Cecile's Parlor Outfit Review

 I think Cecile's Parlor Outfit is one of the most daring outfits American Girl has ever done, simply because I don't think it appeals to their target audience at all! I know a lot of adult collectors who aren't fans either, of either the colors, fabrics, or patterns. I had to get it because I'm trying to collect all of Cecile and Marie Grace's collection, and found I liked this outfit much more in person.

I styled the outfit in this photoshoot with Cecile and Marie Grace's Fancy Boots. I think these crazy gold boots go well with almost all of Cecile & MG's outfits, and it's fun to pair them with everything!

The outfit comes with the white collared shirt, the gold and purple jacket, a purple patterned skirt, and two purple hair ribbons.

One of the top complaints I've heard about this outfit is the see-through, plastic-y feel of the fabric of the jacket. I like that it's shiny, though, and the Mardi Gras colors have grown on me. Two of the brown buttons on the front conceal velcro behind, and that is how you close the jacket over the doll.

Matching hair ribbons are always a bonus!

I love the collared shirt, and love even more that the collar sticks out of the jacket.

All the way around!

Bonus picture of the adorable Fancy Boots!

Here's a shot of the shirt by itself. It's so beautiful and perfect for a classic look in any time period.

I give this outfit an A-, just because it's not as dazzling and drop dead gorgeous as some other outfits, but I have nothing to complain about! If you don't hate the colors, I definitely recommend it. It's perfect for a doll living in New Orleans!

Crinoline and Chemise Review

Since I have many of Cecile and Marie Grace's outfits, and am trying to get more of Addy's, I decided I needed the crinoline and chemise to make their skirts and dresses look fuller and more authentic. I bought this in November 2014 and it was in a BeForever box, so it's technically part of Addy's collection now, and I'm not sure if there's a difference between this one and the one that was Cecile's and Marie Grace's (but I don't think there is). Here are some pictures!

Here's the whole getup! (My new Cecile is so beautiful ahhhh!)

 There's a ruffle and a pinkish lavender bow on the top of the chemise...

And another ruffle on the bottom. Sorry for the weird orange globe in the corner ;)

Here you can see the fabric of the chemise is a little sheer...

 Here's the back!

 And the crinoline... it's pink and ruffly and so so cute! The hoops inside are made of plastic (I assume!)

I had no idea how or where to tie the crinoline onto the doll, so I looked at the official AG pictures. It seemed they had the bottom of the crinoline hang at the same length as the bottom of the chemise, so that's what I tried to do. I've seen other people tie theirs lower, though. I guess it depends on how the clothes fit with it in certain positions.

 Here's the back...

It was really easy just to tie the strings into a bow!

Overall, I really like this set! American Girl used to make elaborate underwear sets for historical dolls and don't seem to anymore, except for this piece, so it's fun to have in a historical collection. I also like that it retails for only $24, less than a full outfit, since you won't really see it while using it properly. I'm excited to try some outfits on over it, take pictures, and show you all soon!

Grade: A

Welcome Cecile!

Yay! I'm so excited that last night my beautiful new Cecile arrived! I'm not going to be very good at reviewing the actual doll, because I'm really biased and just love her and think she's really beautiful, so she gets an automatic A+!

Here are some pictures...

I'm just a little scared about taking care of her hair properly. I've already watched Youtube videos and stuff, so I hope I'll be okay!