When the Farren Blouse by LeifNotes appeared online, I was intrigued by several familiar elements. The familiar Leifsdottir details didn't surprise me. After all, the use of Leif is a given.
Farren Blouse - by LeifNotes - Anthro $128 - Feb 2012
What if the word Notes had nothing to do with Leifsdottir, but hinted at Notes from something else.
There are details in this blouse not commonly used by Leifsdottir. In particular, the beading, embroidery, and the bright solid color. I pulled two blouses from my closet for comparison.
Many in this community, including me, truly miss the beloved Floreat Brand. I haven't seen details like this since Floreat all but vanished from Anthro almost a year ago.
Sadly, the name Floreat is history, but I like to think the dream is moving forward.
The Farren certainly has Leifsdottir traits. The familiar drape and sheen of the silk/cotton blend. The waistband borrowed from the Fanned Flames Blouse. But it was the sleeves that brought a picture of Floreat's Work Of Glaciers Blouse to mind. Soon after that the detail work and rich color added fuel to the fire.
Is this where Floreat has gone? Who but Anthro would come up with a Fashion Dream Team?
To fan the flames further (ha-ha Fanned Flames Blouse), Floreat disappeared from Anthro about a year ago. Just enough time to meld two teams, dream up some beauty's, and prepare for the Spring 2012 collection.
How about that Floreat price tag? I can live with that.
In a parallel universe, perhaps Leifsdottir has been using Floreat as inspiration. I don't think it's possible to bring such details to completion without experts.
Is the Floreat Team breathing new life (Notes) into Leifsdottir? We may never know. I like to think it's true. Honestly, the thought makes me happy. But I am known as that Nutty Anthro Closet Lady. Sometimes it takes a lot of nutty to put two and two together. I thought the connections were real enough to share with the community.
You can find me on Polyvore at the top of the side bar. Use the right arrow to find 3 Polyvores styled with the Farren Blouse.
I want to know what you think, even if you see things differently. I'm excited to see what comes next from LeifNotes.
Anthro Sister and Floreat Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)
Hi Readers! It's been awhile. I hope everyone is doing well.
First, the "Creepy Peppering" portion of the post title.
The ambiance in the park was strange the morning I took OOTD photos for Anthro's Peppering Skirt. Tule Fog was rolling in from the River just over the rise behind me. Yet the sun was rising in front of me. Is this scene creepy or what?
Peppering Skirt - by Yoana Baraschi - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Jan 2012
1. You calmly ignore a popular item that goes on sale, even though the reviews are excellent and you have nothing like it in your closet.
2. You check the product page daily and watch all sizes disappear and feel absolutely no emotion.
3. When the item sells out, you suddenly realize it's a must have.
I mean really, what is so fun about haunting a product page 6 times in an hour for a pop back in your size? Absolutely nothing. But I do this very thing obsessively. I admit that I find it a challenge that I enjoy. There are well over 30 Anthro links in the bookmarks bar at the top of my browser. Not only that, I haunt product pages for friends. No joke!
I happen to think it's absolutely awesome that Anthro Community members share information on Roxy's EA Pop Back Posts. In theory, I thought such posts would make finding coveted pop backs more difficult for the online shopper like myself. This is not true at all. Last night I ordered a pair of shoes listed in a comment on the Pop Back Thread.
I had no clue my Orla Kiely bag was so valuable and rare. Orla's Reversible Leather Shoulder Bag is far from my favorite. I was surprised to find an eBay listing for the bag priced higher than the original non sale price. $700. The seller recently dropped the asking price to $650 HERE (not a listing of mine or anyone I know).
Peppering Skirt - by Yoana Baraschi - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Jan 2012
Super Wale Skirt in Yellow - by Maeve - Anthro $88 - Nov 2011 Featherweight Cashmere Cardi in Dahlia - by J Crew - Orig $158 Sale $99 - July 2011 Available HERE in Bright Plum Mitred and Metered Top in Yellow- by Pilcro - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $30 - Mar 2011 Available on eBayHERE in Blue Textured Dots Tights in Grey- by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $13 - Nov 2011 Berry Stitched Boots - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $248, Sale $130 - Nov 2010 Available on eBayHERE in (5.5 10 and 11) and HERE in (7.5) Spotted Satchel- by Holding Horses - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $130 - Nov 2011 Quasar Necklace- made in USA - Anthro Orig $398 2nd Cut $100 - Aug 2011
The Spotted Satchel by Holding Horses is not an example of my Anthro addiction. Ha-ha! Who am I kidding? I did not sit around and watch this bag disappear online. I knew I wouldn't get a second chance at this bag on Black Friday. Anthro stores were not taking phone orders that day. I picked this one up the minute it went on sale. Despite the quirks, I use it far more than I ever thought I would. All this bag needs is a drop of Super Glue and patience when latching.
In The Trees Skirt - by Floreat - Anthro Orig. $158, Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Size 2 on eBay HERE Jackie Cardi in Dark Rosewood - by J Crew - $62 - July 2011 Hip Cinched Blouse Gold - by Meave - Anthro Orig $98 Sale $50 - Nov 2011 Ruled Tote in Navy - by Holding Horses - Anthro Orig $268 Promo Sale $65 - Nov 2011
Freshwater Pearl and Crystal Heart Necklace and Bracelet - by my Mom - 2008
Who did Maeve have in mind to wear the Hip Cinched Blouse? Not me. I'm the charter member of NSS (Narrow Shoulder Society).
But, I have worn this blouse as a layering piece under 3 different outfits. Ho ho! Can you say "versatility and layering piece" at the same time?
So, I did as any addict would do. I haunted the product page for the Green version. I happened upon a size 8 after...oh maybe a hundred *clicks or more (who's counting), for the stellar price of $20.
But, the Green version is an 8. Doh! When I saw the pop back, I paused over the size for a few minutes. Then I popped it in my shopping bag and checked out. I can run a seam up each side to tighten the fit at the hips. Who's going to notice under a layer?
Did saving $30 over the sale price make all that clicking worth it? Yes! I get a kick out of finding a coveted pop back. If it's on 2nd or 3rd cut, even better.
*clicksperformed in the early morning and lunch time hours on work days, and at home in the evening and on Sunday nights only. Completely appropriate clicking hours.
Another example of an item I could have cared less about. I kid! The Marquee Gemmed Heels are the first pair of Miss 'L' Fire's that have attracted my attention in 2 years. They were immediately wish listed. I couldn't believe my luck when they made sale so soon, with 5 star reviews. I adore them. However, the glued on stones make them impossible to wear as an everyday shoe. These need Super Glue too! I buy it in a two pack.
I never once considered the Beaded Felt Pencil Skirt until it made sale. It wasn't until then, I made time to read the reviews. Moulinette Soeurs Skirts consistently fit my low hip/waist ratio of 8. Did I dress this skirt down enough to make it suitable for work?
The Beaded Felt Pencil Skirt is my favorite skirt purchase for 2011.
I wasn't impressed with the Layered Columns Dress. My issue with the dress was lack of sleeves. I finally jumped on the Bailey 44 band wagon when the Tiered Stripes arrived.
My only qualm now is... the quality of the fabric. When I arrived home late Christmas Eve I noticed little black balls of fabric all over my Cream Confection Jacket. That's when I inspected the unfinished hem on the tiers of the dress. Sure enough there are notches of missing fabric. $188 is far too much for a dress that will look good for only a few wears. I would need to hem every tier by hand because the fabric is extremely stretchy. I'm certain the hem would ruin the smooth look of the dress. This dress is saved for special occasions only.
The Tiered Stripes would have been my favorite dress buy for 2011. I passed it over for the Downeast Dress by Pendleton.
Closing Entertainment
"Nefiville"
Starring Nefi the Rescued Hotot Rabbit
Rated PG. Warning: bathroom scene
I got the idea to build cardboard Nefiville while clicking through the photos of bunnies on House Rabbit Society
Are you addicted to Anthro? What are the signs? If you're an online shopper that lacks a local store...have you ever haunted Anthro for pop back? What was the item? Did you ever find a pop back?
note: meant for entertainment value only
Anthro Sister Love to all of you, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)
***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)