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)

Sale Picks! Orla Review! Anthro Response!

Woohoo!  I was not expecting a sale today.  It was in the back of my mind naturally.  And of course I checked as I do every Tuesday.  So I was happy to see a few things made sale from my Wish List.  Although I winged it for a few additions.


Drifting Lilies Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $150 - Apr 2011

Leifsdottir's Drifting Lilies Dress SHOP HERE is the Cream of the Crop.  It's very different for me.  I don't normally go for romantic.  My thought is to tone it down with a rugged topper....

 Lengthy Days Vest in Green - by Sanctuary - Anthro Orig  $128 Sale $70 - Apr 2011

 I like the idea.  But I can't be sure about the execution as an outfit.  The dress was not Wish Listed, but the
Lengthy Days Vest SHOP HERE was. I may remove the Vest belt and belt over with one of these...

Curves and Lines Belt - Anthro Orig $54 Sale $30 - Apr 2011.JPG

OR....

Sliver Belt in Green - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011

go for a more colorful choice in Green. Or maybe the softer version that looks Orange, but is described as Pink....

Sliver Belt in Pink - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011

Any one of these belts might work.  All these colors are wonderfully light and Spring ready. I normally have better luck wearing stretch belts like the Curves and Lines SHOP HERE.  But if the Sliver Belts SHOP HERE are soft enough (they do look soft) then they will work just as well.

Remember this Orla Kiely Bag?   We Orla fans were so excited to see OK back at Anthro.  My excitement turned to disappointment when I saw this bag first hand. 

Sustainable Sunflowers Bag - by Orla Kiely -  Anthro $258.jpg

Heidi ordered it.  We poked, prodded and discussed it.  She returned it.  I reviewed it. 

Shop this bag and read my NOT-SO-STELLAR review HERE

While adding my Review I happened to notice this little Miss Albright Satchel sitting on the Side Bar.  It was Wish Listed immediately. 

Bursting Peony Satchel in Green - by Miss Albright -  Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - Apr 2011.JPG

Now maybe it will work for this outfit, maybe not.  I thought it was Yellow, but it turns out the bag is pale Green.  I like the Appliqued Fabric, But I know I had better protect it with something to keep it from picking up dirt.

For the last 3 years I have sufficed with 1 pair of Espadrilles.  See Anthro's Roadways by Bobbi Blu  HERE.  Just the other day I was wearing those with the Mompos Dress.

Anthro's Mompos Dress by T Reese with Roadways by Bobbi Blu

Suddenly I have found myself starving for Espadrilles.  Then I saw Anthro's Lemon Stick Wedges by none other than my favorite Anthro Brand Miss Albright SHOP HERE.  Guess where I saw them first?  On Molly's awesome Blog Anthromollogies.  She paired them with the Mompos Dress. 

I did ask her if it was OK for me to run with her idea.  She approved.

Now back to the subject.

To make a long story short I was compelled to grab at another pair of Espadrilles. This time on sale.



Etruscan Espadrilles - by Bettye Muller - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Apr 2011



I'm thinking the Etruscan Espadrilles by Bette Muller SHOP HERE 

will work very nicely with this outfit.  Don't you?

I received a response from Anthro regarding the Mompos Review Situation. 

Read my email message to Anthro HERE

Here is Anthro Response...



Hi Laura,

Thank you for being such a passionate supporter of Anthropologie. We all enjoy your blog and reading your thoughtful and thorough reviews when you submit them. As you know, our ratings and reviews section is an open forum for customer’s to share their personal experiences with our products. We welcome all opinions but do take the time to read each review prior to posting to ensure they are appropriate. In our experience, we have found that customers can have very different opinions on the exact same item. In regards to these two reviews, they are two customer’s opinions and although they may seem skewed, we cannot remove them as they are within the Review Guidelines and follow the Terms and Conditions we have set for submitting reviews. We appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts on the dress (you looked great in your photos on your blog!) and made us aware of a possible issue with the content on our site.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime regarding any issues you have or see!

Sincerely,

Joannah Holmes

Anthropologie

Don't you just love how Joannah first attempted to smooth my ruffled feathers.  Very apropos!  I would have done the same thing if I were in her shoes and given the responsibility of dealing with me.  Ha-ha!  I think I like this gal.

However, I felt like I was being addressed like a child. Why explain the rules to me? Why repeat issues I had already suggested? I explained there was nothing inappropriate about the review.  I didn't ask for the reviews to be removed. And I didn't say the reviews were skewed.  I said the votes were skewed.   The most important question I asked was not addressed.  So who knows if the system has been compromised by someone using a server that can randomly generate IP Addresses.

Should I now consider Anthro's Review System as possibly compromised and untrustworthy. 

I suppose it's time to rely on the Blogs as I should have been in the first place. 

The big question is...should I continue providing reviews to Anthropologie?

Or should I reserve my energy for my Fellow Bloggers?

Is my Top Ten Ranking really all that important?

What do you think!

Actually don't answer the above questions if you don't wish to.  Here is an alternative discussion.

What did you get from the sale today if anything?  I'd rather hear about that!

SIDE:  I am so sorry I'm behind on blog rounds.  I feel so bad about that, because everyone comes to visit me even when I can't seem to get over to them.  I promise to work harder on that.

Did you notice the other day that my replies to comments were filled with gobbledygook?  Is that HTML code?  That is what happens if I use my Laptop PC from Yahoo mail..  But when I use my iPhone from Yahoo mail it's fine.  But it's also very hard to type on that little keyboard.

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

Dear Anthro................

This issue concerns everyone in the Anthro Community. Please join me by voicing your concern to anthro@anthropologie.com

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