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)

Anthro Closet Chaos in Lace for Everybody Everywear!

Today Everybody Everywear, also known as EBEW, is featuring everyone wearing Lace.

This Outfit spans 3 years (2008-2010)
Yellow Cloud Dress - by Floreat - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $90 eBay new $40 - Apr 2010
Jemima Shrunken Cardi - by Moth - Anthro Orig $88 eBay EZSniper $96 - Mar 2011 - Released Jan 2008
Infinite Loop Sandals - by Matt Bernson - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $100 - May 2009
Solid Turquoise Rose on Hand Stamped Salt and Pepper Beads - by Allison Dayton - Athleta $198 - Apr 2009

Click the Badge to visit Everbody, Everywhere wearing Lace.  It's huge!.

One Geo + a Jacqueline + a Golden Door = a Heat Wave OOTD

The Calendar claims it's Autumn. The weather report says otherwise. Bakersfield is climbing right back into the 100's. California is headed into a HEAT WAVE. BooHoo! I was ready to rock my cold weather duds.

Looks like the time is right to break out the remaining Summer outfits before it cools off.




Jacqueline Dress - by Maeve - Anthro $98 - Jul 2009

See me wearing the dress here.

Reviews on this dress were dicey. It was too short. The color was not yellow as listed. In full sunlight appears to be Gold or Chartreuse. In dim lighting it's Green. I wish I had ordered the Navy as well. The pockets and matching lining were well worth the full price. I was stunned when the empire waist and narrow grosgrain tie flattered me.

Golden Door Cardi (Anthro Catalog Apr 08) - by Knitted and Knotted
Anthro orig $148, new on eBay $30 - Feb 2009

When I saw my friend Heidi D wearing this sweater, I couldn't take my eyes off it. Not only are the embellishments sweet,  and the beading even sweeter, but the knit is light, loose, and airy. Perfect for year round. It was long sold out several months before I shopped Anthro. One evening I was cruising eBay, and hello pretty little sweater. I wasn't sure how a Cardi with a peplum would look on me.  But, it turns out that I like this one.

Infinite Loop Sandals in Gold - by Matt Bernson - Anthro orig $178, sale $100 - May 2009

See my MB's in an alternate outfit here.

Matt Bernson's are made in Brazil and the designer is fairly new.  As I recall, the final sale price hit $50 for the brown colorway.  Most of the 2009 Sandal collection were adorned with very cool gold studs across the front and back of the sandals.  Not these.  Maybe that was part of the lack of interest by Anthro shoppers.

Garden Tortoise Print Big Tote Orla Kiely Mainline SS09 $460 Jan 2009

See this Handbag in an alternate outfit here.

 Blue and Gold is one of my favorite color combinations. Orla Kiely calls the pair Bananaberry. Cute!



Glitzy Starfish Earrings - Sterling with CZ's - Anthro $80 - Feb 2010

Anthro's CZ earrings never go on sale. Well, almost never.
Right now, the cutest pair of Lady Bug CZ's are on sale here.

I found a few interesting items over the weekend. I can't wait to review them.


1. A spectacular pair of B. Makowski Mary Janes on sale with free ship at Macy's. I have dresses in my closet that have been waiting for this pair of shoes.


2. A gorgeous ruffled Leifsdottir Skirt also on sale with free ship at Neimans. Anjuli of Goldenmeans has agreed to help find a special blouse for the skirt.

I hope all my Readers had a lovely weekend.
Are you ready for more Summer OOTD's this week?

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

Leifsdottir's Harlequin Buzzed the Town - Saturday's OOTD

My 22 year old son and I went  buzzing about Bakersfield (also known as Bakers Patch and Bako, and Bake Town) today.  The town Patriarch was Colonel Baker. It just so happens, Mr. Baker lived in a field.  Hence Bakersfield.  To the North is Coalinga. It was a railroad stop known as Coaling Stop A.  Hehe!

I am the ruling Queen Bee. There is no King. Then there is my one boy bee that works for me to live in this little hive. He goes by Camden. Which means "from the winding valley."  Well, we do live in the Great Central Valley of CA.

How about an OOTD now?

Precious Stones Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro orig $258, sale $130 - Feb 2010

Shop this Dress on eBay in Size 4 here.
and in Size 10 here.

I didn't pay much attention to this Dress.  The reviews were all over the board.  It's a tunic.  The original price was a bit much for a Cotton/Linen Blend. That's Leifsdottir for you.  When it hit sale I went for it. It's packed with details.

Front slash pockets.  Gold birdcage buttons, each with a softly jingling bead inside. Full white cotton liner with yellow lace edging.  Cut-out tie back for adjustable fit across the shoulders.  It's all there in Black and White Harlequin Print.  And machine wash, tumble dry.  I dry inside out so the buttons don't get damaged.

Racine Tank - by Zoey - Anthro orig. $38, sale $20 - Aug 2008

Layered underneath is this little mustard yellow tank and...





Button Trio Leggings - by 39 Sixtyone -  Anthro orig $54, sale $10 - Jun 2009

Shop similar Ribbed Leggings here.

these Black, ribbed, cuffed and buttoned leggings. They were on sale at the end of the winter for 85% off.



Trojan Sandal in Black Matt Bernson 176 May 2009

Shop MB's Trojan in Luggage here.

I love Matt Bernson's flat sandals.  This is just one of 4 pairs of MB's. The gold studs around the toe and heel are eye catching.

Great and Small Coin Purse - Anthro orig $28, sale $19 - Feb 2010

Remember these cute coin purses.  They are much larger than you would expect.  I fit my magnetic sunglasses, lip gloss, and iPhone in one of these. I really need a larger bag. So I dropped this little bee jeweled bag into something much bigger...



All Leather Messenger/Satchel - Orla Kiely Greenline Collection SS09, orig $598, sale $398 - Sept 2009

When you throw this bag away, it's completely bio-degradable. So Orla tagged it as her Greenline Collection. Now why would anyone throw this away? 

And the finishing touches...

Flight of the Bees - Citrine and Sterling $44 - Etsy Shop Eye Candy Creations - June 2009



Bejeweled Bee Ring - by Kenneth Lane - Anthro orig $105, sale $70 - July 2009

Shop the Bee Ring here.

Heishe!  Stay away from that Bee! 

And that's my OOTD for buzzing about town.  Hope you enjoyed a little Bakersfield history. 

 

Tell me about your favorite Leifsdottir. 

I love Leifsdottir coats.  My favorite is my very first one.

Any Orla Kiely? 

How about your favorite Anthropologie Dress?  Tell me about it.

What is your favorite recent new item from anywhere?

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



A Textured Cloud for a Sweltering 107° F Day

Do you know how hot it is today?  No, how hot is it?  Bakersfield is checking in at 107° F.

The plan was to make a few more attempts at embarrassing myself while taking photos near the fountain.  But it doesn't cycle on until 11AM.  By then it's too hot to venture out. So Taj Majal lobby in the wee morning hours it is... 

The rumor is the highs will be in the low 80's by Monday.  A 25° F temp difference in a matter of days.
No complaints here.  Especially after paying a whopping $180 PGE bill last month.  I shut the air down at bedtime and roast.  And I don't set the A/C below 80° F.

I see $180 as just shy of a Babergh Dress.

Yellow Cloud Dress - by Floreat - eBay $50 APR 2010

This was my Anthro Dress #2 from Summer 2008. Thank you Jessica in Missouri.  This dress is on it's way.

I found a replacement in size 4 on eBay last April.

I know Jessica is going to adore this dress.

Floreat put the polish to this dress in divine Yellow Damask. Along with a fine Yellow Cotton lining edged in lace.  This one truly is a pretty Yellow Cloud of a Dress.

Infinite Loop Sandals - by Matt Bernson - Anthro orig $178, on sale $100 May 2009
These received a price cut to $50 before they sold out.  I didn't wait long enough.

You can see everything Matt Bernson has to offer here.

I discovered a love for Matt Bernson last Summer. Just the flat sandals.  Especially the ones with the studded foot bed. I shamefully bought 4 pairs. The high heeled stuff is too much DRAMA for me. I see butterflies when I look at this pair from Anthro. 

I learned how to add tabs last week. If you look just above this post, you will see a tab that reads "Anthro Closet Chaos Sale."  If you click on the tab, then on the link, you will jump to my freshly updated Sale Page.  I should have even more choices added tomorrow.  And a few new free items to choose from when you make a purchase.

Thanks to everyone that has already purchased items.  I bet you didn't know you are helping to finance a Babergh Dress. I am now 1/3 away from ordering.  I am hoping before free shipping disappears in 12 days.

You can see the Babergh Dress here.

Please leave me a size 4.

Now to the icing on my bright Yellow Cloud dress.  The Necklace. 

Mountain Laural Necklace - by Lavish - Anthro $158 Jan 2009

The Lavish Collection by Tricia Melaneze is found here.

I instantly recognized an Anthro Collector's piece in this Necklace. Still the price it steep for gold plated wire.  I've had this necklace for over 1.5 years and it looks the same as it did new.  No discoloration.  The links have never come apart. The wire is crocheted with glass beads. A replication of lace done with wire. A suitable addition of bright multi-colored drama to top bright Yellow and White clouds.

I ransacked my closet for the perfect Cardi.  It was hopeless.  I 've been hunting one for months.  Nothing quite satisfies my expectations.  I wore the Turquoise Abuzz with the dress today.

I would love to hear your thoughts today.  On anything.

I would appreciate some suggestion for a light Summer Cardi to go with my Sweltering Hot OOTD?

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