DIY 1980s Courtney Moore Inspired *AG Look 4 Less*

 Hey Courtney fans, (AG new historical doll from 1986), here is a DIY project you can try with ANY doll. Courtney's fashion are totally tubular and we're gonna show you how you can make some rad DIY outfits to add to your 80s doll scenes. 

I picked up Lacey, an 18" Play Zone doll from Big Lots. She was $20, any doll will do, but I chose Lacey because her hair was big and full!

 

She came with a white tank with a gold star on front, a vinyl moto jacket, black boots and a hot pink tulle organza skirt.

I also purchased this $8 fashion set. It included animal print leggings, black flats, a gray t-shirt and a denim vest. 

 We'll be making outfits and picking up a few accessories for Lacey. You can make any doll into a 1980s doll - we'll show you how on the AG look 4 Less. Stay close!

*REVIEW* Madame Alexander Dear America Doll Margaret Ann Brady 1912

My doll came new in box, with her hair still sewn in her hairnet, her body tied down to the cardboard at neck, wrists and feet. She also had a newer diary with her – the older one had a different cover.

Ann Brady comes with a brightly colored box; featuring information on both the doll and the Dear America doll series, with the years of each doll. These are to be considered historical dolls based on their years of living, from their outfits and their diaries or books that come along with each doll (They retailed for about $79.99 each depending on the store).

And in addition to the four dolls and their own books, there were 36 books written beginning in 1996-2004. In 2010-2014 the book line was re-launched with 19 additional books. This spawned several spin-offs such as My Name is America, America and even world series (Wikipedia)

Ann Brady has an era outfit on complete with cream tights, shoes with ribbons, dress with a huge bow and another big bow in her hair.
Her dress and bow is a light peach color with a lace inset in the skirt and satin color and sleeves. The color and neckline are also trimmed with a dainty floral trim pattern. Her sleeves are double layered. She is a heavy doll – not like the Walmart versions we are used to today, and she easily stands on her own.

But most fascinating is her heavily coiled hair – not for the faint of heart or for any child’s doll! It is not very silky, but it looks shiny and loops in luscious Victorian rag curls.

So, I can’t imagine these dolls were very popular, after they were opened! But they are gorgeous, so of course they were probably purchased like crazy.

My Ann came with her ‘current’ book/diary. Again all brand new.
Margaret Ann Brady is a beautiful doll and I highly recommend her, but her shipping NIB can be costly. However keeping the box is part of her resale value.
 -Shosy

TOY TOURS Episode 6 - Big Lots!

Watch Episode 6

*In Store Report* B FRIENDS - Toys R Us Canada

While Canadian TRU stores are still open, the Journey Girls line has kind of faltered since the close of the US stores. While the TRUs still sell the last of their Journey Girl stock, there hasn’t been any new stuff created in the past year. However, TRU Canada has recently launched a brand new exclusive 18-inch line called “B Friends.”

B Friends appears to have 5 basic dolls in the line (Emily, Amber, Megan, Mia and Amelia). There also appears to be a few “deluxe” or “holiday” dolls (one named Kate, who looks like Elsa with a very “Frozenesque” looking outfit to help cash in on the new movie, and a ‘collection’ doll set)—which reminds me of the Journey Girl strategy of releasing some special edition dolls around this time of year. 

The dolls themselves are quite pretty, if a bit basic. (I’m a bit put off, for some reason, by the lower painted lashes.) Their hair looks nice. The clothes are often simply designed, so it doesn’t look like there is as much detail in the designs as there are with Our Generation, or even some of the My Life As products. But, given the price? And, if the dolls are intended for a girl just starting out in her collection? These dolls will definitely make a lot of Christmas lists this year and no doubt make doll fans out of many of their new owners.

The line also included a bunch of themed outfits (ballet, unicorn onesie, holiday dresses, etc.), basic furniture (bed and armoire), a convertible car, salon chair and a snack counter accessory set. All of these products are quite reasonably priced (maybe even better priced than Journey Girls) and while I was there, they were all on sale.

The snack counter (and in fact all furniture and accessories) appear to just be items from different, repackaged under the B Friends logo. I’m certain I’ve seen the bed and wardrobe under the Canadian Newberry line (which I believe is also a Kmart line?) and the snack counter has a lot of the exact same items as a My Life As design from a few years ago. So, there was really nothing that captured my attention as a new, cool or must-have for the doll collectors out there. 

*NEWS* Madame Alexander SMALL WONDERS 14" Baby Dolls + 18" Baby Dolls - Target

Just Arrived!

Small Wonders baby dolls now available at over 960 target stores and Target online!

This beautiful 18" Sweet and Happy baby doll from Small Wonder by Madame Alexander is ready to be your baby's baby! Our dolls engage your child, encouraging imaginative play, teaching empathy, and building social skills. Dressed in a cozy sleeper and hat, this baby has molded head, arms and legs and a weighted soft cloth body to feel so real to your child, encouraging lots of cuddles! Doll has soft, beautiful dark skin, sparkling brown eyes, and includes a soft fleece blanket and adoption certificate for your child to complete. Small Wonder by Madame Alexander dolls are made with 'love in the details' to create a special bond with your child for years of fun, nurturing play.

*REVIEW* Jakks Pacific 18" Fancy Nancy Doll

This doll has been in my collection for a while. She was a rescue....

I love the Fancy Nancy series. 

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I would like to have a collection of her clothing.

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When I got Fancy Nancy she was dressed in her purple party dress.

She's entirely made of durable vinyl, feathered brows, green/gold acrylic eyes and rooted red hair. She has purple streaks for FUN!

Anyone familiar with Fancy Nancy knows she has her own fancy wardrobe, so dressing her is fun and only limited to you imagination.

*REVIEW* Jakks Pacific 18" Disney & Me Cinderella Doll

 Sweet and generous Cinderella loves to dress in beautiful gowns and go to parties. Disney Princess & Me dolls let you live a royal lifestyle with your favorite princess! 

 

Her dress is just what you would expect.
Gorgeous!

Very well made! Organza overlay atop blue poly satin, the ruching details in the center of the bodice are beautiful.

Metallic silver embossed details make the skirt special.

 The Princess & Me 18” friend dolls have sweet faces and beautiful long silky hair. Each Princess & Me doll wears her exquisitely detailed, signature ball gown.

 Cinderella is an eBay purchase. The Jakks Pacific Princess line was available 2010 and is now no longer available in stores. You can find them on eBay or Amazon. Expect to pay for what you get. Some of the less expensive listings are for dolls with ratted hair or damaged clothing. Pristine items will be more expensive.

I recommend these dolls.