No Anthro Zone Review! Berry Months Dress! Confessions...

Confession #1 -  I wanted this dress to wear with my Chie Mihara Tosmos.  Can you blame me?
Confession #2 -  I didn't watch, nor did I care to watch the royal wedding. Shame on me!
Confession #3 - I re-ordered the Magellan Dress in the wrong size.  So I re-ordered it again and then sent it back.  I'm fickle like that.

Berry Months Dress - by We Love Vera - Anthro Orig $148 - April 2011
Anadyomene Cardi is Ivory - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $88 - Apr 2011
Sliver Belt in Green - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011
Tosmo in RED - by Chie Mihara - Far Fetch $329 - 041611

Update on my ever present and painful Trigger Thumb. I started bending my left thumb just a bit Tuesday.  Oh did it ever hurt after just a couple times.  I was certain that the very painful steroid injection from 2 weeks ago didn't work. But not so! Today I can bend my thumb to almost a normal angle. With no pain.  You have no idea how relieved I am.

But now I have two additional painful problems. The knob on my right wrist is now swollen from over use. It's twice the size it normally is. I'm icing my wrist as I type with my left.  On top of that, my left shoulder and bicep are screaming at me from overuse of my not so dominant left arm.  Blog rounds are just not possible.

Rest assured, Style GeoInCalifornia will go on as planned.  Photo shoot tomorrow.  Post and Voting Polls set for Monday.  In the mean time, I want to share with you another dress love.

No Anthro Zone Review:  Berry Months Dress by We Love Vera $148


My closet is screaming for Floral Prints and the color RED.  This dress satisfied a craving for both.  The combination of Red and Green pops on the Ivory background.  The Luscious Red Berries at the hem call for more Red on your feet. In steps the Chie Mihara Tosmos. The Vera Print is unique and tasteful.  Not childish! I love this dress even more than the Magellan Dress.  See my Review HERE.

SIZE: I ordered my normal size 4 in Anthro Brand Dresses. I'm 5'6" Tall, 130 Lbs, 35-28-36, 34C to D. Narrow through the shoulders. Large rib cage.

I wasn't impressed until I ironed the messy pleats out of the skirt. That's when I realized it was Dress Love.

FIT: I found this dress TTS, as did most reviewers. I first went at this bra less, but found the bodice fit unflattering. Commonly referred to as a Loaf. A convertible Bandeau helped to contain the Girls, since there is no support except for side boning. The top of the bodice is lined with Gel Tape for a more secure fit.  My large rib cage makes most strapless dresses constricting and uncomfortable. The back stretch panel let me breath comfortably with a flawless fit. I solved the high waist issue by dropping the straps down. The Length just covered my knees, making this the perfect Spring/Summer Dress for bare legs.

Berry Months Dress by We Love Vera - Anthro #148
Back Stretch Panel Gives a Flawless Fit
Hand Knit Cape by my Mother Nancy - Sometimes known as Mum With the Thumb

BELT: I am not one for little girl bows.  I tied the Belt Back to Front like an Obi.

Berry Months Dress - Belt tied like an Obi

DETAILS:
- Awesome Pockets
- Fully Lined in Ivory Poly (yuck) with lace trim
- We Love Vera
- Abundant Greenery and Artsy Red Strawberries
- Dark Green Bodice Trim
- Demure Length
- Back Stretch Panel
- Removable Straps. No matching print pouch for mine.
- Side Boning and Sticky Tape on Bodice
- Side zip, not back zip as Anthro described
- Hook and eye are too far apart
- Zipper did stick a little
- Rayon isn't my fabric of choice
- Needs ironing
- Didn't wrinkle too badly
- Long Belt can be tied multiple ways. Loops at the side.
- Excellent Construction

Shop the Berry Months Dress HERE.

Still available in most Regular Sizes and Larger Sizes for Petites

Stock is running very low

Playing Dress up was rewarding with the Berry Months Dress. This is one Fresh and Luscious Dress.
Now I leave you with some Food I mean Strawberries for thought.

Berry Months Dress - by We Love Vera - Anthro Orig $148 - April 2011

Outlook Belt - Anthro $28 - Jun 2009

Infinite Loop Sandals - by Matt Bernson - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $100 - May 2009

Berry Months Dress - by We Love Vera - Anthro Orig $148 - April 2011

Beloved Cardigan - by Leifdottir - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $90 - Jan 2009
Infinite Loop Sandals - by Matt Bernson - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $100 - May 2009

Berry Months Dress - by We Love Vera - Anthro Orig $148 - April 2011

Hand Knit Cape by my Mother Nancy - Sometimes known as Mum With the Thumb
Port-To-Port Heels - by Miss L Fire - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $80 - July 2008

I'm still looking for the ever elusive Pom Flower Shift in a Size 4.  I called 5 stores that had one size small dress at each.  It was a complete fail.  Perhaps it's not meant to be.

Pom Flower Dress RETAIL SKU# 19849660 - SIZE 4

Anthro's Pom Flower Shift

This isn't the half of it for the berry Months Dress.  I've got a few more stylings up my sleeve I'm saving for future OOTD's.

Anthro Sister Versatile Strawberry Dress Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

APB - Pom Flower Shift in Size 4. Take Action Dress in 4 found by AimeeH!






Anthro's Take Action Dress

  

Anthro's Pom Flower Shift





 



















CS claims no size 4 to be found in stores for the Pom Flower Shift.  But I know better.

Pom Flower Dress RETAIL SKU# 19849660 - SIZE 4
Take Action Dress RETAIL SKU# 20076568 - SIZE 4 (FOUND)  Thanks to AimeeH

I would be eternally greatful for such a fantastic favor as this.  Please!

Anthro Sister Dress Love from a No Anthro Zone, Laura  email me at lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com

Style GeoInCalifornia Coming Soon! The Powdered Pigment Dress by T Reese!

It sure is a fabulous morning.  I snapped a few lovely morning light images this morning.  But before that, just a few things to note.


Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011
Enamel Button Cotton Cardi in Dew Drop - by Gap Orig $40 Sale $35 - Feb 2011

Tomorrow (Thursday April 28th) is the last day to submit your outfit ideas for Style GeoInCalifornia, for a chance to win a $25 Anthropologie Gift Card. 

There are currently 9 entries.  Can't beat those odds. Just click on my Wye Valley Dress on the Right Side Bar for information.

This weekend, I will don my eBay Sniped Wye Valley Dress and Jemima Shrunken Cardi.  Then I plan to take massive amounts of photos while making changes using your suggested accessories. Monday I will post all the photo's and place a Polling Station on the Right Side Bar, much like I did for Inspiration That Rocks.   Except this will be a whole lot more fun and less work for me, since I conned, I mean promised the winner a reward. 

Don't forget to look for the final Style GeoInCalifornia Post on Monday.




My OOTD's focus is on Anthro's Powdered Pigment Dress by Tracy Reese. I love an easy to style dress that doesn't have to fight for attention. 

 

Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011
Enamel Button Cotton Cardi in Dew Drop - by Gap Orig $40 Sale $35 - Feb 2011
Sulky Belt - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $30 - Feb 2011
All Leather Tan Handbag with Handstitched Patent in Green - by Orla Kiely AW08 -
PerriBerri Orig $620 Sale $400 - April 2009 
Highest Vista Platforms in Navy - by Frye - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $99 - May 2009
Solid Turquoise Rose with Hand Stamped Salt and Pepper Beads - by Allison Dayton - Athleta Orig $198 - Apr 2009
Chan Luu Faceted Turquoise Linen Wrap - Athleta $184 - March 2009



Pick a color!  Any color.  Perhaps even two colors!  I picked Green and Blue. I went for a soft, understated Pastel Cardi. The Enamel Button Cardi in Dew Drop by The Gap seen HERE. I chose to wrap the belt under today.  But I could have just as easily went over the top of the Cardi with Anthro's Sulky Belt, seen HERE in Brown.

Shop my Gap Cardi HERE in many colors on sale. 
Free Shipping over $50.  Plus an additional 30% off with code BRONGAP30. Expires today.

 

All Leather Handbag Handstitch Patent Green - by Orla Kiely AW08 - PerriBerri Orig $620 Sale $400 - April 2009 
Highest Vista Platforms in Navy - by Frye - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $99 - May 2009



Look!  Sandals!  This time my toes are polished. Sticking to Green and Blue, along with Neutrals, I went with Orla Kiely's All Leather Handstitched Patent Handbag in Green. 

I rarely wear clogs.  From my experience, they tend to attract negative attention when walking the tiled hallways around here.  But, Anthro's Highest Vista Platforms has a non slip pad on the sole that also muffles the clang, clang, clang. These came in Navy with Blue, and Fuchsia with Yellow. 

 

Solid Turquoise Rose with Hand Stamped Salt and Pepper Beads - by Allison Dayton - Athleta Orig $198 - Apr 2009
Chan Luu Faceted Turquoise Linen Wrap - Athleta $184 - March 2009

 I tossed in more Blue and Green by way of this awesome, huge chunk of hand carved Turquoise on Silver by Allison Dayton, from Athleta, seen HERE.  Along with a gorgeous, handmade Faceted Turquoise Linen Wrap Bracelet by Chan Luu from Athleta, seen HERE.

Shop Allison Dayton Jewelry HERE

Shop Similar Chan Luu on leather wrap at Anthro HERE

It going to be a beautiful day today in Bakersfield CA.  An ideal 79 degrees F. The sun was up bright and early.  This was me at 6:30 AM.  Tightless and decked out for Spring.

Some pretty things from yesterdays Anthro sale...

Sail Shapes Dress by Maple on Sale HERE.

See how Kim of Anthroholic styled the dress HERE.

Calm Seas Skirt on Sale HERE.

and

Cloud Art Dress - Out of Stock Online - Style # 20585279, SKU# in Small 20586160

See the dress HERE.  I'm sure the Medium from online will be too big, so CS hooked me up with the last size Small in the US from a CA store.

Shop Anthro on Sale HERE.

More pretty things I scored last weekend ...

Anthro's Swift Current Cardi in Blue seen HERE

Anthro's Blooming Lattice Cardi in Green seen HERE

Anthro's Berry Months Dress seen HERE.  Ummmm...not on sale.  Bad Laura!

Whip me!  Beat me!  Make me write BAD checks! 
Don't worry!  I didn't!  Not even a credit card!

What, if anything, did you grab from the Anthro Sale?  Anything special on your Wish List?  I love seeing what you love.  Sometimes I end up loving it too.

Anthro Sister Love, GeoInCalifornia Style (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

A Reflection on Fall in Spring!

Pick A Bunch Cardi - by Tabitha - Anthro Orig $128 eBay BIN $83 - 041111

Molded and Melded Tee - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $29 - Oct 2010

Vintage Ridge Skirt - by Athleta - Orig $59 Sale $25 - Feb 2011

High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro $28 - Apr 2011

Opaque Tights in Charcoal Heather - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010

Dreaming-Of-Stitched Booties - by Everybody - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $90 - Mar 2010

Aspen Leaf Tote - by Orla Kiely AW09 Mainline Garnet Hill Orig $300 Sale #150 - Dec 2009

Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - Feb 2009

Today was now or later for Anthro's Pick A Bunch Cardi.  Is there a rule against wearing a Fall outfit in early Spring? Katharine Hepburn said...

 "If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun."

So True.  This is one fun Cardigan.  I couldn't wait for Fall to enjoy it.  Truth is I'm not looking forward to Spring and Summer Fashion. Or the Bakersfield Heat. I actually hurried Summer off last year in this POST.

BTW, I layered Anthro's Molded and Melded Tee under the Pick A Bunch. 

  

Pick A Bunch Cardi - by Tabitha - Anthro Orig $128 eBay BIN $83 - 041111

Molded and Melded Tee - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $29 - Oct 2010

Vintage Ridge Skirt - by Athleta - Orig $59 Sale $25 - Feb 2011

High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro $28 - Apr 2011

Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - Feb 2009



My plan last Fall was to unite Anthro's Gold corduroy Neisden Skirt with the Pick A Bunch Cardi.  Even the best laid plans fall through. I went with an alternate by Athleta. 

Shop the Vintage Ridge Skirt HERE.

Another Rule Breaking Quote...

 

Pick A Bunch Cardi - by Tabitha - Anthro Orig $128 eBay BIN $83 - 041111

Molded and Melded Tee - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $29 - Oct 2010

Vintage Ridge Skirt - by Athleta - Orig $59 Sale $25 - Feb 2011

High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro $28 - Apr 2011

Opaque Tights in Charcoal Heather - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010

Dreaming-Of-Stitched Booties - by Everybody - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $90 - Mar 2010

Aspen Leaf Tote - by Orla Kiely AW09 Mainline Garnet Hill Orig $300 Sale #150 - Dec 2009

Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - Feb 2009





I belted over top the Pick A Bunch with Anthro's High Gloss Belt in Yellow, and draped myself with Anthro's Limoncello Necklace .  These were my attempt to distract you from my folly by throwing in Bright Spring Color.  But I know I could never fool you guys.  You can't miss the obvious.

  Shop the High Gloss Belt HERE.

And for my final Rule Breaking Quote...

"It never hurts to have a good excuse to break the rules," by GeoInCalifornia.

Excuse #1 - I recently managed to snag this Cardi on eBay. I missed my chance in the early AM when it hit sale. I was sleeping. Why I didn't try a store search is beyond me.  I was busy dreaming and plotting my Spring wardrobe.   I waffled back and forth before biting the bullet on eBay. 

 

 


Opaque Tights in Charcoal Heather - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010

Dreaming-Of-Stitched Booties - by Everybody - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $90 - Mar 2010

Aspen Leaf Tote - by Orla Kiely AW09 Mainline Garnet Hill Orig $300 Sale #150 - Dec 2009

 

Here are even more of those wonderful Fall colors to amuse and distract you. After all, it's Fall somewhere on Earth.

Anthro's Unassuming Tights

Anthro's Dreaming-Of-Stitched Booties

Orla Kiely's Aspen Leaf Tote

I actually took the belt off, untucked the Tee shirt, and liked this outfit more.

Say farewell to this outfit.  You won't be seeing this again until Fall.  Or possibly never...

Excuse #2 - It's possible I may not be around next Fall.  As I was getting ready for work this morning, a news flash declared the End of the World to be May 21st 2011.  The date has been changed from Dec 12, 2012.  Which is the end of the Mayan calendar. 

'It's time to Break the Rules and Party.

Are you a rule breaker?  Have you broken a Seasonal Outfit Rule?  Not that you need one, but did you have an excuse? Ha-ha!

Anthro Sister Rule Breaking Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

I Love You...and Chie Mihara's

Polka Peppered Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - May 2010
Tosmo in RED - by Chie Mihara - Far Fetch $329 - 041611

Today someone asked me if I liked you.  I laughed, and I said, "Ha! That's funny!!  I freakin' LOVE that chick!!  She's funny, caring, crazy as heck, sweet, beautiful, and she's reading this blog right now and; I love her!!"   I received this awesome "I Love You" from my friend today.  If your reading, Thank you Kelli.  Every year I allow myself one pair of Chie Miharas.  On sale of course.  The year was 2008. It was the first time I had ever seen a pair of Chie Mihara's at Anthro and on Heidi. I lusted for Antho's Savoy Slingbacks by Chie Mihara.  When Anthro finally put them on sale, they were still too expensive for me to afford.  Months later, I found mine at Nordstrom online for 70% off.  The last pair of size 38's for $103  They didn't even come in their original box.  I didn't care. Anthro's Savoy Slingbacks or Patchwork Sandal - by Chie Mihara - Nordstrom Orig $345 Sale $103 - Dec 2008 In 2009 I lusted for Anthro's Needlework T-Straps by Chie Mihara.  When Anthro put them on sale at 50% off, I didn't bat so much as an eye lash over the price. Needlework T-Straps by Chie Mihara - Anthro - Orig $398 sale $200 - Jun09 See me wear them HERE The year was 2010. I didn't even see these until they hit sale in early January.  That's right, Anthro put this pair of sandals on sale in the dead of Winter. It happened so fast Heidi has been kicking herself ever since.  I think this color was an Anthro Exclusive.  I searched for Heidi, and was only able to find them in Taupe Suede. Which doesn't come close to Anthro's Pearl. BTW, instead of the leather wrapped heal that Anthro described, these arrived with a versatile stacked wood heel. Blushing Mercury Heels in Pearl - by Chie Mihara - Anthro orig $380 sale $190 - Mar 2010 See me where them HERE It was late 2010 when these showed up in an Anthro Catalog. I would make these mine the minute they hit sale.  I must have been asleep at the wheel or something.  But that's OK! All the reviews said they ran very narrow up front.  My foot is narrow everywhere, but the front.

Anthro's Ribbon Swell Heels-  by Chie Mihara - 2010

I'm over them...

It was instant love when I found the Tosmos at Chie Mihara's Online Store.  The only size available was UK 41.  I was heart broken for a minutes.  Wait!  Google to the rescue. The best price was $358 out the door from farfetch.com.  And DHL didn't even charge me a VAT fee or a surcharge for importing them.  They arrived last night from a little boutique in Sienna, Italy in 4 days.  They are perfect in every way.

My Red Suede Shoe Crave is now fulfilled.

Tosmo in RED - by Chie Mihara - Far Fetch $329 + Ship - 041611

Shop Tosmo at farfetch.com HERE with Free Easter Week Shipping

Asos had them in Lavender for $421, they are now OOS. View HERE

All my Chie's are a size UK 38. I normally wear a US 8.  So they run 1/2 size large.  US 8 normally equals a UK 38.5. Size down 1/2 size. Here is today's OOTD really fast.



Polka Peppered Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - May 2010
Whirl and Wind Cardi in Yellow - by Sparrow - Anthro Orig $88 eBay BIN $50 - Apr 2011
Opaque Tights in Black - by Hue - Anthro 12.50 - 2008
Tosmo in RED - by Chie Mihara - Far Fetch $329 - 041611
Bits of Ice Bracelet - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $5 Hidden Catalog Stock - Apr 2010
Marguerite Posts - Anthro Orig $28 Sale $20 - March 2010





Polka Peppered Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - May 2010
Whirl and Wind Cardi in Yellow - by Sparrow - Anthro Orig $88 eBay BIN $50 - Apr 2011
Bits of Ice Bracelet - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $5 Hidden Catalog Stock - Apr 2010
Marguerite Posts - Anthro Orig $28 Sale $20 - March 2010



Polka Peppered Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - May 2010
Opaque Tights in Black - by Hue - Anthro 12.50 - 2008
Tosmo in RED - by Chie Mihara - Far Fetch $329 - 041611
Bits of Ice Bracelet - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $5 Hidden Catalog Stock - Apr 2010



I'm in a Well Review most of the day today.  I have to prepare.  I had more to say, but I'm running behind Ladies. 

Do you love Chie Mihara's?  Do you love Red Suede Shoes?  Tell me about them.

Anthro Sister and Chie Mihara Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

No Anthro Zone Review: The Drifting Lilies Gets a Second Chance for Brittany!

Anthro's Lengthy Days Vest layered over the Drifting Lilies Dress with
Sliver Belt in Pink (Coral)

I did my civic duty today.  Jury Duty that is.  One day.  I'm done.  The judge excused me for health reasons.  The case involved 3 gang members on trial for Murder.  It could have potentially lasted as long as a month. And please excuse my slightly disheveled, end of the day appearance.

Today's No Anthro Zone Review is for Brittany.

Anthro's Drifting Lilies Dress by Leifsdottir - Orig $298 Sale $150 - April 2011

Online Product Page

You can see my big plan for this dress plus much, much more...HERE

I'm not sure who orchestrated this thought provoking rhyme I'm about to share with you.  It could have been my very own, multi-talented Mother, or all the ladies on the Church Alter Guild. Stuff like this can forever warp the mind of a young, busty, impressionable teenager. Here goes...

Father Howard will Falter at the Alter

when he sees Laura in her Halter

Obviously my Mother was not busty herself.  I am blessed by my Father's side of the family.  

Well, you can't possibly imagine my surprise when I saw the words HALTER on the package description for this dress.  Who wasn't paying attention in class the morning of last weeks Anthro Sale?  

ME!

Hello Halter!

SIZE:  I ordered my normal size 4 for most dresses. I take a 6 if there is a band around the rib cage area.

I'm just under 5'6" Tall.  About 130 lbs. 34C. 35-28-36.  Narrow across the shoulders.  As an Anthro reviewer, I describe myself as Curvy On Top.

FIT:  When I received this last night, I threw it on for a few minutes.  Took one look in the mirror and removed it immediately. I was too tired to deal with the mess.  But today, when Brittany asked if I had received the dress, and commented that she was waiting for my review, I came home and made an effort...For Blogs Sake.   You guys are worth it.

BTW, I'm wearing a Barely There Bandeau Bra.  I normally wear these to sleep in.  They don't offer much in the the way of support or lift. But they do keep things comfortably contained.

Shop Barely There right HERE.

1.  The dress is a bit short to the front of my knees. 38 inches in length is a stretch that was likely measured down to the longest wispy side panels. 
2.  My Girls won't get the tailoring they need to look happy.

3.  No pockets.
4.  The Silk Shell is soft, but very wrinkled. Fully Lined in Gray Polyester, edged with a touch of very pretty lace. One of those sweet little Leifsdottir details. Both layers are very sheer when viewed from the inside. But do the job from the opposing vantage point. The print is mostly deep Gray-Green and Ivory, with flecks of Bright Orange, Coral and Green.
5.  The elastic in the waistband and bodice is in the back only.
6.  The bodice has folds at the top that are difficult to see with this print.
7.  Slip over the head styling.

As expected.  A baggy mess up top.  

It's impossible to structure soft, draped Silk.

Anthro's Sliver Belt in Pink, on sale HERE, didn't help much in that regard either, but it sure livened up this dress and made my waist appear smaller.  The color appears to be Coral.  What do you know, a perfect match to the Coral in the Silk Floral pattern

I think an attitude does more to raise the sides of the dress than a Belt.

I could stand around all day with my hands on my hips.

Maybe, but not for $150.

Does anyone else feel a 2nd cut on this dress?

Did you notice that the dress has the same problem on Anthro's Dress Form in the Product Images?  Ladies!  I am a size Small.  And it just so happens that Anthro uses a size Small form for all their Dresses, Tops, Jackets and such.  Only problem is ...my waist and my Gals are slightly larger than a standard Small.  I think my waist is lower too.  

So I took a few snap shots of different ways to tie the Halter that might help.

I know this looks funny.  I want to show you how the Halter is attached at the waist.  It wraps around under the arms from back to front.  Part of the reason so much puckering is going on under the arms.

Crossing the Halter Ties in front actually worked fairly well to pull the sides of the dress up and in.  But the fabric edges are a bit sharp when tied tight enough to accomplish this.  There is no way I can wear this dress on it's own.  Since bra straps are going to show no matter what I do, I decided to put on a bra with support.

Now I simply tied the Halter Ties in a bow to the front.

Shop the Drifting Lilies Dress by Leifsdottir HERE.

Anthro's Drifting Lilies Dress, with Sliver Belt in Coral and Lengthy Days Vest in Green

Then I went with my original plan, and covered the bodice with Anthro's Lengthy Days Vest by Sanctuary, on sale HERE.  I removed the original belt and replaced it with Anthro's Sliver Belt in Pink (really coral) on sale HERE.

Anthro's Etruscan Espadrilles - by Bettye Muller - Orig $198 Sale $99 - April 2011

I love the complete outfit.  Including the Etruscan Espadrilles by Bettye Muller on sale HERE. I normally wear an 8, these are a size 39.  Very comfortable.  And they aren't loose around the ankles at all.  Nicely cushioned instep.  I'm all over these.  They are very different from anything in my closet.

Anthro's Drifting Lilies Dress under the Lengthy Days Vest -
Halter Ties wrapped to the front as a Scarf

Hmmm!  Where did that matching scarf come from?

With a little extra effort, I think my plan for this outfit is even better than I expected.  It's a good thing Brittany lit a fire under me, or I might not have given this dress a second chance.  Thank you Brittany!  

Any questions?  Because I know it's not possible to answer everything in one fell swoop.

Anthro Sister Love, Decisions, Decisions, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Mompos Matchy Match Monday and a Bee! With Anthro Sister Love and Respect!

Mompos Dress - Plenty by T Reese - Anthro $228 - Mar 2011
Anadyomene Cardi in Ivory - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $88 - Apr 2011
Factory Leather Belt in Orchid Shadow - by J Crew - Factory Orig $24.50 Sale $14.50 - Apr 2011
Semaphores Necklace - by Cursive handmade in USA - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $20 - Apr 2011
Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 2009

Welcome to Mompos Monday!  You can bet I will be wearing Anthro's Mompos Dress until you Gals yell Uncle.  If you get sick of seeing me in it, just say the magic word.  I originally wasn't planning to wear the Mompos today.  BTW, Mompos is in the country of Colombia.  Spelled with two O's.  You had to be there. It was a misunderstanding that was respectfully cleared up.

Mompos Dress - Plenty by T Reese - Anthro $228 - Mar 2011
Anadyomene Cardi in Ivory - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $88 - Apr 2011
Factory Leather Belt in Orchid Shadow - by J Crew - Factory Orig $24.50 Sale $14.50 - Apr 2011
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Rachael Sandal in Yellow - by Frye - Amazon $170 - July 2008
Semaphores Necklace - by Cursive handmade in USA - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $20 - Apr 2011
Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 2009

The Pigment and Canvas Dress by Nathalie Lete was laid out and ready to go.  When I put it on, I couldn't zip it up. It seems half the Dresses in my Closet are either too large, or too small.  What's a girl to do, but buy more.  I can't decide if I should sell a few to make closet space for new dresses, or keep them since my weight is fluctuating.  A couple of these dresses would be difficult to part with.  For example: Anthro's Sweet Tangelo Dress, and the Unfurling Fronds Dress, both by Leifsdottir are too big.  Then there is my Babergh Dress, now too small. Sniff! 

Shop the Mompos Dress HERE

Read my Review HERE
Read Kim of Anthroholic Review HERE
Read Dea of The Dea Diaries Review HERE

I sprang for Anthro's Anadyomene Cardi, in Ivory by Rosie Neira, at full price. Venus Anadyomene "Venus Rising From the Sea" was one of the iconic representations of Aphrodite.  The color, length, and simple but interesting detailing will make this piece versatile.  That alone justifies the purchase. I meant to take a photo of the shoulder.  The neckline detail extends over the right shoulder, but not the left.  Initially I thought the extended piece looked out of place, and I had received a defective Cardi. The online Product Photo proved otherwise. I have since grown to like the unique bit of stray interest that extends a few inches down the back.  The knit is soft and has stretch. I sized up from my normal size Small to a Medium. Snaps were included between the top buttons to prevent gap.

 Shop the Anadyomene Cardi HERE

I belted over the Cardi with J Crew's Factory Leather Belt in Orchid Shadow. I thought about using a Yellow belt.  But that would have added to the already Yellow Matchy-ness of the outfit.

Shop J Crew's Factory Belt HERE

Mompos Dress - Plenty by T Reese - Anthro $228 - Mar 2011
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Rachael Sandal in Yellow - by Frye - Amazon $170 - July 2008

Signs of Spring, call for a Spring OK handbag. Meet the Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion by Orla Kiely. 

In keeping with the today's Matchy Match theme even more Yellow with Frye's Rachael Sandals. 

Shop Similar Frye Sandals in Yellow HERE

I fell head over wedges in love when I saw these on Zappos. 



Dierdre X-Stitch by Frye - at Zappos - $158



I ordered them right away.  I've returned 2 pairs of Navy shoes this month. These were too narrow for the wide front of my foot.  Perfect everywhere else. My quest continues.

Shop Dierdre X-Stitch by Frye HERE - In 6 fabulous colors



Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 2009



And now for even more Matchy Match. The Bejeweled Bee Ring by Kenneth Lane.  I think my Bee Ring wants to meet Kristin's Bee Pin on Lovely Apidea.

Shop my Bee Ring by Kenneth Lane HERE





To distract from my Matchy Match, I went with Anthro's Semaphores Necklace by Cursive.  A cute, cheap, but interesting little thing, that shines with unique Anthro-osity.

Shop the Semaphores Necklace HERE

I received a scolding and a threat to stop reading, from a Regular Reader. All that for making a choice I consider my prerogative. This was in reference to my email to Anthro regarding skewed review votes. Oddly enough this was the first comment this Reader ever made on my blog. Why is it she felt now was the time to be negative, when not once in the past did she ever offer a positive comment?  Where has human decency gone?

I know this isn't common standard among the Anthro Community. I certainly would not choose to blog if it were. As a Blogger and a Reader I appreciate the helpful reviews and information I am privy to.  Thank You's are fantastic, but I don't expect them. However I do expect consideration for my personal choices, as much as I consider others. Debating those choices is always open for discussion in a friendly and respectful manner.

I got your back!

And that's the Bees Knees! 

Happy Mompos Monday to all my Lovely Readers.  Don't be strangers. Your point of view is appreciated. Please feel free to comment with Anthro Sister Love and Respect, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)