Yesterday I got a text message from my sister in Pennsylvania. She was at the “Dollie and Me” Outlet store in Gettysburg, PA and was tempting me with dolly goodies! She asked if I needed any dolly shoes or glasses or purses? Then before I could respond she started sending me pictures… Doesn’t she know dolly things are my weakness? Doesn’t she know your girls can never have too many shoes, or glasses, or purses, or ____?
These are a few pictures she texted me…
Then she sent me some pictures of the store…
This last picture just about did me in!
These are off brand dolls that she thought were around $49.00. They aren’t the American Girl dolls at all, but there is still something about all these dolls lined up on those shelves, in all those sweet little outfits, that makes my heart skip a few beats! I have never been to an American Girl doll store before, but if it’s anything like these pictures, I’d probably swoon! (Or at least have a silly grin on my face for as long as I was there.) S-O-M-E-D-A-Y I hope to make it to one.
In fact, for Father’s Day, Kristoffer gave his dad tickets to the St. Louis Rams game in St. Louis. I had this all worked out (in my mind) … the new American Girl, Maryellen doll, is supposed to be released on August 27th… and the game is on the 29th, just two days later…which also happens to be my birthday! I thought my hubby and son could drop me off at the American Girl doll store and I could shop while they were at the game… terrific idea until I remembered the game was at night, so after the store closed, I’d be out sitting on the sidewalk, in St. Louis…till maybe 11:00 at night…Guess I better rethink my plan… (it was good in my head though…) :o)
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh gee, Jeanne, wish your plan would work out! But, the AG store is nowhere near the Dome, it’s out in Chesterfield, so you would be waiting a lot longer! I wish you too, could come to the AG store! It is so pretty and dolls are all over, you would love it. They have little scenes set up, and we could eat there too! SOMEDAY!
I see Dollie and Me items on Ebay and have even bought a few. That store is really nice and I would be spending hours there too! I will be going to Maryellen’s debut at the store, can’t wait! You can’t beat seeing everything in person!
Hi Linda,
I am determined to make it to that store somehow, someday and soon! Our anniversary is in September… maybe we could plan a trip to St. Louis and he could go to Harbor Freight to look at tools and I could go to the AG store and look at dolls… AAAAHHHH wouldn’t that be the perfect anniversary present to each other? That’s my new plan!!!
Oh, you’ll have to fill us all in on the buzz at the store the day of Maryellen’s revealing! It sounds like a lot of fun!
Thanks so much Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, how lucky she is to live close enough to be able to go to a place like that!!! Well, maybe it’s not so lucky…or wouldn’t be for me..because I’d be in there all the time! How fun to look through all those things…the clothes, the accessories and furniture and then just the dolls themselves. Are they the same size as the American Girl’s? I saw a doll yesterday that I simply fell in love with…it’s Tanya (I think) from the Maru and friends collection. I had never heard of Maru & Friends but that little Tanya is gorgeous. She’s 20″…is that the American Girl size? Can’t believe I’m even asking…I surely can’t afford to start buying and dressing another doll 🙂
HI Bobi,
Yes, she is very fortunate to be so close to it… it’s a good thing I don’t live in Gettysburg..I wouldn’t have a cent left!
I think these dolls are the same size…18″, but not 100% sure.
Yes, the Maru and Friends dolls are lovely…such pretty faces. I think SOMEONE has “dolly fever….!”
Blessings, Jeanne
I still LOVE going to the AG store in Chicago even though my daughter is too old to buy things there anymore. I remember the first time we went there when my daughter was little. Angelina Ballerina had its own section and those tiny room boxes were all set up. Magical! Now, they have cases (like shop windows) with mementos from the era of the each BeForever doll and also a long case with everything sold for that doll. I could go on and on… Do we ever get too old?
Keep dreaming, Jeanne, one day you’ll get there… and you won’t want to leave.
HI Cindy,
Yes, it’s fun to dream and I’m hoping this dream of making it to an American Girl store comes true…and soon! You must have had so much fun with your little girl when she was little…how old is she now? and does she do anything with dolls? Does she help you pick out fabrics or give her opinions on who should wear what?
No, Cindy, I think if you once have a love for dolls, you never lose it.
Blessings, Jeanne
My daughter is in her last year of high school. The time went sooo fast! It feels like she started high school yesterday and last year she was in kindergarten. Geez, time goes by faster and faster…
She still displays a few of her AG dolls and they’re often dressed for the season. She does often offer input in many ways and I use her advice a lot. It’s fun, and nice having a second opinion with design. She’s helped me a lot with my writing and punctuation too.
At Christmas last year my daughter-in-law wanted to complete the purple pajama outfit with the slippers to match. Catalog order told her they were out of stock. I live 35 miles south of the AG Store in Beverly Hills, so she called me to see if I would try that store. Not wanting to make the trip unnecessarily, I tried calling the AG store to find out if they had any. Later at the store they told me that they have a policy of not answering the phone or holding items. So I called the number on the catalog and a kind young man told me that inventory showed that they did have a couple of pairs at the Beverly Hills AG store but no guarantee they would still be there if I made the trip. Luckily she had called at 10:30 a.m. as I wouldn’t have tried to make the trip later in the day due to the return trip traffic. After checking eBay and finding the purple slippers listed for $99 (out of the question for a $20 item!!!) and leaving at 11 a.m., I made the trip and was able to purchase the slippers in the proper size. Such are the lengths to which a Nana will go to help fulfill a Christmas wish!
The stores are a wonderland of everything American Girl. We took my granddaughter to the store when they visited in March, one of the highlights of their visit. Definitely worth a visit for anyone of any age who is interested in dolls. Keep up the good work of clothing the dolls, Jeanne Marie. Your complete outfits are very special!
HI Susette,
What a fun story to remember about that purple pajama set for someone’s special doll! How thrilled it must have been for you to give it to your daughter in law.
All these stories of what the stores are like is making me want to make it to one more than ever.
Thanks Susette, I appreciate your sweet compliments on my work.
Blessings, Jeanne
What a neat little store and it’s neat that it’s in such a historical town as Gettysburg. I hope to go there someday. I can imagine how exciting it would be to go through all the store’s doll accessories.
I hope you can go to a AMG store some day. You would love it. The items sold for the dolls are just too magnificent in person. How fun it would be to go to one celebrating a new doll’s debut. I was at the one in Hollywood and it was during Thanksgiving. I couldn’t get over how many young dad’s were shopping for their daughters’ Christmas gifts…they all had huge bags of stuff. Lucky little girls!
The outfits you shared yesterday were just wonderful to see. Thank you.
Have a lovely Sunday, Jeanne.
Thanks Paula,
I’m sure after everyone’s comments I’ll put it on my “to do” list sometime soon. I better start saving up my $$ now…so when I ever go, I’ll have a nice stash to spend!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
I can see that I am very fortunate to have an American Girl Store pretty much right in my back yard ! The store is about 5 miles away from our house. However, as Bobi has said maybe that is a bit too convenient! When I was working and had a few extra $$ in my budget I did manage a few stops there as I had to pass the store to and from my work location. My grand girls has some mighty fine Christmas’ during those years. Now when I make the trip to that mall I take my DH with me and he keeps me & my pocket book under control.
Jeanne, I will say that the AG stores are generally located adjacent to a mall. You could go to to both while the game was on and take a taxi back to the hotel you are staying at. Just a thought !!!
Hi Jeannie,
You are probably right about the store being so close to you…if it were me, I’d probably be their best customer…not so much for buying but for inspiration… I just love being around dolls. Taking your hubby along is probably a good idea!
Well, it’s just a night trip to the game and I wasn’t invited actually.. the tickets are just for Kristoffer and his dad. Me coming along was “my plan…” they’ll drive up to St. Louis and then come back after the game. If it was an afternoon game it might work out, but I’ll get there another time. Besides, Linda said the American Girl store was quite a ways away from the football stadium… oh well…
This just makes dreaming of the day I finally get to go all the more exciting…
Thanks Jeannie,
Blessings, Jeanne
There has to be a way for you to go to the AG store. My favorite one is in Chicago though.. Somehow you need to get to one of them to see Mary Ellen! It is a good business decision..not even up for discussion. :0)
HI Kathie,
Thanks so much for the encouraging words about getting to the store… yes, I could tell my hubby if he took me to the AG store in St. Louis, we could count it as a business trip! Ha! What a great idea… of course, I’d “HAVE” to buy something to make the trip worthwhile! :o)
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
Why don’t you consider a trip to the American Girl Doll Store in Columbus, Ohio? (I live in a suburb called Powell). The AG store is located in a beautiful outdoor shopping complex at Easton Town Center, and the large store has a cafe and salon! The weather is still great, and it would not be that far for a day trip. I know you would love the shopping that Easton has to offer. Think of the pix you could send to your sister, LOL! P.S. There is a Jo Ann Etc. at Easton, too! Just a thought! 🙂
Love reading your daily blog! Belated congratulations on your first anniversary, and all the best in the coming year!
Anne Johnson
HI Anne,
Well, my sister lives in Gettysburg, PA, but I live in Southern Illinois. I think Ohio would be too long of a trip for me. St. Louis is only 2- 2 1/2 hours away. I think I stand a better chance of making it there than Ohio…but thanks for the invite!
Thanks for joining in with all my other readers, Anne. It’s nice to have your comments on here.
Blessings, Jeanne
Pthe store,nearest us is too close to DC traffic, in a mall, and husband will only drive just so close to the District. The Gettys bergoutlet mall is very doable. How fould I go without buying a doll? When the weather cools, It would be a nice trip north.
HI Jan,
I hope you make it to the Gettysburg Outlet mall and I hope you are able to buy a new doll! Let us know if you do and who you buy!
Blessings, Jeanne
I cannot believe how many good ideas your readers have. I suppose your anniversary one is the best, and it was yours. Throw in a nice dinner out, possibly on the way home, and it could be a lovely day.
Some day you can go on a coast to coast drive, stopping at tool stores, fabric stores, doll stores, and national parks.
Oh Marilyn,
You know me like a book! Wouldn’t that be fun to take a trip and just fly by the seat of your pants, stopping where you wanted and look at whatever you wanted! I can just see plotting out a trip, going from tool store, to doll store, to fabric store, then starting over! Boy, would I have something to write about then!
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne!
August 29th is my birthday, too! I’m a ’57 model… 🙂
When my husband and I take a vacation, he looks for gun shops and I look for doll shops. 🙂
Hope you have a great birthday!
Theresa
HI Theresa,
Well, I guess we’ll both be celebrating on the 29th! I’ll think about you if you think about me!
I’m a ’56 model! My hubby is a tool man…so he can spend hours looking while I’m looking at my things… fabrics, dolls, etc.
Thanks so much Theresa,
Blessings, Jeanne
Inquiring minds want to know–did you pick out anything for your sister to get for you at the Dolly and Me store? The white shoes in your first picture were awfully cute. The dolls really look like the 18″ Madame Alexander dolls sold by Walmart. I hope you get to visit one of the AG stores, but one word of advice, don’t set foot near that place anytime close to Christmas.
HI Carolyn,
Actually I passed this time when Cindy showed me the pictures. I haven’t even taken one picture of my dolls with the new shoes she sent me the last time. I need to re-do my shoe drawer so I see my shoes easier… when they are out of sight, I forget about what I have.
I’ll keep your advice in mind… about not going to the stores close to Christmas. I can imagine it must me crazy there!
Thanks Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
If you are staying at a hotel sometimes they will take you and pick you up for free.
HI Kath,
No, they aren’t staying at a hotel… it’s just a ballgame that they are going to and then coming back late that same night. I was just dreaming of tagging along with them and then being dropped off at the American Girl doll store. But Linda said it’s a long ways from the Football stadium, so my plans aren’t going to work out… but thanks for the comment. I will make it to a store sometime…
Thanks Kath,
Blessings, Jeanne
I live in Denver & we have an AG store I go to about every 3 months or so. (I sell the clothes & accessories on eBay.) My hubby never goes with me because I usually spend more than an hour in there. One thing that is REALLY special about our store is they have a personal shopper to help. I call ahead (I have her direct line) and she sets everything I want aside for me.
HI Debi,
I’ve heard of those personal shoppers but most of the time I’ve heard of them helping you pick out the perfect doll. I can’t imagine how busy it’s going to be on August 27th, when Maryellen is released… I bet you have fun when you do go…
Thanks Debi,
Blessings, Jeanne
Yes, Jeanne, you do need to go to an AG store! LOL I am so fortunate in that I do have one about 3 miles from my house!! It’s a lovely store, but small, compared to the one in Chicago (which, by the way, has the most Elegant bathroom!!). We went to the Chicago store in about 2000; we had been on a driving trip to the midwest, and Ron kept reminding me to think about what I wanted for our anniversary. Finally he said, “You’re going to wait until we get to the American Girl store, aren’t you?”! I said, of course. And that is how I got Felicity!! 😉
I have to admit, the AG store does get rather zoo-like just before Christmas, also during winter and spring breaks from school!
My girlfriend and I usually go to our local AG store around Christmas for lunch in the Bistro, but we make reservations way in advance! We each always bring a doll, and they bring “treat seats” to your table, so your dolls can sit with you. Also, they have hooks for the dolls in the restroom stalls and near the sinks, so your AG stays safe!
I sure would love to go to that “Dollie and Me” outlet store some day, too!!
Thanks Charlotte,
From all the descriptions and talk of theses American Girl Doll stores, it makes me really want to go more than I did before.you make it sound so fun!
What a nice thing for your hubby to surprise you with….a new Felicity doll!
Thanks for your comments Charlotte!
Blessings, Jeanne
I KNOW I’m responding over a year later, but I’m surprised you’ve never been to the one in Chicago!!! I was there one year around Christmastime, when we went to visit the in-laws in Indiana, the whole family and hubby’s sister and family, took a trip into the City (they only live less than an hour away) Unfortunately, I think I was more interested in the AG Store than ANY of my girls (truth be told, the older two were probably too old). Then about 5 years ago, my son worked in Minneapolis, and we went to visit him, and HAD to go to the Mall of AMERICA! Again, I was the only one interested in visiting the AG Store! Finally, a few months or so ago, I heard there was store in Scottsdale!, so I made a trip over there, this time solo. Still was fun! It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one (my age) that enjoys going there, LOL!