What's in Your Hopi Basket? A Shirtdress, a Tata, and Little Old Me!

This outfit turned out so much better than I expected.  Not only do I love it, I picked up the Hopi Basket Cardigan by Sparrow and the Double-Breasted Shirtdress by Moulinette Soeurs on 2nd cuts for a total of $70.  Full price these two items would have come to a whopping $286. For me this is thrifty.



Double-Breasted Shirtdress - by Moulinette Soeurs - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $30 - Jan 2011

Hopi Basket Cardigan - by Sparrow - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $39 - Jan 2011

Spruce Corset Belt - Anthro Orig $32 Sale $20 Red Tag $15 - Dec 2010

Ribbon Rays Necklace - by Tataborello -Anthro Orig $258, Sale $129 - Mar 2010

Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008



One new change I have made to Anthro Closet Chaos is to provide the link to the full product image and specific information whenever I mention the name.  When you click the link you will be redirected to my virtual closet.  Why did I do this?  So as to not bog down the blog with additional photos.  It should be easier to comment now.


Double-Breasted Shirtdress - by Moulinette Soeurs - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $30 - Jan 2011

Spruce Corset Belt - Anthro Orig $32 Sale $20 Red Tag $15 - Dec 2010

Striped Tights Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010

Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378 Sale $190 - Apr 2010

Ribbon Rays Necklace - by Tataborello -Anthro Orig $258, Sale $129 - Mar 2010

Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008



I'm pointing out another of my Grandmother Cooper's watercolors.  This one is of Venice, Italy. 

I almost ordered the Double Breasted Shirtdress at full price.  As soon as the reviews started rolling in I knew I would wait for sale.  If most women can't wear it, it's a sure bet I can.  My only issue is with the belt. The 100% cotton twill is slick, so the belt would not stay put.  I opted to change it out for the Spruce Corset Belt.  The dress arrived a wrinkled mess that required about 1/2 an hour of ironing.  I think once ironed it will be fine with only minor touch ups for many wearings.  And it's Machine Wash Tumble Dry.  Huge plus.



Double-Breasted Shirtdress - by Moulinette Soeurs - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $30 - Jan 2011

Hopi Basket Cardigan - by Sparrow - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $39 - Jan 2011

Spruce Corset Belt - Anthro Orig $32 Sale $20 Red Tag $15 - Dec 2010

Striped Tights Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010

Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378 Sale $190 - Apr 2010

Ribbon Rays Necklace - by Tataborello -Anthro Orig $258, Sale $129 - Mar 2010

Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008



Ahhhhh!  The Hopi Basket Cardi. It's a marvelous blend of mostly Cotton with Nylon, Viscose, Lambswool and Cashmere.  Soft, comfy, pocketed, and NOT frumpy one little bit.

See Mandy of Stylistic Idiom wearing the Hopi Basket Cardi by Sparrow HERE.

I'm so jealous of her Miss Albright Peep Toes.  Mine were delivered looking like a 10 year old sewed them. BooHoo!

Since neither the dress or cardi are catalog items, you will have to haunt the Anthro Sale Section for Pop Backs in about a week or two. I ordered TTS for both items.



Striped Tights Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010

Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378 Sale $190 - Apr 2010

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



I found the Malted Barely Boots by Area Forte in the October 2009 Catalog (in April 2010) on Pop Back.  They were my gateway boots to another Anthro Addiction.  It was all I could do to hold out until Fall of 2010 for the new crop of boots to appear.  I think I am satisfied with the 4 pairs I picked up in Fall Winter. What do you think of the Striped Tights in the Red Motif with this outfit?  I'm not so sure these are the perfect pair.  Although Heidi D. loves them.  I ordered the Cockle Shell Tights in Copper on Pop Back last night. I'm smitten with the bold copper color.

Another gateway item is Anthro's Sepia Crocus Bag.  Also known as Orla's Dark Stem Print Tote AW08. This bag sent me off on a wild and wonderful love for the collections from Irish born, London based, Designer Orla Kiely.  An addiction that continues to rule.

Her AW10 Collection is on sale everywhere right now.

"Heishe! Stop showing your little cat butt to the camera"  He's goofy in love with me that cat.





Double-Breasted Shirtdress - by Moulinette Soeurs - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $30 - Jan 2011

Hopi Basket Cardigan - by Sparrow - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $39 - Jan 2011

Spruce Corset Belt - Anthro Orig $32 Sale $20 Red Tag $15 - Dec 2010

Ribbon Rays Necklace - by Tataborello -Anthro Orig $258, Sale $129 - Mar 2010

Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008



I brought in sparkling Orange and Pink jewelry.  Anthro's Straw Market Earrings in Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade from 2008, along with Anthro's Ribbon Rays Necklace by Tataborello from 2010.

I hope all my East Coast Blog friends are staying warm, dry and safe today. Hopefully you took a snow day and stayed home as suggested. Please, please take care if you are cummuting to work today.  I can't imagine how much tougher daily life must be for you.

Anthro Sister Love, Laura

A Creative Mid Week Restyle - Wednesday's OOTD and Statement Overload

A male co-worker remarked that my clothing today was very creative.  He then said he meant it as a good thing.  So I inserted the Word "Creative" in my Post Title.  You be the judge on my creativity.  Tell me Pass or Fail in a comment at the end. 

Unscripted Scoopneck - by C. Keer - Anthro orig $58, sale $30 - June 2010

Let's get rolling with this top from Anthro.  I love the blue-green color.  I wasn't sure I would like the fabric tendrils after reading negative reviews about seaweed.  I ironed out some of the twists and even trimmed a few off.  Then I was happy.  Especially with the thick stretchy band that keeps the neckline from sagging.





Salka Jacket - by Double Stitch - Anthro orig $118, sale $59 - Mar 2009

I originally ordered this vintage style wool jacket from online.  It was way too big.  So I took it with me to the Fresno CA Anthro (2 hours away) and returned it there.  Since it was now on sale, I received a full refund, and purchased a replacement at the sale price, without having to pay shipping or return. Yeah!




Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse orig $150, sale $64 - Oct 2009

This cute little Liefsdottir Skirt is one of my favorites.  And the only clothing item I have ordered from Gilt Fuse. 






Mullion Tights Grey - by Eloise - Anthro $18 -  Sept 2009

This is what I am worried about.  I love tights.  I have a drawer full.  It feels like I don't get to wear them often.  Especially the textured tights like these.  They seemed to look great held up to the Unscripted Scoopneck last night.  But when I put them on this morning I wasn't so sure.  Does this happen to you?
I know nothing about putting outfits together.  I just use my common sense and go with my heart. 

Shop similar plaid tights from Anthro here.

My Mother once called this expression Laura's "Mona Lisa" Smile. Except there is no smile. We were doing a Family portrait.  I was in grade school.  Everyone was smiling but me.  Even the dog. Maybe that's why models don't smile that much.  They get tired of using up their lifetime allotment smiling at a camera.  He-he!

Dreaming in Stitches Booties - by Everybody - Anthro orig $188, sale $90 -  Mar 2010

Shop the Metro Booties on sale here.

See me wearing the Leifsdottir Skirt and the Everybody Booties together again here.

I have never been one to wear boots let alone booties.  It was this particular pair that roped me in.  I think it was the color that first grabbed my attention. It happens to be one of three of my favorite colors.  I have worn them many times, and never grow tired of the rich splash of Orange adorning my feet.

Orla Kiely Leaf Tote Mainline AW09 - Garnet Hill orig $300, sale $150 -  Nov 2009

Shop Orla Kiely's AW10 Collection at her US site here.   UK site here.

This handbag is sitting on the side lines in my office. I truly try to hold out for Orla Kiely on sale. I am totally in awe of her bags. I love how most of the collection is set up exactly the same inside.  So it's easy to transfer from one bag to the next.  Her designs are unique, and feminine.  Her bags are classic and the construction is meant to last a lifetime. If you want to find her items on sale, from past season collections, you can visit some of the websites I have listed on my Side Bar. eBay is also a great way to find fabulous deals on Orla Kiely.




Ribbon Rays Necklace - by Tataborello Italy -  Anthro orig $258, sale $129 -  Mar 2010

Tataborello Jewelry from Italy is gorgeous. Each is slightly different from the next. When I first ordered the necklace I didn't bat an eye at the cost full price.  When it arrived with a broken bead it went right back to Anthro.  For that much it had better be perfect.  Luckily it went on sale as it was headed back.  I quickly bought another and got a Full Refund for the return. 

Thank you Anthro.  You are just cool that way.  Please don't ever change.



Sea Ribbons Bracelet - by Tataborello Italy - Anthro $218 - Feb 2010

View the 2010 Collection of Tataborello Jewellery here.

I haven't found any of the really nice pieces anywhere but Anthro. There are a few rings and earrings scattered about the Internet.  It's true I didn't like some of the collection that Anthro had.  Like the huge earrings.  But Anthro is the place to go for statement earrings.  I'm a little afraid of statement earrings, but not Orange Boots and Plaid Tights.

Did I Pass or Fail with the tights?

Do I have too many statements going on with this outfit?

How many statements am I making here?

I count FOUR possible statements.  Would that be two too many?  I think two is probably enough. At the max three. 

1. Orange Boots

2. Plaid Tights

3. Necklace (maybe it's not big but it is very Orange and sparkling.

4. Bracelet (both big, Orange and sparkling)

And was my work friend being nice when he quickly added his intentions were good?

Anthro Sister Statement Love, Laura