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)

A Modcloth Frock Strikes an Anthro Pose! Shopping My Closet!

I am so delighted to say, I shopped my Anthro Closet to outfit Modcloth's Frock Ballad Dress in Angie .
Even better news, I re-mixed a second outfit for the dress.


Frock Ballad Dress in Angie - by Nicola - Modcloth $63 - Jan 2011

British Poise Cincher - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010

Chilled Facet Gloves - by Carolina Amato New York - Anthro Gifted - Dec 2009

Sweet Shop Necklace - Anthro Orig $32 Sale $20 - May 2008

 I am full-on in love with Modcloth. I haven't ordered a dress outside Anthro and Athleta in almost 3 years.  Modcloth has great customer reviews, thorough descriptions, and the standard measurements for the dress were dead on target.  Modcloth's Frock Ballad Dress in Angie , size Medium, fits like a dream come true.

Frock Ballad Dress in Angie - by Nicola - Modcloth $63 - Jan 2011

British Poise Cincher - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010

Roadway Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 Red Tag $7.50- Dec 2010

Dreaming of Stitches Booties - by Everybody - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $90 - Mar 2010

Sweet Shop Necklace - Anthro Orig $32 Sale $20 - May 2008

The price was heaven sent at $63.  Flat rate shipping is $7.  Anthro, take a clue from Modcloth please. The dress is fully lined and closed at the hem, with huge deep pockets, and button detailing including the back of the collar.  Zip closure is at the back. Dry Clean Only. Silky, smooth blend of 80% Rayon and 20% Poly.  Not my favorite, but I love the dress so much I don't care. And the waist for once sits at the right position.  Length is to the knee.

Shop Modcloth's Frock Ballad Dress by Nicola in Angie (Navy) HERE and in Beth (Ivory) HERE

 

I wish I could actually unbutton the back of the collar
 so I can lay a continuous necklace under the cowl neck.

I belted over Modcloth's Frock to draw in the waistline for a more flattering look using Anthro's British Poise Cincher .  I upped the warmth factor with Anthro's Roadway Tights by Eloise .  Then folded over a pair of Navy polka dot socks to stay extra warm. Heidi informed me several weeks ago that Anthro's Sweet Shop Necklace was awesome with Navy.  So there you have it.  The Blue pin on the coat lapel, I found under my Entertainment Center several months ago.  I have no idea where it came from.  Imagine that!



Earhart Bomber - by Idra - Anthro Orig  $158 Sale $80 - Nov 2008

Frock Ballad Dress in Angie - by Nicola - Modcloth $63 - Jan 2011

Roadway Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 Red Tag $7.50- Dec 2010

Chilled Facet Gloves - by Carolina Amato New York - Anthro Gifted - Dec 2009

Dreaming of Stitches Booties - by Everybody - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $90 - Mar 2010

 

I had already pictured Anthro's Earhart Bomber by Idra as the perfect topper for the Dress. I love the Salmon Pink houndstooth weave, and I just don't wear this little coat very often. So I was pleased at how great it looks against Navy.  At the last minute I remembered

Anthro's Chilled Facet Gloves by Carolina Amato New York.  So cute!

Does this all sound a bit corny or what?



Roadway Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 Red Tag $7.50- Dec 2010

Chilled Facet Gloves - by Carolina Amato New York - Anthro Gifted - Dec 2009

Sepia Crocus Bag - Dark Multi-Stem Shiny Laminate Tote by Orla Kiely AW08 - Anthro $178 - June 2008

Dreaming of Stitches Booties - by Everybody - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $90 - Mar 2010

 Now we get to the bottom of things.  My favorite Orla Kiely Bag.  Anthro's Sepia Crocus Bag, otherwise known as Orla Kiely's Dark Stem Shiny Laminate Tote AW08 .  See my side bar for all the State side stores that stock Orla.  The Fall Winter 2010 Collection is now going on sale. Loraine of Sweet Anthro Dreams scored a nice Laptop bag yesterday from PerriBerri.

For a POP of Orange color I went with Anthro's Dreaming in Stitches Booties by Everybody.

Shop the Everybody Metro Bootie HERE, and HERE

Roadway Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 Red Tag $7.50- Dec 2010

Dreaming of Stitches Booties - by Everybody - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $90 - Mar 2010

Dear Readers and Fellow Bloggers,

Have you had an experience with Modcloth?  Tell me about it.  Good or bad.  Do you have a Post wearing a Modcloth treasure?  Comment with a link. 

See Angali of Goldenmeans wearing her New Years Eve Party Frock from Modcloth HERE.

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

Tuesdays OOTD - Find the Orla Kiely in my Office

Blog Business First.  Visit Jessica at Breakfast at Gigi's for a chance to win a $65 CSN Gift certificate.

Love the Anthro Outfit videos.  But what is up with the Bike Ride Outfit?  Hello!  She never even gets on the bike.  Lame!

I refuse to go outside and take photos today. I was drenched in yesterday's photos. You know what that means? I had to crop myself out of the picture.

And find a new location that's indoors, and cool.  So welcome to my 13x13 windowless space under the stairs. The 2011 business plan is gearing up on labor with no plan to find additional office space.  So I may soon be sharing an office. Something I haven't done in years. That's the new corporate America.

Whine over!  OOTD begins!

She looks great doesn't she.  I think she's one of my favorite Anthro models.  She goes clear back to early 2008 when I stepped into the Anthro at Cesar's Palace in Las Vegas. At that moment I was hooked.  Still am, and always will be. Until the day I die. Hallelujah!!!!!!

Let's play find the Orla Kiely items in my office. Sorry no prize.  I just want to see who knows their Orla Trivia. HINT:  There are three.

 

Magnified Geranium Blouse - by Tabitha
Anthro Orig $98 Mar 2010


Such a lovely Silk Blouse. But a bit low cut. I layer either the Ivory or Brown version of Anthro's Reversible Tank underneath. This blouse hit sale, but not for many months.

Bright Button Trousers - by Pilcro
Anthro orig $98 - Feb 2010

Pilcro are my favorite jeans.  They don't break the bank. The different cuts fit me well. I do have to hem them. Still, not a bad deal for under $100. This version Sold Out before hitting sale.



Beloved Cardigan - by Leifdottir - Anthro Orig $288, sale $90 -  Jan 2009.

In 2008 and 2009 you could pick-up Leifsdottir on sale for less than 50% off at Anthro.  I have several items including the Beloved Cardi that went sale for far under 50% off.  Not true anymore. Anthro has finally wised up.  And recently they have started putting Leifsdottir on sale at the same time as Leifsdottir.com and the Majors. 

Don't forget to count the Orla Kiely in the photos.

Dreaming in Stitches Booties - by Everybody - Anthro orig $188, sale $90 - March 2010

 I got my Flu Shot this morning.  Make sure you get yours this year.  I safely crosses the road in my favorite Everybody booties.  You can't help but see me coming in Bright Glaring Orange. 

Did you find all 3 Orla Kiely items? Tell me in a comment.

Most important, did you get your flu shot?

Laura (lauramartinsemail)@yahoo.com

I'm still waiting for Autumn to arrive. 

A Creative Mid Week Restyle - Wednesday's OOTD and Statement Overload

A male co-worker remarked that my clothing today was very creative.  He then said he meant it as a good thing.  So I inserted the Word "Creative" in my Post Title.  You be the judge on my creativity.  Tell me Pass or Fail in a comment at the end. 

Unscripted Scoopneck - by C. Keer - Anthro orig $58, sale $30 - June 2010

Let's get rolling with this top from Anthro.  I love the blue-green color.  I wasn't sure I would like the fabric tendrils after reading negative reviews about seaweed.  I ironed out some of the twists and even trimmed a few off.  Then I was happy.  Especially with the thick stretchy band that keeps the neckline from sagging.





Salka Jacket - by Double Stitch - Anthro orig $118, sale $59 - Mar 2009

I originally ordered this vintage style wool jacket from online.  It was way too big.  So I took it with me to the Fresno CA Anthro (2 hours away) and returned it there.  Since it was now on sale, I received a full refund, and purchased a replacement at the sale price, without having to pay shipping or return. Yeah!




Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse orig $150, sale $64 - Oct 2009

This cute little Liefsdottir Skirt is one of my favorites.  And the only clothing item I have ordered from Gilt Fuse. 






Mullion Tights Grey - by Eloise - Anthro $18 -  Sept 2009

This is what I am worried about.  I love tights.  I have a drawer full.  It feels like I don't get to wear them often.  Especially the textured tights like these.  They seemed to look great held up to the Unscripted Scoopneck last night.  But when I put them on this morning I wasn't so sure.  Does this happen to you?
I know nothing about putting outfits together.  I just use my common sense and go with my heart. 

Shop similar plaid tights from Anthro here.

My Mother once called this expression Laura's "Mona Lisa" Smile. Except there is no smile. We were doing a Family portrait.  I was in grade school.  Everyone was smiling but me.  Even the dog. Maybe that's why models don't smile that much.  They get tired of using up their lifetime allotment smiling at a camera.  He-he!

Dreaming in Stitches Booties - by Everybody - Anthro orig $188, sale $90 -  Mar 2010

Shop the Metro Booties on sale here.

See me wearing the Leifsdottir Skirt and the Everybody Booties together again here.

I have never been one to wear boots let alone booties.  It was this particular pair that roped me in.  I think it was the color that first grabbed my attention. It happens to be one of three of my favorite colors.  I have worn them many times, and never grow tired of the rich splash of Orange adorning my feet.

Orla Kiely Leaf Tote Mainline AW09 - Garnet Hill orig $300, sale $150 -  Nov 2009

Shop Orla Kiely's AW10 Collection at her US site here.   UK site here.

This handbag is sitting on the side lines in my office. I truly try to hold out for Orla Kiely on sale. I am totally in awe of her bags. I love how most of the collection is set up exactly the same inside.  So it's easy to transfer from one bag to the next.  Her designs are unique, and feminine.  Her bags are classic and the construction is meant to last a lifetime. If you want to find her items on sale, from past season collections, you can visit some of the websites I have listed on my Side Bar. eBay is also a great way to find fabulous deals on Orla Kiely.




Ribbon Rays Necklace - by Tataborello Italy -  Anthro orig $258, sale $129 -  Mar 2010

Tataborello Jewelry from Italy is gorgeous. Each is slightly different from the next. When I first ordered the necklace I didn't bat an eye at the cost full price.  When it arrived with a broken bead it went right back to Anthro.  For that much it had better be perfect.  Luckily it went on sale as it was headed back.  I quickly bought another and got a Full Refund for the return. 

Thank you Anthro.  You are just cool that way.  Please don't ever change.



Sea Ribbons Bracelet - by Tataborello Italy - Anthro $218 - Feb 2010

View the 2010 Collection of Tataborello Jewellery here.

I haven't found any of the really nice pieces anywhere but Anthro. There are a few rings and earrings scattered about the Internet.  It's true I didn't like some of the collection that Anthro had.  Like the huge earrings.  But Anthro is the place to go for statement earrings.  I'm a little afraid of statement earrings, but not Orange Boots and Plaid Tights.

Did I Pass or Fail with the tights?

Do I have too many statements going on with this outfit?

How many statements am I making here?

I count FOUR possible statements.  Would that be two too many?  I think two is probably enough. At the max three. 

1. Orange Boots

2. Plaid Tights

3. Necklace (maybe it's not big but it is very Orange and sparkling.

4. Bracelet (both big, Orange and sparkling)

And was my work friend being nice when he quickly added his intentions were good?

Anthro Sister Statement Love, Laura

A Re-Style to Turn My Monday Around Kicking and Screaming!

Looking forward to Monday morning after a wild weekend of river rafting with my Son isn't appealing to me. A new outfit is always the way to go. But isn't always possible on my budget.



Sunday night I stepped into my closet and let out a big sigh. No new outfit for me. So I grabbed one of my favorite Spring 2010 Anthro tops. I already have a Pant Outfit styled and locked away for The Spotlights Tank on my Shutterfly for iPhone App. But what I needed was to turn my Monday around with a fast re-style that included a skirt.

Spotlights Tank by Ric Rac Anthro APR 2010

Ric Rac's top was featured in the Jan 2010 catalog. It's candy spinkled icing on a denim cake. I grabbed for the exact skirt I had pictured in my head. A Dark Denim, Ruffle Paneled Skirt, by Leifsdottir. Classified as a mini on anyone over 5' 5". I couldn't wear this one to work if I was 1/2 an inch taller. Oops! But I am. This one in size 4 tends to ride comfortably low on my hips adding an inch or two of length. I ordered one size up. A small secret I have often used when ordering a mini. But only if you like to wear skirts low on the hips. This tip doesn't work for everyone.

Ruffle Paneled Dark Denim Skirt by Leifsdottir Gilt Fuse SEPT 2009

What better to throw over top of it all, to ward of the chilly A/C. than Leifsdottir's Back Facing Crochet Butterfly Cardi. I picked this work of art up for a bargain in 2008. Made from the softest Angora and Wool Blend that has zero itch factor. It's amazing the incredible embellishments online shoppers miss because we forget clothing can have beautiful details on the back, as well as the front.

Good Tidings Cardi by Leifsdottir Anthro SEPT 2009

There is only one color I love more than Turquoise. The color Orange. What could be better than my two favorite colors together? This outfit really deserves an Orange Cardi. I have been on a mission to find Moth's Jemima Shrunken Cardi for 2 years. Oh what I could style with that one in my closet. I have been searching for this Cardi ever since I fell head over heels in love with it on my friend Heidi. Dear Heidi had not yet converted me to Anthro when this Cardi hit the cover in January 2008. Sadly I missed out on owning one only 2 weeks ago on eBay. I was outbid, and lacked the needed funds to win. That is the only one I have seen in two years. (crying shamefully)

I can make do very well with the Leifsdottir. But, oh what I could do with this Cardi.

So how could I add that spark of Orange? Ahhhh yes, what about shoes, or sandals? Even better, a pair of Rust Orange Cutout Booties.

The Dreaming In Stitches Booties by Everybody Anthro MAR 2010

I have always been one to wear Orange. These are my gateway booties. The first pair of booties I have ever owned. Now I have 3 pairs of Everybody shoes. I adore them. But they are European. The brand runs small. I must order up to a 38.5 or 39 to fit my size 8 foot. For the price the quality is outstanding. These are a little strange to wear at first, but remarkably comfortable and eye catching.

Next is the Handbag. The perfect choice would have to be my gateway Oral Kiely Tote. This vinyl with leather trim shoulder tote is big and gorgeous. Two years old and still as perfect as it was new. I carry this bag more than my leather Orla Kiely's. And it goes with anything Turquoise and Orange plus a whole range of other colors.

If you don't own an Orla Kiely you are missing out on this wonderful London based designers unique take on handbags. Warning! Her stuff is addicting. Darn that Heidi for this one too. I have purchased only one non-Orla in 2.5 years. All the totes are set up the same inside. Making changing handbags a snap. I keep everything in the same corresponding location. Pockets and key fob are located in the same place in each bag. This bag features her wonderful soft cotton stem print lining. I can't say enough about these bags. Pricey, but worth it. AW line (Autumn Winter) goes on sale in early January. SS2010 line (Spring Summer) is on sale now at her US and UK websites.

Sepia Crocus Bag by Orla Kiely (aka Dark Multi Stem Shiny Shoulder Tote) SS2008 Collection

I styled this relaxed outfit with real stone and natural materials for jewelry. Athleta's Turquoise Mix - Four Times Leather Wrap Bracelet by Chan Luu, a Seven Stone and Oxidized Silver necklace from Etsy shop MudandMint, and Yellow African Jade with Silver Earrings also from Etsy.

What do you think Dear Readers? Did I successfully give Monday a good turn around?

Should this outfit earn a spot in my Shutterfly for iPhone Outfit Folders?

Any suggestions how I can turn around my outfit and still stay within my Likes and Dislikes posted on the Right Side Bar?

What gets you going on a Monday morning, besides a strong cup of Caffeine?

Does a new outfit get you out of bed and on your way?

Do you challenge your styling habits now and then with a quick re-style.

Or do you stick to your known outfits and not risk a Monday morning change?

I would love to hear from you. Please leave me a post to turn this Monday around kicking and screaming.

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