Saturday, November 9, 2013

Review: Dead Tired Lagoona Blue -- Wave Three



There are several reasons why I shouldn't review today's doll. 1. This is the second DT Lagoona Blue doll to be released. 2. The other two dolls in this wave -- Robecca and Spectra -- are the first DT dolls we're getting for those characters. Technically they should take precedence as review subjects over Lagoona. 3. Over the course of Voicething's history I've reviewed a hell of a lot of Lagoona dolls. More than Spectra, and way more than Robecca. When I look at reasons for why I should review DT Lagoona instead of the others, really only one comes up: she's simply the doll I want to review.

There are a few other things at play here. In my opinion, with the right framing, a unique perspective, and an at least so-so grasp of the ability to discern and contextualize, a review for any doll can be interesting and engaging. It also helps if you feel passionate about the thing you're reviewing. And hey, if some of you are just really annoyed that I'm reviewing such a basic doll, one who's been out for a while now and that's for a character whose dolls are notoriously "samey", there's relief in sight. In a weak moment, I bought two new dolls online a couple nights ago. (Here's a hint: their names rhyme with Schmew Schmemester Schmawdeen and Schminafire.)

So, uh, what was I doing? Oh yeah, doll review! This is Lagoona's second Dead Tired doll, following on from her Wave One doll, which was sold exclusively with a pricey playset. I liked that first DT Lagoona so much I went ahead and bought that playset, and that was back when I didn't give one single crap about the playsets. Since that first doll was only available with the pricey set, it actually makes sense to release this new one. Yes, this is Lagoona's first solo DT doll. Dead Tired Wave Three isn't exactly a wide release line -- it's one of those that falls in that purgatory of "Not at Target and TRU and Walmart, but random other places. Uh, try Big Lots! Yeah. Good luck!" -- but it's wide enough that this will be the first solo DT Lagoona to reach most people.

Mmm, here's some groovy MH box art goodness for y'all...


Considering the pride I take in collecting these boxes, and the amount of practice I've had opening them without ripping anything, I'm pretty embarrassed that I tore this one. But not so embarrassed that I won't go and point it out anyway! I'm nothing if not self-effacing.

... is to ask them if they prefer Apple White or Raven Queen. If they say Apple, you've got a non-shallow keeper of a friend! (Naw, I'm just messin' with ya! Love you guys!)


And here's the doll herself...

Whoa. What a beauty!






In a fun turn of events, DTW3 Lagoona is a bit of a "kissing cousin" (it's a turn of phrase, get your minds out of the gutter) to Swim Lagoona from earlier this year. Both have mid-length hair in a middle part, similar streak placements, with the front portion of the hair pulled tightly. They both also have incredibly silky hair. (Squee!) There are some differences, as well. DT Lagoona's streaks are much darker than the Swim doll's, the way their hair was pulled was achieved differently, and DT Lagoona has a big fat wave at the neckline. (That said, I would still ultimately consider this hair "straight", even with that fat wave.) Both dolls continue the tradition established by her Dance Class doll -- and seen on almost all of her dolls since -- in which her usually overtly sweet face carries just as much sultriness. We all know I've been totally loving "sultry Lagoona", and the DT doll confirms that, for me, this is a look I hope sticks around on her for a while longer.



I was putting the doll into a whimsical, hanging upside down from the bars pose, when I realized this was a perfect way to showcase how her hair is bound underneath.

True, Clawdeen's neon green tights take what could've been a pretty cute clothes swap (with Swim Frankie), and turns Swim Lagoona into a campy Vegas showgirl on ecstasy.... but I kinda like the look. (Don't judge!)




Lagoona has a really simple faceup. I know, surprise surprise. But it really does work wonderfully here. Her eyeshadow comes in aqua that encircles the entire eye. We've seen aqua eyeshadow on Lagoona a million times, but to me this shade looks just a tad different from the usual color used for her. It's a tad lighter than usual, as if it has been lightly kissed by the sun. Her lips come in pure pink bordering on coral. Again, the shade is light, perfectly matching the tone of the eyeshadow. I was about to say these colors make the more electric tones used on most of her previous doll's faces seem thematically incorrect, then I remembered this is a Dead Tired doll. Of course the makeup would be lighter! (Then again, we'll always have those bold Wave Two faces that clearly proved Mattel sometimes just doesn't care, themes be damned.) It's just that DT Lagoona looks so beachy, so relaxed and natural. It's easy to forget this is a Dead Tired doll.





Speaking of, Lagoona's outfit does indeed look pretty pajama-y. (About as pajama-y as Dance Class Howleen's outfit, which is one of the most pajama-esque outfits we've gotten to date from MH. Zing!) Seriously though, this is a really cute outfit and thematically correct, but it could just as easily be worn as beachwear. Are you starting to see where my "beach-bedtime" confusion regarding this doll comes from? Lagoona wears a black tank top hemmed with hot pink thread. It bares a funky pink skullette on the front wearing a polka-dotted sleep mask. One of the tank's sleeves is dropped and a white sleeve rests above it, creating a layered look. Her pajama shorts come in a smooth knit (think MH swimsuit material) bearing an aqua print of scales and bubbles, and are hemmed with cotton ribbing in hot pink. A non-functioning hot pink drawstring is tied into a bow in front. These pj's could definitely double as beachwear. I'm not pointing this out to try and say Mattel got it wrong, I'm pointing it out because I think it's actually very clever. Bedtime or beach time, with this Lagoona it's all up to you! I like it! Her sleep mask and slippers do take away from the beach aspect of this look. The mask is aqua with a print of both white and hot pink bubbles. The elastic back simply wraps around her head. Her slippers are the usual for Dead Tired. They're aqua and each one has a monster face framed by pink fins. They're cute, but as you probably all know by now, the DT shoes just aren't my thing. (They're too thematically specific to work with other looks, something I don't like. It's the same type of thing that keeps me from liking the overly costume-y dolls. But give me some great basic-style outfits and accessories and I'm in heaven.)








Being a budget doll, Lagoona comes with one lone accessory: a curious aqua-shaded drink spilling out of a pink cup. Little ice cubes float around on top. In a true victory for painted details, everything in and on this little cup is painted it's own color. I appreciate this but it leaves me wondering -- if Mattel can put in the effort to make this tiny cup look superlative, why can't they do the same for MH shoes and purses??? If you ask me, as cool as little extras like this cup are, they're nowhere near as important in the grand scheme of these dolls as shoes and purses. I know the majority of you feel the same and are also wondering what's going on with the flat, uninspired paint schemes (or lack thereof) we've been getting on the accessories for so long now.




Overall: Even though I kind of ended on a bad note there, it doesn't pertain to this doll. (The details of her cup are exquisite.) So, anyway, I really love this doll! In fact, I'd go so far as to say she's my favorite of the Wave Three DT dolls! Do I like her more than Wave One DT Lagoona? No. But there aren't many Lagoonas I like more than that one in the first place! This is a beautiful doll with a mellow, sensual faceup, a cute outfit (among my favorites of any of the DT pj's), and great hair. Keeping in mind she's a budget doll with no stand or comb and scant extras, I'd say this Lagoona is more than worth your time.







30 comments:

  1. Oh my ghoul!!
    Wow! She's truly is a beauty. I hope I can get my hands on her soon. (Found the DT Wave 2 and the Swim line in a music store a few week ago. I'm hoping to find Wave 3 when I return there this coming Wednesday. Getting both DT Lagoona and DT Spectra would be an amazing birthday gift).

    Once again, another captivating shoot and review. The way you play with words... it's like you're a magician. Reading your review, with those beautiful pics, makes me want to get her even more. As we both believe: less is more. A very simple doll, like 13 Wishes/DJ Spectra, but powerfully effective and drop-dead gorgeous. And let's not forget the attitude.

    " is to ask them if they prefer Apple White or Raven Queen"... So, what happens if, like me, they answer Briar Beauty or Maddie Hater? You sat them on your lap and spank them, handsome? :-P

    Say, you think you'll also review DT Spectra? After all, you know you're dying to, right? He he! ;-)

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    1. I'll cross my fingers you have a successful doll hunt. With your birthday right around the corner I may have a surprise for you... can't promise anything but I have something in mind! :D

      As for the princesses (and Wonderlandian), Briar is a perfectly reasonable answer ;) So which is it, mister?

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    2. Well, thing is, I haven't seen the EAH girls in person again but I've looked at a lot of pics and I'm stunned by Briar's hair and face up colors. Then again, same for Maddie. Plus, my mind often works like Maddie's... damn, such a dilemma! What's a guy to do? madly beautiful or beautifully mad? Both are so appealing and then... oh look! A cute little birdie! Tee-hee-hee!

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    3. Lol! She may be distractible but Maddie's an awfully resourceful girl to have around. I don't think Raven could function without her. (Man, I'm all about the Raven putdowns lately, aren't I?) So you have your uses, Tristan ;) Maybe you'd be better able to make up your mind if you got those two dolls? (I'm such a pusher. And enabler. Yes, I'm terrible.)

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    4. tristan, i say go for both if you can and i do believe that when you do, you will end up getting apple, ashlynn/hunter and some of the new releases too... i just think once you get briar and/or maddie you will start to appreciate the way mattel has done the EAH lines, i was a little put off at first, being the huge MH fan that i am but when i decided that i liked EAH enough to purchase one of their dolls i went with apple she was my first and i was hooked even so much so that i quickly went and got the other 3 released at that time and then when ashlynn and hunter came along i had to have them as well and now i find myself excited for the new reveals... i am still first and for most a MH fan but their is room in my heart for both and with EAH im only going to collect the original line it is enough for me because i collect all the MH lines... it is just with EAH the detailing is so nicely done and the dolls (even the male dolls) are so beautiful and though they all have similar face molds they all look unique in their own way and the roundness of the heads play into that uniqueness... so i say go for it and get one, if you don't like them after you finally get one in person you can always just not get anymore

      john, i love this lagoona she is subtle but beautiful a factor we both enjoy and really one of the reasons i love the DT line so much... i have to say i was surprised that you chose lagoona from this line to review because from the promo pics i thought spectra and robecca looked so interesting i liked lagoona too but i thought this robecca was so cute her outfit looks awesome and i cant wait to see a robecca with straight fine hair i feel it is such a different approach to robecca... im going to be getting all 3 of them because i love the line so much and its always hard to pick a favorite anyway... and did i hear right from the beginning of this review you found NS already !! i don't know for sure weather or not i will be getting NS i have been debating on it because although i love the new look for jinafire i know for sure i want both the FCA lines and also GS line and for sure want to get the new PC 2pack with frankie and jackson also the CB line then the new EAH basic dolls will be out and i definitely got to get those so i don't know weather or not ill be getting AC or NS its just a lot of money to spend to get everything so i have to choose my favorite lines but i do really like the NS line especially jinafire and clawdeen i just feel that NS is a continuation of PD and they should have just called it that with all these new lines it can just get overbearing if they would have just continued NS in PD or called PD NS to begin with i think it would have been a lot better... and i feel kind of bad because these days i find myself more excited for new EAH characters than MH but i think that is because with EAH they are still introducing all new basic characters and continuing with the basics line witch is another reason i like FCA over NS if it wasn't for clawdeen looking so damn good in NS i wouldn't even consider it

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    5. Ricky, I agree DT Robecca gave us a new take on her character but, I don't know, her dolls just don't really do it for in general. I still say DC was her best doll purely because of that unique vibe she has. As for DT Spectra, she's pretty fantastic but I'm not sure I would've had a whole lot to say about her that I hadn't said before. I *love* that doll though!

      I agree that there's room for both EAH and MH. I would also agree that for me EAH is a little higher in my estimation atm. It's such an interesting world they've created for it, and the dolls are so detailed and just, you know, really nice! But I will always love MH! I'm hoping the new lines really reignite my love in a really big way! Based on what we're seeing, and what I've recently gotten, that's exactly what will be happening!

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    6. I get what you're saying, Ricky. Maybe tomorrow, I'll see. Briar and Maddie are my top choices, followed by Raven. Maybe Ashlynn but not certain. As for Apple.... I doubt it. I love her personality but her looks... her outfits are awesome but I'm annoyed by her "blondeness". I don't like blondes, which is actually my biggest issue with Lagoona and Abbey. I guess I'm "blondophobic", lol!

      Seriously, though, I do adore her Legacy Day version. Stunning outfit. But IF and WHEN I start collecting EAH dolls, I'm quite certain that both Apple and Blondie will be last to enter my household.

      It'll take a certain while before I'm a fan of Apple. Plus, it could be dangerous for me to love Apple and become one of her fanboy. John might get down on his knees and pop the question. Oh wait... tthat IS a good reason to fall in love with Apple! Yeah! Lol! ;-)

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    7. Daggers! Daggers in my heart! J/k ;) A proposal would totally make it up to me though. You ain't even gotta love Apple. lol

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  2. Yes, you are terrible, a pusher and an enbabler but that's how I love you, fellah ;-)
    I have plenty of uses, which, if we're both lucky enough, you'll find out in person one day.... and then some!
    And yah... what's with the Raven putdowns? What's she done to you, man? :-P

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    1. Aw, nothin', I just like giving her a hard time because everyone fawns over her so much.

      Promises, promises ;)

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    2. Oh, no, you didn't!
      Promises, promises, eh? Just wait till I get my hands on you, mister. You won't have the balls to say that to my face, I guarantee.

      Btw, perhaps everyone should give Miss Apple a hard time because you fawn over her so much? Like, you're becoming her #1 stalker, eh? :-P

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    3. Oh my, so forceful! I could go to so many places with that "balls to my face" line, but I gotta keep it PG 'round here. Just know I know what you know, ya know? ;)

      But I'm the only one who does the fawning. Well, a very small group of us does. It's time our voices are heard, man! There shall be no Apple hate on Voicething! But Raven? Eh, let her take of herself for once. (I kid, I really do like Raven. Just not as much as Apple. Because Apple is a boss.)

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    4. Lol!!
      This is just too funny! We should do stand up comedyabout the dolls and our teaseful banters, he he ;-)

      So, Apple is the boss of you, eh? Ah!
      I can picture her laying in her favorite lounge chair, sipping on a delicious honey/green apple iced tea, while you're standing beside her in a loincloth and fawning her, awaiting for her commands, lol!

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    5. Oh God, we'd be like a faggy Abbott and Costello. In other words, it'd be totally cool. Let's do it!

      And hey, I'd totally serve Apple. (Get your mind out of the gutter lol.) Girl's worked hard for what she wants!

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    6. My mind out of the gutter? Pffttt!!!
      Look who's talking!

      Apple, be careful... John might use you for a pie or something. ;-)

      Hey ,we could get other boys and get our own sitcom, "The Golden Gays"..;-)

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    7. I'd rather be the Golden Duo ;)

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    8. Just you and me, eh? Hmmm.... that could be magical ;-)

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  3. Is it my imagination or the new doll has less hamster cheeks than the previous? I hated all Lagoonas mostly because she looks like someone I know (a very annoying someone), but this one, well, doesn't... And the dark blue hair, wow! I might be on the lookout for this version!

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    1. Hmm, maybe. I'm honestly not the best at differentiating mold changes and stuff, unless it's something drastic like when they redid Spectra's face.
      I'd say this doll's very worthy of owning, especially since she's a budget girl!

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    2. Oh! See Helena here wondered about the same thing, I guess there definitely is a difference. I'll pay more attention next time I see Lagoonas in store. You are aware though that "budget" dolls overseas are still 17-23 euro/23-30$...

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    3. Yeah, I'd heard budget dolls are much more expensive overseas. But they're still cheaper than the standard and deluxe dolls, right? If not, that's ridiculous and Mattel needs to correct it!

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  4. Alright I've been wanting to ask you a question that had to do with Lagoona's dolls, but wasn't sure where to ask since it would be pretty random, but with your new review of a Lagoona doll. I'll ask here :) I'm not as fortunate and don't have money to spend on dolls like you, so I only own four Lagoona dolls, two older (Schools Out and Classroom) and newer (Scaris and Swim Class) and even I can tell her newer dolls are much different now. I'm positive you have seen her differences as well, and I would like to know your opinion about them, if you like the newer or older dolls of her. I prefer the older dolls. The older dolls had brown eyebrows instead of lavender, had lighter green eyes, a bluer and more shimmery skintone, and more natural blonde hair rather than the neon yellow (well not to 13 Wishes degree) she sports now. Her face also looks less sweet looking...is that what you mean by her having a sultry face nowadays?

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    1. I like the new Lagoona dolls a little more. I like her a little more sultry rather than sweet. And yes, by sultry I mean less innocent, less childlike. :)

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  5. Great review (as always ^^)! I don´t have any Lagoona until now, but this one looks a better start hehe : )

    xoxo

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    1. Thanks Helen! :) I think this would be a fantastic starter Lagoona. She's so gorgeous and has great hair. I was surprised just how nicely this doll turned out.

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  6. Long time reader, first time poster. First off, I hate you for reviewing her. I was not terribly interested in Lagoona before I read this review. I recently got the Target Dance Class 5-Pack, and the Lagoona in there has some terribly frizzy hair. I was all but done with her. Now reading your review, this is a great version of Lagoona. Must have!

    And then my question; Doesn't it make more sense that Lagoona's drink would be some kind of hot chocolate with marshmallows, not ice?

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    1. Hi Logan! :) I didn't expect much with this doll, but as always Mattel managed turn my expectations on their head. (With MH, when you think a doll will be amazing it's so often a dud, and a doll that looks kinda boring turns out to be a stunner.) In other words, I'm not surprised this Lagoona has won you over. :) As for the drink, I immediately equated the aqua color with a cold beverage, but you're right, it could be something hot. Those white chunks could just as easily be marshmallows as ice.

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  7. Love this review! This is such a good example of why I follow your blog, you play with humor and attitude, love it!
    Oh, and the doll! She's a lovely rendition of Lagoona :D

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    1. Thanks, Mighoula! I try my best to make these reviews an interesting read, beyond just listing what the doll is. You can see that stuff on YouTube, you know? I like reviews, opinions, context! Thank you for noticing! :)

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