Showing posts with label Z Crew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Z Crew. Show all posts

Saturday, April 29, 2017

All-Z Weekend: Z on Location

All props goes to eagle eyed Sydney at American Girl Doll News for being one of the first to spy the new cover for Z's second book due out this coming fall. Sweet!


The new cover style is sure to catch the eye of a slightly older audience--I like the mix of media with the photography and sketch. 

Talking about older fans (teens vs pre-teen), it will be interesting to see if the 13 year old character Z can catch and keep the attention of the older AG fan base.

Z's Accessories--Orange You Glad?

I love that Z has orange as her pop out signature color. In today's review, let's check out how Z's Accessories set gives the poppet the chance to change up her looks with signature flair.


This was an impulse buy at the store--I was lured in by the orange glasses and the thought of saving $5 when bought with the poppet. Z's Accessories comes in the newer full window box style. In spite of being careful with this new box style, I once again mangled the top tab to the box when opening. Oh well, I tried.


The hat and the scarf are each secured with a single stitch and they also go through the jacket. The glasses are held in place partially with a rubber band. When detaching the items from the inner cardboard and stitches, the knit hat did the best with no visible marks, and the jacket survived as well. The striped scarf, because of the stretch knit, I was able to massage out the small holes left by the stitch threads. Not too bad, I will give it a passing grade for removability but I still miss the old boxes!

The fun begins with the variety of looks available--her signature orange glasses are the best! To think I was going to skip this set!


And to be fair, paying $32 for bits n' bobs and a plain white jacket felt a bit much, though the pain was lessened by the $5 off for purchasing it with the doll. But, still, $27 for a scrap o' scarf?

Ooooh, but it is a cute scarf! 


AG got this tiny scrap of a scarf just right. It looks good without trying and minimal fuss. It is easy to get on and off with velcro tabs on the back side of the double-looped scarf.


Z's hat is an identical reissue of the knit hat from the Trail Accessories set from 2014. Super cute, soft knit, and also fits easily on the poppet's head with no trouble.

So the biggest reason I was initially not going to buy Z's Accessories is that I felt her white jacket was identical to the white denim jacket part of the True Spirit Accessories set introduced in 2012. I had that older jacket and was thinking to save a few dollars. And it is true, the two jackets are extremely similar.

But I was surprised when I compared the two that there were a few differences to be noted and at least three of the subtle differences in the new white jacket for Z made it worth the purchase.

The jacket in the upper left is Z's new jacket and the jacket in lower right corner is the older version.


The three main differences are

* Z's jacket is more of a true white, the older jacket is a cream based white

* Z's jacket is a lighter weight of denim

* Z's jacket is slightly looser in fit and is almost an inch longer in length

Also of note, the older shorter jacket has 4 buttons down the front, the newer Z jacket has 5 buttons down the front plus on the decorative chest pockets. There are other minor style differences with Z's jacket, with softer edges on the pockets and of course the clear plastic AG vanity tag.

In the picture below it is easier to see how Z's jacket is considerably longer in length.


In practice in the side-by-side comparison picture below, the older True Spirit cream-white jacket on the left is a closer fit and ends higher up on the natural waist of the doll with the purple tee hanging out/lower beneath it. The Z Accessories stark-white jacket on the right below is a looser fit and hangs slightly lower toward the hips and ends even with the bottom hem of the purple tee.


Overall, I do like the new jacket. Without a side-by-side I would have been hard pressed to know the difference from a play perspective, but I really do appreciate the updates and tweaks made to the jacket. The new Z jacket is just right!


Overall I was happily surprised with my last minute splurge on Z's Accessories set. I love how she looks a bit different depending on which combo I use and each piece is thoughtfully constructed. A solid and surprising A.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

All-Z: A Z-tastic Movie Trailer

A full trailer for Z's summer camp themed movie, Summer Camp, Friends for Life.


When S.T.E.A.M. summer camp isn’t what they had hoped for, Z and Paz meet an enchanting camp “counselor” named Jordan who sends them on a mind-blowing adventure, opening their eyes to a world of infinite possibilities – including making a new friend, Drew.

This Amazon special is coming soon--June 9th! This one looks extra cute!

Seattle, Z and Sydney!

The amazing Sydney, aka @5hensandacockatiel, has had her photography featured in a short filmette by American Girl. So many fun thing to see with her work, not to mention her positive and encouraging personality.

An eagle eye might have seen a hint of a possible later release outfit for Z, which Sydney is seen photographing in the short film. Some screen shots of the Sydney, Z, and the possible new Rain Outfit!




Congrats, Sydney! Your work is amazing and how can we not be swept up in your enthusiasm for Z?



Popcorn and Potato Chips: Z's Debut

It is a gorgeous day in the San Francisco Bay Area and it was a perfect day for a perfect drive in perfect spring weather (sunshine!) to American Girl Place San Francisco.

I went to AGPSF knowing I probably would bring home the poppet girl Z, Popcorn and the Filming Accessories...


The store was understandably quiet for a Thursday morning, though I saw a few mother-and-daughter/s visiting the store and lingering over Z's display.

Z's main display area was pretty compact. The four-cube kiosk held her entire collection.





So Z was cute as expected. In some ways I was underwhelmed by the four-cube display. I think we are used to large character debuts like for Tenney or a BeForever consisting of 5+ outfits and at least one giant display piece like Tenney's Stage and Dressing Room or Maryellen's 1950s Diner Set.

But in spite of the more compact size of the collection, like many prior new character doll debuts, I find I react to the whole venture like potato chips... you can't stop at one.

Remember, the idea was to pick up Z, Popcorn and the Filming Accessories...


Here's what came home! What's in the big red bag? What's that huge box under the bag?


I can't wait to play with the Desk Set!


The Desk Set comes in a utilitarian cardboard box that can be used directly for shipping--but it is now a bright red and displays a huge image of what is inside. Don't count on being able to mail order this item and have your children (or husband) unaware of its contents! (This new non-discreet packaging style is noted on AG's website as well.)


Poppet Z, Popcorn and Filming Accessories came home with us today. But also her Accessory Set (white jacket, hat, scarf, and funky orange glasses) and that fun Desk Set.


I just love looking at a new poppet still in her box!


No new name for Poppet Z just yet but we heartily welcome her to her forever home!

Who and what will be coming home this spring for you?

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

An All-Z Countdown and Celebration!

Wednesday 3:00PM

According to social media, Z is temporarily sold out on Amazon from pre-orders!

No word when Amazon will restock--but it may mean people will need to order directly from AG for now.

Tuesday 10:35PM

Just 24 hours until Z's official debut!

We will be featuring all Z all the rest of the week and weekend, so check the updates here as they develop!

First up--Z is available for pre-order on Amazon. Order quick for debut day home delivery!


Additionally, Z's "perma-panty" status is all but confirmed in the fine print. Note there is no note of her outfit ensemble including underwear, which means they are absent (lol) but more likely permanently attached as part of her fabric torso construction.





Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Z's Whole World


Z's Accessories!

Indigo has stock photos and descriptions of Z and her world!

Z has some interesting accessories. Her big ticket item seems to be Z's Desk Set.


It looks like the desk will fold into a compact form when closed, which is very nice. However, I don't neeeeeed any of these items. The laptop is cute, but I am concerned it will be the more flimsy plastic construction like Gabriela's laptop. The tech spotlight is amazing, though. But I can't see myself clear to buy the whole desk set for just one accessory. Maybe secondary market?

The description indicates it is a wooden armoire (nice!) and the note board is magnetic. Ack. The stage light doubles as a desk lamp and the light actually works with the included batteries. Oh my! 

However, her next item...


Z's Filming Accessories neeeeeds to comes home on day one. Even though guaranteed to be all plastic, I think these filming items are just adorable. Very cute!

Accessory set comes with a tripod, 35mm camera and strap camcorder, smartphone with five interchangeable screens and a small backpack.

And her final big accessory...


Z's Scooter is just a bit silly to me. What do you think? I don't see it as a very hip bike/scooter for kids, young or old. Or am I missing something here? A total pass for me. I can't imagine AG ordered up a large supply of these.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Z in the Wild! First Look

Z has been spotted in her box with author Jen Calonita. Picture shared with permission!


So now we know her meet is the purple tee and grey skirt. However, according to Jen Calonita on her Instagram account Z does not appear to come with her orange glasses nor did she spy them inside her box. My guess is the orange glasses will come with an accessory set (scarf, glasses and hat??).

It also looks like Z comes with the notched eyes and not simply the almond shaped eyes without notches.

No word on perma-panties yet!

Friday, April 7, 2017

Popcorn and Fun--More Sneaks of Z

Photo sneaks of Z and her dog Popcorn shared with permission!


Popcorn in her box--love her little magnetic film clipboard.


Back of Popcorn's box. Look at the camera Z is wearing! I like it.


Cute and Comfy Outfit--a plaid shirt and stretch pants. Will the shoes be sold seperately?


Her full "Street" music dress ensemble with a graphic tank.


Pretty sure this will be her Meet!

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Spring Forward and Catching Up on Zzzzzzzz!

I love my AG poppets but not necessarily all the rapid changes happening at AG. With so many changes as well as a flood of new products this spring and more to come I needed to catch my breath and assess where I am headed with my collection.

The next big thing will be the new character doll Z, slated to debut April 27.



Her first book, The Real Z, will be available a few days earlier via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and more on April 25th.


But for all we do know there is quite a bit still to wonder and speculate about Z.

Will she have notched eyes or simply almond eyes? The promotional materials and displays show her with both versions.

Which outfit will be her meet? Most speculate it will be the outfit above, but there are other outfits now fully leaked. The sport-themed dress below is part of one of Z's mix-and-match styled outfits.


The photo of Z wearing this dress pairs it with a grey graphical tank, a teal scarf, and orange or lavender canvas tennis shoes.

Will Z come with perma-panties?

Will Z have squishy vinyl?

Will Z be an Amazon exclusive?

I do love the poppet but not sure about her collection. Will be keeping an eye out for more news on Z!

Click on the "Z" page up top to catch all the new and old news about this newest poppet.

Monday, February 13, 2017

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!