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impyI've been woefully behind on my AG natterings. In my defense, my back has been doing weird things and also I don't know if fandom moved to discord or is just dying or what, but things have been very meh for awhile now.
BUT. We have new stuff for Courtney! So let's try to catch up on things, shall we?
We're obviously starting with Courtney.
The Courtney Doll herself was briefly unavailable, likely because they were swapping out her book for her new journal/diary. Because we're all book nerds here, I'm just going to include the glimpses inside the new diary:
While I lowkey hate the fact that the dolls don't come with their stories proper anymore (or at least during this phase of AG), I've enjoyed each of the diaries I've read and want to get the rest of them, so I will just be happy this means we get new content in book form.
Courtney's Hip Accessories // $34
Item#JMH83
It’s hip to be Courtney with these accessories she takes to the arcade, mall, and more. Pair these 18-inch doll accessories with the historical character Courtney™ 18” Doll & Journal (sold separately).
Includes:
A purple belt bag with multicolored embroidered stars, a functional pink zipper, and an adjustable waist strap with a buckle
A pair of purple sunglasses
A blue watch that can buckle around Courtney’s wrist
A faux bottle of pink lip gloss
Courtney got another accessory set. At first I thought these were replacing her Meet Accessories (the Walkman/bracelets/Lip Smackers/mix tape/vote pink) but it looks like it's not necessarily the case. I still wouldn't wait too long on those if you want them and haven't grabbed them since these are definitely being marketed like the Meet Accessories.
If I ignore the sadness that thought causes me, I do think this does a good job of hitting that very specific moment in both the actual 80's and the memories of the 80's. I still semi-fondly remember my fanny pack from elementary school (4th grade to be specific), though mine had black straps and no embroidery. The watch is definitely giving Swatch vibes, and I'll be damned if the lipgloss isn't reminding me a lot of a lipgloss I either had or wanted when I was younger. So, like... nailed the nostalgia, AG.
Courtney's Awesome Arcane Outfit // $40
Item#JMH86
In true ’80s fashion, Courtney’s outfit is as colorful as the graphics of the video games she plays. Courtney loves wearing this look to Smiley’s Arcade, her favorite place to go after school. Pair this 18-inch doll outfit with the historical character Courtney™ 18” Doll & Journal (sold separately).
Includes:
A 1986-style outfit: a lightweight leopard-print sweatshirt with hot pink and blue color blocks, contrasting yellow rib-knit trim, and a black pocket on the chest; plus a pair of black leggings and slouchy yellow socks
A yellow scrunchie perfect for high half-ponytails
A pair of pink high-top tennis shoes with white laces and soles
This is giving me Clawdeen Wolf vibes, only with more 'sensible' shoes. I think it's cute on Courtney and my brain is already going "Claudia? Stacey?" so I mean, it will have to be mine at some point. It's funny that Courtney's tights and leggings have basically been on sale off and on for eons and yet they're just repurposing the leggings here and giving her socks instead of tights. I don't know why, but this whole thing is scratching an itch in my brain while also making me wonder why. Other than the yellow scrunchie; that thing could've been plucked right off my head at some point after 3rd grade.
Courtney's Bow-dacious Party Dress // $40
Item#JMH85
Courtney is excited to dress up before she go-goes to the school’s spring dance. This bright and bold dress was a present from her dad. Pair this 18-inch doll dress with the historical character Courtney™ 18” Doll & Journal (sold separately).
Includes:
An ’80s-style taffeta party dress, featuring a purple bodice with a sweetheart neckline, teal-blue bow-shaped sleeves and spaghetti straps, and a ruffly blue-and-purple two-tiered skirt
A blue floral-shaped clip-in hair comb
A pair of purple knit tights
A pair of blue ballet flats
I have no memory of a school spring dance/this outfit from the books but I won't say it's not there. I really only remember the Laura Ashley dress that everyone and their hamster wanted made. I'd like to say I have anything remotely articulate to say about this but it's purple and teal and as per the regulations of my contract, I must love that combo in nearly any form. I kinda want to find some hot pink leggings here and reaaaaaaaaaally lean all the way into this. Courtney's hair also needs to be about 50% bigger, AG. I need you to fluff the shit out of it. COMMIT TO THE BIT.
This actually makes her hair accessory kit make even more sense now.
AG's also collabing with other Mattel brands, like Polly Pocket and finally releasing that Little People Collector set they teased us with years ago.
Fisher Price Little People Collector American Girl // $44.99
Item#JML87
This special edition Little People Collector set celebrates the 40th anniversary of American Girl by reimagining the first eight historical characters in signature Little People style. Whether for display or play, this sweet collectible set is perfect for American Girl fans of all ages.
Premium features:
A display-ready special edition set of eight Little People figures inspired by the American Girl historical characters: Kirsten, Samantha, Molly, Felicity, Addy, Josefina, Kit, and Kaya. The set arrives in a decorative window box package styled with iconic American Girl imagery inspired by each character’s story.
Is it weird that I still don't quite understand how the Little People Collectors line really became a thing? Obviously I'm no stranger to loving things from my childhood (AHEM) but Little People weren't really on my radar. *shrugs* In any case, I have one quibble. Well, two. One, I do not love the art from the back of the box. It's just not for me. Two, for a collector line, I'd expect the back of the figures to have the print go all the way around. Poor Sam also lost this round of imaging because woof, that dress print and the bear. Kaya and Addy are probably my faves, with Molly and Kirsten probably right behind them, though they're all pretty cute. I keep thinking Felicity is holding a thing of yogurt and getting so confused but also amused. *grabby hands*
Polly Pocket x American Girl Compact // $30
Item#JNL70
Discover history made mini in this special collaboration with Polly Pocket to celebrate 40 years of American Girl®. This special-edition set includes three book-themed compacts, each representing an iconic American Girl historical character and her era: Kirsten™, Samantha™, and Josefina™. Carry the dolls in separate AG box charms or clip the compacts to the keychain for on-the-go adventures.
Premium features:
A set of three book-themed compacts with three micro dolls—Kirsten, Samantha, and Josefina—in their signature looks. The compacts feature decorative exteriors inspired by the front covers of the characters’ books. Each compact opens to a cozy bedroom setup with elements from the character’s story, including blankets to help “tuck in” the dolls, and some of their beloved animals
A set of three micro American Girl doll-box charms to carry dolls on the go in their own tiny AG packaging
A star keychain clip that both doll boxes and compacts can clip onto for easy portability
This is where I confess I never had a Polly Pocket. Not as a kid, not as an adult. I don't even think I had one that I picked up secondhand. I'm not really sure I understand why they chose this trio but I do love the little book/doll box charm thing and these are just weird looking enough to really appeal to my love of oddly cute things. Seriously, look at those faces and tell me they're not a trio of witches waiting to hex your ass. You can't. Not now that I've put that idea in your head.
This one is a pre-order for September 3rd.
Back on April 7th, AG also re-released the earlier historicals. Again. Much rejoicing was had since Felicity was included. Samantha and Lyssie both have Keepsake Guides instead of their Meet book. I don't want to buy another version of these just to get the books, AG. GIMME THE BOOKS. I will also never fully be onboard with AG erasing the first edition of Sam's artwork because it was just better, dammit.
Molly, Addy, Josefina, Kaya, Kirsten, and Kit all round out the first eight historicals being re-released with their accessories for $175. If you need me, I'll be debating hunting down those Keepsake guides on ebay and also wondering wtf AG did to the Classic mold mouth that they almost all look fucked up in their box shot.
Okay, the other thing coming out today is the American Girl x Hill House Home collab. I need you to know how bitterly disappointed I am every time I see the Hill House part of this name because EVERY SINGLE TIME I read it, I think of the show (and how it has so many AG connections already, but I digress) and if I must suffer that disappointment, you must hear about it.
AGxHHH Ellie Nap Dress Felicity Print // $44
Item#JND94
Our collaboration with Hill House Home features timeless twinning styles that are off-the-charts charming. Each outfit for 18-inch dolls features a print inspired by a beloved historical character plus a signature Hill House Home silhouette.
Premium features:
A doll-sized Ellie Nap Dress featuring a Felicity-inspired rose print, elasticated smocking, ruffled shoulders, and a knee-length A-line skirt
A matching fabric-covered headband
Also includes:
A pair of red velvet ballet flats with satin elastic straps
I actually really like this. Felicity's wallpaper gown has always been one adult!me has liked far more than kid!me ever did, and I will always have a soft spot for a smocked dress because I pretty much lived in those dresses until I was in third grade. (She types while wearing a smocked dress. Shh.)
"Create magical matching moments with the Tiny Ellie Nap Dress for Girls.
Including the link and doll related images for the kid version.
AGxHHH Ellie Nap Dress Samantha Print // $44
Item#JND95
Our collaboration with Hill House Home features timeless twinning styles that are off-the-charts charming. Each outfit for 18-inch dolls features a print inspired by a beloved historical character plus a signature Hill House Home silhouette.
Premium features:
A doll-sized Ellie Nap Dress featuring a Samantha-inspired checkered print, elasticated smocking, ruffled shoulders, and a knee-length A-line skirt
A matching checkered bow attached to a hair tie
Also includes:
A pair of pink velvet ballet flats with satin elastic straps
*yawns* Sorry, uh... I don't like this one on the doll they've chosen. It washes her out and then some. Not sure why we have two identical styles of dress in the same collab, but I'm utterly unfamiliar with HHH so I'll just assume it makes sense on their end. I want/need to see this on a non-blonde and I'm gonna be honest, even as a blonde, I do not appreciate our lady of Brunette Salvation's dress being put on a blonde.
Create magical matching moments with the Tiny Ellie Nap Dress for Girls.
AGxHHH Paz Nap Set Kirsten Print // $38
Item#JND96
Our collaboration with Hill House Home features timeless twinning styles that are off-the-charts charming. This three-piece outfit features a print inspired by a beloved historical character plus the signature silhouette and smocking of the Tiny Paz Nap Set.
Premium features:
A doll-sized Paz Nap Set featuring a Kirsten-inspired blue calico print; a fully smocked, ruffle-sleeve top; and a skirt with a ruffled hem
Also includes:
A pair of red velvet ballet flats with satin elastic straps
Oh look, it took three outfits for the shoes to finally make me crack and note how basic they are. But they are velvet, so I'll just make my note and keep it moving.
I love how the ruffles kind of mimic the grow stripe on Kirsten's Meet dress. I also like that this is a two piece, but I also feel like Kirsten got robbed because there's no hair accessory here and while we know Samantha's bow is where she keeps her secrets, I'd argue that Kirsten's hair is one of the first things people think of when they think of the character.
Create magical matching moments with the Tiny Paz Nap Set for Girls.
AGxHHH Athena Nap Dress Addy Print // $38
Item#JND97
Our collaboration with Hill House Home features timeless twinning styles that are off-the-charts charming. Each outfit for 18-inch dolls features a print inspired by a beloved historical character plus a signature Hill House Home silhouette.
Premium features:
A doll-sized Athena Nap Dress® featuring an Addy-inspired pink print with wavy white stripes, elasticated smocking, and dramatic midi-puff sleeves
Also includes:
A pair of pink velvet ballet flats with satin elastic straps
Then again, at least Kirsten's had three pieces, poor Addy's only got the dress and shoes. Why? Why are we acting like a strip of fabric for a bow or headband is really going to break the bank, AG? Pushing that annoyance aside, I do really like this one. The style is very cute on the doll and I think this might be my favorite combo of doll/outfit they paired with each other.
Create magical matching moments with the Tiny Athena Nap Dress for Girls .
Overall, this is very much giving rich white girl brand collab of the week but I do like the results so here we are. I do wish this had come out prior to everyone having to pony up to keep their Berry status though, and the fact that it was all pretty much RIGHT after that deadline does sit wrong with me, but that's a me problem.
I'm tired and need to stretch (and eat), so I'm gonna save the other stuff I've been slacking on for later. The Courtney of it all was most important here.
BUT. We have new stuff for Courtney! So let's try to catch up on things, shall we?
We're obviously starting with Courtney.
The Courtney Doll herself was briefly unavailable, likely because they were swapping out her book for her new journal/diary. Because we're all book nerds here, I'm just going to include the glimpses inside the new diary:
While I lowkey hate the fact that the dolls don't come with their stories proper anymore (or at least during this phase of AG), I've enjoyed each of the diaries I've read and want to get the rest of them, so I will just be happy this means we get new content in book form.
Courtney's Hip Accessories // $34
Item#JMH83
It’s hip to be Courtney with these accessories she takes to the arcade, mall, and more. Pair these 18-inch doll accessories with the historical character Courtney™ 18” Doll & Journal (sold separately).
Includes:
A purple belt bag with multicolored embroidered stars, a functional pink zipper, and an adjustable waist strap with a buckle
A pair of purple sunglasses
A blue watch that can buckle around Courtney’s wrist
A faux bottle of pink lip gloss
Courtney got another accessory set. At first I thought these were replacing her Meet Accessories (the Walkman/bracelets/Lip Smackers/mix tape/vote pink) but it looks like it's not necessarily the case. I still wouldn't wait too long on those if you want them and haven't grabbed them since these are definitely being marketed like the Meet Accessories.
If I ignore the sadness that thought causes me, I do think this does a good job of hitting that very specific moment in both the actual 80's and the memories of the 80's. I still semi-fondly remember my fanny pack from elementary school (4th grade to be specific), though mine had black straps and no embroidery. The watch is definitely giving Swatch vibes, and I'll be damned if the lipgloss isn't reminding me a lot of a lipgloss I either had or wanted when I was younger. So, like... nailed the nostalgia, AG.
Courtney's Awesome Arcane Outfit // $40
Item#JMH86
In true ’80s fashion, Courtney’s outfit is as colorful as the graphics of the video games she plays. Courtney loves wearing this look to Smiley’s Arcade, her favorite place to go after school. Pair this 18-inch doll outfit with the historical character Courtney™ 18” Doll & Journal (sold separately).
Includes:
A 1986-style outfit: a lightweight leopard-print sweatshirt with hot pink and blue color blocks, contrasting yellow rib-knit trim, and a black pocket on the chest; plus a pair of black leggings and slouchy yellow socks
A yellow scrunchie perfect for high half-ponytails
A pair of pink high-top tennis shoes with white laces and soles
This is giving me Clawdeen Wolf vibes, only with more 'sensible' shoes. I think it's cute on Courtney and my brain is already going "Claudia? Stacey?" so I mean, it will have to be mine at some point. It's funny that Courtney's tights and leggings have basically been on sale off and on for eons and yet they're just repurposing the leggings here and giving her socks instead of tights. I don't know why, but this whole thing is scratching an itch in my brain while also making me wonder why. Other than the yellow scrunchie; that thing could've been plucked right off my head at some point after 3rd grade.
Courtney's Bow-dacious Party Dress // $40
Item#JMH85
Courtney is excited to dress up before she go-goes to the school’s spring dance. This bright and bold dress was a present from her dad. Pair this 18-inch doll dress with the historical character Courtney™ 18” Doll & Journal (sold separately).
Includes:
An ’80s-style taffeta party dress, featuring a purple bodice with a sweetheart neckline, teal-blue bow-shaped sleeves and spaghetti straps, and a ruffly blue-and-purple two-tiered skirt
A blue floral-shaped clip-in hair comb
A pair of purple knit tights
A pair of blue ballet flats
I have no memory of a school spring dance/this outfit from the books but I won't say it's not there. I really only remember the Laura Ashley dress that everyone and their hamster wanted made. I'd like to say I have anything remotely articulate to say about this but it's purple and teal and as per the regulations of my contract, I must love that combo in nearly any form. I kinda want to find some hot pink leggings here and reaaaaaaaaaally lean all the way into this. Courtney's hair also needs to be about 50% bigger, AG. I need you to fluff the shit out of it. COMMIT TO THE BIT.
This actually makes her hair accessory kit make even more sense now.
AG's also collabing with other Mattel brands, like Polly Pocket and finally releasing that Little People Collector set they teased us with years ago.
Fisher Price Little People Collector American Girl // $44.99
Item#JML87
This special edition Little People Collector set celebrates the 40th anniversary of American Girl by reimagining the first eight historical characters in signature Little People style. Whether for display or play, this sweet collectible set is perfect for American Girl fans of all ages.
Premium features:
A display-ready special edition set of eight Little People figures inspired by the American Girl historical characters: Kirsten, Samantha, Molly, Felicity, Addy, Josefina, Kit, and Kaya. The set arrives in a decorative window box package styled with iconic American Girl imagery inspired by each character’s story.
Is it weird that I still don't quite understand how the Little People Collectors line really became a thing? Obviously I'm no stranger to loving things from my childhood (AHEM) but Little People weren't really on my radar. *shrugs* In any case, I have one quibble. Well, two. One, I do not love the art from the back of the box. It's just not for me. Two, for a collector line, I'd expect the back of the figures to have the print go all the way around. Poor Sam also lost this round of imaging because woof, that dress print and the bear. Kaya and Addy are probably my faves, with Molly and Kirsten probably right behind them, though they're all pretty cute. I keep thinking Felicity is holding a thing of yogurt and getting so confused but also amused. *grabby hands*
Polly Pocket x American Girl Compact // $30
Item#JNL70
Discover history made mini in this special collaboration with Polly Pocket to celebrate 40 years of American Girl®. This special-edition set includes three book-themed compacts, each representing an iconic American Girl historical character and her era: Kirsten™, Samantha™, and Josefina™. Carry the dolls in separate AG box charms or clip the compacts to the keychain for on-the-go adventures.
Premium features:
A set of three book-themed compacts with three micro dolls—Kirsten, Samantha, and Josefina—in their signature looks. The compacts feature decorative exteriors inspired by the front covers of the characters’ books. Each compact opens to a cozy bedroom setup with elements from the character’s story, including blankets to help “tuck in” the dolls, and some of their beloved animals
A set of three micro American Girl doll-box charms to carry dolls on the go in their own tiny AG packaging
A star keychain clip that both doll boxes and compacts can clip onto for easy portability
This is where I confess I never had a Polly Pocket. Not as a kid, not as an adult. I don't even think I had one that I picked up secondhand. I'm not really sure I understand why they chose this trio but I do love the little book/doll box charm thing and these are just weird looking enough to really appeal to my love of oddly cute things. Seriously, look at those faces and tell me they're not a trio of witches waiting to hex your ass. You can't. Not now that I've put that idea in your head.
This one is a pre-order for September 3rd.
Back on April 7th, AG also re-released the earlier historicals. Again. Much rejoicing was had since Felicity was included. Samantha and Lyssie both have Keepsake Guides instead of their Meet book. I don't want to buy another version of these just to get the books, AG. GIMME THE BOOKS. I will also never fully be onboard with AG erasing the first edition of Sam's artwork because it was just better, dammit.
Molly, Addy, Josefina, Kaya, Kirsten, and Kit all round out the first eight historicals being re-released with their accessories for $175. If you need me, I'll be debating hunting down those Keepsake guides on ebay and also wondering wtf AG did to the Classic mold mouth that they almost all look fucked up in their box shot.
Okay, the other thing coming out today is the American Girl x Hill House Home collab. I need you to know how bitterly disappointed I am every time I see the Hill House part of this name because EVERY SINGLE TIME I read it, I think of the show (and how it has so many AG connections already, but I digress) and if I must suffer that disappointment, you must hear about it.
AGxHHH Ellie Nap Dress Felicity Print // $44
Item#JND94
Our collaboration with Hill House Home features timeless twinning styles that are off-the-charts charming. Each outfit for 18-inch dolls features a print inspired by a beloved historical character plus a signature Hill House Home silhouette.
Premium features:
A doll-sized Ellie Nap Dress featuring a Felicity-inspired rose print, elasticated smocking, ruffled shoulders, and a knee-length A-line skirt
A matching fabric-covered headband
Also includes:
A pair of red velvet ballet flats with satin elastic straps
I actually really like this. Felicity's wallpaper gown has always been one adult!me has liked far more than kid!me ever did, and I will always have a soft spot for a smocked dress because I pretty much lived in those dresses until I was in third grade. (She types while wearing a smocked dress. Shh.)
"Create magical matching moments with the Tiny Ellie Nap Dress for Girls.
Including the link and doll related images for the kid version.
AGxHHH Ellie Nap Dress Samantha Print // $44
Item#JND95
Our collaboration with Hill House Home features timeless twinning styles that are off-the-charts charming. Each outfit for 18-inch dolls features a print inspired by a beloved historical character plus a signature Hill House Home silhouette.
Premium features:
A doll-sized Ellie Nap Dress featuring a Samantha-inspired checkered print, elasticated smocking, ruffled shoulders, and a knee-length A-line skirt
A matching checkered bow attached to a hair tie
Also includes:
A pair of pink velvet ballet flats with satin elastic straps
*yawns* Sorry, uh... I don't like this one on the doll they've chosen. It washes her out and then some. Not sure why we have two identical styles of dress in the same collab, but I'm utterly unfamiliar with HHH so I'll just assume it makes sense on their end. I want/need to see this on a non-blonde and I'm gonna be honest, even as a blonde, I do not appreciate our lady of Brunette Salvation's dress being put on a blonde.
Create magical matching moments with the Tiny Ellie Nap Dress for Girls.
AGxHHH Paz Nap Set Kirsten Print // $38
Item#JND96
Our collaboration with Hill House Home features timeless twinning styles that are off-the-charts charming. This three-piece outfit features a print inspired by a beloved historical character plus the signature silhouette and smocking of the Tiny Paz Nap Set.
Premium features:
A doll-sized Paz Nap Set featuring a Kirsten-inspired blue calico print; a fully smocked, ruffle-sleeve top; and a skirt with a ruffled hem
Also includes:
A pair of red velvet ballet flats with satin elastic straps
Oh look, it took three outfits for the shoes to finally make me crack and note how basic they are. But they are velvet, so I'll just make my note and keep it moving.
I love how the ruffles kind of mimic the grow stripe on Kirsten's Meet dress. I also like that this is a two piece, but I also feel like Kirsten got robbed because there's no hair accessory here and while we know Samantha's bow is where she keeps her secrets, I'd argue that Kirsten's hair is one of the first things people think of when they think of the character.
Create magical matching moments with the Tiny Paz Nap Set for Girls.
AGxHHH Athena Nap Dress Addy Print // $38
Item#JND97
Our collaboration with Hill House Home features timeless twinning styles that are off-the-charts charming. Each outfit for 18-inch dolls features a print inspired by a beloved historical character plus a signature Hill House Home silhouette.
Premium features:
A doll-sized Athena Nap Dress® featuring an Addy-inspired pink print with wavy white stripes, elasticated smocking, and dramatic midi-puff sleeves
Also includes:
A pair of pink velvet ballet flats with satin elastic straps
Then again, at least Kirsten's had three pieces, poor Addy's only got the dress and shoes. Why? Why are we acting like a strip of fabric for a bow or headband is really going to break the bank, AG? Pushing that annoyance aside, I do really like this one. The style is very cute on the doll and I think this might be my favorite combo of doll/outfit they paired with each other.
Create magical matching moments with the Tiny Athena Nap Dress for Girls .
Overall, this is very much giving rich white girl brand collab of the week but I do like the results so here we are. I do wish this had come out prior to everyone having to pony up to keep their Berry status though, and the fact that it was all pretty much RIGHT after that deadline does sit wrong with me, but that's a me problem.
I'm tired and need to stretch (and eat), so I'm gonna save the other stuff I've been slacking on for later. The Courtney of it all was most important here.