A review on Grace's Pajamas

Grace's Pajamas was one of the first things I wanted to purchase, besides Grace. I was able to get her Pj's at the release and I have the opportunity to review it for you! 

 Overview-

 Grace's Pajamas- $24 

Comes with- knit top, pajama pants, slippers and a knotted ponytail holder. 

  

Box- 

 I like that they changed Grace's boxes to purple! I also like the new graphics on the side of the box. 

 Top is gathered in the center

 Grace's ego tag- at least it is the same color as the top

 The top is soft, I like the lace and the accent bow. 

 Closeup of tag-

 I like the different closure, nice tough AG!

 Front view

Back view

 Pants-

 Overview

 The print consists of Eiffel tower, hearts, the word Paris, a metro sign and Arc de Triomphe. 

 The ruffle add's visual interest and goes along with the color pallet. 

 The pant's have an elastic waistband and a tag. 

 Slippers-

  

 On AG's website the slippers are described as velour. 

 Their is an AG tag tucked into the bottom of one of the slippers, I like that it isn't hanging out. 

   

Knotted ponytail holder-

The ponytail holder is on the small side as you almost can't wrap it around a second time. I think it is cute and different from other hair accessories AG has offered in the past. 

 Overall I love this set and I think it is worth the price ($24) it goes well with Grace's collection and offers a very girly option to AG's line of Pajamas. 

It was so fun to do an in depth review and I have another one ready, this time with Addy's blue dress. I can't wait to show you!

 Polka Dot Bee 

GOTY 2015 Grace Thomas Thought's

I though it would be fun to tell you my thoughts on Grace's collection,As a whole I really like the collections bold colors unlike Isabelle's muted pastel collection that consisted a lot of pink. I also like that their are outfit's that are not specific to baking but still coordinate with her collection. The best part is that you can purchase  the bistro and baking set separate from the bakery.    Let's start with Grace- $120

Image credit American Girl 

First thing is I like the highlights in her hair, the only doll we have here that has very noticeable highlights is Marie-Grace (coincidentally)  Side bangs are different as the last time we have seen them was Lanie. I think this time around American Girl better executed the side bangs. I like the new eyebrows although the color does not match the hair I think it works and doesn't take away from the doll overall. I'm not that fond of the new freckle pattern but I am glad AG decided to change it up a bit. Her lip color is definitely darker than what would be considered "natural" I don't know if I like it or not. The charm bracelet is very cute and I can see this going very well with the rest of her collection. I'm not a big fan of the shirt and skirt but they do get the message across that she like Paris:) I really like the slouch ankle boot's and they are a great mix and match item.One thing I can complian about is the fact that Saige had pierced ears for $110, Grace is $120 and then you have to add $16 to pierce them and get the exclusive earrings, and if I might add, Grace, with ehr ears pierced and her accesories is $168,I would Bottom line? Yes, I do have plans on getting her as she is different enough from my other doll's and I like having different face mold's in my collection.

 Grace's Welcome Gift's $32

Image Credit American Girl 
This is not my favorite or must have item from Grace's collection as I can easily recreate this, I don't think this is worth $32 and will most likely not be purchasing it. I'm disappointed that the macrons are clumped together, they do come out of the box though. I like the Eiffel tower cookie.  

Grace's Baking Outfit $32

Image credit American Girl 
This is a really cute outfit! I like that the apron is not a "regular" baking apron although I wish it had pockets. I really like the shoes, I also like the detailing on the back of the apron and while in the stock photo's the cupcakes are upside down at the store they are right side up :) Overall I think this has a lot of mix and match potential and goes very well with the rest of her collection.  (I most likely will buy this outfit)

Grace's Baking Set $68

Image credit American Girl 
This is my favorite accessory from her collection! The price is high considering almost everything is either plastic or paper... but, if you look at Rebecca's teatime traditions or Addy's Ice Cream set they are the same price :) I really like the doll sized kitchen aid mixer(I love the color!) and am happy that you can purchase it separate from the bakery. I also like that it spins and you have two different attachments. I really like that the wooden spoon is not plastic and can also work for Kirsten. This is one of my must have item's.

Grace's Pajamas $24

Image Credit American Girl 
I bought this at the debut and I have it on Kirsten right now and I have to say it really complements blue eyes. This is one of my favorite pj's AG has ever made. The lace detailing and bows are very cute and the outfit as a whole is very nicely done and goes very well. I really like the hair-tie as most from AG are bulky.

Grace's French Bulldog $22

Image Credit American Girl 
I'm still undecided as to whether or not I like "Bonbon" but I do think that the leash is cute :)

Grace's City Outfit $34

Image Credit American Girl 
 I really like the sweater, I wish their was a blouse underneath it instead of a faux collar. When I first saw the shots I though it would be a sparkly stretch material but it is actually a more stiffer fabric, the sweater and shorts don't go well together, like, your legs are freezing but your arms are warm?! It does add more diversity to grace's clothing as most are intended for cooler weather. The shoes and headband are cute although they seem too matchy-matchy and the light pink is kind of random, white would have been a better choice as it would tie into the collar.

Grace's Paris Accessories $32

Image Credit American Girl
 First off as I saw this in person everything about this set is very cheap to me, I wish AG would make quality accessories for the high price, the metro pass and finger-less gloves are a different version of Isabelle's accessories, why couldn't AG come up with an original idea? The lip gloss is also is almost identical to the one from Isabelle's makeup set. The Eiffel tower purse is very thin and a very cheap purse and it can barely hold anything besides the metro pass and maybe the lipstick. The finger-less gloves do go well with the city outfit. The polka dot purse is the only item from this set that I would like to get, the rest you can re-create. 
  
Grace's Opening Night Outfit $38 

Image Credit American Girl 
I don't plan on getting this, unless maybe it goes on sale. I do like the style of the dress and might sew one in a different color, we have plenty of pink outfits. I don't really think it is worth the price either as it comes with the headband, sandals and dress.  

Grace's Pastry Cart $150 

Image Credit American Girl 
I honestly only want to get this for the accessories, which, given time, I could probably make for the doll's myself, I'm disappointed that the wheels are plastic as is most of the frame of the pastry cart, I think they could do without the black scroll accents as their is enough scroll-work already and it doesn't coordinate with the rest of it. The shopping bags and boxes are very cute.  

Grace's Travel Set  $44

Image Credit American Girl 
Next to the Bakery set this is also one of my favorite accessories. Her main color's of her collection are included, the suitcase is very well made and I like that the plane tickets are very realistic, we have a suitcase in almost the exact same color as the baby blue accents on her's and so I am not sure if I need this one too. It would be great for photo-stories and photo-shoots. 
  
Grace's Travel Coat $28

 Image Credit American Girl 
From the stock photo's I thought the blue would be soft smooth coat, although up close it is a textured fabric, I would have rathered it not to be textured but I still plan on getting it.  I love Grace's hair on a high ponytail though!
  
Grace's Bistro Set $85

Image Credit American Girl 
I thinl this is a cute set and would be very cute outside the french bakery. The red chair is metal as well as the base of the table, which is nice, I would have liked to see two chairs instead of one as who want's to sit alone? I don't plan on purchasing it but if it goes on sale I might.   

Grace's French Bakery $500 

Image Credit American Girl 
I'm not surprised that this is $500 as I was expecting Grace's collection total to reach over $1,000. After seeing it in person it is very cute and I would love to have a piece like this. The handles on the door's turn and the french door's are very elegant. Overall it is a nice sturdy piece, I don't think it is worth the price although if it goes on sale for around $250-300 I would consider buying it ;) This makes Samantha's Ice cream Parlor and Isabelle's Studio almost a steal compared to the price of this. 

Congrats's if you read through the entire thing! It was fun giving my opinions on the new releases, what do you think? 
Polka Dot Bee

Happy New Year!(late)

 *I originally planned to have this up on New Year's Eve but I fell sick :( I'm just starting to feel better, I was still able to go to Grace's debut and I can't wait to tell you my thoughts.*
I hope you have great night and for those of you staying up until midnight (I am) I will be counting down the hours until Grace Thomas debuts! Tomorrow I will be visiting the AG store and if I can I will take pictures of the new releases. I am planning on getting Grace sometime this year although right now I will probably only be bringing home her pj's. :)  
Some New Years Resolutions (AG and Blogger related)-  
1. Kelsey over at Empty Boxes over the year filled a jar with great things from each day of the year, I would like to try this out as I think this would be really fun. 
2. I would like to improve and get to know my camera and know how to use all of it's settings. 
3. I hope to post at least 10 times each month 
4. I want to start a series sometime this year, I just haven't had any ideas 
 5. I actively collect for Kirsten and Rebecca and would like to add pieces from their collection this year as well as start collecting Grace's collection. 
That's all I can think of right now but I might add a page to the blog with all of the resolutions so you can access it easier :)
Polka Dot Bee

Sewing Sunday

 It's been a while since I posted a Sewing Sunday and I hope to get into the habit of posting one each week. This week's is a 3 month baby cardigan I modified to fit American Girl dolls. The sleeves were really long and a bit wide so I took the sides in and hemmed the sleeves. I am really happy with the final result! I found this at a local thrift store, it also came with a coral dress that I hope to make something out of at some point. This was also one of my first project's on my new sewing machine! My old one was so loud and the one that I have right now is different...it will take some time getting used to it. I can't wait to try out new patterns that I have laying around and use my stash of fabric. 

I love this picture!

I also crocheted the hat :) Thanks for looking! Only 2 more days until Grace!                        Polka Dot Bee

Christmas Gifts

 My Christmas gifts- 

 The bouquet bed, bedding and nightstand! I am very thankful I got this, this is my first AG bed aside from a hotel package one I got from Chicago and I have to say, WOW the bed is bigger than what I expected and the bed itself was really easy to put together and is very well made. I kind of picked it out during a Jill's Steal's and Deal's so it wasn't really a surprise but I did have to wait, it was worth it though. I'm thinking this will go to my GOTY doll's Mia and Saige as I have plans to get the other historical doll's their bed's from their collections. I also "expanded" the doll space as a large ceder chest was taking up the other half to make room for the bed and rearranged the doll room and it look's really nice!From the same Jill's Steal's and Deals I was able to get the Frosty Fair Isle set, I Love Pet's Pj's and the School Day's Outfit. 

 One other gift I received that is somewhat doll related is a new sewing machine! My old one broke and I was using a borrowed one for a while but now I have my own! It is the Singer 7528 and I have already tested it out and it is great, I can't wait to learn new things and improve my sewing skills. 
                                       Polka Dot Bee 

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas and I hope you have a great rest of your winter break! The reason I didn't post on Christmas was I wanted to spend time with friends and family, we were also very busy and I didn't have much time to post anyway. I can't wait to go see the debut of GOTY 2015! Blogger's have already posted what look's like most of Grace's collection and I am really excited to see the huge bakery in person!
                                   Polka Dot Bee

Doll Gift Ideas

Hi! I can't believe their are only 3 days till Christmas! In the midst of last minute shopping for family and friends I have compiled a list of dolls sized items to gift to your doll friends too. :) Most are under $10
From American Girl- 

 Doodle Earrings-$10 Any girl would love a new pair of earrings and she needs a place to put it! 

Aqua Earring Tree-$10 Saige loses her earrings quite often around here, this would be the perfect gift. 

Snowy Earmuffs-$10 A cute winter accessory that keeps ears warm is great for ice-skaters like Mia. 
From Target- 

 Mini Mints-$1 Find this doll sized gift by the checkout, perfect for busy dolls on the go! 
From Etsy store Sara Miller Designs- 

American Girl Sized Wand-$6 Great for dolls who love the Harry Potter series, now they can cast their own spells!  
From Pixie Faire- 

Frill Seekers Pattern-$5.99 For the crafty doll who loves to sew gift her a new dress pattern and some fabric! 
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Merry Christmas! Over the month of December I have been gathering up presents to "gift" to the dolls and while I still need to wrap gifts here are a few suggestions to last minute shoppers. This was so fun to create and I can't wait to show you what everybody got! 
Polka Dot Bee