Won! Lost! Found!

What I won...

One Voluminous Scarf Necklace compliments of ...Anthromollogies.

There may be countless ways to wear one infinite loop scarf, fully equipped with it's own string of beads, by Mickey London (with a backwards capital D)  Below are two of my favorites.

Voluminous Scarf Necklace by Mickey London
Sarmiento Pane Tee by Yoana Baraschi on sale HERE

Thank you Molly.  I'm honored to have won your first giveaway to celebrate your one year blogiversary.

What I lost...

I lost my Bejeweled Bee Ring. Scatter brained me couldn't remember when, where, or how such a calamity came to be. I thought about all the hidden nooks and crannies where it could reside for an eternity. I ransacked my closet, dug through every pocket, handbag, drawer, and yes even the car.  I know, it's just a piece of costume jewelry. OK!  So I'm a control freak. I don't just lose track of stuff.

Photo by Kristine Ko of KK Creative Studios

What I found...

When my ring didn't turn up, I began to consider a replacement. My yellow/black version was sold out everywhere. The yellow/white just wasn't the same.  KJL's new bee designs resembled a fly more than a bee. No, no, no!  One evening I stumbled upon one lone ring on Amazon.  As I placed the order, I thought...what were the odds I would find Ring #1 now?

Ring #2 arrived absolutely perfect.  I placed it in the same spot where Ring #1 always sat. There it remained for a week before I decided to wear it. What was I waiting for...Ring #1 to buzz my head proclaiming here I am?

Ring #2

Kenneth Jay Lane Hand Enameled, 22K Gold, Swarovski Crystal Bee Ring - Amazon - $108 - Feb 2012

As I walked past the front desk wearing brand new Ring #2, it suddenly occurred to me to ask if a ring just like this one was found. POW!

Ring #1

Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Jay Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 2009

Imagine my disbelief when the receptionist began rummaging through a desk drawer and seconds later pulls out Ring #1.  NO Way?

When Ring #1 was turned in months ago, an email was sent out that described the ring as....well a ring that was found in the bathroom. To add to the confusion my ring may have been found and turned in before I knew it was missing. Huh! I vaguely recall the email and thought nothing of it. As far as I knew, I wasn't missing a ring. Besides, there was no mention of a rather large Bee. So much time passed since the ring was turned in, the receptionist couldn't remember when or who turned it in.  It was found on the floor in a corner of the ladies room.  It may have been there for weeks.

I doubt I would have thought to ask about Ring #1 , if I hadn't been wearing Ring #2 like a reminder around my finger...Duh!

I was charmed for the rest of the day. Hope and inspiration continue to linger through the week.

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

No Anthro Zone Review: Tupelo Dress by Maple with Nightshades Heels by Chie Mihara

Anthropologie's Tupelo Dress admired by Heishe
Maple - $168 - August 2011

This must be an exceptional dress to attract the admiration of Heishe.  Really though, what he is trying to tell me is, he needs a good scratch (he hates to be brushed) and some kitty treats.

See Heishe admire the Mompos Dress HERE and the Powdered Pigment Dress HERE

two Tracy Reese Dresses that Heishe found fascinating

NO ANTHRO ZONE REVIEW - The Tupelo Dress by Maple $168 

Shop the Tupelo Dress HERE

Who doesn't love Cobalt Blue Silk and a Ruched Sweet Heart Neckline?  The urge to splurge was made even stronger when combined with Anthro's Free Shipping and Return Promo through September.  I'm not feeling as left out while stuck in My No Anthro Zone.

Anthropologie's Tupelo Dress  - by Maple - $168 - August 2011

If you guessed that my hair is a mess and I'm not wearing make-up, you are absolutely correct.

SIZE: I'm normally a 6 on top and a 4 on the bottom. Most size 6 dresses will fit great through the chest, but run large through the waist and hips. I'm a 34C to D, 5'5" Tall, 130 lbs, 35-28-36, narrow from shoulder to shoulder. I ordered a size 4 from online.  It was Bonnie's review (Small Town Fashionista) of the Tupelo Dress that helped make the correct sizing decision.

FIT: The elastic back panel makes it possible to size down to a 4 to fit my smaller lower half, and still have the space and comfort of a 6 on top. The hemline hits at the knee. The waist is slightly high. Nothing a belt can't solve in Gold, Bright Orange, Red, Brown, or Navy to Blend. I usually wear a Full Coverage Bra, plus my shoulders are narrow so bra straps show at the neckline and in back. For work I will wear a Cardi, or try one of Anthro's Seamless Reversible Tanks under the dress.

Many online Reviewers had the same bra strap issues.  Many did not.  I assume it depends on the style of bra you wear, or if you are narrow across the shoulders as I am.  I plan to purchase a Demi Bra and give that a try.  I don't own one since I find that the girls tend to fall out the front.

FABRIC: 100% Silk Shell. Dry Clean. I didn't find the Silk to look or feel cheap.  The Bold, Colorful Print is flawless. The dress is fully lined in Poly, which helps keep the price of the dress down. I'm a firm believer in wearing thin shorts under my dresses in the Summer.  The shorts land a few inches above my knee, keep my legs from the sticking together, keep me dry and comfortable, while protecting my dresses from perspiration stains.  Which in turn keeps the dry cleaning bill almost nil.

Shop my Modcloth shorts HERE
Available in Four Colors
Ivory and Black are Out of Stock

Pockets are a plus. The dress was covered with wrinkles that didn't easily press out. My short arms didn't have a problem with the side zip. I easily slipped the dress over my head with the back hooked.

Style year round. Dress up or down. Evening out or to Work with a Cardi. Flat Sandals for Spring/Summer. Tights with Brown Boots in Fall/ Winter.

No Anthro Zone Review - The Nightshade Heels by Chie Mihara in Navy $438 - Gulp!!!!!!!!!!

The Nightshades Heels are Out Of Stock at Anthro.  Ped Shoes has the Navy version along with Red, for the same price HERE.

I've already protected the Suede on my newest insane infatuation. When the Nightshades appeared, they were immediately Wish Listed. When I later turned attention to my Fall shoe needs, I discovered my dream shoe in Navy was Sold Out.

Along came Miss Albrights Lake and Land Heels.  An alternatice to the Nightshades that would satisfy a need for Navy. The Lake and Land Heels arrived and were perfect. Then the unthinkable dilemma occurred. Later that night, the Nightshades popped back into my Wish List.

The answer was obvious...I was about to blow my entire Budget on the Nightshades, and return the Lake and Land Heels to offset the cost.  A mighty good deal all around.

SIZE: Most of my open toed Chie's are 38.  Anthro suggested sizing up one 1/2 size. Cheers to Anthro for getting that right. As luck would have it, the Pop Back was a 38.5.  It was a sign that I was meant to have them.  I could have ordered them from Ped Shoes.  But I did recently commit to shop Anthro exclusively, whenever possible?

The Gleaming Pillars Bracelet in Purple - by Kenneth Jay lane - Anthro Orig $199 Sale $20 - Aug 201 

I love my Bejeweled Bee Ring by Kenneth Lane.  Imagine my surprise to discover the Gleaming Pillars Bracelet is by one in the same.  The original price was an unthinkable $198.  I realized the other day that the Bracelet came out in the August 2010 Catalog.  This has been waiting in my Wish List for over a year.  I picked it up for the bargain 3rd cut price of $20.  Granted it's resin, and the gold paint scratches, and it's held together with stretch cord.  It's also super comfortable and totally eye catching.  Wish I had all three colors.

I had to throw this in somewhere.  The Gleaming Pillars is Sold Out.  You can stalk the Product Page HERE.

Back to the Nightshades....



INCIDENTALS: Everything you expect from Chie Mihara. Designed with comfort and style first. Padded foot bed. Spacious Toe Box. The softest leather and suede lining. Finished on the bottom with Non-Skid soles. Enough heel height to give a boost, while allowing maximum comfort from a hidden platform.

SUEDE: Soft, rich, and of the highest quality imaginable. The color is Black in Bright Sunlight. In low light Navy, or even Dark Teal.

DETAIL: Petals of Leather reminiscent of Calla Lilies. At the center a snippet of round leather cord, textured in Shimmering Blue.

Anthro's Nightshades by Chie Mihara - Teapot and Cups imprinted on onsole - Aug 2011

But wait...an unexpected surprise adorns the foot bed! What's this? A redesigned insole?  The Leather has been imprinted with....hold it.... Vintage Tea Pots and Coffee Cups.

For the moment, my shoe collection was complete. Then Anthro struck again with the Bowed Lacerta Mary Janes by Miss Albright. I'll have no Fall Dress money left at this rate.

In my opinion, this item fairly reflects the higher price tag.  As a responsible, gainfully employed, single woman, with no back taxes or credit card debt, I am therefore able and willing to pay such a price!

This last message was brought to you because a few individuals that have designated themselves the shopping police.  You know who you are.

Just one more Anthro Sale item to gloat over, I mean discuss with you.

The Quazar Necklace - by Gilda Grey - Anthro orig $398 Sale $100

The Quazar Necklace by Gilda Grey didn't make it to my Wish List until I discovered that it wasn't selling at the $200 price tag on 1st cut.  When it made 2nd cut to $100 I made off with it.  Now Sold Out. You can stalk the Page for Pop Backs HERE.


This necklace is Enchanting.  The work of Sorcery and Wizards. The design is intricate, pretty, and eye catching without making an "in your face" statement.  Reminiscent of drawings made on a Spirograph. If you are old enough to remember the plates and wheels drawing kit.  The Necklace is light weight, comfortable, perfectly proportioned, and fuss free.

The color combination is versatile and will easily style year round.

The style is similar to Steam Punk Jewelry (examples HERE) only delicate.  Usually made from bits and pieces of discarded machinery and metal.  Not something that has ever appealed to me until now.

How about those crazy 2nd and 3rd cuts?  Do you like them?  Or do you normally tend to stay clear of those reductions, believing the item must not be worth attention?  Sometimes that is completely true.


If you are a blogger:  Have you received any comments meant to ridicule lately?  It appears that stupidity and petty jealously are on the rise.


Anthro Sister Love Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Anthropologie Lost and Found - The Vaguely Familiar

Anthro lost and found...

The inspiration for this post was induced by several of my own recent posts.  Lately I have discovered many long ago sold out Anthropologie items elsewhere.  I thought I would share a few of them with you.

Butterfly Cuff - Anthropologie name unknown 2008 - by Jessica Kagan Cushman

I am wearing it here.

You can purchase this bracelet for $170 from Max and Chloe here.

Mountain Laurel Necklace - by Lavish - Sold Out -  Anthro orig $158 - Jan 2009

I am wearing it here.

You can purchase one similar by Lavish for $169 here. 

Ephemera Necklace -  by DeJarnette - Sold Out - Anthro orig $128 - Jan 2009

You can purchase this necklace for $124 here.

Also an affordable single strand for $58 by DeJarnette here. 

Not worn in an OOTD yet.

Tree of Life Necklace -  by Nakamol - Sold Out - Anthro orig $68 - Oct 2008
I am wearing it here.
You can purchase this Necklace by Nakamol for $68 here.

 Other Worlds Kaleidoscope - by Sea Parrot (Oct 2009 Catalog pg 7) 

 Anthro orig $368, on sale $200 - March 2010 

These are collectors items hand crafted by a husband and wife team  in my home state.  Kennebunkport, Maine. I gifted this rare Anthropologie sale find to my Mother for Mother's Day.  A co-worker was so taken by the Kaleidoscope he immediately ordered one for his Mother direct from Sea Parrot. I couldn't find these beautifully crafted works of art anywhere on sale.  

You can purchase the same style known as Traditions here.

Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro orig $105, sale $70 - July 2009

I am wearing it here.

You can purchase the same ring for $120 from Macy's here.

Remember the Crackled Bluewings Cuff? March 2010 Catalog. Anthro orig $68, sale $40, Jun 2010.

Reviewers commented that the cuff was too heavy to wear.

When it went on sale, I ordered one, de-constructed it, and then reviewed it.

It immediately sold out.

Not worn in an OOTD yet.

It wasn't until recently that I realized the Cuff was designed by Nakamol.

When I visited her website, I found a ring that resembles the cuff design with one bloom.  No sign of the 3 bloom cuff.

You can purchase the ring for $18  here.

Review as GeoInCalifornia

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Ladies! Break out the Wire Cutters!, Date: May 12, 2010 By GeoInCalifornia from Anthro Starved Bakersfield, CA

Aesthetic/design: 5 out of 5

Quality: 5 out of 5

Pros: gorgeous natural stone, nothing else until I got done with it
Cons: requires some wire snipping"As is, this bracelet deserves ONE STAR. But when I got through with it, I scored it a FIVE. I gave the FIVE STAR rating hoping to attract attention.

The Bracelet is much too BIG! EXTREMELY HEAVY! But very gorgeous. I have a 6" wrist and it fits perfectly. But there is no way I can wear this bracelet for more than a few minutes with the weight of all three blooms.

IF YOU want to make this work...prepare for extreme surgery. My friend and I have come up with a simple and quick method to salvage the bracelet. All you need are a pair of wire cutters. But once you snip you can't return, so be sure this is what you are prepared to do.

1. You are going to remove the side blooms and wear the bracelet with one bloom in the middle. Then you can make two necklaces out of the blooms. Keep one necklace for yourself, and give one as a gift.

2. Before you cut with the wire cutters, bend the bracelet back to the flat position it was shipped in. Make sure you cut only the fine wires that hold the stone blooms on the bracelet. The blooms themselves are wrapped together with heavier wire. Don't cut those. Make as many cuts as you need to pull off the two end Blooms from the base bracelet. This is easily done in just a few minutes.

4. Once you have removed the two end blooms, easily bend the bracelet to fit your wrist. The hardest part was hooking the Lobster Claw to the chain. The bracelet will have a tendency to roll because the bloom is so heavy. I pushed it up my arm and it stays very well.

5. You might need a pair of small needle nose pliers to unwrap the wire from the blooms that you cut off the bracelet. Find some cording, leather, or a chain and hang the extra bloom for a fabulous necklace.

It's too bad such extreme measures had to be used to produce a wearable result. I wonder who designed THIS TRAGIC but beautiful mess."

5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Remember the recently Sold Out Lanai Welcome Necklace?

This is an Etsy Copy of the Lanai Welcome.

You can find the shop name to order this necklace and see me wearing it here.

Vaguely familiar current Anthro items...

Shell Spiral Ring - by Aprosio and Co. of Italy - Anthro orig $178, on sale $80 -  July 2009
Not worn in an OOTD yet.

This isn't one of my favorites.  I was surprised Anthro recently brought this piece back in a pair.

You can see the overpriced set of SNAIL SHELLS for $238  here.

Stone Garden Necklace - designer not indicated - Nakamol?
I am wearing it here.
Anthro orig $178 - Sold Out Dec 2009

This is obviously Nakamol.  Although my necklace does not have a designer tag.

There are so many of these on the Anthro site I probably missed a few.  They are beginning to look a like to me.  Which decreases their value and makes them not so special.

See more examples of Nakamol necklaces here,


See more examples of Lavish Jewelry here.

I could go on and on. But I think you see my point.  I used to believe once a beloved treasure was gone, it was gone.  Now I know that is not always the case.  These were just a few of my own examples.

Do you have a story about a lost treasure (doesn't have to be Anthro) that you missed, searched for, then found? Why did it get away?  I usually miss out because I am short of funds. Did you search or find it by accident. Did someone else find it for you? Are you still looking for it?

I am still looking for...

Sea Star Ring - July 2009

Anthro cancelled my order twice  - OUCH!

I would love to hear your story.  Please write me a comment or send me an email.  Include a photo of you with your prized treasure.

Or leave me a comment about anything at all.

I will post your Lost and Found story.

Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com