Addy and Cecile Deck the Halls: 2013

I have yet to see snow around here but, man, is it sure cold out! We are already into the month of December so its time to break out the decorations. This year I decided to kick back and let the dolls take care of things.

I mean, what could go wrong with that?

Addy & Cecile

I take that back. They have no idea what they are doing. Plus Cecile has been rather irritable and bossy lately. Probably because I keep changing up her name.  

Don't worry, Cecile! I'll come up with something I like that sticks.

Cecile: "Come on, Addy! We NEED to get closer."

Cecile: "Just a liiiiiiiiiittle bit closer."
Addy: "Cecile,…. I c-can't… heavy!…."

*ACK!*

***no dolls were harmed in the taking of these photographs***

Bonus Pictures: Just click on a picture to see it bigger.

What my dolls are wearing: 

Addy has on the purple sweater from GOTY 2012 Mckenna's School outfit, Elizabeth's Meet Outfit socks, Josefina's Riding Boots, and a skirt I made.

Cece has on the necklace from Cecile's meet accessories, the sweater from the 1999 Plaid Skirt and Sweater outfit, the legging's from GOTY 2013 Saige's Sweater Outfit, socks from Addy's Shoes and Socks set, and hair ribbons from Cecile's Special Dress.

Cece's Colorful Clothes

So I chose to test out a few outfits on Cecile to see what colors look best on her. Cecile has a beautiful warm skin tone, so bright, vivid, rich colors really complement her appearance. I particularly like her in the blue color from Samantha's play dress (top left). I also think golds and metallics like the one from Saige's Sparkle dress (second row, left) work beautifully with her.

  

Blue Birds in Flight Dress

Hello, hello! Unfortunately, I will be taking a break from sewing for a while. I will not have a a sewing machine at my disposal for a while but before that happens here is my latest dress design. The design is based off of a dress I took apart for the fabric.  It features 100% cotton fabric, a smocked back, sweetheart neckline, and adjustable straps.

I found the original dress at Kohl's and fell in love with the fabric. While creating the pattern for the smaller dress, I referenced American Girl's Molly's Birthday dress to figure out the paneling on the bodice, the hair ribbon was borrowed from Samantha's Cranberry Holiday dress, and the necklace and boots came from Saige's Sparkle dress. 

SO Chambray Sleeveless Dress

GOTY 2013: Saige's Sparkle Dress (mini review)

Today's post is about Girl of the Year 2013 Saige's Sparkle Dress.  It was one I couldn't decided if it belonged in my collection. Generally I go after outfit with multiple pieces like Saige's Sweater Outfit when I make purchases.  What really sold me on this was the necklace and gold boots.

Well the outfit arrived and wow was I surprised how much I loved it!  

I LOVE love love these boots.

AG also decided to add a layer with some tulle under the main dress and it was a very good choice.  the under layer helps give the overall look of the dress a better fullness and helps it hold its intended shape.

• The fabric is a very rich hot pink with deeper pink ribbons criss-crossing over the waist and around to the back closure and shiny gold dots spread across the front that look like iron-on appliqués.  The main color of the dress reminds me of AG's main color they use on packaging and such. 

• The boots are nice, shiny gold color that matches the dots with mini heels and velcro closures in the back. They feel well made and sturdy. Also, they have Saige's signature flower design embossed/ tooled/ engraved into the outer facing sides of the boots.

• The necklace is very cute.  I'm surprised AG made the necklace silver vs gold since the rest of the outfit has gold accents but I don't care. I think it looks good together, is a nice simple design featuring an oval with Saige's signature flower design engraved on it.

I am also please by the fact this dress was designed with an asymmetrical top. AG has released so many with the same looking neckline. Its like they are re-using similar patterns every year but with varying fabrics. Take the 2010 Petal Pink Outfit orlast year's GOTY Mckenna's Fancy Dress for examples.

I can't say that the neckline and overall design of Saige's Sparkle dress is 100% original from AG but its a nice variation they tend to use now and then. I guess it fits in with the phrase "if its not broken, don't fix it".