Inspiration That Rocks! And the Winners.................are!

The Winning Inspiration That Rocks Outfit is...

Final votes are tallied on the right side bar

 

Style #3...

Anthro's 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
Anthro's 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
Anthro's Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010
Anthro's Meteorology Necklace - Anthro Gold Filled, Smokey QTZ, Amethyst and Prynite, Orig $128, Sale $50 - July 2008

Inspired by...

Lab Grown Bismuth

Submitted by Keiko of Keiko's TanPoPo. View Entire Post HERE

Keiko and her young daughter are currently in Japan with family!
God Bless Them!

Congratulations Keiko,
It will be my pleasure to send you this one of a kind lovely...



Vintage Tatted Snowflake with Seed Pearls 
Handmade by my Mom Nancy
and turned into a necklace by me

 In honor of Keiko's winning Inspiration That Rocks Mineral, I am wearing my inspired outfit to work today.

You read my Post Title correctly! Winners!

The Runner Up is...

Molded and Melded Tee - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $29 - Oct 2010
Washi Wrap Skirt - by Fei - Anthro Orig $88 Sale $40 - March 2011
Drawn To You Cardi - by Lilka - Anthro Orig $68 Sale $40 - Jan 2011
Sulky Belt in Brown - Anthro $48 - Feb 2011
Striped Tight Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010
Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378, Sale $190 - Apr 2010
Tour De Jewels Necklace - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - March 2011

Style #5...

Inspired by...

Petrified Wood (Fossilized)

Submitted by Karen.  View Entire Post HERE

Karen lives in my Hometown of Bakersfield, CA.

Congratulations Karen,

I happen to have an extra lovely with your name on it...

Vintage Tatted Snowflake
Handmade by my Mom Nancy over 35 yrs ago
and turned into a necklace by me

And...

Thank you to all the Ladies that submitted Inspiration That Rocks Photos I used to create Inspired Oufits from... 

Style #2 Opal - Submitted by Saskia  See Entire Post HERE



My Son Camden took this awesome photo
using River water to capture the Sparkle
in the Opal

 



 

Style #4 Ammolite - Submitted by JG of Stuff Jewish Girls Like - See Entire Post HERE

Another amazing photo taken by Camden - I love how
Anthro's Dissolved Spectrum Cardi captures the shapes and
colors of the Gemstone

Style #6 Labradorite - Submitted by Leanna   See Entire Post HERE



What fun to find this Oilfield Equipment Display of pipes that
 resemble the elongated lath shaped crystal faces in the Labradorite



Below are just a few of the additional Rock and Mineral entries



Lisa of Confessions of a Call Center Gal - Chert
This was next on my Radar!  



Another Submission by Karen - Sandstone?
I made an attempted - my closet defeated me



Terrie of The Anthropological Shopper - Peacock Ore (copper)
One of my favorites

Lori of Lorispeak - Chalcedony

Another attempt - my closet would not cooperate

I took a vacation day yesterday.  I awoke to the sound of crashing waves past my open Lanai.  I leisurely strolled onto my secluded beach, sipping a Mimosa, wrapped in my Silk Anthro Robe to watch the Sun rise....Ahhh!

In My Dreams!

First, I spent 2.5 hrs cleaning my guest bathroom which is also my Son's bathroom.  I drenched it in bleach and scrubbed it from top to bottom.  Washed the shower curtain.  Cleaned the walls.  Even bleached the floor.  Now that he's employed, I've lost a full time live in housekeeper and gained a lot more work than a one thumbed girl can handle.

Next on the agenda! TAXES!  Three hours with Turbo Tax is a piece of cake compared to years past when I spent days wading through Schedules and Forms. 

Woohoo! REFUND!

State of California offered me Ready Return! Forms are prepared online in advance. It's FREE! Problem? I needed to make changes.  But everything relates back to the line number on the Federal Form.  Turbo Tax doesn't work that way. I couldn't make heads or tails of the necessary changes.  I gave up and paid the extra $36 to file State with Turbo Tax.  I saved $20 filing Federal before March 25th.  Total cost $66.  Six dollars up from last year.

Why pay?  Free eFile! I can expect a refund on April 1.

As long as it's fast, convenient and accurate, I don't mind the extra cost.

Are you a Refund Early Bird? Or Pay Later Procrastinator?  What method works best for you?  Paid Tax Preparer? Do it yourself? Paper Forms?  PC or Online Software. 

NEXT POST!  NO ANTHRO ZONE REVIEW:

Modcloth's Enchanting Entomologist Dress by Corey Lynn Calter. I returned Anthro's Magellan and Land of Springs Dresses for this Butterfly Graced Frock.

Anthro Sister Love with Spring Snowflakes, Laura   lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com

Please Vote for Your Favorite Inspiration That Rocks Outfit!

Please vote for One of Five Inspiration That Rocks Outfits

Polling Station is located on the right side bar

Polls Close Monday March 21st at Midnight

The owner of the image used to style the winning outfit will receive a Hand Tatted Vintage Snowflake Necklace (made by my Mom, Nancy, 35 years ago)
Winner to be announced Tuesday March 22nd

Recap

Five Outfits were Styled from Five Reader Submitted Images of a Rock, Mineral, or Fossil 
The image for each style was my choice from a pool of submissions

The challenge was to capture the characteristics of the Rock in an outfit styled from my personal closet.  I occasionally used background in my images to capture characteristics like Color, Shine, Sparkle and Geometric Shapes.

Below is a short recap, with images, and a link to the Full Post for each Outfit.  

Since each outfit posed a set of unique circumstances, the best way to vote would be to read the entire Post for each.  However, I realize that's not possible. I've attempted to capture this information in a short recap I hope will help in deciding your favorite. 

 

 Style #1 - Snowflake Obsidian - Will Not Count

View Full Post HERE

Style #2 - Opal - Submitted by Saskia

View Full Post HERE

RECAP: I was attracted most to the gorgeous sparkling Blues and Greens in Saskia's Opal image. I figured out how to wear the Sea Drift Dress as a Skirt. I accomplished my goal to use background that would provide missing sparkle in the outfit. I love how well the Print in Anthro Spotlights Tank met the need for all the colors in the Opal.

COMMENTS:  I used a small amount of Inspiration along with a heavy load of Logic. This outfit took the most time to work through because of the Dress as a Skirt challenge.  I don't think this is an everyday Style that the average woman would wear.



Saskia's image of Opal





 My Son Camden captured the Opal Sparkle using the Water of the Killer Kern River

Anthro's Spotlights Tank captures the colors of the Opal



Style #3 - Bismuth - Submitted by Keiko of Keiko's TanPoPo

View Full Post HERE

RECAP: Keiko didn't know the identity of the Mineral in the Image. These are lab grown Bismuth Crystals. The credit goes to co-workers Heidi and Andrew for this identification.  This outfit was completely inspired in under 30 minutes. I used ruching on the skirt and shoes to represent the column like crystals. Anthro's Building Blocks Top was the most inspired piece for this entire series.

COMMENTS: I truly felt the Magic of Inspiration take over for this outfit.  I was astounded at how easily I pulled this one together. This outfit is very wearable as an everyday outfit.  Photo day was overcast and cloudy. 



Keiko's Photo of Lab Grown Bismuth Crystals
Check out the columns that resemble winding stairs, pillars, collapsing roofs and twisting picture frames
I was entranced by this image for 15 minutes



Anthro's Building Blocks Top captures Geometric Shapes and Colors



Mirrored Sculpture in Background Captures
Shine Characteristic. Note Column like Ruching on Skirt and Shoes.




Style #4 - Ammolite - Submitted by JG of Stuff Jewish Girls Like

View Full Post HERE

RECAP: JG sent an image that was a partial chunk of a Fossilized Ammonite that was encased in the Gemstone Ammolite.  Heidi and I made several guesses at the ID, but finally had to submit.  JG gave me the name of this rare gemstone. The Waffle Weave Dress and Dissolving Spectrum Cardi captured the texture and colors of this gemstone encased Fossil. I used water for the 2nd time as background to capture shine and translucency.

COMMENTS: I originally styled an outfit from pure logic. It felt like a FAKE.  I spent 2 days recapping the previous styles.  Where had I gone wrong?  I learned you can't force Inspiration.  It can be difficult to find balance for Inspiration and Logic.




JG's image of a Partial Piece of Fossilized Ammonite
encased in the Gemstone Ammolite

 


The Blocky texture of Anthro's Waffle Weave Dress strongly
resembles the lower portion of JG's Ammolite


Ammolite gemstone colors are represented in Anthro's Dissolved Spectrum Cardi

 



Style #5 - Fossilized Wood - Submitted by Karen M.
View Full Post HERE

RECAP:  I attempted to style an outfit from another image that Karen sent me.  I couldn't get the color combination right.  I chose the Fossilized Wood as back-up. I received both the Necklace and the Skirt in the mail from Anthro.  These items were ordered the previous week. When I opened the Anthro delivery I recognized the Tour De Jewels Necklace as my inspired item for the outfit. The Washi Wrap Skirt was also in the box. The top was a sticking point.  I spent at least an hour with 3 different tops attempting to find a coordinating sweater that also worked with the colors of the Fossilized Tree.  I finally settled on the M and M top in Gray.

COMMENTS: Karen is a Reader from my Hometown of Bakersfield CA.  I have never met her. On photo day, I was completely mortified when my Boss and a Fellow Employee stopped  to say hi on the Kern River Weir where I was taking photos. 



Karen's Fossilized Wood Photo



Anthro's Tour De Jewels captures not only the
Flower-Like Detail in the Center of the Fossil
but also the concentric age rings 



I used solid items to capture the Orange, White, and Grays
The Rugged Malted Barley Boots represent the Brown outer ring - Tree Bark?



Style #6 - Labradorite - Submitted by Leana K

View Full Post HERE

RECAP: Two weeks prior to choosing this Mineral I had noticed a strong resemblance between the pleats on Anthro's Draped Denim Dress and the elongated crystal plains that are clearly seen under Labradorescence in the photo of  Labradorite.  This was an easy to identify mineral. I used another item from my closet that had been worn only one other time is 10 months.  Anthro's Parted Petals Cardi captures several shades of Blue.  I used a Vintage Mazer Bros. jewelry set to capture the translucency of the Labradorite.  I had not planned to used background to capture any characteristics, but when I recognized similar Elongated Blue objects in an Oilfield Display, I took the opportunity.

COMMENTS:  I expected this to become easier with each inspired outfit.  That is not the case.  There were times when everything fell into place and luck was on my side.  Other times I wasn't in the right mind to be inspired, or my lack of the right item felt like my my closet worked against me.  I learned to halt what I was doing when I became stressed out by the process. 




Leana's Photo of Labradorite

 





Oilfield Equipment Display at the Kern County Museum captures the Elongated Blue Crystals Seen in Labradorite



I want to thank everyone that has supported this Inspiration That Rocks Challenge.  Without your images and comments I would have never made this Series of Posts a success.

Most of all, Thank You for Your Encouraging Words! 

I had no idea when I started this challenge, where it would lead.  Each outfit posed a unique set of stying difficulties. It was more challenging and even more rewarding than Styling the Yellow Cloud Dress for Fall. See the Recap HERE.  

I discovered that I need to practice using inspiration. Sometimes it comes easily and other times I get nothing.  I learned that I can't force inspiration.  For the first time since I started this blog, I learned to stop and take a time out when I became upset or stressed. I was able to look back at how I used both inspiration and logic to make styling work for me. I enjoyed sharing my experience with all of you. 

Please don't forget to vote! 

I will be back Tuesday to announce the Winner!

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

Inspiration That Rocks! #6 Labradorite!

UPDATE: Should They Stay or Should They Go?

It seems I was hit with the Antho Domino Effect (ADE) by Jen of Vintageglammz.  You see, I clicked everyone's link to their favorite things in the comment section of Jess's Blog "What Jess Likes" .  Who wouldn't want to see everyone's favorite thing?

When I clicked on Jen's link ........I found my new favorite thing.

Try it for yourself by clicking HERE.

Now you know why I had to send Anthro's Magellan Dress and Land of Springs Dress on their merry way.  I will pick them up later on sale.

I'm normally organized to the extent of obsession.  To my dismay, I deleted the email, and along with it the email address, of the owner of today's Inspiration That Rocks Photo.

*****Leana,  Please reply to lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com*****

RECAP

Since I have identified the owner of the image for Style #6, It's time to reveal the identity of all the Ladies behind each exceptional Inspirational Rock, Mineral and Fossil Photo. 

Style 2 - Opal - submitted by Saskia

Style 3 - Bismuth - submitted by Keiko of Keiko's TanPoPo

Style 4 - Ammolite - submitted by JG of Stuff Jewish Girls Like

Style 5 - Fossilized Wood - Submitted by Karen 

Polls will open this Friday March 18th with a complete recap of Style 2-6.  A beautiful Handmade Vintage Tatted Snowflake Necklace (this one has seed pearls) will go to the owner of the Photo used to style the winning outfit.

Style #1 was my example and won't be counted. All scheduled dates and info for Voting and Giveaway at the bottom of a previous Post HERE.

Inspiration That Rocks!  Style #6

Leana's Photo Submission of Labradorite

Labradorite is a feldspar comprised of a silicate mineral. The beautiful colors are a product of a unique light refracting characteristic known as Labradorescence.  Some types of Labradorite are known as moonstone or sunstone.

Draped Denim Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Feb 2011
Parted Petals Cardi - by Field and Flower - Anthro Orig $98 Sale $50 - May 2010
Long Ago Far Away Belt in Blue - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $70 - Feb 2011
Vintage Inspired Peep Toe Platform Pumps - by the Frye Shoe Co - Zappos $170 - Apr 2009
Tripp Laptop Bag in Car Print - by Orla Kiely SS10 - eBay $224 - Apr 2010
Mazer Bros Vintage Necklace and Earrings - Belonged to Grandmother
Clear Bangle - Commemorative Anthro Gift for Maryland Accessory Store - Dec 2010

Two weeks ago, I was attempting to muster inspiration from Rock and Mineral Photos.   It was then I noticed a common pattern and color in both the Labradorite and Anthro's DRAPED DENIM DRESS by Maeve.

Shop Anthro's Draped Denim Dress by Maeve on a 2nd cut HERE.
Since I re-ordered this dress, I was able to pick up a 2nd cut credit.

Elongated Linear 

Blue Crystals in the photo 

of  Labradorite

Elongated Linear Blue

Pleats on the skirt

 of Anthro's Dress

When the rest of the outfit didn't materialize as easily, I filed this new found info away in my neatly organized brain (ha-ha) for future consideration.

Kern County Museum Oilfield Equipment Display at Pioneer Village in Bakersfield CA

Elongated Linear Blue Pipes!

When I started Inspiration That Rocks 5 weeks ago, I had this crazy idea to include background that contains inspired characteristics. In the above photo, it's easy to see the common elongated pattern and color in the Oilfield Equipment Display?

 I couldn't have been happier if I had a 3 foot slab of Labradorite behind me

Parted Petals Cardi - by Field and Flower - Anthro Orig $98 Sale $50 - May 2010

A few days ago, the DRAPED DENIM DRESS arrived as a re-order in an XS. Now was the time to further investigate the possibilities.  

I quickly zoned in on Anthro's PARTED PETALS CARDI by Field and Flower.  I've worn this Cardi once in 10 months. Why?  It looks best buttoned, but tends to ride up above my chest.  You can see a noticeable wrinkle in almost every photo. Those are the times I forgot to pull the sides down.  I just don't find it very flattering on BUSTY ME.  Cute yes!

What is obvious in the Cardi, is the Blue Color Palette.  I know this doesn't compare to the gorgeous translucent quality of the Labradorescense in the Mineral. Perhaps I will find an accessory that has this characteristic.

The rest of the outfit is more logical than it is inspired.

Anthro's LONG AGO FAR AWAY BELT. 

You really must click on the Blue link to fully appreciate the belt.  The best part is hidden under the Cardi. I picked the belt up on second cut.  From $298 down to $70.  Woohoo!

Tripp Laptop Bag in Car Print - by Orla Kiely SS10 - eBay $224 - Apr 2010
Vintage Inspired Peep Toe Platform Pumps - by the Frye Shoe Co - Zappos $170 - Apr 2009
Clear Bangle - Commemorative Anthro Gift for Maryland Accessory Store - Dec 2010

More Fandangles and Fixations...

TRIPP LAPTOP BAG IN CAR PRINT by Orla Kiely

VINTAGE INSPIRED PEEP TOE PUMPS by Frye

ANTHRO COMMEMORATIVE BANGLE

1940's Art Deco Set by Mazer Bros  - Belonged to Grandmother

This qualifies as the promised translucent accessory!

MAZER BROS circa 1940's Art Deco rhodium-plated necklace of alternating emerald-cut and square rhinestones with ornate fold-over clasp set with clear round and baguette rhinestones. Phew!

The stones are glass or what is commonly referred to as PASTE. 

Don't forget to come back Friday and vote for your favorite Inspiration That Rocks Outfit!

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

Inspiration That Rocks! Style #5 - Petrified Wood!



Petrified Wood - Arizona


This weeks Inspiration That Rocks Outfit is brought to you by Petrified Wood. 

Petrified Wood is the fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation, or the result of a tree having turned completely into stone by the process of permineralization. All the organic materials have been replaced with minerals while retaining the original structure of the wood.




Reader Submitted Petrified Wood Photo

 
This photo was sent by a Reader that has submitted a photo every week since this Series began. She is also from my home town of Bakersfield CA. I applaud her for her dedication.

Molded and Melded Tee - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $29 - Oct 2010
Washi Wrap Skirt - by Fei - Anthro Orig $88 Sale $40 - March 2011
Sulky Belt in Brown - Anthro $48 - Feb 2011
Tour De Jewels Necklace - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - March 2011

 The first item I chose for this outfit was inspired by the impression of what looks like a flower in the very center of the slice of Petrified Wood.  This is the heart of the tree from which concentric growth rings form. Think concentric growth rings...

All the above inspiration was captured by Anthro's TOUR DE JEWELS NECKLACE.  The next piece to fall into place was the WASHI WRAP SKIRT by Fei.  Both the Necklace and Skirt were purchased during last Wednesday's Anthro Sale. I had no idea when I ordered these from last weeks Anthro's sale, they would become inspired items for this weeks Outfit.

Shop Anthro's WASHI WRAP SKIRT on sale HERE.
The TOUR DE JEWELS NECKLACE sold out the same day.

Here I am on the Kern River Weir prancing about taking photos of myself.  Of course to me and you, I'm simply having fun photographing an outfit.  But to everyone else on that bridge, I'm an egotistical maniac. So, down the bridge on bikes comes one of the Big Bosses and an old friend and colleague, Thanh.  To my dismay, they saw me and stopped! I was mortified!

I explained that I was dressed like Petrified Wood.  Do you think they understood what I meant? 
 
Doubtfull!

Everything that comes by way of  Inspiration is quick and easy.  Everything else is time consuming LOGIC.  In a nut shell, the rest of the outfit slowly came together in a series of short styling sessions.  The most difficult piece was the top.  I only have two Grey tops.  I went back and forth between them along with an Ivory Tank.  Finally deciding on THE MOLDED AND MELDED TEE.

 


Molded and Melded Tee - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $29 - Oct 2010
Washi Wrap Skirt - by Fei - Anthro Orig $88 Sale $40 - March 2011
Drawn To You Cardi - by Lilka - Anthro Orig $68 Sale $40 - Jan 2011
Sulky Belt in Brown - Anthro $48 - Feb 2011
Striped Tight Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010
Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378, Sale $190  - Apr 2010
Tour De Jewels Necklace - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - March 2011

The Golden Brown SULKY BELT compliments the Dark Orange Skirt and Grey M and M Top.  This Belt sold out online a few weeks ago.  I ordered it from a Store. And that color just happened to be a perfect match to the MALTED MARLEY BOOTS by Area Forte. I honestly thought the STRIPED TIGHTS in Red (actually pinkish-orange) would be too much Orange below the skirt.  But the fact is they tie the Skirt to the Boots smoothly. I've worn this combination of Boots and Tights before HERE.

 



Striped Tight Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010
Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378, Sale $190 - From Oct 2009 Hidden Catalog Stock - Apr 2010

The last and final item was a struggle to match with any of the three tops I tried.  In attempting to stay in step with the Season, I wanted to include a Jacket, Sweater or Cardi, despite the fact that it was a balmy 70 degrees on the Weir.  In addition, I felt the need to round out the color scheme with White or Ivory from the Petrified Wood.  I finally hit on the DRAWN TO YOU CARDI by Lilka.

 

That's a wrap for Inspiration That Rocks STYLE #5 for Petrified Wood. 

If you are a new arrival for this Inspirational Series, you can view the previous Rock and Mineral Inspired Outfits below.

Style #4 - Ammolite (Fossilized Ammonites)

Style #3 - Bismuth

Style #2 - Opal

Style #1 - Snowflake Obsidian

If you would like to submit a photo for the final post please see Guidelines and Information for Photo Submission and Giveaway at the bottom of a Post HERE.

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