Saturday, January 25, 2020

Journey Girl's Sequin Pop-Star Dress

Chavonne Shows Off her Inner Pop Star with Journey Girl's New Outfit


New outfits for the Journey Girls were released back in September...and I am finally getting around to reviewing the outfits.   One of the most interesting outfits that was released was the Sequin Pop-Star dress.  It includes a one piece top and skirt, knee-high boots, cat ears headband, and a fabric microphone.  A very different outfit from what has been released in the past.  Let's take a look at the outfit.


Since the top and skirt are attached, we will look at that first.  The skirt is a simple black material with tulle over it.  Stopping just above the knees, the skirt flares out at the waist.  It would be nice if the skirt was separate from the top, but it makes sense that it was made this way.  Separating the skirt from the top is a black ribbon. 


Similar to the skirt, the top is made of two layers.  The underneath layer is a white material, similar to the material we see on the inside of many of the Journey Girls outfits to help with color transfer, with a black fishnet material over it.  Attached to the material are gold and rainbow colored sequins.  Arranged in a few different designs, the gold sequins are in vertically lines, flower shapes, and curled lines. 


Between the gold designs are curled designs of multi colored sequins in a rainbow pattern.  Filling the front and back, the sequins go all around the top.  Like most outfits this one has Velcro up but the length is different.the back to make it simple to get on and off.  Even though the skirt and top are not separate, this is still a really nice outfit.


New shoes are always nice.  These boots are similar to some of the boots that have been released in the past, but the length is different.  These are the first that I know of that go to the knees, or just above the knees. 


The normal plastic style of shoe/boot will not work with this style of boot, so Journey Girls made the boot out of fabric.  Like most of the new shoes, these have the slippery plastic soles.  Attached to the soles is a black semi stretchy material that makes up the boot.  To me the material makes the boot feel more like a sock than a boot, but it does make it easier to get on than a stiffer material would.  At the top of the of the boot are strings to tighten the boot and keep it up on Chavonne's legs. 


I think the little bow at the back of the boot is cute.  The best thing about these boots is that they are the perfect match to the top.  They really pull this outfit together!


Often times hair accessories are elastic with something on them...a bow, a flower, some sequins.  Little cat ears have not been done before.  And glitter cat ears at that!  That's right, atop the ribbon and elastic headband, two little fuchsia cat ears stand up at attention. 


The fuchsia matches the color in the top.   A very cute and creative addition to an original style outfit.


Probably the most interesting part of this outfit is the microphone, for many reasons.  First, it is an accessory with a story.  Purses and headbands can be for anything.  A pink sparkly microphone can only be for a pop star.  Okay, maybe not only for a pop star, but it does say confidence and awesomeness if you do anything with a pink microphone.  Second, the microphone is made of fabric.  An interesting choice for an object that is normally made of plastic or metal.   It is kind of like it's supposed to be a fun pillow rather than an actual microphone. 


Third, it's a new and thoughtful accessory, in my mind, made especially for Chavonne.  Why Chavonne?  When the Journey Girls were originally introduced they each had a story and personality. 


The Japan line mentions each girl's interests on their boxes, but not to the degree that the original stories were fleshed out.  Originally, Chavonne was the singer of the group.  It is awesome to see accessories that go along with the girl's personalities.  Two complaints with the microphone (both minor).  One; is that this microphone is huge and does not fit in Chavonne's hand very well.  And two; the tag on it is larger than the microphone.  


You can't even tuck it anywhere.  Spare yourself the frustration, just cut it off. Other than that...I love it!  A plastic one just couldn't get the glitter and look of this fabric one.



All ratings are out of 10

Value 8 – It would be awesome to have the skirt separate from the top, but it also makes sense that it is not.  There are a couple of new accessories in this set, plus new boots, which help the value.  Like most of the Japan line, this outfit is well made.

Fitment 9 – Besides the microphone, everything fits well.   The boots can be a little bit of a challenge getting over the foot, but then they slip on easily.  As with the blue outfit, this one is a baggier than Journey Girls outfits of the past.   It still fits and looks good, it's just loose compared to past outfits.

Versatility 7 – More versatility would have been available if the skirt was separate from the top, but even with them attached there is some versatility to the outfit.   This could be a fancier outfit if paired with the right shoes and maybe a scarf or sweater.  The boots are the most versatile part of the outfit.  Cat ear headbands have some versatility...but can't be used for every outfit.   And although I would love to have a pink glitter microphone to speak into at all times, it's probably not usefully for everyday outfits.

Cuteness 9 – I love the colored sequins on the top.  The skirt is a simple but cute design.  And the boots really help make the outfit.   I can't forget about the cutest part of the outfit...the glitter cat ears.  Just saying "glitter cat ears" is cute.  This is a very fun outfit that fits Chavonne's personality perfectly.

Overall 8 – This is a strong 8.  The outfit is made really well, it is very cute, and it has some great new accessories.  There are no real issues, just small things that can be improved on.  This is definitely an outfit that you should pick up.  It is well worth the $14.99.  Find it on Amazon.