New Mikaella Journey Girls

New York Mikaella Review

Since the Mikaella doll is no different than in years past, this review is just going to focus on her new outfit.  The new doll releases for the New York line have amazing outfits.  Mikaella’s outfit is one of the great designs that are coming out with this line.  The outfit gives us some new outfit elements and some very nice boots (you read that right…the boots are nice!)

Mikaella’s outfit includes a “leather” skirt, a black top with printed flowers on it, a light pink sweater, a purple purse, and some awesome “new” boots.  The pink sweater is a nice light cotton material that is sheer.  It wraps around, rather than having buttons or another way to fasten it.  Made extremely well, there are no loose threads to be found on this sweater.  A great piece for fall days in New York.

Taking the sweater off changes this outfit dramatically.  It looks more sassy without the soft pink of the sweater.  You also get to see the beautiful printed top that Mikaella has on.  The black top is a short sleeved, v-neck, with printed pink and orange roses on it.  

It Velcros up the back, making it easy to get on.  Again the quality of the top is very good.

When taking Mikaella out of her package, the skirt looks like it is tight fitting by her knees.  I fasteners hold the skirt together in the back, giving this deceptive view of the skirt when Mikaella is in the box.  

Once the I fastener is out, the skirt really flares out, creating a really cute, flowing skirt.  The skirt is tight around Mikaella’s waist, thanks to Velcro at the back, then flares out after the waist.

Purses are a great accessories, sometimes they are an after thought to an outfit though.  Journey Girls has been improving their purses over the past few years.  Mikaella’s purse is a beautiful purple leather with a small handle and a shoulder strap.  

There are three gold flecks of paint on the purses opening flap.  It would be awesome if these were actual jewels rather than the little paint flecks, but it’s okay.

Usually this is the area where I tell you about the same old same old shoes that come with the outfit…but hold your breath…this outfit comes with new boots.  Well kind of new.  The boots are the same style of boot that comes with many of the Journey Girl outfits, but these ones have a few new tricks.  

The most notable difference is that there is a felt/soft texture on the outside of the boot.  At the top is a fabric flap that folds over the boot.  In reality the flap is always down, but it still looks really nice.  Lastly the back has the same cut down that back that all of the Journey Girls boots do, but this pair has laces to tie the boot up after you slide your dolls foot in!  

Granted the laces make it a little more difficult to slide Mikaela's feet in and out, but having laced up boots is worth it.  Dare I say this is the best pair of boots I have seen from the Journey Girls .

Lastly, the outfit comes with socks!  I'm sure that they were included to help resist color transfer from the boot, but it doesn't really matter why...it's awesome that they are included.  They are simple white ankle length socks.  Very simple, but a nice surprise to the outfit.

Results

All ratings are out of 10

Poseability - 6 - No changes for Mikaella with her joints.  She still sits with her legs way out to the side.  Her head tilts nicely and her arms move well.  She has trouble balancing because of the leg joints.  Once you figure out her place though, she is easy to balance.  

Quality - 9 - Another great outfit for the New York line.  The top is similar in design to many other Journey Girl tops, just with a different material.  The skirt is really cute.  Many leather skirts are form fitting, but this one has a wonderful flair that sets it apart.  The sweater is nice, but nothing super special.  It does change the look of the outfit though.  And there are shoes...wait...no...and the shoes!  Not entirely new, but definitely a large improvement.  Hopefully Journey Girls continues in this direction with their shoes!

Adorableness - 9 - This outfit is great.  Very cute...and sassy at the same time.  Much more fashionable than many of the meet outfits from the Italy line.

Compatibility - 6 - While the outfit does fit other dolls, it is very tight, especially the skirt.  The boots don't even come close to fitting.  Don't even bother trying.

Overall Score - 7 - If you don't have Mikaella, this is the one to pick up.  If you do have Mikaela, the doll is still worth buying for the outfit (just wait for the doll to go on sale!).  The boots are a great improvement, even though they are not perfect.  As mentioned, the outfit is really cute, with great parts that can be used with many different outfits.  It would be able to buy the meet outfits separately!  I would love to be able to buy this outfit, without having to buy Mikaela again.  Maybe eventually Toys R Us will do that...one can dream.

AG Note - Most of this outfit is wearable by American Girls.  Julie has no problem wearing the top.  It fits great, but is form fitting.

The sweater also fits fine, just be aware that it is not as loose as it is on the Journey Girls.  Julie has to suck in to get the skirt on.  It fits, but it just barely fits.  You will have to squeeze the fabric belly to get it on.

The velcro does keep it closed though.  The boots do not fit.  They are too skinny to get Julie's feet into them.  So you'll have to use some from an OG or AG outfit.

As mentioned above this is a really cute outfit.  Because it fits decently, it is worth picking up.