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Jul. 13th, 2023 04:35 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
impyAll right, now that the extra goodies are out of the way, let's discuss the new AG shit, shall we?
We begin with the first of the collector dolls for the year. Yes. First. In June AG dropped this little hint:
Collabs were mentioned and very quickly the crown was sorted as Disney Princesses (we'll find out the truth in that but I can absolutely believe it) and the bear was for FAO Schwarz. I'm guessing the snowflake is our usual holiday doll, btw, but I don't know if that's the "official" guess or not; it just makes sense.
On my birthday, FAO was confirmed:
American Girl x FAO Schwarz 2023 Toy Soldier Doll // $300
Item#HRB29
Just like the iconic soldiers who greet each guest at the flagship FAO Schwarz store in New York, this collector doll brings holiday cheer with luxe textures, gold details, and shimmering Swarovski® crystals. This limited-edition doll is part of the American Girl® Collector Series. No more than 4,000 American Girl® x FAO Schwarz 2023 Toy Soldier Dolls have been created worldwide.
Premium features:
An 18” doll with light-blue eyes that open and close and long, curly dark-brown hair with golden caramel highlights styled in a side ponytail with face-framing tendrils. She has a soft cotton body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl.
A shako-style hat with gold-trim detail and an FAO Schwarz embossed clockface at the center, surrounded by black Swarovski® crystals
A red velvet jacket with gold shoulder epaulettes, gold binding at the collar and sleeves, Swarovski® crystal buttons, and Swarovski® crystals on the cuffs
A three-layer black mesh-lined skirt, paired with a satin belt featuring a gold buckle encrusted with black Swarovski® crystals
A pair of gold stud earrings with red Swarovski® crystals at the centers
Also includes:
A pair of white socks, tall black patent boots with gold elastic cord laces, and wrist-length white gloves
A pair of cotton underwear
A numbered certificate of authenticity
Please note: Cannot be shipped outside the US or to Canada.
All sales are final. No returns or exchanges.
Cheese and crackers, she's expensive for what she is. $300! I know collabs are pricey but dude, I can't. Which is a shame because I think she's absolutely beautiful. I've said it elsewhere, but my first thought was Vada Sultenfuss with princess hair. I would absolutely buy her in a heartbeat if not for the price. I'm not going to sit here and point out all the ways I don't see the price reflected in what you get because dude, I don't know shit about Swarovski crystals beyond the fact that they whore their brand name out to anyone who asks so I don't feel it's as ~prestigious~ as they'd like you to believe or whatever. For me, on a doll like this, I'd want to take her out and play! But I'd ditch the hat and the jacket (I mean, it's nice) and that skirt/belt is love and I dig the boots but I can also see them dying because patent leather isn't the most stable thing in the universe.
She's already arrived, in hand, to people. She's got the usual medium skintone and Grace's blue eyes, though I'm now going to throwdlhdolls on IG under the bus for their stupid "so pretty dark skin tone because Lea is dark, imo" comment. You fucknut. Another comp says she's got the same hair color as the new TM122 (Joss mold, dark brown with caramel highlights) just no bangs. She looks way less Vada in the IRL pics so I think I'm safe thankfully.
Basically - love the doll but can't do the price. I will say that AG did offer some nice incentives on her, like 3/4x the points, then 2x the points and there's a code (wowgifts) going around to take $20 off so... yeah.
Especially since rumour has it we're supposed to get Claudie's long awaited extra shit sometime this summer, I think?
Random Rich People Collab:
American Girl® x Stephanie Gottlieb Golden Glow Earring Set for 18-inch Dolls // $14
Item#HRD04
Celebrate her inner sparkle with this shimmery doll-sized earring set, designed in partnership with Stephanie Gottlieb.
Includes:
A pair of gold and glittery rainbow-shaped earrings, each accentuated with a rhinestone “cloud” on one side
A pair of gold heart-shaped earrings featuring a glittery ombre pink design
A pair of gold star-shaped earrings with rectangular rainbow-print accents
I can't tell if I'm disappointed that AG didn't release these in June or not. We'll just table that thought because rainbow washing is a thing and given how AG's recent trackrecord... eh. Anyway. I'm not linking them but I did include them in the shot so you can see that the girl earrings are $120 a pair. The actual fuck. Doll size are more reasonable at $14, which is about what I'd expect for a collab earring set for the company. I also think they're really pretty and I uh bought them. We'll talk about that later.
Then we've got some expensive bags:
Rich people, man.
This leads us to back to school stuff which technically dropped in store at the end of June, so we might as well start with the corresponding set, huh?
School Rules Collection:
Star Student Backpack Set // $36
Item#HPG89
Prepare for a stellar start to the school year with this backpack for 18-inch dolls, designed in partnership with STATE Bags, plus must-have accessories that fit right inside.
Premium features:
This rainbow star-print American Girl® x STATE Bags backpack features toggled zipper pulls, a logo label, a zippered front pocket, and padded shoulder straps with webbing straps layered on top. Accessories fit in the zippered main pocket, and the side pockets are designed to hold the heart-print water bottle.
Matches the American Girl® x STATE Bags Kane Kids Travel Backpack for Girls (sold separately)
Also includes:
A doll-sized tablet that can be propped upright and displays a reversible educational screen depicting science themes
A colorful striped folder and a set of three worksheets that fit inside
A translucent-pink faux protractor, a two-tone mechanical pencil, and a pretend green apple
A pretend mini hand sanitizer with a functioning clip that can be hooked onto the backpack
A box that doubles as a school-themed backdrop to help bring the scene to life!
I hope that little bit on the back of the box isn't meant to be the backdrop, but I'm holding hope that it's not since I think I've seen others on IG. Anyway, I'll always have a soft spot for the AG school sets. They spark serious nostalgia in me and while I'm not in love with this set itself, it gives me warm fuzzies. Loving the little bitty hand sanitizer and the ocean zones (yes, learn about why billionaires shouldn't be going to sight-see the Titanic) and the apple looks respectable. The bag itself is cute, though I prefer my rainbows to have purple in there somewhere. I do wish the tablet matched better, colorwise, but that's a minor quibble.
Write On! Desk Set // $70
Item#HPG84
Take note: She’ll look forward to an A+ school year with this sleek study spot.
Premium features:
A desk with a dry-erase desktop surface, metal hairpin legs, sectional storage along the back, and open shelving beneath (dry-erase markers not included)
A modern pink plastic chair with a gold base and pretend wheels
A berry-and-gold-colored pretend laptop with a reversible screen that displays either a school homepage or a math game
Also includes:
A glossy folder that holds a 20-sheet tracing paper pad and three worksheets (science, hand lettering, and school schedule themed)
A blue water bottle with heart graphics that fits in the small cubby along the back of the desk
A berry-colored daily planner notebook
A colorful striped pouch designed to hold the pretend yellow pencil and two pretend mechanical pencils
A box that doubles as a school-themed backdrop to help bring the scene to life!
Apparently I thought too highly of the boxes as backdrops before, huh. Eh, I don't tend to keep the boxes anymore, so it's not a big thing and this one at least gives options. As for the set itself, I love the desk itself. That mint color? With gold? Yes, please. I kinda love that the top is a dry-erase surface because who doesn't love scribbling on school desks? The laptop is cute and the school picture is giving me very mild SBTB vibes, which is nice. Should the stars align and put this on sale when I have money and delusions of space, I might go ahead and buy it.
Hungry For Hot Lunch Set // $26
Item#HPG88
There’s nothing better than when the hot lunch menu features a favorite meal.
Includes:
Two triangular halves of a pretend gooey grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of tomato soup garnished with cream, a bowl of mixed fruit, and a square brownie
A lavender hot-lunch tray with divided compartments, a carton of chocolate milk, a metal spoon, and a napkin
No disrespect to AG Academy, but there's no way in hell I'd ever try tomato soup from school. To be fair, I don't like tomato soup anyway so there's that. This is probably one of AG's better modern food offerings as nothing here is making me think of vomit. I could live without the all too accurate skin on top of the soup but it is what it is, and the brownie is reminding me I have cake. I like the lavender tray and chocolate milk. Will I wind up buying this? Probably not, but I like that it's an option. I am now having flashbacks to the AGOT version. I will not go look it up, I will not.
Love to Explore Art and Science Set // $54
Item#HPG86
Full S.T.E.A.M. ahead! This set is made for curious and creative kids.
Premium features:
A tabletop pottery wheel that spins by hand and can be used to shape the modeling clay with help of a sculpting tool and foam sponge
A pretend microscope with functional viewing area to see the included science slides
Also includes:
A blank white art canvas, a paintbrush, and a paint palette with different colors of pretend paint
A color wheel that displays different color schemes when rotated
A set of three test tubes with pretend liquid inside and a corresponding holder, a beaker, a colorful set of measuring spoons, and a pair of lab goggles
A translucent tub designed to use with the container of blue modeling sand
A set of science-themed and art-themed stickers for customizing the tub or creating collage-style art on the canvas
A box that doubles as a school-themed backdrop to help bring the scene to life!
I absolutely love this. I'm not going to try and pretend it's worth $54, but I will say that I have every intention of snagging this AND had I been paying more attention to this release, I probably would've seriously considered it for my latest order. Alas, I didn't so here we are. But I love the pottery wheel and just all the little pieces, really.
Sidenote: I'm gonna rant here for a minute, but I do not understand the AG fandom for so many reasons, not the least of which is when they beg for a science/art set to be released, and it is, and then immediately say, "yeah, I don't like the color scheme so no." or some other equally petty reason. This isn't including people who can't with the price because that's not petty; that's legit. And colors/design would also work for outfits, but I'm talking sets like this where they've bitched for eons about wanting one and then they get one and nope, it's not EXACTLY how they envisioned it so they're not gonna bother. Y'know AG's not going to keep making things if they don't sell, right? Oi.
Colorful Cubbies Locker Set // $62
Item#HPG87
From storage to style, having a space all her own makes school extra cool.
Premium features:
A three-sectioned tier of lockers in a pink outer frame, two lockers with pretend combination locks and doors that open and close, an open center cubby, a fold-out hook on one side, and a real chalkboard on the other side
Also includes:
A jump rope that can hang on the hook
A translucent water bottle with striped graphics and an AG logo
A piece of real chalk, two highlighters, and a translucent yellow clipboard with a gym-class exercise sheet
A reflective mirror sticker and a sheet of decorative stickers to customize the locker
A box that doubles as a school-themed backdrop to help bring the scene to life!
Speaking of petty, when pics of this release first hit, I saw a store display on IG and fell in love. Only it was two cubbie/locker sets which means my ass would need to pay $124 to recreate that. Hell. No.
So I'm not sure if my pettiness is seeping in now or not, but I don't love this as much as I initially did. I don't like that the middle one is a cubbie and not a locker, I don't love the orange (though it could just be the lack of a door throwing me) and in general it's lacking something. Oh, and I always hated jump ropes like that one. Blergh. But I would absolutely pick up a pair of these if they went cheap enough. :P
School Day Style Outfit Set // $80
Item#HPG91
These mix-and-match outfits set her up for fab first-day looks and year-round style.
Includes:
A pink interlock-knit button-front cardigan with a striped trim and sleeve details and a #2 applique on the left chest
A lavender sleeveless mock-neck tank top with a screen-print graphic and a woven-cotton plaid skirt
A burgundy sweater with a graphic heart design on the bodice and a pair of jeans with a lavender heart pattern
A teal-and-lavender tie-dye-print tee with tied ruched sides and a pair of sporty teal shorts with white binding
A pair of white sneakers with lavender soles and teal laces, pink slide sandals, and mid-calf-length knit socks
A lavender knotted jersey headband and a plaid bow barrette with a button center
A paper composition book with lined pages, a sketchbook, a faux protractor, and a set of three markers
Just an FYI, I've grown to hate 2/3 of these outfits over the course of this evening. I admit I was biased against the sweater and jeans combo beforehand but having to see the cardigan outfit with the crime against humanity that is socks and sandals and well, ugh. I have also come to greatly dislike that doll. So um well played, AG? Wait, no.
I have some notes, AG. First up, this is a phoned in mix and match. You didn't show any mixing and matching, you have three outfits and you stuck with them right down the line. Which is dumb but also highlights that you're not gonna be able to mix the tie-dye outfit with much. Maybe the top with the jeans? And the socks probably go better with the tennis shoes/this outfit than the cardigan but we'll never know, huh.
After repeated viewings, I have come to the conclusion that the cardigan outfit screams OG because it's styled exactly like their outfits are, with things that don't QUITE work but are close enough that you can call it a stylistic choice. I'm not even sure I can say it'll be better constructed because those hunk o' plastic sandals say otherwise. I absolutely think I could make these pieces work, but not together. Also, in this house we do not abide sleeveless mock turtlenecks. NO.
The heart outfit is somehow too matchy matchy and not enough all at the same time. How is that possible?
I actually really do like the tie-dye outfit and the pens matching it kills me in a good way.
But I do not get the people saying this is a great set. Y'all are on crack.
Since the tie-dye set is a little sporty, that leads us to the sporty outfits.
Plie Away Ballet Practice Outfit // $34
Item#HPW88
Raise the barre at practice in this cozy and chic outfit.
Includes:
A pink long-sleeved cropped wrap sweater, a lavender leotard with gathered front detail, and a purple wrap-style georgette skirt with an attached bow
A pair of pink satin pointe shoes with foil printing, satin elastic binding, and satin ribbon ankle straps
A pair of pink knit leg warmers and light-pink tights
This was also included in the Costco Ballet set, which is why it looked vaguely familiar but since I didn't look too closely at those sets it's still worth checking out now. I... don't hate it. AG's usually generally pretty solid on the ballet outfits, though I feel like those ribbons should be dealt with better. One of these days I'll have to go through and compare all the ballet practice outfits they've done AND then see which ones I've actually gone ahead and bought.
I feel like Jessica Wakefield would approve though, which means I kinda need it.
Game Day Soccer Uniform // $36
HPG90
She shoots, she scores! This soccer uniform defines game-day goals.
Includes:
A blue-green ombre short-sleeved jersey with a screen-print graphic, stripes, and purple contrast at the sleeves
A pair of purple shorts with printed lime and blue stripes on the left leg
A black-and-white soccer ball featuring the AG inner star logo
A lime-green headband, a pair of white shin guards that snap on, a pair of dark-blue knee socks, and a pair of lime cleats with white laces
I've already got my Abby soccer outfit, though I do kind of dig the lime accents going on here. And the dark blue, honestly. Without the purple, or with a different shade of purple maybe, that might've sold this for me. Huh. Part of me feels like I should also say I'm gonna do a soccer comparison but zzzzzzzzzz.
Softball Star Uniform // $60
Item#HPG92
From strengthening her swing to sliding in for a steal, this uniform ensures she’ll hit it out of the park.
Includes:
A sleeveless pink jersey with white contrast piecing details and a printed graphic, and a pair of black softball pants with an attached pink belt and an AG star graphic on the hip
A silver-and-white baseball bat with a black handle that dolls can hold
A pair of black cleats with pink laces, a pair of pink knit knee-high socks, and a pair of pink grosgrain ribbon hair ties
A pink helmet with a silver face cage and AG star logo, a fielder’s mask, a baseball glove, and a lime-green softball with red stitching and an AG logo
Kristy would NEVER. And yet I actually kind of love this set. I swear, pink and I have a weird relationship, but pair this shade of pink with black and throw in a little white to brighten it all up and I am swooning. I also really like the hair ribbons. Why? Because this is giving me major "girlie girl will kick your ASS" vibes and I love that. But I will not be spending $60 on this because I do know when I'm being a little weird, k?
Love it though. The right sale at the right time? Shh.
Referee Outfit // $34
Item#GVV66
She can make the calls with confidence in this classic referee uniform.
Includes:
A printed black-and-white-striped jersey with a collar and a pair of black pants
A pair of white sneakers with white laces
A silver whistle with a black cord that dolls can wear, a watch with a black band, and a yellow flag that dolls can hold
I've mentioned once or twice that if one were to look at my purchase making decisions for my AG collection, the big takeaway would be that I like the weird, random stuff, right? I fucking love this. How has AG never made a ref uniform before? I guess they figured it wouldn't sell but dude. DUDE. I will absolutely be buying this. It's just so... random. I love it. Everyone else was bemoaning how blah this mini drop was and I'm over here going "REF! UNIFORM! NOW!"
Yeah, I'm definitely not the average AG customer. :P
And if you made it this far, it's now time for me to admit that I caved at the tail end of AG's totally not Prime Day deals and bought Evette (she was on sale and the reason for this whole purchase), the new Elphie costume, Courtney's workout outfit because it's been on clearance for months now, the new rainbow earrings, and Courtney's blazer because one of these days I will go full BSC/AG and I think Stacey or Claud will need it.
We begin with the first of the collector dolls for the year. Yes. First. In June AG dropped this little hint:
Collabs were mentioned and very quickly the crown was sorted as Disney Princesses (we'll find out the truth in that but I can absolutely believe it) and the bear was for FAO Schwarz. I'm guessing the snowflake is our usual holiday doll, btw, but I don't know if that's the "official" guess or not; it just makes sense.
On my birthday, FAO was confirmed:
American Girl x FAO Schwarz 2023 Toy Soldier Doll // $300
Item#HRB29
Just like the iconic soldiers who greet each guest at the flagship FAO Schwarz store in New York, this collector doll brings holiday cheer with luxe textures, gold details, and shimmering Swarovski® crystals. This limited-edition doll is part of the American Girl® Collector Series. No more than 4,000 American Girl® x FAO Schwarz 2023 Toy Soldier Dolls have been created worldwide.
Premium features:
An 18” doll with light-blue eyes that open and close and long, curly dark-brown hair with golden caramel highlights styled in a side ponytail with face-framing tendrils. She has a soft cotton body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl.
A shako-style hat with gold-trim detail and an FAO Schwarz embossed clockface at the center, surrounded by black Swarovski® crystals
A red velvet jacket with gold shoulder epaulettes, gold binding at the collar and sleeves, Swarovski® crystal buttons, and Swarovski® crystals on the cuffs
A three-layer black mesh-lined skirt, paired with a satin belt featuring a gold buckle encrusted with black Swarovski® crystals
A pair of gold stud earrings with red Swarovski® crystals at the centers
Also includes:
A pair of white socks, tall black patent boots with gold elastic cord laces, and wrist-length white gloves
A pair of cotton underwear
A numbered certificate of authenticity
Please note: Cannot be shipped outside the US or to Canada.
All sales are final. No returns or exchanges.
Cheese and crackers, she's expensive for what she is. $300! I know collabs are pricey but dude, I can't. Which is a shame because I think she's absolutely beautiful. I've said it elsewhere, but my first thought was Vada Sultenfuss with princess hair. I would absolutely buy her in a heartbeat if not for the price. I'm not going to sit here and point out all the ways I don't see the price reflected in what you get because dude, I don't know shit about Swarovski crystals beyond the fact that they whore their brand name out to anyone who asks so I don't feel it's as ~prestigious~ as they'd like you to believe or whatever. For me, on a doll like this, I'd want to take her out and play! But I'd ditch the hat and the jacket (I mean, it's nice) and that skirt/belt is love and I dig the boots but I can also see them dying because patent leather isn't the most stable thing in the universe.
She's already arrived, in hand, to people. She's got the usual medium skintone and Grace's blue eyes, though I'm now going to throw
dlhdolls on IG under the bus for their stupid "so pretty dark skin tone because Lea is dark, imo" comment. You fucknut. Another comp says she's got the same hair color as the new TM122 (Joss mold, dark brown with caramel highlights) just no bangs. She looks way less Vada in the IRL pics so I think I'm safe thankfully.Basically - love the doll but can't do the price. I will say that AG did offer some nice incentives on her, like 3/4x the points, then 2x the points and there's a code (wowgifts) going around to take $20 off so... yeah.
Especially since rumour has it we're supposed to get Claudie's long awaited extra shit sometime this summer, I think?
Random Rich People Collab:
American Girl® x Stephanie Gottlieb Golden Glow Earring Set for 18-inch Dolls // $14
Item#HRD04
Celebrate her inner sparkle with this shimmery doll-sized earring set, designed in partnership with Stephanie Gottlieb.
Includes:
A pair of gold and glittery rainbow-shaped earrings, each accentuated with a rhinestone “cloud” on one side
A pair of gold heart-shaped earrings featuring a glittery ombre pink design
A pair of gold star-shaped earrings with rectangular rainbow-print accents
I can't tell if I'm disappointed that AG didn't release these in June or not. We'll just table that thought because rainbow washing is a thing and given how AG's recent trackrecord... eh. Anyway. I'm not linking them but I did include them in the shot so you can see that the girl earrings are $120 a pair. The actual fuck. Doll size are more reasonable at $14, which is about what I'd expect for a collab earring set for the company. I also think they're really pretty and I uh bought them. We'll talk about that later.
Then we've got some expensive bags:
Rich people, man.
This leads us to back to school stuff which technically dropped in store at the end of June, so we might as well start with the corresponding set, huh?
School Rules Collection:
Star Student Backpack Set // $36
Item#HPG89
Prepare for a stellar start to the school year with this backpack for 18-inch dolls, designed in partnership with STATE Bags, plus must-have accessories that fit right inside.
Premium features:
This rainbow star-print American Girl® x STATE Bags backpack features toggled zipper pulls, a logo label, a zippered front pocket, and padded shoulder straps with webbing straps layered on top. Accessories fit in the zippered main pocket, and the side pockets are designed to hold the heart-print water bottle.
Matches the American Girl® x STATE Bags Kane Kids Travel Backpack for Girls (sold separately)
Also includes:
A doll-sized tablet that can be propped upright and displays a reversible educational screen depicting science themes
A colorful striped folder and a set of three worksheets that fit inside
A translucent-pink faux protractor, a two-tone mechanical pencil, and a pretend green apple
A pretend mini hand sanitizer with a functioning clip that can be hooked onto the backpack
A box that doubles as a school-themed backdrop to help bring the scene to life!
I hope that little bit on the back of the box isn't meant to be the backdrop, but I'm holding hope that it's not since I think I've seen others on IG. Anyway, I'll always have a soft spot for the AG school sets. They spark serious nostalgia in me and while I'm not in love with this set itself, it gives me warm fuzzies. Loving the little bitty hand sanitizer and the ocean zones (yes, learn about why billionaires shouldn't be going to sight-see the Titanic) and the apple looks respectable. The bag itself is cute, though I prefer my rainbows to have purple in there somewhere. I do wish the tablet matched better, colorwise, but that's a minor quibble.
Write On! Desk Set // $70
Item#HPG84
Take note: She’ll look forward to an A+ school year with this sleek study spot.
Premium features:
A desk with a dry-erase desktop surface, metal hairpin legs, sectional storage along the back, and open shelving beneath (dry-erase markers not included)
A modern pink plastic chair with a gold base and pretend wheels
A berry-and-gold-colored pretend laptop with a reversible screen that displays either a school homepage or a math game
Also includes:
A glossy folder that holds a 20-sheet tracing paper pad and three worksheets (science, hand lettering, and school schedule themed)
A blue water bottle with heart graphics that fits in the small cubby along the back of the desk
A berry-colored daily planner notebook
A colorful striped pouch designed to hold the pretend yellow pencil and two pretend mechanical pencils
A box that doubles as a school-themed backdrop to help bring the scene to life!
Apparently I thought too highly of the boxes as backdrops before, huh. Eh, I don't tend to keep the boxes anymore, so it's not a big thing and this one at least gives options. As for the set itself, I love the desk itself. That mint color? With gold? Yes, please. I kinda love that the top is a dry-erase surface because who doesn't love scribbling on school desks? The laptop is cute and the school picture is giving me very mild SBTB vibes, which is nice. Should the stars align and put this on sale when I have money and delusions of space, I might go ahead and buy it.
Hungry For Hot Lunch Set // $26
Item#HPG88
There’s nothing better than when the hot lunch menu features a favorite meal.
Includes:
Two triangular halves of a pretend gooey grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of tomato soup garnished with cream, a bowl of mixed fruit, and a square brownie
A lavender hot-lunch tray with divided compartments, a carton of chocolate milk, a metal spoon, and a napkin
No disrespect to AG Academy, but there's no way in hell I'd ever try tomato soup from school. To be fair, I don't like tomato soup anyway so there's that. This is probably one of AG's better modern food offerings as nothing here is making me think of vomit. I could live without the all too accurate skin on top of the soup but it is what it is, and the brownie is reminding me I have cake. I like the lavender tray and chocolate milk. Will I wind up buying this? Probably not, but I like that it's an option. I am now having flashbacks to the AGOT version. I will not go look it up, I will not.
Love to Explore Art and Science Set // $54
Item#HPG86
Full S.T.E.A.M. ahead! This set is made for curious and creative kids.
Premium features:
A tabletop pottery wheel that spins by hand and can be used to shape the modeling clay with help of a sculpting tool and foam sponge
A pretend microscope with functional viewing area to see the included science slides
Also includes:
A blank white art canvas, a paintbrush, and a paint palette with different colors of pretend paint
A color wheel that displays different color schemes when rotated
A set of three test tubes with pretend liquid inside and a corresponding holder, a beaker, a colorful set of measuring spoons, and a pair of lab goggles
A translucent tub designed to use with the container of blue modeling sand
A set of science-themed and art-themed stickers for customizing the tub or creating collage-style art on the canvas
A box that doubles as a school-themed backdrop to help bring the scene to life!
I absolutely love this. I'm not going to try and pretend it's worth $54, but I will say that I have every intention of snagging this AND had I been paying more attention to this release, I probably would've seriously considered it for my latest order. Alas, I didn't so here we are. But I love the pottery wheel and just all the little pieces, really.
Sidenote: I'm gonna rant here for a minute, but I do not understand the AG fandom for so many reasons, not the least of which is when they beg for a science/art set to be released, and it is, and then immediately say, "yeah, I don't like the color scheme so no." or some other equally petty reason. This isn't including people who can't with the price because that's not petty; that's legit. And colors/design would also work for outfits, but I'm talking sets like this where they've bitched for eons about wanting one and then they get one and nope, it's not EXACTLY how they envisioned it so they're not gonna bother. Y'know AG's not going to keep making things if they don't sell, right? Oi.
Colorful Cubbies Locker Set // $62
Item#HPG87
From storage to style, having a space all her own makes school extra cool.
Premium features:
A three-sectioned tier of lockers in a pink outer frame, two lockers with pretend combination locks and doors that open and close, an open center cubby, a fold-out hook on one side, and a real chalkboard on the other side
Also includes:
A jump rope that can hang on the hook
A translucent water bottle with striped graphics and an AG logo
A piece of real chalk, two highlighters, and a translucent yellow clipboard with a gym-class exercise sheet
A reflective mirror sticker and a sheet of decorative stickers to customize the locker
A box that doubles as a school-themed backdrop to help bring the scene to life!
Speaking of petty, when pics of this release first hit, I saw a store display on IG and fell in love. Only it was two cubbie/locker sets which means my ass would need to pay $124 to recreate that. Hell. No.
So I'm not sure if my pettiness is seeping in now or not, but I don't love this as much as I initially did. I don't like that the middle one is a cubbie and not a locker, I don't love the orange (though it could just be the lack of a door throwing me) and in general it's lacking something. Oh, and I always hated jump ropes like that one. Blergh. But I would absolutely pick up a pair of these if they went cheap enough. :P
School Day Style Outfit Set // $80
Item#HPG91
These mix-and-match outfits set her up for fab first-day looks and year-round style.
Includes:
A pink interlock-knit button-front cardigan with a striped trim and sleeve details and a #2 applique on the left chest
A lavender sleeveless mock-neck tank top with a screen-print graphic and a woven-cotton plaid skirt
A burgundy sweater with a graphic heart design on the bodice and a pair of jeans with a lavender heart pattern
A teal-and-lavender tie-dye-print tee with tied ruched sides and a pair of sporty teal shorts with white binding
A pair of white sneakers with lavender soles and teal laces, pink slide sandals, and mid-calf-length knit socks
A lavender knotted jersey headband and a plaid bow barrette with a button center
A paper composition book with lined pages, a sketchbook, a faux protractor, and a set of three markers
Just an FYI, I've grown to hate 2/3 of these outfits over the course of this evening. I admit I was biased against the sweater and jeans combo beforehand but having to see the cardigan outfit with the crime against humanity that is socks and sandals and well, ugh. I have also come to greatly dislike that doll. So um well played, AG? Wait, no.
I have some notes, AG. First up, this is a phoned in mix and match. You didn't show any mixing and matching, you have three outfits and you stuck with them right down the line. Which is dumb but also highlights that you're not gonna be able to mix the tie-dye outfit with much. Maybe the top with the jeans? And the socks probably go better with the tennis shoes/this outfit than the cardigan but we'll never know, huh.
After repeated viewings, I have come to the conclusion that the cardigan outfit screams OG because it's styled exactly like their outfits are, with things that don't QUITE work but are close enough that you can call it a stylistic choice. I'm not even sure I can say it'll be better constructed because those hunk o' plastic sandals say otherwise. I absolutely think I could make these pieces work, but not together. Also, in this house we do not abide sleeveless mock turtlenecks. NO.
The heart outfit is somehow too matchy matchy and not enough all at the same time. How is that possible?
I actually really do like the tie-dye outfit and the pens matching it kills me in a good way.
But I do not get the people saying this is a great set. Y'all are on crack.
Since the tie-dye set is a little sporty, that leads us to the sporty outfits.
Plie Away Ballet Practice Outfit // $34
Item#HPW88
Raise the barre at practice in this cozy and chic outfit.
Includes:
A pink long-sleeved cropped wrap sweater, a lavender leotard with gathered front detail, and a purple wrap-style georgette skirt with an attached bow
A pair of pink satin pointe shoes with foil printing, satin elastic binding, and satin ribbon ankle straps
A pair of pink knit leg warmers and light-pink tights
This was also included in the Costco Ballet set, which is why it looked vaguely familiar but since I didn't look too closely at those sets it's still worth checking out now. I... don't hate it. AG's usually generally pretty solid on the ballet outfits, though I feel like those ribbons should be dealt with better. One of these days I'll have to go through and compare all the ballet practice outfits they've done AND then see which ones I've actually gone ahead and bought.
I feel like Jessica Wakefield would approve though, which means I kinda need it.
Game Day Soccer Uniform // $36
HPG90
She shoots, she scores! This soccer uniform defines game-day goals.
Includes:
A blue-green ombre short-sleeved jersey with a screen-print graphic, stripes, and purple contrast at the sleeves
A pair of purple shorts with printed lime and blue stripes on the left leg
A black-and-white soccer ball featuring the AG inner star logo
A lime-green headband, a pair of white shin guards that snap on, a pair of dark-blue knee socks, and a pair of lime cleats with white laces
I've already got my Abby soccer outfit, though I do kind of dig the lime accents going on here. And the dark blue, honestly. Without the purple, or with a different shade of purple maybe, that might've sold this for me. Huh. Part of me feels like I should also say I'm gonna do a soccer comparison but zzzzzzzzzz.
Softball Star Uniform // $60
Item#HPG92
From strengthening her swing to sliding in for a steal, this uniform ensures she’ll hit it out of the park.
Includes:
A sleeveless pink jersey with white contrast piecing details and a printed graphic, and a pair of black softball pants with an attached pink belt and an AG star graphic on the hip
A silver-and-white baseball bat with a black handle that dolls can hold
A pair of black cleats with pink laces, a pair of pink knit knee-high socks, and a pair of pink grosgrain ribbon hair ties
A pink helmet with a silver face cage and AG star logo, a fielder’s mask, a baseball glove, and a lime-green softball with red stitching and an AG logo
Kristy would NEVER. And yet I actually kind of love this set. I swear, pink and I have a weird relationship, but pair this shade of pink with black and throw in a little white to brighten it all up and I am swooning. I also really like the hair ribbons. Why? Because this is giving me major "girlie girl will kick your ASS" vibes and I love that. But I will not be spending $60 on this because I do know when I'm being a little weird, k?
Love it though. The right sale at the right time? Shh.
Referee Outfit // $34
Item#GVV66
She can make the calls with confidence in this classic referee uniform.
Includes:
A printed black-and-white-striped jersey with a collar and a pair of black pants
A pair of white sneakers with white laces
A silver whistle with a black cord that dolls can wear, a watch with a black band, and a yellow flag that dolls can hold
I've mentioned once or twice that if one were to look at my purchase making decisions for my AG collection, the big takeaway would be that I like the weird, random stuff, right? I fucking love this. How has AG never made a ref uniform before? I guess they figured it wouldn't sell but dude. DUDE. I will absolutely be buying this. It's just so... random. I love it. Everyone else was bemoaning how blah this mini drop was and I'm over here going "REF! UNIFORM! NOW!"
Yeah, I'm definitely not the average AG customer. :P
And if you made it this far, it's now time for me to admit that I caved at the tail end of AG's totally not Prime Day deals and bought Evette (she was on sale and the reason for this whole purchase), the new Elphie costume, Courtney's workout outfit because it's been on clearance for months now, the new rainbow earrings, and Courtney's blazer because one of these days I will go full BSC/AG and I think Stacey or Claud will need it.
