University of Anthro! Positive Rotation and a New #1 Dress!

Anthropologie's Fragrant Valley Dress by Corey Lynn Calter

Happy Saturday Dear Readers!

I set out early Friday Morning for the campus of my Alma Mater.  It was the final day of my week long Ops Geology Class. The focus for the day on the role of the Ops Geologist in Drilling.

Fragrant Valley Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $99 - June 2010

California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) Amphitheater

It was time to break out a new spin on my morning photo routine.  I'm certain you will see a noticeable change in my rotation. Perhaps more like my former self.  I worked my faithful tripod and camera remote. Does this pose above remind you of Super Woman preparing to lift the Amphitheater into the Blue?  I wasn't going for that.  It's my way of saying TGIF. 

I graduated in 1994 with my B.S. in Geology (Environmental Studies) and accepted my diploma on this very same slab of concrete, minus a roof.  CSUB hosts the Bakersfield Jazz Festival on this very spot.  By day and under the stars.

I'm wearing Anthro's Fragrant Valley Dress by Corey Lynn Calter.  This dress alone, can correct negative forces, and reverse a spin in the positive direction. 

It falls #3 on my All Time Favorite Dress List. Unfortunately booted from the #1 spot by a Half Sister the Atlantic-Pacific Dress from Modcloth now in the #2 position.

Fragrant Valley Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $99 - June 2010

Woven Buds Belts - Anthro - Aug 2010

Infinite Loop Sandals - by Matt Bernson - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $100 - May 2009

Shining Eddie Bracelet in Purple - by Tataborello - Anthro Orig $218 Sale $100 - June 2010

First Class Citrine and Sterling - Etsy Shop bm1coastsbeadworks $22 - Sept 2009

See me wearing the Atlantic-Pacitic Dress HERE.  

Shop The Atlantic-Pacific at Modcloth HERE.

Um...no that isn't the Robot Johnny 5 from Short Circuit.

It's the lean shadow of my haphazard photographer.   Today he has managed to cast his shadow away from me. I'm completely to blame for his shadow blunder HERE.

Are you wondering what Dress has rocketed to #1?

The answer it imminent!

Shining Eddie Bracelet in Purple - by Tataborello - Anthro Orig $218 Sale $100 - June 2010

I had no idea The Fragrant Valley Dress had Flower Seeking Capabilities.  Not only that, it appears to seek it's own kind.  Irises.  Such special powers are spared for Anthro's Shining Eddie Bracelet by Tataborello.  

I stopped here to Enjoy.

Fragrant Valley Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $99 - June 2010

Infinite Loop Sandals - by Matt Bernson - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $100 - May 2009

I could not have asked for this bank of flower stalks and leaves in the most brilliant shade of Greenest Green. From now on, this dress is hear by declared my Lucky Dress?  Not only that, my Toe Nail Polish is aptly named...get this... Ivy League.

I swear I didn't plan this. OK!  To call my school Ivy League is a huge stretch. Oh the Luck of it all.

I have contemplated rubbing my hands on my FVD and casting a first Wish in hopes a Genie will appear.  My first Wish? More Anthro Dear Genie!

 Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Ivy League.

Sailboat Skirt - by Odille - Anthro $78 - June 2011

Who's-Got-the-Button Top in White - by Pilcro - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - July 2011

Mini Ruffle Cardigan in Blue Glow - by Banana Republic - Orig $60 Sale $50 - Mar 2011

Sliver Belt in Pink - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011

Highest Vista Platforms in Navy - by Frye - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $99 - May 2009

Copper Goddess 5x Leather Wrap - Etsy Crea Vita Designs $90 - May 2009 

Glitzy Starfish Earrings - Anthro $80 - Feb 2010

I digress back to Thursday. At which time I am wearing Anthro's Sailboat Skirt by Odille with the Who's-Got-The-Button Top by Pilcro in White.  The sizng is true.  There is a narrow section up the front and center that is slightly sheer, with a double layer on each side.  The sides under the arm are also single layer and sheer.  You will need to layer over or under.

Shop Anthro's Sailboat Skirt 0-10 HERE.

Shop Anthro's Who's-Got-The-Button Top in Red All Sizes HERE.

The Ops Geology Class focused on Pressures and Fluids in the Drilling Environment.  During class I noticed a Young Gal wearing Anthro's Amplified Stripes Blouse in Red.  If it pertains to Anthro, it qualifies as note worthy.

Sailboat Skirt - by Odille - Anthro $78 - June 2011

Mini Ruffle Cardigan in Blue Glow - by Banana Republic - Orig $60 Sale $50 - Mar 2011

Copper Goddess 5x Leather Wrap - Etsy Shop Crea Vita Designs $90 - May 2009 

Today I had the opportunity to meet up with a Local Reader.  Allison is from the Small Mountain community of Lake Isabella, an hours drive to the East of Bakersfield. She and her 3-year old son Brady met me on campus to pick up the En Plein Air Dress that was too Small for me. We chatted for a few minutes.  She has the most gorgeous Red hair and perfect skin tones to show off the Brilliant, Colorful Print of Eva Franco's Dress.  She was a pleasure to meet.  I hope to see her again in the future.

Highest Vista Platforms in Navy - by Frye - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $99 - May 2009

Green Toes once again!

Who's-Got-the-Button Top in White - by Pilcro - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - July 2011

Glitzy Starfish Earrings - Anthro $80 - Feb 2010

If you look closely to your Left, at my Right ear, you will catch a glimpse of a Glitzy Starfish Earring.

Have you lost patience?  






Are you at the edge of your seat? 






Can you guess the identity of #1?






...a dress so flattering, 






...so versatile






 ...so exceptional






...it has thrown down the top competitor's on it's rise to #1.








I can't wait to show you on Monday!




Ha-ha!




I would love to hear your Educated Guess!








Anthro Sister Love My #1 Dress, Laura
(lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Do you Recognize This Dress?

Do you recognize this Dress?

Wait just a second...  here is a side view.



Did that help?  Hmmmmmm!  Maybe not.









 OK!  I took off my Jackie Cardi.  Is it familiar now?  Maybe a few hints...

#1.  The designer is Corey Lynn Calter.
#2.  It's almost exactly the same as my favorite Anthro Dress from 2010. 
#3.  The Print is very different but still a Silk/Cotton Blend.
#4.  The Tie is missing at the V in the back.

Enough Suspense! 







Do you give up? 







Are you ready for the Answer? 



The Fragrant Valley Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - June 2010




Did you recognize it?  See the Fragrant Valley styled for Summer HERE, and Winter HERE!

Atlantic-Pacific Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Modcloth $210 - June 2011
Jackie Cardi in Laquer Yellow - by J Crew - $62 - June 2011
Painted Orchid Belt in Red - by Exquisite J Reincarnation Italy - Anthro Orig $98 Sale $50 - June 2011
Rachael Sandal in Yellow - by Frye - Amazon $170 - July 2008

You Ladies figured it out long before I gave you the answer, didn't you?
Tell me...

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

Style GeoInCalifornia Coming Soon! The Powdered Pigment Dress by T Reese!

It sure is a fabulous morning.  I snapped a few lovely morning light images this morning.  But before that, just a few things to note.


Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011
Enamel Button Cotton Cardi in Dew Drop - by Gap Orig $40 Sale $35 - Feb 2011

Tomorrow (Thursday April 28th) is the last day to submit your outfit ideas for Style GeoInCalifornia, for a chance to win a $25 Anthropologie Gift Card. 

There are currently 9 entries.  Can't beat those odds. Just click on my Wye Valley Dress on the Right Side Bar for information.

This weekend, I will don my eBay Sniped Wye Valley Dress and Jemima Shrunken Cardi.  Then I plan to take massive amounts of photos while making changes using your suggested accessories. Monday I will post all the photo's and place a Polling Station on the Right Side Bar, much like I did for Inspiration That Rocks.   Except this will be a whole lot more fun and less work for me, since I conned, I mean promised the winner a reward. 

Don't forget to look for the final Style GeoInCalifornia Post on Monday.




My OOTD's focus is on Anthro's Powdered Pigment Dress by Tracy Reese. I love an easy to style dress that doesn't have to fight for attention. 

 

Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011
Enamel Button Cotton Cardi in Dew Drop - by Gap Orig $40 Sale $35 - Feb 2011
Sulky Belt - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $30 - Feb 2011
All Leather Tan Handbag with Handstitched Patent in Green - by Orla Kiely AW08 -
PerriBerri Orig $620 Sale $400 - April 2009 
Highest Vista Platforms in Navy - by Frye - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $99 - May 2009
Solid Turquoise Rose with Hand Stamped Salt and Pepper Beads - by Allison Dayton - Athleta Orig $198 - Apr 2009
Chan Luu Faceted Turquoise Linen Wrap - Athleta $184 - March 2009



Pick a color!  Any color.  Perhaps even two colors!  I picked Green and Blue. I went for a soft, understated Pastel Cardi. The Enamel Button Cardi in Dew Drop by The Gap seen HERE. I chose to wrap the belt under today.  But I could have just as easily went over the top of the Cardi with Anthro's Sulky Belt, seen HERE in Brown.

Shop my Gap Cardi HERE in many colors on sale. 
Free Shipping over $50.  Plus an additional 30% off with code BRONGAP30. Expires today.

 

All Leather Handbag Handstitch Patent Green - by Orla Kiely AW08 - PerriBerri Orig $620 Sale $400 - April 2009 
Highest Vista Platforms in Navy - by Frye - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $99 - May 2009



Look!  Sandals!  This time my toes are polished. Sticking to Green and Blue, along with Neutrals, I went with Orla Kiely's All Leather Handstitched Patent Handbag in Green. 

I rarely wear clogs.  From my experience, they tend to attract negative attention when walking the tiled hallways around here.  But, Anthro's Highest Vista Platforms has a non slip pad on the sole that also muffles the clang, clang, clang. These came in Navy with Blue, and Fuchsia with Yellow. 

 

Solid Turquoise Rose with Hand Stamped Salt and Pepper Beads - by Allison Dayton - Athleta Orig $198 - Apr 2009
Chan Luu Faceted Turquoise Linen Wrap - Athleta $184 - March 2009

 I tossed in more Blue and Green by way of this awesome, huge chunk of hand carved Turquoise on Silver by Allison Dayton, from Athleta, seen HERE.  Along with a gorgeous, handmade Faceted Turquoise Linen Wrap Bracelet by Chan Luu from Athleta, seen HERE.

Shop Allison Dayton Jewelry HERE

Shop Similar Chan Luu on leather wrap at Anthro HERE

It going to be a beautiful day today in Bakersfield CA.  An ideal 79 degrees F. The sun was up bright and early.  This was me at 6:30 AM.  Tightless and decked out for Spring.

Some pretty things from yesterdays Anthro sale...

Sail Shapes Dress by Maple on Sale HERE.

See how Kim of Anthroholic styled the dress HERE.

Calm Seas Skirt on Sale HERE.

and

Cloud Art Dress - Out of Stock Online - Style # 20585279, SKU# in Small 20586160

See the dress HERE.  I'm sure the Medium from online will be too big, so CS hooked me up with the last size Small in the US from a CA store.

Shop Anthro on Sale HERE.

More pretty things I scored last weekend ...

Anthro's Swift Current Cardi in Blue seen HERE

Anthro's Blooming Lattice Cardi in Green seen HERE

Anthro's Berry Months Dress seen HERE.  Ummmm...not on sale.  Bad Laura!

Whip me!  Beat me!  Make me write BAD checks! 
Don't worry!  I didn't!  Not even a credit card!

What, if anything, did you grab from the Anthro Sale?  Anything special on your Wish List?  I love seeing what you love.  Sometimes I end up loving it too.

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

Mompos Matchy Match Monday and a Bee! With Anthro Sister Love and Respect!

Mompos Dress - Plenty by T Reese - Anthro $228 - Mar 2011
Anadyomene Cardi in Ivory - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $88 - Apr 2011
Factory Leather Belt in Orchid Shadow - by J Crew - Factory Orig $24.50 Sale $14.50 - Apr 2011
Semaphores Necklace - by Cursive handmade in USA - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $20 - Apr 2011
Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 2009

Welcome to Mompos Monday!  You can bet I will be wearing Anthro's Mompos Dress until you Gals yell Uncle.  If you get sick of seeing me in it, just say the magic word.  I originally wasn't planning to wear the Mompos today.  BTW, Mompos is in the country of Colombia.  Spelled with two O's.  You had to be there. It was a misunderstanding that was respectfully cleared up.

Mompos Dress - Plenty by T Reese - Anthro $228 - Mar 2011
Anadyomene Cardi in Ivory - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $88 - Apr 2011
Factory Leather Belt in Orchid Shadow - by J Crew - Factory Orig $24.50 Sale $14.50 - Apr 2011
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Rachael Sandal in Yellow - by Frye - Amazon $170 - July 2008
Semaphores Necklace - by Cursive handmade in USA - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $20 - Apr 2011
Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 2009

The Pigment and Canvas Dress by Nathalie Lete was laid out and ready to go.  When I put it on, I couldn't zip it up. It seems half the Dresses in my Closet are either too large, or too small.  What's a girl to do, but buy more.  I can't decide if I should sell a few to make closet space for new dresses, or keep them since my weight is fluctuating.  A couple of these dresses would be difficult to part with.  For example: Anthro's Sweet Tangelo Dress, and the Unfurling Fronds Dress, both by Leifsdottir are too big.  Then there is my Babergh Dress, now too small. Sniff! 

Shop the Mompos Dress HERE

Read my Review HERE
Read Kim of Anthroholic Review HERE
Read Dea of The Dea Diaries Review HERE

I sprang for Anthro's Anadyomene Cardi, in Ivory by Rosie Neira, at full price. Venus Anadyomene "Venus Rising From the Sea" was one of the iconic representations of Aphrodite.  The color, length, and simple but interesting detailing will make this piece versatile.  That alone justifies the purchase. I meant to take a photo of the shoulder.  The neckline detail extends over the right shoulder, but not the left.  Initially I thought the extended piece looked out of place, and I had received a defective Cardi. The online Product Photo proved otherwise. I have since grown to like the unique bit of stray interest that extends a few inches down the back.  The knit is soft and has stretch. I sized up from my normal size Small to a Medium. Snaps were included between the top buttons to prevent gap.

 Shop the Anadyomene Cardi HERE

I belted over the Cardi with J Crew's Factory Leather Belt in Orchid Shadow. I thought about using a Yellow belt.  But that would have added to the already Yellow Matchy-ness of the outfit.

Shop J Crew's Factory Belt HERE

Mompos Dress - Plenty by T Reese - Anthro $228 - Mar 2011
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Rachael Sandal in Yellow - by Frye - Amazon $170 - July 2008

Signs of Spring, call for a Spring OK handbag. Meet the Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion by Orla Kiely. 

In keeping with the today's Matchy Match theme even more Yellow with Frye's Rachael Sandals. 

Shop Similar Frye Sandals in Yellow HERE

I fell head over wedges in love when I saw these on Zappos. 



Dierdre X-Stitch by Frye - at Zappos - $158



I ordered them right away.  I've returned 2 pairs of Navy shoes this month. These were too narrow for the wide front of my foot.  Perfect everywhere else. My quest continues.

Shop Dierdre X-Stitch by Frye HERE - In 6 fabulous colors



Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro Orig $105 Sale $70 - July 2009



And now for even more Matchy Match. The Bejeweled Bee Ring by Kenneth Lane.  I think my Bee Ring wants to meet Kristin's Bee Pin on Lovely Apidea.

Shop my Bee Ring by Kenneth Lane HERE





To distract from my Matchy Match, I went with Anthro's Semaphores Necklace by Cursive.  A cute, cheap, but interesting little thing, that shines with unique Anthro-osity.

Shop the Semaphores Necklace HERE

I received a scolding and a threat to stop reading, from a Regular Reader. All that for making a choice I consider my prerogative. This was in reference to my email to Anthro regarding skewed review votes. Oddly enough this was the first comment this Reader ever made on my blog. Why is it she felt now was the time to be negative, when not once in the past did she ever offer a positive comment?  Where has human decency gone?

I know this isn't common standard among the Anthro Community. I certainly would not choose to blog if it were. As a Blogger and a Reader I appreciate the helpful reviews and information I am privy to.  Thank You's are fantastic, but I don't expect them. However I do expect consideration for my personal choices, as much as I consider others. Debating those choices is always open for discussion in a friendly and respectful manner.

I got your back!

And that's the Bees Knees! 

Happy Mompos Monday to all my Lovely Readers.  Don't be strangers. Your point of view is appreciated. Please feel free to comment with Anthro Sister Love and Respect, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Leifsdottir Roses and Bees - An OOTD Inside & Out

I'm thankful today is my Friday! I went on a photo shoot early, in the Park behind the Taj Majal. Trash cans make the perfect tripods.  Just the right level for placing a camera. Just don't let it roll into the trash.  Ha-ha!  No I didn't.

Yesterday's high was 107° F.  Today's expected high is 101° F.  By Sunday the expected high is 81° F.  I'm thankful for this unheard of 26° cool down over 5 days. 

Today's OOTD is another Summer 2009 favorite. Leifsdottir's Rose and Bee Blouse.  Also known as Anthropologie's Night Blooming Blouse.  The original price for this 100% Cotton Blouse with Silk Tie was $228. I picked one from Anthro on sale for $100 in June  2009.

A wide Black Silk tie laces up the back through metal grommets, then ends at the nape with a trailing Silk bow. The blouse front is embellished with White pop-up crochet flowers next to sweet gathered puffed sleeves. White gauze cotton fabric features bunches of sketched roses interspersed with honey bees.

The online description claimed the blouse was lined in Silk.  It was not. This was not the first time Leifsdottir claimed a blouse was lined, and we were duped.  I added my own white Cami, because the cotton is see through.  And let's face it, the blouse is awesome.  I get compliments when I wear it. 


One thing Leifsdottir does well, is detailing.  And I am a detail kinda girl.

A pair of black Wide Leg Cargo's are the perfect staging for this Blouse. These are Anthro's Year Round Pants by Hei Hei in Black. Original Price was $98, I found them on sale for $50.  Lots of button pockets and seams on highly comfortable Black stretch Twill.  Machine wash, tumble dry.  I don't even bother with an iron. These are a bit big for me.  Pardon the baggy look. 

Rounding out the bottom are a truly awesome pair of Rachael Double Strap Wood Platform Sandals by the Frye Shoe Company.  The oldest shoe company in the US of A.  Anthro had these long before I started my Anthro addiction.  I remember seeing a few pop backs in red.  I found this pair on Amazon in July 2008.  I love the slip resistant crepe base, the burned in Frye logo, the soft padded foot bed, and the rugged metal rings and grommet details. Price $170.  I did see some colors on sale at Sundance months later.  The Yellow was hard to come by.

First Class Citrine and Sterling - Etsy Shop bm1coastsbeadworks $22 - Sept 2009

Let's talk Bee Jewelry.

This is Anthro's Bejeweled Bee Ring by Kenneth Lane. Original price was $105. I paid $70 on sale in July 2009. This is 22K gold plating (although the description didn't specify the plating part), with enamel and swarovski crystals.  I heart this ring.  It has a springy comfort ring on the inside of the band.  After a year of wearing this many times, it looks brand new.  I don't get it wet. 

You can view and buy the same ring here.

I am also very careful not to get perfume or any other chemicals on any of my costume or fabric jewelry.  This includes natural stone too.

When I purchased this Etsy Necklace, it hadn't occurred to me that the charms were so small. The honey drop is a Yellow Citrine faceted Briolet, along with Sterling Bee and discs on a fine braided leather cord with toggle clasp.  Price was $44. However, the tiny bee charm is the same size as its Rose buzzing counterparts on the Leifsdottor Blouse.  Perfect in this small scale.

Finally we come to this magnificent Natural Stone wonder from Etsy Shop Mud and Mint for $43. Last I checked the Shop was still closed.  The owner seems to have gone on a very long vacation. She does gorgeous stone jewelry designs that are both simple and comfortable.  This is her Warm Sugar Bracelet.  It's composed of both smooth and faceted rounds of Opal, Calcite, Bronzite, Moonstone, and Rutilated Clear Quartz on Non-Tarnishing Silver.  She also does wonderful examples using Oxidized Silver.

Here you can see the dome on my office building that earned it the nickname - Taj Majal

This OOTD was my second example of last Summers Theme Outfits.  I still consider these outfits among some of my favorite tried and trues.

What do you think of these as compared to my detailed, texture driven outfits for this Summer?

I see many OOTD's using color themes. I love Jamie's recent dessert themed outfits. 

I would be fascinated to see themed outfits like my Bees outfit, and Mondays Strawberry theme?

Love, Laura (GeoInCalifornia) lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com

Pigment and Canvas Dress - A Vintage Styling

I had decided I would return this Dress.  Now I have changed my mind.  I thought I would use the refund towards financing the Babergh Dress. I can't bear to do it. And I never use a charge card for clothing.

Now that I have put together an outfit, I want to keep the dress.  Am I too old to wear this clingy dress?

My kitties thought I was acting silly, running around the yard with a chair and my camera at 6 am taking photos. But the cool morning temps are such a blessing here.  I thought I would get out and enjoy my yard for once. The lighting was perfect for showing off this dress.

Pigment and Canvas Dress - by Nathalie Lete - Anthro - Was $248 - Sale $60 - Aug 2010
Sorry there is no buy it here for this dress.  It's sold out online.  Look for pop backs in the sale section.

I am literally poured into the bodice of this size 4 dress.  It was all I could do to get the exposed side zip up without including skin.  The corset like design is a blessing.  When I first tried it on with a bra it was a no go.  The band was too tight and pressed the underwire into my ribs painfully.  This is a common problem for those who suffer from a big ribcage.  So off went the bra, and on went the dress.  Even more carefully, up went the zip.  I'm no spring chicken and certain things start to loose altitude after awhile.

I couldn't believe this dress is 100% cotton.  With a laced cotton slip lining.  Even better,  it's MACHINE WASH and TUMBLE DRY. How can anyone pass this up for the $60 sale price tag.

Another problem I often experience is with shoulder straps falling down.  But this dress was so far perfect.  It's really hard to give up a dress that not only fits great without additional tailoring, but also looks so darn good.  I spent hours working on the last two dresses I ordered.  Something I don't really mind doing if I have the time.

You can see the results of my handy dandy tailoring with the Graphical Dress by Edme and Esyllte here. 

And another outfit for the Graphical Dress here.

Vintage Inspired Peep Toes in Sky - by Frye Shoe Company (the oldest Shoe Co in the US) - Zappos - not on sale $170 - Apr 2009

In keeping with the Vintage aged look of the print backing, I chose these leather Frye pumps in Sky. I think I did a number on them frolicking around the yard right after the sprinklers had been on.  I love these pumps.  The 3/4 inch platform makes the 3 1/2 inch heel feel like 3 inches.  Very comfortable and stable.  I have slipped in these before though.

A little corny mirror, mirror on the bureau staging. The little Lady Bug off to the side kinda resembles a tattoo. I like the simplicity of my layered necklaces.  The only Anthro jewelry is the cuff. 

Toasted Meringue Cuff - by Lee Angel - Anthro - was $198, sale $99 - Mar 2010

I was so happy when this cuff went on sale after having it Wish Listed for months.  I love the neutral color and the vintage brooch in the middle.  Expensive, but worth every penny.  I was a little worried about the wide metal cuff.  But it's fairly light and if I push it up my forearm, it stays put. Lee Angel designs are creative and very appealing to me. I did have to use fray block on the ribbon ends.  Clear nail polish works just as well.

Bye, bye for now......

Oh wait, I almost forgot about the rest of the outfit.  After I took these images I got an idea. The dress has such wonderful purples and blues.  So I thought I would add something of the PURPLE variety.

The Gumshoe Sweater Coat - by Charlie and Robin - Anthro $168 - Fall 2009

When this light weight wool coat hit sale, there was no PURPLE left. So I am happy I paid full price. But since I am not a fan of PURPLE I don't wear it much. So any excuse to match this up with an outfit and I am on it. I love the vintage ruffles. The wool felt is soft. Most boiled wool drives me nuts. This stuff is great. Even has pockets, and adorable huge buttons.

 

Nothing adds Vintage drama like layering multi length necklaces.  I have an assortment.  The blue costume choker necklace belonged to my Grandmother Edna on the Martin side.  It's about 80 years old and looks brand new.  It's now a collectors item by Mazer Bros.

The freshwater pearl strand with magnetic closure was made by MWTT (Mum With The Thumb) my Mom.  It was part of my Bridal jewelry 11 years ago. 

The long double strand is freshwater pearls and pearl coins with crystals strung on Silver thread.  This was a gift with an order from Etsy Shop WahtVeritas.  I love it more than the stuff I ordered.

And laying broken in the dish (sniff) is a lovely crystal necklace that belonged to my Grandmother Ena on the Cooper side. I broke the necklace when I took it off.  I will re-string it with special thread for crystal because it tends to chew through most thread.

And the Icing on the Purple Cake is Blue...

Kaitlyn Straw Cloche - custom made by  Mary Ann Koch Milliner - Couture Creations $145

I love how this arrived in a hat box, with a little signed Thank You card from the Milliner.  My Anthro hat arrived crushed in a delivery box. Even better was a 20% off card for my next hat.  Which I used for a beautiful Turquoise Wool Cloche I am sure I will show you come Fall Winter.

You can order the Kaitlyn here. Plus even more hats.  Most of which you can pick and choose from colorful Vintage Stock to your hearts content.

And here are the final outfit images....

I don't know why I look so skinny here because I'm not.  This sweater makes me look flat chested.  Which I'm not. 

Hope you enjoyed this OOTD.  Please tell me what you think.  Do I look like a GIANT PURPLE GRAPE? Perhaps the epitome of a Flapper Girl?

Tons of Love to my Anthro Sisters and non Anthro Sisters too, Laura (GeoInCalifornia)  lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com