No Anthro Zone Review and OOTD! I'm a Take Action Kind of Gal!

I was shocked to discover The Take Action Dress had completely sold out online in my size. Did I expect this dress to make sale?  Honestly?  Yes!

I immediately put out an APB for a size Four.  It was AimeeH that came through with a Dress for me. I owe you a huge thank you Aimee.  This quote is a favorite of my Mother's, "You will receive Rubies and Diamonds in Heaven."

Take Action Dress - by Girls From Savoy - Anthro $168 - April 2011
High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro $28 - Apr 2011
UO Lace Crochet Tights in Ivory - Urban Outfitters $14 - Nov 2008
Quelusia Heels in Purple - by Re-Mix Vintage Footwear - Anthro Orig $228, Sale $100 - July 2008
Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 09 - 22K gold, enamel and Swarovski Crystals
Plum Grove Necklace - Quartz and Jade - Anthro $50 -  Jan 2009

No Anthro Zone Review:  The Take Action Dress - by Girls of Savoy - $168  (sold out in most sizes)
This is one of those classic, timeless Anthro Dresses that keeps me tuned in. Perfect for work with a Cardi. Great for a party with heels. Slap on flats for a day of shopping. Done right, this is not your average dress.



Anthro's Take Action Dress - by Girls of Savoy - $168 - April 2011



SIZE: Since I'm on the busty side, I went with my normal size 4. According to most reviews you may be able to size down. Particularly if you are not well endowed. I'm 5'5" Tall, 130 lbs, 35-28-36, 34C to D. 

FIT: The Gathered waistband is 2 inches above my natural waist. But is flattering since the gathering runs the sides and back only. The length is just above my knees. My bra straps show from the back. Nothing a halter style bra can't handle. The arm holes are not too long. I don't really see the bunching some online reviewers mention.

Take Action Dress - by Girls From Savoy - Anthro $168 - April 2011
UO Lace Crochet Tights in Ivory - Urban Outfitters $14 - Nov 2008
Quelusia Heels in Purple - by Re-Mix Vintage Footwear - Anthro Orig $228, Sale $100 - July 2008
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 09 - 22K gold, enamel and Swarovski Crystals



WHAT I LOVE MOST...is the Turquoise Silk Dotted with Green-Yellow Polkas. The Gathered waist runs the back and sides, not the front. A very well thought out detail. Fully lined in Turquoise Poly with Yellow Trim. The neckline pleats nicely frame a pendant necklace.

Take Action Dress - by Girls From Savoy - Anthro $168 - April 2011
Blinded by Beauty Cardigan - Modcloth Orig $55 Sale $16 - Feb 2011
Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 09 - 22K gold, enamel and Swarovski Crystals
Plum Grove Necklace - Quartz and Jade - Anthro $50 -  Jan 2009

WHAT I MISS MOST...are Pockets.



Take Action Dress - by Girls From Savoy - Anthro $168 - April 2011
Blinded by Beauty Cardigan - Modcloth Orig $55 Sale $16 - Feb 2011
High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro $28 - Apr 2011
UO Lace Crochet Tights in Ivory - Urban Outfitters $14 - Nov 2008
Quelusia Heels in Purple - by Re-Mix Vintage Footwear - Anthro Orig $228, Sale $100 - July 2008
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 09 - 22K gold, enamel and Swarovski Crystals
Plum Grove Necklace - Quartz and Jade - Anthro $50 -  Jan 2009


Styling for Spring was a challenge. Sure you can wear yellow accessories, but a good dress should style at least 3 ways especially if purchased at Full Price. I spiced up the Turquoise and Yellow with Purple.

Recommended Full 5 stars. Some can size down. TTS for Busty Gals. Waistband is high but flattering. May require a halter style bra.

One of the covered buttons at the waist came apart while I was wearing this yesterday. Thankfully, my dress came with extra buttons.  I'm not sure if it was because of the belt.  I sewed on the extra and was able to repair the button with glue.

See additional Blog Reviews for the Take Action Dress....

Kim of Anthroholic HERE

Roxy of EA HERE

Sara of You Me and Anthropologie HERE

and Lori of Lorispeak HERE

See lovely ladies wearing the Take Action Dress....

Lisa of C of a CC Girl HERE

Jen of Vintageglammz HERE

Anjali of Goldenmeans HERE

Lyzi of Lyziology HERE

from Anthropologiesque HERE

See styling options for the Take Action Dress....

from S of the Delightful Find HERE

from Dajana of All Kinds of Lovely HERE

So many reviews, OOTD's and styling options are available for this dress.  I probably could have skipped todays review.

No sale today!  A little bird told me to keep my eyes glued to Effortless Anthropologie.  Something larger than usual is expected this week.

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

Congratulations to Style #1 - Loraine of Sweet Anthro Dreams

The polls are closed  The votes counted.  And I actually didn't vote.  I was torn! 

The winner of the $25 Anthro Gift Certificate for Style GeoInCalifornia for Spring Contest is ...

Style #1

by Loraine

of Sweet Anthro Dreams Blog.

For The Lovely Laura Of Anthro Closet Chaos by Lorainedana featuring

stud earrings

Anthropologie shoes,

Metal bracelet,

Juicy Couture stud earring,

MAC Nail Lacquer,

Blacksmith Blossom Chair,

Orla Kiely | UK | house | kitchen,

STYLE #1 by Loraine
Anthro's Wye Valley Dress by Maeve
and Jemima Shrunken Cardi by Sparrow
Anthro's Lapilli Bracelet by Gerard Yosca
Orla Kiely's Patterns book
Anthro's Peeking Pleats Bag by Tano
Anthro's Blushing Mercury Heels by Chie Mihara
Red Enameled Tulip Posts by Juicy Couture from Zappos

Loraine included a very special item in her Polyvore.  The Orla Kiely mug placed under the chair.  The addition was a surprising element that added a personal touch to her outfit.  I had planned to use the mug in my photo's but left it on my desk at work.  I used Orla Kiely's Patterns Book as a substitute.

Loraine also found the adorable Red Enameled Tulip Posts by Juicy Couture.  I loved this addition so much that I purchased the tiny paved Tulips from Zappos. I tried to take a photo of the posts, but they are about a 1/4" wide.  Thank you for styling me Loraine.

Thank you to all the lovely ladies that submitted Styles for this Readers Challenge.  You are welcome to view all 13 Styles again to find out the identity of each of the lovely Gals who styled them. I also left a personal message and thank you for each.

Click to see who Styled GeoInCalifornia for Spring

I would like to give special recognition to two particular styles that were my favorites.  I thought both of these ladies went at this challenge in a unique way.

Style #7

by Jess

of  What Jess Likes Blog

Style #7 by Jess 
Anthro's Wye Valley Dress by Maeve
and Jemima Shrunken Cardi by Sparrow
Anthro's Needlework T Straps by Chie Mihara -
Orla Kiely Shiny Leather Caraway Bag in Mauve
Anthro's Tree Rose Cuff in Lime
Anthro's Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade

The color Mauve was both a surprise and a unique choice by Jess.  She perfectly paired two of my very favorite designers together. Anthro's Needlework T Straps by Chie Mihara's and the Shiny Leather Caraway Bag by Orla Kiely. You can bet I will wear this combo again in the future.

Style #13

by Keiko

of Keiko's TanPoPo

Style #13 by Keiko
Anthro's Wye Valley Dress by Maeve
and Jemima Shrunken Cardi by Sparrow 
Orla Kiely Patent Leather Ivy Bag
B Makowsky Sasha Pumps
Anthro's Little Larson Posts

Keiko calls this her Spicy look for the very Girl-y Wye Valley Dress. At first I thought no, no, no.  But after I tried the outfit on, I thought yes, yes, yes.  Maybe not for me, but certainly for someone younger.

I also want to share two Polyvores.

Style #9

by Lori of

Lorispeak Blog

For Laura's Wye Valley Dress by Lorispeak featuring

Wye Valley Dress - Anthropologie.com

Tano bag

Jemima Shrunken Cardi used - by Moth Jan 2008 Cat - Anthro Orig $88

Laura's Closet

Laura's Closet

Dotty Cluster tights Eloise

Laura's Closet

Lori knows how to use Polyvore Clippers.  If I could figure out how to get all my Virtual Closet Items into my Polyvore Account easily I would ditch Shutterfly altogether.

Style #6

byLeana K of
Engineer + Geek Tie the Knot

 

Style Anthro Closet Chaos by leanakk featuring

Re-Mix Vintage platform shoes

New Arrivals - Clothes - Anthropologie.com

Sweater

Flower earring

Wye Valley Dress

Anthropologie - Peeking Pleats Bag customer reviews - product reviews...

My biggest fear happened. After seeing Leana's Polyvore, I realized that I used the wrong bracelet in her Styling.  I must have looked at the wrong slide in my virtual closet.  I used the links to my closet to itemize the set.  A smarter gal would have used the Polyvore.  My apologies Leana.

Leana needs to branch out into a Style Blog.

Next on Anthro Closet Chaos!  "A Dress to Giveaway"

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

Please Vote! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!  The temperature will soar to a scorching hot 95 degree F in Bakersfield CA today.  It's only temporary. By Monday it will drop 20 degrees. Again, only temporary. Soon it will be well over 100 degrees every day. 

This weeks outfit photos can be viewed HERE.  My newest dress love is the Verdant Slip Dress by Moulinette Soeurs. This dress is an easy TTS fit.  Made perfect by the elastic back panel.

Shop the Verdant Slip Dress HERE.  Anthro has two more just like it HERE and HERE.

Anthro's Earthly Delights Cardi by Sparrow, with A-Bit-Unruly Top by Deletta, Cotton Cargo Skirt by Idra, Sulky Belt, White Sands Wedges by Argila, and Faceted Carnelian w Sterling 4X Leather Wrap by Etsy Shop Rowdy Wear

My readers have styled Anthro's Wye Valley Dress and Jemima Shrunken Cardi with Shoes, Handbags and Accessories from my Virtual Closet.  Above this post you will find a tab that will link you to photos for all 13 Styles. See me pointing up to the tab named Style GeoInCalifornia?  Or you may click HERE.
Please choose one Style as your favorite, then return here to vote.  Polling Station is located at the top right.  Here I am pointing to the right side bar.



Anthro's Earthly Delights Cardi by Sparrow, with A-Bit-Unruly Top by Deletta, Cotton Cargo Skirt by Idra, Sulky Belt, White Sands Wedges by Argila, and Faceted Carnelian w Sterling 4X Leather Wrap by Etsy Shop Rowdy Wear

 The winner will receive a $25 Anthro Gift Card.  But you must vote today.  Polls close at midnight tonight.

Thank you for voting. May the Best Style GeoInCalifornia Win! 

Antho Sister Love a Hot Day, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Style GeoInCalifornia - ACC Readers Style the Wye Valley Dress

Happy Monday.  The Heat Is On.  The news declares Temps will reach almost 90 degrees F. 

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I present to you all 13 Style GeoInCalifornia Submissions.  

Please read all the information below.  There is a link that will direct you to a share site with all the photos.  Once you have seen all the styles, then return to this location and vote at the Polling Station on the right.


Note to Submitters:  Spring has sprung well into the 80's in Bakersfield CA.  Please forgive me for not wearing your suggested tights. 


If your submission is Style #2, please reply back to me at lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com with your email address.  I have your first name only.  No forwarding email has been set for Intense Debate.

Style #1
Anthro's Wye Valley Dress with Jemima Shrunken Cardi
Anthro's Blushing Mercury Heels by Chie Mihara
Anthro's Peeking Pleats Bag by Tano
Anthro's Lapilli Bracelet in Yellow by Gerard Yosca of NY
 Red Tulip Stud Earrings by Juicy Couture

What is this Reader Challenge all about?

I challenged Readers to style Spring outfits for Anthro's Wye Valley Dress and Jemima Shrunken Cardi (Jan 2009 Catalog) using items from my Virtual Closet.  In return, the Submission that is voted the best Style will received a $25 Anthropologie Gift Certificate. 

In order to make this work, I used 4 images for each Style.  The last is a Product Shot of the difficult to capture earrings.  Yours truly had no help what so ever for this gargantuan project.  I am model, photog, wardrobe, director, and editor in chief.    

I took close to 200 photos in about 5 hours on Saturday.  I used a tripod, and a point and shoot Kodak with 10 second 2 shot timer. My worst moment was when my camera batteries went dead between the last two outfit changes.  While I was changing the batteries, the sprinkler system came on. My tripod and camera were right in the middle of the yard. Whack me on the head!  I made a beeline to the off switch for the sprinklers. Thankfully nothing was damaged, but if I look distressed in Style #13, it's because I was.

Weeks ago I concluded that Blogger Editor could not handle the massive Post that this project might produce. How did I solve this problem?  I created a brand new share site called Style GeoInCalifornia.

Once you have opened the link below, navigate down to the first album named Style #1.  Click on the first image.  This will open the image Full Size.  You can then use the arrows above the image to move to the next image.  There are a total of 4 images with captions outlining the item this particular Reader selected to form the outfit. Once you have seen all 4 images you can navigate back to the Home page and scroll down to Style #2 etc. Or you can navigate back to the album that contains all the Folders. 

Once you have viewed all 13 styles and selected 2 favorites, please navigate back to ACC by using the Link on the upper Right Corner of the Home Page called "Click to Navigate Back to Anthro Closet Chaos Blog."

After you return here, please proceed to the Upper Right Side Bar and vote for your favorite Style at the Polling Station.

Also, you may notice that some Styles are almost identical.  In actuality there was no total duplication. Styles were photographed and presented on the share site in the order by which they were received.

Click this Link to Navigate to the Style GeoInCalifornia Site.

Polls will remain open until Thursday May 6th at Midnight.  I will announce the winner of the $25 Gift Certificate Friday Morning.  

I hope you enjoy the first ever Style GeoInCalifornia Challenge.  Here are a few lovely Polyvores created by some very talented ladies.  I will share their identities once the vote has been tallied.

Style #1

I had planned to use the Orla Kiely Mug placed under the chair in the Style #1 Polyvore.  Space Cadet that I am, left it on my desk at work.  I used an alternate item instead.  Can anyone tell me what that item is?

Style #6

Style #9

Please DO NOT hesitate to contact me if you notice any discrepancies in this Post so that I can fix the issue. It's not beyond the realm of possibilities, that I may have mixed things up.

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

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