Kit's News and Views - May 5, 2015

"Hey guys, it's Kit Kittredge again, reporting in my column Kit's News and Views!  There is tons of doll news to touch on, so let's get started!"

Truly Me is rumored to launch May 21st or 22nd. A few of our wonderful MAGs will be retiring with that release.  It seems that American Girl is retiring the girls with bangs, as they must not be selling as well.  If you want to add MAG # 12, #32, and #38 to your collection I would get them now!

 Photo cred: americangirlajweebly.com

With the release of Truly Me, we will also get this new meet.  I love the dress, but I wish the shoes matched better.  Perhaps the Truly Me accessories will match the shoes better. I hope we get a cute turquoise jean jacket.  If that doesn't happen, I will make one myself!

The previous meet is on sale now, including the girl version, so if you absolutely still need more of this outfit...

In rather sad news, it appears Samantha's bicycling outfit is ALREADY retiring.  Her bicycle is staying, but Sam's bike outfit is available as a PWP online exclusive only.  It cost $17 when you buy $50 or more.  Hopefully this will be available in store at some point.  The current in store PWP is Saige's picnic outfit.  Wait, SAIGE'S picnic outfit?  Yep, that's right.  I guess they had LOTS of leftovers, because its been on sale for practically a year now!

I hope everyone is starting to get their accounts straightened out on the ordering websites.  There has been numerous reports on the FB page that people can't log in, their cart won't work, items won't add to cart, password resets aren't showing up in email inboxes and everything imaginable.  I hope American Girl's tech team can get it fixed quickly!  They are working on the bugs, but it will probably be a little while...

Caroline Abbott is officially going to the American Girl archives.  I am really sad about this news, because Caroline has such wonderful stories and a beautiful collection.  I guess her collection didn't have enough pink and the materials were too "expensive" to manufacture.  I think Caroline may have been meant to be a "limited edition" doll to celebrate 200 years since the War of 1812.  Also, there were ridiculous copyright issues in Canada, and since her story takes place near Canada, it would make sense for AG to retire her since they can't get sales there.

To help out with all the retirements, there is a $10 off $100 coupon code for the whole month of May. Plus, take 30% select favorite through May 10th.

 Mary Ellen is set to debut the last week of August, in addition to rumors of new beds and accessories for the other Beforever characters (sans Samantha) and Josefina's reboot! Here is a picture of Josefina's Journey book:

Photo credit:  American Girl Wiki

You can also preorder Mary Ellen's book here: http://www.amazon.com/BeForever-New-Character-book-boxed/dp/1609589874

With the release of another AA Beforever character in 2016, I feel like Mary Ellen and the 2016 character are replacement for the NOLA girls. LOL

So what are your thoughts?  Are you sad about Caroline retiring?  Are you excited for Truly Me and Mary Ellen?  Let me know in the comments below!