The only thing better than Anthropologie is.......Anthropologie on Polyvore!

I must be the worst absentee Blogger on the planet.  For 5 solid days I've been glued to my PC. This is how it went.

Tuesday November 22nd

I awake to find that Anthropologie fooled us by not having a sale. I went crazy that morning and bought an entire outfit around a pair of Rachel Comey Shoes that appeared out of nowhere in the Sale Section.  It seems there is only one other person on the planet that also loves these shoes. She purchased them after I sent her the link. My dear friend Heidi. I'm a product of the 70's. At least I have an excuse. I don't know what hers is.

Yep!  I'm an enabler.

Later in the morning I asked to take a vacation day on Wednesday.  Approved.  Then I started to get sick.  Boohoo!

I went right to bed when I arrived home.

Wednesday Nov 23rd                                                              

I completely forgot about the sale and slept in late.  Strangely enough, I woke up feeling fine. Something to be Thankful for on the day before Thanksgiving. After checking the Anthro sale page, I held myself back from purchasing the Dromedary Dress. You know the one.....bright orange with large pink camels scattered about. How is it that Heidi and I can both love the Selene Clogs, while we completely disagree on the dress?

Don't be shocked.  Honestly, I don't remember what prompted me to create a Polyvore of Tuesday's purchases.

The Fashionable Hare

If you look carefully, you might recognize one of those Rabbits?  

Later that evening this lovely from Anthro arrived.

Spotted Satchel  - by Holding Horses - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $130 - Nov 2011

Here is a shocking statement coming from me  "I adore this non Orla bag."

*******Caution:  this bag doesn't come without quirks********

Read my review and others HERE to find out what's right and wrong about the Spotted Satchel.

Thanksgiving Day

I woke up early to discover my car battery was dead. Nothing to be Thankful for there. Luckily or should I say thankfully, I managed to get a jump start.  It turned out someone (who shall remain nameless) left the dome light on.  Thankfully, the battery charged while driving around town to pick up a ham for dinner.

Birds Eye View of Thanksgiving Dinner.  Otherwise known as Map View in Geologist speak.

After dinner I spent the evening following Roxy's Anthropologie Black Friday 2011 Prep Post.  I set the alarm for 2:30 am since the expected start time was 3 am.  Then for some strange I visited Polyvore.  I created 2 possible Holiday sets for the Tangerine Flicker Dress.

First go at it produced this...

Tangerine Flicker with Diamond Plate Coat by geoincalifornia featuring mitten gloves

The Coclico Odalisk's in Mallard Green and the Textured Dots Tights in Black are in transit.  I love the Taupe Bow Belt, but it's not wide enough to stay in place.  I need an alternative.  I haven't ordered the Splashdown Drops yet.

Second time around I came up with this...

Tangerine Flicker Dress with Havilland Sweater Coat by geoincalifornia featuring a bodice dress

This is my favorite set. But the Great and Small Coin Purse in Owl is distracting along side the Sea Ribbons Bracelet.  I'll change it out for the Ivory Quilted Patent Iris Bag by Orla Kiely.  The Textured Dots Tights in Grey/Pink are in transit.

Black Friday

I jumped over to Anthro Online at 2:30 am to discover the sale was on. I removed a few out of stock items and checked out at 2:40 am. My entire order shipped.  However, I missed one item that would not update to the 50% off price, and another that had went out of stock the day before.

Ruled Tote in Navy - by Holding Horses - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $65 - Nov 2011

I love the Spotted Satchel, why not the Ruled Tote.  I wonder how long the wait for the Parallels Clutch will be.

Linea Cropped Cardi in Yellow - by Charlie & Robin - Anthro Orig $88 Sale $25 - Nov 2011

Linea Cropped Cardi in Navy - by Charlie & Robin - Anthro Orig $88 Sale $25 - Nov 2011

I love my Jackie Cardi's.  But sometimes too much of a good thing becomes a recurring theme. 

It's a Cinch Belt in Black - Anthro Orig $54 Sale $20 - Nov 2011

I reviewed the Brown version of the It's a Cinch Belt the day the Black version came out in May.  I've been waiting 6 months for this belt to make sale.

Pattypan Squash Jar - Anthro Orig $16 Sale $5 - Nov 2011

Isn't the Patty Pan Squash Jar the cutest little trinket box on the planet?

I placed a comment on EA's In Store Community Post looking for the Textured Dots Tights in Black and a Jewelry Box.

I produced a 3rd Holiday outfit set using inspiration from a little boys Christmas Tree. Not convinced.

Tangerine Flicker Dress with Choice of Jacket & a little boys Christmas Tree by geoincalifornia featuring polka dot stockings

Saturday Nov 26th

A lovely EAer left me a tip.  I tried the Chicago store first thing Saturday Morning.  

Textured Dots Tights in Black - by Tintorella  - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $7.50 - Nov 2011

I scored the Tights and the Enchanted Morning Jewelry Box in Bunny.

Enchanted Morning Jewelry Box in Bunny - Anthro Orig $78 Sale $38 - Nov 2011

Can't wait to see the Bunny Jewelry Box.  

Sunday Nov 27th

The animals treated me to a circus act on Sunday. Heishi

Two Cats and a Rabbit Circus Act

That cat even turns while perched on the post. MewTwo was content to watch the action, while Nefi circled the scratching post as the dapper Ring Master.

Cyber Monday

First thing in the morning I was distracted by a sale notification from Swirl.  I have a rather large credit in my Swirl account.  At the time I placed 2 orders I didn't know I could only get store credit.  Since then I haven't seen anything on sale that has been of interest. It was them I saw the Handbag sale alert, and an Orla Kiely Bag peeking out from behind the other bags.  

Winter Clematis Big Bag - by Orla Kiely - Orig $539 Swirl $219 -Nov 2011

There was only one bag.  It shipped later in the afternoon.  Then guess what I did instead of starting this post?

Ideas for my Newest Orla Kiely by geoincalifornia featuring dot tights

Any chance there is a (PAA) Polyvore Addicts Anonymous.  I think I need help.

Lorainedana styled an outfit for me.  I'm wearing it to work tomorrow with a few minor changes.

Winterized Taiyo Stalks Dress for Laura of Anthro Closet Chaos by lorainedana featuring side zip boots

Any suggestions to help me finalize my Holiday Party outfit? Belts!


What was your favorite item you found up on Black Friday?

For all the Polyvore experts - 
How do I search for Anthro items in Polyvore?  
Can this only be done through Google Search?
I can't find that Embellishment button on the Create Page either.
Why are my clippings posting to Blogger?

I need at least 30 Followers to start an Orla Kiely Group.  Ha-Ha!  I need about 25 more.  Poo!

Anthro Sister Loves Polyvore, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Inspiration That Rocks! Style #3! Bismuth!

If you missed "Inspiration That Rocks" Style #2 Opal, you can view the post HERE.

This mineral took my breath way.  I was entranced for 20 minutes staring at the crystalline structure. I see towers in decay, marching columns, collapsing terraces, twisted picture frames, toppling roofs, and winding staircases.  The sample as a whole strongly resembles a city in ruin. The rich colors are translucent, iridescent and metallic. Since it's a photograph, I had difficulty identifying the Mineral. 


BISMUTH

 Every mineral has a unique set of properties that determine it's identity.

1. Color
2. Streak
3. Luster
4. Cleavage
5. Hardness (MOHS Scale)
6. Crystal Structure and Shape
7. Specific Gravity

All very difficult to test without the actual sample. I can't turn the crystals to count the number of faces.  Although the crystals are elongated, and are perhaps twins, again I can't be sure.  I can't guess the molecular weight without at least holding it in my hand. I can't break a piece off or scratch it with various objects to determine the hardness as described by the MOHS Hardness Scale.

Heidi and Andrew (both Geologists) were able to determine that this Mineral is BISMUTH.  However, the crystals in this sample are not naturally occuring in nature.  This particular sample of Bismuth is lab grown. 


HALL OF RECORDS - Downtown Bakersfield CA
Building Blocks Top - by Deletta - Anthro Orig $78 Sale $40 - Aug 2008
Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009
From The Poles Jacket Purple - by Sparrow - Anthro Berkeley Orig $128 Sale $70 Red Tag $52- Dec 2010
Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011
Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010
Meteorology Necklace - Anthro 14K Gold Filled with Smokey QTZ, Amethyst and Prynite, Orig $128, Sale $50 - July 2008

 This outfit would not be possible without the inspiration created by the image of the mineral. The combination would never have occurred to me.  It's also very difficult to relate the inspiration back to my Readers. I pulled this outfit together in an amazing 15 minutes.


Unlike the Opal of last week, this mineral forms cubic picture frame like shapes.  The varying shades of Green, Blue and Purple with a White translucent quality are nicely mimicked in the print of Anthro's Building Blocks Top by Deletta.

Anthro's Building Blocks Top Print

Unknown Mineral

Another characteristic that inspired me was the Iridescent Blues in the Mineral. Denim would be a perfect answer.  Even better is Leifsdottir's Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt. In addition, the ruched panel on the skirt front directly translates to the stacked, elongated crystals that form rows of columns or stairs depending on which direction the crystals are oriented.

The same column like behavior is seen again in the vertical piping on Anthro's From The Poles Jacket by Sparrow. See me wear this Jacket differently HERE. Honestly, I would have never in a Million Eons thought up this combination.  I was amazed that I could transfer these characteristics directly over to styling an outfit.  And it took no more than 30 minutes of effort. 




Building Blocks Top - by De - Anthro Orig $78 Sale $40 - Aug 2008
Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009
From The Poles Jacket Purple - by Sparrow - Anthro Berkeley Orig $128 Sale $70 Red Tag $52- Dec 2010
Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011
Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010
Meteorology Necklace - Anthro 14K Gold Filled with Smokey QTZ, Amethyst and Prynite, Orig $128, Sale $50 - July 2008

The Belt is another leftover pre-Anthro piece from Kohl's that served to add a tiny bit of sparkle and shine.

 

 

 

Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009

Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011

Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010

Nothing like this gorgeous Purple pair of  Seville Heels by Coclico with staircase like ruching right down the front. I had just received the Opaque Tights in Green by Hue the same day, and planned to use them for something entirely different that fell through.  Perfect timing. Olive Green, Navy and Purple are such a marvelous color combination.

You can see a slightly better view of Anthro's Meteorology Necklace made from Smokey QTZ, Purple Amethyst and Lime Green Prynite.

Dear Readers,
Can you spot some of the visual characteristics of the Mineral Bismuth that I attempted to capture in my photos.

Hints:  For example, the Green Light Pole next to the Yellow Bicycle resembles the columns formed by the elongated crystals. 

Please send me more Rock and Mineral Photos.   See the Guidelines for Submission, outfit post dates and Giveaway at the bottom of the Post HERE.

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

All Aboard the Anthro Express - An Arrival with Something Special Attached!

Look what arrived at my door about 1/2 an hour ago.  Yes dear Readers, it's an Express Box delivery from Anthro in Berkeley CA.

 Anthro did a store search for me and I called to get this Jacket to wear with my Easy Keeper Skirt that hasn't yet arrived.



From The Poles Jacket Purple - by Charlie and Robin
Anthro Berkeley CA Orig $128 Sale $70 Red Tag $53 - 122210

Oh!  Isn't it lovely.  BTW, today is my Birthday, so an Anthro delivery makes my Birthday so much more special.  It fits like a dream.  There are no flaws.  And I got this with the Red Tag Discount.  Everything about the Jacket is perfect. 

The store personnel in Berkeley CA even attached a little something special to my Happy Birthday Anthro Jacket.  Want to see what it is.........






keep scrolling for my wonderful fun surprise........

Wait! Before I show you my surprise from the Berkeley Store, let me say Merry Christmas from me to each and everyone of you. You guys are wonderful.  After all, who can I express my happiness to about this delivery but you.  You are the only ones who will understand.




OK!  Are you ready.





Perhaps you should shield your eyes before you stare in wonder at this marvel.





I can feel your anticipation!





HERE COMES MY SURPRISE.....







OK NOW........

They gave me an extra special accessory for my new Jacket.  Isn't it cute! 

Ha-ha-ha-ha!  ARGGGGGGGG.....

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