All the best!
Sincerely, Voicething
Monster High reviews, observations, pics, and more!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Happy Holidays!
From me and my Monsters to you and yours, may all your holiday dreams come true!
All the best!
Sincerely, Voicething
All the best!
Sincerely, Voicething
Review: Draculaura - Scaris Budget
Draculaura was one of the very first Scaris dolls we saw out of box pics of. I decided right away that I wouldn't be adding her to my collection, not surprising considering Draculaura dolls in general are among my least favorites. For one to land in my collection I either have to consider her to be pretty damn special, or she is a required purchase with a playset or multipack. This Draculaura is neither of those. Over the last several weeks as I've made multiple doll hunting trips (it seems more new MH dolls are hitting shelves every single week lately, doesn't it?), I had several opportunities to investigate Scaris Draculaura and each time she grew on me a little more. I was ringing out at Toys R Us a few days ago when the clerk told me I could grab a second Monster High doll for 50% off -- Draculaura is now hanging out on my "Scaris shelf" because of that sale (smart move, Toys R Us). Of course, for a guy who finds Draculaura pleasant at best I sure do have a lot of her dolls, so maybe I'm just in denial about something.
Draculaura is part of the Scaris budget line. She comes in a slim box and has few extras. Her outfit is much simpler than what you see on the deluxe dolls. Her box features drawings of the budget characters posing on the streets of Scaris; they're accompanied by a blurb setting up the Scaris storyline. Unlike the deluxe dolls there's no info on the box specifically relating to Draculaura.
Scaris Draculaura has a soft faceup combining her standard pink tones with the silver you'll find on all the Scaris dolls (save the new characters). She has silver eyeliner topped by light pink shadow. The shadow also runs under the eye. Her divider line is dark pink while the shadow is topped by a layer of translucent silver shimmer that goes to her brows. Her lips are semi-glossy and come in a dark shade of pink that's close to magenta. After the weirdness of the occasionally smaller 2012 eyes (see Dead Tired Wave 2) it's nice to see her eyes getting back to the normal size. Although this faceup isn't a departure for Draculaura the silver adds some interest. The way it is alternated between the pink shadow and under-eye liner gives the makeup around her eyes a "striped" look. It's really cool! As I mentioned this isn't a departure but nonetheless feels like something new for Draculaura.
Her hair is the standard black with pink streaks. In the bangs black is the base color but the streaks are mixed pretty evenly nonetheless. The rest of the hair is primarily black; the pink comes in very thin streaks that are evenly spaced around the scalp line. The bangs are straight across and have a fat curl while the rest is pulled into a thick ponytail to her back-left. There's a mild wave throughout; the texture is nice. This hair isn't silky but it's very close to it. The hair and makeup come across as semi-formal. They would work just as well with an elaborate gown as they do with the outfit the doll wears.
Speaking of, Draculaura comes wearing a two piece ensemble dominated, unsurprisingly, by pink. Her top is made of a semi-stretchy knit and comes in fuchsia. It has a print of black wrought iron-style detailing. Although it has black, elbow length sleeves, the top is worn off the shoulders. I like this top a lot. The print ties into the overall Scaris theme; I love the fit and that it's off the shoulders. Very stylish. It's paired with a light pink miniskirt featuring a black ruffle at the hem. The skirt is a simple fabric but printed onto it are some details that make it look like denim. I like this skirt okay but would've preferred something a little nicer here. The denim-style detailing adds visual interest but doesn't seem very Scarisian, in my opinion. But it matches the top well and seems very "Draculaura", so I'll give it a pass.
Draculaura's shoes are very simple wedges. They're solid black and feature very little molded detail. In fact the only molding going on here is a lip the delineates the body of the shoe from the wedge, that's it. There's no difference in texture between the two nor any decorative flourishes. The color and style of the shoes match the rest of the outfit so there's that at least.
The only jewelry Draculaura wears are her earrings. They're small fuchsia hearts with molded dripping liquid hanging underneath, I suppose to symbolize that Draculaura's is a bleeding heart. The only extra she comes with is her travel case. It's a hatbox that opens on a wide hinge. The lid is dark pink and features a vampire skullette wearing bows to hold pigtails that are shaped like bat wings. Molded stitching runs around the edge. The handle is attached to the lid and has a large bow "hanging" underneath it. The bottom of the hatbox is light pink and is decorated by two small bows and criss-crossing thread. More stitching runs around the edge. The outside rim of the hatbox is lined with two rows of x's. Overall this case feels a bit cheap (as in, the plastic actually feels cheap to the touch), but it matches the outfit and has some cute molded details that relate to Draculaura's vampire theme.
Overall grade: B+ Of the three budget Scaris dolls I own Draculaura feels the most budget of all. She's lacking in all those small details that give Scaris Ghoulia so much personality. The lack of detail in her shoes is especially disappointing. Her case looks good but feels cheap. With the exception of the "stripey" eye makeup, creativity in general is in pretty short supply for Scaris Draculaura. All that said, my overall feelings on this doll are very positive. Her face is quite pretty and the hairstyle, predictable as it is, works. Quality is rather high on both. The outfit is simple but I like it, especially the top. She may not be especially exciting or unique but, taking into account this is a budget doll, Scaris Draculaura is a worthy addition to any MH fans' collection.
Those weird wrinkles to the right are where the box bends.
Draculaura is part of the Scaris budget line. She comes in a slim box and has few extras. Her outfit is much simpler than what you see on the deluxe dolls. Her box features drawings of the budget characters posing on the streets of Scaris; they're accompanied by a blurb setting up the Scaris storyline. Unlike the deluxe dolls there's no info on the box specifically relating to Draculaura.
Scaris Draculaura has a soft faceup combining her standard pink tones with the silver you'll find on all the Scaris dolls (save the new characters). She has silver eyeliner topped by light pink shadow. The shadow also runs under the eye. Her divider line is dark pink while the shadow is topped by a layer of translucent silver shimmer that goes to her brows. Her lips are semi-glossy and come in a dark shade of pink that's close to magenta. After the weirdness of the occasionally smaller 2012 eyes (see Dead Tired Wave 2) it's nice to see her eyes getting back to the normal size. Although this faceup isn't a departure for Draculaura the silver adds some interest. The way it is alternated between the pink shadow and under-eye liner gives the makeup around her eyes a "striped" look. It's really cool! As I mentioned this isn't a departure but nonetheless feels like something new for Draculaura.
Her hair is the standard black with pink streaks. In the bangs black is the base color but the streaks are mixed pretty evenly nonetheless. The rest of the hair is primarily black; the pink comes in very thin streaks that are evenly spaced around the scalp line. The bangs are straight across and have a fat curl while the rest is pulled into a thick ponytail to her back-left. There's a mild wave throughout; the texture is nice. This hair isn't silky but it's very close to it. The hair and makeup come across as semi-formal. They would work just as well with an elaborate gown as they do with the outfit the doll wears.
Speaking of, Draculaura comes wearing a two piece ensemble dominated, unsurprisingly, by pink. Her top is made of a semi-stretchy knit and comes in fuchsia. It has a print of black wrought iron-style detailing. Although it has black, elbow length sleeves, the top is worn off the shoulders. I like this top a lot. The print ties into the overall Scaris theme; I love the fit and that it's off the shoulders. Very stylish. It's paired with a light pink miniskirt featuring a black ruffle at the hem. The skirt is a simple fabric but printed onto it are some details that make it look like denim. I like this skirt okay but would've preferred something a little nicer here. The denim-style detailing adds visual interest but doesn't seem very Scarisian, in my opinion. But it matches the top well and seems very "Draculaura", so I'll give it a pass.
Draculaura's shoes are very simple wedges. They're solid black and feature very little molded detail. In fact the only molding going on here is a lip the delineates the body of the shoe from the wedge, that's it. There's no difference in texture between the two nor any decorative flourishes. The color and style of the shoes match the rest of the outfit so there's that at least.
The only jewelry Draculaura wears are her earrings. They're small fuchsia hearts with molded dripping liquid hanging underneath, I suppose to symbolize that Draculaura's is a bleeding heart. The only extra she comes with is her travel case. It's a hatbox that opens on a wide hinge. The lid is dark pink and features a vampire skullette wearing bows to hold pigtails that are shaped like bat wings. Molded stitching runs around the edge. The handle is attached to the lid and has a large bow "hanging" underneath it. The bottom of the hatbox is light pink and is decorated by two small bows and criss-crossing thread. More stitching runs around the edge. The outside rim of the hatbox is lined with two rows of x's. Overall this case feels a bit cheap (as in, the plastic actually feels cheap to the touch), but it matches the outfit and has some cute molded details that relate to Draculaura's vampire theme.
Overall grade: B+ Of the three budget Scaris dolls I own Draculaura feels the most budget of all. She's lacking in all those small details that give Scaris Ghoulia so much personality. The lack of detail in her shoes is especially disappointing. Her case looks good but feels cheap. With the exception of the "stripey" eye makeup, creativity in general is in pretty short supply for Scaris Draculaura. All that said, my overall feelings on this doll are very positive. Her face is quite pretty and the hairstyle, predictable as it is, works. Quality is rather high on both. The outfit is simple but I like it, especially the top. She may not be especially exciting or unique but, taking into account this is a budget doll, Scaris Draculaura is a worthy addition to any MH fans' collection.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Fashion Pack Reviews - Basic
From the beginning Mattel has released fashion packs for the dolls. Each one is always themed to a specific character, and sometimes the actual lines are themed (like School Clubs). In 2013 they're releasing two lines -- one they're calling "basic", the other "deluxe". The basic line is much like what previous packs have offered -- one outfit with a pair of shoes and a few accessories. The deluxe line is something new from Mattel. These packs feature two complete outfits and several more extras. The clothes in general seem a little more elaborate in the deluxe packs. Today I'll be looking at the basic line. There are four packs, one each for Lagoona, Spectra, Abbey, and Draculaura. I passed on Draculaura's pack but the other three will be covered today. One last thing: although it's not made explicit on the packaging for these, if you've picked up Scaris Clawdeen you know these fashions were designed by her. So these outfits have a mild Scaris tie-in.
Let's start with Abbey. I've chosen her Skull Shores doll to model the outfit because she's awesome. This is Abbey's third fashion pack and, to me at least, her best. She wears a form-fitting cocktail dress. The bodice is electric blue and features a fantastic print of ice crystals jutting from the sides towards the center of the bodice. You Superman fans may get a strong Fortress of Solitude vibe from them (awesome). Above the bust is black netting that connects to sleeves that land just below the elbow. The top and sleeves are hemmed with blue thread. More black netting hangs below the dress and is also hemmed in blue. I love the fit of the dress and the colors. The print is unique and ties into Abbey's theme.
Her shoes are a purple version of the heels we've seen several other times already. Off the top of my head I have these same shoes in black, white, and, I believe, black with gold embellishments. On the plus side this pair is made of a more pliable plastic than the previous versions, which had a habit of grabbing the doll's toes when you'd try to put them on. That said, I don't think the purple is a very good color match for the dress. I think either the black or white shoes would've been much better. I'll probably be switching these out for one of those pairs. Her purse is a blue version of basic Spectra's purple purse. I've never been a big fan of that purse and I don't much like it in blue either. But the color matches the dress, so there's that. Her last accessory is a pink ice choker. You've seen this before, nothing to write home about but it gets the job done.
In terms of being, you know, actually fashionable, the dress is light years ahead of Abbey's previous fashion pack clothes. The accessories are a bit lackluster, in my opinion. I think white shoes, a black choker, and a different purse entirely would've pulled the look together. As it is, the dress is great but the extras either clash due to bad color choices, or are just not fitting for this character (the purse).
Next we have Dot Dead Gorgeous Spectra modelling her fashion pack. As always, pics are iffy for Spectra due to her pure white skin. Anyway, Spectra's dress is a one-sleeved, black and purple number. The bodice is black and features an abstract, pixelated Eiffel Tower and facade print in purple. The top and bottom of the dress are hemmed with purple thread. The one sleeve is long purple netting that flares around the hand. The texture is nice and I especially love the unique print. The sleeve adds some drama to the look.
Spectra wears a silver belt of linked triangles with one long chain hanging down the front. One last triangle hangs at the bottom. Her sunglasses are a repeat of the pair from her first fashion pack but these are solid silver. I loved these in the first fashion pack, and I love them here. I wish the chains were painted black but the solid silver is fine. Her shoes are a pure silver repaint of Gloom Beach Clawdeen's sandals -- talk about dipping into the past! The chain strap would've made perfect sense in black on these, and it would've looked great. Oh well.
Even though the lack of detail in the accessories is a bit disappointing this look definitely works. The asymmetrical dress combined with the funky belt give this look an edge. It's only enhanced by the sunglasses -- even in one color they're very wicked. The overall effect is very Spectra: Badass Fashionista. Don't trifle with this girl, she will cut you.
From one extreme to the other we go with Lagoona's fashion pack. Less badass fashionista, more feminine ocean nymph. I chose Dance Class Lagoona to model this outfit since her soft faceup and silky hair are a perfect match for this flittery summer dress. The bodice is black and features a print of abstract blue... kelp? Fish? Whatever they are, they look cool. The bodice features a hem of blue "crocheted" thread. The straps are crocheted as well and twist at Lagoona's neck before wrapping behind her shoulders. I love these straps! It's a small detail but adds immeasurably to the look. The bodice attaches to the skirt with more crocheted hemming. The skirt is black with a print of pink kelp and blue seahorses. It's hemmed with blue thread. I love this skirt, too! The print is really pretty and the smooth knit material feels nice. I also love the way the skirt lays. It's not gathered or pleated but flares out. The soft material folds in on itself, a great effect.
Lagoona carries a chunky tote -- a blue repeat of the pink one her basic 2.0 doll carries. I loved the tote in pink and I love it even more in blue. She wears matching blue jellies that wrap her lower legs, ending with a molded bow in the back. Her only other accessory is a simple white pearl bracelet.
I love this look. It's simple, sweet, feminine. Lagoona looks gorgeous in it. I love the way the crocheted straps wrap at her neck, how the skirt lays, how the prints of the bodice and skirt contrast with each other. The tote adds some funk, while the shoes play up the breezy, carefree vibe of the dress. The pearl bracelet is just the accessory this look needed. It adds visual interest without being overpowering. This is by far Lagoona's best fashion pack to date. I was taking pictures of Lagoona in this dress until my camera died, that's how much I love this look.
I haven't gotten ahold of any of the deluxe fashion packs yet but when I do I plan to review them in a similar style to today's reviews. And I plan on getting all four of those! Until next time!
Let's start with Abbey. I've chosen her Skull Shores doll to model the outfit because she's awesome. This is Abbey's third fashion pack and, to me at least, her best. She wears a form-fitting cocktail dress. The bodice is electric blue and features a fantastic print of ice crystals jutting from the sides towards the center of the bodice. You Superman fans may get a strong Fortress of Solitude vibe from them (awesome). Above the bust is black netting that connects to sleeves that land just below the elbow. The top and sleeves are hemmed with blue thread. More black netting hangs below the dress and is also hemmed in blue. I love the fit of the dress and the colors. The print is unique and ties into Abbey's theme.
Her shoes are a purple version of the heels we've seen several other times already. Off the top of my head I have these same shoes in black, white, and, I believe, black with gold embellishments. On the plus side this pair is made of a more pliable plastic than the previous versions, which had a habit of grabbing the doll's toes when you'd try to put them on. That said, I don't think the purple is a very good color match for the dress. I think either the black or white shoes would've been much better. I'll probably be switching these out for one of those pairs. Her purse is a blue version of basic Spectra's purple purse. I've never been a big fan of that purse and I don't much like it in blue either. But the color matches the dress, so there's that. Her last accessory is a pink ice choker. You've seen this before, nothing to write home about but it gets the job done.
In terms of being, you know, actually fashionable, the dress is light years ahead of Abbey's previous fashion pack clothes. The accessories are a bit lackluster, in my opinion. I think white shoes, a black choker, and a different purse entirely would've pulled the look together. As it is, the dress is great but the extras either clash due to bad color choices, or are just not fitting for this character (the purse).
Next we have Dot Dead Gorgeous Spectra modelling her fashion pack. As always, pics are iffy for Spectra due to her pure white skin. Anyway, Spectra's dress is a one-sleeved, black and purple number. The bodice is black and features an abstract, pixelated Eiffel Tower and facade print in purple. The top and bottom of the dress are hemmed with purple thread. The one sleeve is long purple netting that flares around the hand. The texture is nice and I especially love the unique print. The sleeve adds some drama to the look.
Spectra wears a silver belt of linked triangles with one long chain hanging down the front. One last triangle hangs at the bottom. Her sunglasses are a repeat of the pair from her first fashion pack but these are solid silver. I loved these in the first fashion pack, and I love them here. I wish the chains were painted black but the solid silver is fine. Her shoes are a pure silver repaint of Gloom Beach Clawdeen's sandals -- talk about dipping into the past! The chain strap would've made perfect sense in black on these, and it would've looked great. Oh well.
Even though the lack of detail in the accessories is a bit disappointing this look definitely works. The asymmetrical dress combined with the funky belt give this look an edge. It's only enhanced by the sunglasses -- even in one color they're very wicked. The overall effect is very Spectra: Badass Fashionista. Don't trifle with this girl, she will cut you.
From one extreme to the other we go with Lagoona's fashion pack. Less badass fashionista, more feminine ocean nymph. I chose Dance Class Lagoona to model this outfit since her soft faceup and silky hair are a perfect match for this flittery summer dress. The bodice is black and features a print of abstract blue... kelp? Fish? Whatever they are, they look cool. The bodice features a hem of blue "crocheted" thread. The straps are crocheted as well and twist at Lagoona's neck before wrapping behind her shoulders. I love these straps! It's a small detail but adds immeasurably to the look. The bodice attaches to the skirt with more crocheted hemming. The skirt is black with a print of pink kelp and blue seahorses. It's hemmed with blue thread. I love this skirt, too! The print is really pretty and the smooth knit material feels nice. I also love the way the skirt lays. It's not gathered or pleated but flares out. The soft material folds in on itself, a great effect.
Lagoona carries a chunky tote -- a blue repeat of the pink one her basic 2.0 doll carries. I loved the tote in pink and I love it even more in blue. She wears matching blue jellies that wrap her lower legs, ending with a molded bow in the back. Her only other accessory is a simple white pearl bracelet.
I love this look. It's simple, sweet, feminine. Lagoona looks gorgeous in it. I love the way the crocheted straps wrap at her neck, how the skirt lays, how the prints of the bodice and skirt contrast with each other. The tote adds some funk, while the shoes play up the breezy, carefree vibe of the dress. The pearl bracelet is just the accessory this look needed. It adds visual interest without being overpowering. This is by far Lagoona's best fashion pack to date. I was taking pictures of Lagoona in this dress until my camera died, that's how much I love this look.
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