***Please let me know if you see, or are planning to return, an Eastward Dress Coat in size Small***
(lauramartinsemail@yhoo.com)
Don't you just hate it when this happens?
There were at least Thirty people participating in a White Elephant Gift Exchange. We drank unfiltered Saki, ate lobster and steak fired up on a 2x4 foot hibachi, by a knife wielding cook, throwing hot mustard and flames, as we roasted against a plate glass window in the late afternoon.
Ha-ha....On My Birthday no less!
I bring a safe gift that is at least useful to all. (a $20 Target gift card) I draw #2. Gift #1 was shot glasses. A pass for me.
Ladies! It dances. It lights up! It plays..."Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." Oh yes it does. BTW, I'm not a Grandma.
There was no hope that anyone would steal this dancing hat full of awesomeness away from me. I couldn't even find an image of this Dan Dee Choice Collectible. It's out there now, because I put it there.
I'll be scouring Lowe's for this wicked little Garden Gnome this weekend.
In the mean time, I must admit, the hat is growing on me.
What's the worst or best White Elephant Gift you ever gave or received?
I hope you are all doing well this holiday season.
About now, you're thinking "Didn't I just see an APB for this dress?" Yes you did. But that request was for Monica. This request is for a size 8 Tangerine Flicker Dress for Alison.
Tangerine Flicker Dress - by Tracy Reese
If you spot this dress in a size 8, or if you plan to return one to a store, please place on hold and email Alison with the store location.
You may contact Alison directly at aliconnelly@yahoo.com
I believe in the power of this community to make some magic happen so close to Christmas.
I am looking for one Tangerine Flicker Dress in a size 2 for my friend Monica. Monica helped me score a pair of Malbec Heels last night. In return, I want Monica to find her dress.
Tangerine Flicker Dress - by Tracy Reese
Sadly, I live in a No Anthro Zone. I am counting on you, my fellow community members and friends, to help fulfill this favor. If you spot this dress, please place it on hold for Monica. Or perhaps you plan to return a size 2 to your store.
As always, I am forever grateful for the power of this community to make the seemingly impossible a reality.
BTW, Nefi injured her front paw. Luckily it isn't broken. She is on Antibiotics and Anti-inflammatory. I discovered yesterday, the easiest way to give a Rabbit medication, is to drip it onto fresh mint. I wish I would have thought to try this a week ago. I was spending an hour day trying to catch a Rabbit that doesn't like having a syringe forced in her little mouth. It was a losing battle.
I have a backlog of OOTD's just waiting for a break so I can post them.
I must be the worst absentee Blogger on the planet. For 5 solid days I've been glued to my PC. This is how it went.
Tuesday November 22nd
I awake to find that Anthropologie fooled us by not having a sale. I went crazy that morning and bought an entire outfit around a pair of Rachel Comey Shoes that appeared out of nowhere in the Sale Section. It seems there is only one other person on the planet that also loves these shoes. She purchased them after I sent her the link. My dear friend Heidi. I'm a product of the 70's. At least I have an excuse. I don't know what hers is.
Yep! I'm an enabler.
Later in the morning I asked to take a vacation day on Wednesday. Approved. Then I started to get sick. Boohoo!
I went right to bed when I arrived home.
Wednesday Nov 23rd
I completely forgot about the sale and slept in late. Strangely enough, I woke up feeling fine. Something to be Thankful for on the day before Thanksgiving. After checking the Anthro sale page, I held myself back from purchasing the Dromedary Dress. You know the one.....bright orange with large pink camels scattered about. How is it that Heidi and I can both love the Selene Clogs, while we completely disagree on the dress?
Don't be shocked. Honestly, I don't remember what prompted me to create a Polyvore of Tuesday's purchases.
The Fashionable Hare
If you look carefully, you might recognize one of those Rabbits?
Later that evening this lovely from Anthro arrived.
Spotted Satchel - by Holding Horses - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $130 - Nov 2011
Here is a shocking statement coming from me "I adore this non Orla bag."
*******Caution: this bag doesn't come without quirks********
Read my review and others HERE to find out what's right and wrong about the Spotted Satchel.
Thanksgiving Day
I woke up early to discover my car battery was dead. Nothing to be Thankful for there. Luckily or should I say thankfully, I managed to get a jump start. It turned out someone (who shall remain nameless) left the dome light on. Thankfully, the battery charged while driving around town to pick up a ham for dinner.
Birds Eye View of Thanksgiving Dinner. Otherwise known as Map View in Geologist speak.
After dinner I spent the evening following Roxy's Anthropologie Black Friday 2011 Prep Post. I set the alarm for 2:30 am since the expected start time was 3 am. Then for some strange I visited Polyvore. I created 2 possible Holiday sets for the Tangerine Flicker Dress.
The Coclico Odalisk's in Mallard Green and the Textured Dots Tightsin Black are in transit. I love the Taupe Bow Belt, but it's not wide enough to stay in place. I need an alternative. I haven't ordered the Splashdown Drops yet.
I jumped over to Anthro Online at 2:30 am to discover the sale was on. I removed a few out of stock items and checked out at 2:40 am. My entire order shipped. However, I missed one item that would not update to the 50% off price, and another that had went out of stock the day before.
Ruled Tote in Navy - by Holding Horses - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $65 - Nov 2011
I love the Spotted Satchel, why not the Ruled Tote. I wonder how long the wait for the Parallels Clutch will be.
I love my Jackie Cardi's. But sometimes too much of a good thing becomes a recurring theme.
It's a Cinch Belt in Black - Anthro Orig $54 Sale $20 - Nov 2011
I reviewed the Brown version of the It's a Cinch Belt the day the Black version came out in May. I've been waiting 6 months for this belt to make sale.
Pattypan Squash Jar - Anthro Orig $16 Sale $5 - Nov 2011
Enchanted Morning Jewelry Box in Bunny - Anthro Orig $78 Sale $38 - Nov 2011
Can't wait to see the Bunny Jewelry Box.
Sunday Nov 27th
The animals treated me to a circus act on Sunday. Heishi
Two Cats and a Rabbit Circus Act
That cat even turns while perched on the post. MewTwo was content to watch the action, while Nefi circled the scratching post as the dapper Ring Master.
Cyber Monday
First thing in the morning I was distracted by a sale notification from Swirl. I have a rather large credit in my Swirl account. At the time I placed 2 orders I didn't know I could only get store credit. Since then I haven't seen anything on sale that has been of interest. It was them I saw the Handbag sale alert, and an Orla Kiely Bag peeking out from behind the other bags.
Winter Clematis Big Bag - by Orla Kiely - Orig $539 Swirl $219 -Nov 2011
There was only one bag. It shipped later in the afternoon. Then guess what I did instead of starting this post?
Any suggestions to help me finalize my Holiday Party outfit? Belts!
What was your favorite item you found up on Black Friday?
For all the Polyvore experts - How do I search for Anthro items in Polyvore? Can this only be done through Google Search? I can't find that Embellishment button on the Create Page either. Why are my clippings posting to Blogger?
I need at least 30 Followers to start an Orla Kiely Group. Ha-Ha! I need about 25 more. Poo!
Anthro Sister Loves Polyvore, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)
Easy Keeper Skirt in Black Motif - by Tracy Reese
Anthro Orig $138 Red Tag $60 - Dec 2010
About Six months ago I discovered my Orange Easy Keeper no longer fit. I successfully traded my size 4 on EA for a size 6. I didn't find a trade for my Black size 4 Easy Keeper. Imagine my happiness when I put the Black skirt on and found that it fit.
See Stephanie of Bar Chic HERE. The only Anthro Blogger I have seen in the Black Easy Keeper Skirt.
Easy Keeper Skirt in Orange Motif - by Tracy Reese
Anthro Orig $138 Red Tag $60 - Dec 2010
Where, oh where have the Easy Keeper Skirts gone...?
Wool Tracy Reese skirts are there. Just not in abundance. I found two. Neither are producing the same attention as the previous years models. I can see why.
Despite three stellar reviews, the Talgarth Skirt isn't tempting me. Not that this isn't a great skirt for someone. My intuition tells me to step away from the lack of curve hugging structure. Nothing about this skirt reminds me of the Easy Keeper.
The Glasbury Skirt has potential. I can certainly see nuances of the Easy Keeper. According to the reviews, I'm not the only one with the urge to rip the pockets off this otherwise fabulous skirt. Then I noticed the $10 hike in prices for Tracy Reese skirts. A sour note after reading about poor quality fabrics and sizing issues.
Easy Keeper Skirt in Black Motif - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $138 Red Tag $60 - Dec 2010
Pleated As You Please Jacket - by Tabitha - Anthro Orig $138 EA $35 - May 2011
Thru-The-Clouds Tank - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $68 Sale $40 - Jul 2010
Friendly Terrain Belt Red - Anthro Orig $34 Sale $20 - Dec 2010
Opaque Tights in Copper - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Jan 2011
Brass Locket Bouquet with Earrings - Esty Shop Mia Sophia $32 - May 2009 Pebbled and Primped Boot - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $130 - Oct 2010
I picked up the Pleated As You Please Jacket by Tabitha for $35 on EA last Spring. I couldn't have found a better Fall topper for the Easy Keeper. It's only a matter of time before I find other worthy matches for the jacket. At this moment in time, I appreciate previous years Anthro more than anything that is currently offered.
Cafe Cream Skirt - by Eva Franco - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $80 - March 2010
Where, oh where have the Cafe Cream Skirts gone....?
Where are the Cafe Cream Skirts of last year? There were 3 or 4 skirts in this same cut. Who could resist dark chocolate sprinkled with dusty pink dots? I can't! It seems I will have to make do without. My Cafe Cream Skirt is too small to comfortably wear. I failed to trade my size 4 for a size 6.
I found one Eva Franco skirt online. Where is the adorable, attention getting waterfall trailing down the front? This skirt is in the throws of PDD. Pleat Deficit Disorder.
What is a Wool Skirt loving gal to do next? Why, look for the ever present and reliable Anthro Brands.
In The Trees Skirt - by Floreat - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Where, oh where have the In-The-Trees Skirts gone...?
I failed to find a size 6 trade for my size 4 In The Trees Skirt. : (
I typed Floreat in the online Search Box. I was blown clear out of the water by NO RETURNS.
Has anyone else noticed the complete lack of the Anthro Brand Floreat online?
Click HERE to see all the gorgeous pieces of unique clothing that Floreat has produced over the years.
At this point, confirmation either way would be appreciated.
I hope I'm wrong. Maybe I missed the big announcement. Maybe Floreat isn't hooked up to the Anthro Search Box. Just trying to be positive.
Does everyone else know about this but me?
For the love of all that is good in the World of Anthro. What is going on?
Warning: This is all in the name of fun. Don't worry! I can live without these skirts. Eva Franco and Tracy Reese can be found elsewhere. But Floreat's absence is throwing me a loop.
Pebbled and Primped Boot - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $130 - Oct 2010
Where, oh where have the Pebbled and Primped Boots gone...?
Just in case you haven't noticed...there are plenty of Miss Albright shoes, but there are no boots what-so-ever this year. Disturbing! This explains my lack of interest in the boot department.
You can view each individual piece of this outfit HERE. Click the right arrow above each photo to pan to the next item.
Nefi destroys her only piece of Anthro
Nefi was very unhappy doing Time Out in her cage this afternoon. It really works. She was completely calm and obedient when I let her out an hour later. But her cage was a total ruin.
Can you spot Nefi's very own piece of Anthropologie? No worries, The Lamberts Cove Hat was 3.5 years old and made entirely of paper. She took all her upset out on that hat.
Nefi yesterday during a much happier moment. And yes that is me narrating.
Did the missing Anthro come as a surprise to you, or did you already know? What else is missing?
Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)
It's time to bust out a couple reviews. Both items are currently on sale and available in most sizes.
No Anthro Zone Review: Fatigue Finery Cape by Madchen, Anthro Orig $298 Sale $80, Nov 2011
Not my favorite look for the Fatigue Finery Cape
I first tried Anthro's Fatigue Finery Cape in the Santa Monica Store. I had mixed emotions. I'm a total sucker for anything with Military inspired details. But the price was a heart stopper.
After it made second cut I ordered it from online. It was time to take a second look.
SIZE: Since the cape is fitted only at the shoulders, the best way to determine the correct size is by the length of your shoulders. Mine are very narrow (16"), and even though I'm a 4/6 in Anthro, I took an XS.
FIT: When zipped, the hem at the bottom of the placket sticks out oddly. Ironing helped the overall appearance, but didn't do much for that issue.
FABRIC: Soft flexible knit that feels like Cotton instead of a synthetic blend. The knit is surrounded by heavy, structured wool. Dry Clean Only.
The second time around I'm not convinced this cape is for me.
My change of heart has nothing to do with the arm slits to the front that most reviewers found awkward.
In fact, I found the location of the slits to be handy for using a cell phone. Unfortunately, those same handy slits, make a great wind tunnel to funnel in a cold breeze.
This is a Test. This is only a Test.
I didn't have a problem reaching up to flip my hair. Right! Not something I commonly do. But I wanted to see how distorted the cape would look by such an action. How ugly is this cape?
I could easily open a door...rummage through my bag...and hail a taxi if there were such a thing in Bakersfield.
Honestly, I would never expect a cape to masquerade as the perfect day-to-day Winter coat.
Was Anthro trying to tell me something with this outfit? Which I happen to love. The shape and length of the cape is far more suitable with pants. Something I rarely wear.
Short skirts like the one I'm wearing, don't show enough hemline. I feel like a giant bell with legs for the clapper. Worse, full skirts or dresses would leave the wearer completely shapeless.
Elbow length gloves are suitably cute, but won't keep the draft out.
The snap front pockets are much too shallow to be of any use.
The collar unsnaps so it can be worn turned up.
The quality and construction are exceptional!
It isn't easy being Green! Especially for this cape!
I don't need another novelty item that can only be worn on a special occasion. I haven't exactly pin pointed what that special occasion would be.
This certainly isn't an everyday cape for cold weather either.
XS is sold out online. So I'm in no hurry to return this one yet.
No Anthro Zone Review: Camellia Blouse - by Gryphon - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Nov 2011
I planned to layer this Blouse under sweaters, but it works just as well on it's own. It's a nicely constructed Polyester blouse, with Cotton embroidery.
Wait just a second. Did I just preface Polyester with the word nicely? I can't stand Polyester.
I've come to accept that for some things, Polyester works. Case in point. Cotton would never drape for a shapeless design like this. Silk would shred considering how this blouse is pieced together in strips.
Personally, I celebrate the tag that reads...Machine Wash. WooHoo!
I rarely find a lacy, romantic, unstructured blouse that is flattering on busty me. The fact that this blouse is completely untailored, but works, is enough to make it a keeper for me.
I can easily slip this over my head with the top button open in back..
SIZE: I was concerned my normal Small might pull across the chest. I sized up to a Medium.
FIT: Comfortable. Medium was the right choice since the fabric is non-stretch. Hemline just clears my hips with no bunching. No pulling through the chest or shoulders. The sleeve ends just clear my elbows.
FABRIC: I layered a simple Ivory Tank. The blouse is light weight and very sheer. As I mentioned it's MACHINE WASH. You won't have to slave with an iron..
Recommended! If you have an hourglass shape or are top or bottom heavy, size up. If you have a straight figure, go with your normal size.
Camellia Blouse - by Gryphon - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Nov 2011
Reversible Tank in Cream Scoop Side - by Eloise - Anthro $24 - Jan 2009
Vintage Ridge Skirt - by Athleta - Orig $59 Sale $25 - Feb 2011
If Color Could Talk Necklace in Yellow - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $10 - May 2011
Opaque Tights in Brown - by Hue - Anthro 2010
Asterisk Booties (aka Yandal) by Chie Mihara - Anthro Orig $388 Sale $200 - Oct 2011
Anthro's Asterisk Booties (aka Yandal) - by Chie Mihara - Anthro Orig $398 Sale $200 - Nov 2011
Chie Mihara's Yandal Booties. I was in need of some Fall color to brighten my day.
Nefi is having surgery today. Sniff! She has been through so much in her short life. I hate the idea of putting her through more, but I know it's necessary for her to live a healthy life.
Any suggestions for stying the Fatigue Finery Cape? I plan to try the cape with pants in the near future.
