February Peeks! Featuring Maryellen and Nanea

New BeForever items rumored to be released in February.

Maryellen's Vacation Playsuit

Maryellen can't wait for summer vacation. Her family is going on a trip to the national parks! This outfit includes: a one-piece romper with a sweetheart neckline, halter straps, button details, and contrast-cuff shorts, a matching skirt that can be worn over the romper for a whole new look, white patent T-strap sandals, and a red-and-white gingham kerchief to keep her hair neat.

Maryellen's Campfire Cooking Set

When Maryellen's family hits the road, they cook meals with this 1950s-era set. Everyone has to pitch in (except for her sister Joan, who burns everything!): A pretend fire that really glows inside a faux-stone fire pit, a cooking rack that sits over the fire with hooks for a tea kettle and a pot, a frying pan and spatula for making a pretend egg, pancakes, and breakfast patties, a pretend box of pancake mix, a plate, cup, and fork for mealtime. Requires 3 AAA batteries (not included)

Maryellen's Hiking Accessories

At Yellowstone, Maryellen is thrilled to watch Old Faithful erupt. And she'll need this gear to hunt for her missing dog, Scooter. (Will she find him?): A 1950s-style flashlight that really glows, a miniature brochure and guide to Yellowstone National Park, a plaid-detailed satchel to hold everything. Mom embroidered Maryellen's initials on the front. Batteries included

Nanea's Tropical Birthday Outfit

Nanea's ohana (Hawaiian for family) surprises her with a birthday picnic at Waikiki Beach. She wears this special outfit for the occasion: a sailor-style top with a big green bow, a skirt her grandmother made from pineapple-print fabric, two red barrettes with twinkly rhinestones, a gift from her friend Dixie, and strappy yellow sandal.

Nanea's Palaka Outfit

Nanea's mom made most of her clothes. She often used palaka, a traditional Hawaiian checkered fabric that was easy to find on the islands. This outfit includes: a cropped top with a bow at the sweetheart neckline, high-waisted shorts with front pleats and wide legs, green sandals with crisscross ankle straps and cutout hearts, and a faux plumeria flower clip for her hair.

Nanea's Birthday Accessories

Nanea's birthday celebration is extra-special. Ever since the war started, everyone is too busy to relax at the beach, so spending time with family and friends is the best gift of all. Nanea's other birthday gifts are: a little pineapple-print skirt that her grandmother made for Nanea’s beloved dog, Mele, a fabric purse from her sister with three kittens on the front. Nanea and her best friends are affectionately called The Three Kittens. A pretend 1940s-era Kodak camera from her grandparents that stores photos inside, two pretend black-and-white photos, and a doll-sized Nancy Drew mystery book from her brother.

Nanea's 1940s Radio

Nanea usually listens to music on the big radio in the living room. But when Pearl Harbor is attacked, Nanea and her family huddle around the radio, desperate for news. This pretend radio plays a popular song and real recorded news from the time. Attach the included 3.5mm audio cable to your girl's own electronic music player to listen to her own favorite songs. Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included.

I love Maryellen's new things. But I also want that Nancy Drew book in Nanea's Birthday Accessories!

My biggest question is if the camper trailer pictured behind Maryellen's Campfire is a prop or a future release item!?

Nanea: The Kanani Killer?

A side-by-side of Nanea and Kanani really brings up a lot of questions about the future of AG poppets, past and present.

Photo by Emily Chanel

One thing I have noticed in all the Nanea and poppet friends photos I have seen online is how much Nanea's eyes pop in comparison to older dolls. Nanea's face is lively and Disney-esque with her huge saucer eyes while her friends seem a bit sleepy and dated in direct comparison.

In the photo above Nanea looks like she just downed three shots of espresso and is about to bust out in song (with full orchestra accompaniment) vs Kanani's quite serene expression.

Until recently, Kanani has been the ultimate rare and sought after doll bringing the highest prices on the secondary market (other than super rare white body Pleasant Company dolls). At one time Kanani could command $300 - $500, but since the announcement and photo leaks of Nanea in February, Kanani has cooled into the $150 range.

Is Nanea the ultimate"Kanani Killer?" Certainly the Hawaiian themes are the same. Or is there a bigger issue looming--will Nanea have the effect of making all of AG dolls from the past 30 years suddenly appear old and dated?

The Nanea mold is not simply just a new face mold--it has been designed significantly different as to be a break from the prior molds. Her bigger eyes are in part a result from her face mold being a bit more flat in profile and thus her eyes be less in shadow. More of the whites of the eyes are left visible and she also has extra painted lashes for added pop. Her prominent forehead also sets her eyes out and gives her a much younger appearance.

The Nanea mold is very similar to the WellieWishers mold--also cute--but also featuring the extra large eyes.

We know from looking to the world of consumer goods, fashion, cars, electronics--the way to get people to buy anew is to tweak the design to make last year's (or last month's!) model look super dated. Is this the new marketing strategy for AG?

Will we see more Nanea-like molds in the line ups to come? Or other bold changes intended to make pre-2017 dolls seem old and dated? Is AG specifically hoping to drive consumers toward snapping up AG's newest doll offerings vs shopping on the secondary market for AG dolls of the past?

Nanea's Rewards Collection

Gold and Berry Members can order online or go to the store and purchase this bundle today!

Shipping seems to be delayed until August 4th, so in store may yield quicker results, especially after considering how slow AG shipping tends to be!

My quick review based on stock images and a series of video reviews (already!) on Instagram by a fleet footed fan:

Overall the items in her Rewards Collection are colorful, thoughtful and unique. Her color scheme of various shades of reds plus white and blue does not come off as too kitschy like her contemporary (retired) counterpoint Molly, who's unrelenting red-white-and-blue was a bit off putting--you were needed to love patriotic red or go home.

The down side so far is a lot of poly or poly-blends in her collection. I prefer more cotton than poly for these tiny outfits even if it is not necessarily inaccurate to use poly-blends. Poly blends don't always look or feel as nice in hand. I also worry about her panties or pajamas snagging--here we will have to wait and see.

So a peek at Nanea!

Nanea looks great. Overall, no major gripe on doll, new face mold, wig, or outfit. I will note that I am not sure if I love her eye paint, but mostly because it seems like it would rub off easy. I also have a sneaking suspicion it is a cost savings to paint the notches vs the actual cut notches (like revised #54 or Z) while also making the mold more versatile--a future doll could use the Nanea mold without the painted side notches for a different look.

Nanea does come with removable panties! They are white, silky poly-blend in a boxer-shorts like style.

Her accessories are cute if not terribly exciting.

I want the paper money and letter but the rest is a skip. But since (so far) I have no plans to bring home the doll itself the accessories are not a big draw for me.

Still, so far, the pajamas are my favorite because of the darling cut and print.

Shoes? Where are her shoes? I understand Nanea lives in tropical Hawaaii, but it feels like AG is looking for every opportunity to skip shoes for Nanea as a cost cutting measure. Namely, her pajamas come with no slippers, no hair piece, or some other object in lieu of a shoe.

However, in spite of all the short comings I will probably end up with the pajamas.

The hulu outfit is nice--nicer than Molly's costume. But it has me wistful for Kanani's modern counterpoint in purple.

The dog, Mele, will definitely come home with us.

Who and what will be coming home with you??

Nanea Mini Stock Image

This stock image of Nanea Mini has been floating around forever but I just found it for myself on the AG publisher site. Yay. Now I can add it to Nanea's page (link on top nav bar).

Nanea Play Dress and Music Bag

Busy catching up with all of the images, leaks, and videos featuring Nanea.

From a "Z" video we have these stills of a darling ruffled hem play dress and her pup, Mele.

My current plan is to not get Nanea. I have a gorgeous Kanani doll who does not get much time to shine in our very full poppet house and my thoughts are to pick and choose some of the items from Nanea's collection to fill out Kanani's world. The above dress would be a terrific retro-look for Kanani.

Also in the Z video is a nice clear view of Nanea's woven bag filled with traditional music instruments.

Are you going to get Nanea? Are you already a fan or are you on the fence?

Be sure to also check out the dedicated Nanea page in the top nav bar where all her early peeks are archived in one spot!

Nanea Updates

Nanea will be released soon though it is not clear exactly her debut date. For a short time it was rumored her release would be pushed off until later fall, but now the dates of August 21 or August 24 are most common.

A sneak peek of Nanea's Market was spotted on a Good Morning America segment. Some screen shots!

The screen shots are blurry but what we can make out is the market is bright pink, lime and a burnt orange. It may be a tri-fold construction. It seems to include a cash register.

Like some of the other recent structures (Grand Hotel), the height of the piece is a bit low, barely taller than the doll itself. The saving grace is the Market has a decorative center front piece wall that is taller which helps to add impact, but I really hope AG stops scrimping on structure heights.

My note about the colors. Many will argue that Hawaii buildings are often pink--but I think AG missed out on a chance to make the Market appear like a "real" building with quaint features that just happen to be painted pink. Instead, the Market looks like it lacks details and surface textures and is a bunch of flat, plastic surfaces in bright colors.

It matters to add detailing grooves to the plastic molds to simulate wood, wood joints, nail holes, and other subtle touches to the molds vs just a bunch of flat shiny plastic surfaces. The details make the plastic bearable--for a good example check out the molded details of Tenney's "wooden" floor of her stage:

Unfortunately, so far it looks like the Market is missing these kinds of details. I hope I am wrong!

Sneak peek wise I am disappointed. Too small, too short, too "toy" like in appearance, and probably lacking in subtle details to bring more realism into the set piece.

Nanea's Sandals!

Finally another peek!

Are you excited for August 24th?

Nanea's Fluff of a Pup

Who is this scruffy new friend?

Photos used courtesy of and with permission by @adoreamericangirladult

This pup seems to be Nanea's pet, as featured on the front cover of her second book, Hula for the Home Front. Thanks to @adoreamericangirladult we get an up close view of this fuzzy guy!

It looks to be a terrier mix, perhaps with a shade of poodle? A yorkie-poo? The dog has embroidered eyes, though is mostly a mop of grey and off-white fur.

The pup comes with a brown tone collar.

Even though the pup is more fur than form, I think he's adorable. Then again, I have two yorkies and this little guy reminds me of them just a bit.

Does this pup come home with you, too?

Nanea Book Covers!

These are beautiful!

Credit for finding these stock images go to American Girl Wiki as well as American Girl Doll News for pointing her viewers to AG Wiki!

BeForever News: Aloha! Nanea

Nanea Mitchell won't be released until August 24th, but we are learning more and more about her character and story. In case you have not seen the book descriptions yet for Nanea!

What do you think will be part of Nanea's collection based on her story? Speculations below...

Looking at Nanea's story descriptions...

"Dip in her paddle"

The ocean waters are likely a big part of her culture and her lifestyle. I feel that AG has done the kayak thing rather recently--maybe some something more indigenous related like a double-canoe? (For that matter, has AG ever done a canoe of any sort? I would love to see a BeForever Native American with a canoe!)

"Grandparents' market" & "Victory Garden"

Food items and settings seem to be a big hit at AG--perhaps a vegetable/fruit/food stall? How about gardening supplies--that would be adorable!

"Nanea turns to hula"

I would be shocked if Nanea does not get a hula outfit!

"Back to School"

Almost every BeForever doll has school supplies--it seems likely to see something school-themed for Nanea. Lunch box? Books? Recess play items?

So what will be Nanea's Big Ticket Item? A Market Stall would be an easy guess--but I am hoping to be more surprised by something unique. 

What do you want to see as part of Nanea's collection?

Nanea: A New Face

Let's talk about Nanea's new face mold!

First some of the larger strokes--I love Nanea's silhouette graphic. From this graphic and banner we see the hibiscus flower as one of her repeated motifs, but we see other themes emerging in the little tiki huts in her shirt and the decidedly nautical touches in the styling of her white shorts with the blue pocket stripes (not seen here) and placement of the dark navy blue buttons.

As for the face mold itself the two most striking features (among many) are the larger open and rounded eyes with a slight side notch and the the overall rounded-heart-shaped face.

As pointed out elsewhere, the general impression of the Nanea mold seems related to the WellieWisher face molds. Is American Girl making a strategic move toward dolls with big eyes and heart shaped faces? If so, it is one of the stronger changes in the overall aesthetic of the American Girl "look."

Do note that American Girl may have altered or Photoshopped this image and thus some details may be enhanced or downplayed (such as the white reflective spots in her eyes appearing like two little "hearts")--but there are some details to discuss.

Does Nanea have painted lower lashes and some additional painted upper lashes? 

New eyebrow shape.

Notched eyes (my favorite touch).

Her lips and smile are a new shape as well and her lip color looks new and custom to Nanea's coloring.

No way of knowing just yet if her decal iris eyes (I strongly prefer the decal iris eyes!) are a new hazel color, but in her unique mold and unique coloring, they seem new regardless.

I do see Nanea as doing well as a BeForever poppet. She features a new face mold, she is a doll representing cultural and racial diversity, she offers a different perspective on the WWII experience than the previous 1940s doll (Molly), and Nanea's meet outfit looks playful and fresh. 

 

Nanea and Z!

Gabriela, Z Yang, Felicity, Nanea, Tenney and Logan

Nanea Mitchell, BeForever (1941 Hawaii)

Does Nanea have a new face mold?

I am sure there were will much enthusiasm over the new face mold as well as complaints. But at least the complaints are about slight issues of preference or the odd sensation of trying to get used to a new design rather than the shocking changes of late which have been about cost cutting measures or changes which are geared toward AG's expansion plans into retail stores and overseas.

In defense of Nanea's face mold for any early nay-sayers would be to assert that her face mold looks both new as well as related to the spectrum of AG face molds. It is neither too timid nor too bold a change in the big picture of AG face molds. Whether one "likes" the face or expression is a preference thing, not a failure of design, effort, or execution--which is a huge relief all considered.

I will give AG a win so far on Nanea. If she comes with a quality torso (underwear that is not attached) and good vinyl quality, I will seriously take a look at this poppet. Here's to hoping!

Sneak Peek Bonanza!

The future is bright and bold--with possible items for GOTY 2017 Gabriella, Contemporary Character Tenney Grant, perhaps for the rumored limited edition Z-Crew doll, Maryellen and more. 

The Knit Purple Dress could be for Gabriella, the TM line, or even a PWP. No way to tell at the moment!

The sequins are strong with the Black Sequin Shift Dress--my money is on Gabriella. But such a classic "little black dress"could work for Tenney or even TM line.

The Music-Themed Dress seems like it is destined for the TM line.

Another more casual piece--the Green Jacket seems like a TM mix-and-match piece.

The Denim Shirt with lace detail pocket seems very Tenney, but it also has a Z-Crew vibe in my eyes.

Lace Shorts seem to be perfect for country themed Tenney!

Brown Shoes are fairly ho-hum but the velvet laces do spruce them up a bit. I have no idea who these might be for.

This Paisley robe has the internet buzzing--with speculations as far afield as the rumored BeForever WWII era "Pearl Harbor" doll Nanea Mitchell. I think this robe may be for a the Z-Crew girl.

Oh, Maryellen! This seems tailored for our 1950s girl from Florida--don't you?

The swimsuit/romper will likely be paired with this Flamingo Purse.

And another kitty for some poppet. Rumors pair this fuzzy pet with Gabriella.

Whew! I can't keep up!