AG June Roundup part 2
Jun. 7th, 2022 09:34 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
impyOkay, let's see how far I can get before I get too hot or it gets too late and I have to pack it in for the day.
In addition to Molly's re-release (which, since it was June 1st, prompted people to speculate that AG was confirming Molly was/is gay and that prompted a whole backlash and now there are articles about the rampant homophobia in AG fandom and what the hell is June even DOING at this point?!) and the new Wellie boy, AG also brought out resort/spa stuff for the Truly Me line and some new outfits for the CYO, as well as another fucking price hike for the CYO line, bringing them to $220 at this point and also uh, no returns... but maybe that's only if you opt for the ear piercing. Which is wild because the ears being pierced wrong has been an issue from day one of them piercing the ears but also I think the CYO line has been mismanaged from the start and I digress.
Resort! Because...AG knows their audience. Sometimes. Rich people, amiright? Also, fair warning/reminder: I looked at the thumbnails at release time, shrieked in horror and today you get my first look/reaction beyond horror. Assuming we actually do move beyond horror, that is.
Relax and Refresh Outfit //$34
Item#HHR54
This peaceful outfit is designed to wear in the zen zone. It includes:
A teal cotton knit tank top with lotus artwork and cotton knit straps that cross in the front and tie at back with an attached satin bow
A pair of lotus-print leggings with strappy details at the sides and a gold elastic waistband
A pair of strappy gold sandals
A gold double-elastic headband
I... almost like this one. Almost. But the teal and that shade of pink and that shade of gold just make things look... muddy? I don't know. I do know the leggings remind me of the MLM leggings where the print would land funny in the crotch and yeah, this honestly feels like a quality control issue waiting to happen. But I don't full on hate this one. If the teal were a bit darker or brighter or the gold more... I dunno, gold? I might be on board. As it is, I'd be happy to see this one in a different color variation. Or I'd buy it on deep discount and never use the leggings as they are. (Again: different print and you'd bring me on board.) I will say they're really making me wish I'd snagged this doll when she was on sale. WOE. Stop it, self. You don't have room.
Oh, not in stock til July 15, btw.
Rosy Resort Swimsuit // $34
Item#HHR51
This ruffly suit is perfectly suited for sitting by the pool or relaxing in the spa. It includes:
A petal-pink printed swim top with an asymmetrical ruffle at the neckline and gold binding
A matching pair of pink printed swim bottoms with gold lacing and ribbon at the sides
A pair of pink flip-flop sandals with braided detail at the straps
A straw tote bag with pink tassels at the opening and pink handles
A printed pink stripe terry towel with lotus artwork at the hem
We begin with the good: I like the towel. I actually find myself liking the pink. I think the bottoms are surprisingly cute? I don't hate the purse.
I hate everything else. :P I think the ruffled asymmetrical top highlights all the worst bits of having a cloth body, I will never NOT call out AG using plastic shoes, and this whole outfit manages to wash out the doll and make it really obvious that they've forgotten that kids have color in their faces (lips and cheeks) naturally.
Also not available til July 15.
AG Hotel and Spa $325
Item#HHR50
Check in and check out this luxurious hotel and spa! The large building structure has graphics on one side to look like a hotel room, including a printed window scene with curtains, and a bathroom with a mirror, sink, and toilet. The other side looks like a relaxing hotel spa, with printed walls depicting a tranquil outdoor setting, a soothing waterfall, and an indoor scene with a check-in area and a door to the changing room. The whole thing folds up for storage! The set also includes:
A hotel bed that folds up when not in use
Two pink pillows with the American Girl® Hotel & Spa logo printed in green
A mattress for the hotel bed
A soft cotton comforter with an allover print of water lilies in aqua and pink
A two-sided piece of printed art that can be flipped for two different looks
A check-in desk for the spa with molded detail on the front to look like a vegetation wall, with an inset logo and shelves on the sides to display beauty products
A video monitor that sits on the counter to check guests into the spa and hotel
A reversible screen that fits into the monitor with a spa welcome screen and check-in graphics
A folder and printed papers including a list of spa services and wellness activities, an invoice, and a welcome letter
A service bell that sits on the counter so dolls can Ding! to check in
A pitcher of water with pretend cucumber slices “floating” inside
Two water glasses
A pretend snake plant in a vase
A lounge chair for the spa that folds flat to use as a bench in the hotel room— its sides have sculpted wicker detail and the top is made to look like a green cushion
A small table with a shelf to use as a nightstand or next to the lounge chair
A tub that can be used as a soaking tub for the spa side, or a bathtub in the bathroom
A roll of pretend toilet paper
A floral print robe to wear in the spa
A pair of pink slippers
A bottle of faux lotion with a printed graphic label
A bottle of pretend face cream with a printed graphic label
A jar of pretend sugar scrub with a removable lid and a small spoon
A bottle of pretend hand sanitizer
Two white cotton towels to use in the spa or hotel tub
A faux bar of soap
AG's switch to Shopify has made it so their images load blurry and fuzzy and look like crap, which is probably not helpful when trying to entice customers. All the greenery on this, for example, looks just... bad. But because I'm not a quitter, I work around such obstacles. You're welcome? Anyway. I don't hate this as much as I initially thought I did. I don't love it either, but some things do tickle me.
For instance, I love the pretend roll of TP and the fact that AG now has more than one doll toilet will never cease to amuse me. I think the green inside the tub is gorgeous and truly wish AG used actual gold and not antiqued gold plastic for the accessories as it cheapens the look. Wait, that's a critique. Um, fluffy towels are also very nice. The bedding gives me Blanche vibes, though I know it's definitely just a nod (in my own head) and that's forever a good thing.
But overall? Yeah. Not for me. Was never gonna be for me. I haven't looked at people's critiques beyond a few people noting that this is obviously re-using bits of the old hotel playset and to that I say dude, not all rehashes are bad. Some are, though. Those are not slippers, AG. Those are cheap, plastic sandals and you should feel ashamed at calling them anything else. I was gonna let 'em slide but no, you called them SLIPPERS.
AG Dolled Up Salon Station // $100
Item#HHR49
Dolls can get a new ’do at this two-sided salon! There’s a hair-washing sink with a pull-out sprayer on one side and a styling mirror on the other. The counter has slots for a hair dryer and curling iron plus two drawers for storing accessories. Get styling with this set that includes:
A white towel with the American Girl logo to hang over the towel bar on the salon station
A pretend pair of scissors the doll can hold for quick trims
A bottle of pretend shampoo that fits in a recessed hole on the back of the sink
A pretend battery-operated hair dryer that sounds like the real thing
A pretend curling iron dolls can hold
A glittery pink hair pick
Forty small rubber bands in different colors
Eight fabric elastic hairbands in different colors for ponies, braids, and other styles
Four small hair clips and four larger hair clips in different colors to hold hair back
A bottle of washable doll nail polish that girls can really paint on their doll's fingernails
A pretend metal nail clipper
A hairstyle instruction sheet for styling low pigtails
I am officially tired of this color scheme, btw. I do like the gold glitter on the 'wall' but the rest of this has me wondering who in the hell is going to shell out $100 bucks for this? It's a sink, a pretend hairdryer, and a bunch of hair accessories you could get at the dollar store, or if you're fancy, Target. I'd totally buy the nail polish but only if it's really gold and not as a part of this set, sooooooo... wtf, AG?
AG Dolled Up Salon Chair // $70
Item#HHR48
This salon chair is perfect for dolls in search of a new style! The chair back reclines so the doll's hair can be pretend washed in the salon station sink. There’s even a foot pedal to move the chair up and down. Designed to work with the American Girl Dolled Up™ Salon Station, the set also includes:
A floral-print cape that attaches around the doll's neck
Four small plastic pink hair clips to help hold hairstyles
A handheld mirror the doll can hold to check out her new ’do
Some people rave about AG's salon chairs and say they make doing doll hair so much easier. I wouldn't know as if I'm in the market to blow that much on something from AG, it's gonna be more interesting than a salon chair.
AG Dolled Up Salon Accessories // $32
Item#HHR53
These tools and tips will help girls create special hairstyles for all their dolls. The set includes:
A pink half-apron that ties around the doll’s waist to hold clips and other supplies
Four plastic hair clips
A spray bottle of real styling spray to help with smoothing and styling dolls’ hair
A 13-inch two-color pink ponytail extension that is designed to be worn as a high ponytail on the doll
Four fabric hair elastics to help with attaching hair extension and other hair styling
A pretend gold comb that can be held by a doll
A booklet that explains how to attach the hair extension and use the styling spray
AG. AG, why. Why do you not show these hair extension on a doll so I can get a feel for it? I need to know whether I want it or not and I cannot make an accurate appraisal of the goods if you don't fucking work with me here. Also, I had to read the stupid description three times before it hit me that that's just ONE extension. One. Ugh. I thought it was two initially and thought, "Dang, AG overcharged on the other pieces but is being reasonable here." Oh, self. You are HILARIOUS. But seriously, I kinda want this one. I just wish I could see it in action first, dammit.
Snack and Snooze Sleepover Set for Dolls // $36
Item#HHT11
This slumber-party set includes all her favorite foods and games to fuel a whole night of fun, including:
A heart-shaped pizza with various toppings and individual slices to share with friends
A printed pizza box with a lid that opens
Two purple plates
A round donut with chocolate icing, lavender sprinkles, and a squiggle of vanilla icing
A heart-shaped donut with pink frosting and three vanilla squiggles
A star-shaped donut with vanilla icing and pink sprinkles
A round donut with a hole in the middle and purple icing
A donut box with the American Girl® logo on the removable lid
A doll-sized UNO® American Girl® card game, with a printed box and cards featuring American Girl characters
A doll-sized Magic 8 Ball that she can shake to tell her fortune—just like the real thing!
I want that AG mini UNO set. GIMME. Also, I'd really like some doughnuts now. Dammit. I don't have a real issue with this set aside from the price, honestly. And it's pretty inline with AG accessory sleepover sets so, y'know, it is what it is.
Who's Ready To Snooze Sleeping Bag // $30
Item#HHT10
This multicolored faux-fur sleeping bag has printed “Slumber Party Squad” artwork on the attached pillow, a hot-pink lining, and a zipper all the way up the side. It comes with a “Wake up for what” printed sleeping mask with an elastic strap.
Thirty bucks for this. Thirty bucks! *rants at clouds*
Hours later (not really) I return to say I think the mask looks cheap as shit but I like that the sleeping bag is fuzzy and if this ever goes on sale for a price I like, I'll probably grab it.
Talk All Night Pajamas // $26
Item#HHT09
These PJs are perfect for snuggling in bed with a book reading or staying up all night at a sleepover. The set includes:
A printed T-shirt with binding at the sleeves and printed words like “Good Vibes” and “Play”
A pair of bright-pink jogger pants with a blue stripe down the sides and printed “KA POW!” artwork at the hip
A pair of fuzzy blue slippers with blue, yellow, and pink pom-poms on the straps
That is the ugliest effing pajama top I've ever seen AG release and I hate it so much that when I saw it, I decided this round up could wait. True story. You were deprived of my biting wit and sarcasm and brilliant thoughts because this top is so offensive to my eyes that I simply could not deal with it. The bottoms and kinda the slippers are giving me bright 80's vibes though. Like hardcore.
Looking at it close up and not through the blurry filter of shitty website design, the top isn't actually terrible. It's still a smidge too busy for me, but what looks like a muddled mess is actually a rainbow vibe and in keeping with the nostalgia vibe. Almost. It's sort of like when you had to put all your stickers on something to keep from having to share them with your sibling/cousin/random classmate. It seemed like a good idea at the time but wound up kind of making a mess. I will likely never buy this but I no longer will judge someone who does.
Probably.
I can't make any promises, really.
Out of all of that, we have two things I want to buy. Well, one and a half. I need more info on the second.
In addition to Molly's re-release (which, since it was June 1st, prompted people to speculate that AG was confirming Molly was/is gay and that prompted a whole backlash and now there are articles about the rampant homophobia in AG fandom and what the hell is June even DOING at this point?!) and the new Wellie boy, AG also brought out resort/spa stuff for the Truly Me line and some new outfits for the CYO, as well as another fucking price hike for the CYO line, bringing them to $220 at this point and also uh, no returns... but maybe that's only if you opt for the ear piercing. Which is wild because the ears being pierced wrong has been an issue from day one of them piercing the ears but also I think the CYO line has been mismanaged from the start and I digress.
Resort! Because...AG knows their audience. Sometimes. Rich people, amiright? Also, fair warning/reminder: I looked at the thumbnails at release time, shrieked in horror and today you get my first look/reaction beyond horror. Assuming we actually do move beyond horror, that is.
Relax and Refresh Outfit //$34
Item#HHR54
This peaceful outfit is designed to wear in the zen zone. It includes:
A teal cotton knit tank top with lotus artwork and cotton knit straps that cross in the front and tie at back with an attached satin bow
A pair of lotus-print leggings with strappy details at the sides and a gold elastic waistband
A pair of strappy gold sandals
A gold double-elastic headband
I... almost like this one. Almost. But the teal and that shade of pink and that shade of gold just make things look... muddy? I don't know. I do know the leggings remind me of the MLM leggings where the print would land funny in the crotch and yeah, this honestly feels like a quality control issue waiting to happen. But I don't full on hate this one. If the teal were a bit darker or brighter or the gold more... I dunno, gold? I might be on board. As it is, I'd be happy to see this one in a different color variation. Or I'd buy it on deep discount and never use the leggings as they are. (Again: different print and you'd bring me on board.) I will say they're really making me wish I'd snagged this doll when she was on sale. WOE. Stop it, self. You don't have room.
Oh, not in stock til July 15, btw.
Rosy Resort Swimsuit // $34
Item#HHR51
This ruffly suit is perfectly suited for sitting by the pool or relaxing in the spa. It includes:
A petal-pink printed swim top with an asymmetrical ruffle at the neckline and gold binding
A matching pair of pink printed swim bottoms with gold lacing and ribbon at the sides
A pair of pink flip-flop sandals with braided detail at the straps
A straw tote bag with pink tassels at the opening and pink handles
A printed pink stripe terry towel with lotus artwork at the hem
We begin with the good: I like the towel. I actually find myself liking the pink. I think the bottoms are surprisingly cute? I don't hate the purse.
I hate everything else. :P I think the ruffled asymmetrical top highlights all the worst bits of having a cloth body, I will never NOT call out AG using plastic shoes, and this whole outfit manages to wash out the doll and make it really obvious that they've forgotten that kids have color in their faces (lips and cheeks) naturally.
Also not available til July 15.
AG Hotel and Spa $325
Item#HHR50
Check in and check out this luxurious hotel and spa! The large building structure has graphics on one side to look like a hotel room, including a printed window scene with curtains, and a bathroom with a mirror, sink, and toilet. The other side looks like a relaxing hotel spa, with printed walls depicting a tranquil outdoor setting, a soothing waterfall, and an indoor scene with a check-in area and a door to the changing room. The whole thing folds up for storage! The set also includes:
A hotel bed that folds up when not in use
Two pink pillows with the American Girl® Hotel & Spa logo printed in green
A mattress for the hotel bed
A soft cotton comforter with an allover print of water lilies in aqua and pink
A two-sided piece of printed art that can be flipped for two different looks
A check-in desk for the spa with molded detail on the front to look like a vegetation wall, with an inset logo and shelves on the sides to display beauty products
A video monitor that sits on the counter to check guests into the spa and hotel
A reversible screen that fits into the monitor with a spa welcome screen and check-in graphics
A folder and printed papers including a list of spa services and wellness activities, an invoice, and a welcome letter
A service bell that sits on the counter so dolls can Ding! to check in
A pitcher of water with pretend cucumber slices “floating” inside
Two water glasses
A pretend snake plant in a vase
A lounge chair for the spa that folds flat to use as a bench in the hotel room— its sides have sculpted wicker detail and the top is made to look like a green cushion
A small table with a shelf to use as a nightstand or next to the lounge chair
A tub that can be used as a soaking tub for the spa side, or a bathtub in the bathroom
A roll of pretend toilet paper
A floral print robe to wear in the spa
A pair of pink slippers
A bottle of faux lotion with a printed graphic label
A bottle of pretend face cream with a printed graphic label
A jar of pretend sugar scrub with a removable lid and a small spoon
A bottle of pretend hand sanitizer
Two white cotton towels to use in the spa or hotel tub
A faux bar of soap
AG's switch to Shopify has made it so their images load blurry and fuzzy and look like crap, which is probably not helpful when trying to entice customers. All the greenery on this, for example, looks just... bad. But because I'm not a quitter, I work around such obstacles. You're welcome? Anyway. I don't hate this as much as I initially thought I did. I don't love it either, but some things do tickle me.
For instance, I love the pretend roll of TP and the fact that AG now has more than one doll toilet will never cease to amuse me. I think the green inside the tub is gorgeous and truly wish AG used actual gold and not antiqued gold plastic for the accessories as it cheapens the look. Wait, that's a critique. Um, fluffy towels are also very nice. The bedding gives me Blanche vibes, though I know it's definitely just a nod (in my own head) and that's forever a good thing.
But overall? Yeah. Not for me. Was never gonna be for me. I haven't looked at people's critiques beyond a few people noting that this is obviously re-using bits of the old hotel playset and to that I say dude, not all rehashes are bad. Some are, though. Those are not slippers, AG. Those are cheap, plastic sandals and you should feel ashamed at calling them anything else. I was gonna let 'em slide but no, you called them SLIPPERS.
AG Dolled Up Salon Station // $100
Item#HHR49
Dolls can get a new ’do at this two-sided salon! There’s a hair-washing sink with a pull-out sprayer on one side and a styling mirror on the other. The counter has slots for a hair dryer and curling iron plus two drawers for storing accessories. Get styling with this set that includes:
A white towel with the American Girl logo to hang over the towel bar on the salon station
A pretend pair of scissors the doll can hold for quick trims
A bottle of pretend shampoo that fits in a recessed hole on the back of the sink
A pretend battery-operated hair dryer that sounds like the real thing
A pretend curling iron dolls can hold
A glittery pink hair pick
Forty small rubber bands in different colors
Eight fabric elastic hairbands in different colors for ponies, braids, and other styles
Four small hair clips and four larger hair clips in different colors to hold hair back
A bottle of washable doll nail polish that girls can really paint on their doll's fingernails
A pretend metal nail clipper
A hairstyle instruction sheet for styling low pigtails
I am officially tired of this color scheme, btw. I do like the gold glitter on the 'wall' but the rest of this has me wondering who in the hell is going to shell out $100 bucks for this? It's a sink, a pretend hairdryer, and a bunch of hair accessories you could get at the dollar store, or if you're fancy, Target. I'd totally buy the nail polish but only if it's really gold and not as a part of this set, sooooooo... wtf, AG?
AG Dolled Up Salon Chair // $70
Item#HHR48
This salon chair is perfect for dolls in search of a new style! The chair back reclines so the doll's hair can be pretend washed in the salon station sink. There’s even a foot pedal to move the chair up and down. Designed to work with the American Girl Dolled Up™ Salon Station, the set also includes:
A floral-print cape that attaches around the doll's neck
Four small plastic pink hair clips to help hold hairstyles
A handheld mirror the doll can hold to check out her new ’do
Some people rave about AG's salon chairs and say they make doing doll hair so much easier. I wouldn't know as if I'm in the market to blow that much on something from AG, it's gonna be more interesting than a salon chair.
AG Dolled Up Salon Accessories // $32
Item#HHR53
These tools and tips will help girls create special hairstyles for all their dolls. The set includes:
A pink half-apron that ties around the doll’s waist to hold clips and other supplies
Four plastic hair clips
A spray bottle of real styling spray to help with smoothing and styling dolls’ hair
A 13-inch two-color pink ponytail extension that is designed to be worn as a high ponytail on the doll
Four fabric hair elastics to help with attaching hair extension and other hair styling
A pretend gold comb that can be held by a doll
A booklet that explains how to attach the hair extension and use the styling spray
AG. AG, why. Why do you not show these hair extension on a doll so I can get a feel for it? I need to know whether I want it or not and I cannot make an accurate appraisal of the goods if you don't fucking work with me here. Also, I had to read the stupid description three times before it hit me that that's just ONE extension. One. Ugh. I thought it was two initially and thought, "Dang, AG overcharged on the other pieces but is being reasonable here." Oh, self. You are HILARIOUS. But seriously, I kinda want this one. I just wish I could see it in action first, dammit.
Snack and Snooze Sleepover Set for Dolls // $36
Item#HHT11
This slumber-party set includes all her favorite foods and games to fuel a whole night of fun, including:
A heart-shaped pizza with various toppings and individual slices to share with friends
A printed pizza box with a lid that opens
Two purple plates
A round donut with chocolate icing, lavender sprinkles, and a squiggle of vanilla icing
A heart-shaped donut with pink frosting and three vanilla squiggles
A star-shaped donut with vanilla icing and pink sprinkles
A round donut with a hole in the middle and purple icing
A donut box with the American Girl® logo on the removable lid
A doll-sized UNO® American Girl® card game, with a printed box and cards featuring American Girl characters
A doll-sized Magic 8 Ball that she can shake to tell her fortune—just like the real thing!
I want that AG mini UNO set. GIMME. Also, I'd really like some doughnuts now. Dammit. I don't have a real issue with this set aside from the price, honestly. And it's pretty inline with AG accessory sleepover sets so, y'know, it is what it is.
Who's Ready To Snooze Sleeping Bag // $30
Item#HHT10
This multicolored faux-fur sleeping bag has printed “Slumber Party Squad” artwork on the attached pillow, a hot-pink lining, and a zipper all the way up the side. It comes with a “Wake up for what” printed sleeping mask with an elastic strap.
Thirty bucks for this. Thirty bucks! *rants at clouds*
Hours later (not really) I return to say I think the mask looks cheap as shit but I like that the sleeping bag is fuzzy and if this ever goes on sale for a price I like, I'll probably grab it.
Talk All Night Pajamas // $26
Item#HHT09
These PJs are perfect for snuggling in bed with a book reading or staying up all night at a sleepover. The set includes:
A printed T-shirt with binding at the sleeves and printed words like “Good Vibes” and “Play”
A pair of bright-pink jogger pants with a blue stripe down the sides and printed “KA POW!” artwork at the hip
A pair of fuzzy blue slippers with blue, yellow, and pink pom-poms on the straps
That is the ugliest effing pajama top I've ever seen AG release and I hate it so much that when I saw it, I decided this round up could wait. True story. You were deprived of my biting wit and sarcasm and brilliant thoughts because this top is so offensive to my eyes that I simply could not deal with it. The bottoms and kinda the slippers are giving me bright 80's vibes though. Like hardcore.
Looking at it close up and not through the blurry filter of shitty website design, the top isn't actually terrible. It's still a smidge too busy for me, but what looks like a muddled mess is actually a rainbow vibe and in keeping with the nostalgia vibe. Almost. It's sort of like when you had to put all your stickers on something to keep from having to share them with your sibling/cousin/random classmate. It seemed like a good idea at the time but wound up kind of making a mess. I will likely never buy this but I no longer will judge someone who does.
Probably.
I can't make any promises, really.
Out of all of that, we have two things I want to buy. Well, one and a half. I need more info on the second.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-06-08 11:07 pm (UTC)Ahem - as always, I *love* reading your thoughts on these releases. You are right in that they definitely have their audience pegged - rich people who can probably afford to take themselves to a spa on a regular basis, and this have standards for things like doll-sized salon chairs.
Those pajamas are...something else. Those slipper shoe things might give me nightmares.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-06-09 12:14 pm (UTC)I'm pretty sure those shoes are what clowns wear to bed. Maybe IN bed. Clowns, man. Clowns.
(no subject)
Date: 2022-06-09 10:28 pm (UTC)Yeah, those shoes are nightmare fuel *shudder*
(no subject)
Date: 2022-06-09 11:02 pm (UTC)