The Kitchen Crew skips the Babergh for the Bowtied Beauties!

That will be the day when you find me in a store on Black Friday. This is one girl that would rather skip the crowds for the relaxed experience of Cyber Monday.


Meet Monty Albright - The Bright and Shining
He's a Long Haired Dappled Miniature Dachshund
Monty is the lovable thief



Meet Gaby Albright his partner in crime - a younger long haired Red - and the Alpha dog

I got a call from Mom requesting a crew of one to help Dad with Thanksgiving dinner. So I scrapped the planned Babergh Dress for something casual and machine washable.
The minute I entered the dog ruled house, I dropped an ANTHRO glove. Monty was on it while Gaby chased after, barking and dragging the Gifted glove from here to there. Luckily he trades his treasures for treats. A little dog slobber is a priceless thing on a glove.


Anthro's Bowtied-Beauty Boots - by Lucky Penny - Anthro $248 - Nov 2010
Perfectly Plaid Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Nov 2010

See my review for the Bowtied-Beauty Boots HERE

Shop these gorgeous, comfortable, quirky, bow bedecked boots HERE
Shop similar plaid tights HERE

See Tricia of Tricia's Take wearing the Bowtied Beauties HERE
and her Sister Jessica of Breakfast at Gigi's wearing the boots HERE

I have a confession.  I've been intentionally throwing tried and true outfits into posts because I have been in a creative slump for several weeks.  I finally broke the spell Thanksgiving morning. It all started with a strong desire to pair the Bowtied-Beauty Boots with the Perfectly Plaid Tights. It was do or die. 

In my OCD mind, I imagine my blog friends taking all of 2 minutes to effortlessly pull the most wonderful of re-mixed outfits from their closets without so much as breaking a sweat.  While it takes an hour for me to find something that is even presentable.  This involves ransacking a normally organized closet and creating total chaos in the dressing area.

Next time I'm taking pictures of the destruction.


I couldn't have asked for two better parents

My Mother has more creativity in her little finger that I have in my entire body. Not only was she a teacher for many years, she went back to school to become an RN. My Dad was a devoted 5th grade teacher in a predominately migrant school for his entire 35 years of teaching. Both are now retired.

Flawless Scoopneck - by Eco-ga'nik - Anthro online exclusive $88, Cocoa Sold Out - Nov 2008
Whatever Skort in Atlantic - Athleta $49 - Feb 2010


Athleta's Whatever Skort is as versatile as a favorite pair of jeans. And styles just as easily with everything.  Including Anthro! I added an old Kohl's Belt in warm Earth tones, Blue, and a touch of sparkle for the Holiday.

Shop Athleta's Whatever Skort HERE



Flawless Scoopneck - by Eco-ga'nik - Anthro online exclusive $88, Cocoa Sold out - Nov 2008



I kept with a predominantly Brown palette. I tucked in the Flawless Scoopneck in Cocoa. Adore the short fringed detail around the off kilter neckline, ruched front, and slightly belled sleeves. This is another Anthro piece that was entirely too low cut.  I whip stitched the neckline together where the fringed seam ends.

Kai Coat - by Idra - Anthro Orig $178 Sale $80 - Dec 2009
Chilled Facet Gloves - Gifted - Dec 2009

I topped this Thanksgiving Day outfit with the light and fluffy Kai Coat by Idra and pulled on the Chilled Facet Gloves. A gift from my boyfriend for Christmas last year. Then completely forgot to take a photo wearing the coat and gloves.

Present Perfect Necklace - Tataborello Italy - Anthro Orig $138 Sale $40 - Mar 2009

This is the Present Perfect Necklace by Tataborello from 2008. I didn't even know this was a Tataborello piece until recently. I almost gave this necklace away.

And Wallah! There you have it. And I have the "The Anthropologie Connoisseur" to thank for the inspiration. I finally re-mixed an outfit after several weeks in a slump. The only issue I have is possible competition between the Belt and Necklace. Since it was Thanksgiving, I'm allowing myself a small faux pas.

What did my Readers wear for Thanksgiving?  Please leave a comment about all the fabulous details.

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

TGIFO - Another Mix of Then and Now

I am back at work today after a 9-day absence.  But it was no vacation for me.  Thank goodness it's a short day.  My boss is so understanding.  He told me to let him know if I was having any problems.

So here is my Thank Goodness It's Friday Outfit - TGIFO!  Please forgive the grainy iPhone images while I wait for delivery of the new Kodak. I'm still upset over the destruction of my Olympus.  It was a my 10 year gift from my company. I let go before my son had a hold of it. Smashed the lens right into the driveway.  I blame it on the nerve.

  

Jacquard Sweater Tank - by Charlie and Robin -  Anthro $148, sale $70 -  Nov 2009

 I seem to have a difficult time styling this sweater.  This is the second time I have worn it in almost a year.  The skirt is the biggest issue. The textured knit is too heavy for Summer, but the lack of sleeves doesn't work well in Winter, or a cold office. It styles well with skinny pants, or a pencil skirt. Anything else is laughable, unless you WANT to look like a Fairy Godmother. I just missed my friend Christine wearing the same Sweater yesterday.  I think it would be fun to show up to work as accidental twins.  She does not.

Dragonfly Lace Front Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Nordstrom $228, sale $114 - Aug 2009

I ordered this Leifsdottir skirt for the lace-up front and wide single pleat down the center front.  But so far I keep covering it up. The style is unique, yet very simple. And I wear a lot of Brown, so versatile. The lace-up front can be used to adjust the fit, so I can wear the skirt high waisted or low on the hips.  There are side pockets and a back zip.

Maiden's Braids Cardi - by Moth - Anthro $88, sale $50 - Jun 2009

 I love Pink.  But I'm not a fan of wearing it.  This is the only solid Pink Cardi I own.  And I don't have anything that is truly Pink-Pink.  Except my car, depending on how the sun is reflecting on it.  I did say I love Pink.


Love these Lavender tights.  You will be seeing them again soon with a very special dress.  I bet some of you know what dress I am hinting about. In the mean time I am making them work for me here.


Dotty Cluster Tights - by Eloise - Anthro $16 -  Sept 2010

            Shop these tights from Anthro here.

Anthro has a wildly colorful selection of textured and patterned tights.  I already have a drawer full from previous years. But as my Mother always says "A girl can never have too many tights."  OK, so she was speaking of coats, but I figure why not use this as an excuse to buy everything in abundance.

Shop all Anthro tights here.
 

Rensselaer T Straps - by Miss Albright - Anthro $148 - Aug 2010

Shop these shoes from Anthro here.


Woohoo!  I love these vintage inspired SHOES.  What more can I say.  Miss Albright does some nice shoes.  And the price is too right to wait out a sale.  Unlike the Lass and Laddie Oxfords by Poetic License, these are still available in every size. I normally wear an 8, so I ordered up one whole size to a 9.  They are a tad loose, but super comfortable. The strap keeps my foot from slipping up and down. 



All Leather Bowling Bag with Hand Cross Stitched Multi colored Wool 

Orla Kiely AW08 Collection - Orig $800, $400 eBay -  April 2009

Just in case you haven't heard the story of my most prized handbag, here it is again. I waited for sale.  There was no way I could swing this bag full price. When the bag finally made it to sale, it was the wrong time for me to buy.  It broke my heart to see it go.  I searched for months. It was nowhere to be found. I decided it wasn't meant to be and stopped looking.  Months later I was on eBay and looking at Orla Kiely, and there it was.  Gently used, but in perfect condition.  The Seller was the original owner. Thank goodness there were no other bids. 



Present Perfect Necklace - by Tataborello Italy - Anthro $138, sale 40 -  Mar 2009

I started buying Tataborello jewelry from Anthro earlier this year.  I didn't discover that I already had a necklace from this Italian designer until recently.  When I checked my records (ha! record) I discovered it was a bargain.  I think I have worn it one other time.  It's a little messy looking.  And it's probably too much even with this outfit.  But it goes, so what the heck.  I thought about giving it away as a free gift on my sale page. Maybe not!



Chiaroscuro Bracelet - Sundance (Labradorite w/ 14K Gold Vermeil Sequins) - $130 - Mar 2009

 Naturally I can't help but love Labradorite.  What Geo wouldn't.  The iridescent blues and greens are stunning.  Sundance is way over priced.  I could have found a similar bracelet on Etsy for much less.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Depending on my nerve (the nerve of some nerves) I just might go to Frazier Park where my friend Heidi D lives.  It's a small mountain community between Bako and LA.  She has an over abundance of wine she is willing to share.  She is really missing Mike, who is currently serving in Afghanistan.

I would love to know where all my Readers live. What areas of the US and Canada are you from?

Tell me a little about yourself.  What do you do for a living?  Are you a stay at home Mom?  Do you have a career outside the home?  We are all fashion crazy, yet totally different from each other.  Anthro, Athleta, Orla Kiely, Leifsdottir, shoes, jewelry, and lots of cloths are part of the reason we come together, and the reason we are broke half the time. All that plus the fact that we love sharing what we find and talking about it. He-he!  At least I do.

Up and coming ACC Posts:

Rachel will be guest reviewing the Best of the Bunch Cardi from Anthro.

I am expecting delivery tonight of an Anthro Jacket.  I hope it stands up to it's current high ratings.  So look for that review this weekend as well.

Please comment!  Or I start to feel lonely!  Give me encouragement and I will answer.

Love you guys, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)