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)

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

Trinket Inspired!

Giddy Necklace in Purple - Anthro Orig $42 Sale $30 - July 2011



Every once in a while, it's fun to style in reverse.  That's what I did with Anthro's Violet tasseled, crochet covered, faceted plastic, bead bedecked Giddy Necklace.  Like mixed up berries strung out on a dainty looped Gold vine.  When shook it makes a quiet jingle only you will hear.

Shop Anthro's Giddy Necklace on sale HERE

Orig $42, Sale $30



Jaqueline Dress - by Maeve - Anthro $98 - July 2009
Featherweight Cashmere Cardi in Dahlia - by J Crew - Orig $158 Sale $99 - July 2011
Wide Scalloped Embroidery Slip Cream - Etsy A Slip Shop - Sale $18.75 - June 2011
Quelusia Heels in Purple - by Re-Mix Vintage Footwear - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $100 - July 2008
Giddy Necklace in Purple - Anthro Orig $42 Sale $30 - July 2011



I took a spin through my Closet holding the Necklace up in front of my cloths. I could have referenced the Color Wheel on the background of my Desktop.  Please tell me that you Gals keep a Color Wheel handy for reference.  

Jaqueline Dress - by Maeve - Anthro $98 - July 2009
Featherweight Cashmere Cardi in Dahlia - by J Crew - Orig $158 Sale $99 - July 2011
Wide Scalloped Embroidery Slip Cream - Etsy A Slip Shop - Sale $18.75 - June 2011
Giddy Necklace in Purple - Anthro Orig $42 Sale $30 - July 2011



Less than a minute later I found harmony for the Violet Giddy Necklace.  Anthro's Jaqueline Dress in Chartreuse.  On the Color Wheel, Yellow and Violet are directly across from each other. They're complimentary.  That explains why the dress and the necklace are pleasing together. As an added bonus, the Ivory bodice breaks up the outfit.  I wouldn't want to blind my friends and co-workers in passing.

Jaqueline Dress - by Maeve - Anthro $98 - July 2009
Wide Scalloped Embroidery Slip Cream - Etsy A Slip Shop - Sale $18.75 - June 2011
Quelusia Heels in Red/Purple Combo - by Re-Mix Vintage Footwear - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $100 - July 2008

Did I go overboard by pairing J Crew's Cashmere Cardi and Anthro's Quelusia Heels?  Too much Violet perhaps? 

Next time I might try my Jackie Cardi in Radiant Orchid with Anthro's Infinite Loop Sandals for a toned down, casual variation of this outfit.

Shop Anthro's Quelusia Heels AKA Promenade by Re-Mix HERE

Orig $194, Sale Price $136

I've worn my Half Slip from Etsy's A Slip Shop 3 times in two weeks.  You don't need to be tall to enjoy a touch of lace along the hemline.

See how I wore this Half Slip with different dresses HERE and HERE.  Fancy and versatile!

What inspired your outfit today?  Did you find something you loved at the Anthro Sale? 

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

Old School Anthro! In Training with Leifsdottir and Anna Sui!

I'm all about Old School. This week, I'm in Training (Operation Geology) at my Old School.  California State University Bakersfield. I graduated from CSUB with my BS in Geology in 1994. With me this week are two Old School Anthro dresses.

Avonlea Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $70 - Dec 2008

Wide Scalloped Embroidery Slip Cream - Etsy A Slip Shop - Sale $18.75 - June 2011

Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010

Lady Beetle Necklace - Anthro Orig $118 Sale $50 - June 2008

Today I'm wearing Anthro's Avonlea Dress by Leifsdottir.  I ordered this $298 Silk dress on 2nd cut for $70 in 2008.  This was back when Anthro actually gave Leifsdottir 2nd cuts.  I keep hoping Leifsdottir will begin cranking out Old School dresses again.  Sadly, by dreams are so far unanswered.

Avonlea Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $70 - Dec 2008

Wide Scalloped Embroidery Slip Cream - Etsy A Slip Shop - Sale $18.75 - June 2011

Pot of Gold Heels in Seafoam - by Seychelles - Seychelles $90 - Mar 2011 

Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010

Lady Beetle Necklace - Anthro Orig $118 Sale $50 - June 2008

I took a quick tour of the campus early this morning before Class. I visited the Duck Pond where my 23 year old son Camden (a toddler then) chased the ducks.  Then the ducks would about face and chase him.  He was fearless, regardless of the fact that many were twice his size.

Avonlea Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $70 - Dec 2008

Wide Scalloped Embroidery Slip Cream - Etsy A Slip Shop - Sale $18.75 - June 2011

Pot of Gold Heels in Seafoam - by Seychelles - Seychelles $90 - Mar 2011 

Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010

This dress is a bit short, so I layered a new Scallop Trimmed Half Slip from Etsy's A Slip Shop.  My slip is showing, don't you love it?

See me wearing this dress slightly different HERE. 

Bird's-Eye-View Dress Pre-Owned - by Anna Sui - Anthro Orig $228 eBay Auction $76 - July 2011

Jackie Cardi in Laquer Yellow - by J Crew - $62 - June 2011

Framboise Peep Toes in Raspberry - by All Black - Anthro $158 Sale $80 - Aug 2009 

Chiaroscuro Bracelet - Sundance $130 - Labradorite 14K Gold Vermeil Sequins - Mar 2009 

Labradorite Briolettes - Etsy - 2010

Karen Hill Tribe Handmade Silver Rose Necklace - Etsy Iris Jewlry Designs $45 - May 2009

This is Monday's outfit for my first day back in class.  Another Old School Anthro Dress.  The Birds-Eye-View Dress by Anna Sui for Anthro. The dress is pre-owned and in perfect condition, except for a pull in the Silk Shell at the back.  I don't recall seeing this dress over the last three years.  I didn't find it in the Anthro Catalogs.  Google images turned up Anthro's Product Images only.

Does anyone know what year it was sold on Anthro?  See the Product Page HERE.  It's has to be at least Two years old, because there are no online reviews.

Bird's-Eye-View Dress Pre-Owned - by Anna Sui - Anthro Orig $228 eBay Auction $76 - July 2011

Jackie Cardi in Laquer Yellow - by J Crew - $62 - June 2011

Chiaroscuro Bracelet - Sundance $130 - Labradorite 14K Gold Vermeil Sequins - Mar 2009 

Labradorite Briolettes - Etsy - 2010

Karen Hill Tribe Handmade Silver Rose Necklace - Etsy Iris Jewlry Designs $35 - May 2009

Here I am wearing my J Crew Jackie Cardi in Laquer Yellow. Again!  That's 3 times in 8 days.  I've always wondered if J Crew intentionally miss-spelled Laquer.  Which should be spelled Lacquer.  Perhaps it's the week long dose of the classroom, that brings this small Faux Pas to my attention.

Shop the Jackie Cardi HERE.

Anthro left me out in the cold for Cardigans.

This Gal has gotta have Cardigans...All Year Round.

Bird's-Eye-View Dress Pre-Owned - by Anna Sui - Anthro Orig $228 eBay Auction $76 - July 2011

Karen Hill Tribe Handmade Silver Rose Necklace - Etsy Iris Jewlry Designs $45 - May 2009

I'm not normally a Whimsy Print sort of gal. Blogging has changed that.  I found myself attracted to the Sheer Silk, replete with Swooping Birds, Blossoming Cherry Trees, Butterflies, Caterpillars, and Marching Watermelon Slices at the hemline.  As if that wasn't enough,  add a hail storm of raining Red and Green Cherries.  The style is a bit strange.  Why the deep plunging neckline for such a modest dress?  But as it turns out, the fit was perfect.

I can't believe my one year Blog Anniversary is only a week or so away.  Imagine that.  


What should I do to Celebrate?  Any ideas from my loyal Readers, Bloggers and Friends would be greatly appreciated.

Anthro Sister Old School Dress Love, 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)

The Tippi Borrows from The Mompos!

Greetings!  I lined up another successful Tippi Match over the weekend, with the help of LC of Bella Seattle.  LC discovered a lone Tippi Dress at a Seattle area Anthro. I checked my Tippi Matchmaker List and sure enough, Natalie was still looking for a Tippi.  After several phone calls, Natalie had no luck with an SA finding the Tippi.  Shortly after, LC informed me that the dress was on a rack by the door. Finally, Natalie got hold of a Sales Associate that went looking for a dress, that was now described to her, and on a rack by the door.  Success.  What made the deal sweeter was, she picked up her Tippi at the 25% Red Tag discount.

Search Tips:  If you are looking for a special item by phone, it helps to give as much information as possible, including a description of the item and the possible location in the store. Style numbers are usually necessary, but they won't find a dress that hasn't been entered in the stores inventory control system.  And be aware that SA's don't always know the online names.

Tippi Dress - by Anna Sui - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 - May 2011

Jackie Cardigan in Black - by J Crew - $62 - May 2011

Finest Hour Heels - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $80 Burlingame CA Peggy - May 2011

Sepia Crocus Bag AKA Dark Stem Shiny Laminate Tote by Orla Kiely AW08 - Anthro $178 - July 2008

Pears on Sterling - Etsy Shop Polished Two $9 - May 2009

Butterfly Cuff - by Jessica Kagan Cushman - Max and Chloe $170 - March 2010

A few weeks ago I inquired about purchasing a Black Cardigan.  An overwhelming number of Ladies suggested J Crew's Jackie Cardigan.  I was hesitant. I find it difficult to spend $62 on a plain cardigan.

I am officially a J Crew Jackie convert.  This is a great sweater.  TTS.  No stretching after a long day. I couldn't be happier with this Cardigan.  True, I can't wear it outside in 110 degree F weather, but it's perfect for the ice box temps in the office.  So great in fact, I ordered another in Laquer Yellow.  I'm on the verge of a third very soon.

Shop the Jackie Cardigan by J Crew - some colors on sale.

Finest Hour Heels - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $80 Burlingame CA Peggy - May 2011

My office has a long tile hallway that runs dead center down the middle.  There have times when I attempted to soundlessly tip-toe my way to the Powder Room. Yes ladies, I was wearing wooden clogs.  So you must imagine my happiness to discover how quiet the Finest Hour Heels are.  Now I can joyfully skip my way to the Potty with no embarrassing clang, clang.

My Clank-Proof Clogs are showing signs of love.........right up front. 

Anthro has an almost exact pair of Miss Albright's, although much higher, on sale HERE.

Tippi Dress - by Anna Sui - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 - May 2011

I don't need to tell you how much I love this Dress.  Many Ladies had a desire for this dress that was strongly associated with Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds."  The last time I watched this rather disturbing Sci-Fi movie I was just a kid. I caught the tail end of the movie about a week after I received my Tippi.  It's still disturbing.

It almost seems silly to tell you this, because I've never felt anything like this from a piece of clothing.

The Tippi Dress mesmerizes me. I'm fascinated by the shadowed, scene that circles the skirt. The dress is Wispy, When a breeze catches the delicate Silk Skirt, it ripples like water.  I feel pretty just by wearing it.

Isn't that exactly what a dress should do?

Do you have a Dress that does something special like this for you?

Does it have a name? 

and finally....

What did I borrow from the Mompos dress to wear with the Tippi?

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

My Leifsdottir Scarf Scene! My Big Chick!

Here comes the Fastest Post in the West!

Anthro's Scarf Scene Dress by Leifsdottir! My favorite detail is the Romantic Slip under the Silk Shell. Wish you could see it.


Scarf Scene Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $70 - 2009
Sliver Belt in Green - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011
Via Cardona Wedges in Moss - by Dolce Vita - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - May 2011
Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008

 Why haven't I worn this dress in two years?

#1 The dress has an elastic waistband that requires a Belt.  I didn't know how to belt over anything until last Summer.  Especially a dress. Does that sound weird? I now have the perfect belt. Anthro's Sliver Belt in Green.

Oh, and thanks to many of you for all those great belted outfits, I now have lessons...under my belt, so to speak.



the Cowl style neckline does Busty me no favors. Those folds of fabric had to go away.


#2  I wasn't impressed by the sagging cowl on this dress.  The folds of silk dipped too low and didn't sit nicely.  I restructured the loose neckline by pulling up the excess fabric in front, creating a pleat at each corner, and after some careful folding, I whip stitched the extra fabric behind the straps.  This created a modest, flattering, squared off neckline.  I probably would not have done this if I hadn't scored this dress on Pop Back at 2nd cut. 

I could tell that the dress had been a return that had been worn more than once. 

Scarf Scene Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $70 - 2009
Sliver Belt in Green - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011

I love how the Green Ribbons peek out of the neckline of my sweater.



Scarf Scene Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $70 - June 2011
Factory Ruffled Celosia Cardi - by J Crew - Orig $70 Sale $45 - Mar 2011
Sliver Belt in Green - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011
Via Cardona Wedges in Moss - by Dolce Vita - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - May 2011
Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008 

#3  Several times over the last 2 years I was prepared to wear this dress. But a Cardi is a must for the office. I tried different colors and styles.  None did the dress favors. Until this Morning.  I tried my Ruffled Celosio. I honestly thought no way, too much Coral.  I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome.  I balanced the Coral with the Green Belt and Wedges. For the first time in two years I am happy with this outfit. And I have Jamie of Thrifty Threads to thank.  She inspired with her outfit HERE.




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


 See Tien of Adiaphane wearing her Leifsdottir Scarf Scene Dress HERE.

I am hopping on a bus to have breakfast in the middle of California's Largest Oil and Gas Field.  We are celebrating the 100th Birthday of the discovery well. This field has the honors of a rich history.  Red Adare put out oil well fires here.  John Wayne stared in that movie.  The US Navy owned this field until we took over in 1998. No PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required today!  Happy Thursday!

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

Some J Crew Assistance Needed Here Please!

I went and did it again!  I stepped out of the Anthro Box.

Factory Ruffled Celosia Cardi in Coral - by J Crew - Orig $70 Sale $45 - Mar 2011
Flowers of Flowers Tank - by Little Yellow Button - Anthro $69 - Apr 2010
Stephanie Boyfriend - by Ett Twa - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $59 - Apr 2010
Rainbow Urchin Sandals - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $59 - June 2010

I've been searching for a Coral Cardi for some time. I would have never thought of J Crew, if it wasn't for all the subliminal messages I  receive from other Bloggers. What was that I heard...

J Crew...J Crew...J Crew

I love you...

Factory Ruffled Celosia Cardi in Coral - by J Crew - Orig $70 Sale $45 - Mar 2011
Flowers of Flowers Tank - by Little Yellow Button - Anthro $69 - Apr 2010
Stephanie Boyfriend - by Ett Twa - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $59 - Apr 2010
Rainbow Urchin Sandals - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $59 - June 2010

Meet the Factory Ruffled Celosia Cardi in Coral.  By none other than J Crew. Yep, I'm in Big, Huge LOVE with a J Crew Cardi! I've got it so bad I want it in Yellow. 

Shop my J Crew Cardi HERE

Only one itsy, bitsy problem.  The Yellow is sold out online.

Please...could a J Crew-aholic tell me if I can get Factory items in a store?  If so, how do I go about it.  Anthro store searches require a certain amount of finesse. It's all about the ins and outs.  Please share if you care.  Because I don't have a J Crew anywhere near me.

I found the Yellow version on eBay priced $15 over the sale price.  But only in Medium and Large.  I fear the Medium would be too big.

 

Stephanie Boyfriend - by Ett Twa - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $59 - Apr 2010
Rainbow Urchin Sandals - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $59 - June 2010

Please excuse my unpainted Toe Nails.  I know, it's not a pretty sight.  I promise it won't happen again.  I give my toe nails a break from polish during the Winter months.  I was caught off guard by fast rising temps.

If I can't find the J Crew CARDI...what do you think of these Yellow Cardi options?

Talbots Chiffon Ruffle Cardi

In my mind, I see the short ruffles as too conservative for me.  Unlike the bold, ruffled J Crew Cardi.

Talbots Chiffon Chevron Ruffle Cardi

 I'm a little worried about the furry chest look with this one.

Other options I investigated.  Anthro's Roaming Frills, but in Yellow.  Only XL available on eBay.

Anthro's Roaming Frills Cardi - Sold Out

Do you have any suggestions? Have you seen a Yellow Cardi you can suggest for me?  Please share!

If you can help me find the J Crew Cardi in Yellow, that would be much appreciated.

I came across a Post that contained a wonderful set of Yellow Cardi's HERE on  What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear. 
Anthro Sister Love, plus J Crew Admiration, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)