A Parfait of Sunshine! APB Update - Thank you Kavita!

How much would you pay for Sunshine in a Jar?

If UV rays cause skin cancer and age the skin, why does the early morning Sun remove 10 years?

It's a conspiracy I tell you.  If it's bad for you, it will always make you look good.  

I would pay major bucks for a jar of Sunshine.

I'm talking about several Anthro Dresses worth of Sunshine in a Jar. 

Do you remember this Sesame Street Game?

"One of these things is not like the other.  One of these things just is not the same."

Replace One with Three.  Take a closer look at the photo below.  Let's start the game...

I didn't notice #1 until this afternoon when I was in front of a mirror.

Look under my arm just above my Yellow High Gloss Belt.  What the heck is that?

OMG!  Give that a little Valley Girl twist when you say it.  

My dress is ripped at the seam.  When I saw it, I knew exactly how it happened.

I have not worn the Overcast Dress by Maeve in almost a year.

It's stretchy, but apparently not enough to PULL OVER MY HIPS.

Big dummy...I forgot it has a side zip.  How funny is that?  Not very, if I didn't know how to sew.

Occasionally I spot this dress on eBay.  It's a great dress or would not still be in my closet and worn on this blog.  It's over 3 years old and going strong, once I mend the seam.  Machine Wash Tumble Dry.  Requires ironing, but once it's done only needs a touch up.  And the fabric has nice give.  Just not enough for my hips.  Ha-ha!

#2 and #3 are harder to spot.  It's something I forgot to do.
If you didn't know this dress, it wouldn't be obvious.
The last time I wore this dress (photo above) I didn't forget to do it.
Count the buttons. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6!
 I FORGOT TO BUTTON TWO BUTTONS.
How old am I?  Um FIVE!

Insert Desperate APB Plea HERE...Update!

Verdant Slip Dress - by Moulinette Soeurs - Anthro $138 - April 2011

My friend and Fellow Anthro Reviewer Anastasia is looking for a Verdant Slip Dress by Moulinette Soeurs. She would prefer size 6.  If you see one, please contact her at
aahelton@gmail.com

I can't thank Kavita enough for finding Anastasia a Verdant Slip Dress.
Kavita will receive Rubies and Diamonds in heaven for all the fabulous work she has done for my Readers and the entire community in general.
We are lucky to count her as one of our own!

Overcast Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $60 - May 2009
Jackie Cardi in Laquer Yellow - by J Crew - $62 - June 2011
Reversible Seamless Tank in Turquoise - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 - July 2011
Wide Scalloped Embroidery Slip Cream - Etsy A Slip Shop - Sale $18.75 - June 2011
High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro $28 - Apr 2011
Marine Depths Wedges 39 - by Maypole- Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - Aug 2011All Leather Handbag in Ink - by Orla Kiely  AW08 - PerriBerri Orig $620 Sale $400 - April 2009
Blooming Tendril Necklace - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $80 - Apr 2009

I was going for a Layered Parfait look in today's outfit.  The Overcast Dress is Cherry Gelatin topped with Lime Topping played by Anthro's Reversible Tank in Turquoise (pretend it's Green - and it covers my cleavage nicely).  The High Glossed Belt represents Lemon in the middle, and the Whipped Topping on the bottom is my Scalloped Hem Half Slip from Etsy Shop - A Slip Shop.  One of the best solutions for a short dress or skirt I have ever found.

I couldn't leave the most comfortable pair of shoes (besides my new Nightshades Heels by Chie Mihara) behind this morning.  The Marine Depth Wedges received a good old fashioned Blog breaking in at the park. Wet grass, puddles, dirt, mud, everything the Killer Kern is best known for. Yep!  My son and I rafted it last year with a floater in the water.  Besides abundant drownings almost daily.  No worries!  I gave them a liberal helping of suede protector first thing today at 4 am. Brushed them clean once I was inside the office.

I couldn't believe what a perfect match Little Miss Orla Kiely was to The Marine Depth Wedges. These shoes were another Pop Back on sale in my Wish List.  My size sold out long before making sale.  Between these and the Nightshades, I fear my Pop Back luck will soon dry up.  That's when I will need your assistance.

If you haven't been able to find a pair in stores, you can haunt/stalk the Product Page for a Pop Back HERE.  Online returns should start appearing soon.  If any!

Overcast Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $60 - May 2009
Jackie Cardi in Laquer Yellow - by J Crew - $62 - June 2011
Reversible Seamless Tank in Turquoise - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 - July 2011
Wide Scalloped Embroidery Slip Cream - Etsy A Slip Shop - Sale $18.75 - June 2011
High Gloss Belt in Yellow - Anthro $28 - Apr 2011
Marine Depths Wedges 39 - by UKN - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - Aug 2011Blooming Tendril Necklace - Anthro Orig $188 Sale $80 - Apr 2009

The idea for the above photo is compliments of Midory of Shopping for Two.  I saw her photo on Kim's Anthroholic Readers Submissions last night.  I am so happy to see my favorite inspirational post back in action.  As you may have noticed,  GeoInCalifornia #2 is a bit weak on brightness.  If I went darker the sky was even more obviously out of whack.

I think Kim hung onto my submission for 2 months.  It's a fabulous photo by Kris of Kristine Ko Creative Studios, taken during our Collaborative Photo Shoot Part I and Part II a few months ago.  It goes hand in hand with my header photo and the Mompos Dress.  

This weekend I will see Kris once again when we meet at the fabulous 3rd Street Promenade Anthropologie in Santa Monica CA.  Along with Heidi, Liza and Joni, we are planning on having some good old fashioned shopping time together.  

Imagine this...I have not been in a Brick and Mortar in almost 1.5 years.  Are you wondering how it is I manage to rank as a Top 10 Reviewer?  So am I.  Look for actual in store Dressing Room Reviews over the Labor Day Weekend.  "What no fireplace in the background?" Liza said.

Marine Depths Wedges 39 - by UKN - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - Aug 2011
All Leather Handbag in Ink Handstiched Patent Pink - by Orla Kiely  AW08 - PerriBerri Orig $620 Sale $400 - April 

Not the best photo of the morning.  Considering I spent about 25 minutes taking 25 photos. More Styles for Anthropologie's Overcast Dress by Meave from 2010...



Overcast Dress by Meave
Proscenium Cardi by Splendid
Pin Dot Tights by Eloise
Delphi Hippodrome Belt
Malted Barley Boots by Area Forte

See Full Post HERE



Overcast Dress by Meave
Blushing Bouquet Cardi by Sparrow
Underlined Heels by Coclico
Magic Carousel Necklace Etsy
Derby Bracelet Etsy
All LEather Handbag Ink by OK

See Full Post HERE

I woke up to really great sale this morning.  See what I picked up on sale HERE.


Did you Ladies find anything amazing on sale?

Have an outfit mishap story to tell? 

I must apologize to all my Blogger friends.  I have been missing in action lately.  I hope to catch up with blog rounds tomorrow night.  Between planning for 2 blog events this month and work, I am swamped.  I've managed a few comments sporadically.  Please except my apologies and know that I am making every attempt to try and keep up with my commitments.

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

No Anthro Zone Review: Backswept Dress by Corey Lynn Calter - " I Got You Covered"

Backswept Dress 6 - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $140 - Aug 2011
Istria Peep Toes 7.5 - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $158 - Mar 2009

Happy Saturday Ladies!  Elizabeth of Behind the Dressing Room Door is giving away a $25 Anthro Card to Celebrate her One Year Blog Birthday.  So visit HERE for a chance to win.

I'm back with another Corey Lynn Calter Dress Review.  The Backswept Dress wasn't even on my Radar.  When it unexpectedly made sale last Tuesday, I reconsidered, and made it mine. The move seemed reasonable enough. After all, I'm a CLC fan through and through. What could go wrong? 

How difficult could it be to make this bare back dress work for me, without looking ridiculous.  Or would I have to resort to throwing a Cardi over top and calling it a day. 

Jamie of Thrifty Threads described the Backswept Dress as a "One Trick Pony."  Having read the reviews, but having never laid eyes on the dress first hand, I agreed with her assessment. It turns out, there is more to this dress than meets the eye.

NO ANTHRO ZONE REVIEW: 

The Backswept Dress by Corey Lynn Calter Orig $288 Sale $140 - August 2011

Product Image Back

Product Image Front

SIZE:  I ordered my normal size 6 for Corey Lynn Calter Dresses.  I'm just over 5'5" Tall, 130 lbs, 35-28-36, 34C to D.  Narrow shoulders.

FIT:  The fit is absolutely everything I have come to expect from CLC.  Perfect. The bodice is fitted without feeling tight.  The waist seam hits an inch above my natural waistline.  The tie back is adjustable. I pulled the shoulders in slightly.  I like the flattering sleeveless arm holes that extend just past my shoulders.  Almost a cap sleeve, but not quite. My bra doesn't show under the arms. The hemline covers my knees.  A longer length I don't normally choose since it tends to cut me off at the knee and make me look shorter.  The flattering tailored bodice removes the chances of that happening. The elastic at the waistband in back provides a comfortable fit. I didn't have issues with gaping.

This dress has a "relaxed, wear anywhere, anytime, and feel like your in a night gown" fit.

Backswept Dress 6 - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $140 - Aug 2011

BTW.  There is no crinoline slip under this dress.  The fan is blowing my skirt.

Now for the back of the dress?  Let's take a quick look at this lovely young lady standing in a vineyard.

Anthropologie Catalog Issue 6 - June 2011 - PG 41
Backswept Dress by Corey Lynn Calter

This vineyard could easily be anywhere in Bakersfield, CA. It's a perfect location for an open backed dress. However, the only place I will be wearing this dress is to work.  We do have a dress code.  I don't think an open back this low would be tolerated.

Now, let's be reasonable adults.  Many of us can't go without support, but would still like to enjoy this gorgeous dress.  But at the same time, no one wants to cover a pretty dress with a Cardi when the weather calls for short sleeves.  Although, I admit to making this adjustment many times.

I came up with an alternative that not only covers the issue completely, but also enhances, instead of taking away from the look of the dress.

Meet two of many closet essentials...

Thing One

Reversible Seamless Tank in Raspberry Small - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 -  July 2011

and

Thing Two

Reversible Seamless Tank in Turquoise Small - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 - July 2011

Thing One and Thing Two arrived in July when they hit sale at a lousy $5 off. Thanks Anthro!  I've been waiting Months for such a deal.  Colors such as these could come in handy. It turned out that I needed them sooner instead of later.  Both colors work equally well with the V-Neck to the back.

Backswept Dress 6 - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $140 - Aug 2011
Reversible Seamless Tank in Raspberry Small - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 - July 2011

Problem solved to my satisfaction!

FABRIC: 100% Silk with no give. Large scale Coral and Pale Green Chrysanthemums on White background. Fully lined is sheer Blush Polyester. Dry Clean Only.  Needs pressing to look it's best. I untied all 3 ties and ironed them before re-tying them.

 I remembered to tie my bows

 right over left, left over right

 this makes a bow both tidy and tight

DETAILS:
100% Silk Shell
100% Poly Lining
Slit Tie Front Pockets.  You may loose anything you put in them
Side Zip with helper button
Extra helper included in a coordinated Print Bag
Elastic Back Waist band
Tie Back with Keyhole

Backswept Dress 6 - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $288 Sale $140 - Aug 2011

Reversible Seamless Tank in Raspberry - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $25 Sale $20 - July 2011

Solid Turquoise Rose - by Allison Dayton - Athleta Orig $198 - Apr 2009

Istria Peep Toes 7.5 - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $158 - Mar 2009

OK!  Please be truthful!  What do you think of my solution?  Does it work?  Is it too obvious? Do you have a better idea to cover my back?

Shop the Backswept Dress by Corey Lynn Calter on sale HERE. Available in all sizes

Shop the In The Headlines Dress at Modcloth HERE. Available in 0, 4, and 8. The Sister Dress!

Shop the Shimera Seamless Tank in Holly Berry HERE.  Available in all sizes.

Shop Bordeaux Seamless Tank in Fern and Citris HERE
Shop a variety of styles and colors at Kohl's HERE.  $.99 Shipping. Free over $75.

Shop Anthro's Reversible Seamless Tank in Raspberry size Small only HERE  

Shop Jockey Seamless Tank in Clear Aqua size Large only HERE

Learn more about animated GIF's and cinema graphs from Lori of Lorispeak.  Lori has some spectacular examples of these fascinating and somewhat creepy short movies.  Some of them gave me the willies.  Yikes!

Anthropologie has free shipping and returns on shoes for Card Holders though August 15th.  

I have already taken advantage of this offer with THESE. 

If you would like to Register for an Anthro Card, you may do so HERE.

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

A Red Tag Pinafore, a Snowscape, a Laptop, and a Sale Hangover!

In no particular order!

But first, the awesome and always fabulous Collette of "Statements In Fashion" is hosting a giveaway for a 50$ Forever 21 Gift Certificate.  Now is the time for me and possibly you to give Forever 21 a try.  Head over to Statements in Fashion HERE.

Ahhhhhh!  The Pinafore Pullover by Rosie Neira.  I got lucky on this one. 

The morning of my Birthday I sat down at my Laptop (which was still functioning-more about that later) and hit the Antho eCatalogs.  What did I find there?  Three Pinafore Pullovers (sold out at full price) available in Pop Back. I immediately sent a text to Heidi D. We both scored.



Pinafore Pullover - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $100 Red Tag $75 - Dec 2010
Snowscape Tank - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $70 - Jan 2009
Honor Guard Booties - by Messeca - Anthro $168 - Dec 2010
Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010

 But the most miraculous news is, the sweaters were not only on sale, but RED TAGGED.  Yippee!

A few weeks ago I saw Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie wearing the Pinafore Pullover in such a fabulous way that I had to have the sweater. It was then I started checking the catalog regularly for Pop Backs. Roxy had taken the Snowscape Tank and layered the Pinafore Pullover over it so only the neckline of the tank was visible.  The effect is almost seamless.  I love this tank, but have never been able to use it in a way that showed off the fabulous detail work on the neckline.  Thank you for the incredible idea Roxy.

Pinafore Pullover - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $100 Red Tag $75 - Dec 2010

I weaved an Idra pin through the back to pull the sweater in a bit.  I could have used an XS in this sweater. 



Pinafore Pullover - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $100 Red Tag $75 - Dec 2010
Snowscape Tank - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $70 - Jan 2009



Pinafore Pullover - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $100 Red Tag $75 - Dec 2010
Snowscape Tank - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $70 - Jan 2009
Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010
  

  As you can see the effect created by layering the Tank under the sweater is stunning.  No jewelry needed!  Unless you want to consider by new Orla Kiely Quilted Patent Iris Bag AW10 as jewelry.  A little Happy Birthday Present!  To me!  From me!



Honor Guard Booties - by Messeca - Anthro $168 - Dec 2010
Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010

  I rounded this outfit up with Messeca's Honor Guard Booties available HERE.  But selling out fast.

Pinafore Pullover - by Rosie Neira - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $100 Red Tag $75 - Dec 2010
Snowscape Tank - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $70 - Jan 2009
Honor Guard Booties - by Messeca - Anthro $168 - Dec 2010
Quilted Patent Iris Bag in Cream - by Orla Kiely AW10 - Yoox Orig $335 Sale $170 FS - Dec 2010

I really hauled on the RED TAG Sale.  I'm not going to review these items now, but you can email me at lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com and ask me anything about these items. Here is the damage.

This entire Anthro Outfit.
Which Includes the Fisherman's Companion Sweatercoat which was cancelled online, but I was able to order from a store. The Attention To Detail Dress in Taupe available HERE. The Tapestry Tights. And the Berry Stitched Boots I already have. I am wearing the outfit with a different coat in the photo.

The Easy Keeper Skirt in Orange Motif along with the Piece-A-Plenty /Cardi (FULL PRICE) that I did not like on me at all.  The raglin sleeves were unflattering. So it will be returned.

I also picked up Anthro's Haviland Sweatercoat from 3 years ago.  This was my third attempt to win a bid for this sweatercoat on eBay over the last 2 years.  I used a sniping service free trial and won. Yippee!

The Cabled Pullover in Gold by Moth available in Pop Backs HERE. To go with the Easy Keeper Skirt in Black Motif available in Pop Backs HERE.   And hopefully I will love Miss Albrights Loose Reins Boots (sold out online- but available in stores) with this outfit.

The Blue Period Slip-ons by Everybody. Returned. Available HERE at full price.  I normally wear an 8 and ordered a 39. They were at least a half size too big.  Great quality and super comfortable, but a little granny looking for my taste.  Although I loved them with the Roadway Tights.

Roadway Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Dec 2010
Blue Period Slip-Ons - by Everybody - Anthro $178 - Dec 2010

The Antique Row Cuff (25% off) looked like a big piece of poo to me.  So it is headed back today.

The From The Poles Jacket in Both Green and Purple. Both were a size Small, but the Green was huge.  So that will go back.

The Trickle Down Top in Green.  I loved it in Blue.

Miss Albrights Prized Rose Peep Toes were a huge disappointment.  TTS and comfortable, but the pair I received were poorly made.

And last but not least the Spruce Corset Belt.

Now for some disappointing news.  My Laptop is protesting over-use by refusing to start-up.  It is however under warranty, so on it's way to Texas today.  The timeline for repair is unknown.  My son's PC is located in his bedroom and not easy for me to get to.  So Posting and Commenting will be sporadic at best.  My iPhone needs to be updated, so it's very slow.

But I promise I will do my best.

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Holiday and finding some wonderful Anthro stuff. 

Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com