*eyes clock* Yeah, I suspect this won't actually go up til Sunday. Still, maybe if I do a little work now, it'll be easier then. In any case, let's finally (FINALLY) give Melody some love.
Melody, man. Melody.
Melody Doll and Book // $115
Item# DKM86
Optimistic Melody Ellison has deep-brown eyes that open and close, and thick black hair. She comes in an authentic 1964 outfit:
A bright blue-and-green houndstooth A-line dress with a blue cowl collar, a blue bow on the chest, and blue bows on the side pleats
A blue ribbon headband with a bow for her hair
Underwear
Socks
Shiny blue patent shoes with bows on the toes
The 18" Melody doll has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. Includes the paperback book No Ordinary Sound, the first novel-length volume of Melody's classic series.
AG, you've had months to work out the disparities between your promo pictures and reality. Months. And yet have you done a damn thing? No. You have not. Looking at these pictures, you'd never be able to tell what Melody's bangs are like because you're shown at least three different possibilities. Hell, I couldn't tell you what they really are because my brain shortcircuits at the sight of the promo shots again. WTF, AG.
If I shove my (irrational?) anger aside and concentrate on Melody, we're left with a cute doll. I think if I were left to base my opinions solely on the promo shots, I'd be tempted to pass on her, however. I have Cecile and Sonali and I don't really give a flying fig about the 60's fashions (at least not that I've been made aware of yet).
But I've seen owner pictures and she's cute as hell. So Melody is on my ever shorter list of dolls I will buy at some point. I'm telling you, AG that while bundles are nice, free shipping is nicer.
Melody's Accessories // $24
Item#DKH82
Melody is ready to step out into the city! Her accessories set includes:
A blue felt hat with ribbon trim
A blue patent purse with a bow on the front
Cool cat-eye sunglasses
A civil rights campaign button
I'd imagine that if you don't like this shade of blue, you're probably hosed, huh? I like it, so I'm safe. I like the pin (and it's an interesting alternative to a coin or necklace) and her sunnies are cuter than they have a right to be. Soooooo... yes. Want.
Melody's Fancy Floral Dress // $34
Item#DKH90
Melody is ready to sing in this fancy floral taffeta dress! It has a pleated high-low overskirt and a double bow in the front. Her pink patent Mary Jane shoes have cutout details at the toes, and her prim white gloves make the perfect finishing touch.
It's been months and I still don't know how I feel about this. On the one hand, I want to like it. I've gotten over the mullet-y nature of the dress because it was a thing but I'm having the same problem I did as a kid with Felicity's first Meet dress. I look at this dress and I get curtains. (Felicity's dress made me see wallpaper, but close enough.) Curtains that are bound to smell like stale cigarette smoke and feel a touch... weird. It doesn't help that every review I've read by people I even sorta trust comments on the odd texture of the fabric.
Melody's Play Outfit // $28
Item#DKH87
When summer comes, Melody can’t wait to hit the playground! This cool, colorful outfit includes:
A sleeveless diagonal-striped A-line top with a tasseled zigzag hem
Pale-blue shorts with a high waist and a hint of flare
Casual canvas shoes with elastic T-straps
Two pale-blue hairbows
I...dunno. It's probably been my least favorite of her outfits since it leaked on ebay awhile ago and it would still be waaaaaaay at the bottom if someone, somewhere (Playthings, probably?) hadn't posted a really cute picture of their doll wearing it. One picture of cuteness is enough to offset like 15 shots of no. I think this one is going to require thinking and closer inspection.
Also, this is one of those things that I think suffers from the lack of illustrations in the books. The description mentions the playground (a big plot point in the second book, I think?) and had I gotten to see it in illustrated form, I might have formed an attachment to it and thus wanted it despite the weird tassels. And weird shoes. And stupid pony-os where an actual ribbon would be better.
Melody's Pajamas // $24
Item#DKH83
When the city sleeps, Melody snuggles up in these blue pajamas with a shooting-star print. The short-sleeved top has pink dome buttons and a Peter Pan collar. It comes with matching shorts and blue slippers with fuzzy pom-poms on the toes. Two pink hairbows complete the set.
Hey, look. AG's learning how to pose their own dolls. It's only taken, what, 30 years? Which is unfair because I think they did a better job way back when.
Not the point, self. I was unsure when we initially saw these if I wanted them. Having blown the picture up to an insanely huge size (that took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out that particular trick) I am now sure I need them to go with Melody.
Melody's Christmas Outfit // $34
Item#DRK71
Melody is ready to sing carols and celebrate Christmas in this fancy outfit. This A-line dress features golden embossed satin in a lacy pattern with satin ribbons and bows, while a pair of ivory tights, shiny black shoes with velvet bows, and a golden satin headband finish her shining holiday look.
Soooooooooo pretty. Want. Will have. Grabby hands. Again, free shipping and you'd be mine already, my precious. (Seriously, way better than the TrulyMe offerings this year.)
Melody's Fancy Coat // $34
Item#DRK72
It’s the night before Melody’s birthday, and her grandparents have a surprise to share! Just in time for her first Watch Night, they give her a fancy new coat she can wear to the church service. The double-breasted coat is golden brocade with golden faux-fur collar and cuffs. A warm faux-fur hat and white gloves complete the outfit.
If I ignore the whole "must buy two sets to get a complete look" annoyance, I really like this coat. We'll see if I manage to actually buy it or if it languishes on my "maybe one day" list like all the others. :p
Melody's Hairstyling Set // $22
Item#DKH95
Melody loves getting grown-up hairstyles in Cousin Tish’s salon. This set includes a special wig on a headband to create the classic “bump” look. The headband can be accented with a sweet pink bow or a corsage from Poppa’s flower shop that Melody can also clip onto her outfit.
I wonder if they'll use Tish's salon as a reason to bring out more hair pieces. I wonder how well this one will do. I wonder a great many things about this set, actually. Mostly, I wonder how badly I would screw it up because lemme tell you, even in extreme lurking mode, I have seen some things. My. Glob.
Ultimately, it's on the maybe list. I think it's a cute idea but I also know my limits when it comes to getting these hairstyle sets to work. :P
Melody's Dog, Bo // $22
Item#DKH84
Bo (short for Bojangles) is a cute, scruffy black-and-white dog with one bent ear. He has a warm embroidered face and a blue collar with a bow that unfolds to become a leash.
Bo looks grumpy and a little goofy and normally these would both be things I'm interested in (murder cow, anyone?) but he just... doesn't do anything for me. Sorry, Bo.
Melody's Travel Essentials // $48
Item#
Melody’s excited to travel to Alabama to visit where her mother grew up! This set allows her to feel right at home even when she’s on the road. Includes:
A round red suitcase with a working latch and a strap for her to hold
A blue toiletry case that opens to reveal compartments and a place on the lid for her mirror
A soft embroidered towel
A collapsible travel cup
A toothbrush and tube of pretend toothpaste
A set of postcards from the exciting places Melody and her family have visited, including Washington, D.C.; Nashville; and Louisville
This set is actually something of a surprise. I don't remember it coming up in any pictures or anything (it might've been mentioned in passing somewhere) and I like the look of it. Not super fond of red and that shade of blue together, but I like them separately. I like the little travel cup (I'm reminded of my grandfather's that flummoxed me for ages when I was little) and you know I love postcards. Alas, at that price I shall say no for now. When you're on sale, love, let me know.
Melody's Bedroom Accessories // $45
Item#DRK94
Melody keeps some of her favorite treasures in her bedroom:
An adorable stuffed elephant to cuddle
A mini version of the book The Secret Garden
A 1960s-style radio that really works; it features tuning knobs and an antenna
A flyer and sticker from the Freedom March
A music poster
Look, AG, you don't get to tell me what's adorable and what's not. I'll be the judge of that. And that elephant is alright. Though from this angle it looks angry and that, that's more interesting. Overall, eh. It's not the bedroom accessory set to set my heart ablaze but I like all the things.
(Speaking of accessories: when cleaning last week, guess what I found? Sam's bedtime accessories! I'd just been thinking "gee, I should've bought them because I'd like them" and apparently past!me had already shelled out the cash. It worries me that I forgot this, however. :P )
Melody's Bed and Bedding // $95
Item#DKH85
Sweet dreams, Melody! Her wooden bed has a sliding cabinet in the headboard for bedtime accessories. Melody can snuggle into the soft mattress and pillow, then pull up the reversible orange-and-yellow knit coverlet as she drifts off to sleep.
Look, for that price I can buy a frame for Widget's real bed. So no, but thank you. I mention Widget's bed because he's got one pretty similar to this, only without the sliding cabinet. I wonder how popular this will be, though.
Melody's Block Party Set // $68
Item#DKH88
Melody loves when her neighborhood comes together for their annual picnic, and this set is full of community fun! It includes:
A tiny bingo cage that really works when you turn the handle
Bingo balls, cards, and dots
Two pretend hot dogs with mustard
Pretend mini apple and cherry pies
A pretend bottle of Vernor’s Ginger Ale (made in Melody’s hometown of Detroit)
A make-believe Boston Cooler drink-a float of Vernor's and vanilla ice cream
Paper napkins
That price, no. I like the idea of this, however. I'm a little unsure why the pies are minis, and I'm also a little thrown that the Boston Cooler looks like foamy cat puke. :P So no, this set ain't for me, but if the bingo cage works, it looks like fun. I really like it when the accessories give you something to do. Cuz I'm a dork.
Melody's Table and Chairs // $85
Item#DKH89
This two-tone metal table is Melody’s favorite place to eat, do homework, or play games. The two chairs each have a metal frame and a playful floral print on the seat. When Melody takes the table outside for the summer Block Party, she can clip on the special cloth banner encouraging people to help fix up the local park.
Rumor has it that the chairs and table don't fold. That's disappointing. I like the greens used but I'll be passing on this because AG furniture ain't small and I have Felicity's table and chairs (which you can pry from my cold, dead hands). I can't figure out if I like that the banner and flowers are included with the table or if I feel they should really be with the Block Party Set, but I'm leaning towards the latter.
Melody's Recording Studio // $250
Item#DKH92
This set is based on a real historical recording studio, and plays three of Melody’s favorite songs. Girls can even record their own voices singing along-either as a solo, or as a duet with Melody! The set includes:
A foldout wooden studio with one room for recording and another for musicians. It has realistic details on the walls and floor, plus fun lights and sounds inspired by real recording studios.
Three pretend reels just like ones from the 1960s-they can be used with the studio to play three different songs from Melody’s story
A metal office chair that swivels
An adjustable metal music stand and sheet music
Doll-sized headphones, just like the ones that real singers wear while recording
A sticker sheet for decorating the studio
Head's up for when you go to the website. There's a video that autoplays, but it's worth letting it load and watching to see the studio in action. This is one of those sets I don't have the space or the money for, but looks really fun. I'm really enjoying the completely outlandish (all things considered) sets AG has been doing for awhile now. I especially like the ones that aren't $500 bakeries.
Seriously, having the option to let a kid record a duet with Melody is genius. I'm including a
LINK to the huge picture so you can get a better look at the details that make this set a favorite, even if it's one I'll never own.
Melody's Microphone Set // $38
Item#DKH91
This 1960s-style microphone amplifies girls’ voices, and has buttons to press that add an echo or fun studio sound effects: applause, cheering, and laughter. It comes with a tambourine that dolls can really hold, plus tiny sheet music with one of Melody’s favorite songs.
Points to AG for breaking up the various music sets so that even if you're never getting the Recording Studio, you still have options. Extra points that the sheet music is for "Lift Every Voice And Sing" given the part it plays in her stories.
Melody's Electric Piano // $48
Item#DKM87
This doll-sized 1960s-style electric piano features keys that really work. It has buttons where girls can choose the style of sound they want: organ, piano, or electric piano. It comes with sheet music with a special song that Melody’s brother wrote for her.
At this point I feel like AG wants you to collect all the sheet music. All the sheet music in the world!
Which is to say this set is nifty but again, I'm good.
And it's taken me so long to post this that the sale bundles are about to expire but what the heck. Let's include them anyway.
Melody's Performance Collection // $190
Music lovers will have hours of fun helping Melody put on performances! This collection highlights the Melody doll, her working electric piano, a microphone with voice amplification and sound effects, and a pretty floral outfit.
You save $45.
Melody's Block Party Collection // $240
Melody’s community block party comes to life with this collection. It highlights her table, a play outfit, and summery accessories-including refreshments and a working bingo cage!
You save $56
Melody's Bedtime Collection // $220
Melody will be all set for sweet dreams in her 1960s-style bedroom. This collection highlights her wooden bed, sweet accessories-including a radio that really works!-and comfy pajamas.
You save $59. If I didn't have a million doll beds (not really, but I have enough), this is the collection I would buy.
Man, I kept you guys waiting on this and it's not even my best work. Shame, self. SHAME.
I think part of the problem is that while I like Melody a lot (character and doll), I'm at that point where I've got a crapton of stuff and I'm being extra choosy about what I add to the madness. Also, I'm not rolling in dough or space and that kinda cuts out a lot of Melody's stuff. Couple that with my lack of interest in her musical accessories (though I find them quite nifty!) and you've got a collection I'm mostly content to look at in other people's photos. Which is great for my wallet, but not good for Melody.
Still, there are some things I want enough to buy and will the moment I have the funds and a proper sale.
Wish list:
Melody (and her Meet Accessories)
Pajamas
Christmas Dress
Birthday Coat
To make up for sucking, let's look at some pretty Pinterest shots, shall we?
(this one reminds me of Cass when she'd wear her wigs waaaaaaay back in the day.)