The way I look at how people view my Doll Collecting is 1) They're not paying for it, 2) All of my bills are paid, 3) I don't go hungry due to my collecting... As the saying goes "Haters gonna hate". So, I do what makes me happy, and collecting American Girl dolls, makes me happy.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

I’m always grateful if my dolls repel judgemental people. What do I care about more? My beautiful dolls or miserable strangers? 😆

I just love your collection. Everything is so immaculate, the little doll rack with hangers , the full length mirror, oh I just luv it… I was happy to hear your parents did let you get dolls as child , because it makes me feel sad to hear the confession’s of adult collector’s who were denied as children. My older brother as a child liked dolls , we played with them together in our home knowing the neighborhood kids wouldn’t understand , and our parents indulged us buying car’s , accessories for camping a townhouse for Christmas , we made clothing , and they were our pretend family .. He’s now a rough-mouth 👀 - homicide detective married with 3 daughters.. Doll’s are for whomever likes them. 🌻🌻…Thanks for sharing .

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Haha my parents wanted me to play with them at home. But I loved them so much I wanted to take them everywhere with me, way more than I cared what people thought about me. Or said about me. Or to me 😆 I think boys secretly like dolls but are afraid of being outcast. That was my theory on why the boys in my class got so mad at me for not being normal. I was the liberated one… at 6 years old 🤣

Hi Blaine, it was lovely to see you dressing up Melody. She is such a cute doll and I love her outfits. Thanks for showing her for #AGFashionWeek! I’m excited to see everyone’s videos. I love your attitude about dolls. I share your deep passion for dolls and even as a female I have felt shy about collecting them but now as a more mature woman I tell everyone about my collection with no shame. They are a part of who I am. Thanks for sharing your stories. 🤗💕

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

I see doll collecting as a filter. If someone has a problem with it, I’m glad my dolls keep them away from me 😆 But really, as an adult people are either fascinated or they keep their judgment to themselves. ❤

@CherishedDollFriends

3 ай бұрын

This is a good way to think about it. I am still watching you unbox the birthstone outfits. I love the orange fluffy jacket. I look forward to seeing them on your dolls. My birthstone is Amethyst. 😊

All of Melody's outfits are adorable! Thank you for this video, I loved hearing you talk about your early experiences with dolls.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

They gave her some really classic pieces that any doll Cooke wear and some really era specific outfits. She’s a perfect balance

Thank you for talking about your history with dolls! I think it’s a super important topic!! I used to have some Living Dead Dolls! Roxie was my girl!! Going to the AG store when you’re not into collecting always feels so surreal! My nephew is visiting and he’s getting my #113 tomorrow and he’s very excited! ❤

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Awww it warms my heart that your nephew wants a doll! I did have a pretty hard time as a kid, so I plan to make a video diving deeper into what I went through, but I wanted to keep this light lol. Hey I’m still collecting, so that says something 😆 My fave LDD was Macumba!! I’ve grabbed the new deluxe dolls (only Sadie has arrived) but I’ll only bring them out at Halloween. I’m so excited you like them too!!

Hello Blaine, Once again, you have outdone yourself, love the collection. As always, I love watching your videos. You are amazing. I'm looking forward to the next video.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you! I’m glad you liked all her looks. I wasn’t sure how long to hold her out for the camera lol

Melody is the doll that got me into collecting American Girl. I love her and her story. The movie they made was amazing too.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

I can see why! She has a special quality. And her collection! I can’t stop buying her outfits 🙈

Great video! Melody is so pretty, and I love how she looks in the last still shot with her bouffant hair piece. I think the Supremes is a great idea! Thanks for sharing ❤

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

She’s like a different doll with that hair! Or she’s how Melody should be all the time. I can’t believe I confused the Temptations with the Supremes for a minute-ooh boy!

Love Melody! She’s one of my favorites❤

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

And Janay is one of my fave IT girls! (Your profile pic)

It was nice getting to hear more about your doll collecting journey! Growing up I was always very interested in dolls as well and as a little girl that was never an issue, the real judgement came from when I started growing up but never became any less into them lol 😅 Thank goodness I did eventually find my people who understand the feeling of caring about the dolls more than what any person thinks about it. The birthstone outfit surprise at the end was fun too and makes me want to get more so bad but I’m trying to be good and wait till they go on sale because I’m honestly mostly excited about all of the new unique platform shoes they come with rather than the outfits themselves. Great kickoff for AG fashion week!

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

That’s the other side of the conversation-going from acceptable (as a little girl) to abnormal (woman collector). At least for me it was always abnormal, lol, so as an adult I didn’t have to adjust to any embarrassment. Not saying you felt embarrassed, but I’m sure you struggled more as an adult than as a child. But yes, we will always find our people as doll collectors 😆

I love how you (in spite of preferring to film in one take) were like, "No, I gotta pause and fix Melody's hair piece. She deserves better." 🤣🤣Thanks for sharing!

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Haha yep, in one take and on the first try. But this is the second time something wasn’t working, so as stubborn as I am, I know when I’m licked 🫠

I love that you showcased Melody's collection for Fashion Week; she has such a fun collection and is a sweet doll that too many people are down on. My fav outfit of hers that you don't have is her birthday outfit, with the purple turtleneck and skirt- but that's not a fail that you don't have it, it is wildly expensive on the secondhand market. I like the birthstone sets you picked out, too. The orange is my fav. Thank you for sharing!

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Awww do people not love Melody? I can’t imagine why, she’s so cute, and like you said, has a wonderful collection. You’re not the only one to mention her bday outfit! It’s cute but I don’t think she would wear it in my display. One day I might shell out for her Christmas outfit and winter coat though. 😬

This was a brilliant fashion week idea! Thanks for sharing!

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

It was also easy to record because I didn’t have to hide a bunch of 18” dolls under my table before I introduced them like I usually do 🤣

You are so passionate and encouraging us to expand our collections. Brilliant content on your videos.Greetings from London UK.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Hey Fred, we have the same last name-I never see that spelling, so cool!

i really admire how unapologetic you are about the things you like. that's something i'm still working on myself. the way you said being ashamed of your hobby is putting negativity onto it was something i haven't thought about before but definitely needed to hear, so thank you for that :) another great video !! your displays are perfection and melody looks adorable in every single outfit. i think i need to add her school outfit to my wishlist now lol

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Tbh it might be easier for me to be unapologetic as an adult because I already had to fight to have dolls as a kid. Not to say you should BE apologetic, only saying your struggle will be different. And then you’ll find communities who show you there’s not only nothing wrong with collecting dolls… but that there are people wayyyyy deeper in than you are 🤣 You’ll LOVE her school outift. Also, I just said this on your vid, but your Tiana work outift video allowed me to live vicariously until mine showed up lol

@awkwardlydolls

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine yeah that all makes sense. seeing other people deeper in the doll collecting rabbit hole is so real lmao. and i'm glad my video was able to help in that way haha 🫡

I really loved your videos! Thanks for sharing! Melody looked so good in all her outfits! I really love the clothes rack! Can't wait to see who gets to wear all the new outfits I'm so glad you got to have the toys you liked when you were a kid! You take care and have a wonderful day!❤️😁

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! I forgot to mention Melody stole that rack from Kavi 😂 But it’s okay because most of her clothes were stolen so she didn’t need the rack anyway lol. I’m glad you liked all her looks! She’s a cutie 🥰

@robinkrueger5977

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine you're very welcome! Oh ok! I was wondering where you got the clothes rack😂 well at least melody is getting some use out of it!😂 She sure is a cutie!🥰

You're doing great. I've never dressed a doll in front of anyone before, let alone on camera. I enjoy your videos.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Haha yeah the trick for me is figuring out what to say so it’s not dead air. I barely remember what I said until I upload 😂. So thank you! That’s very kind.

Love this video!! I learned how to braid on my American girl doll as a child! Love the stories ❤

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Haha I wish I could learn how to braid from AG hair-because that would mean I could do their hair 😆 I’ll keep trying

Adorable video.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Awww thank you! She has such cute outfits

I love Melody. I don’t have many of her outfits as I’ve been concentrated on finishing up Rebecca’s collection. I love her last outfit so much. I have her hair piece so it’s great to know that it goes with her doowap outfit.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

I’m ashamed to say I still don’t have Rebecca’s Hanukkah outift. If it retires before I remember ☠️ The weird thing is the hair accessory actually goes with her fancy floral dress. I ended up up putting the doo wop headband over the hairpiece to make it match better, and it keeps it in place, so win win!!

@melangellperry5984

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine Do make an effort to get it. It’s one of the nicest outfits available at AG. I’m gonna do the same with Melody’s doowap outfit as I feel it’s worth the price.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

@@melangellperry5984 okay I’ve added it to my bag, along with her nightgown. Does her sabbath set fit on the parlor? They don’t show pics of them together

Love watching your videos. Your collection is amazing. You are giving me the inspiration to do my own AG KZread videos, just have to work up the nerve to do it and be on camera. Keep up with awesome videos and collections. 😊

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

The entire time of recording is really award and feels like I won’t be able to share it-but then I upload anyway and when I’m brave enough to watch it, it’s never as bad as I thought. So keep that in mind! It is fun to talk about what we love tho ❤️

I used to collect My Twinn dolls(I still have them, I just don't purchase them anymore),and some people refer to them as "creepy " because their eyes don't close when you lie them down. Some overtime, their eyes have changed color (from brown to pink, or red). My Twinn has since gone out of business, several times

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Ooooh red eyes!! That would be so cool! I love dolls that have aged and become… creepy from being so loved. I think all dolls are creepy to a degree if you don’t collect. Just makes me love them more 😆

I love Melody and her collection. I want her birthday outfit but the price on the secondary market is crazy. I love the wig piece I have it but I never used it. I love the orange outfit It was the first one I bought. I got the same items except the pink birthstone outfit i got the green outfit for Julie and Ivy. I got the soccer outfit for my one boy doll also. Great video.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Yeah chasing retired outifts is awful! I’ll keep my eye out for more… but this might be it for Melody for a while! I think I have my favourites now that I got her Easter accessories for her Daisy outift

Oh I love her in the hair accessory!❤❤

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

It’s her hair necessity to me lol. It takes some work to get it to look right but totally worth it 😍

@CherishedDollFriends

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine I have Melody and I will be on the look out for the extra hair. I also love the fashion hanger thingy. 😂 what’s it even called?

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

@@CherishedDollFriends do you mean the wardrobe? That’s from Kavi’s backstage. I just removed the wheels and put wallpaper on the bottom to hide some of the plastic

@CherishedDollFriends

3 ай бұрын

Oh yes the wardrobe! Thank you. I love it.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

@@CherishedDollFriends oops I actually should’ve called it a clothing rack lol

I have a son who will be 44 in June. He has 3 younger sisters who all had AG dolls. When he was grown he shared that he had always wanted a doll too. I wish I had known because we would have gotten him one. He like Kirsten and I actually have a Kirsten saved for him when he's ready to have her.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Awwww your son and I are the same age, so I can imagine the kids he grew up with. When I was in school, I always felt like the boys who picked on me the most for playing with dolls or asked why couldn’t I be normal were resentful of the fact that I did my own thing, when they weren’t brave enough to. Dolls are fun! They must’ve been so jealous of me 😆

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

And that’s so sweet you have a Kirsten waiting for him! I’m going to try to track her down soon myself. Every AG collector needs the original 3!

Like your AGFashionWeek with Melody. I bought the April outfit…..when AG had the sale. I’m a going to get the other BS outfit to.❤

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

I ended up buying the peridot BS outift. So I only need 2 more for my plans. A friend donated her rewards $$ to me, so I had to spend it right away lol

Hey Blaine , loved this fashion video of Melody thanks for telling a little bit about yourself. Have to get a few melody outfit because she is on her way to my house😂😂.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

A little bit? I just watched the video back to see if I should follow up on anything in the follow up vid. Oh boy I went on and on about myself 🤢 but I’m glad to hear Melody is on her way to your house!! I can’t wait to hear how much you love her. Someone commented below that she’s not very popular and I had no idea!

No dear Macy’s is long gone. Most of the stores in Watertower Place are gone. I remember it when it was all brand new and it was a big treat to go down there to go up Michigan Avenue. That was amazing. As long as I can remember till probably, I was a teenager we always stayed on state Street Look at dad took us out of school for the day. We ate under the tree in the walnut room, which was a big deal little known secret they tend to put the tables with big families under the tree and so we were a family of seven and two more if my grandparents in Florida had come up so we were always under the tree and we always got the same things Chicken pot pies and then there’s snowman sundae. But the best part was going down to the fourth floor which was the toy department. The trains actually worked could touch the dollhouses and in the dolls they mostly carry high-end, which is Alexander stuff like that. We could never figure out how, the things that we had asked for Marshall Fields at the time we made it under the tree. Well, at that time field had home delivery so my mom was probably the youngest of whoever was the youngest state of time in her arms would placed all the orders to have them delivered while we were at school. My dad had built a dollhouse and I could pick out different pieces of furniture and if I wanted a new family and all the whole time my mom is saying well you know you don’t get everything you want for Christmas Santa can’t bring everything. but thanks to field home delivery everything that we wanted always seem to be there. They were fillings from other places and of course whatever my grandma and grandpa would pick out for us I truly love the way my grandma picked out my clothes there was a brand that had nothing to do with Disney called Cinderella and it was all in blues and every year I got pieces from it and it had a charm bracelet and each outfit came with a charm. It went on the bracelet. I wish I could say I still had it but I don’t you would be disappointed I’m afraid if you saw a water tower today, the store is now three levels instead of the original. I think it was five there have been pop-up stores that have come on the other side from old television shows and old toys and things like that but the one thing that you do see when you were walking up Michigan Avenue or down Michigan Avenue are the bags from the American girl store. The few times I’ve been in it I’ve been amazed at the number of teens that still love their dolls and are still thrilled to go to lunch at the café. I think that is so nice. I wish that I had more of an opportunity to do that with my daughter when she was younger. now you’ve got me thinking about Melody because I’m thinking I really do like those clothes I know they’re 50s but they’re really kind of 60s too. I do need a doll that is not blonde hair and blue eyed which just is the way the ones I pick out turn out, so now you’ve got me thinking about spending more money, but then again, it is my favorite thing to do. A as always, it’s interesting to find out what major love for dolls tick. And I am terribly sorry that you were not treated better. I have the son who is a older than his sister just by a year but she was more outgoing and she had lots of friends. Mostly girls, and Allison was the first one that got an American girl doll. I didn’t realize what a chain reaction I was setting for when I did it, I just wanted something special for her that I didn’t think anyone else could have. We lived in a Fluent neighborhood and everybody could afford them so it went from buying Allison, the doll, the bed and a couple of outfits to her girlfriend whose parents would drop the full thousand dollars to get every last piece of the girls collection at the same time. My son wanted to play along with them too. I had absolutely no qualms about buying him, his own doll and his own stuff so that he could play too when he moved away for good after college, I know that everything was packed with the most love in the world so that it could be put away in his new home. Thank you for sharing part of your journey and unfortunately your struggle with us you would’ve had no problem with me as a mom I love dolls and I would love to share them. but this is also great auntie who gets down in the dirt with her great nephew, and loves to play with the trucks and the construction stuff that he likes to do too.

@DisBlaine

Ай бұрын

@@barbarawalsh2875 now, I must admit, I don’t remember much about this video - sometimes I watch back my videos after uploading to make sure everything processed okay… but this one was SO BORING 🤣🤣🤣 That’s why I made sure not to talk all about myself in the Julie video. I know I talked about the mall in Chicago and going to Macy’s almost every day. Did I say I hoped to go back? That’s too bad it closed down but I’m glad to have the memories. And yes melody is a great doll choice! She’s 1964 (Maryellen is the 50s), so if you like that era, she’s a must. It’s nice to know other boys had an easier time playing with dolls. Good for you for letting him 🥰

I am a 46 year old man, I collect AG and Pleasant Company and many other fashion dolls! I can relate cause it took me much longer to embrace collecting them! You do you!

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Is it something you always wanted to do but weren’t allowed? I went through a lot because of it - but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m a Taurus, and they say we’re stubborn 😆

@a.j.k.9528

3 ай бұрын

Oh yes! My dad is super masculine and I am the biggest gay ever! I am a Taurus too! May 4th I will be 46! But I get a lot of joy out of it, and yes I have gone through a lot as well, but things can change.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

@@a.j.k.9528 ahhhh so you’re 1 year and 10 days older-I’ll be 45 on the 14th 🥳 It’s my brother who’s super masculine (aggro / toxic even?) so that poor guy had a lot to contend with having me as a younger brother. All that matters is you embrace what you love now. It’s harder to control those things when you’re a kid lol.

@a.j.k.9528

3 ай бұрын

Well male toxicity is a real thing but like you said about taurus signs I am very stubborn and strong in my ideas and thoughts - almost too much! I love your vids! Also, I love AG cause of its strong messages and empowering young child!

If you change your Shoe Store display, you could buy the other 2 Doo Wop outfits, and set up your Supremes display in that case

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

That’s what I need - encouragement 😂 But then where would I put my shoe display? I’d need another Brickcase 🤔

@rhondalong152

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine How much is shipping on the Brickcase?

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

@@rhondalong152 it’s free within the US, so I would ship it to a UPS and drive over to pick it up

@rhondalong152

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine Thank you

Hey, man...don't apologize for doing a video you already had planned. I did the same thing with the entire collection for the Street Chic girls...but I didnt dress them on camera. I usually have issues with tights, shoes or hair accessories...especially if I have to tie hair bows!! Thanks for the unboxings too!! The only way I'll probably ever get any of the birthstone collection is when they discontinue them and put them on clearance. My top favorite is the blue one. But I also like the red and orange ones too. I especially love that they put the orange one on an Addy doll...reminds me of Orange Blossom from Strawberry Shortcake. Glad to see the pink/purple one too...the dress looks really pretty without the coat over it. I agree with the green one...wish they had done plain shades of green instead of the pattern.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

I redress on camera because I don’t want to edit!!! But also I wanted to share the experience of redressing too. This video is one of the rare times I did edit clips together. 🫠 Yyyeah if the birthstone outifts go on clearance, I’ll feel dumb for getting them at only $6 off pahaaaaaa. But I want them for June Orange Blossom!!! I totally see it now. She was my fave SS character.

@AmericanBoyCollectAmericanGirl

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine I don't know how to edit, but I did learn about the pause button...I'm only paranoid about accidentally hitting the stop button, since it's right above it. Lol!

I love that outfit duddeee ❤❤❤

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

It’s hard to pick a favourite!

@𝒦𝒶𝓉ℯ𝓈𝒹ℴ𝓁𝓁𝒽ℴ𝓊𝓈ℯ21

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine ikr 😃

Your vlogs make me so happy! Thank you! P S. AG uses biodegradable packing peanuts...they are nade of cornstarch abd you can dissolve them in water!

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

They’re BIODEGRADABLE?? You just changed my life lol. Why did I not know this? I guess any that make it to a landfill will disappear when it rains. Thanks for telling me 🤯

@susanperry5674

3 ай бұрын

I’m surprised AG doesn’t promote this more as it’s such a wonderful feature. You still have to gather them all up as they fly all over the place as you unpack your box but they just melt into a ( I hope) harmless fluid when water is added 😊

@Bylvia

3 ай бұрын

AG definitely should at least note this. I only found out because another doll lover I know is married to one of the scientists who developed these. I'm telling you (preaching to the choir here), doll aficionados are wonderfully creative and know such interesting things. Looking at you, Blaine! ❤

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

@@susanperry5674 I really had no idea! I get so mad because styrofoam has to be a certain minimum size in my city to be recycled. But this is way better! Yeah they should be bragging about this lol

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

@@Bylvia anyone who does unboxing videos should be spreading the word-I know I will from now on 🤣 I have knowledge of interesting things? I’m trying to think of what I’ve said… but I go on and on about nothing in every video pahaaaa

Good morning Blaine,I love ur video's, my fav.outfit was the doo-whop outfit ❤.Don't understand the acessorie at end of video ?😒.Plz explain it if u will. The tambourine was kewl 🤣🤣 loved that.Thankyou 4 doing Fashion Week 👏 & sharing 😉. Warmly, Lisa

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Hey Lisa 👋🏼 I’m glad you liked it! By accessory do you mean her hair piece? If so it’s a headband with a wig attached to make her hair bigger.

@fatimaazam6108

3 ай бұрын

​@@DisBlaineYes thanx😂

Wait you also started with living dead dolls ?!?! Me too

@DisBlaine

Ай бұрын

No way! I still remember the first time I saw them and how much I fell in love with Macumba (s4 was in stores at the time). He never stopped being my favourite. Not a popular opinion lol.

Blaine, could you explain how you get Melody's hair to continue to have that nice flip? I like to put her hair in bunches or little braids but the flip seems to go flat. Do you set it or just not touch it?

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

It didn’t come out of the box with that flip! I would watch TV with her in my lap and curl it with my fingers, holding it in place. Now it’s pretty flipped I’d say

The gloves remind me of Mickey Mouse

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Haha and oven mitts!

If you go back in history all the famous doll designers and manufacturers were men. Even the knitting and sewing guilds were led by men. Men also wore pink, not sure when that changed but they did. So I don't understand why its such a problem, norms changed at some point. Even today the famous women's and men's designers are men. Are women different because they design for men? Just some thoughts to share. As always American Girl should use you to display and show their items. Because of the beautiful display you have , you sold me on Melody! Thank you for sharing.

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

Yeah that’s the funny thing about humans-we like to create a group mentality and follow it even if we don’t agree. We just don’t want to be the odd one out lol. But yes norms always change, and I like to focus on the progress we’ve made, seeing boys in ads for dolls for example makes me 🥰 My video really made you like Melody more?? 😳🥳

@user-yt6bu6st9j

3 ай бұрын

@@DisBlaine y Yes she sparkles now.

Are your other collections on your Instagram, and if so, do you mind sharing your instagramm

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

My handle is the same over there, but it’s my Tiana collection. I don’t know why but I tend to share my different collections on different platforms. But I will try to share other things on this channel. I just have so much AG content to get out first 🥴

@ladero01

3 ай бұрын

OMG to your Tiana collection!

@DisBlaine

3 ай бұрын

@@ladero01 my IG is out of date. I plan to make an updated video for her 15th anniversary in December. My room is so much more intense now ☠️