I got this set half off, and wanted to build it myself because the theme reminded me of my Lady Gaga phase. The dog is a cute touch by itself and reminds me of hers. The arch looked novel.

Box/Instructions

I love the packaging. The countours on the end and the shinier printing in some places stand out. I can open one end without destroying the box. This is the first time I've built a set with numbered bags, which really does help organize a build. Like many sets, I wish the instructions laid flat. It was cute to show a minidoll opening the set.

Parts

There were a lot of cool pieces, but many small or limited use ones.

Minifigures

I like the more realistic look of Friends minis, thoguh I wish they would stay put sitting down, and it was a bit hard to attach both skirt tabs.

The build

It was fun and not too easy or hard to build, but I have some minor problems with the design.

Overall, the mirror area was too crowded, especially when pick up and put down with the finished space. Why couldn't the cabinet have two drawers? I ended up with a lot of loose accessories. The chair can't turn fully with the cabinet in the way and the counter immediately above it. I decided to move the chair one stud to the left and raise the counter by one plate. I would have liked more color on the chair. The back wall used multiple small pieces where fewer large ones would have fit. I especially would've liked some 2x2 corners instead of more 1x1's and 1x2's.

The completed model

When folded, the model was easy to carry and looked good when not in use. The different ways of unfolding should expand play options.

Overall opinion

It seemed promising on the shelf and playing with it confirmed my interest in the subtheme.