Meet Gabriela McBride
Jan. 1st, 2017 10:25 amWell hello, Gabby. (It's Gabby in the books and thus it shall be Gabby 'round here.) Welcome to the AG lineup, ignore the jerks as there are plenty.

Gabriela McBride Doll & Book // $115


Item #FDT49
Meet Gabriela, the 2017 Girl of the Year™! She's a true talent who gets creative for a cause. The 18" Gabriela doll has warm brown eyes that open and close, and curly dark-brown hair. She has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. She comes with the Gabriela paperback book, plus her signature outfit:
A cropped purple sweater with silver dream graphic and soft turquoise tank top
A fitted pair of dark-blue jeggings to keep her comfy
A pair of purple shoes with turquoise straps, a pink double headband, and 10 hairbands
You'll notice that Gabby is $5 less than Lea. It's because she doesn't come with anything super awesome to 'justify' the higher price. Also, it's possible AG's realized that they're gonna have a harder sell with her and a smaller price might be better, or hell, maybe they just realized their doll prices are insane. Who knows, pick your conspiracy theory at will.
Doll wise I feel like we've done this dance before, but let's roll this all into one post, shall we? She is literally the same doll as #46. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. She is SO MUCH the same doll that if you bought #46 right before she retired (so... in 2015?), AG will have sent you an email telling you that you're eligible for a freebie: Gabriela's Meet outfit. If you have proof that you own her (and I'm guessing got her directly from AG, not via ebay or their various Benefit Sales), you're probably eligible for the outfit as well. That is how much she is the same doll.
That aside, I thought 46 was pretty and I think Gabby is pretty and I have a serious case of the grabby hands. I like her color scheme. I love purple and teal and the pink headband is nice. While I still think the dolls are a little weirdly proportioned for leggings as pants, overall I think Gabby's got one of the better Meets in awhile. It's all mix and match goodness (no sewn together tops here) and not a dress which helps considerably. I like dresses, but AG's used them as generic Meets far too often.
If you want to get Gabby's ears pierced, you get this exclusive set:

These earrings are a reminder that music and beauty are everywhere! Includes the following pierced earrings for dolls: a set of music-note studs, stylish blue flower studs, and songbird studs with sparkling rhinestone eyes.
I really like all three of these and um, probably going to hold til I can afford to get her ears pierced because yes. I do dislike the fact that it'll cost $16 for this set, though. Booooooo.


Gabriela's Accessories // $28
Item#FDT24
Whether she’s at dance practice, at school, or on the go, Gabriela’s essentials help keep her on track! This active set includes:
A colorful bag with a boom-box graphic on the front, shoulder strap, and side pockets
A water bottle to keep her hydrated
A yummy bag of faux trail mix to keep her energized and a pretend apple to munch on
10 hair pins and 8 hairbands
A sheet of bandage stickers
That bag. THAT BAG. Still want. The apple is cute but I do wonder why the bobby pins are that color because they're gonna stand right out which isn't necessarily the look you're going for with them.

Gabriela's PJs // $24
Item#FDT22


These comfy PJs help Gabriela rest and recharge. Includes:
A soft knit tank top with a colorful graphic on the front
A pair of cropped pajama pants with pleats at the top and scrunching at the hem
Plush wide-strap slippers with elastic in the back
I've said it before, but these aren't my favorite PJs. I'll buy them because her collection is pretty tiny and because I think it's something I'll like more in person, but I'm not thrilled about them like I was for say, Lanie's. Actually, I'm usually pretty hit or miss on the GOTY PJs now that I think about it. I got Grace's, but I definitely skipped Izzy's, Saige's, McKenna's, and even Nani's.

Gabriela's Cat, Maya // $22
Item#FDT25
Gabriela’s cat, Maya, is the purrfect companion to snuggle with after dance practice or poetry readings. This adorable gray-and-white tuxedo cat has a soft, huggable body and an embroidered face.
Maya's obviously one of those cats who is um... special. I'm curious as to how much variance there is in the cats, however. I'll buy. Eventually.

Gabriela's Creative Studio Set // $58
Item#FFB50
There’s nothing Gabriela likes more than to dance, create, and dream in the studio at her beloved community center. Includes:
A metal dance barre that’s perfect for practicing moves from her trusty ballet board
A water bottle to keep her hydrated
A reversible backdrop with the interior and exterior of the studio on either side
A soft yellow towel with an embroidered graphic
It's a thing. If I were younger or played with my dolls, or set up scenes, I'd give this another look. I do like the backdrop aspect but I'm good with not spending the money on this particular item since I don't really need or want a dance barre or a teeny tiny towel to go along with a whole lotta cardboard. :p


Gabriela's Performace Case // $48
Item#DVM03
When Gabriela is backstage, she has everything she needs to set up a performance or mix music. Includes:
A rolling case with wheels that swivel, an interior shelf, and inside velour pocket to hold accessories
A pretend laptop with a retractable cord for her drum pad and microphone, as well as 3 reversible and interchangeable screens
A pair of stylish headphones with rhinestone details on the side
A microphone that swivels and can be plugged into the laptop
A drum pad that can be plugged into the computer for sound mixing and 2 drumsticks
A sheet of repositionable stickers to decorate the case
No wonder I couldn't find the pictures for this yesterday, they misspelled 'performance' in the file names. Because of course they did. :P
I...dunno on this. On the one hand, I dig those headphones. I don't mind extra storage space, and doll laptops are always good. On the other hand, that price tag. Siiiiiigh.

Gabriela's Tap Shoes // $16
Item#FDT26
Once these sparkling tap shoes are on, Gabriela can’t wait to move her feet!
$16? Yeaaaaaah, I'm gonna need a sale to justify that.

Gabriela's Showtime Kit // $34
Item#DVM08

It’s time for a big show at the Liberty Center, and this set helps Gabriela get ready backstage. Includes:
A vibrant case with a heart graphic and carrying strap
A compact with pretend makeup and mirror, a bristle brush, and a golden hair pick
A braided metallic headband and a flower hairband with a pretend gem in the center for added flair
A hair pin set with flower and bird embellishments
Real doll nail polish in an exclusive metallic shade that will wash off with water
I will be buying this sooner rather than later for that nail polish novelty. I think the case is really pretty, too, so that helps. I like the pins but that headband is going to fuck up a whole lotta Gabbys. Seriously, you gotta get better hair accessories, AG. It's not that hard, is it? And pretty sure that pick will wind up in the pile of no, but you tried.

Gabriela's Sparkling Sequins Outfit // $32
Item#DYP29


Gabriela is ready to catch the light and give it her all at the Liberty Center in this sparkling dance outfit. Includes:
A glittering purple and silver ombre sequin tank top
Black stretch capris with silver sequin trim down the side
Silver fingerless gloves
Wide silver headband
Sparkling silver jazz shoes to dance in
Yeesh, another headband that's going to destroy those curls. WHY, AG. WHY. Otherwise, ehhh. I like this a lot more in their other promo-y pictures:

Somehow it looks better there. It's on my list, just not as high as it could be.

Gabriela's Rehersal Outfit // $28
Item#FDT23

This outfit gets Gabriela moving! Includes:
A black short-sleeved leotard with bow details
A flowing mesh tank top with a purple heart graphic and flyaway opening in back
Colorful print shorts with ruffles at the hem
Bright-pink stretch leggings
Gray ballet shoes with bow accents
Objectively I know this is all a LOT to have going on in one outfit, but for every person who screams, "MY EYES!" I love it even more. I liked it kind of out of sheer stubbornness but now I enjoy it on its own merits. If I were getting one Gabby outfit right away, it'd be this one. :p
Overall, Gabby's collection isn't quite as tiny as initially feared, but it's pretty damn small. Lea's section had 35 items (and has about that many, but I don't know when the Megabloks set came out so I'm not counting that really) and Gabriela's got 16. Admittedly, Lea does have those three extra plushies, the wish ribbons, and she also got her summer wave of stuff, but still. That's a pretty damn big difference.
I will say that Gabby's section does feel cohesive, moreso than some of the previous GOTYs. Time will tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing, however. I tend to think the more cohesive lines do better, but it is a gamble since everything Gabby has right now screams dance and if that's not your thing, a lot of her collection just went Nope for you.
Annnnnnnnnd I'm gonna need some food and possibly some sleep before I can even begin to work myself up to being ready to discuss the mix and match options they just unleashed. Gods, my eyes. I... I don't understand. I keep trying and my brain just keeps screaming nonononononoooooooooo and then I have to toggle on over to the new PJs and soothe myself because those are cute. I think. Oh, god, my eyes need to be cleansed.

Gabriela McBride Doll & Book // $115


Item #FDT49
Meet Gabriela, the 2017 Girl of the Year™! She's a true talent who gets creative for a cause. The 18" Gabriela doll has warm brown eyes that open and close, and curly dark-brown hair. She has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. She comes with the Gabriela paperback book, plus her signature outfit:
A cropped purple sweater with silver dream graphic and soft turquoise tank top
A fitted pair of dark-blue jeggings to keep her comfy
A pair of purple shoes with turquoise straps, a pink double headband, and 10 hairbands
You'll notice that Gabby is $5 less than Lea. It's because she doesn't come with anything super awesome to 'justify' the higher price. Also, it's possible AG's realized that they're gonna have a harder sell with her and a smaller price might be better, or hell, maybe they just realized their doll prices are insane. Who knows, pick your conspiracy theory at will.
Doll wise I feel like we've done this dance before, but let's roll this all into one post, shall we? She is literally the same doll as #46. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. She is SO MUCH the same doll that if you bought #46 right before she retired (so... in 2015?), AG will have sent you an email telling you that you're eligible for a freebie: Gabriela's Meet outfit. If you have proof that you own her (and I'm guessing got her directly from AG, not via ebay or their various Benefit Sales), you're probably eligible for the outfit as well. That is how much she is the same doll.
That aside, I thought 46 was pretty and I think Gabby is pretty and I have a serious case of the grabby hands. I like her color scheme. I love purple and teal and the pink headband is nice. While I still think the dolls are a little weirdly proportioned for leggings as pants, overall I think Gabby's got one of the better Meets in awhile. It's all mix and match goodness (no sewn together tops here) and not a dress which helps considerably. I like dresses, but AG's used them as generic Meets far too often.
If you want to get Gabby's ears pierced, you get this exclusive set:

These earrings are a reminder that music and beauty are everywhere! Includes the following pierced earrings for dolls: a set of music-note studs, stylish blue flower studs, and songbird studs with sparkling rhinestone eyes.
I really like all three of these and um, probably going to hold til I can afford to get her ears pierced because yes. I do dislike the fact that it'll cost $16 for this set, though. Booooooo.


Gabriela's Accessories // $28
Item#FDT24
Whether she’s at dance practice, at school, or on the go, Gabriela’s essentials help keep her on track! This active set includes:
A colorful bag with a boom-box graphic on the front, shoulder strap, and side pockets
A water bottle to keep her hydrated
A yummy bag of faux trail mix to keep her energized and a pretend apple to munch on
10 hair pins and 8 hairbands
A sheet of bandage stickers
That bag. THAT BAG. Still want. The apple is cute but I do wonder why the bobby pins are that color because they're gonna stand right out which isn't necessarily the look you're going for with them.

Gabriela's PJs // $24
Item#FDT22


These comfy PJs help Gabriela rest and recharge. Includes:
A soft knit tank top with a colorful graphic on the front
A pair of cropped pajama pants with pleats at the top and scrunching at the hem
Plush wide-strap slippers with elastic in the back
I've said it before, but these aren't my favorite PJs. I'll buy them because her collection is pretty tiny and because I think it's something I'll like more in person, but I'm not thrilled about them like I was for say, Lanie's. Actually, I'm usually pretty hit or miss on the GOTY PJs now that I think about it. I got Grace's, but I definitely skipped Izzy's, Saige's, McKenna's, and even Nani's.

Gabriela's Cat, Maya // $22
Item#FDT25
Gabriela’s cat, Maya, is the purrfect companion to snuggle with after dance practice or poetry readings. This adorable gray-and-white tuxedo cat has a soft, huggable body and an embroidered face.
Maya's obviously one of those cats who is um... special. I'm curious as to how much variance there is in the cats, however. I'll buy. Eventually.

Gabriela's Creative Studio Set // $58
Item#FFB50
There’s nothing Gabriela likes more than to dance, create, and dream in the studio at her beloved community center. Includes:
A metal dance barre that’s perfect for practicing moves from her trusty ballet board
A water bottle to keep her hydrated
A reversible backdrop with the interior and exterior of the studio on either side
A soft yellow towel with an embroidered graphic
It's a thing. If I were younger or played with my dolls, or set up scenes, I'd give this another look. I do like the backdrop aspect but I'm good with not spending the money on this particular item since I don't really need or want a dance barre or a teeny tiny towel to go along with a whole lotta cardboard. :p


Gabriela's Performace Case // $48
Item#DVM03
When Gabriela is backstage, she has everything she needs to set up a performance or mix music. Includes:
A rolling case with wheels that swivel, an interior shelf, and inside velour pocket to hold accessories
A pretend laptop with a retractable cord for her drum pad and microphone, as well as 3 reversible and interchangeable screens
A pair of stylish headphones with rhinestone details on the side
A microphone that swivels and can be plugged into the laptop
A drum pad that can be plugged into the computer for sound mixing and 2 drumsticks
A sheet of repositionable stickers to decorate the case
No wonder I couldn't find the pictures for this yesterday, they misspelled 'performance' in the file names. Because of course they did. :P
I...dunno on this. On the one hand, I dig those headphones. I don't mind extra storage space, and doll laptops are always good. On the other hand, that price tag. Siiiiiigh.

Gabriela's Tap Shoes // $16
Item#FDT26
Once these sparkling tap shoes are on, Gabriela can’t wait to move her feet!
$16? Yeaaaaaah, I'm gonna need a sale to justify that.

Gabriela's Showtime Kit // $34
Item#DVM08

It’s time for a big show at the Liberty Center, and this set helps Gabriela get ready backstage. Includes:
A vibrant case with a heart graphic and carrying strap
A compact with pretend makeup and mirror, a bristle brush, and a golden hair pick
A braided metallic headband and a flower hairband with a pretend gem in the center for added flair
A hair pin set with flower and bird embellishments
Real doll nail polish in an exclusive metallic shade that will wash off with water
I will be buying this sooner rather than later for that nail polish novelty. I think the case is really pretty, too, so that helps. I like the pins but that headband is going to fuck up a whole lotta Gabbys. Seriously, you gotta get better hair accessories, AG. It's not that hard, is it? And pretty sure that pick will wind up in the pile of no, but you tried.

Gabriela's Sparkling Sequins Outfit // $32
Item#DYP29


Gabriela is ready to catch the light and give it her all at the Liberty Center in this sparkling dance outfit. Includes:
A glittering purple and silver ombre sequin tank top
Black stretch capris with silver sequin trim down the side
Silver fingerless gloves
Wide silver headband
Sparkling silver jazz shoes to dance in
Yeesh, another headband that's going to destroy those curls. WHY, AG. WHY. Otherwise, ehhh. I like this a lot more in their other promo-y pictures:

Somehow it looks better there. It's on my list, just not as high as it could be.

Gabriela's Rehersal Outfit // $28
Item#FDT23

This outfit gets Gabriela moving! Includes:
A black short-sleeved leotard with bow details
A flowing mesh tank top with a purple heart graphic and flyaway opening in back
Colorful print shorts with ruffles at the hem
Bright-pink stretch leggings
Gray ballet shoes with bow accents
Objectively I know this is all a LOT to have going on in one outfit, but for every person who screams, "MY EYES!" I love it even more. I liked it kind of out of sheer stubbornness but now I enjoy it on its own merits. If I were getting one Gabby outfit right away, it'd be this one. :p
Overall, Gabby's collection isn't quite as tiny as initially feared, but it's pretty damn small. Lea's section had 35 items (and has about that many, but I don't know when the Megabloks set came out so I'm not counting that really) and Gabriela's got 16. Admittedly, Lea does have those three extra plushies, the wish ribbons, and she also got her summer wave of stuff, but still. That's a pretty damn big difference.
I will say that Gabby's section does feel cohesive, moreso than some of the previous GOTYs. Time will tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing, however. I tend to think the more cohesive lines do better, but it is a gamble since everything Gabby has right now screams dance and if that's not your thing, a lot of her collection just went Nope for you.
Annnnnnnnnd I'm gonna need some food and possibly some sleep before I can even begin to work myself up to being ready to discuss the mix and match options they just unleashed. Gods, my eyes. I... I don't understand. I keep trying and my brain just keeps screaming nonononononoooooooooo and then I have to toggle on over to the new PJs and soothe myself because those are cute. I think. Oh, god, my eyes need to be cleansed.