Lea Dives In

[impy]

Today we'll go over Lea's stuff.



Lea Doll & Book
Item# DGT25 // $120
Meet Lea, the 2016 Girl of the Year™! She dives in to new adventures and explores what’s in her heart. The 18" Lea doll has warm hazel eyes that open and close, and long, light-brown wavy hair with sun-kissed highlights. She has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. She comes with the Lea Dives In paperback book, plus her Brazilian festival outfit:

• A bright, multicolored dress, featuring an attached braided belt and braided trim on the straps


• Sandals with crisscrossed laces


• Underwear


• An embroidered canvas messenger bag with colorful woven straps


• A pretend compass necklace

   Oh good lord. With people, to this day, debating whether McKenna had blond or brown hair, this is going to be fun watching people do battle over Lea's hair color. I don't see brown, I see dark blond, and you won't convince me otherwise from every promo shot we're about to see.

I'm glad the price didn't jump and that you get her necklace and bag included with the doll. You do have to pony up for earrings/ear piercing ($16 again) but given how many years in a row AG jacked up the prices come the New Year, well... you gotta applaud them when they don't do something completely evil.

I'm a sucker for the Josefina mold and the sheer number of people hating on her makes me want her. That and the homicidal looks she's sporting in some of these shots, I mean. :P

But if I'm completely honest, there's not a lot to recommend Lea if you've been around for oh, any of the GOTY dolls in the last six years or so. A lot of the photography here reminds me of Lanie's stuff, and Lanie also had a thing for butterflies. Lea herself is basically Kanani with lighter hair and a different face mold. There are catalog shots where I honestly thought someone snuck Nani in. She's doing the Starter Set Exclusive Outfit thing like McKenna and also with the ambiguous hair color like McKenna. But since I don't own Marisol or Rebecca, two dolls she reminds me a lot of, well... y'know, tempting. Very tempting.





Lea's Accessories
Item #DGT26 // $32
Lea’s adventures in Brazil have just begun! With this set, she’s ready for a world of new sights and experiences. The set includes:

• A pretend camera that she can really hold, or hang around her neck by the removable woven strap


• A braided headband


• Four animal photos


• A 3-in-1 wish bracelet, featuring three ribbons with her wishes printed on them and a sea turtle charm


• Her passport


• A mini book about sea turtles

  Like Grace, you can save $5 if you buy Lea's Accessories at the same time you buy Lea herself. Y'know, in case that's your thing.





Margay Cat
Item# DGT34 // $20
Lea is excited to see margays—small, spotted rainforest cats that live in trees—at the rainforest sanctuary. This cute little 7" (17.8 cm) plush margay cat has soft pink paws and an embroidered face.

American Girl will donate $1 to World Wildlife Fund up to $100,000 for every Margay Cat plush purchased through December 31, 2016.
  Can we all agree kitty here looks ready to eat Lea? Or possibly your soul? No? Just me? Okay then...



Three-Toed Sloth
Item#DGT35 // $20
Lea adores sloths—shaggy, slow-moving animals that live in trees in the rainforest. This cute little 7.5" (19 cm) plush sloth has a sweet embroidered face and touch-closure front and back paws, so it can hang onto things just like a real sloth.

American Girl will donate $1 to World Wildlife Fund up to $100,000 for every Three-Toed Sloth plush sold through December 31, 2016.
  If you listen very carefully, you can hear the combined squees of a million fangirls losing their minds over the sloth.



Sea Turtle
Item#DGT36 // $18


Lea loves turtles, so she’s thrilled when she gets to see them in the wild in Brazil! This cute little 6" (15.2 cm) plush sea turtle has mottled colors all over—like a real sea turtle—and an adorable embroidered face.

American Girl will donate $1 to World Wildlife Fund up to $100,000 for every Sea Turtle plush purchased through December 31, 2016.

  A few years ago when we braved AG Atlanta the first time, we swung by the Aquariaum on the way home. While there, I picked up a stuffed turtle for Widget that was cuter than the turtle here. Still, turtle!



Lea's Rainforest Hike Outfit
Item#DGT32 // $34

Lea can’t wait for her first hike into the rainforest! She’s ready to go in this outfit, which includes:

• A tee with a watercolor butterfly design


• Cropped cargo-style pants


• A belt with a green buckle


• A headband


• Colorful hiking boots


• A sports watch

  Huh. This is a weirdly mixed bag for me. On the one hand, I'm having serious flashbacks to early Girl of Today outfits that tended to look a lot like this, color wise. So a bit of nostalgia is trying to tell me I like it more (as a whole) than I do. When you take it separately, I like it more. That shirt is gorgeous and I like the watch. I dig that the belt isn't attached to the pants, too, which is actually one of the best things about the outfit. But I'm not sold on the pants (yet) and the headband is kind of a waste. Also, not a fan of the shoes because I don't like that color combo.



Lea's Ocean Kayak Set
Item#DGT29 // $85


Lea can discover what’s beneath the waves in this clear-bottomed ocean kayak! The set includes:

• A colorful ocean kayak, featuring a sail that can be collapsed, swiveled, or removed—plus, there’s even a compartment for Lea’s camera!


• A paddle that dolls can really hold


• A colorful nylon life vest


• A pretend underwater camera


• Two double-sided underwater scenes that fit into slots under the kayak

  I like the underwater scenes for the bottom of the kayak, but this isn't going to come home with me so my interest is limited.



Lea's Beach Accessories
Item#DGT28 // $34


Lea is ready for a day of amazing beach adventures! What will she explore next? It’s up to your girl with this set:

• A swim mask with adjustable straps and pretend water droplets


• A snorkel that attaches to the mask


• Swim fins with tropical flower graphics


• An adorable baby sea turtle, like the ones Lea sees hatching


• A sea turtle egg with a hatchling coming out


• A beach towel with ribbon straps to roll it up


• A pretend tube of sunscreen

  D'aww, turtles!




Lea's Fruit Stand
Item#DGT31 // $150


Lea loves getting snacks from the oceanside fruit stand. This set is filled with pretend treats—just like the tasty Brazilian specialties Lea would enjoy. It comes with:

• A colorful wooden fruit stand, featuring a service window with doors that open, a table, an ice bin with pretend ice, and a cabinet


• Two awnings


• A toucan that can perch on the stand or awnings


• A spoon, a pair of tongs, and two plates


• A faux acai bowl, and a spoon for digging in


• Pretend cheesy bread buns and tamales


• Pretend fruit: mangoes, passion fruit, a banana bunch, two whole coconuts, and a half coconut


• A fruit carton for pretend treats: a cluster of acai berries, cubed mango, granola, strawberries, or shredded coconut


• A net bag for hanging fruit


• A pretend blender—it even comes apart, just like the real thing


• Pretend mango juice, guava juice, and coconut water


• A canvas tote bag


• A reversible “open/closed” sign


• A brochure and menu for customers


• Stickers to decorate the stand doors

  If there's something the AG fandom is squeeing over more than the sloth, it's the fruit stand. Personally, I wish I had the money and space, because if I did, I'd have Kanani and Lea having dueling stands. :P "Shave Ice is better!" "In your dreams, Nani! Look, I've got a bird, too!" "Shove it, Lea!" and so on.



Lea's Rainforest Hike Accessories
Item#DGT33 // $28
Whenever Lea goes hiking with her big brother in the rainforest, she knows how important it is to bring her gear. This set includes:

• A hydration backpack with a pretend drinking tube, plus room for her hiking gear


• A walking stick with a grip and wrist loop


• Pretend binoculars that she can really hold


• A pretend bottle of bug spray


• Pretend snacks: an acai bar and mango bar


• A rainforest butterfly guide

  I suspect quite strongly that somewhere someone's Lanie just demanded this for the butterfly guide. I think this is an interesting accessory set just because it's not likely you'll find a bunch of hydration backpacks for dolls. Doesn't mean it's on my list, however.




Lea's Rainforest House
Item#DGT30 // $395


Lea awakens to the wonders of the rainforest outside her window. She can’t believe how lucky she is to stay with her brother’s host family in Brazil! This beautiful house will enchant your girl, too—and inspire dreams of traveling the world. This set features more than 30 items, including:

• A wooden house with mosquito netting and an outdoor shower


• A reversible rainforest scene for the window


• A roof that flips up for easy access


• A hammock, light-up lantern, and seashell chime


• A mattress, blanket, and pillow for the lofted bed


• A table and chair


• A Brazilian-style grill with a faux fire that lights up


• Grill tongs, a plate, a fork, and a pretend fruit drink


• Pretend food: fruit, corn, fish, a fish basket, two shrimp kabobs, and a rice bowl


• Pretend soap and a towel


• A basket and a vase


• Three postcards


• A pretend tablet with a removable cover and keyboard—it even has a USB cord that plugs into any of Lea’s cameras from other sets


• Three printed screens that fit inside the tablet


• A parrot that perches on railings, a red-eyed tree frog, and beautiful blue butterflies that can be attached all over the house

Please note:
Cannot be gift wrapped. Rush shipping not available. Due to its size, this item cannot be shipped to Canada or PO/APO/FPO.
Quantity limited to three per order.
Requires 12 AG13 (LR44) button-cell batteries (included) and 3 AAA batteries (not included).

   Take a shot each time someone says something about how compared to Grace's Bakery, this is positively a steal. :P



Lea's Rainforest Dreams Pajamas
Item#DGT38 // $24


After a long day of rainforest adventures, these pajamas keep Lea cool and comfy as she dreams. Includes:

• Romper pajamas with a rainforest print and ruffles at the hem


• Plush slippers with sequins and faux flowers

  If I ignore the salivating I'm sure is going on from the creepy old dude who positively drools whenever rompers are mentioned, I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about these. On the one hand, kinda cute. On the other, the promo pic here isn't doing much good. Hrmm. Further inspection required.




Lea's Mix n Match Swim Set
Item#DGT27 // $34


Once Lea finally finds the courage to swim in the ocean, nothing can stop her! This set can be worn four different ways, and includes:

• A sporty rash guard top


• A tankini top with fringe at the neckline


• A green swimsuit bottom with a pink waistband


• A pink swimsuit bottom with printed side panels


• A hair accessory

  People who got the grey market version of this have said that the bottom parts of the suits don't fit properly, so it'll be interesting to see if that flaw made its way into the actual product. For $34, getting two suits isn't bad. I'm not big on swim suits for AGs, though, so limited interest.



Lea's Bahia Outfit
Item#DGT37 // $28


Lea can’t wait to show her American friends the outfit she got in Bahia! It includes:

• A dip-dyed long-sleeved top


• Chambray shorts


• Sandals with braided straps

  I almost like the shirt here, but it somehow falls on the side of meh for me. The shorts are promising and I'm glad they didn't price this one higher than they did, considering you only get three items.



Lea's Exclusive Collection
Item#DMK58 // $180



Bring Lea home in this bundled starter set—featuring Lea’s Beach Dress, available only in this collection! Includes:

• Lea™ Doll & Book


• Lea’s Accessories


• A tie-dye-print dress with bows at the shoulders


• Green flip-flop sandals


• Matching sunglasses


• A pretty butterfly hair clip

   Bonus, the use of double Leas might inspire people to want twins. AG: cha-ching. I'm not sure I'd price the exclusive outfit, even with the cute sunglasses, sandals, and flutterbee clip at $28. But I've gotta say that I might just go ahead and go this route if I decide I want her accessories, too. Flutterbee, guys. Flutterbee.



In case you're wondering, they didn't add a lot aside from Lea's stuff. Some new Truly Me medical accessories (crutches and a diabetes set), a couple of Valentine's things (a dress and a shirt), and the BeForever minis that leaked a little while ago. They also seem to be re-releasing minis for Kirsten, Felicity, and Molly.

Alas, I've literally fallen asleep numerous times typing this all up, so you're getting limited commentary (for now) and tomorrow we'll go over the non-Lea things a little more in depth. Probably.

Oh, and Melody's tragic event IS the bombing, luxken27. Keep it classy, AG.

Comments

[zallia.livejournal.com]

I'll do my opinioning at work tomorrow!

[snarky-imp.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[luxken27]

Oh, and Melody's tragic event IS the bombing, luxken27. Keep it classy, AG.

Yeah, I followed the spoilers link from your last post. I guess terrorism is "in" now? It's precisely BECAUSE AG has failed so hard with real history that I dread seeing what they will do with this, much less all the people salivating over it! I guess being from AL and having been reminded of the bombing quite recently (the 50th anniversary a couple of years ago) gives me a different perspective...but yeah. WHY D:

[snarky-imp.livejournal.com]

My brain just keeps screaming silently at the thought of terrorism being in. I get that they're doing that thing they've always done, where they point out that gasp, people in the past weren't all that different from you! but in some cases maybe we don't need to be reminded. I'd imagine it's a whole different case of wtf for you, though.

Still waiting impatiently for it to hit Kindle though. Y'know. For science. And also the hope that it'll be more interesting than most of Maryellen's stories.

[zallia.livejournal.com]

Let's see, it's weird since I don't have a solid emotion for her, yet. Even though I wasn't collecting in those previous GOTY years, it does feel like she's just a mishmash of past ideas and girls. Like is the rainforest thing coming back into style? Baking was on point for last year and the dancing, I guess, but yeah this feels like very well-worn territory in a world sense and in AG sense. Maybe that's it, she feels very untimely?

Anyhow, I will probably end up getting her. Not just because the GOTYs then skyrocket, but looking at those comparison pics, I see the evil face now which is kind of funny. And oddly, I think she looks more like Isabelle than Rebecca or Marisol, but I guess the darker skin is more noticeable now in the actual photos. I'll probably wait for a discount period though, since I want the exclusive crap, just cause...well exclusive and all, so better to pony up now than regret it later.

On the other hand though, I feel AG keeps upping the prices and shirting the value and not in any like gradual way. This whole collection seems sparse just from a technical standpoint so to still be paying $28-32 and beyond for tiny ass pieces of fabric that look like the retro shit from 20 years ago and the fact that OG consistently does better-quality accessories for half the price is starting to sour me on AG as a whole. When I was balking at my CC statement I saw the 3 AG purchases and when I went to check what was actually in the order it....wasn't much for what I spent. Anyhow, so that's probably my main gripe for most of these pieces is that I don't think you're getting enough for what they're charging.

And I prefaced that because of her meet outfit. When you see the scant pieces, it's like really? You couldn't have included a jacket or a sarong or a hat or *something* with that outfit? Or even pants underneath? The dress is just so minimal. I do like the fabric and the bag is really nice at least. And as you say, not in a $32 add-on bundle at least.

Oh, here's the overpriced accessory set. I see we're continuing that trend from Grace. And it looks just as lame. Even at $5, I don't think it's worth that price. I've already got much better doll-sized DSLR and portable cameras from the OG sets and printouts of stuff are just meh. The turtle book and headband are about the only worthwhile pieces here, but I'd consider that $15 at most.

I find it so hard to justify the animals, but crazy-eyed evil kitty is too odd not to get. And the sloth. I'm not aboard the weird sloth train that's randomly permeated the internet, but damn if that thing doesn't have the cutest face. The turtle looks good, but for $18, you could probably get a similar quality one at any museum gift shop for less.

Like you said, the Hike Outfit brings us back to the olden days of MYAG. I guess this is about the most clothing we're going to get for her, too? Seems like a very furniture heavy-collection so maybe that's why I'm also not getting strong vibes for her since I can't even consider getting the giant pieces.

So yeah, the shirt's pretty, the pants, watch and shoes are ugly and totally impractical to leave your shins exposed like that for snakes and bugs to get a hold of.

Kayak...does nothing for me on a personal or a doll level.

Beach accessories...guess we're pulling the winter gear strategy here and making you buy pieces of sets in $30 installment plants? But then living in the desert I am SO not a beach person, so that could be tainting my view of this stuff. And since I don't do tub time and you're not supposed to put these dolls in the water, but this looks like it's very much inviting them to do so...good luck with that. But yeah, would really only be interested in the turtles.

Okay, I totally would have wanted the fruit stand when I was little. And the price is...not as godawful as we all have been trained to expect at this point?

[zallia.livejournal.com]

Hike accessories, I guess I should quit bitching because this is the new norm, but this should totally be a $20-$22 set to me. I hope it's just weird scaling on the photo, because those snack bars are monstrous compared to the bug spray and binoculars. Never used a hydration pack before. But at least it gives Lea a beat stick so she can bludgeon her enemies on hikes through the forest and then leave the bodies for the elements to consume?

Rainforest house, it's cute I guess, but I can't even fathom these $200 set pieces for your dolls...for kids or adults.

Pajamas...okay, now that they're rompers, I hate them. I could overlook the ugly ass fabric since it is so garish it's pretty much my jam, but this would be the time to do the shorts/tank top sets they've been so keen on up til now, instead of at all the other inappropriate venues. And I really dislike those toe straps on the slippers. Even though they're such a pretty green with those cute flowers. :(

Swimsuits-As with you I am very meh on swimsuits, particularly for AG, but across all doll lines. These just look like any other Truly Me endeavor.

Oh hey, one more clothing set at least. Honestly, this feels more like something from Saige's collection. I mean, granted I don't know much about wherever the hell she's going, but the design on the shirt looks very Southwestern to me. I like the gradient colors, though, but the shorts are just as ugly as the hiking pants. Seriously, why are they not khaki or even denim? They look like business casual fabric or something. Sandals are cute, I guess, but I don't understand shorts/sandals and then a long-sleeve shirt?

Extra outfit-More romper, which is ugh, but the sunglasses and butterfly clip are cute enough that I can overlook that. Especially if we can get a sale going here of some sort. At least she doesn't have special earrings (still miffed they didn't give me the full regular set with Grace), so I'd just be inclined to pierce myself if I felt that she needed them.

I like her full head of hair, so I think she'll have to be the Kanani replacement for me, even though I do think the Jess mold is cuter. I thought her hair was like brown-to-blond gradient, but seeing the full pics, it does just look like some weird blend of blonde and dark blond with a skosh of brown thrown in. I dunno, I think she may be the clunker that everyone can harp on to call for a more ethnically diverse GOTY next year. And also NO MORE HAZEL EYES FOR A GOOD LONG WHILE. Give it a rest! How about purple? How about Carolines? How about just green? There are options! Heck, even a brown with gold streaks or something.

[snarky-imp.livejournal.com]

In no particular order:

Yay! As in the past, I continue to live for your thoughts on new dolly stuff. :D

She does have exclusive earrings but I got lazy and since you have to add the doll to your cart to get the popup/image, I uh... was lazy. Add some sparkle with Lea's signature earring set—bring home your Lea doll with her ears pierced! Our gentle ear piercing service will help her sparkle and look her best. Includes one pair of pink studs, one pair of butterfly studs, and one pair of beaded dangles.
http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/Mattel/DHT97_Lea_Earrings_1?
I kinda hate the dangles but love the butterflies. Conflicted!

I really like how everyone who's gotten her has commented that her hair is fabulous, so I'm definitely wanting her earlier in the year in case they crap out halfway through production. The smart thing to do, I keep telling myself, is to wait for the Easter free shipping we normally get in February. Especially if I'm going for the Exclusive set because good lord, expensive. But patience... y'know?

So between us, we like most of the bits of NotQuiteSaige's outfit. (So right, it does look like it should've belonged to Saige) I like the shorts precisely because they make no real sense with the rest of the outfit and now I'm giggling at the thought of business casual murderous Lea.

*snort* Rompers are where you draw the line on PJs, eh? I think the slippers could have worked without the toe strap. I wonder if it would hurt anything to snip it. *muse*

Stop making me want her hydration set. She and Jane Boolittle can give demonstrations on the art of killing a man with just a stick.

Overall, I think I want maybe two and a half things and that includes Lea herself. I really want that dress that's floating around but apparently isn't coming out til later, but that still only brings us up to three possibles. :P

[zallia.livejournal.com]

Oh, okay! Damn, those are cute. I hadn't actually even visited the site yet. And just saw the collection forces you into the accessories, too, bringing it to a nice $200 huh? Blarg. At least most of her stuff is a pass for me, too, unless they do some sort of discounting.

Yeah, I just think the shorts are ugly in terms of a rainforest setting. Pair them with a nice blouse and I think they'll be a million times better. Or a white button-down and tie!

I guess so! We'll if they did onesie long johns, I'd probably balk at that, too. Hell, even Kit's new pajamas are a little too young for my tastes on them. I was wondering if it would ruin them by cutting, too....I very rarely see that bright green on anything.

Eh, I think we'll be seeing some markdowns, even if we have to wait the better part of the year to do it.

[snarky-imp.livejournal.com]

I may take one for the team and snag the PJs to perform surgery on the slippers if no one else has by that point.

Kit's PJs just look weird in the back, like it would be super uncomfy the way they have it set up. And not even stone cold logic like "she's a doll, she doesn't have feelings, dammit" can make me overcome that.

Should we be making a betting pool for the markdowns? ;)

[irishgypsie.livejournal.com]

She DOES remind me of Kanani! That's probably why I want her so much - I missed out on Nani but Lea is close enough. :D

LOVE the Bahia shirt. I'm not loving it with shorts - long sleeve shirts with shorts just always looks weird to me - but paired with regular pants or even a simple skirt of some kind would be great.

But...I just don't know if I'll get her. I'm really trying to stick to my 5 doll goal/limit for reasons of space, money, and theme (I desperately want to be able to have a Spice Girls AG set, which requires five dolls, and I'd be sad to have extra girls left out.) However, I could probably talk myself into 7 for a BSC set, except that would probably require different girls. I currently have Josefina, Ruthie, and Cecile. Josie can be Posh Spice, Ruthie is Sporty, and Cecile is Scary. So I need a blonde for Baby (and Julie has already claimed my heart) leaving a redhead, which can only be MyAG 61 since there are so few redheads in AG.

Of course, MyAG 61 could pull double duty as Mallory, Cecile would be Jessi, Ruthie could be Kristy, and Julie is Dawn (DUH). Josie really doesn't match any of the BSC girls. If I had Molly she could be early Mary Anne, but I don't. Lea could be Stacey. But I'd need another MyAG to be Claudia since Ivy is no mas. And I don't know how I'd do Abby since there are no AG dolls that look like her. Argh.

Julie is definitely next on my buy list. I'm waffling a bit on 61 because I didn't love her as much in person, but that could also be partly due to not loving the MyAG meet outfit and the display doll didn't have anything done with her hair. I think she could be made cuter. If Lea just had red hair I'd be so sold. I have no idea how to rewig an AG doll though...

[snarky-imp.livejournal.com]

I'd say rewigging AGs is easy, but I'd take rewigging Pullips (and the ensuing worrying about snapping their fragile necks) any day.

Basically, to do it, you need a decent grip and a spoon. You pull the hair into a ponytail and then you search around the wigcap (usually the back) for a gap and you slide the spoon underneath. It may slide easily, it may take some work. And then you just kind of inch your way around, working very carefully (so as not to rip the wig) until you've pried it off. You can carefully use acetone nail polish remover (don't go crazy since you don't want it dripping down her face or soaking the wig, you just want it to kind of eat at the glue and that's it) to loosen the glue, but I didn't have any when I did my swaps. You might also want Band-aids for your knuckles because I tore mine up. That said, I was coming down with something nasty and a little delirious, so I might not have been in the best frame of mind for doll customization. :P

You're really crafty, so it might come very, very easily to you. :)

I can totally see Julie rocking Baby's pigtails!

I don't get what's so hard about making a curly haired brunette with brown eyes but AG keeps throwing us hazel or greenish instead. Sorry, Abby.

I'm waiting impatiently for free shipping and then I'm 99% sure Lea's coming home. I waffle a little but she looks so pretty in photos. I almost want to call and ask for the angriest looking one they've got since people are bending over backwards to find "sweet" ones. "Yeah, can you gimme the one that looks most like she's ready to behead everyone else? Yes. That one. That's the one I want. Thanks."

61 always looks gorgeous in photos but I never managed to pull the trigger when she'd show up on sales (not often, and almost always sold out before I got there) but I always chalked that up to classic mold fatigue.