I’m a Girly is a Swiss doll firm that launched in 2017 and expanded into america market in 2020. The dolls appear to have been (nonetheless are?) fairly in style in Europe,Bjd Menu however didn’t make as a lot of a splash right here–maybe as a result of they occupy the identical area of interest as American Lady. The mission of the corporate is to supply ”sustainability with model” through the use of top-quality supplies and as little waste as potential. That’s actually a mission that I can get behind,Bjd Doll Garments though nothing particular concerning the realization of this aim is talked about on the web site–past the truth that the cardboard packaging could be reused or recycled.
The factor I discover most unusual and fascinating concerning the I’m a Girly model is that the design of the dolls is overseen by a gaggle of kids, the Kids4Kids staff. These girls and boys (ages 9 to 13) had been instrumental in tweaking and perfecting the primary prototypes, and proceed to be concerned in designing and testing the dolls’ equipment and clothes. Particular gadgets of I’m a Girly clothes could be attributed to particular younger designers or design groups, and I can’t think about something extra thrilling or empowering for a kid! What an incredible thought.
I occurred upon this model solely by probability. I used to be searching the Goal web site, taking a look at among the ILY 4ever Disney dolls, and the thumbnail of an I’m a Girly character popped onto my display screen. I used to be captivated by the doll, however her $80 value was excessive sufficient to offer me pause. I continued my search on Amazon, the place I discovered a number of of the dolls being supplied for underneath $20. That appeared approach too good to be true, however I took an opportunity and ordered the least costly character, Lucy, who on the time was $9.92 (with free delivery).
I’m a Girly doll, Lucy, MSRP $79.99, on sale for $9.92.
One other fascinating and distinctive function of the I’m a Girly dolls is that they’ve interchangeable wigs. Of their promoting, the corporate mentions that the wigs could be styled and even lower–after which you’ll be able to simply purchase a brand new wig everytime you need and begin once more. Sadly, I used to be solely capable of finding two alternative wigs choices right here in america. Each of them price $19.99, one was on sale for $13.
The additional wigs on this line made purchasing for the dolls somewhat complicated. A few of the listings on Amazon present a photograph of a doll alongside a $79.99 value that’s been crossed out, with the sale value written in:
It’s fairly clear in that itemizing that the value is for a doll, and he or she’s been closely discounted.
However different listings (just like the one the place I discovered Lucy) present the unique value as being one thing stupid-low like $12.20, which merely isn’t the MSRP for the doll within the photograph:
That discrepancy made me really feel nearly sure that Amazon’s promoting about this doll was combined up and that for $9.92 I used to be going to get an I’m a Girly alternative wig, not the entire doll. Actually, that will have made much more sense than the doll costing $9.92.
Nonetheless, two days after I positioned my order, I obtained Lucy herself within the mail! She arrived in a brown shipper that contained a big cardboard window field:
The glare is a bit much less distracting on this image:
This field was giant and heavy and it instantly struck me that I wouldn’t even be capable of ship a doll like this to someplace else in my identical state for as little as $9.92. The worth is completely gorgeous.The entrance of the field shows Lucy’s identify prominently and in addition reveals just a few small images of the wig-changing course of:
The perimeters of the field are lined with textual content and images that I’ll present you in additional element:
One aspect lists among the factors I’ve talked about, together with the Kids4Kids design staff, the sustainability mission, and the interchangeable wigs:
Apparently among the alternative wigs are extra-long, just like the one proven on this image:
A wig like that will have been a enjoyable product to incorporate on this assessment, however I couldn’t discover it wherever.The opposite aspect of the field has an image of the Kids4Kids design staff:
There’s additionally an outline of how the cardboard field could be became a wardrobe to retailer the doll’s garments:The again of the field has a stunning pastel rainbow design and is roofed with colourful footage:
The highest photograph reveals all the obtainable dolls:From left: Lola, Jasmine, Robyn, Mia, Lucy, Zoe, and Kayla.Jasmine is the one who caught my consideration on the Goal web site. I discover the mix of her mushy hair and sharp options uncommon and engaging:
Jasmine isn’t listed on Amazon, sadly.Different images present among the extra outfits and equipment which are obtainable:I really like the tie-dyed gown!However, once more, I wasn’t capable of finding any of those outfits on the market right here in america.A few of the clothes, just like the unicorn pajamas (love!) and the striped tee shirt, can be found at Goal:
The underside of the field has some footage of kids ”taking part in” with the dolls:If we pull her aside, will our want come true?Or simply posing dramatically with the dolls:Dial again the smolder, children. This isn’t the quilt of Vogue.One factor that the field doesn’t present is the opposite merchandise within the I’m a Girly firm’s lineup. I’m a Girly additionally sells styling heads (referred to as I’m a Stylist) and 14-inch dolls referred to as I’m a Wow. Right here’s an instance:I’m a Wow Chloe doll, $Widespread elements34.99.The I’m a Wow dolls are principally miniatures of the I’m a Girly molds, however with rooted hair as an alternative of wigs. I bought one of many I’m a Wow dolls out of curiosity, however I needed to maintain this assessment targeted on Lucy as a lot as potential. I’d be glad to assessment an I’m a Wow doll sooner or later if there’s any curiosity. Lucy was hooked up to a pink cardboard backdrop through giant cable ties at her ankles and neck. THigh-qualityhe ties had been padded with foam. The highest cable tie had pulled out of the cardboard and so Lucy was flopping round in her field.
She was very simple to take away from the backdrop.Her hair was secured with a black hairnet and tied again right into a ponytail:
I let the hair down and brushed it out. It’s a really fairly, pure brown coloration with highlights:
Lucy has a pleasant face with options which are extra angular and life like than most 18-inch dolls:
Her face jogs my memory most of a Karito Child, though I barely want these faces.You possibly can see the form of her face a bit higher when her hair is clipped again:
In profile, Lucy has a straight nostril (not somewhat ski-jump nostril, for as soon as) and a few exaggerated depressions underneath her eyes:
I’m not loopy about Lucy’s lip mildew. I believe her decrease lip protrudes a bit an excessive amount of, particularly for her smiling expression:
She appears like her jaw is jutting out in defiance or one thing.If Lucy’s hair is pulled again, you can even see that she has a clumsy jawline. The width of her head continues too far previous the molded jaw:Or possibly her neck is simply too skinny?Her ears are pieced, although, which is a pleasant element! I want I had some earrings readily available for her to put on.Lucy’s eyes are inset acrylic and they don’t open or shut. They’re a yellow-ish brown coloration that just about matches her hair:There’s fascinating element within the irises of those eyes, however the coloration isn’t very life like.Lucy has painted eyelashes on the highest and the underside of her eyes, and he or she additionally has utilized lashes on the highest. Her eyebrows are a collection of easy strains painted in a reddish-brown coloration that doesn’t match her eyelashes or her wig:Lucy’s wig is made out of Kanekalon fiber, so it’s mushy and has some shine:
There was quite a lot of shedding hair once I first began to control this wig, nevertheless it has gotten significantly higher over the previous week.General, this wig is nice, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel fairly as mushy or silky to me as among the customized wigs which are obtainable proper now. There’s a tiny little bit of artificial coarseness.The wig is designed in a different way from the wigs that I’m accustomed to. There’s a layer of hair that falls straight down across the hairline, however above that there’s a thick band of cloth mesh:
Right here’s a better look:
This band is a part of the mechanism that enables the wig to be tightened into place. I can see why it’s essential, nevertheless it may make the wig much less fascinating for anybody who was considering of utilizing it on an American Lady or related doll.In the back of the top, you’ll be able to see extra of the black mesh band, and in addition two items of string that grasp down over the neck. These strings are supposed to be loosened or tightened throughout wig removing and alternative:
I’ll speak a bit extra concerning the wig altering course of later within the assessment.Most of Lucy’s wig is densely-sewn, and so her hair could be gently parted in again with out exposing the wig cap:
Whereas I’m on the subject of hair, let me present you an instance of one of many I’m a Stylist heads:
I assume the wigs on these heads are of comparable high quality to the doll wigs, which is to say they’re fairly good and could be enjoyable to brush and play with. Additionally, as a result of the wigs are replaceable, there’s quite a lot of potential for hairstyling (and hair chopping!) experimentation. Apparently the heads may even tolerate actual make-up utility. The I’m a Stylist heads initially price $89.99 and at the moment are normally on sale for nearer to $65.I discover the styling heads interesting (I by no means had one as a child), however let’s keep targeted on Lucy.Lucy got here sporting a three-piece outfit that consists of an imitation leather-based jacket, a sea inexperienced skirt, and an identical long-sleeved tee:
The jacket has some good steel particulars. For instance, the belt on the waistline has a working steel buckle:
The zipper in entrance works easily and feels heavy and sturdy:
There are even zippered pockets on both aspect of the jacket. The zippers themselves work easily:
However the pocket just isn’t really a pocket. The zipper merely opens to disclose a gap via the jacket. It appears convincing, although:
The jacket’s cuffs come folded as much as reveal a peek of coloration from the shirt, however they are often folded down, too:
There are even little steel snap decorations on the corners of the jacket’s collar:
The jacket is completed properly on the within, too. It helps that the again aspect of the imitation leather-based material has a mushy, fleecy really feel:
The jacket material is supple and mushy, so it’s simple to take off and put again on once more. Additionally, Lucy can transfer her arms with none hassle when she’s dressed–one thing that’s not at all times true of imitation leather-based clothes.I’ve seen some imitation leather-based doll clothes age poorly over time–a lot the identical approach that imitation leather-based furnishings ages poorly (particularly after being licked by canines…). However for now, no less than, this jacket appears actually good.
I’d say that this jacket is well worth the $10 I paid for Lucy all by itself. Probably the most related merchandise that I may discover on the American Lady retailer is Makena’s jacket from her accent set. This set prices $35 (but additionally features a purple purse and a pocket book):
Beneath the jacket, Lucy is a wash of seafoam inexperienced:
She’s sporting a long-sleeved jersey knit high and a brief skirt with a tulle overlay:
Each items shut within the again with velcro:
The velcro must be hOvergrownandled rigorously or it would snag the tulle on the skirt.Each items are made very effectively. Except for the velcro closure, the development is what I’d count on from actual kids’s clothes.
You possibly can see how all the seams are serged and neat:
Lucy can be sporting little canvas sneakers that match her skirt and shirt:
These sneakers are super-cute, really feel well-constructed, and seem like they could match American Lady dolls:
Talking of American Lady dolls, I don’t really personal one anymore! Yikes. I may need to treatment that, particularly with the temptation of the present Lady of the 12 months, Corinne.I used to be curious to know the way the I’m a Girly physique compares to an American Lady physique, although. If clothes-sharing is an choice between these two manufacturers, that will impression Lucy’s worth. As well as, there are only a few I’m a Girly outfit units obtainable on this nation anymore, so the dimensions of Lucy’s wardrobe will depend upon how effectively she will be able to share with different manufacturers.At first look, Lucy appears fairly completely different from an American Lady. Her physique is made solely out of vinyl, and he or she has a slimmer torso than American Lady, Our Technology, My Twinn, and different customary 18-inch dolls:
I discover it fascinating that the I’m a Girly firm boasts ”life like proportions” of their dolls. It’s a pleasant doll physique, positive, however realism just isn’t what leaps to thoughts once I have a look at it. I discovered this model of a nine-year-old to make use of as a tough thought of an actual little one’s physique:
In comparison with this model, Lucy’s head is basically giant (though not by the present doll market requirements!) and her limbs are very thick and quick. It’s like a toddler physique with an older little one’s head.Anyway, I nonetheless have my customized 18-inch My Twinn doll, Annie, who has the identical physique as an American Lady, so I used to be in a position to make use of her for comparability:I’m a Girly doll subsequent to an 18-inch My Twinn.Lucy is barely taller than Annie, and he or she undoubtedly has a slimmer torso. The legs and arms of those two dolls look extremely related, although.In truth, the 2 ladies have similar hand molds:I’m a Girly hand (left) and 18-inch My Twinn hand (proper).I’m a Girly hand (left) and 18-inch My Twinn hand (proper).Discover that Lucy’s fingernails are manicured, with a contact of gloss and little white ideas:Lucy and Annie have seemingly identicaMesmerizingl ft, too, which is nice information for shoe-sharing:There’s undoubtedly some clothes-sharing potential between Lucy and Annie, nevertheless it’s not common. Annie can squeeze into Lucy’s long-sleeved tee, however the skirt is approach too tight:18-inch My Twinn sporting I’m a Girly.18-inch My Twinn sporting I’m a Girly.The leather-based jacket suits Annie with ease:18-inch My Twinn sporting I’m a Girly.18-inch My Twinn sporting I’m a Girly.And the sneakers are excellent:
I don’t have any 18-inch My Twinn clothes, however Annie likes to put on Our Technology clothes, so I used to be capable of strive that on Lucy:I’m a Girly Lucy sporting Our Technology.The jacket and gown from this outfit work effectively on Lucy, however the vinyl sneakers had been approach too tight.Right here’s Lucy in simply the gown and the leggings:I’m a Girly Lucy sporting Our Technology.The leggings look tremendous, however–as you’d count on–they’re very unfastened on the waist:I’m a Girly Lucy sporting Our Technology.Since I’ve lately gotten involved in Geppeddo’s My Manner Youngsters, I used to be curious to see if Lucy’s clothes would match these dolls. Right here’s Brie modeling Lucy’s shirt and skirt:
The clothes suits, however the shirt doesn’t conceal Brie’s awkward neck joint, and the skirt isn’t lengthy sufficient to cowl the material on her legs:
Lucy has a reasonably customary vinyl play doll physique, however let’s return and take a better have a look at it:
She has 5 factors of elastic-strung articulation (neck, shoulders, and hips).Her arms can’t carry straight up very far:
However they spin all the approach round for lots extra choices:
She will be able to’t slide into side-to-side splits very effectively:
However her front-to-back splits are glorious:
She will be able to additionally sit on the bottom:
Lucy’s posing choices really feel restricted to me. In idea she shouldn’t really feel any much less articulated than an American Lady or equal. In truth, her elastic-strung head is extra cell and expressive than an American Lady’s head. However one way or the other the limbs really feel extra stiff.I rapidly in contrast the limb maneuverability between Annie and Lucy, simply to see if there was one thing I used to be lacking. Annie can carry her hand out and as much as the aspect very simply:
However Lucy can even do that, even when the motion is stiff:
Annie’s legs could be maneuvered into full side-to-side splits:
However so can Lucy’s:
I believe in the long run it’s simply that Annie feels extra versatile as a result of she has a mushy torso, and in addition as a result of her limbs will not be strung very tightly. The unfastened stringing has a draw back, too, as a result of Annie can barely stand on her personal. Lucy is kind of stable on her ft.Right here’s a fast have a look at Lucy with out her underwear:
I’ve seen this butt earlier than, however I can’t place it:I’ve seen you, too, Emily.I want I nonetheless had certainly one of my slim 18-inch dolls, like A Lady For All Time, Carpetina, or Kidz ’n’ Cats. It could be fascinating to see how Lucy’s torso proportions examine to these dolls. From my reminiscence, I’d say she’s most much like Carpetina. However all of these slim dolls are shorter than Lucy.Right here’s Lucy again in her skirt and high:
All through all the manipulations to date on this assessment, Lucy’s wig held tight to her head. I used to be flipping her round, dressing her, combing her hair, clipping her hair, and so on., and the wig didn’t budge. That was extraordinarily encouraging.If it weren’t for the static in my basement, this wig would behave superbly.
I used to be curious to see how the wig was held in place and the way simple it will be to vary, although.
I flipped Lucy over and inspected the little black ties behind her head:
These ties got here secured right into a double knot. It was tough to undo the knot, particularly due to all of the hair in that space. I lastly obtained the knot untied, although, and was capable of loosen the wig:
The ties are designed to tighten the wig right into a groove that runs all the approach round Lucy’s head:
The groove is kind of broad and deep:
The wig haCustomizabled been concealing some marks on the again of Lucy’s head, together with figuring out marks on the higher scalp and the I’m a Girly emblem on the neck:
The within of this wig is atypical in that the wig cap just isn’t seen. As an alternative, there’s a layer of pale mesh lining the cap:
My curiosity demanded that I take away the mesh. Beneath, there’s a black wig cap. It’s a lot simpler to see the wig tightening mechanism with the mesh layer gone:
There’s a band of black material with a protracted black string operating via it–just like the waistband of sweatpants. If the black band is positioned within the groove of Lucy’s head, the strings could be tightened down to carry thArtisan touche wig securely.I had really performed round with Lucy’s wig for fairly some time earlier than I eliminated that mesh layer, and through that point I discovered it extraordinarily tough to place the wig again on. This assessment was entering into a really completely different path at that time. I couldn’t see something apart from the mesh, and so I couldn’t get that black band in utterly the groove. This meant that each time I attempted to tighten the wig, it slipped off. It was extremely irritating. I couldn’t determine how such a foul design had develop into so in style in Europe. Seems that the mesh is the one unhealthy a part of the design–every part else is nice.With out the mesh layer, you’ll be able to really see the black band becoming into the top groove
After which tie the strings as tightly as you need:
I don’t know why that mesh layer was there within the first place (to forestall staining on the vinyl, maybe?) nevertheless it made the wig soa lotmore durable to make use of.Anyway, as soon as I found out the strings, Lucy’s wig stayed in place properly each time I swapped it:
I needed to strive a wide range of hair on Lucy, so I purchased this I’m a Girly pink alternative wig from Amazon (on sale) for about $13:
The field design is similar to what we noticed on Lucy’s field. It has a number of colourful footage of the dolls on the again:
There’s that ultra-long wig once more:
However this image is new:
It’s enjoyable to see Jasmine in a distinct outfit, and I additionally like these white clothes. Too unhealthy extra of these items aren’t on the market in america!The wig comes with a collapsible cardboard stand:
The stand is a bit flimsy, nevertheless it’s a pleasant option to retailer the additional wigs:
The wig cap on the pink wig is seen, with no mesh in between, and the tightening mechanism is made out of lighter material:
Since this wig doesn’t have a mesh layer, the tightening course of was simple proper from the beginning:
The feel of this wig feels a tiny bit extra artificial than the brown wig, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good, and the combo of pink colours may be very fairly:
I’m unsure that the seafoam inexperienced outfit is the proper pairing for this wig, nevertheless it actually makes Lucy shiny and cheerful!
I attempted clipping the wig again and firming down the outfit with the black leather-based jacket:
Somewhat higher, I believe.
The one drawback is that when the hair is clipped again, the mesh band across the hairline is seen in some locations:
I’ve a reasonably large stash of 11-inch wigs readily available for the My Manner Child dolls that I work on, so I attempted just a few of these on Lucy. I actually like how this textured black wig goes along with her olive pores and skin tone and black jacket:
This wig is kind Etsy and value $29.95.
Lucy’s authentic wig is sweet, nevertheless it doesn’t examine to this lovely wig. The texture and thickness are significantly better on the customized wigs. However when you think about Lucy’s value, her wig is extraordinary.This wig pulls again properly, too:
The I’m a Girly wig mechanism is fairly cool. I used to be actually skeptical at first, since Lucy’s wig was so arduous to determine, however with the pesky mesh out of the way in which, it’s a superb system. The one drawback with the I’m a Girly wigs is that there are so few of them in the marketplace–no less than on this nation. Fortuitously, some customized 11” wigs which are designed for American Women may even work on these dolls, though they’d in all probability need to be glued in place to be safe sufficient for play.I used to be intrigued sufficient by Lucy at this level that I purchased just a few extra of those dolls on Amazon. I assumed it will be enjoyable to match the completely different characters and outfit items. I didn’t buy the redhead, Robyn, as a result of she was over $30 on the time, however I did purchase Lola and Zoe. Right here’s my trBrobdingnagianio (they price about $36, all collectively):I’m a Girly dolls, from left: Lola, Lucy, and Zoe.Lola comes sporting a purple wig and sporting a flowery sequined ”ballet” outfit:
LolaShe has 22 “joints” so children will help her serve and volley the ball.’s wig is a beautiful mixture of purples. I don’t assume I’ve ever seen a wig fairly like this, and I’ve seen quite a lot of wigs!Lola is the one one of many sale dolls on Amazon that doesn’t have brown eyes:
Her electrical blue eyes are hanging, however they&#Commonplace model8217;re not very life like.Lola has the identical face mildew, pores and skin tone, and face paint colours as Lucy:
I want that the corporate had chosen a much less orange-toned lip coloration for these dolls. It actually clashes with Lola’s eyes and hair:
Lola is sporting a cropped halter high lined in rose-pink sequins. That is paired with a tulle-covered skirt that’s very related in design to Lucy’s skirt. This skirt has a sequined waistband so as to add some additional sparkle:
Lola’s sneakers are alleged to seem like ballet slippers (I believe?) however the lengthy ribbon laces are absurd.That’s an accident ready to occur.The outfit items open within the again with velcro:
I assumed that maybe I may enhance the looks of the sneakers by wrapping the lengthy laces round Lola’s calves, however the ribbons aren’t fairly lengthy sufficient to do that gracefully:A minimum of she received’t journey.I used to be excited to check out the pink wig with Zoe’s pink sequined outfit, however sadly the pink shades don’t match:I suppose the wig is extra of a coral coloration.Zoe has the identical pores and skin tone as Lucy and Lola. She comes with a blonde wig and oddly gentle brown eyes:
I ordered Zoe as a result of I favored the look of her peasant high and jean skirt outfit:
The shirt is made out of a semi-transparent gauzy material with a darkish blue floral print. Sadly, the darkish flowered areas have left stains on Zoe’s arms:
The shirt closes in again with velcro, however the skirt opens in entrance with a button:
The skirt is tight-fitting, and I discovered the button arduous to open and shut:
Additionally, there’s no zipper beneath the button, so the skirt gapes open a bit on the high.Zoe’s outfit contains some imitation leather-based fringe boots. Annie instantly stole these. They’re a lot nicer than the vinyl boots that got here along with her Our Technology outfit:
The massive drawback with Zoe is that her brown eyes are present process some form of fading and clouding course of:
Right here’s a better look:
It’s arduous to think about what prompted this (excessive warmth or chilly, maybe?), however her eyes seem like they’ve little cracks or bubbles all through:
In the event you have a look at her eyes from an angle, they’ll look like utterly white:
That’s actually not okay. I’ve seen too many dolls with pale eyes at this level. I understand how this story ends.I really obtained yet another of those dolls: Kayla. Kayla didn’t present up in my authentic searches for some purpose, however once I visited the I’m a Girly web page on Amazon, I discovered her. And she or he was additionally underneath $10!
Frankly, I wasn’t too enthusiastic about how Kayla appears in particular person. She’s not as fairly as Jasmine:
Her eyes look pale and her lips are too shiny and orange for my style.Her outfit is sweet, although. It’s a easy, well-constructed blue sweatsuit with a cropped high:
The pants have a working tie on the wasit and the highest opens in again with velcro:The sneakers are high-top sneakers with leopard print particulars.Judging from the 4 characters that I purchased, there’s some selection within the high quality of the outfits, nevertheless it’s spectacular general. I really like Lucy’s and Lola’s outfits (apart from Lola’s weird sneakers), and Kayla’s outfit is well-made and sensible. Zoe’s outfit is much less interesting. Except for her boots, that are enjoyable, her garments aren’t very usable. The shirt causes stains, and the skirt is difficult to lock and has a gaping fly.There’s no selection in face molds (all the I’m a Girly dolls have the identical face), and a few selection in pores and skin tone. I believe there are three pores and skin tones within the assortment: Lucy’s olive complexion, Kayla’s darker coloring, after which I believe (however can’t verify) that Robyn the redhead and a lady named Mia have lighter pores and skin. Right here’s Mia:
She appears just about the identical as Lucy, Zoe, and Lola right here, however in among the promotional movies she appears lighter. I don’t need to spend $80 to seek out out for positive, but when I ever uncover one thing definitive about Mia’s pores and skin tone, I’ll replace.There’s some selection in eye coloration, from what I’ve seen, however not a lot. Lucy, Kalyla and Zoe have brown eyes (as does Robyn), though Lucy’s eyes have extra of a yellow solid than the others. Lola’s eyes are blue (as are Mia’s). General, I don’t assume the eyes on these dolls are superb. Initially, the colours aren’t nice. Lucy’s eyes are very yellow, and Kayla’s eyes look pale. Lola’s eyes are okay, however they’re unrealistically shiny. The largest drawback, after all, is Zoe’s eyes. These are extraordinarily broken and should be changed.For me, the eyes are one of the vital necessary elements of a doll, so I made a decision to pry Kayla’s eyes out to see what dimension and form they’re and if it will be potential to exchange them.Fortuitously, the eyes got here out of the top fairly simply with somewhat warmth from a hair dryer:
This eye is 18mm in dimension and is oval-shaped. It appears like there’s some fading or harm across the complete fringe of the iris.Right here’s what the empty eye socket appeared like:
As an apart, it’s fairly wonderful that I used to be capable of take away Kayla’s eye with out damaging her eyelashes with the warmth. These are some resilient lashes!Anyway, eye sockets like Kayla’s are simple to work with (quite a bit like My Twinn eyes), however there aren’t too many oval eye choices in the marketplace proper now. I just like the Pabol glass eyes that I take advantage of for My Manner Youngsters, and people are oval-shaped and are available 18mm. They’re a bit costly ($15), however I actually needed to see how they’d look on Kayla, so I ordered a pair in darkish brown.To my delight, the eyes slid in very simply…however Kayla appears like a cartoon character now!
I’m unsure if I really like the brand new look or hate it! It’s actually completely different. I made the error of eradicating her manufacturing unit lashes throughout this course of. I believe some new lashes would assist soften her look.There’s much more sclera seen in these new eyes, and they also give Kayla a startled expression. This expression, paired with the brilliant orange lip
s, make her look fairly foolish.
I used to be discouraged about Kayla’s makeover at this level. I hoped for a few of Jasmine’s drama and wonder. I made a decision to order Kayla a curly wig like Jasmine’s after which give her some correct consideration as soon as the wig arrived. I’ll replace on Patreon.I didn’t need this assessment to go on maintain whereas I waited for Kayla’s wig, however I used to be nonetheless curious concerning the makeover potential for these dolls. So, I made a decision to do a full repaint and re-wig on one other Lucy doll. Right here’s the results of that effort. I name this woman Sage due to her sage-green eyes:
I gave Sage very mushy, pure make-up. This was partly an overcompensation for the orange manufacturing unit lip paint, however I additionally thought {that a} lighter lip may de-emphasize the jutting form of her mouth. The ultimate face-up is perhaps a bit too gentle, however it would actually provide a distinction to the unique Lucy.Sage is sporting a ginger-blonde wig from Beautiful Doll Designs (~$35):
The wig is attractive and smooth, nevertheless it doesn’t match the I’m a Girly head completely, so there’s somewhat bubble of wig cap that sticks up on the again:
There’s little or no that may be accomplished to regulate the eyes on a doll like this (with out chopping open the again of the top and eradicating the vinyl eye sockets), and since these eyes had barely offset pupils, Sage has barely wonky eyes:
These eyes present quite a lot of sclera, similar to Kayla’s, however one way or the other Sage doesn’t look fairly as stunned as Kayla.
With the re-paint, I lowered the place of the eyebrows and gave Sage some additional blush and really gentle freckles.
Listed below are Kayla and Sage collectively:
It’s fascinating to see how completely different these two ladies look! Kayla makes me giggle.And listed below are Lucy and Sage collectively:I’m a Girly Lucy doll earlier than (left) and after (proper) a makeover.Every of them is fairly in their very own approach, I believe. I want I’d been capable of finding alternative eyes with barely bigger irises, however the proportions of Sage’s eyes are in all probability extra life like.
To finish the assessment, I needed to get just a few footage of Lucy and Sage within the pure gentle, so I took them on a stroll alongside a close-by canal:
The surroundings was lovely and the climate was extraordinary (round 65 levels…in February!), however the shiny daylight made it arduous to get clear images.
I retreated to my yard later within the day to get some pictures in decrease gentle:
I’ve been via quite a bit with Lucy throughout this previous week, and I’ve come to seek out her very candy and nice to have round.
Studying how you can use her wig was an enormous step in seeing her true potential. By the point I had her outdoors for these footage, I wasn’t burdened concerning the wig in any respect; I used to be treating it like some other fully-secured doll wig.
I’ve even gotten used to these yellow eyes!
Right here’s Sage alongside the sunny canal:
Our favourite factor to do was disguise subsequent to timber and take a look at the Canada geese!
However, once more, most of these pRegalhotos had been too shiny, so right here’s Sage within the shade of my yard:
Sage appears pretty until I flip her head and transfer her hair in such a approach that her unusual jawline is seen!
Partial profile pictures are safer for her:
Backside line? It’s arduous to be essential of a doll that price lower than what I’d pay for delivery on most of my different doll purchases. I hold taking a look at Lucy and considering that her jacket alone is value no less than $10. However I’ll faux for a second that I paid full value for Lucy in order that I can summarize some detailed ideas concerning the completely different parts of this model.With out even contemplating her outfit or her wig, Lucy is a stable doll. Her physique is made out of high-quality vinyl that I may warmth, wash, and sand with no hassle. She is sturdy on her ft, and her 5 factors of elastic-strung articulation permit her to pose about in addition to an American Lady doll. Her pores and skin tone is medium, so she will be able to signify a wide range of ethnicities. A lot of her facial options are life like, though a wierd jawline and jutting decrease lip reduce the enchantment barely in my eyes. The manufacturing unit paint on the 4 dolls I purchased is kind of heavy-handed, with quite a lot of orange pigment within the lips. The eyebrows are painted in generic hues, presumably in order that they don’t conflict with any of the alternative wigs. I need to tackle the inset eyes on these dolls individually as a result of they’ve some severe issues. Initially, a lot of the dolls have brown eyes that I don’t assume are very engaging. Lucy’s eyes are fairly yellow, and Kayla and Zoe have gentle brown eyes that look pale. Zoe’s eyes aren’t simply pale, both; there’s some unusual course of that has broken or is damaging them dramatically. She undoubtedly wants a watch alternative. That’s not one thing quite a lot of custBasic appearanceomers need to pay for or take care of, and there aren’t many high-quality oval eye alternative choices in the marketplace proper now. I’ve watched quite a lot of corporations (notably smaller start-ups) wrestle with the long-term high quality of acrylic eyes. There’s enough proof for me to be involved concerning the viability of the I’m a Girly eyes.Lucy’s clothes is basically nice. Her imitation leather-based jacket, particularly, is engaging and superbly made. The material is mushy and supple and is embellished with plenty of steel accents, together with three working zippers. The jacket is straightforward to placed on and take off and doesn’t limit Lucy’s motion. The jacket additionally suits my 18-inch My Twinn doll, Annie, and would match American Lady and Our Technology characters, too. Lucy’s tee shirt and skirt are additionally very effectively made and look good. Sadly, the skirt is not going to match wide-bodied 18-inch dolls (I don’t have any slim 18-inch dolls to strive it on). I obtained an up-close have a look at among the different I’m a Girly outfits, too, and I actually like a lot of the items. Lola’s sequin-encrusted ensemble may be very fairly, and Kayla’s blue tracksuit is well-constructed and sensible. A couple of of the opposite clothes items I checked out will not be pretty much as good. For instance, Zoe’s peasant high appears pretty, however the darker areas go away stains on the vinyl. Zoe’s skirt can be tight hand arduous to lock. Lola’s ballet sneakers are okay, however the ribbons are too lengthy to be tied conventionally and too quick to be wrapped round her legs. It’s unhappy that a lot of the tempting outfit choices pictured on the I’m a Girly packaging are unavailable (no less than in america), as a result of I’d have been involved in a lot of them.The wig design on these dolls was an actual frustration for me at first. Whereas the wigs had been all securely positioned once I de-boxed the dolls, I used to be unable to recreate this stability throughout wig adjustments; the wigs stored always slipping off each time I moved the doll. Nonetheless, as soon as I eliminated the mesh layer inside Lucy’s wig, I used to be capable of see what I used to be doing. Now I discover it fairly simple to place a wig and tie it into place in order that it received’t fall off. I used to be capable of carry Lucy round in a bag on my stroll, pull her out a number of occasions for images, drop her on the bottom (oops…), and the wig stayed firmly in place the entire time. It’s a really intelligent system in the long run. As well as, whereas the hair fiber isn’t fairly as good as what could be discovered on premium customized wigs today, it’s superb: mushy and easy and enjoyable to brush. The largest drawback with the I’m a Girly wig system is that there are at present solely two alternative wigs obtainable for buy on this nation. As a comfort, wigs designed for American Lady dolls match the I’m a Girly head fairly effectively, and may very well be glued into place for any child who desires a change.The I’m a Girly dolls provide an fascinating canvass for somebody like me who enjoys doll customization. The eyes are simple to swap, the standard of the vinyl is excessive, and there are quite a lot of wigs in the marketplace that can match these heads. That stated, glass eyes price $15 and high quality wigs price round $25, so even a primary customization provides $40 to the value of the doll.At full value, I in all probability wouldn’t suggest certainly one of these dolls–largely due to the chance of getting broken eyes or eyes that can fade or deteriorate over time. Additionally as a result of there are restricted equipment obtainable in the marketplace proper now on this nation. On the sale costs, nevertheless, there are quite a lot of good causes to take a look at the I’m a Girly model. The dolls with good eyes are pleasant, and value far more than $10. It felt like daylight theft to purchase Lucy on the value I paid. Moreover, among the outfits are value $10 on their very own–as are the wigs in case you have use for that form of factor. And in the event you’re an individual who likes to customise, you’ll actually get $10 value of enjoyable out of any of those ladies. I actually did.
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