My Opinions on New American Girl Products!

Hi! I was originally planning to post this post later, but I have a week of brand new posts coming up, so I decided why not now? Enjoy and feel free to post your own opinions in the comments sections!

McKenna- $105

Personally, I love McKenna! I really think she's like a real girl of the year- she doesn't get the best grades in school, she has little-white-lies, and she works hard to pursue her dreams. I really think she's one of the most realistic GOTYs. I also love her starter collection- it comes with so many pieces that really complete her world. I also really like her outfits, especially her meet outfit- it looks so cute. I've also heard a lot of complaints about McKenna's looks. She does look a lot like Chrissa, and I think she would've been cuter if she had hazel of green eyes, but nonetheless, I really think she's cute!

McKenna's Accessories- $26

$26 for a bunch of paper junk? I'm sorry, but it's a doll sized back with a bunch of paper products and a plastic water bottle. I can make half of this stuff and purchase the rest for probably less than $2.

McKenna's Loft Bed Set- $225

I heard many people rave about this bed, and I think it's cool, but not one of my favorite sets. I really like the idea of a loft bed- it's something no other doll has ever had. I personally don't like the color, I think it pops in your face waaaay to much, but I do like that it comes with mini books- not an electronic in sight, but three little books!

McKenna's Rain Gear- $34

Excuse me? $34 for this? Doll rain boots and a doll umbrella? I mean $34? THIRTY-FOUR DOLLARS? EEEEEP- it's so expensive! I'm am SO not buying this. Again, THIRTY-FOUR DOLLARS?

Sports Top & Brief Set- $10

I know I've said this before, but it's a sports bra. And it's weird. Just plain wrong too.

Sporty Wristlet for Dolls- $8

Eight dollars for this? I can make that- for half the price.

I hope you enjoyed by rants and feel free to post your own opinions too!

~Gabby

ps. AGBC starts tomorrow!

I Need YOUR Help!

Hiya!
I'm starting a brand new page to help families, moms, and girls plan the perfect American Girl Place experience through reviews, tips, and tricks from people just like them! However, I need your help! Please read the questions below. If you can answer any of them (ex. 'The food was great and excellent service!' or 'The Doll Salon hair stylist rushed- not worth the $20.') please comment below with your first name and state/country! 

• Have you eaten at an American Girl Bistro or Cafe? What did you order? Was it good? How was the service? 
• Have you ever made a Creativi-Tee? Was it worth the $10?
• Have you ever used a personal shopper? Was he/she great? Was it worth the time or was it better to pick out your own items?
• Have you ever gone to the Doll Hair Salon and had your doll's hair styled/ears' pierced? Was the style worth the price? Was the staff friendly?
• Have you ever gone to the Photo Studio? Was it worth it? Was it fun?
• Have you ever used the concierge service? Was the staff helpful there?
• How was your overall experience? Did you go at a busy time of year? Was the staff friendly and helpful?

I'm sorry if this seems like a lot, but reviews are greatly needed- especially for AG locations that I've never been too! Even if you only know the answer to one question, it's still greatly appreciated. If you can, please give a small review (even if it's negative!), this will help many parents and girls plan the perfect AGP experience!

Thank you and look forward to reading the answers to your questions!

~Gabby

Liberty Jane Spring Collection: Yay or Nay?

Hey! So I know many of you love Liberty Jane Clothing, especially their shoes and separates, but have you ever bought a Spring or Fall line collection outfit? For the past 2 years, LJC has made International inspired outfits. It's not finished yet, but do you like their current outfits in their Spring Collection?

The first two outfits released in the European collection is Euro Libby: Sorrento. The outfit was inspired by Sorrento, Italy. Included in an embroidered black top, jeans shorts, and cute ballet flats with lace detail. The  thread on the shirt looks hand embroidered, but it could also be ribbon. It's also currently on eBay for $55.00, but it doesn't look worth that high of a price. Also, I feel that the only original piece in this look is the top. So, Yay or Nay? Nay.

The second outfit released was Euro Libby: Salina- based on Salina, Italy. This outfit includes a fun, flowered sundress, a beaded necklace, and silver strappy sandals. I personally think this set is adorable! This cute dress reminds me of some place warm and sunny, yet a bit old fashioned and beautiful- like Italy. Although I think it's a bit overpriced (it's currently at $55.00 on eBay), but definitely adorable. So, Yay or Nay? Yay!

The first outfit released in the Malibu line was Malibu Libby: Ready for Ruby's. The outfit is totally in style in California- and the rest of the US, but does it win over with me? Well, I like the style, but the only interesting piece in the outfit is the flowered tank top. It's currently at $61.00- way too much (in my opinion) for an outfit that doesn't even include shoes. I like it, but not love it. So, Yay or Nay? Nay.

This first look in the Caribbean line is Caribbean Libby: Sandy Lane. Sandy Lane includes a tropical, floral sundress, a simple black tank top for layering, and a silver charm necklace. I personally love this look! It's so cute and funky, with fresh and bold colors (although no shoes :-( ). It's perfect for the Caribbean and I love how it looks on Jess! It's a bit pricey at $57.00 right now, but still adorable. So, Yay or Nay? Yay!

But what do you think? I will totally do more of these posts when 4 more outfits are released, but I look forward to posting some of your comments about these looks on a new post!

~Gabby

American Girl- You're Crazy for $$$$$

Hi! I think we can all agree that American Girl is going for the money. With higher priced items, no wonder we have a recession. I have been really disappointed about the higher prices, but there are two sides to this argument. Read on:


Side 1:
AG is about Girls


There isn't much to this side of the argument- except thousands of girls complaining about AG's high prices. Did you know in 2011, dolls will be $100? And that a four piece outfit costs $24-30 when it's still made in China? I know they need money, but girls put the 'girl' in American Girl! 


Side 2:
AG is about $


This is true. But AG is company and needs money. My mom says that AG is probably losing customers because of the high prices (no surprise there) and they need to raise their prices in order to keep up production. Hmmm.... I believe in both sides, but this side is definitely stronger. Why else would you price a set of doll earrings at $7?


Also, did you know that American Girl will only donate up to $100,000 in the purchase of Kanani's Hawaiian Monk Seal?


So why do we keep buying AG products? Because the love for AG has been passed down by our older siblings or cousins and then the littler generation just ends up loving it. It's the same thing that happened with me. And those prices just want to make me try harder. Because no handmade outfit or copy cat doll accessory can replace the feeling of opening an American Girl box.


I hope that made sense,
Gabby

Kanani

Hi! *Before I start this post, I want to say that these opinions expressed in the post are mine, please respect them as I would do for you. Please feel free to post your opinions in the comment section too!*


Today, as I was reading the latest edition of American Girl Magazine, I found a pretty shocking ad and flyer. The back cover was plastered with a face of a girl we all know to well-

Miss Kanani Akina. I was surprised and shocked. Although, I guess I shouldn't be because of they did this same thing to Lanie last year.

But then, I saw this flyer-

So, you know each GOTY since Nicki, has had a contest? Like how Chrissa had girls create 'Stop the Bullying' posters and Lanie got girls outside to take nature pictures? Well, for Miss Kanani, in order to enter to win a Kanani Doll (nope, there are no GOTY collections being given away this time!), girls must create an e-card to send to friends and family- and you can enter as many times as you like. So, what will this mean? Thousands of girls sitting in front of their computers and creating e-card after e-card. Yay.

I wish American Girl would have done something else, like have girls write a story about living in Hawaii or having girls submit photos or stories about how they have shared their spirit. (Kanani's all about spirit, AG describes her as- She's a cheerful girl who helps others by sharing Hawaii's Aloha Spirit.) Now what, may I ask, is 'Aloha Spirit'?

I am seriously thinking AG is losing it's touch. A virtual world? Eight dollar graphic tees? Contests where girls enter by sending e-mails?

It's just not the AG I loved as a six-year-old.

~Gabby

Re-Done American Girl Site!

Hey! As it always seems, American Girl never ceases to amaze me (or disgust me) which was why I was horrified at the re-done American Girl site- (when Kayla showed me it) not the design but what was on it.........


Such as this:

TV COMMERCIAL????? REALLY????? That's what Barbies and Liv dolls do- not hundred-dollar-dolls. OK, AG is getting kind of crazy. And the Wish List? Because Microsoft Word is just too easy.....


And now, they seem to plaster everything MAG with doodles:

It just doesn't seem like AG anymore. All they care about is making money- not making little girls happy (with the exception of the AGP workers- they are so nice!)

But AG has also done something that I actually like.

They put Kaya on their Bookstore image! They actually are doing something to promote Historcals and plus, they almost never feature Kaya. ;-)

They also have changed their gift cards up- with 2 new ones! The Birthday Gift Card- doll ad Holiday Gift Card- love are new to the AG website- I have to say they are quite cute.

And last but not least, AGP are now offering another purchase-with-purchase item- a sweater and hat set! Personally I love the hat but the sweater looks very thin and not high quality.

So, what are some of your favorite/non-favorite new AG website features? 

~Gabby

PS American Girl is now offering Historical Character Christmas Sets. You can save $10 when you buy this way!

Across the Pond: Season 1 Episode 1

Hey! Well, instead of giving you a preview- I gave you the whole first episode! This was made on iMovie with all of our dolls. You may want to turn up your volume because I talk really softly in this...... Anyways, I would really appreciate your feedback! I can't wait to make more episodes!


~Gabby
and all of the cast!

50 followers please?

Hey everyone! So as you all know (or don't know), next month is my one year blog-anniversary! What I would really like is if I could have 50 followers by October 8th. I'm not  forcing you to follow, I'm not saying this is a life or death decision, I just want you to follow only if you actually read and like my blog. Please don't follow to sell a product (except for those lovely hand-made doll clothes sellers). So thanks and I would really like 50 followers!

Also, what do you think would be a good post for a one year celebration? A giveaway, contest, photostory?

Your opinion (and following :D) is greatly appreciated!

~Gabby

New Blog Look!

Hey! I just wanted to say that I change the look my blog! Do you like it? I didn't like the collage as my header and got border of it after a while so I changed it up a bit. What do you think?

~Gabby

InnerstarU and Real-life Outfit Comparisons

Hey! Today, I though I would post about something no one has ever done before (I'm dramatic aren't I?): the InnerstarU and then the real outfit. I put them side by side so you (as well as me) could see the differences between them.

This is the Holiday Outfit which I love! As you can see, there isn't much difference between the online and real-life outfit. I think it's pretty cute!

Now here is the Pet Show Outfit. I think it looks the same, but on the online version, the sleeves seem to be a little bit off the shoulder.

Here is the Snow Flurry Outfit! I don't really like the outfit in real life, but online it definitely tones it down a bit. I think I like it more online!

Now this is the same! Here is the Spring Party Outfit, I love this look in real life and online. Great job AG!

This is the Tap Outfit. Wow. Why would you even need the outfit online? It's over all the same, but I see no point to it.

What did you all think? Would you like me to do more of these comparisons?

~Gabby

New American Girl Items! (Fall 2010)

Hey! Yippee new items! But after looking through all the stuff, I find nothing that I really like. Hmmm... I think American Girl is losing it's touch. I want some new Historical Stuff, but instead the give me more expensive MAG stuff. This is going to be a long Winter.


Anywho, here are my favs and stuff that should be forgotten....

This is the Snow Flurry Outfit for $34. It only has 4 clothing pieces and a plastic charm. And this is replacing the Snowy Chic Outfit?

And this is the Ruby and Ribbon Dress and Accessories for $60. I have to admit the mini Christmas book is pretty cute and the dress is a lot better than last year's. But for $60? And we all wonder why they're retiring dolls. Also, this dress cannot be shipped to Canada. Go ahead look. 

And here are the new Innerstar U books! They actually look pretty cool and I'm think of asking for one for Christmas. 

This is the new skiing outfit for $62. I think the colors are cute but the bright blue body-suit/coat/thing is kind of... odd. But the helmet design is pretty modern.

And here is another new book! The Poster Pack. Personally I think this kind of has no point. I mean we can cut pictures from the catalogue or find pictures online. This definitely not worth the price of $9.95.

This is the new cat, Praline. I don't think she's that cute, especially with the purple collar, but that's just me.

Now here's is something adorable! I love this! It probably won't even work on the doll, but still so realistic!

Here is the Cozy Plaid outfit for $30. Now this is cute! I love this little combo of colors! I think the purple boots are so versatile and the cardigan is adorable. 

 

Here is the Snowflake PJ's for $24. It's nothing original, basically the same type as the Penguin PJ's last year, just with a different pattern.

This outfit is just AWKWARD! Sorry, but the jeans don't fit right, the sweater is oversized, and the flats are nothing new. All this for $28? Not worth it.

You must really love InnerstarU if you're going to buy the Travel Set for $28. Almost all the pieces have the IU logo on it. But overall, I guess it's pretty cute.

This is.. nice. Oh who am I kidding? It just looks like an enlargement of the Bitty Twin set. And for $113? Forget it.....

And for the Bitty Twins....

The changed their meet outfit! I don't really care for this just because it kind of is right up in your face. Hmmm.....

And look at this! A new storage shelf for $85. It has pegs, bins, and an earring tree. It doesn't look worth the price.

And finally this last thing, this Recital Outfit for $28. What is so special about this outfit? It doesn't even look like it fits right! And get this, it's already back-ordered.

So what are some of your favorite things? You can see more here.

~Gabby

New Items From AG!

Hey! I love AG. It's kind of why I made this blog, but still, I love it even more because now they have:

• Amazing sales on non-retired and retired items.
• New Books!!!!!!!
• And Gwen's Meet Dress for sale- I want it!

Anyways, yes, they have new stuff! I'm very excited because I love more selection! Here it is:

Lanie's Nature Set for $54. WHAT???? $54? That is a lot for how much it includes!!!! OK, I'm sorry for my pricing comments but, you know, it is a lot for that much.... But- it is really cute although I'm not super excited about jeans with rain boots. However, the shirt is still just plain adorable with the little owl!

Kit's Play Scenes and Paper Dolls for $12.95. OK, I'm not going to freak out over this price because at leasts it's reasonable! Anyways it looks adorable!

The Puzzle of the Paper Daughter: A Julie Mystery for $6.95/$10.95. Oh yay! I love a good mystery! And Julie is one of my favorite Characters too!

Doll Parties for $19.95. I really like this book, I really do, but I just think it's kind of odd for a whole dedicated to making paper cakes and paper party things . And please don't get me wrong here, I like it, but it's just kind of weird.

This is only a little bit of the new stuff, go check it out here.

Until Next Time,

Gabby

All of my opinions on pricing and items are mine- please don't get mad, it's what I think. ;-) That is a point of a blog, right? To share opinions?