The Evolution of the AG Modern Holiday Outfit: Part Three

Tada! We are back with Part Three of our story! 2006 through today has some pretty interesting offerings for us to examine.

2006 is kind of a weird blip on the radar. We have the Wintry Weekend Set and the Let It Snow Sleep Set, but nothing that really shouts "holiday party" dress. Maybe they thought they had over-saturated the market? Perhaps the Cherry Chocolate or Gala Party dresses did not sell so well? Maybe they had feedback that little girls don't wear evening gowns? Or maybe all their energy was sunk into promoting the Molly movie?

Who knows.... but we do know we got some neat pjs and a rather bizarre winter outfit that features shorts. How is one supposed to play outside in the winter in shorts??? Apparently this was for dolls living in the warmer states. ;)

The 2007 holiday outfits had a triumphant "comeback" with three fantastic offerings for formal attire and a set of pjs to boot. Huzzah! We begin with the Sleepover pjs which weren't really "snowy" or holiday-ish" but were luxurious enough to fit into our posts this week. Plus they are blue and we like blue.

Next, there was the Velveteen Coat Set, the Midnight Holly Outfit, and the best design of an AG Holiday outfit ever: the Santa's Helper Outfit. The accessories set was coordinated for the Midnight Holly Outfit and it was pretty cool, even featuring a box of chocolates.

The Coat set was a nice addition to the line given that we really hadn't seen a winter coat like this since the Sugarplum Coat in 2001. The Midnight Holly dress looked like the Gala Party Dress and the Cherry Chocolate dress had mated and produced offspring, with the recessive gene of black velour coming out to play. An interesting concoction, but it didn't make it to our wishlist.

Why do we think Santa's Helper has the best design??? It is simple, but perfect-- it can be used year after year for holiday parties and as a dance costume if you want. The Santa's hat is something the AG line was definitely missing. And even though it is a swath of red velour, we like the furry bits, the plaid scarf, the black belt, and the embroidered edge on the skirt. It is has staying power-- which is why it is expensive and rare on Ebay. So if any of you reading this blog are in the business of making high-quality copycat-versions of retired AG outfits, pick up this puppy and start sewing. Advertise it as "like Santa's Helper" and you should get some sales.

2008.... AG finally reaches back into its roots to give us an outfit that can actually be used for Hanukkah! In addition we have pjs, a snow outfit, a red dress, and an accessories set. What more could we ask for???

So we begin with the Snuggly Snow pjs with full-length pants and a long-sleeve shirt-- a nice, warm-looking winter pjs set. Then there is the Snowy Chic Outfit, a much-improved take on the Ski Outfit of 2002, and as long as you don't mind pink-- it is a pretty awesome addition to the winter wardrobe.

For our party attire we have the Scarlet and Snow dress which is clearly a descendant of the Radiant Rhinestones outfit, and a predecessor of the current Ruby Ribbons outfit. Red on the inside, light and fancy on the outside, with a choice of cream or silver accouterments. This time they really stuck it to the man by forcing you to buy the accessories set if you wanted that cream shrug. Notice how in 2010 the cardigan comes with the Ruby Ribbons outfit? Thank you AG. Thank you for not frustrating the heck out of parents everywhere this year. ;)

And of course, the Pièce de résistance for 2008.... the Silver Belle outfit. So you guys might be thinking, "Eh? What is so special about this dress?" But look back across the years... how many of the AG holiday dresses really "work" for something other than Christmas? Not many... so it was nice to see this versatile blue, silver and grey gown in the offerings. It really is way prettier in person than in photos. And just so we all knew what they were thinking, AG offered a new modern Hanukkah accessories set for us in 2008 (which is still for sale today).

To finish off 2008, as an extra bonus there was another outfit that could be used for Hanukkah or New Year's: the in-store Purchase-with-Purchase Sapphire Party outfit that eventually showed up online in the sale section.

2009.... ah, 2009... the year of well, everything. Just to make sure everyone had something to suit their tastes, AG kind of went all over the place last year. An angel costume that can be used for both Halloween and Christmas? Check. Wintry pajamas with a bathrobe? Add on penguins, and check. A sparkly gold dance costume that can double as a holiday party dress and is certainly a relative of the Gala Party outfit? Check. A "winter" coat, scarf and boot set? Check.

Fancy Flower- Silvery grey and white holiday dress and shrug that applies to Christmas or Hanukkah? Check. Sparkly Plum- A magenta-colored dress (which looks like it belongs to Bitty Baby) that can appeal to velvet and velour fans and has a sparkly accessories set (sold separately of course)? Check. And just to top it all off a sweater set and a shoe set that I can find in the store when I am doing my last-minute holiday shopping? And check.

At least one of those things had to appeal to someone. Right? ;)

Which brings us to jolly 'ol 2010. As if we didn't get enough new MyAG stuff in the summertime, we have been hit with another onslaught of new goodies. The offerings are again varied with pjs, winter wear, everyday schtuff, and formal attire. But the Ruby Ribbons and Snowflake Ball Gown definitely stand out as the things which may sell out first. The other outfits will probably be around for about 2 years.

What is seriously scary though is this fact... if you wanted to buy all of the new September MyAG outfits and accessories pictured above (which doesn't even include everything new!)..... that price-tag would be around $350. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Have a Lovely New Year with your credit cards bills everyone. ;)