Holiday 2016 Preview: Sequins and Jazz

More sequins are popping up for this upcoming holiday season at American Girl, this time it looks like a jazz dance ensemble.

The pattern of the sequins on the top remind me of the New York City skyline.

The ensemble looks to include a sleeveless sequined top, black pants, shoes, glittery fingerless gloves and a glittery headband.

This looks like a great jazz ensemble, but as it is more a dance/movement/performance outfit, I don't know if this will be a requested outfit by my poppets unless one of them takes up tap, jazz, or baton twirling.

First Hand First Thoughts: WellieWishers

I went to American Girl Place to see the WellieWishers and all I brought home was the catalog.

My first impression of the WellieWishers was one of surprise--they were so much more tiny and petite than I had imagined! The new dolls really are teeny tiny pixie dolls compared to the 18" American Girl dolls. I thought they were cute and I was delightfully charmed by their small-sized doll box, but I did not buy a WellieWisher doll today.

Why no buy? I think overall I was underwhelmed by the dolls. Up close and personal and able to touch and pose the dolls I did not love their hard plastic limbs and body. It is not that I am complaining about the lack of a cloth/stuffed torso, but rather I found myself comparing the shiny hard finish of the plastic WW dolls to the high quality silky matte finish of BeForever and Truly Me 18" dolls. If WW were made of the higher quality silky matte vinyl featured on the 18" doll lines I am pretty certain I would have bought a WW or two today.

I also felt the WellieWishers lacked in many small details, such as the lack of definition in their fingers and fingernails vs the 18" dolls. The face paint on the WW dolls was also extremely shiny and less life-like than the 18" dolls. Side by side, so on and so forth, WW are not on par with BeForever or Truly Me dolls. I wish the hair on the wigs was a little more hardy, the limbs of the dolls had more range, and the clothing for these dolls was made with better quality materials.

These dolls are aimed for 3 - 7 year-olds, so my fussing is from the perspective of a collector and adult. None of the above will likely deter a young fan and many older fans may also love the dolls regardless.

That said, my mini awards from today's first hand viewing and handling of the WellieWisher dolls and accessories:

Best Hair - Camille has terrific hair that will likely hold up the best over time followed by Ashlyn (the straight haired wigs). I could flip and twist her hair and it would fall back into place in a perfect cascade.

Best Meet - Kendall has the cutest meet outfit! Her skirt has the perfect flair and the colors and prints are precious.

Best Winsome Smile - Kendall and Camille have the best expressions when viewed in person (but they are all cute).

Best Extra Outfit - The Enchanted Garden PJs are adorable in person and are made of a lovely material and the slippers are soft and "real" and not plastic blobs. I thought I would prefer the Showtime Ballet Costume, but the cheap crinkle of the dress and blob plastic shoes were disappointing, though the outfit is fine for creative play.

Best Accessories - Kendall's Make-It-Great Play Set and Willa's Nature Explorer Set. I want these even though I don't have a WW doll. I wish they made these in the 18" size.

Best Crossover Accessory - Carrot and Hutch. The bunny is soft and plush and would work perfect in any of the 18" doll worlds as a small or young rabbit. Additionally, the hutch crosses over nicely into the Truly Me world.

Best Rubber Chicken - Poor Emerson did not officially win an award today since in-store I was not drawn to her even though in the catalog pictures she is my favorite. However, her rubber chicken is hysterical (and petite!) in person.

Extras of Note - The Playhouse looks like a lot of fun but many of the pieces are very obviously plastic. If I were five years old I would want it. In fact, if I were five years old, I would want it all. If you have a pre-schooler or young-schooler, enter the American Girl Place store with extreme caution.

Will I ever bring home a WellieWisher? It is possible, but I am in a wait-and-see mode for now. Namely, I am waiting to see what comes out this fall for new rumored clothing and accessories for the the 18" doll lines--holiday dresses, a modern kitchen, a 1950s pink refrigerator, new outfits for Josefina and more.

Etsy Corner: Vintage Blue Polka Dot Dress

We are deep in summer and it is time for a breezy dress review from the Etsy Corner! Poppet Gjertrud (classic Kit) and her puppy Baldur model today's lovely dress.

Gjertrud is wearing a dress from Katherine's Creations (KGabor19 on Etsy or KatherinesCreations on Instagram).

The vintage style dress by Katherine's Creations features flutter sleeves and an a-line skirt. The fabric is 100% cotton with a perfectly scaled navy and white polka dot pattern. Gjertrud has paired the dress with navy shoes from AG Coconut Fun Outfit and a red bow barrette from Kit's Hairstyling Set.

The back of the dress closes with two hand-sewn snaps and also has a fabric sash that ties in the back for a perfect custom fit.

Based on this single purchase from Katherine's Creations, I heartily recommend her artistry and craftsmanship. The cut, the fit, the seams, the hems are all perfect.

Preview Peeks: Pink and Teal Salon

More catalog stock images of future fun!

Revamped salon goodies include a new hearts and bow wrap.

The new salon chair is a cheery berry pink, but it seems even more plastic based than the previous salon chair.

And finally the salon accessories station filled with hair accessories.

Holiday 2016 Preview: Sequined Gold Dress

More sparkle for the 2016 holidays?

The gold sequined dress looks to be paired with glittery gold shoes. (Some have pointed out that this is a short dress and wonder if it is more of a tunic top to be paired with leggings or shorts.)

I have to admit, I am not yet tired of the sequined material in various color schemes as it is so so so well made. This sequined fabric first showed up in GOTY Isabelle's clothing line in her dance skirt and then later in a blue holiday dress.

This kind of glittery gold shoe can be paired with many other dresses and outfits and I love the versatility of this dressy shoe. I am glad there are no bows or colored faux rhinestones that would make this shoe stuck with coordinating only with the original outfit.

Holiday 2016 looks to be quite the bash! I can't wait!

What's Cooking?

AG's new kitchen (full kitchen scene here) is worthy of a closer look!

So many drawers and doors that open and close! Oven door and doors below the oven open and close. The light blue cabinetry to the left of the oven looks to have a drawer and door as well. The mini fridge under the counter opens as well as the cabinetry above the mini fridge.

But check out the pull-out pet food drawer on the lower right! And a bell for a hungry pup or kitten to order up!

Other parts that look like they have moving parts are the recipe box with integrated lid, the flexible hose on the sprayer for the sink, the toaster (pop that toast!) and the waffle maker can be loaded with a heart waffle.

Check out the cute heart shaped waffle. And no detail is overlooked, even the melon-pink trash can has a cute impression on its side.

And what about the breakfast scene? Will the waffle maker, heart waffles, and maple syrup dispenser be part of a breakfast set? It seems a breakfast set would include the cups, plates, forks, berry colored napkins, the clear orange juice pitcher and the large white pitcher--and the waffle supplies. Love that little maple syrup dispenser on the table!

Holiday 2016 Preview: Cranberry Velvet Dress

Could this cranberry dress be one of the holiday hits this coming winter?

The sleeveless dress appears to be constructed of a faux "burnout velvet" fabric and features a slim ribbon with faux rhinestone gems at the waistline.  The bodice and skirt is lined but the yolk and shoulders appear to left unlined to highlight the sheer pattern of the burnout velvet design. The dress has a metal American Girl vanity tag at the hem.

The outfit will likely be accompanied by these shiny faux black patent leather shoes that feature a scalloped edge and coordinating faux rhinestone gems.

The ensemble may include a coordinating faux patent leather purse on a metal chain and a cranberry headband, both with matching faux rhinestone gems.

This is my favorite peek at a possible holiday dress. Looks like a busy holiday release is in the works!