NEWS: IMC Toys' VIP Hair Academy...in the US?

How long have we been waiting for VIP Hair Academy? We still don't have the original series in the US, but Walmart popped out some surprise NEW releases! Amusingly enough, I just imported four of the first series. I'm glad I have them coming. These new ones would have made me want them even more. 

These are called VIP Hair Makeover instead of Academy.

MEGAN:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/VIP-Hair-Makeover-Megan-Fashion-Doll-Transformable-Hair-and-Hair-Stickers-Kids-Ages-3-Years-and-up/5091859608

Megan is currently sold out. I bought one, but mine didn't go right into "preparing" like Quinn did, so I'm a little concerned I may not get her. Ah, well. They'll be back in stock someday. 

I adore this doll's face. That's the main reason I bought her. 

I like her hairstyle, but it's like they just fired several darts at a color board to choose the hair colors. How do the black and light pink go with the brighter blues and greens in the back? No idea. 

Her dress is cool, but also much cheaper-looking than the clothes from the original dolls. Boots are cute. 

QUINN:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/VIP-Hair-Makeover-Quinn-Fashion-Doll-Transformable-Hair-and-Glitter-with-Heart-Shape-Beads-Kids-Age-3-Years-and-up/5087164177

Quinn is in stock.

She's also really pretty, but her dress is terrible. Cheap fabric, bad cut. 

Her bangs are...interesting? I dunno. They look okay in some of her promos and horrible in others. 

Again with the really random hair colors. The two fat orange streaks on the bangs? Bizarre. 

These dolls are $17.97. Very cute faces, but a clear downgrade from the originals. Some unusual choices. Not sure they're going to grab the attention of the target market. 

There is apparently a third one named Evelyn. I've always loved that name. I'll have to try to hunt her down!

PHOTO CREDITS: Walmart

NEWS: Magic Mixies Pixlings Series 2 Shimmerverse

Because I'm so excited about these, I thought I'd cobble together what we know so far. 

The next line of Pixlings is going to be called Shimmerverse. There is a core line, a deluxe hair line, and a doll + larger critter-as-vehicle set.

Let's look at the core Shimmerverse dolls so far. 

For this set of four, they've taken two previous characters and redesigned them as well as adding two newbies. 

Here is Marena. She was always pretty, but this doll is gorgeous. I like that they're giving her an ice theme. 

So pretty! Definitely better than the original. 

Marena's bottle will look like this. The color of the moon at the top is what's going to identify the doll inside. Of course, Marena gets blue. 

Then we have Faye the fairy, who is a more recent release. She looks so cute here. I love the crystals on her ears. 

I might like this one better than her first, but I'm not sure. I'll have to see them next to each other. 

Faye is keeping her lime green ID color. 

Then we have one of the two newbies. This doll was originally called Starla (as per Toy Insider's info), but her name is now Catlyn. 

So pretty. I love the colors.

The gloves are adorable. 

Catlyn's ID color is purple. 

If you look at the bottles, you can see Phoenix (name may change?), who is the other new character. She's on the far left. 

These pictures come from listings on Walmart Canada. The price there is $24.97 Canadian. Toy Insider says the price will be $17.99 USD. Walmart Canada says they'll be available on May 24th.

Walmart Canada also has another doll for $24.97. This is Bearlinda. I'm thinking she may be the new Walmart exclusive like Flitta was. Not sure where she'll fit in, but if her price point matches the regular dolls, then she's not part of the Galaxy Hair line, which is more expensive. 

This is the only photo in the listing. No bottle, no second pic of the doll. 

I love her. 

Next up is the doll plus animal friend set. 

This is a new design for Unia, one of the original trio of Pixlings. Her friend is Rainbow Star. Wild-looking composite critter. I love her. Unicorn pegasus dragon creature. 

Finally, we have the Galaxy Hair series. 

They brought back Deerlee from the first three dolls released and her redesign looks stunning. No pics of the actual doll yet, but there is this art. 

AAAAAAAAAAAA!

Okay, I've been all set to be annoyed because both Phoenix and Firensa don't use red, but I'm blown away by how gorgeous this girl is. She's beautiful. I love her. I can't wait to have her. 

Still though, toy companies, please use red and not pink on your fire characters. Little girls are not scared of red. 

We won't even need an ID color for these bottles, which showcase the character inside. 

These girls are $19.99, according to Toy Insider. And they come with a mini Mixling!

I 100% saved the best for last. I am in LOVE. As with Firensa, I was disappointed the colors for Nebula weren't what I'd hoped (darker shades of blue/purple), but the end product completely won me over. 

I'm a sucker for dragonflies, so a little dragonfly fairy? SOLD. She may be my new #1 fave. 

Moose continues to absolutely blow me away with these adorable little dolls. I love me some MH, but honestly, I'm far more excited for these. 

PHOTO CREDIT: 

-Marena, Faye, Catlyn and Bearlinda: Walmart Canada

-Unia & Rainbow Star art: Toy Pool (not sure of their source, but it's obviously a promo pic)

-Deerlee art: Toy Insider

-Firensa and Nebula: Toy Pool (more promos that I'm going to try to source tonight)

REVIEW: LUV Londynn

Londynn is one of those cases where the doll is so gorgeous that I get her despite hating the outfit. 

I kinda think the doll is prettier than the art. 

Applause for making thigh-high plastic boots that actually look like thigh-high boots. I'm looking at you, RH, with your giant ugly things. 

She's got the same type of bracelet thingy as Brooke. Not the same mold though. 

Love the necklace. 

Cute earrings. 

Guess what I don't like on the belt. 

Individually, I like these pieces. 

I actually really love the shorts. They're cute and unusual. 

The top is also just the right pink. 

Aside from having the icky fanny pack, the belt just throws things off for me. 

Muuuuuuuuuuuch better. 

Londynn is destined for a fashion pack. I could see her in Brooke's black/lime outfit or Autumn's. I don't care for her own pack, so that's not even getting bought, though the shoes look promising. Maybe if it was on clearance...

She is one stunning doll though. That face!

If you read one of my other reviews, you can stop here. All of them have the same bottom section. 

I cannot get over how much effort they put into this line. 

Four different headmolds. 

Four different bodies. 

There are two types of arms, two types of legs, two different breast sizes, and two different torso lengths. All of that combines to make four different bodies in different heights. 

I was not expecting that much diversity at all. I didn't even realize it until I'd undressed Brooke. Then I had to undress Autumn all over again so I could do this comparison. 

Autumn is the shortest by a smidge. She's the curviest overall. (None of them have MH-level curvy, but this is a nice variety.) Harper is a tiny bit taller thanks to the longer torso. She's got smaller breasts but thicker thighs. Brooke is taller than Harper by quite a bit. She and Londynn both have the longer, thinner legs, but Londynn is tallest thanks to the torso. Brooke has the larger breasts, Londynn the smaller. The smaller-breasted girls both have the longer, thinner arms, while the larger have a little bit thicker and shorter arms. They could easily make another variant, because the smaller breasts are both paired with the longer torso, so they could make one with small breasts and short torso and one with larger breasts and long torso. 

These girls are very teeny!

Even Londynn. 

And here are all four. I left the belts off Brooke and Londynn, but otherwise, these are exactly as they come. 

Overall, I'm very impressed with these and I can't wait for the fashion packs!

PROS: Four different heads, four different bodies, four different skintones, superb articulation, excellent hair for the most part, no hair gel, fabric pieces are very nicely detailed, multiple fabrics used, great shoes, multiple pieces of jewelry for each, cute purses (mostly), no excessive use of pink and purple, variation in styles so it isn't all miniskirts and short tops, each comes with a stand but is also capable of standing on her own, easy to dress.

CONS: Stands aren't the greatest stability. Brooke has trouble staying on hers, as she's really tall with her heels on. Brooke's hair has some issues. It's a lot of gold. I would have liked silver on at least one of them instead. Harper, I think. 

I'm on the fence when it comes to price. $30 is a lot for a small doll with only one outfit, but I think the quality is actually there. They have better articulation than RH and ILY, even if they lack inset eyes. (Which are honestly a hindrance for ILY.) ILY can't even sit. Yes, I will keep bringing that up. It's important. I can see where some would say they're too expensive. I'm not going to flat out argue against it, but I personally think they're worth it. 

I know some have nitpicked the styles, but as we all know, I could not possibly care less about fashion trends. I think they mostly look great. Definitely not a con for me. 

So yeah, these are the new LUV dolls. I'll have individual reviews for all four, though I'm going to repeat this section at the bottom of each review to make sure the comparisons are seen. I'm impressed. Can't wait to see more!

PHOTO CREDIT: Mine.

REVIEW: LUV Harper

Harper is my surprise. I thought I'd like her least, but nope, she's my second fave after Autumn. 

Lovely art again.

Necklace, bracelet (same as Autumn's, I think), earrings, belt. Adorable purse. 

I love the deco on the sides and toes. Sometimes I like painting details on accessories, but in this case, these are perfect as is. 

Harper has the simplest outfit. Only a dress and a fabric belt. 

I think this is really cute. And you have no idea how happy I am that it's not purple or pink. Though her fashion pack is purple and I love that, but it's a pack and not a stock outfit. 

Don't love the cut around the waist, but it gets covered by belts. 

Like so. 

The black fabric belt doesn't want to stay shut and it only goes so tight. Could be a bit tighter. I was going to leave the gold belt off, but then just went for putting it all on her. 

Harper is the one I wish had silver instead of gold. I think it would go better. 

I barely took any pics of her, but she's this teeny tiny adorable delicate little thing and I adore her. 

She also reminds me of someone, but I can't figure out who! No, it is not Ariana Ponytail. 

If you read one of my other reviews, you can stop here. All of them have the same bottom section. 

I cannot get over how much effort they put into this line. 

Four different headmolds. 

Four different bodies. 

There are two types of arms, two types of legs, two different breast sizes, and two different torso lengths. All of that combines to make four different bodies in different heights. 

I was not expecting that much diversity at all. I didn't even realize it until I'd undressed Brooke. Then I had to undress Autumn all over again so I could do this comparison. 

Autumn is the shortest by a smidge. She's the curviest overall. (None of them have MH-level curvy, but this is a nice variety.) Harper is a tiny bit taller thanks to the longer torso. She's got smaller breasts but thicker thighs. Brooke is taller than Harper by quite a bit. She and Londynn both have the longer, thinner legs, but Londynn is tallest thanks to the torso. Brooke has the larger breasts, Londynn the smaller. The smaller-breasted girls both have the longer, thinner arms, while the larger have a little bit thicker and shorter arms. They could easily make another variant, because the smaller breasts are both paired with the longer torso, so they could make one with small breasts and short torso and one with larger breasts and long torso. 

These girls are very teeny!

Even Londynn. 

And here are all four. I left the belts off Brooke and Londynn, but otherwise, these are exactly as they come. 

Overall, I'm very impressed with these and I can't wait for the fashion packs!

PROS: Four different heads, four different bodies, four different skintones, superb articulation, excellent hair for the most part, no hair gel, fabric pieces are very nicely detailed, multiple fabrics used, great shoes, multiple pieces of jewelry for each, cute purses (mostly), no excessive use of pink and purple, variation in styles so it isn't all miniskirts and short tops, each comes with a stand but is also capable of standing on her own, easy to dress.

CONS: Stands aren't the greatest stability. Brooke has trouble staying on hers, as she's really tall with her heels on. Brooke's hair has some issues. It's a lot of gold. I would have liked silver on at least one of them instead. Harper, I think. 

I'm on the fence when it comes to price. $30 is a lot for a small doll with only one outfit, but I think the quality is actually there. They have better articulation than RH and ILY, even if they lack inset eyes. (Which are honestly a hindrance for ILY.) ILY can't even sit. Yes, I will keep bringing that up. It's important. I can see where some would say they're too expensive. I'm not going to flat out argue against it, but I personally think they're worth it. 

I know some have nitpicked the styles, but as we all know, I could not possibly care less about fashion trends. I think they mostly look great. Definitely not a con for me. 

So yeah, these are the new LUV dolls. I'll have individual reviews for all four, though I'm going to repeat this section at the bottom of each review to make sure the comparisons are seen. I'm impressed. Can't wait to see more!

PHOTO CREDIT: Mine.

REVIEW: LUV Brooke

Here is Brooke, who I really thought would be my fave, but I was wrong. Still love her though. 

The art is lovely. 

I am severely impressed that she can stand in those heels. 

I had her back farther for this shot because of lighting, but...

Yes, she stands in those heels. 

Purse, belt, earrings (different), and her bracelet.

The bracelets are tied down and I wanted to keep it that way, so yep, there's her whole hand.  

See why I was surprised she stood?

Love this jacket. 

I would have preferred purple, but I don't hate this purpley-pink. 

Love the pants. I wish they were a little bit more fitted, but it's not a dealbreaker. 

Love the top, too. 

I would wear her outfit with a couple color tweaks and not those spike heels. 

She has a little barrette that I'm leaving in, and I'm not freeing her necklace either. 

I do wish they'd done a smoky eye on her. How do you not give the rocker girl a smoky eye? 

There's a little braid near the barrette that I'm not sure is visible.

Cute without the jacket. 

Brooke has the only hair I'm not in love with. I might give her a condition to see if that relaxes the tighter curls so they match the looser ones on the other side. 

Love the lace on the top. 

Jacket back on. The stand moves it forward and obscures the top, which I don't love, but I don't want to mess with it too much. Brooke is the only one who has trouble staying on her stand, because with her heels, she's super tall and really needed a longer stand post. 

She holds her purse very easily. 

I love her, as I love them all, but she's not my favorite. She's actually my least favorite face. Better makeup colors would have helped her a lot. Mega points for the pants though. I love that these girls are in pants, shorts, and two longer skirts. 

If you read one of my other reviews, you can stop here. All of them have the same bottom section. 

I cannot get over how much effort they put into this line. 

Four different headmolds. 

Four different bodies. 

There are two types of arms, two types of legs, two different breast sizes, and two different torso lengths. All of that combines to make four different bodies in different heights. 

I was not expecting that much diversity at all. I didn't even realize it until I'd undressed Brooke. Then I had to undress Autumn all over again so I could do this comparison. 

Autumn is the shortest by a smidge. She's the curviest overall. (None of them have MH-level curvy, but this is a nice variety.) Harper is a tiny bit taller thanks to the longer torso. She's got smaller breasts but thicker thighs. Brooke is taller than Harper by quite a bit. She and Londynn both have the longer, thinner legs, but Londynn is tallest thanks to the torso. Brooke has the larger breasts, Londynn the smaller. The smaller-breasted girls both have the longer, thinner arms, while the larger have a little bit thicker and shorter arms. They could easily make another variant, because the smaller breasts are both paired with the longer torso, so they could make one with small breasts and short torso and one with larger breasts and long torso. 

These girls are very teeny!

Even Londynn. 

And here are all four. I left the belts off Brooke and Londynn, but otherwise, these are exactly as they come. 

Overall, I'm very impressed with these and I can't wait for the fashion packs!

PROS: Four different heads, four different bodies, four different skintones, superb articulation, excellent hair for the most part, no hair gel, fabric pieces are very nicely detailed, multiple fabrics used, great shoes, multiple pieces of jewelry for each, cute purses (mostly), no excessive use of pink and purple, variation in styles so it isn't all miniskirts and short tops, each comes with a stand but is also capable of standing on her own, easy to dress.

CONS: Stands aren't the greatest stability. Brooke has trouble staying on hers, as she's really tall with her heels on. Brooke's hair has some issues. It's a lot of gold. I would have liked silver on at least one of them instead. Harper, I think. 

I'm on the fence when it comes to price. $30 is a lot for a small doll with only one outfit, but I think the quality is actually there. They have better articulation than RH and ILY, even if they lack inset eyes. (Which are honestly a hindrance for ILY.) ILY can't even sit. Yes, I will keep bringing that up. It's important. I can see where some would say they're too expensive. I'm not going to flat out argue against it, but I personally think they're worth it. 

I know some have nitpicked the styles, but as we all know, I could not possibly care less about fashion trends. I think they mostly look great. Definitely not a con for me. 

So yeah, these are the new LUV dolls. I'll have individual reviews for all four, though I'm going to repeat this section at the bottom of each review to make sure the comparisons are seen. I'm impressed. Can't wait to see more!

PHOTO CREDIT: Mine.