Strawberries, Pears and a Coke! The Caranday Cause!

The Berry Months Dress could in fact be my favorite dress. 

But it's not possible to make a decision with so many dresses that qualify as my favorite.

Does that make sense?

Keiko of Keiko's TanPoPo has been worried about me.  She sent an email last night expressing her concern over my lack of posts. It's really very simple.  I kept forgetting my Camera.

Please visit my lovely Friend Keiko. She is celebrating her one year Blog Anniversary with a Giveaway that is the perfect accessory for the Take Action Dress.

Berry Months Dress - by We Love Vera - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 PA - April 2011
Jackie Cardi in Cerise - by J Crew - $62 - July 2011
Via Cardona Wedges in Moss - by Dolce Vita - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - May 2011
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009

See my review for the Berry Months Dress by We Love Vera HERE. See me wearing the Berry Months HERE.  Available in Sizes 0, 2 ,4 ,6 ,10 ,and 12 on eBay HERE.

My friend Joni recently won a bid for Anthro's Caranday Dress by Corey Lynn Calter on eBay. Who doesn't love the Caranday Dress.  She did everything right.  She communicated with the Seller many times during the transaction. The Seller even went so far as to leave Joni positive feedback. Joni also received tracking for the dress. But the dress was never delivered, along with a Snake Bite Belt.  Joni jumped right back on the eBay bus in true Pollyanna style. She replaced the Belt, but as you may know, Caranday's are in high demand.

Berry Months Dress - by We Love Vera - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 PA - April 2011
Jackie Cardi in Cerise - by J Crew - $62 - July 2011
Via Cardona Wedges in Moss - by Dolce Vita - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - May 2011
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - Feb 2009

Berry Months Dress + Orla Kiely's Pear Tote + CocaCola Vending Machine = I Prefer Pepsi Myself

My J Crew Jackie in Cerise arrived an entire month early.  When I looked up the definition of Cerise (I don't need another Orange Cardi) it was described as Red.  Say hello to my umpteenth Orange Cardigan.  But since I don't have an Orange Jackie, I'll keep it.

I have taken up the Caranday Cause for Joni.  I will continue to Post this APB until a dress is found.  Please contact Joni at (jcpollyanna@cox.net) if you spot a size 2 Caranday in Red or Green. 

If it wasn't for Anthro's Limoncello Necklace and Orla Kiely's Pear Print Tote, I would look like Christmas in August.

Berry Months Dress - by We Love Vera - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 PA - April 2011
Jackie Cardi in Cerise - by J Crew - $62 - July 2011
Via Cardona Wedges in Moss - by Dolce Vita - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - May 2011
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - Feb 2009

I picked up a couple of very cute lace trimmed shorts at Modcloth to wear under my dresses.  I can't stand getting into a 120 degree car and having my legs stick together. Yuck!  These are nylon and so far do not get damp.  And the lining of my dress doesn't cling either.  Anthro Closet Chaos Tested - Laura Approved.  One Size Fits All and Non Returnable. Ivory are OOS. 

Shop Modcloth's Lace Lovely Shorts in assorted colors HERE

I suggest hand wash line dry if you want them to last



Via Cardona Wedges in Moss - by Dolce Vita - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - May 2011



Only Anthro had The Via Cordona Wedges by Dolce Vita in Green.  Also known as Pela HERE and HERE.  Dolce Vita's Jade are similar in Red Suede HERE.

Do you have a favorite Anthro Dress?  Name it!

Have you had a bad experience similar to Joni's on eBay or elsewhere?  Tell it!

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

Apple Pie Mary Jane's for $25 and More! APB for Caranday Dress Size 2 Either Color!

Remember my Apple Pie Mary Jane's by Poetic Licence?

Apple Pie Mary Jane Pump in Blue - by Poetic Licence - Endless Orig $98 Sale $68 - July 2011

They are on sale for $25
Sign up for Ideeli HERE
Shop my Apple Pie Mary Jane's HERE
The listing is in US sizes
Size down 1/2 size from your normal
No returns on this purchase
See my Review and styling HERE 

Apple Pie Mary Jane Pump in Blue - by Poetic Licence - Endless Orig $98 Sale $68 - July 2011

Using my Link HERE is a great way to thank me and give me a $10 credit from your first Purchase at Ideeli.

Anthro Brands and Products on Ideeli today...

Assorted Eva Franco Dresses in Skirts HERE

Dolce Vita's Nadia in Petal Pink Orig $190 Sale $40 HERE
All sizes.  See Anthro Reviews for the Sold Out Plated Cayenne Sandals HERE.

Daniblack Kara's in Black and Cement Orig $190 Sale $40 HERE
All sizes.
Does anyone remember the Anthro Name so I can include the review?

Luxury Rebel and Poetic Licence Sandals HERE

I almost had a heart attack when I saw Taylor Dresses.  I love my Polka Dot Dress from Modcloth. You can see my Taylor Dress in my Header at the top of the Blog.

Shop Taylor Dresses for as low as $10 HERE. 

I wear a size 6 in Taylor Dresses and most other Designer Brands. 

Exceptions are size 4 for Tracy Reese and size 8 for Eva Franco.  Taylor dresses are high quality, have pockets, and are fully lined.  Mine in 100% Cotton

My Friend and Reader, Joni, is looking for a Size 2 Anthropologie Caranday Dress by Corey Lynn Calter in either the Green or Red Striped colorway.

Anthropologie Caranday Dress in Green by Corey Lynn Calter

Anthropologie Caranday Dress in Red by Corey Lynn Calter

If you happen to see this dress, please contact Joni (jcpollyanna@cox.net) immediately. Joni won a bid on eBay for this dress recently, and the dress never materialized. She is heartbroken. I will do anything to see that she gets her dress  With-in reason! Joni is not looking for The Limited version of the Caranday.

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

No Anthro Zone Review: Backswept Dress by Corey Lynn Calter - " I Got You Covered"

Backswept Dress 6 - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $140 - Aug 2011
Istria Peep Toes 7.5 - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $158 - Mar 2009

Happy Saturday Ladies!  Elizabeth of Behind the Dressing Room Door is giving away a $25 Anthro Card to Celebrate her One Year Blog Birthday.  So visit HERE for a chance to win.

I'm back with another Corey Lynn Calter Dress Review.  The Backswept Dress wasn't even on my Radar.  When it unexpectedly made sale last Tuesday, I reconsidered, and made it mine. The move seemed reasonable enough. After all, I'm a CLC fan through and through. What could go wrong? 

How difficult could it be to make this bare back dress work for me, without looking ridiculous.  Or would I have to resort to throwing a Cardi over top and calling it a day. 

Jamie of Thrifty Threads described the Backswept Dress as a "One Trick Pony."  Having read the reviews, but having never laid eyes on the dress first hand, I agreed with her assessment. It turns out, there is more to this dress than meets the eye.

NO ANTHRO ZONE REVIEW: 

The Backswept Dress by Corey Lynn Calter Orig $288 Sale $140 - August 2011

Product Image Back

Product Image Front

SIZE:  I ordered my normal size 6 for Corey Lynn Calter Dresses.  I'm just over 5'5" Tall, 130 lbs, 35-28-36, 34C to D.  Narrow shoulders.

FIT:  The fit is absolutely everything I have come to expect from CLC.  Perfect. The bodice is fitted without feeling tight.  The waist seam hits an inch above my natural waistline.  The tie back is adjustable. I pulled the shoulders in slightly.  I like the flattering sleeveless arm holes that extend just past my shoulders.  Almost a cap sleeve, but not quite. My bra doesn't show under the arms. The hemline covers my knees.  A longer length I don't normally choose since it tends to cut me off at the knee and make me look shorter.  The flattering tailored bodice removes the chances of that happening. The elastic at the waistband in back provides a comfortable fit. I didn't have issues with gaping.

This dress has a "relaxed, wear anywhere, anytime, and feel like your in a night gown" fit.

Backswept Dress 6 - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $140 - Aug 2011

BTW.  There is no crinoline slip under this dress.  The fan is blowing my skirt.

Now for the back of the dress?  Let's take a quick look at this lovely young lady standing in a vineyard.

Anthropologie Catalog Issue 6 - June 2011 - PG 41
Backswept Dress by Corey Lynn Calter

This vineyard could easily be anywhere in Bakersfield, CA. It's a perfect location for an open backed dress. However, the only place I will be wearing this dress is to work.  We do have a dress code.  I don't think an open back this low would be tolerated.

Now, let's be reasonable adults.  Many of us can't go without support, but would still like to enjoy this gorgeous dress.  But at the same time, no one wants to cover a pretty dress with a Cardi when the weather calls for short sleeves.  Although, I admit to making this adjustment many times.

I came up with an alternative that not only covers the issue completely, but also enhances, instead of taking away from the look of the dress.

Meet two of many closet essentials...

Thing One

Reversible Seamless Tank in Raspberry Small - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 -  July 2011

and

Thing Two

Reversible Seamless Tank in Turquoise Small - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 - July 2011

Thing One and Thing Two arrived in July when they hit sale at a lousy $5 off. Thanks Anthro!  I've been waiting Months for such a deal.  Colors such as these could come in handy. It turned out that I needed them sooner instead of later.  Both colors work equally well with the V-Neck to the back.

Backswept Dress 6 - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $140 - Aug 2011
Reversible Seamless Tank in Raspberry Small - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 - July 2011

Problem solved to my satisfaction!

FABRIC: 100% Silk with no give. Large scale Coral and Pale Green Chrysanthemums on White background. Fully lined is sheer Blush Polyester. Dry Clean Only.  Needs pressing to look it's best. I untied all 3 ties and ironed them before re-tying them.

 I remembered to tie my bows

 right over left, left over right

 this makes a bow both tidy and tight

DETAILS:
100% Silk Shell
100% Poly Lining
Slit Tie Front Pockets.  You may loose anything you put in them
Side Zip with helper button
Extra helper included in a coordinated Print Bag
Elastic Back Waist band
Tie Back with Keyhole

Backswept Dress 6 - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $140 - Aug 2011

Reversible Seamless Tank in Raspberry - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 - July 2011

Solid Turquoise Rose - by Allison Dayton - Athleta Orig $198 - Apr 2009

Istria Peep Toes 7.5 - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $158 - Mar 2009

OK!  Please be truthful!  What do you think of my solution?  Does it work?  Is it too obvious? Do you have a better idea to cover my back?

Shop the Backswept Dress by Corey Lynn Calter on sale HERE. Available in all sizes

Shop the In The Headlines Dress at Modcloth HERE. Available in 0, 4, and 8. The Sister Dress!

Shop the Shimera Seamless Tank in Holly Berry HERE.  Available in all sizes.

Shop Bordeaux Seamless Tank in Fern and Citris HERE
Shop a variety of styles and colors at Kohl's HERE.  $.99 Shipping. Free over $75.

Shop Anthro's Reversible Seamless Tank in Raspberry size Small only HERE  

Shop Jockey Seamless Tank in Clear Aqua size Large only HERE

Learn more about animated GIF's and cinema graphs from Lori of Lorispeak.  Lori has some spectacular examples of these fascinating and somewhat creepy short movies.  Some of them gave me the willies.  Yikes!

Anthropologie has free shipping and returns on shoes for Card Holders though August 15th.  

I have already taken advantage of this offer with THESE. 

If you would like to Register for an Anthro Card, you may do so HERE.

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

Eva Franco's Bloomtown vs Anthro's En Plein Air Dress!

Violet Bloomtown Belted Dress (AKA Anthro's En Plein Air)  - by Eva Franco - Rue La La Orig $228 Sale $80 - July 2011

Jackie Cardigan in Breeze - by J Crew  - Orig $62 Sale $40 - July 2011

Stone Garden Necklace - Anthro $178 - Dec 2009

You may recall, I ordered Anthro's En Plein Air Dress by Eva Franco for the amazing price of $70 down from $258.  What possessed me?  The 2nd Cut Pop Back Devil in me.  Naturally I didn't check the reviews until after the deed was done.  Only to discover the dress ran small.  Sure enough, I couldn't zip it past my rib cage.

Lucky for her, I sold the size 4 En Plein Air Dress to a Local Reader.  At which time I had the great pleasure of meeting the lovely Allison.

I chose J Crew's Jackie Cardi in Breeze (pale Blue-Green) to top this dress for Summer.

Violet Bloomtown Belted Dress (Anthro's En Plein Air)  - by Eva Franco - Rue La La Orig $228 Sale $80 - July 2011

Jackie Cardigan in Breeze - by J Crew  - Orig $62 Sale $40 - July 2011

Many Roads Booties - by Zita Maria Italy - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Sept 2010

Stone Garden Necklace - Anthro $178 - Dec 2009

Shell Spiral Ring - by Aprosio and Co Italy -Anthro Orig $178 Sale $80 -July 2009 

JG of Stuff Jewish Girls Like came to my rescue.  It happened that Rue La La was having an Eva Franco sale that very day.  Amazing at it seems, the Violet Bloomtown Belted Dress (AKA Anthro's En Plein Air) was included in the online Boutique. Using JG's link for the purchase, was my way of thanking her with a $10 credit.  It was well deserved.

I soon discovered that no two dresses are created equal.

Violet Bloomtown Belted Dress (AKA Anthro's En Plein Air)  - by Eva Franco - Rue La La Orig $228 Sale $80 - July 2011

Shell Spiral Ring - by Aprosio and Co Italy -Anthro Orig $178 Sale $80 - July 2009

When the size 8 Violet Bloomtown Belted Dress arrived I was completely surprised to find that the dress fit.  Although, it runs big through the waist, but nothing a belt can't handle.  This dress is definitely cut with a smaller Bust and larger Waist in mind.  I also discovered a few favorable, and one not so favorable difference.

1.  The fabric and print are exactly the same.  Polyester (gag), in a stunning but heavy weight print.  It seems this has become an Eva Franco trend.  I see it this way, who's going to know but me and you. I wouldn't purchase full price, but I didn't bat an eye at 60 to 70% off.  As you will see at the end of this post.

The Violet Bloomtown with Anthro's Stone Garden Necklace.  

A match made in Heaven!

Violet Bloomtown Belted Dress (AKA Anthro's En Plein Air)  - by Eva Franco - Rue La La Orig $228 Sale $80 - July 2011

Jackie Cardigan in Breeze - by J Crew  - Orig $62 Sale $40 - July 2011

Stone Garden Necklace - Anthro $178 - Dec 2009

2.  The En Plein Air (if I remember correctly) is lined in Gold, while the Violet Bloomtown is lined in Bright Orange (my favorite color).
3.  I paid $10 more for the Violet Bloomtown..  Well worth it to me.
4.  Both dresses came with a coordinating belt, however the Violet Bloomtown does not have grommets inset in the holes. So the look is not as finished.  But the odd thing is, both the size 4 (En Plein Air) and the size 8 (Bloomtown) Belts were far too big for me.  I cut two additional holes in my Belt.
5.  But my favorite difference is the length.

The shorter Violet Bloomtown makes it a wearable, everyday Dress.

The hemline hits at a flattering and less formal above the knee location.

My Closet happily contains it's first ever Eva Franco Dress.

Hold that thought....

Violet Bloomtown Belted Dress (AKA Anthro's En Plein Air)  - by Eva Franco - Rue La La Orig $228 Sale $80 - July 2011

Many Roads Booties - by Zita Maria Italy - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Sept 2010

Sally Hansens Xtreme Wear in Crushed

I chose Anthro's Many Roads Booties by Zita Maria.  
A light, open Sandal Boot, with just enough heel.

While searching for an image of the actual Violet Bloomtown version of Eva Franco's dress, I stumbled onto...

 The Eva Franco Store at Amazon.  

Who knew such a place existed? 

I was stunned by my discovery. Here were a slew of dresses at amazing prices.  All in Rayon and Polyester.  See what I mean about a growing trend?  Oh well!  I didn't bat an eye at purchasing two amazing Eva Franco Dresses.

Violet Dress in Blue - By Eva Franco - Amazon Orig $312 Sale $92 - Aug 2011

The Violet Dress has one, three star review. No details are given to support the claim that the fit was frumpy. Since the Bloomtown is an 8, I went with that.  I'm not even sure the belt is included.  The color combination and similarity in cut to the Violet Bloomtown were the attraction. Both dresses carry the name Violet.

Archer Dress in Opus - by Eva Franco - Amazon Orig $295 Sale $59 - Aug 2011

No reviews available. I also went with size 8.  I'm hoping I can wear this as an everyday dress.  

Not that Eva Franco could ever replace Corey Lynn Calter's Silk/Cotton Blend Dresses filled with Fabulous-sity.  See my growing CLC Collection HERE! 

BTW,  there is an Eva Franco Store.  Also, Modcloth carries Eva Franco.  Most of the styles have already made their way through Anthro.  The Mullany Look Alike is to be released from production soon.

Do you love Eva Franco?  Do you cringe at her choice of fabrics? I can't help but notice that her Polyester choices are beautiful and high quality. Polyester will literally lasts forever.

Did you pick up anything from Anthro's Surprisingly Huge Sale?  You can view my Sale Picks HERE. 

Happy Weekend Wishes to all my Favorite Ladies.  Anthro Sister Love, Laura

lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com