The Kitchen Crew skips the Babergh for the Bowtied Beauties!

That will be the day when you find me in a store on Black Friday. This is one girl that would rather skip the crowds for the relaxed experience of Cyber Monday.


Meet Monty Albright - The Bright and Shining
He's a Long Haired Dappled Miniature Dachshund
Monty is the lovable thief



Meet Gaby Albright his partner in crime - a younger long haired Red - and the Alpha dog

I got a call from Mom requesting a crew of one to help Dad with Thanksgiving dinner. So I scrapped the planned Babergh Dress for something casual and machine washable.
The minute I entered the dog ruled house, I dropped an ANTHRO glove. Monty was on it while Gaby chased after, barking and dragging the Gifted glove from here to there. Luckily he trades his treasures for treats. A little dog slobber is a priceless thing on a glove.


Anthro's Bowtied-Beauty Boots - by Lucky Penny - Anthro $248 - Nov 2010
Perfectly Plaid Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Nov 2010

See my review for the Bowtied-Beauty Boots HERE

Shop these gorgeous, comfortable, quirky, bow bedecked boots HERE
Shop similar plaid tights HERE

See Tricia of Tricia's Take wearing the Bowtied Beauties HERE
and her Sister Jessica of Breakfast at Gigi's wearing the boots HERE

I have a confession.  I've been intentionally throwing tried and true outfits into posts because I have been in a creative slump for several weeks.  I finally broke the spell Thanksgiving morning. It all started with a strong desire to pair the Bowtied-Beauty Boots with the Perfectly Plaid Tights. It was do or die. 

In my OCD mind, I imagine my blog friends taking all of 2 minutes to effortlessly pull the most wonderful of re-mixed outfits from their closets without so much as breaking a sweat.  While it takes an hour for me to find something that is even presentable.  This involves ransacking a normally organized closet and creating total chaos in the dressing area.

Next time I'm taking pictures of the destruction.


I couldn't have asked for two better parents

My Mother has more creativity in her little finger that I have in my entire body. Not only was she a teacher for many years, she went back to school to become an RN. My Dad was a devoted 5th grade teacher in a predominately migrant school for his entire 35 years of teaching. Both are now retired.

Flawless Scoopneck - by Eco-ga'nik - Anthro online exclusive $88, Cocoa Sold Out - Nov 2008
Whatever Skort in Atlantic - Athleta $49 - Feb 2010


Athleta's Whatever Skort is as versatile as a favorite pair of jeans. And styles just as easily with everything.  Including Anthro! I added an old Kohl's Belt in warm Earth tones, Blue, and a touch of sparkle for the Holiday.

Shop Athleta's Whatever Skort HERE



Flawless Scoopneck - by Eco-ga'nik - Anthro online exclusive $88, Cocoa Sold out - Nov 2008



I kept with a predominantly Brown palette. I tucked in the Flawless Scoopneck in Cocoa. Adore the short fringed detail around the off kilter neckline, ruched front, and slightly belled sleeves. This is another Anthro piece that was entirely too low cut.  I whip stitched the neckline together where the fringed seam ends.

Kai Coat - by Idra - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $80 - Dec 2009
Chilled Facet Gloves - Gifted - Dec 2009

I topped this Thanksgiving Day outfit with the light and fluffy Kai Coat by Idra and pulled on the Chilled Facet Gloves. A gift from my boyfriend for Christmas last year. Then completely forgot to take a photo wearing the coat and gloves.

Present Perfect Necklace - Tataborello Italy - Anthro Orig $138 Sale $40 - Mar 2009

This is the Present Perfect Necklace by Tataborello from 2008. I didn't even know this was a Tataborello piece until recently. I almost gave this necklace away.

And Wallah! There you have it. And I have the "The Anthropologie Connoisseur" to thank for the inspiration. I finally re-mixed an outfit after several weeks in a slump. The only issue I have is possible competition between the Belt and Necklace. Since it was Thanksgiving, I'm allowing myself a small faux pas.

What did my Readers wear for Thanksgiving?  Please leave a comment about all the fabulous details.

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

No Anthro Zone Review - The Bowtied-Beauty Boots - I forgot to shoot for the Anthro Moon

Kelly of Fashion Fuel DC is hosting a giveaway.  You can visit Kelly for all the details HERE.
Last weekend I checked up on the availability of my Wish Listed Anthro favorites.



My Sweetie brought me my favorite flowers yesterday!

That is when I discovered the first size had sold out for the Bowtied-Beauty boots. Size 8. My size naturally. So I did what any Anthro Addict would do. I immediately ordered them in an 8.5.  I read all 84 reviews and not one reviewer mentions Lucky Penny as the Brand. I should also mention that this is the third pair of tall boots I have purchased in my life.  Boots and my feet have never had a meeting of minds.  Until the Pebbled and Primped Boots arrived last week.  I am now a fledgling Anthro Boot Addict.

See my No Anthro Zone Review for the Pebbled and Primped boots HERE.



Bowtied-Beauty Boots - by Lucky Penny - Anthro $248 - Nov 2010



The boots arrived last night. I had them on my feet immediately. My first reaction was....Too Big, and Too Tall. The Pebbled and Primped Boots are described as 16 1/4 " high, the Bowtied-Beauty Boots are described as 16" high. The Bowtied are actually 1" higher and thus hit the back of my bent leg. I was not impressed with our first 2 minute meeting.

This morning I tried the boots on again.  Turns out the 8.5 is very comfortable to slightly large. So I call these TTS. Plenty of space for thick socks.  Just as comfortable as the Pebbled and Primped Boots. After wearing these boots for 10 minutes or so, the leather warms and slouches in a very agreeable way. So they no longer were hitting the back of my leg.  First two issues from the previous 2 minute meeting solved.

I suggest wearing new shoes around the house for at least 30 minutes, or longer. Even better, wear new shoes all day in the office on carpeted surfaces only.

Now issue number three appears.  I suddenly notice that the right boot has slouched inward and is now rubbing my ankle as I walk.  I tried several pairs of socks in different thicknesses. No relief!  Meanwhile, the left boot achieves perfection.

These boots are equipped with a half zip only. Zippers both worked freely for boots.  Pulling them off is tricky.  I suggest using a seated position. An assistant might be appreciated. I also noticed in the light of day, the near perfect left boot had a small amount of glue on the front and appeared to have many small scratches on the leather.

I should mention that my UPS package arrived completely broken open with all air pillows gone. The bows and leather bands were all evenly aligned.  The ruching on this pair are even.  The leather is a lovely rich Reddish-Brown.  Soft and pliable, but not shiny as they appear in the model shot further down. And yes, the bows do have a tendency to stick out in a fun, quirky manner.  Only you yourself will notice. The toe is nicely rounded with a spacious toe box. The heel is low and the sole is flexible for walking.  There is anti-slip traction on the bottom. 

 I am a scientist by trade. So diagrams speak for themselves.
In the image: Blue arrows show the level of my ankles.
 Blue circles show the level of the inward slouch.

I examined the boots and came to the conclusion that the right boot slouches inward at a lower position than the left. The right slouching inward directly below my ankle.  Each time I take a step the boot slides against the lower part of my ankle.  Whereas the left boot slouches above my ankle and does not pose a problem.

By now, I have managed to put together a very cute copy cat version of one of Anthro's Outfits starring the Bowtied-Beauty Boots.



I was not fit to show face!

Shop the Bowtied-Beauty Boots HERE.


I am thoroughly in love with the boots.  What is a girl to do?  Call Customer Service!  After all Anthro has always been fair with me in the past.  So call I did.  I spoke with Tamera, whom I have spoken to many times before.  I attempt to explain the issue with the right boot.  My ankles are normal.  One is not lower than the other. I didn't think it was necessary to press my claim as a defect. YET!
 
What do I want she asks?  I want another pair I say. I will need to clear this with my supervisor she says.  I know the routine.  I was so sure that the decision would be fair.
 
I recall a certain pair of Coclico's on sale that arrived with an annoying squeak. Anthro airmailed a replacement pair at the speed of light by the next day. Completely trusting me to return the squeaky pair. But that was not to be the case this time.  Oh no! 

You guessed it!  I couldn't believed the outcome.  I can return the boots.  There are 46 pairs still in stock. A new pair will be shipped when the returned pair are received 10 to 14 days from Monday.  But with size 8's sold out, I know these 46 pairs of 8.5's will likely disappear at the double the normal speed.  I didn't even argue.  I was too dumbfounded. By later in the day the 8.5's were down to 41. By my calculations these are gone in about 9 days.  And that is a conservative guess.
 
So, despite the fact that I couldn't really afford the added expense.  I did as any fledgling Anthro Boot Addict would.  Thank goodness for Free Shipping over $150.  I immediately re-ordered the boots. Online!
 
As I sit thinking about the conversation, I now realize that I didn't follow routine as I normally do.  I didn't say, do I really have to wait 2 weeks for these boots.  I also didn't bemoan the fact that I really can't afford to re-order the boots.  I forgot to mention that I purchase exclusively from online, and that I review every single item I order.  I also stupidly forgot to bring up the fact that I am a Top 10 Anthro Reviewer.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.  I should have argued.  I didn't shoot for the moon as expected.
 
But that's OK!  I love these boots! I'll be back with this outfit next week!

I think I know where I went wrong.  But I would appreciate any suggestions on how to deal with CS for an issue like this one.

Also being a fledgling boot wearer, do my Readers have any boot issue solutions to share?

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

No Anthro Zone Reviews - Pebbled and Primped Boots - Fleeting Lights Cardigan

Anthro's Pebbled and Primped Boots - by Miss Albright - $258

I love all my Miss Albright shoes!  So why not give the boots a try too! Wow, am I happy I did.

I've never been a fan of full length boots. I find them too uncomfortable to wear.  After reading the reviews, I had to try these for myself.  I was shocked when my BF said the ruffle was a no go. For me that was the main attraction.  It gives them a feminine perspective. Although when viewed from the front, the boots are rather plain looking.

SIZE: I normally wear size 8. I ordered a 1/2 size up. I probably didn't need to. So, I am calling these TTS.

FIT: Comfortably loose, but definitely not sloppy. I have a 13" calf, these are 16". So not really too big. There is plenty of extra space in the front. The toe is comfortably rounded. My heel doesn't slip up and down. I can easily wear thick socks. I am just under 5'6'. These are the perfect height at just below the knee.

FEEL: Not only are these awesome looking, but they feel like heaven. Most important is the flexible sole for walking. I could easily walk for miles. I have a bad toe that tends to lock up and cause pain inside a tight shoe.  There is plenty of space at the top of the toe box so that I can flex my toes. This is the main reason I don't normally wear boots.

LEATHER: I don't think the leather looks cheap as some reviewers online noted. The color is different! Depending on light the color is Black, Brown, Grey, and Olive Green. All colors I happen to like. The texture gives these boots a different look. There are lighter areas that give depth and reflect light. I don't view these as flaws. Certainly they don't resemble plastic rain boots as one online reviewer suggested. I like that the leather isn't heavy. These are perfect for California, where thick leather boots are not needed.

DETAILS: The zipper of one boot was sticky. I used silicone on both. The low grooved heel is exactly what I was looking for. The sole is non-slip. There is one very small square of dark leather to the inside at the top of the right boot that can be seen in the above image.

RECOMMENDED - Order TTS - Considering the comfort and the style I rate these as excellent. The slight imperfections are to be expected in a boot at this price. And the unusual color makes them unique and versatile.

Shop the Pebbled and Primped Boots here. 

I love the Pebbled and Primped Boots so much I ordered the Bowtied-Beauty Boots over the weekend.  Size 8 are now sold out.  I sized up to an 8.5.  Reviews were mixed as to the boots being TTS or running slightly large.  8.5 might be to big for me.  I read all 84 online reviews. Not a single reviewer mentions what brand these boots are. Does anyone else already have either of these boots?  Would love to hear your perspective.

Shop the Bowtied-Beauty Boots here.

Anthro's Fleeting Light Cardigan - by Sleeping on Snow - was $198, Sale $100.

This is a beautifully well made sweater. Well worth the original $200 price tag. It has been patiently waiting in my Wish List for a sale.

SIZE: I ordered a Small from online. I'm just under 5'6", 125 lbs, 35-27-36.

FIT: Most reviewers suggested TTS. I am always a Small in sweater, but this one fits like a glove all the way around. It almost makes me look flat chested since it's so tight.  It's also very short. I had planned to wear this with the Just Right Skirt by Girls of Savoy also on sale, and the Bright Sides Blouse from early 2010. If you are between sizes you may want to size up depending on your fit preference.

Bright Sides Blouse in Coral - by Odille

Anthro Orig $98, Sale $50 - Mar 2010

Just Right Skirt - Girls From Savoy

Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60

Shop the Just Right Skirt here.

FABRIC: The body of the sweater is Wool with 10% Nylon. The sweater has some stretch and is heavy and warm. I don't think it will stretch out over time. The lining is Grey Silk, and is gathered and sewn loose for comfort. The sleeves are unlined. The sweater can be hand washed or dry cleaned.

DETAILS: The detail work is gorgeous and perfectly matched. Obviously done after the sweater was assembled. Lovely chevron stitch work with embroidered French Knots, and lots of beads in a rainbow of colors. The inside placket is re-enforced with heavy grosgrain ribbon. The placket sits crooked when snapped and it is thick. Since I am busty it looks a little odd between the girls. The over sized snaps are sewn on very well. My sweater came with one extra snap and some extra Grey yarn. There are no extra beads.
This will look great over Dark Grey, Purple, Navy Blue, Orange, Yellow, and even Chartreuse.

RECOMMENDED: Consider the length. Size up if between sizes, depending on fit preference.

Shop the Fleeting Light Cardi here.

I am undecided on the Fleeting Light Cardi. The Just Right Skirt will be delivered Tuesday. I will try out the outfit then.  Due to the short length the Cardi, it's not as versatile as I had hoped.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions about the reviewed items.
If you currently have any of these items I would love to hear your impressions.

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