows, and a printed headband completes her look.
AG's theme for this release is travel, btw. That'll come more into play with the accessories/playsets, but this outfit is part of it. But when I look at it, all I hear is, "Did you like Grace's coat but thought that it would make an awesome dress if you chopped off the sleeves? Well have we got an outfit for you!" This isn't a new critique as it's been mentioned each time some variation of the dress appeared on the grey market. I'm glad the final color was purple and not the weird pink that kept popping up and should I ever buy it, it'll be because purple... and I did like Grace's coat.
Travel in Style Accessories // $28
Item #FCP37
When adventure calls, she'll be ready! This set includes basic necessities that every traveler needs before embarking for their next exciting destination:
A plush travel pillow to support her neck for a nap
A mini American Girl magazine
A pretend camera with a reversible neckstrap
A pretend passport, plane ticket, and train ticket
A pretend banana
Doll-sized sunglasses
A travel case with a zip closure
Pardon me while I take a moment to adore the picture of not!Emily showing all the stuff off. Really, it's one of AG's better non-catalog shots.
Anyway, I'm cackling over here because one of the things Mums brought back from her trip to VA was a banana. Just random and amusing me, really. This isn't a bad set, and it's got enough stuff that isn't something you could just print and make yourself (ahem, AG magazine/tickets) to make it seem like you're getting more than you really are. It's cute and who doesn't love a doll camera?
Travel in Style Luggage // $36
Item#FCP21
After packing her favorite outfits, she's ready to roll! Her suitcase features easy-rolling wheels, clasp closures, and an extendable handle. A luggage tag allows her to make it personal with a pretty gold-foil sticker. Her two-strap tote bag can carry more travel essentials.
Did I ever buy Grace's luggage? Eh, I don't remember. If I did, I have no need for this, and if I didn't, I probably still have no need for this. The colors clash (red and that shade of blue have no business mixing, even with gold trying to keep them apart) and honestly, I'm good. I don't begrudge the idea of the set, even if it's just Grace's suitcase in a different color but it's not for me.
Grand Hotel // $275
Item# FKM88
This doll-sized hotel offers two-sided play, and it folds up for easy storage. Comes with all the things you'd find in a real hotel room: ice bucket, mini fridge, hair dryer, and lots more! Featuring more than 50 pieces, this set includes:
A wooden hotel-room scene with windows, a vanity, and a working lamp on one side, and a luxurious hotel-lobby scene on the other
A bed with a mattress, comforter, bolster pillow, two ruffled pillows, and a throw pillow with the American Girl logo
A table and pretend phone
A pretend crystal vase that holds a bouquet of pretend daisies
A movable dresser that transforms into a lobby check-in desk
A "do not disturb" sign
Two pink towels with star embroidery
A pretend hairdryer that fits into a holder on the vanity
Reversible posters and window inserts
A cushioned bench
A welcome basket with pretend chocolates
A toiletry box with faux soap, shampoo, cotton swabs, and a nail file
An ice bucket and tongs, a water glass, and two pretend bottles of water
A guest directory folder, a note pad and pen, and a service bell
Warning, video on autoplay if you click the link. This is one of those pieces where I'm torn between thinking it's pretty awesome, if one ignores the price, and feeling a disconnect between the AG I remember as both a kid and not all that long ago (well, ten years) and the AG of today. I'm not normally the type to be all "Mattel, why you ruin everything?!" when it comes to AG because I don't think it's true and also it's obnoxious. However, I do vividly remember when you'd look at AG stuff and it wasn't primarily plastic. And everything about this is not only plastic, but the kind that screams, "Look at me, I'm plastic!"
Which makes sense, given that you're basically transforming the playset back and forth and I don't think they could do that trick as easily with non-plastic. Soooooo... I get it and I get that if they could and they did use other materials the price tag that's already pretty pricey would be doubled but still.
Huh. I went back to look at a thread on PT and apparently there's more wood going on here than it appears... and also the blasted thing has broken on at least one person, if not more. That's... sigh. More than one person, who isn't one of the "Mattel ruined everything!" types, has expressed concern for the construction of this thing.
Mostly, this is making me wish I'd known I could've gotten Caroline's Parlor when it went on super clearance. But it's also giving me hope that one day AG will make something similar.
Grand Hotel Luggage Cart // $50
Item# FCP22
Upon arrival at the hotel, an adorable furry bellhop with a fancy cart is ready to assist guests to their room. The cart features easy-rolling wheels, a hanging bar that swivels, an American Girl shopping bag, a garment bag, and helpful Coconut wearing a charming red hat and jacket.
Lest you think AG has stopped pricing things with complete disregard for reality, let me show you the Luggage cart. This thing is pictured in the shots of the actual hotel but it's a separate entity. That's kinda messed up, AG. Also, Coconut there looks a little deranged which means I have a mighty need but I will not be spending $50 on a little dog in a bellhop costume.
Grand Hotel Room Service Set // $34
Item# FCP36
One of the best things about staying at a hotel is ordering room service, and this set has everything a hungry hotel guest will need for breakfast! It includes:
A golden tray with hinged legs that fold up and a cloth to line the tray
Mini pretend salt-and-pepper shakers
A two-sided room service menu card
A vase with two fabric flowers
A chrome platter and lid to hold the pretend food: a cinnamon roll, a clump of mixed berries and fruit, and bacon
A pretend glass of orange juice
A plate, a metal fork and knife, and a napkin
And now a moment for me to just be completely nitpicky. There are three shades of gold that tend to get used in Mattel's plastic world and I have a very serious preference. There's the gold that's really just flippin' yellow and not even trying. I loathe that one the most. There's this gold where it just looks old and dirty. I'm not a fan. And then there's the gold metallic stuff that's probably brittle as hell but at least looks flippin' gold and leaves no doubt as to what color they were shooting for. That's my favorite.
So right off the bat, the Grand Hotel's theme of dirty gold isn't thrilling me. But I like everything else about this set. Literally, everything else. And you'll notice they did the chrome silver so it's a thing they can do, dammit. I will keep an eye on this and should it go on sale or I have a rewards cert. to use, this is likely to come home unless reviews are awful. Mmm. Bacon.
Let's see, that takes us to the new Mix n Match collection.
Print Corduroy Dress // $14
Item#FDW96
Her doll will be pretty as a picture in this cheery corduroy dress, which has a bold pattern, full skirt, and coral piping on the neckline and pockets. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
You ever see something that bores you so completely that you actually start to fall asleep? That is what this dress does to me. Every single time I've gotten to this part of the review process, my eyelids start to droop and I have to walk away. It's what's taken me so long. Well, that and my ankle, but still. This thing is just... meh. I do like that the pockets are at least partially functional. (Not sure how deep they are but pockets that work at all are something to be celebrated!)
They're shown with:
Ankle Boots // $14
Item# FDX01
Add a touch of boho style to her doll's look with these slouchy boots—they go with just about anything!
AKA: Totally Not Grace's Meet Boots! I've got two pairs of those. I'm good, AG.
Mixed Knit Sweater // $14
Item# FDW98
Her doll can be chic and comfy—this scoop-neck sweater is knit with multicolored yarn and has a high-low hem. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
You keep saying mix and match, AG, but I'm not really sure you get what that means. Anyway, how much I'll like this one depends entirely on how soft it is. The mix and match line should be free shipping. Why, AG, Why. (Also, I don't really like how they have this paired with those leggings. Ick.
Tights and Leggings Set // $12
Item# FDW95
These essentials are perfect for layering. Includes lavender ribbed-knit tights, and denim-look jersey leggings. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
I like the tights, I think the leggings are bleh at best. I feel like this is how my critique of these sets usually goes. I am not a leggings fan, at least not the jeggings that will not die.
Teal Moccasins // $14
Item# FDX00
They're the perfect shoes to add style to any outfit. These teal moccasins, trimmed with contrasting satin bows, are comfy and cute.
Sooooooo... Tenney's bedslippers? I shouldn't mock, AG's frequently got moccasins as one of their extra shoe choices. Still, when both your additional shoe choices are from pretty recent dolls, there's room for mockery. :p
Print Tank Top // $10
Item#FDW93
This tank top has an allover floral print and pretty detailing on the neckline and hem. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
This is something I'll likely throw in to reach a free shipping tier or if I need to use a rewards cert and won't want to spend anything more than said certificate. It's cute enough and I think I have things to work with it now.
Purple Skirt // $10
Item#FDW92
This sporty skirt has an elastic waistband and dimensional diamond print at the hem. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
See above, though slightly less versatile than the shirt. It's still interesting and I'm going to go hunt for reviews after this.
Classic Knit Sweater // $12
Item# FDW90
This classic sweater has lots of little details: contrast raglan sleeves, a polka-dot patterned bodice, and a white collar with rhinestone "jewels" on each side. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
So preppy. So very, very preppy. I have a mighty need.
Corduroy Pants // $12
Item#FDW91
These skinny cords are a bright berry tone with keyhole details at the ankles. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
Meh. I'd probably like these a lot more without the keyhole detail they mention. It just looks awkward with the shoe choices they've got, y'know?
Mesh Flower Skirt // $10
Item# FDW97
Dolls can twirl and whirl in this darling, dance-worthy skirt! It has two layers of floaty mesh with floral appliqués over a knit skirt. The elastic waistband has a hint of sparkle. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
I can't recall, but I'm sure this is similar to another skirt they put out not too long ago. Maybe around Izzy's time? Eh, in any case it's probably my favorite thing in the MnM line this go round. Or one of them, anyway.
Peplum Top // $10
Item#FDW94
This sweet top adds a vintage touch to any doll's look. It features blue embroidered mesh over a gray jersey-knit bodice and a flounced hem. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
This is probably the most interesting part of the MnM line and the only thing keeping it from being my favorite? It goes with almost nothing else in the line.
Tweed Shorts // $10
Item#FDW99
Tweed adds fun texture to any outfit. These woven shorts have front and back pockets. Part of the Truly Me mix-and-match collection. Layer it with other mix-and-match pieces to create fun new styles!
You know what else tweed adds? The ability to keel over from heatstroke, which is a very real possibility if you're wearing tweed in the summer. :P That aside, I kinda dig these. It doesn't hurt that they're about the only thing I've seen the peplum top paired with that doesn't look super ridiculous.
Graphic Fashion Tee // $10
Item#FDX20
This heathered gray tee features lavender chiffon edging, plus a graphic of our friendly Westie pup, Coconut, and the American Girl logo.
That chiffon edging is doing this poor shirt in. I like it in theory but then seeing it on a doll... nyergh.
All Star Soccer Outfit // $34
Item#FDX04
Dolls can go for the goal with this sporty outfit! It includes:
A blue soccer jersey
Black sport shorts with white stripes and a soccer graphic
Blue soccer socks
White shin guards
Striped "cleats"
2 blue terry hairbands
A doll-sized soccer ball
What's that? A soccer outfit that I could totally see buying for my annual BSC Halloween dress-up? Yup. Abby will finally be more than a random outfit thrown on a brunette at the last minute. Now she'll be a random brunette thrown in a soccer outfit at the last minute. Huzzah!
Party Earring Set // $10
Item#FDX02
Dolls will look party-perfect with this earring set. It includes one pair of faux-turquoise studs, one pair of glitter dome studs, one pair of cupcake studs, and one pair of star studs.
At some point, unless these have a super short shelf life, Ivy will demand and I will cave.
Ombre Sunglasses // $10
Item#FDX03
Just right for dolls that love sunshine! These sunglasses fade from transparent orange to pink. Includes a pink felt case with the American Girl logo embroidered on it.
Nah.
Hot Lunch Set // $24
Item#FDX05
When the lunch bell rings, dolls can enjoy a yummy meal in the school cafeteria. This set includes a tray that holds make-believe food:
Two hard shell tacos
A side of Spanish-style rice
A lettuce and tomato salad
An apple
A milk container with a straw
A metal fork
A paper napkin
Will this release never end already? I mean, uh the spanish rice looks like brains and the 'salad' looks like the lettuce is wearing a big red bow.
School Backpack Set // $28
Item#FDX06
Dolls can get ready for school in style! This 16-piece set includes:
A gray star-print backpack with two shoulder straps and pink trim
A sheet of punch-out letter cards for personalizing the backpack
A pocket folder
7 school papers
A lined assignment notebook for keeping track of her homework
A pretend keychain with a key
A make-believe tablet
Two reversible tablet screens with school app images
You know, I mostly want this set for the key. And then I wonder to myself why a key was never included in any of their other accessory sets. It'd make sense you know. Anyway, a sale and it might be mine.
School Locker Set // $58
Item#FDX07
Dolls can keep track of everything they need for class with this set! It includes:
One metal locker—the door opens to reveal a storage shelf and coat hooks
A mirror that attaches to the inside of the locker door
Four colorful frames and two clips for decorating
Four photos and two notes to personalize the locker
Once upon a time, my friend Kate and I were hanging out at the private school playground and in the marsh we found a bunch of old lockers like this. Only not blue, but still. We never did come up with a decent reason for the pluff mud to be slowly eating them.
Which is to say I have nothing to add to this. It's a locker set with a cool cat picture. And in the entirety of my school years, the only time I ever got to use a full size locker was in the shared ones for gym.
Class Pet Hamster // $24
Item# FDX08
This little guy really IS the teacher's pet! Dolls can help take care of their classroom's hamster with everything here:
A doll-sized hamster with a flocked body
A plastic cage with a pretend water bottle and faux cedar shavings to keep the hamster happy
A hamster wheel
A bowl with pretend hamster food inside for mealtimes
A care tips booklet
I was all set to scream, "MINE!" and then I got a closer look and... wow. If people are saying this little guy is cuter than McKenna's, I'm glad I never fell prey to her bed. I'm going to keep an eye on the reviews and see if someone actually gets one because I'm curious as to whether it's cuter in person. Also, I love hamsters and I have many a happy memory of ours. RIP, little balls of fluff.
French Bulldog // $28
Item# FDX10
Every doll loves a playful pet—and this sweet French Bulldog puppy is très adorable. She has soft fur and a body that can be posed in different positions. A magnet in her mouth lets her hold a favorite toy.
I'll stick with Bonbon, thanks. But here, have my favorite picture of this dog:
Seriously, this is all the promo this pet needs.
Tuxedo Cat // $28
Item# FDX09
Every doll loves a playful pet—and this tuxedo kitten is purr-fectly sweet. She has soft fur and a body that can be posed in different positions. A magnet in her mouth lets her hold a favorite toy.
Why can we have like 50 dogs but the cats have to trade out and only be one at a time? Serious question.
Anyway, I'm gonna need this one to go on sale because $28 is a little bit much, but it's so cute!
They also released some other pet stuff, like a Fancy Pet Outfit that includes a faux fur capelet. I am not making this up.
I think this concludes the June release, aside from the Bitty Baby stuff that isn't nifty enough to include because no one caaaaaaaaaaaares.
Other things of AG note, if one is interested.
What else, what else. Oh, yeah. They've discontinued the Lindsey head at the doll hospital and the fandom implosion over that was a sight to see. I dipped a toe in because I wanted to and then I ducked out when people kept fucking comparing cars to AG.
For the record, I come down on the side of this being a bad idea. I get why they'd do it (I mean, sort of. I can come up with a variety of reasons why they'd stop) but I think it's a bad idea. The only way I can sort of look the other way is if whoever actually manufactured the wigs went under and AG can't get them anymore. Which isn't the reason they gave, alas. But a big reason a LOT of people are willing to pony up the bucks for AG is that they're basically Satisfaction Guaranteed Forever. Screw up your doll a decade after you got her? No prob, the Doll Hospital can fix it... for a price. If it's something that AG borked, they'll pay for it.
Lindsey being the first to be discontinued is particularly troubling because she's got a shitton of known issues, from her wig being dry as hell to the doll vinyl being produced only in the grey/green years which means a good chunk of the Lindseys running around look sick as hell. This is a KNOWN issue and something that someone might not notice as a kid (especially as this is a thing that gets worse over time) but as an adult, as they break out the old doll to hand 'er over to their own kid? Yeah, they might take notice.
The car comparisons came up when the person right after me said something about not expecting their car company to continue to make parts for their 15 year old car and some other jackass chimed in on that, too. No shit, guys. You aren't even comparing apples to oranges, you're comparing dolls to cars. The dolls, btw, were marketed for years with a "We'll always have your back!" kind of thing. Cars, not so much. But no, you go on and make your stupid comparisons. I'll just mentally note you're both tools and hope you find all LEGOs the hard way.
There was something else but I've forgotten it so hopefully it wasn't anything important.
