Bunny Bombs Away! Lemon Lift-Off Love! Shoe Bands Review!

It's now Friday night and I'm posting Monday's outfit.  Bad Laura!

Lemon Lift Off Blouse 8 - by Girls From Savoy - Anthro Orig $118 Red Tag $45 - Oct 2011

Jana Herringbone Trousers 4 - by Cartonnier - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Mar 2010

British Poise Cincher Belt - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010

Glossed Loafers 7.5 - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Sept 2011

All Leather Hand Stitched Wool Bowling Bag - by Orla Kiely AW08 - Orig $800 Gently Used eBay $420 - Apr 2009

Does this count as a Bunny Photo Bomb?

My friend Christine was disappointed at seeing the same photo of Nefi at the top of my blog for an entire week. That was just after my trip to New York.  This time I've neglected my blog for over a week, and comment rounds for at least two. Please except my sincere apologies. 


1 Rescue Rabbit + 2 Allergies + 3-Day Field Trip + 4 Days of Back Hiccups = 10 Days of Blog Post Lag

My plan was to... use apple bits to entice Nefi to bunny bomb my photos.  Ha-ha! It didn't exactly go my way.

If you want to experience bunny bombs at their finest, visit The Dapper Bun.  Bandit is a pint sized Dwarf Hotot Rabbit.  You can't miss Mary Ann's exceptional style? She scores high in my book for taking excellent care of her boots.

My new plan is...no plan at all.  I'm prepared to wait for unplanned Nefi bombs.

I was not prepared for the Lemon Lift-Off Blouse.  It's not often whimsical prints entice me. I couldn't resist the owls perched on floating moons against a sunny backdrop. But why Lemon Lift-Off? I didn't expect the unstructured, thin Silk to do me any favors.  Reviews suggested the blouse ran large through the chest and small through the hips.  I did a 20 minute finger dance over the order button. Luckily size 6 was out of stock.  I was forced to go with an 8. I normally wear size 6 in Anthro's exclusive Girls From Savoy Brand.

Shop Anthro's Lemon Lift Off Blouse by Girls From Savoy in 100% Silk HERE.

If you are larger than a C cup, size up!  The Silk is very sheer. I layered Anthro's Reversible Tank in Brown under the blouse.  A less obvious Ivory Tank would be a better choice. Next time I plan to wear this with the Lengthening Rays Skirt in Brown (on sale). Size down 1 or even 2 sizes for the Lengthening Rays.

Lemon Lift Off Blouse 8 - by Girls From Savoy - Anthro Orig $118 Red Tag $45 - Oct 2011
Jana Herringbone Trousers 4 - by Cartonnier - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Mar 2010
British Poise Cincher Belt - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010
Glossed Loafers 7.5 - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Sept 2011

This outfit was inspired by Anthro's July 2011 Catalog Cover Photo.

For a work friendly outfit, I replaced Anthro's AG Stevie Ankle in Green with Jana Herringbone Trousers by Cartonnier.  I picked up Anthro's Glossed Loafers in Turquoise at the Santa Monica Anthro, and received a PA 1 week later when they made sale.  They are no longer available online.  Check Anthro's product page for Pop Backs HERE.


If you are interested in what interests me, see my latest Anthropologie picks HERE and those that didn't pass inspection HERE.

Jana Herringbone Trousers 4 - by Cartonnier - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Mar 2010
Glossed Loafers 7.5 - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Sept 2011
All Leather Hand Stitched Wool Bowling Bag - by Orla Kiely AW08 - Orig $800 Gently Used eBay $420 - Apr 2009

I found a very useful shoe accessory that will give new life to several pairs of Shoes in My Closet.


Issue: My foot is narrow through the instep and heel, and medium to slightly wide across the front. I wear a B or Medium width shoe to accommodate the wider front. My heel slips out of the back of most Medium widths with no tie or vamp strap.  Heel inserts offer a more secure feel, but as I flex my foot while walking, my heel still tends to slip.

Narrow heel slips out of medium width shoe while walking

Solution:  A set of clear stretchy bands that fit over each shoe and across the vamp comfortably. When I walk, the back of the shoe never slips off my heel. I used one set of bands during a 10-hour day.  I compared the used set to the unworn set, and there is no difference in length.  So the good news is, they don't stretch out after at least one wear.  If they hold up for 10 wears (50 cents/wear for 2 sets), I'm happy.  It's possible the bands could break if over stretched. I found them to be fairly resilient.

Clear Shoe Band over same shoe/foot
 Shoe is held in place at the heel by a stretchy clear band that fits over the shoe

These will become an absolute necessity for me. I found with only two sets, I tend to forget to use them unless they are inside the shoes when I put them on.  I don't really notice the need until I am walking at a brisk enough pace to cause my heel to slip.  By that time I am already at work.  I plan to order enough sets of bands to place them inside each pair of shoes that needs them.

Shop clear shoe bands - 2 sets for $10 HERE free 10 day ship from China (I ordered and reviewed these)
Shop shoe bands in clear and solid colors - 2 sets for $12 HERE plus $5 for 1st Class 2-day ship

Shop the obvious dressy alternative to shoe bands HERE.

I know you have all been waiting patiently for photo's of Nefi. See the story of my abandoned Hotot Rabbit HERE.

I allowed her to venture out into the backyard today for the first time. She celebrated with a 180 degree Binky.

Nefi (named after Nefertari 19th Dynasty Egyptian Queen and Royal Wife of Ramses II)

"This is my first time outside since I was rescued. I rubbed my chin on every sprinkler in my territory."

Nefi takes a time out for a manicure 

"Nothing to fear. Every time I checked, the back door was open."

Heishe the Hunter  (still intimidated by this new presence)


"Quiet...I'm huntin' Nefi Wabbit."  

A little backyard predator/prey role reversal

"Shhhhhhh...I'm hunting Heishe scaredy cat."

Left - Nefi and Heishe huddle,  Right - MewTwo looks uninterested


"If we work as a team, we can take MewTwo the Bored."


MewTwo really does look completely bored by the production.


Who will be my 200th follower?


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

Take 1: The Take Action Twins! Plus...The Mompos Dress Meets Kristine Ko!

What are these crazy, gun wielding dames up to in the back of this old limo?  

Am I seeing Double?  Wait a minute!  

These two don't look like twins. 

Is that Anthro's Take Action Dress? 

It appears to be living up to it's name.



Kris and I are wearing Anthro's Take Action Dress by Girls From Savoy - May 2011



One minute they're all Sweetness in Silk!  

The next they're going at it with Weapons.

And now they're friends again!  What gives?

Kris and I are wearing Anthro's Take Action Dress by Girls From Savoy - May 2011

Meet my friend Kris of Kristine Ko Creative Studios. Six weeks ago, we began to conspire on a Project. Kris is much more than a Photographer, she is one of us.  That's right ladies!  She is an Anthro Addict-Aholic. 

Kris was looking for an Anthro Blogger to collaborate on a Photo Shoot.

Would I be interested in working on the Project involving Anthro and a Professional Photographer? 

I think you know the answer to that.

Heck Yes! 

With a bit of luck, some unseasonable cool weather, and awesome friends that live on a beautiful stretch of River, we managed this two gal operation like an entire Team.  



Anthro's Take Action Dress by Girls From Savoy - May 2011

The above images were brought to you by my Olympus SLR, on a tripod, with a remote.

Kris of Kristine Ko Creative Studios in Anthro's Take Action Dress - May 2011

Everything else is the Magic of Kristine Ko and her Pro Canon.

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Styling Courtesy of Kristine Ko

The Mompos Dress - A Plenty by Tracy Reese - Anthro $228 - Mar 2011

Sulky Belt in Blue - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $30 - March 2011

Lass & Laddie Oxfords - by Poetic License - Anthro $98 - Aug 2010

Great and Small Coin Purse in Bee - by Ipa Nima - Anthro Orig $28 Sale $20 - Feb 2010

Present Perfect Necklace - by Tataborello Italy - Anthro Orig $138 Sale $40 - Mar 2009

Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 09

See Bonnie of Small Town Fashionista in her Mompos Photo Shoot HERE

Take 2 from inside and around the House will Post Friday  Here is a Sneak Peek!

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

Please leave a comment for Kris and I.  Which photo is your favorite?  Mine is the Mailbox stroll bye!  Kris and I both love #5.  I like how my Red car snuck into the action. See it next to my left hand?

All Photos are courtesy of Kristine Ko Creative Studios and are the property of Laura Martin. Email for permission to lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com : )

An OOTD Replication! Anthro's Hibiscus and Eggplant Outfit with Lanai Welcome Necklace!

It's just another Manic Monday for this OCD riddled,

Anthro obsessed lunitic, from a No Anthro Zone.

Sunday night was grueling. I labored for an hour over the addition of 4 belt loops to my Marianne Tank. Spent another hour destroying my meticulous closet while attempting a replication of the Hibiscus and Eggplant Outfit from Anthro's June Living Color Outfits. All this after hours of household chores.

No sooner did I complete my replication project, when my boy kitty walks right up to me and gives me a wink. Not because he was impressed with the final results. My baby boy had an eye problem. I called the vet and made an appointment for today. When I checked him out this morning his eye was fine. I think I may have scratched him with a brush. Wow do I feel like a real idiot.




I am very pleased with the final results of the outfit replication. I managed to pull everything I needed to complete the Hibiscus and Eggplant Outfit right out of my closet.

The only necessary item I recently purchased was the...

Marianne Tank - by Girls From Savoy - from Anthro on sale June 2010

I found it necessary to add 4 belt loops to the tank. Wearing a belt higher than waist level is one of my most difficult fit issues. My large rib cage will cause any belt above the waist to slide back down. The bodice of the Marianne Tank ends high. Going without a belt was not figure flattering along with my larger bust. The tank is gathered with a full skirt that resembled a Tutu on me.



I have two Anthropologie belts. Why only TWO? I normally can't pull them off due to the reasons discussed above. I was on a mission to wear this belt after owning it for more than a year. It's stretchy, comfortable and RED.

Outlook Belt - Anthro June 2009

I tried on about 5 skirts from my closet. There were a few from Athleta that almost did the trick. I finally decided on this denim skirt. The same skirt I used in last Monday's restyle of the Spotlights Tank. I am finding this skirt to be very versatile after pretty much ignoring it for a year.

Ruffled Panel Dark Denim Mini - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Summer 2009

I purchased this skirt in my normal size 4. Knowing it ran big. This dropped the high waisted skirt down to rest just above my hips. Lending me some additional needed length and making it far more comfortable to wear.

I adore these Pikolinos. I wear them often. They did need some break in time. They were tight around the big toes. The leather is fairly soft and these awesome shoes stretched out to perfection after just a few wearings.

Stunt Double Booties - by Pikolinos - Anthro on sale May 2010

I rounded the outfit out with a handbag from my favorite London designer. I heart Oral is to say the least. This is an all leather beauty with lots of space inside and two additional outside pockets. One pocket is hand stitched with Bright Pink patent leather shoe string using her well known stems design.

All Leather Holdall (in INK) from AW08 (Autumn Winter Collection) - by Orla Keily of London - perriberri.com on sale March 2009

It was recently pointed out that Anthro has not had any Orla Keily items this year. Take a look at Orla Keily online USA or UK. Great Summer sales right now. There are also lots of online stores that carry Orla Keily. PerriBerri and Garnet Hill have some of the best sale prices.

My outfit topper really pulls my version together. Just my opinion. You might recognize the Lanai Welcome Necklace from Anthro. Now SOLD OUT at the whopping price of $198.

Hopefully I fooled you for a few minutes with this copy. This necklace is from the extraordinary Etsy Shop WahtVeritas. Saraporn, the shop owner and designer, is a wonderful friend that lives and operates her shop from her home country of Thailand. I requested this custom order necklace using a photo of the Lanai Welcome Necklace. Saraporn made this almost exact duplicate at a fraction of the cost. She is a trusted source for real stone jewelry.

Stone Masterpiece Necklace - from Etsy Shop wahtveritas - June 2010

I like the black Onyx beads just as well as the clear quartz beads used in the Anthro version.



Dear wonderful, fabulous Readers of ACC,

Tell me how I did. Please! I want to know what your opinion is. Good or Bad!

Did I accomplish my replication project?

Is my version AS GOOD AS Anthro's Hibiscus and Eggplant Outfit?

NOT AS GOOD? BETTER?

What made it BETTER? When I use an Anthro Oufit I always try to add an improvement?

What made it not as GOOD AS? I always want to improve my styling even when borrowed from Anthro.

Should I have replicated this exactly using the Anthro items and spending far too much money?

CATS ARE AMAZING LITTLE CREATURES!

Heishe's (5 people years in Oct) eye is completely healed. I read on the Internet that a cat's eye injury (like a scratched eyelid) can heal within 12 to 24 hours. This was him last night. I know, he looks unhappy.

He was actually playful and eating treats. But he was also very clingy with me. I still think he came to me and showed me his eye. Thank goodness his eye was completely normal this morning and I was able to cancel my vet appt. and make it to work on time

Sorry for the crappy iPhone image!
Love to you all on this bright beautiful Monday in August, Laura