Maryellen: The Last Roundup
Aug. 27th, 2015 11:11 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
impyAre you ready for some football for Maryellen's proper launch? I feel like we've seen everything already but still, I'm excited. Maryellen will be, in my head, chronically late, because I checked my phone at 2am and she still wasn't up on the website. As of now, 8:10am EST, Caroline is still available. Wonder how long that'll last.
Anyway, we begin, as always, with Maryellen the doll:
Maryellen Doll and Book // $115
Item #CMC39
Imaginative Maryellen Larkin™ has hazel eyes that open and close, and her long strawberry-blond hair is worn in a high ponytail with sideswept bangs. She comes in an authentic 1950s outfit:
A striped dress with a sweetheart neckline, tailored bows, and a full skirt
An aqua lacy-knit shrug monogrammed with her initial
Black Mary Jane shoes
White underwear
An aqua ribbon bow on a ponytail holder for her hair
The 18" Maryellen doll has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. She comes with The One and Only: A Maryellen Classic 1 book.
Kay. If I didn't have a billion classic mold dolls and quite a few hazel eyed dolls already, I would possibly be tempted by ME. Maybe not because Classic is one of those that photographs better than reality for me, and ME is giving me serious Ruthie vibes in that I thought the doll looked beautiful in pictures but in person sometimes I'm just not as big a fan as I should be. That said, I do award points for ME coming with her shrug and that not being an accessories inclusion. It's probably because the outfit without the shrug would look too skimpy, especially without the socks (no, I will not shut up about the socks!) but still, it's a nice addition.
Speaking of accessories, you save $5 if you get the doll and the accessories together.
Maryellen's Accessories // $24
Item#CMC50
Maryellen's accessories are just right for adding an elegant touch. The set includes:
A pretend pearl necklace
A matching bracelet
A crocheted purse
White gloves with lace trim
These do feel a bit chintzy. You get a purse, but when you see it in action it's not as cute somehow. You get a necklace and a slip on bracelet, but that's... it. I mean there are gloves, too, but AG gloves are essentially mittens due to the way the hands are molded and it's hard for me to get worked up over something I would never use. It feels like something is missing, and in a way something is. Accessories used to have a hat and a coin and ME has neither, though she does have that bracelet. It just doesn't feel like it makes up for it, though.
Maryellen's Pajamas // $24
Item#CMC42
As she drifts off to sleep, Maryellen's dreams will be filled with imagination and fun in these adorable baby-doll pajamas—this style was very popular in the 1950s! Includes:
A top featuring a wide neckline with gathered details and bows at the shoulders and sides
Comfy bloomers with elastic at the legs
Matching slippers to complete her nighttime look
I'm going to be honest and say that I have an irrational block against these not only because I'm not all that fond of them, but because of a creepy guy in the AG fandom. He made a comment about these (and we'll discuss that at the end) and I still haven't shaken it.
But before that, I think luxken27 hit the nail on the head in that these jammies highlight the unnaturalness of the legs. It just looks weird. Which is a shame since I like the fabric a lot, and I don't have enough green in my collection.
Maryellen's Poodle Skirt Outfit // $36
Item#CMC47
Poodle skirts were very popular in the 1950s, and Maryellen is thrilled when her mother buys this one for her to wear to her first day of fourth grade! This outfit includes:
A black quilted skirt featuring a pink poodle with a stitched leash
A pink blouse with a cute Peter Pan collar and contrast polka dots on the sleeves
A polka-dot kerchief that can be worn in her hair or around her neck
White bobby socks
Black-and-white saddle shoes
IF I cave and use my coupon, I'm 99.9% sure I'd use it on this because you cannot tell me that this outfit won't be freakin' popular. Seriously, you just cannot convince me of it. It's the one ME outfit I feel has the best shot of NOT being marked down anytime soon since people think 50's and think poodle skirt. Since it's the complete outfit, I don't even feel awful about the price. *grabby hands*
Maryellen's Birthday Dress // $34
Item#CMC46
Maryellen gets a beautiful surprise for her birthday—her bridesmaid dress, all finished and ready to wear for her variety-show performance! It has a wide neckline, rows of gathered tulle, and a pleated sash with a pink corsage decoration. The outfit includes a green headband to hold her hair and shiny dark-pink shoes with white bows.
This is one that I think fared better in 'real' pictures and not AG stock. On the plus side, we're a few outfits in and that's the first time I've thought that the pictures weren't doing anything justice, so that's a plus. In any case, based on the video of the dress that someone had floating around out there, I like it a lot more than I thought I would initially. I'm thinking it'll look lovely on just about anyone and this is something that based on the book teasers I would consider a big deal in Me's collection. It's also one I could see not selling immediately and having AG panic. Let's see how it goes, eh?
Maryellen's School Outfit // $32
Item#CMC45
This outfit is perfect for Maryellen's school days! Just like many outfits for girls in the 1950s, it includes:
A purple gingham dress featuring a mock blouse with a Peter Pan collar and black necktie, three button accents, and a black sash
A black headband with a bow to hold back her hair
White bobby socks
Black Mary Jane shoes
Pretty sure this is the hand me down dress ME is less than thrilled with in the teaser, but it's adorable and I wants it. I needs it. :P Purple! Huzzah! This is one that I WILL buy, it's just a matter of when.
Maryellen's Play Outfit // $28
Item#CMC44
Maryellen is ready for fun in the Florida sun with this cheery outfit! It includes:
A white top with slits at the sides, red gingham trim, and cherries embroidered on the left chest
Dark denim capri pants with white contrast stitching and button details
A red gingham kerchief to add flair to her hair
White shoes with cherry embroidery—the perfect choice for sunny weather
I need to see this on someone's doll and not just AG photography to decide where I fall on the pants issue. This is a definite "if it goes on sale" item, because I want to love it so much and yet the stock photos do nothing. Also, AG? That is not a scarf. That is a damn ribbon and you know it.
Maryellen's Ice Skating Outfit // $36
Item#CMC43
Maryellen's Christmas wish is to ice skate, and this skating outfit fits the occasion perfectly. Includes:
A red skating dress is made of woolen flannel to keep her warm, featuring embroidered snowflakes and a contrast lining
White tights
Blue skates with faux-fur trim
Sweet mother of mercy, how can Nellie look so good in red and ME look so washed out? How? This is one I like but not for ME. I'm also not sure how well I'd like the fabric since it says "woolen flannel" and that can either mean "deceptively soft and warm" or "will catch on your fingers and drive you insane" with very little in between. And red and that shade of blue are a weird combo for me. Soooo this is likely a want (unless I find the fabric will kill me) but I'm undecided on when.
Maryellen's Ice Skating Accessories // $24
Item#CMC53
Warm accessories keep Maryellen comfy while she skates! This set includes:
A red Fair Isle scarf with little pom-poms
A blue stocking hat with snowflakes and a white pom-pom
Blue mittens with faux-fur cuffs
These are adorable. I want. But when you add these to the cost of the dress, it's a little much. So... we'll see if they go on sale, maybe? I also don't actually really love how they look paired with the skating outfit. Go figure.
Maryellen's Crinoline // $16
Item#CMC48
Crinolines were commonly worn to add fullness to skirts in the 1950s. This pink crinoline features ribbon edging for a pretty touch—and Maryellen can wear it to add extra poof to any skirt or dress!
This is something I can't decide whether it'll wind up being thrown on sale ASAP or if the lure of floof will keep it selling well enough. It's definitely on my to buy list, it's just whether I'll wait or not...
Scooter // $22
Item#CMC52
Scooter is Maryellen's lovable dachshund dog. He's short and stout with soft tan fur and sweet brown eyes—and he's always looking for a comfortable place to rest.
You know why Scooter's always looking for a place to rest? Because he's old. This is mentioned so damn often that I'm honestly a little worried he won't make it through to the end of the series. I'll let you know if it's less noticeable in the books once they get here. Until then, Scooter's adorable.
Maryellen's Hairstyling Set // $20
Item#CMC51
In the 1950s, getting curls took all night! When Maryellen wants soft curls in her hair, she puts curlers in before bed—and then takes them out in the morning before school. Your girl can use this set to give her doll curls, too:
12 soft curlers
A cap to wear over the curlers to keep her hair in place at bedtime
Styling instructions
A drawstring bag to hold it all
I like that the bag and cap both match her pajamas since I can pretend they were all made by the same person, even if the teaser made it clear that Me's mother isn't exactly a seamstress. As for the rollers, wow. That's just... wow. My interest in this is tied directly to whether or not it works as a curler set. If it does, I want. If it doesn't, no thank you.
Maryellen's Diner Set // $275
Item#CMC58
Welcome to the Seaside Diner™! It has features just like diners in the 1950s—and more than 30 pieces to inspire hours of imaginative fun. The floor and counter-front are printed to look like tile, and the countertop is printed with a familiar '50s speckle pattern. A grill is attached to the back wall with oven doors that pull out to reveal a drawer for storage. Two dolls can sit at the padded corner booth, and two more can have a seat on the stools at the counter. This set includes a metal pedestal table with a rectangular top and everything needed to run a diner:
Order slips to hang above the counter so the cook can see what was ordered
Two pretend made-to-order burgers that include meat, bun, and condiments
Pretend hot dogs, ketchup, and mustard
A pretend chocolate malt
A pretend strawberry malt
Two orders of pretend fries and paper trays
Two pretend breakfasts of sausage, scrambled eggs, and pancakes
A doll-sized striped fabric apron and doll-sized hats printed with the diner's name
Plates with a '50s motif
Tongs for turning hot dogs and a spatula for flipping burgers on the grill
A serving tray that dolls can carry
A bell to ring when an order is up
Menus
Printed paper placemats
A sheet of stickers to decorate the walls of the diner
There's a video on the page if you want to see the Diner in action. Take a shot each time he says girl and you'll need a new liver. That aside, it looks like fun and you can almost hear them taunting the OG diner that's more stationary. On the other hand, it's also $100 soooo... still, I'll never buy this just like I'll never buy Grace's Bakery. But you can bet that if I had a kid interested in it, I might actually consider this should it go on sale. But I don't and it's huuuuuuuge so this is something I'll just hope I get to play with in store sometime.
Also, I know we discussed the Peach Pit vibe, but it's also a bit similar to how I thought the Dairi Burger would look. :P Not exact by any stretch of the imagination, but probably as close as AG would ever need to come.
Maryellen's Jukebox // $90
Item#CMC59
Rock and roll! In Maryellen's day, jukeboxes were often found in restaurants and diners. People would scroll through a list of songs, then put in a few coins to play their favorites. This jukebox lights up and plays six pre-recorded '50s-style songs when the buttons are pushed. Plus, girls can connect their own electronic music players to play all their favorite songs! Includes a 3.5 mm audio cable.
Please note:
Electronic music player not included.
Requires 4AA batteries, not included.
Much as I might love jukeboxes (and I do; I will forever be envious that my godfather had one and I never got to play with it) I cannot see shelling out $90 for this. I do like that it does play some songs on its own and that you can hook your own device up to it for more musical stylings, but if I'm going down this route, I'll just be snagging Kit's radio, thanks. Unless there's a firesale on this sucker and then all bets are off.
Maryellen's Sofa Bed Set // $150
Item#CMC57
Sleeping on a sofa bed is kind of fun, and it's great for when company comes to stay! Maryellen's sofa bed is large enough to hold two dolls. To make it into a bed, just lift up the cushions and pull out the base—just like a real sofa bed.
This set includes one pink square pillow, one yellow round pillow, and a zigzag pattern blanket that can be used as accents on the sofa or on the bed.
In the 1950s, autograph books took on a new form—as stuffed animals! This set also comes with a dachshund-shaped toy dog printed with the names of Maryellen's classmates.
I cannot believe there are idiots who are complaining that the pull out bed portion of this is plastic instead of really metal. Have you idiots never assembled a sofa bed in your lives? Those springs freakin' hurt and that's on a much bigger scale, so I can only imagine the damage miniature springs would do. Naturally it's not shown, but there are molded springs onto the plastic platform and it's a good compromise in that it doesn't pretend it's exact but it's not a tiny bed of torture.
Having slept on a few sofa beds in my time, I'm good with never doing so again. But I think this was an interesting route to go with Me's bed as it still leaves the door open for her to get a regular bed at some point in the future while making her initial bed unique. Which is why I'm surprised they released the TM sofa at the same time. Ah well. This won't come home with me anytime soon (or possibly ever) but I enjoy it for what it is.
Maryellen's Living Room Set // $58
Item#CMC54
Families in the 1950s would gather in the living room to relax, read the newspaper, or watch a favorite TV show together. This set includes:
A three-tiered “boomerang” table that was a popular style at the time
A fun yellow lamp with a seashell-inspired scalloped base and a two-tiered shade—and it really lights up!
A mini reproduction of TV Guide Magazine (to let Maryellen know when The Lone Ranger is on!)
A newspaper from Maryellen's town
A figurine of a poodle wearing '50s-style glasses
Please note:
Lamp requires 3 button-cell batteries, included.
I really like this one but I hate the price, so the boomerang table will elude me for now. But one day, maybe...
Maryellen's Classroom Set // $40
Item#CMC55
With this 1950s-style school set, your girl can help Maryellen can practice her writing skills as she learns cursive, and also learn about geography. It includes:
A two-sided reproduction map from the 1950s, featuring the U.S. and Europe
A reversible chalkboard
A pointer
An easel stand to hold the map or chalkboard
Flash cards
Cute! Kid!me would have been all over this, though I think I agree with those who say that the flash cards are way too young for ME. I liked them better when I could pretend they were just the posters all elementary school teachers seemed to have on their walls, regardless of grade.
Maryellen's TV Console // $85
Item#CMC56
A large television console was truly the entertainment center in Maryellen's day. This set features:
A 1950s-style TV console with a built-in make-believe record player and encyclopedia books
A small bonsai tree figurine
Three mini pretend records and record sleeves
A paper-card “screen” to view on the TV
Plus, your girl can create and watch her own original videos on the console with her iPad!*
Please note:
*Use your iPad (not included) to download the free Maryellen TV Console app from the App Store℠. The app is only compatible with Apple iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, and iPad Air 2.
There's a video for this as well. I would snark but that's mean so I'll just say that in general, the TV disappoints me. The bonsai looks exceptionally cheap, the encyclopedias are all clumped plastic and don't come off the bookcase (boo!) which is a missed opportunity and a half. :/ I do like the record player and the fact that the records do come off and go into their sleeves. But AG's stupid love affair with all things iPad pisses me off. I don't want one but if I ever want to use their apps or fun things, I'd need one. Booooooo. That said, honestly all this would need to be used with other things would be a different sleeve that holds the device, so they could offer replacement ones if they wanted. Just sayin'.
The unpleasantness: There's a creepy dude in the fandom who has a serious young girl fetish and you'll know it's him because his dolls are all invariably wearing rumba panties. Which I'm not sure I knew the name for until I ran across him however many years ago, but sweet Jesus do I know now. Anyway, he lept all over Maryellen's pajamas and then asked if they were making them for little girls. I scrolled through the rest of the thread praying someone would be banning him because sweet fucking Christ, why would you ask that given how... I don't have the words to finish this, actually. They didn't ban him, no one was like "uh, the line, you crossed it because nothing about that question came across as casual, k?" and I scream in horror every time I think of that.
In general, I like how cohesive Maryellen's collection feels without it being as paint by numbers as the rest of the BF lineup. I hope this means that other characters (maybe Josefina?) will get to step out of the One Color Per Girl boxes they've been assigned. I want more than I don't want in terms of clothing and I at least give thumbs up to the more expensive furniture type things for how they're done even if they'll never come home with me.
This took an extra hour so I might have to wait until tomorrow to do the rest of the new stuff. We'll see how it goes. Until then, I look forward to thoughts/opinions/rants/whatever. :)
ETA: Yeah, totally not up to doing the non-ME stuff today. Poor Josefina just got her mini revamped, a new hairstyle set, and her Journey book. The new holiday dresses are a decided mixed bag, including Bitty's, and there's at least one outfit that made me recoil in horror. Things to look forward to, eh?
Anyway, we begin, as always, with Maryellen the doll:
Maryellen Doll and Book // $115
Item #CMC39
Imaginative Maryellen Larkin™ has hazel eyes that open and close, and her long strawberry-blond hair is worn in a high ponytail with sideswept bangs. She comes in an authentic 1950s outfit:
A striped dress with a sweetheart neckline, tailored bows, and a full skirt
An aqua lacy-knit shrug monogrammed with her initial
Black Mary Jane shoes
White underwear
An aqua ribbon bow on a ponytail holder for her hair
The 18" Maryellen doll has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. She comes with The One and Only: A Maryellen Classic 1 book.
Kay. If I didn't have a billion classic mold dolls and quite a few hazel eyed dolls already, I would possibly be tempted by ME. Maybe not because Classic is one of those that photographs better than reality for me, and ME is giving me serious Ruthie vibes in that I thought the doll looked beautiful in pictures but in person sometimes I'm just not as big a fan as I should be. That said, I do award points for ME coming with her shrug and that not being an accessories inclusion. It's probably because the outfit without the shrug would look too skimpy, especially without the socks (no, I will not shut up about the socks!) but still, it's a nice addition.
Speaking of accessories, you save $5 if you get the doll and the accessories together.
Maryellen's Accessories // $24
Item#CMC50
Maryellen's accessories are just right for adding an elegant touch. The set includes:
A pretend pearl necklace
A matching bracelet
A crocheted purse
White gloves with lace trim
These do feel a bit chintzy. You get a purse, but when you see it in action it's not as cute somehow. You get a necklace and a slip on bracelet, but that's... it. I mean there are gloves, too, but AG gloves are essentially mittens due to the way the hands are molded and it's hard for me to get worked up over something I would never use. It feels like something is missing, and in a way something is. Accessories used to have a hat and a coin and ME has neither, though she does have that bracelet. It just doesn't feel like it makes up for it, though.
Maryellen's Pajamas // $24
Item#CMC42
As she drifts off to sleep, Maryellen's dreams will be filled with imagination and fun in these adorable baby-doll pajamas—this style was very popular in the 1950s! Includes:
A top featuring a wide neckline with gathered details and bows at the shoulders and sides
Comfy bloomers with elastic at the legs
Matching slippers to complete her nighttime look
I'm going to be honest and say that I have an irrational block against these not only because I'm not all that fond of them, but because of a creepy guy in the AG fandom. He made a comment about these (and we'll discuss that at the end) and I still haven't shaken it.
But before that, I think luxken27 hit the nail on the head in that these jammies highlight the unnaturalness of the legs. It just looks weird. Which is a shame since I like the fabric a lot, and I don't have enough green in my collection.
Maryellen's Poodle Skirt Outfit // $36
Item#CMC47
Poodle skirts were very popular in the 1950s, and Maryellen is thrilled when her mother buys this one for her to wear to her first day of fourth grade! This outfit includes:
A black quilted skirt featuring a pink poodle with a stitched leash
A pink blouse with a cute Peter Pan collar and contrast polka dots on the sleeves
A polka-dot kerchief that can be worn in her hair or around her neck
White bobby socks
Black-and-white saddle shoes
IF I cave and use my coupon, I'm 99.9% sure I'd use it on this because you cannot tell me that this outfit won't be freakin' popular. Seriously, you just cannot convince me of it. It's the one ME outfit I feel has the best shot of NOT being marked down anytime soon since people think 50's and think poodle skirt. Since it's the complete outfit, I don't even feel awful about the price. *grabby hands*
Maryellen's Birthday Dress // $34
Item#CMC46
Maryellen gets a beautiful surprise for her birthday—her bridesmaid dress, all finished and ready to wear for her variety-show performance! It has a wide neckline, rows of gathered tulle, and a pleated sash with a pink corsage decoration. The outfit includes a green headband to hold her hair and shiny dark-pink shoes with white bows.
This is one that I think fared better in 'real' pictures and not AG stock. On the plus side, we're a few outfits in and that's the first time I've thought that the pictures weren't doing anything justice, so that's a plus. In any case, based on the video of the dress that someone had floating around out there, I like it a lot more than I thought I would initially. I'm thinking it'll look lovely on just about anyone and this is something that based on the book teasers I would consider a big deal in Me's collection. It's also one I could see not selling immediately and having AG panic. Let's see how it goes, eh?
Maryellen's School Outfit // $32
Item#CMC45
This outfit is perfect for Maryellen's school days! Just like many outfits for girls in the 1950s, it includes:
A purple gingham dress featuring a mock blouse with a Peter Pan collar and black necktie, three button accents, and a black sash
A black headband with a bow to hold back her hair
White bobby socks
Black Mary Jane shoes
Pretty sure this is the hand me down dress ME is less than thrilled with in the teaser, but it's adorable and I wants it. I needs it. :P Purple! Huzzah! This is one that I WILL buy, it's just a matter of when.
Maryellen's Play Outfit // $28
Item#CMC44
Maryellen is ready for fun in the Florida sun with this cheery outfit! It includes:
A white top with slits at the sides, red gingham trim, and cherries embroidered on the left chest
Dark denim capri pants with white contrast stitching and button details
A red gingham kerchief to add flair to her hair
White shoes with cherry embroidery—the perfect choice for sunny weather
I need to see this on someone's doll and not just AG photography to decide where I fall on the pants issue. This is a definite "if it goes on sale" item, because I want to love it so much and yet the stock photos do nothing. Also, AG? That is not a scarf. That is a damn ribbon and you know it.
Maryellen's Ice Skating Outfit // $36
Item#CMC43
Maryellen's Christmas wish is to ice skate, and this skating outfit fits the occasion perfectly. Includes:
A red skating dress is made of woolen flannel to keep her warm, featuring embroidered snowflakes and a contrast lining
White tights
Blue skates with faux-fur trim
Sweet mother of mercy, how can Nellie look so good in red and ME look so washed out? How? This is one I like but not for ME. I'm also not sure how well I'd like the fabric since it says "woolen flannel" and that can either mean "deceptively soft and warm" or "will catch on your fingers and drive you insane" with very little in between. And red and that shade of blue are a weird combo for me. Soooo this is likely a want (unless I find the fabric will kill me) but I'm undecided on when.
Maryellen's Ice Skating Accessories // $24
Item#CMC53
Warm accessories keep Maryellen comfy while she skates! This set includes:
A red Fair Isle scarf with little pom-poms
A blue stocking hat with snowflakes and a white pom-pom
Blue mittens with faux-fur cuffs
These are adorable. I want. But when you add these to the cost of the dress, it's a little much. So... we'll see if they go on sale, maybe? I also don't actually really love how they look paired with the skating outfit. Go figure.
Maryellen's Crinoline // $16
Item#CMC48
Crinolines were commonly worn to add fullness to skirts in the 1950s. This pink crinoline features ribbon edging for a pretty touch—and Maryellen can wear it to add extra poof to any skirt or dress!
This is something I can't decide whether it'll wind up being thrown on sale ASAP or if the lure of floof will keep it selling well enough. It's definitely on my to buy list, it's just whether I'll wait or not...
Scooter // $22
Item#CMC52
Scooter is Maryellen's lovable dachshund dog. He's short and stout with soft tan fur and sweet brown eyes—and he's always looking for a comfortable place to rest.
You know why Scooter's always looking for a place to rest? Because he's old. This is mentioned so damn often that I'm honestly a little worried he won't make it through to the end of the series. I'll let you know if it's less noticeable in the books once they get here. Until then, Scooter's adorable.
Maryellen's Hairstyling Set // $20
Item#CMC51
In the 1950s, getting curls took all night! When Maryellen wants soft curls in her hair, she puts curlers in before bed—and then takes them out in the morning before school. Your girl can use this set to give her doll curls, too:
12 soft curlers
A cap to wear over the curlers to keep her hair in place at bedtime
Styling instructions
A drawstring bag to hold it all
I like that the bag and cap both match her pajamas since I can pretend they were all made by the same person, even if the teaser made it clear that Me's mother isn't exactly a seamstress. As for the rollers, wow. That's just... wow. My interest in this is tied directly to whether or not it works as a curler set. If it does, I want. If it doesn't, no thank you.
Maryellen's Diner Set // $275
Item#CMC58
Welcome to the Seaside Diner™! It has features just like diners in the 1950s—and more than 30 pieces to inspire hours of imaginative fun. The floor and counter-front are printed to look like tile, and the countertop is printed with a familiar '50s speckle pattern. A grill is attached to the back wall with oven doors that pull out to reveal a drawer for storage. Two dolls can sit at the padded corner booth, and two more can have a seat on the stools at the counter. This set includes a metal pedestal table with a rectangular top and everything needed to run a diner:
Order slips to hang above the counter so the cook can see what was ordered
Two pretend made-to-order burgers that include meat, bun, and condiments
Pretend hot dogs, ketchup, and mustard
A pretend chocolate malt
A pretend strawberry malt
Two orders of pretend fries and paper trays
Two pretend breakfasts of sausage, scrambled eggs, and pancakes
A doll-sized striped fabric apron and doll-sized hats printed with the diner's name
Plates with a '50s motif
Tongs for turning hot dogs and a spatula for flipping burgers on the grill
A serving tray that dolls can carry
A bell to ring when an order is up
Menus
Printed paper placemats
A sheet of stickers to decorate the walls of the diner
There's a video on the page if you want to see the Diner in action. Take a shot each time he says girl and you'll need a new liver. That aside, it looks like fun and you can almost hear them taunting the OG diner that's more stationary. On the other hand, it's also $100 soooo... still, I'll never buy this just like I'll never buy Grace's Bakery. But you can bet that if I had a kid interested in it, I might actually consider this should it go on sale. But I don't and it's huuuuuuuge so this is something I'll just hope I get to play with in store sometime.
Also, I know we discussed the Peach Pit vibe, but it's also a bit similar to how I thought the Dairi Burger would look. :P Not exact by any stretch of the imagination, but probably as close as AG would ever need to come.
Maryellen's Jukebox // $90
Item#CMC59
Rock and roll! In Maryellen's day, jukeboxes were often found in restaurants and diners. People would scroll through a list of songs, then put in a few coins to play their favorites. This jukebox lights up and plays six pre-recorded '50s-style songs when the buttons are pushed. Plus, girls can connect their own electronic music players to play all their favorite songs! Includes a 3.5 mm audio cable.
Please note:
Electronic music player not included.
Requires 4AA batteries, not included.
Much as I might love jukeboxes (and I do; I will forever be envious that my godfather had one and I never got to play with it) I cannot see shelling out $90 for this. I do like that it does play some songs on its own and that you can hook your own device up to it for more musical stylings, but if I'm going down this route, I'll just be snagging Kit's radio, thanks. Unless there's a firesale on this sucker and then all bets are off.
Maryellen's Sofa Bed Set // $150
Item#CMC57
Sleeping on a sofa bed is kind of fun, and it's great for when company comes to stay! Maryellen's sofa bed is large enough to hold two dolls. To make it into a bed, just lift up the cushions and pull out the base—just like a real sofa bed.
This set includes one pink square pillow, one yellow round pillow, and a zigzag pattern blanket that can be used as accents on the sofa or on the bed.
In the 1950s, autograph books took on a new form—as stuffed animals! This set also comes with a dachshund-shaped toy dog printed with the names of Maryellen's classmates.
I cannot believe there are idiots who are complaining that the pull out bed portion of this is plastic instead of really metal. Have you idiots never assembled a sofa bed in your lives? Those springs freakin' hurt and that's on a much bigger scale, so I can only imagine the damage miniature springs would do. Naturally it's not shown, but there are molded springs onto the plastic platform and it's a good compromise in that it doesn't pretend it's exact but it's not a tiny bed of torture.
Having slept on a few sofa beds in my time, I'm good with never doing so again. But I think this was an interesting route to go with Me's bed as it still leaves the door open for her to get a regular bed at some point in the future while making her initial bed unique. Which is why I'm surprised they released the TM sofa at the same time. Ah well. This won't come home with me anytime soon (or possibly ever) but I enjoy it for what it is.
Maryellen's Living Room Set // $58
Item#CMC54
Families in the 1950s would gather in the living room to relax, read the newspaper, or watch a favorite TV show together. This set includes:
A three-tiered “boomerang” table that was a popular style at the time
A fun yellow lamp with a seashell-inspired scalloped base and a two-tiered shade—and it really lights up!
A mini reproduction of TV Guide Magazine (to let Maryellen know when The Lone Ranger is on!)
A newspaper from Maryellen's town
A figurine of a poodle wearing '50s-style glasses
Please note:
Lamp requires 3 button-cell batteries, included.
I really like this one but I hate the price, so the boomerang table will elude me for now. But one day, maybe...
Maryellen's Classroom Set // $40
Item#CMC55
With this 1950s-style school set, your girl can help Maryellen can practice her writing skills as she learns cursive, and also learn about geography. It includes:
A two-sided reproduction map from the 1950s, featuring the U.S. and Europe
A reversible chalkboard
A pointer
An easel stand to hold the map or chalkboard
Flash cards
Cute! Kid!me would have been all over this, though I think I agree with those who say that the flash cards are way too young for ME. I liked them better when I could pretend they were just the posters all elementary school teachers seemed to have on their walls, regardless of grade.
Maryellen's TV Console // $85
Item#CMC56
A large television console was truly the entertainment center in Maryellen's day. This set features:
A 1950s-style TV console with a built-in make-believe record player and encyclopedia books
A small bonsai tree figurine
Three mini pretend records and record sleeves
A paper-card “screen” to view on the TV
Plus, your girl can create and watch her own original videos on the console with her iPad!*
Please note:
*Use your iPad (not included) to download the free Maryellen TV Console app from the App Store℠. The app is only compatible with Apple iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, and iPad Air 2.
There's a video for this as well. I would snark but that's mean so I'll just say that in general, the TV disappoints me. The bonsai looks exceptionally cheap, the encyclopedias are all clumped plastic and don't come off the bookcase (boo!) which is a missed opportunity and a half. :/ I do like the record player and the fact that the records do come off and go into their sleeves. But AG's stupid love affair with all things iPad pisses me off. I don't want one but if I ever want to use their apps or fun things, I'd need one. Booooooo. That said, honestly all this would need to be used with other things would be a different sleeve that holds the device, so they could offer replacement ones if they wanted. Just sayin'.
The unpleasantness: There's a creepy dude in the fandom who has a serious young girl fetish and you'll know it's him because his dolls are all invariably wearing rumba panties. Which I'm not sure I knew the name for until I ran across him however many years ago, but sweet Jesus do I know now. Anyway, he lept all over Maryellen's pajamas and then asked if they were making them for little girls. I scrolled through the rest of the thread praying someone would be banning him because sweet fucking Christ, why would you ask that given how... I don't have the words to finish this, actually. They didn't ban him, no one was like "uh, the line, you crossed it because nothing about that question came across as casual, k?" and I scream in horror every time I think of that.
In general, I like how cohesive Maryellen's collection feels without it being as paint by numbers as the rest of the BF lineup. I hope this means that other characters (maybe Josefina?) will get to step out of the One Color Per Girl boxes they've been assigned. I want more than I don't want in terms of clothing and I at least give thumbs up to the more expensive furniture type things for how they're done even if they'll never come home with me.
This took an extra hour so I might have to wait until tomorrow to do the rest of the new stuff. We'll see how it goes. Until then, I look forward to thoughts/opinions/rants/whatever. :)
ETA: Yeah, totally not up to doing the non-ME stuff today. Poor Josefina just got her mini revamped, a new hairstyle set, and her Journey book. The new holiday dresses are a decided mixed bag, including Bitty's, and there's at least one outfit that made me recoil in horror. Things to look forward to, eh?
(no subject)
Date: 2015-09-02 02:28 pm (UTC)It was only Book #6, so you weren't that far off ;) I just never had a mental image of the interior (or exterior, come to think of it) for whatever reason. Which now that I think about it is incredibly weird considering what a big role it played in SVH *and* SVT :P
And I'm weak and ordered the poodle skirt set last night to use my coupon when z didn't want/need it. So now to decide who will wear it when it comes in...
Eeeeeeee! :D