Reject Tried and True - Casual Friday, Minus Denim

Twice this week I rejected my tried and true outfits. Something I don't normally do. I blame it on the anticipation of waiting for Tuesday's sale and now the arrival of my sale items by SNAIL MAIL.

We all know it boils down to the desire for something new from...

Anthro!

While I wait for delivery, why not style something previously un-thought of. Entirely new and untried.

It's not often that I go bonkers and do this. I'm much too organized to go in the closet and grab an item then start madly trying to find something to go with it. Knowing I might very well be late for work.

I thought Mondays OOTD was a winner. Easier when put together the evening before.

Nothing short of fashion suicide the morning of.

This OOTD exhibits a Casual Friday flair minus a pair of jeans. And about as eclectic as I am comfortable with. If only my camera had a longer self timer. I could have managed to get the Necklace situated in the proper side position.

Are Those Just Shadows? Or do I have yucky knee rolls?

Then I come upon this lovely image from the back. I want to discuss this photo. Not liking it at all!

I do like this striped, oh so soft jersey tee...

Anthro's Bouquet of Stripes Tee - by One September - May 2010

Another fine example of stripes done right. The downward pointing placket draws the eye away from the chest and breaks up the normally negative effect of Horizontal stripes running across the front.

Someone called me a girlie girl, DIVA last weekend.

Hello! I was in a raft, heading down the rapids, with a dead body in the Killer Kern River somewhere. What was girlie about that?

This cargo skirt from Athleta is not one bit girlie...

Athleta's Sherpa Skirt in Olive - November 2009

I wear Athleta's multi zippered and pocketed skirt all year round. A closet staple for years to come. And these come in every color imaginable from one Season to the next.

Now we come to my ruffled nemeses...

Anthro's Falling Tiers Cardi - by Moth - June 2010

This is one Cardi I should have returned.

Instead, I waffled over it.

On the one hand: I like the slimming effect created by the longer sides coming to a point in front. I love the twisted cording above the bust line that helps reduce the cylinder effect caused by continuous horizontal ruffles that circle and engulf.

On the other hand: I object to the ruffles that resemble a shell on my back.

Underfoot are...

Anthro's Tan Lines Sandals - by Everybody - July 2010

This is the second time out for these comfy, casual, low heeled sandals. I have been eyeing Anthro's Chiseled Doily Booties, also by Everybody. Might be too over the top for me.

At last! One of my recent favorites...

Anthro's Honorine Necklace - by Citris - June 2010

I can't wear this Necklace enough

I returned the Tessera Necklace by Citris, and ordered the Honorine Necklace on sale. The Tessera had a tendency to bounce even though I temporarily shortened it by weaving string across the fabric beads in back. The Honorine feels like wearing a fat free, weightless Fiesta around my Neck. I have now managed to style 3 outfits with this Necklace as the focal point.

What to do about the Falling Tiers Cardi! Do you have ruffle issues that work against you? Any suggestions for styling this Cardi to look less like a shell on my back? Or should I give up and find an honorary place in the back of the closet for this ruffled nemeses?

What are some of your favorite focal piece's that you never tire of?

The Honorine is a difficult piece, that is far from versatile. The first two outfits were styled around the Honorine Necklace. Here (by luck) I added the Necklace last.

Ladies,

Let the weekend begin! Hope you all enjoy yours more than I will. I neglected my household chores last week. So housework here I come.

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