Saturday, June 11, 2011

The Mullany Dress is back! My Dream Shoes! Options for Kris!

First!  I jumped on Anthro's Sailboat Skirt Band Wagon.  View Friday's OOTD HERE.  You can pan to the next photo by clicking the right arrow above the first photo. I swear I didn't get implants or anything like that. I had to wear a padded bra to combat High Beams under the Lundin Links Sweater.  It makes me look one cup size larger. Poo!

Shop Anthro's Sailboat Skirt $78 now on backorder HERE, and the Lundin Links Sweater $78 HERE.

Review for Sailboat Skirt as GeoInCalifornia found HERE.
Lundin Links Sweater Review should be available on Anthro's site by Monday or later.


Who could forget Anthro's Mullany Dress by Eva Franco...

Mullany Dress by Eva Franco $258 Sold Out
If you missed your opportunity to own this Polka Dotted Retro Frock, then stop by Modcloth and cast your vote to ensure this very similar version, also by Eva Franco, makes production and release on Modcloth.

Sample #933 ...
Modcloths Be The Buyer Sample #933 - by Eva Franco - $248

View Modcloth's look-a-like Mullany HERE
Remember Anthro's Kingston Road Dress...

 Kingston Road Dress by Eva Franco $228 Sold Out
I like Sample #930 even better ...

Modcloth's Be The Buyer Sample #930 - by Eva Franco - $228

View Modcloth's look-a-like Kingston Road Dress HERE

Are you smitten with Sample #927?  I Picked This Pretty Eva Franco Dress through Modcloth's Be The Buyer Program...
Modcloth's Be The Buyer Sample #927 - by Eva Franco - $225
This reminds me of Anthro's Monochromatic Dress, minus the lacing up the back.  It works for me. It only takes a second to choose the Pick It button for me HERE.

Modcloth is currently in collaboration with Eva Franco. Click this link... Modcloth's "Be The Buyer Program." to find even more Look-A-Like Eva Franco Anthro Dresses.  Tell me if you spot some in a comment.  The Program allows you to vote for samples you would like to see released by Modcloth. 

When I first saw this Eva Franco Skirt, it was instant love...

Modcloths Sample #932 for Be The Buyer - by Eva Franco - $145

What isn't to love about the Vintage Beach Scene?  I looked closer.  It's not the naked baby, or the bathing suit clad ladies with high beams that make the print questionable for me.

Get a closer look at Modcloth's Sample #932 by Eva Franco HERE

What the..........??????????

This morning I received a sizable Anthro Return Credit. Like so many of you, Anthro credits are strictly reserved for more Anthro. However, Anthro has been disappointing of late.

Last night I happened upon this stunning pair of Lola Ramono Pumps.  Where else, but Modcloth!

Modcloth's Get To Glow Me Heel by Lola Ramona $210
These are my Neutral Dream Shoes.  Along with a 4 inch heel, there is a 1 inch hidden platform.

Just for you, Kris!  Lola Ramona UK 36 equals US 5.5.  

I recently disclosed that purchases made on the spur of the moment rarely work for me. I decided to sleep on this purchase.  Early this morning, I dreamed about these Shoes. In my recent recollection, I have never dreamed about fashion.  Not ever.  Not Chie Mihara's.  Not even my favorite handbag designer Orla Kiely. Before last night I had never heard of Dutch Designer Lola Ramona either.

Shop the Get To Glow Me Heels for $210 at Modcloth HERE.

Wait! Not yet!

This morning I searched THE FIND for Lola Ramona Shoes

Shop the Pippi by Lola Ramona for $175 at DJPremium.com HERE.  

PayPal Excepted.  Price $35 less than Modcloth. An additional 15% off using code 15FREE at check out. Plus Free Shipping over $150. 

At Modcloth's price I would have spent my entire Anthro Credit plus some.

Here is something Anthro should be concerned about... I spent my Credit elsewhere.

Topics to comment on...or not...

Do you take time to consider a purchase?  
Do you research prices, options, new brands, and reviews?


Share a Passion Purchase Story?

What do you think of Sample #932 - Modcloth's Skirt by Eva Franco?  Do you love it? Where would you wear such a potentially controversial print?  Do you think others would notice? Should I not be concerned.

Where are your Anthro Return Bucks going lately?

Anthro Sister Look-A-Like Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Comments (45)

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Impulse purchases for me must be <$20 or easily returnable for free (and I definitely won't pay for non-refundable s&h). Otherwise, I usually obsess for at least a day, usually a week or more, if I haven't talked myself out of it by then. I did buy a top from Anthro right before going on vacation because sizes were selling out, but I can return it easily to my local mall Anthro and I don't have particular self-restrictions about return credit.

In other thoughts... the nudity on that Eva Franco skirt is completely inappropriate. I would never wear it even to a casual event, and the skirt is cut like a business-casual piece.
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
What made the piece inappropriate for me is the reclining male, wearing women's suit bottoms, with pursed lips and eye make-up. At first I thought it was a topless women. But no, this is the chest of a man. Crazy!

From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
Wow, Be the Buyer #930 looks even more like the Crossing the Stripes dress! (http://reviews.anthropologie.com/5310/20209391/reviews.htm). It's really close! Let's hope the Mod Cloth version does not have that unfortunate whole in the bust like the anthropologie one did!
1 reply · active 721 weeks ago
Actually, if you go back to the post and hit the link that says Modccloth's Be The Buyer you will see Anthro's Crossing the Stripes Dress as samples in two different prints. I couldn't put them all in this post. Too long.
I love #927! How pretty! Love the shoes too. I think if you dream about something, you should go for it. I'm excited to see them in an outfit sometime soon. That skirt definitely has an interesting print. I'm not very fond of it myself, but I don't know that many people would notice the details.

I usually take time to consider purchases, especially full-priced ones. Really, it just depends on the situation though, because I have made a few sale impulse buys that have turned out to be some of my favorite pieces.
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Not to say I haven't loved impulse purchases. The Tippi Dress was a sale impulse buy that became #1 on my all time favorite Anthro Dress List. But I did have to struggle for success, which makes the purchase even sweeter. The Enchanting Entomologist Dress by Corey Lynn Calter from Modcloth was a complete fail. So was Anthro's Sweet Osmanthus Dress. Both purchased in haste. Both had fit issues that were insurmountable.
I would never wear that skirt. I like a quirky print as much as anyone but there's something over the top and unprofessional about that. The price is insane too. And it isn't just any one element I find inappropriate about the print, so much as the entire beach scene compiled together. Where do you wear that?

I am glad you found those cute shoes for less money. Modcloth and Anthro have such high markups that I'm surprised they both don't secure more "exclusive" deals with vendors. It seems like Anthro at least manages to have some unique items that if carried elsewhere might be $20-$40 less, but are exclusive so you feel less ripped off.
1 reply · active 721 weeks ago
I had the same exact thought about the skirt. There doesn't appear to be a proper atmosphere for such an inappropriate print. Except perhaps Hollywood CA. Which is why I was curious to see who might have an idea. Although, I wonder who would notice. Since I tend to examine other women's cloths, discreetly of course, I would notice if given a good view, but would decline to comment.
How funny, I "picked" all of the above! I especially love that beach-printed skirt. I think I love it even more because of the naked baby and the man in the speedo. It's a shame all of these pieces are priced so high, but I guess it is Eva Franco.
3 replies · active 721 weeks ago
With the ties on the side, I thought your "Speedo" resembled a Womens Bikini bottom Mich. Did you leave a comment in Be The Buyer about a Speedo? I read it! How funny! It was your comment that really caused me to take a very close look from all angles.

I couldn't get past the pursed lip look on the man's face, the feminine pose, the obvious eye make-up, and the scarf around the head. I'm dying to know if you will purchase the Skirt. But mostly, where do you plan to wear it? Would you, could you wear this work? Do you think anyone would notice?
No, I didn't leave a comment. But I just looked even closer at the beach scene and I can't stop laughing. Beyond the man's head-scarf, I'm pretty concerned about the blue people way off in the distance. Do you think they have hypothermia? Or maybe they're smurf-people. I'm not sure this skirt would be work-appropriate, I guess it depends where you work.
Isn't it funny how differently an art print can be interpreted. I thought the Blue people might be wearing long bathing suits. And I also saw the them walking on a White Sand Beach. Now that you pointed it out, what looks like shore to me, could also looks like foam on the ocean. Which changes the perspective so that they now appear to be walking on water. Ha-ha!

I'm wondering if this isn't an actual piece of art transferred to a print. I suppose we will find out in a few weeks.
Maybe it's because I live close to Hollywood that I didn't find the beach scene on the skirt to be any big deal. Or maybe it's because I was a competitive swimmer and think men wearing speedos is no big deal. Or maybe it's because I lived in NYC and I've seen more bizarrely clad people (than this beach scene) walking down the streets of the city. Or maybe it's because my boyfriend is European and I've realized how uptight Americans can be about nudity and men wearing speedos. I actually had to look at the photos several times because I couldn't figure out what alarmed you about the print. I think it's a fun quirky print. It's not my style but if I were someone who liked wearing quirky prints, I'd definitely wear it. And depending on my work environment (ie. a design company or ad agency, etc.), I'd definitely wear it to work too.
3 replies · active 721 weeks ago
I agree that location is a factor. What is acceptable in one place, may be tolerated in another, and completely unwanted elsewhere. I even mentioned Hollywood in an above comment.

The print isn't for me. I am old school. But I do notice what others wear if given a chance. I.e. the person were sitting next me. I would probably question the origin only. Certainly the print is not acceptable around children. No parent would find it appropriate.

I'm pretty sure this is an actual piece of art transferred to a print. it's likely we will never know. I don't think there will be enough votes to make the cut.
My comment about living near Hollywood was in reference to your comment about Hollywood.
True, I don't think I've seen a man's Speedo with bows either. But I have to be honest.....I have no idea why this print is not acceptable or is inappropriate around children.
I'm not convinced that's a Speedo. Show me a man's Speedo that has bows on the sides. I'm just saying. Although I haven't seen one in years. Perhaps this new bow detail is an added feature.
I voted for the ones you listed! I'm also obsessed with #934 (the one that has the same style as the Mullany but has the gorgeous floral print instead of the polka dots!). Ahhh, I hope it gets picked!
Oh, those dresses looks so pretty! I would like them to be sold too, but they are a bit too expensive for my budget I think :( I still voted though!
http://aeuropeananthrogirl.blogspot.com/
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Well you never know. Perhaps a few Eva Francos will make sale.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
Oh, those dresses looks so pretty! I would like them to be sold too, but they are a bit too expensive for my budget I think :( I still voted though!
I saw that dress on Modcloth and thought exactly the same thing. The bright red sash gives it a little something extra, and I am a sucker for black, red, and white combos. I am really hoping for the sailboat skirt. Perhaps I can find it in a local Anthro (fingers crossed!)

Oh, those shoes are heavenly. But I have bad luck with platforms and tend to trip whenever I wear them (I will keep reminding myself of this so that I don't get click happy and buy them right now). I don't make many impulse purchases, but when I do, they tend to be big ticket items. For instance, I once stopped in Saks to fill a few minutes before meeting a friend. I probably should have gone to a coffee shop instead, because when I walked out 20 minutes later, I had a new Burberry trench coat. It was the last one...and it was my size...and 40% off, and purple taffeta that turns olive green in some light. With RUFFLES! I do love the coat and wear it almost weekly. But this is why BF says we can never live in NY.
1 reply · active 721 weeks ago
I'm sure I have seen that color Purple to Olive morphing Burbury Trench. It seems a shame to be so close, yet so far from the Big Apple. What's to stop you from hopping the train for a spontaneous shopping spree.

I thought I did pretty good by sleeping on that almost impulse buy. I saved $80 by doing my research. I will kick myself if they don't fit. Did you notice the Pippi's only came in whole UK sizes?

I sure want the B and White Stripped Eva Franco with the hot pink belt. Did you vote for the dresses Jamie?

Sent from Laura's iPhone
I noticed those Eva Fraco items on Modcloth too! I love the beach skirt! I think they've just been going a little crazy with their prices lately--I mean some things are even higher than Anthro!

I've been disappointed with Anthro lately too, so many returns. And I'm really pissed about my Oak Alley Peasant Top which shrunk crookedly--again with the crappily cut fabric, and my Make a Splash Cowlneck had the bottom hem come completely unraveled the second time I washed it. REALLY!! That doesn't even happen with my Target clothes!! I'm starting to feel it's just overpriced--I thought the whole point of paying extra was to get better quality but that's not necessarily the case with them. Not only that, have you noticed that there aren't very many popbacks anymore? I have things on my wishlist that literally disappear--they remove the image or the color options altogether--suggesting no chance of a popback for that item, and it's happening with more and more items. I feel like they've given online shoppers a giant middle finger.
3 replies · active 721 weeks ago
I'm totally with you Terrie. The other day I went to put on my Traced Ovals Belt. As I started to tightened it, the belt buckle flew off the end of the belt. It was glued onto the end, but it had never been sewn. I put in a 3 star review and was immediately sent an email telling me they had refunded my money. It explained that occasionally a defective item will slip through the cracks.

What happened to the day when they used to not just refund your money, but turn around and immediately ship a replacement for free. Now I either have to reorder the belt and pay shipping since it's under $150. Or come up with an order that's $150 plus. There is nothing I want right now except that Hot Pink Dress.

Here's my Great Big, Hairy, Bulbus, Dirty, Middle Finger right at you Anthro.

I've been enjoying the heck out of Modcloth lately. $7 flat rate isn't bad at all. And I've got my finger on the pulse of Internet shopping now. I can find just as great stuff as Anthro. Except their Cardi's. I'd be hurting without Moth, Sparrow, and Charlie and Robin. The other day I actually bought 4 Old Navy Cropped Cardi's for $16 each. And I've ordered at least a half dozen from Gap and Banana Republic. A few from J Crew too. Anthro's color selection has been meager. And one cropped Cardi isn't enough to go around every few months. Especially since everyone wants a piece of that action.

So I CAN (emphasis on can) live without you Anthro!

Ever since I heard that Free People has been carrying both UO and Anthro. I've been preparing myself for their possible demise. Ha-ha!

Sent from Laura's iPhone
It doesn't seem to be like "occasionally" a defective item slips through the cracks. You remember my bitching about the Make a Splash Cowlneck, how the fabric was not cut right--I think I ordered 3 of those and still I ended up with one that fell apart and now if I want to wear it again, I'm going to have to sew it up. I've had issues with their belts too--the Soft Bow Belt did the same thing to me the first time I put it on, just fell completely apart and there's no way to repair it because it was crappy construction to begin with.

I read the later comments and can't believe somebody would call you homophobic about that skirt. How does not wanting to wear naked babies on your clothing sound homophobic?? Ridiculous.
Terrie,

If you can live without the Make A Splash Cowlneck, then you really should return them for a refund. I think however, you really love this top since you purchased three. In that case, do the repairs and enjoy your tops.

I had a similar experience with the Molded and Melded Tee. I ordered only one as a test when if made sale. Of course I loved the flattering look on me. And of course they were gone by the time the Top arrived. I was able to find another in a store and have it shipped. When I received it the shoulder garnish had never been finished. It took me at least an hour of hand stitching to make it presentable.

There was no way I was going to return the top, to have it shipped off to be destroyed. It still doesn't look anything like my first shirt. But the fit is perfect.

Weigh your options. Sometimes Anthro can be Bitter Sweet. And I agree that Customer Service has taken a down turn. I have heard a rumor that they are struggling, along with Urban Outfitters. Free People is the bread and butter. I haven't looked into confirming it.

Modcloth has been looking very good lately. But there still aren't enough of the high end designer choices. Only one Corey Lynn Calter, and one Rebecca Taylor at the moment. Not enough. But there are about to be a few Eva Francos that I am inspired to own. Fingers crossed.

But no, not the Beach Scene Skirt.

Liz was referring to my remark about themale character in women's bikini bottoms (what Speedo has bows on the sides), with pursed lips and eye makeup. I think the manner in which the character is starring suggestively out of the scene is creepy. Where the other characters are not starring outward.

This is modern art that belongs in a gallery, not at a child's eye level. The nipple slip is also inappropriate. The naked baby however is a charming and is placed to distract. Most people would look no further to see the rest of the social innuendos.

But since I was referring to a comic character, and not an actual person, it was completely inappropriate for her to say I was even a little bit homophobic. Besides, Transvestites are not normally gay. So she is not as enlightened as she claims.

.

From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
I like all of the ones you listed except for the skirt. The print seemed like something better off on a canvas in a gallery. I didnt find it offensive, just a little pop art ish for me. I love the version of the mullaney with a v neck. Thanks for the fun post!
1 reply · active 721 weeks ago
Laura, I just wanted to clear something up..... I never left a comment about you being homophobic!! It must have been someone named Liz, as that comment was deleted. In your comment you said "according to Lisa I'm just homophobic". I never said that. I just completely disagreed with you that the print was inappropriate. It wasn't to me, and I'd have absolutely no problem wearing it around children. That's all. I just had a different opinion, and I would never accuse you of being homophobic when I don't even know you. I really don't like it when people leave mean comments on blogs, so I wouldn't do that.
4 replies · active 721 weeks ago
I am so sorry. I mixed up the names. I will correct that now. It WAS Liz. Who ever the heck she is. Funny she says she reads my blog, but can only comment when it's not to her liking.

And there is a female character with a robe or towel that has slipped and is showing a nipple. To me that is enough. Love the print, but the controversial elements are enough to ruin the skirt.

Certainly I have no issues with other people wearing it around their children or other children as long as no one objects. I do have the right to have my opinion. Just anyone else does. I would never attack someone or call them names for their opinion. Liz however seems to think she is the Blog Police.

From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
ID would not allow me to edit the comment. So it has been deleted. And once again I am sorry for the name mix up. Please forgive me.
Thanks Laura. I appreciate!
oops! I meant....I appreciate it!
OMG LAURA! I LOVE THOSE SHOES! How did you know I would fall in love with them? And in my size! :P
1 reply · active 721 weeks ago
Because you love so many of my shoes. Are you going to buy them? Did you check the stock? Because the price is $80 less at DJPremium. And they take PayPal. And the 15% off anything is still in effect.

From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
Actually, Sample #930 reminds me of the Anthrp Crossing the Stripes Dress. And I think I like the Modcloth version better. I haven't visited Modcloth's website in a long time, but this post is totally making me reconsider. Well done!
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
If you search on Eva Franco at Modcloth. It will bring up all the Eva Franco that is current in release and the items cycling through Be The Buyer. There you will see the actual duplicate to Anthro's Crossing Your Stripes Dress. And in two different prints. Vote for them if you want to see them go to production.
From my Yahoo Mail - Laura
Vintageglammz 's avatar

Vintageglammz · 721 weeks ago

Well spotted! That is indeed a mullany twin, With a different neckline and red sash.
I really like that *controversial* skirt. it reminds me a little of anthro's sailboat skirt somewhat. It has a vintage beachy vibe to it. I don't mind the print, I mean, people today don't wear much to the beach these days anyway. To me, the print is quite conservative to what you see down at the beach (or around town!) these days. Heck even our opposition leader Tony abbott wears speedos :-)
Hi Laura, That is so funny we are using the same blog template.... I must have made the right choice if it is the same as yours (I am huge fan and I "look up" to you as a more mature/interesting blogger). Your blog is one of my daily reads! I love the way you style your outfits. It seems our taste is very similar. You are much smaller than I am but I AM getting smaller. :) So I am looking at your stylings to prep me for my own future stylings!

Those Get To Glow Me shows..... I think I might NEED THEM! I love the red heel and the bow! AAAHHH - so cute! I am dreaming of them now, too. I don't usually go over $150 for a pair of shoes.

I can't believe I found another Orla Kiely lover! I LOVE HER BAGS! The one I carry every day is an O.K. bag. I just got a new one for the spring. I will wear it tomorrow and post it just for your viewing! :) Where do you get your bags? I get mine on "bagshop.com" OR when I travel to Cork, Ireland.

I do spend time thinking about a purchase. If I DON'T - and I impulse buy - I am not opposed to returning items. (My husband is completely allergic to returning... drives me crazy!)

I do research items, brands and reviews when I find something I like. I like to know any "history" I can find - like Orla's story. I sometimes run into a dilemma - as I am in with Anthro right now because of a rumor I heard - if I find something a bit offensive about a company (like child labor being used, etc.).

The skirt - I would not buy this skirt. I would never want to wear naked babies on my skirt - to any event. I And What the ......? I see a "nip slip" in the closeup. And I really get a man in a string bikini bottom. t feels a little creepy to me - ok - totally creepy! Although the colors would look awesome with the pumps. :)

My Anthro refund $$ went to 2 new bras from V.S. and some Make-up Forever HD face highlighter. Which works great! And I still have a bunch of $$ left over. Looks like an awesome FD present for hubby from our Chihuahua... I wonder what she wants to get him. Treats? LOL.

Sorry for such a long post! Have an awesome week! Cheers! xoxo
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
Sherry, I am honored to be a daily read, and Blogger twin templates. We are fellow Pencil Skirt fans. Although I fell of the Pencil wagon when I purchased Anthro's Sailboat Skirt last week. That is some A-Line Skirt LOVE.

Congratulations on your weight lose. I am sure you will continue with much success. It's a long and difficult journey.

Did you see the Link to DJPremium? The Get To Glow
Me Heels are $80 less than Modcloth. I made it out the door for $160. They are having a 15% off promo and Free Ship over $150.

I love it when research saves me money. I sure put all my eggs in one basket for a pair of shoes.

I love comments. I think Jamie of Thrifty of Threads holds the record for the previous longest comment. You have definitely topped the record. I'm surprised ID didn't ask you to break the comment into two.

Oh, oh, new OK bag. Can't wait to see. I carry nothing but OK every day too. I've ordered several bags from Anthro over the years. They just don't compare to OK. I bought my first at Anthro. Still carry it regularly. And my Summer wallet came from Anthro too. Her bags are treasures. I've never returned one, nor could I ever sell one.

Most of my OK bags came from Orla's US or UK online store. My very favorite cross stitched Bowling bag was an auction from eBay. Some came from PerriBerri and one was 60% off from Garnet Hill. Unheard of for OK.

Can't wait to check out your new OK. And what's this rumor about Anthro. Don't hold back. It sounds bad.

Be careful what you say about the Eva Franco Skirt on Modcloth's Be The Buyer. The Blog Police are lurking. I kid you not. I was accused of being Homophobic because of a creepy print. I wasn't talking about a real person for gosh sakes.

That is only the second time in 10 months of blogging I have deleted a Comment. So thank you for your very awesome novels.

I needed a Vacation Day today. Have a fabulous week. I'll be looking for your new bag post.

Sent from Laura's iPhone
Usually I ponder....I mull it over....but sometimes my get says now, and I do it. For instance, the sail boat skirt. Doesn't even fit me now, but it's so me. And I'll wear it to threads when I get the chance. Also it's one of those quirkier prints we've all been pining for....I new it wouldn't last and didn't want to take any chances. By the way, it looks fantastic on you! Glad you fell for it too....hook, line, and ...sailboat. haha. That beach print skirt from Modcloth is a bit out there. almost nude people isn't quirky; it's creepy. Those shoes have found a new home in my heart. However the sizing look wonky! I'm a size 10, and they claim a size 41 is a size 9.5, when everyone else European says it's a size 10 -11. What to do?!
1 reply · active 721 weeks ago
My friend called CS for a search on the Saleboat 10 days ago. Found 4 in her size. I told her to get those store names and call herself. She must have talked to a Newby. #1. The Op told her no problem. The store had 4 skirts. #2. The Op obviously didn't know the item was a fast seller. 3. The op never said it was a charge/send she was doing.
My friend assumed it was a new service feature.

She received the Out of Stock message yesterday.

Thankfully the skirt is no back ordered online.

Did you see the Nip Slip on the Modcloth skirt Almost hidden by womans arm? Over the Top can't even describe this one.

I flowed the Sizing chart for the Lola's.

Sent from Laura's iPhone

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