Inspiration That Rocks! Style #3! Bismuth!

If you missed "Inspiration That Rocks" Style #2 Opal, you can view the post HERE.

This mineral took my breath way.  I was entranced for 20 minutes staring at the crystalline structure. I see towers in decay, marching columns, collapsing terraces, twisted picture frames, toppling roofs, and winding staircases.  The sample as a whole strongly resembles a city in ruin. The rich colors are translucent, iridescent and metallic. Since it's a photograph, I had difficulty identifying the Mineral. 


BISMUTH

 Every mineral has a unique set of properties that determine it's identity.

1. Color
2. Streak
3. Luster
4. Cleavage
5. Hardness (MOHS Scale)
6. Crystal Structure and Shape
7. Specific Gravity

All very difficult to test without the actual sample. I can't turn the crystals to count the number of faces.  Although the crystals are elongated, and are perhaps twins, again I can't be sure.  I can't guess the molecular weight without at least holding it in my hand. I can't break a piece off or scratch it with various objects to determine the hardness as described by the MOHS Hardness Scale.

Heidi and Andrew (both Geologists) were able to determine that this Mineral is BISMUTH.  However, the crystals in this sample are not naturally occuring in nature.  This particular sample of Bismuth is lab grown. 


HALL OF RECORDS - Downtown Bakersfield CA
Building Blocks Top - by Deletta - Anthro Orig $78 Sale $40 - Aug 2008
Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009
From The Poles Jacket Purple - by Sparrow - Anthro Berkeley Orig $128 Sale $70 Red Tag $52- Dec 2010
Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011
Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010
Meteorology Necklace - Anthro 14K Gold Filled with Smokey QTZ, Amethyst and Prynite, Orig $128, Sale $50 - July 2008

 This outfit would not be possible without the inspiration created by the image of the mineral. The combination would never have occurred to me.  It's also very difficult to relate the inspiration back to my Readers. I pulled this outfit together in an amazing 15 minutes.


Unlike the Opal of last week, this mineral forms cubic picture frame like shapes.  The varying shades of Green, Blue and Purple with a White translucent quality are nicely mimicked in the print of Anthro's Building Blocks Top by Deletta.

Anthro's Building Blocks Top Print

Unknown Mineral

Another characteristic that inspired me was the Iridescent Blues in the Mineral. Denim would be a perfect answer.  Even better is Leifsdottir's Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt. In addition, the ruched panel on the skirt front directly translates to the stacked, elongated crystals that form rows of columns or stairs depending on which direction the crystals are oriented.

The same column like behavior is seen again in the vertical piping on Anthro's From The Poles Jacket by Sparrow. See me wear this Jacket differently HERE. Honestly, I would have never in a Million Eons thought up this combination.  I was amazed that I could transfer these characteristics directly over to styling an outfit.  And it took no more than 30 minutes of effort. 




Building Blocks Top - by De - Anthro Orig $78 Sale $40 - Aug 2008
Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009
From The Poles Jacket Purple - by Sparrow - Anthro Berkeley Orig $128 Sale $70 Red Tag $52- Dec 2010
Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011
Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010
Meteorology Necklace - Anthro 14K Gold Filled with Smokey QTZ, Amethyst and Prynite, Orig $128, Sale $50 - July 2008

The Belt is another leftover pre-Anthro piece from Kohl's that served to add a tiny bit of sparkle and shine.

 

 

 

Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009

Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011

Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010

Nothing like this gorgeous Purple pair of  Seville Heels by Coclico with staircase like ruching right down the front. I had just received the Opaque Tights in Green by Hue the same day, and planned to use them for something entirely different that fell through.  Perfect timing. Olive Green, Navy and Purple are such a marvelous color combination.

You can see a slightly better view of Anthro's Meteorology Necklace made from Smokey QTZ, Purple Amethyst and Lime Green Prynite.

Dear Readers,
Can you spot some of the visual characteristics of the Mineral Bismuth that I attempted to capture in my photos.

Hints:  For example, the Green Light Pole next to the Yellow Bicycle resembles the columns formed by the elongated crystals. 

Please send me more Rock and Mineral Photos.   See the Guidelines for Submission, outfit post dates and Giveaway at the bottom of the Post HERE.

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

Vintage Snowflakes, Lace Roses, and Deep Purple Suede, Oh My! Outfit Inspiration!

Happy Monday.  I had a productive weekend.  I basically stayed home all weekend and produced stuff.  My friend Karen stopped by Sunday with fresh Naval Oranges from her tree.  So I made us sandwiches and sliced Oranges.  We then proceeded to drink a bottle of left over Champagne.  Then I proceeded to BLOG her ear off.


Cloaked In Roses Jacket - by Charlie and Robin - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $100 Red Tag $75 - Dec 2010

Reversible Tank in Brown Scoop Side - by Eloise - Anthro $24 - Jan 2009

Anthro Cotton Cargo Skirt - by Idra - eBay Orig $88 BIN $24 - Jan 2011

Dotty Cluster Tights- by Eloise - Anthro $16 - Aug 2010

Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010

Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010

Vintage Necklace - Jan 2011



You know the Wightwick Manor Dress I've been waiting patiently for, so I can get Beautiful Dress together with Handsome Boots? 



Wightwick Manor Dress - by Meave - Anthro
Orig $128 Sale $60 - Jan 2011



Loose Rein Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 Red Tag $105 - Dec 2010

  



Yes, that's the dress right there.  Well it seems to have made it's way to Anywhere WA.  Do you guys happen to know where Anywhere is?  It's nowhere!  It doesn't exist.  That's where Anthro sends your stuff when they can't figure out where you live.  Even though my address is all over my account.



Cloaked In Roses Jacket - by Charlie and Robin - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $100 Red Tag $75 - Dec 2010

Reversible Tank in Brown Scoop Side - by Eloise - Anthro $24 - Jan 2009

 My first order for the Cloaked In Roses Jacket by Charlie and Robin was a Pop Back from the November 2010 Catalog.  That order Cancelled. So here it is all the way from Soho NY.  I've been very lucky with cancellations the last 2 months.  This was the only exception.

 See Keiko of Keiko's TanPoPo wearing the Clocked and Roses Jacket HERE.

Shop the Cloaked in Roses in Pop Backs HERE.  There is a size MEDIUM available as of Monday Jan 24th 1:14 PM PST. So check back often.  Runs TTS.  See reviews HERE.

As always, I had a difficult time finding the right top to layer under this sweatshirt.  Did I say sweatshirt? The body of the Jacket is made of Lavender sweatshirt material, with an Ivory lace overlay.  Which makes it easy and comfortable to wear. I went with a simple under layer. Anthro's Reversible Tank in Brown on the Scoop Side by Eloise.

Meet Anthro's Cotton Cargo Skirt by Idra .  I picked this little skirt up on eBay for a whopping $24.  This is the skirt I ordered in a size 2 after looking at the measurements in the description.  OK, so the 2 fit, but much too tight.  So I re-ordered in a size 4 last Sunday.  I had the skirt by Friday. 

Shop my Cargo Skirt on eBay for $24 in sizes 0-10 HERE. Runs TTS. Order up if between sizes.  The fabric is stretch.  If anyone knows the Anthro name for this skirt I would love to know.



Dotty Cluster Tights- by Eloise - Anthro $16 - Aug 2010

Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010

Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010





I have been dying to show you my Seville Heels in Purple Suede by Coclico .  Aren't they just Gorgeous.  I'm madly in love with Coclico, Chie Mihara, and Argilas.  So when I saw these on Pop Back during the Red Tag Sale I was all over these. They are like nothing I have ever owned. And very comfortable at 3.75 inches.  At 4 I fall flat on my face.  Even in Chie Mihara's.  Anthro's Dotty Cluster Tights by Eloise in Lavender seemed the perfect choice for this outfit.

Cloaked In Roses Jacket - by Charlie and Robin - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $100 Red Tag $75 - Dec 2010

Reversible Tank in Brown Scoop Side - by Eloise - Anthro $24 - Jan 2009

Anthro Cotton Cargo Skirt - by Idra - eBay Orig $88 BIN $24 - Jan 2011

Dotty Cluster Tights- by Eloise - Anthro $16 - Aug 2010

Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010

Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010

Vintage Necklace - Jan 2011

Shop Anthro's Seville Heels AKA Coclico's Oren in Grey or Black at Endless HERE.

These shoes are TTS if converting from US to UK sizes.  For Example.  I wear a US 8, and ordered a UK 38.5.  Email if you need help converting from US to UK shoes sizes.  There were no Anthro reviews for this product.


 

You can Shop my Quilted Patent Iris Bag by Orla Kiely on sale at Yoox HERE.  Sale price has dropped from $170 to $150.  Much better price than Orla Kiely online.

Have you ever been at a loss for outfit ideas or just want to see some fabulous store inspiration? Check out Roxy's Efforless Anthropologie Blog, and Search Eye Candy or Store Inspiration. She Posts these every week, so there is plenty of viewing pleasure there.

Do you know how to find other outfit ideas from bloggers or long overwritten catalogs? Go to Google images and Search Anthropologie + the Anthro item name (or a description of the item) then Search. You will find photos of the item in most available colors. You will also find catalog photos and outfits, along with blogger photos. Just click on the picture and find the blog associated with it. It's a fun way to get all kinds of ideas. 

Have a Happy and Productive Monday!

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

Lynx and Leo Shines With Earthly Delights!

Oh Happy Wednesday OOTD! My order from last weeks Anthro sale finally arrived at my door last night at 7 PM. So after much trying on, taking off, air fluffing, and tedious ironing, with many shoe and jewelry presto chango's...

...here is my styling for the Lynx and Leo Dress.

 

I can't sing enough praises about this Cinderella Dress. If I were not who I am, I would send this back. Because lord knows I am too old to pretend to be Cinderella.

Instead I will take the Cindy out of the Dress and add some Cinder by covering most of it up with the Earthly Delights Cardi.

But I will give my Dear Readers just a glimpse of what the rest of my World will never, no not ever see.

Don't panic! No one is around at 5:30 AM. How dare I go BRA LESS?

It was easy! The bodice of the dress is boned and the fabric is substantial enough to offer some support. But it still isn't enough for public comfort. As you can see I am barely contained.

Lynx and Leo Dress - by Maeve - Anthro on sale Aug 2010

I would have never gotten into this dress without the help of

1. Elastic Back Panel and
2. Adjustable Straps.

The dress is as near to a perfect fit as I can get. I actually like the empire waist.

You guys are all wishing you had ordered this dress aren't you? Tell the truth!

I read the reviews carefully. This dress is everything the reviewers said it would be.

I would gladly have paid full price for it. But I didn't.

Sad little note. It has a tiny hole near the hemline. I will darn carefully with needle and thread.

Earthly Delights Cardi - by Sparrow - Anthro on sale AUG 2010

This Cardi is deep dark Blue. The crochet down the placket is also

a cover over most of the buttons.

Some nameless person managed to put those buttons through the button holes
hidden underneath and then through non existent button holes in the crochet.

Talk about a tight squeeze. I was all I could do to get the buttons out.
It stretched the crochet out of shape.

Underlined Heels - by Coclico - Anthro on Sale APR 2010

I tried on 4 different pairs of shoes. Sandals were the best choice since
it's nearing 100° F today. I went with something darker to balance out the
dark sweater. This dress dictates heels to me.

I love this pair of Coclico's. Uber expensive even on sale, but well worth it.

The attraction is the red piping around the straps, and the Berkie like foot bed.
The first pair Anthro sent me had the most annoying pop click in the heel.
CS immediately air mailed a second pair.

They arrived the next day. I heart Anthro CS.

Orla Kiely Reversible Leather Shoulder Bag in Cream Olive - AW09 Collection Orla Keily US Jan 2010

It was my birthday last December 22nd. I was on vacation. It was also an Anthro sale day. This WISH LISTED Orla bag went on sale. My friend Heidi ordered the bag and left me a message. I missed the call and the bag. How many times has this happened?

I stalked this sucker on the Orla Keily US site. Sure enough, a week later it went on sale. The Autumn/Winter Collection usually does on January 1st. I paid more for it on Orla Keily's site. We all know Anthro sale prices are the best. I don't use this bag often enough. I was happy to bring it out today with the Lynx and Leo. It's reversible and Olive Green inside.

Glitzy Starfish Earrings - Anthro FEB 2010

I adore these cubic zirconium paved Sterling Starfish. These paved earrings are outrageously expensive and never make it to the Anthro sale section. I have only 2 pairs. The Starfish and the darling colorful Parrots. Sniff! A few of you know how close I was to Duncan. I was his sitter when Heidi and Mike went out of town. I still can't wear the Parrot earrings because I miss that sweet bird.

Blooming Tendrils Necklace - Anthro on Sale APR 2009

The Blooming Tendrils Necklace was on Anthro's website for over a year before it finally went on sale. Both Heidi and I snatched it up. It wasn't cheap! I am constantly having to either put the chain back together or stick foam to the back where the wires scratch my neck. The last time I wore this was to see Jeff Dunham and Achmed the Dead Terrorist live. My favorite Comedian and Dummy!

This is one styling for the Lynx and Leo Dress. I also plan to wear the Turquoise Abuzz Cardi as it was styled by Anthro. Minus the belt on the outside of the Cardi.


Well, off I go to don a bra and get to work.


Hope you all have a wonderful fabulous Wednesday, Laura