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This is the official blog for TAGCstudios, which can be found at youtube.com/user/theagcollector101

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

This is my new year's resolution...

Okay, let me start by saying it is my goal to use this blog to take the place of some videos, such as OOTD videos, or the long awaited Christmas haul. The reason being that making a YouTube video can take HOURS because I must convert my videos to make them 420p quality. So my new year's resolution is to have a video or blog post every week, maybe on Fridays, maybe on Sundays. For now, make sure to submit video ideas. Thank you all for taking the time to read this post!

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Amerian Girl Truly me: Fall release thoughts

I feel as though the Truly me releases got WAY overshadowed by the Maryellen releases, however there was some good stuff, so let's get started. 

"Movie popcorn machine" $48
This is totally worth the money!! It looks so cute/realistic! My only concern is that I know most of the popcorn will be glued together to prevent choking hazards and such. The candy is a nice touch too. 

"Comfy couch" $68
The name is straight to the point, I like it. The little green tray is a nice touch too, I just wish it was like $40 or something like that. It does however look amazing. 

"Music & Movies Entertainment set" $85
Well, this set surely gets more value than Maryellen's TV set. I like the fabric boxes and such, I just hope not everything is paper. 

"Cool coral outfit for dolls" $28
Isabelle has definitely left her mark. This outfit looks both tacky and okay. Nothing really matches thou, but I'm sure this would be fantastic for mix & match outfits. However the outfit itself still looks like something my mom would tell me to go back and change. 

"2-in-1 Gymnastics practice outfit for dolls" $30
Seriously, another gymnastics outfit? My goodness. I do like the top on the left and the shoes are an added bonus. I have however made my own leotard, so I probably won'd be getting this.

"Rhythmic Gymnastics outfit for dolls" $34
May I applaud whoever designed this set, because for once everything matches. I also love the leotard, it's much more complex than some of the other leo's I've seen from AG. I may consider getting this set. 

Now, we get into the holiday/winter category. Even though it's not going to be Halloween for another month.

"Sparkle spotlight outfit for dolls" $34
This outfit is ok, but I really think the shorts are weird and should be a skirt. I also don't like the weird glitter peter pan collar, but I do like the color scheme. #61 looks gorgeous even in the darkest outfits.

"Joyful jewels outfit for dolls" $36
I hate this outfit, but it still looks pretty.  For one, it's just like the other outfits and should not cost $36. And it looks EXACTLY like the outfit for 2013. Literally, like now I've even had enough of the red dresses. I'll be getting other holiday dresses, thank you very much.

"Gorgeous gold outfit for dolls" $36
Once again, this outfit looks very similar to the 2013 holiday outfit. I think the gold should be like 2 shades darker. I mean, it's cute it's just too similar to the 2013 holiday outfit. 

" Holiday accessories for dolls" $32
This accessory set is quite better than past years. I love how there's a clothing piece included (always a nice touch there) and the gift bag is cute. I will probably get this when it goes on sale. 

"Cozy Christmas scene" $12
It's nice to see AG putting out some more scene boards, but this one looks a bit too cartoonish for my liking. I probably won't get this, really just because I don't need it.

"Playful polar bear pajamas for dolls" $24
This outfit is, once again a recreate of the older 2014 polar bear pj's. I like that this one is red, however since I have the blue outfit I think I'll be fine without this newer set. Yet from a design standpoint, I love the flowing edges of the shirt. 

"Warm winter outfit for dolls" $30
This outfit started out ok, and ended up a train wreck. That sweater, what were they thinking? You do not out that bright of an orange next to pink AND purple. The leggings are really the only good thing about this outfit, but I'm not paying $30 for pants.

"Warm winter accessories" $24
Unlike the outfit that these match, the accessories are really cute! I love the finger-less gloves and the vest. I am really looking forward to getting this set someday.

AG also released some cool printed bags and stuff, but I'll only give my thoughts on the doll-related items. 

"Starry garment bag for dolls" $18
I really don't understand this, but I guess it's a modern garment bag. However if you look on the inside, there doesn't look to be a place for a dress or whatnot. The only reason I would buy something like this is if I had to bring a super fancy dress (like more than $50) dress with me on a trip. 

"Accessories case" $48
This apparently fits the garment bag and carries doll accessories. I personally think that there are better and more cheaper ways to transport doll accessories. Save your money, kids. 

Overall it was an ok TM release. Not too bad, but certainly not my favorite.








My thoughts on Mary Ellen Larkin

So, Maryellen came out recently. One of the most revealed doll-before release events ever with all of those prototype images floating around. Now that she is finally released online, I can say what I like, dislike and hate. Let's start with the doll herself:
*all images credited to AmericanGirl.com*

"Maryellen Doll & Book" $115
First of all, appearance of the doll. My only problem really is that she's JUST another white doll. The side bangs are a tad bit unique, but they're just not enough. I wish she had freckles of something else cool like that. The hair is also odd, as it's shown in a bit of a ponytail, so I can't tell if it's wavy or curly. If anything it's like Saige's hair, so I feel sorry for all the Maryellen's that might get destroyed in the coming years. I don't plan on getting the doll at all, as I have my eyes on another green eyed doll.

Meet outfit: I like her meet outfit. It's not terrible, I just wish they'd done something better with the shoes, becuase they stick out and take your attention away from the rest of the outfit. The dress is cute and the bolero adds play value. Not sure about the headband thing though, but I guess at least it matches. 

Story: Her story is well... just odd in a way. Unlike other girls such as Kaya or Julie, Maryellen really doesn't have a clear message. She's also way too much caroline in trying to "stand out from the crowd". However I"m sure her story may be plenty interesting to read. 

"Maryellen's Accessories" $24
This, this right here is definintly the worst accessory set of all time. Maybe not in design, but in value. I'd say it's even worse than caroline. First off, the purse I know has plastic handles, and there's no good way to really fit it on her hand. The gloves and even the necklaces are fine and actually pretty cute, but the fact that those are the ONLY THINGS in this set make me rage. I would never pay $24 for this accessory set. I'd at least go down to $22. At least. They totally could have added something else. A newspaper A COIN?!?! Just something else for girls to play with.

So, in summary I like the outfit on the doll, but not too much else. The rest of her collection, however is amazing!!!

"Maryellen's pajamas" $24
These pajamas are the cutest thing ever and totally on my "must get" list of AG items. I love the green theme, plus in the picture her hair is down, which looks really cute. Overall, this is an amazing and well put together outfit. 

"Maryellen's poodle skirt outfit" $36
Oh my goodness. This outfit is ok. I do love that huge poodle skirt, but most of all they brought Molly's saddle shoes back!!! The blouse is ok, but doesn't match the poodle too much. Overall I'm probably not going to get this outfit, but it does look amazing.

"Maryellen's birthday dress" $34
Wow, this outfit is completely different from all the others. I like the green and pink, however I have no idea what's going on with those shoes, I would take away the white on them if I could. Also odd how this is ANOTHER $30+ outfit. Quite a pricey collection if you ask me. I probably won't get this, just because I have no reason to really.

"Maryellen's School Outfit" $32
Finally, another school related outfit. I still don't like that price though. But the peter pan collar plus the headband are super cute. Even the little "Mary Janes" though I sure do hope they're not Molly's shoes. My only complaint about this outfit is that I wish the pink/purple color was 2 shades lighter, but maybe it will look better in real life than online.

"Maryellen's play outfit" $28
OMG I must have this!!! I love the look of it and how it makes Maryellen look so much older!! Plus it's like the one reasonably priced outfit in this collection. Another must-have for me.

*the next 2 things are an outfit and accessories combo, where you have to buy both sets to complete the outfit, so we're doing that in 2 images instead of one.

"Maryellen's Ice skating outfit" $36
Wow, I just love her hair in this picture. Also, the outfit is AMAZING!!! The red and blue is interesting and she has her own pair of skates! Yay for skates!! I'm almost tempted to get this for molly, as I wish this had been her's. 

"Maryellen's ice skating accessories" $24
Now, here's an accessory set that should cost $24. Why, you ask? Because these are 3 clothing pieces unlike the basic accessory set which only has 1 clothing piece, the gloves. I think this would be great if you want to keep your doll warm, but can't afford a full outfit. It also matches really well with the ice skating outfit. It may be on my list in the future, who knows?

"Maryellen's Diner set" $275
Well, this is better than Caroline's parlor. I probably won't buy this, but I will say if I was a little girl I would want this so much. I love how it has both 2 bar stools and a booth. The window looks nice and the whole set looks easy to recreate with poster board. However if this ever went on sale, maybe. Just, maybe. But to complete the whole set costs like over $300.

"Maryellen's Jukebox" $90
Part of me wan't to complain about the price, but Julie's music-playing chair is like $20 more or something. The colors are nice and it is really cute. I would get it if it went on sale or something. The only thing I don't understand is why every AG music related thing must have the ability to plug into a phone. 

"Maryellen's Dog, Scooter" $22
FINALLY!!! AG made a dachshund!!! I have been searching for a dachshund so Lindsey can have herself a "Mr.tiny" from her books!!! This is defiantly the first thing I'll purchase when I have the money.

"Maryellen's Sofa Bed set" $150
This is most definitely one of the more expensive bed's we've seen in recent years. I like the dog, but not much else, so I'm probably going to pass on this one.

"Maryellen's hair styling set" $20
This set is ok. I like how it matches her pajamas, i just hope it's easy for little hands to use. I probably won't be getting it though, because I'm not going to be purchasing the doll.

"Maryellen's Living room set" $58
I really want this, but I know I'll have to wait till I get more space. Some people may complain that it's $58, but this replaces any table & chairs set she might have had. This table also reminds me allot of Matilda, especially the lamp.

"Maryellen's television console" $85
Ah, television. See, kids, they didn't always have netflix. Anyways, I'm ok with this set. I like that they're calling it a "television console" instead of just a "tv" and the record player is cute too. The only thing I don't like is that I know it's made of plastic. I probably won't get it though, because I don't have too much interest in it.

"Maryellen's classroom set" $40
$40?!?! Are you kidding me? No. just for that set, no. The map looks ok though and I like the little teacher's stick, but there are only 4 things in this set and it costs $40. Nope. I like Molly's school stuff better anyways.

"Maryellen's crinoline" $16
It honestly took me like 2 minutes to decide whether this was for the girl or the doll. I do like how it's only $16 and how they're not just reusing the 1800's crinoline.

Truly me thoughts coming in the next post.


















Saturday, June 20, 2015

Monster High enters the 17" doll market

With the introduction of Monster high's first 17" doll, Gooliope Jellington, MH has decided to expand on the idea with new 17" original dolls. These dolls are the original dolls, just in 17" form. I personally think they will be great so Gooliope will have extra clothing options. Here are some pictures from Monster High Checklist .

 


So, what do you think about Monster High making a new size of doll and what other dolls do you want in 17" form?

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Why aren't more people focusing on the lack of diversity in the Bitty baby and Bitty twin line?

I see this comment occasionally on facebook about "why are there no Bitty twins with red hair" or a request for more bitty baby options. So, why aren't more people focusing on this issue?
*All image credit goes to americangirl.com*
First, let's look at our doll options.
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Now American Girl has been criticized for their lack of diversity for decades, as they didn't even start with a black doll. And it wasn't until 1993 that we got Addy.  So, let's look at the numbers.


  • There are currently 11 Bitty Babies in total with only one having been retired since the lines release. 
  • Of these 11 dolls, 1 is listed on the American Girl website as "Dark skin" while 8 Are listed as "light skin" and 2 are listed as "medium skinned"
  • Each baby is given equal treatment as all the dolls come with the exact same outfit and nothing else. 
However, the worrying fact is that only one doll is identified by the company as officially having "Dark skin" As my personal opinion, I feel the social media communities surrounding AG should raise this issue. I have seen countless times on Facebook requests for more diversity in the 18 inch lines, but only a few requests for more diversity in the Bitty baby line. The other worrying problem is that the Age AG recommends for these dolls , 3+, is about the time little girls start to understand the concept of race. 

Ok, that's a good argument and all, but what about the Bitty twins line? 

Here are all of the currently available twins:

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Of course all of these dolls can be bought separately, so you could buy a "dark skinned" girl and a "light skinned" blond hair blue eyed boy. If this option was removed, why that might be seen as a racist move by the company.
There of course is no red headed pair. I feel that this is kind of an issue, as this doll line is the only line that doesn't have a red haired doll. I'm not sure if you could customize a red-haired pair