Ready, Set, Go, Repeat! Friday Stress Out!


How can it be Monday already?  I took a vacation day on Friday, thinking I could catch up.  I had planned to do my dreaded TAXES. On the way to a Dr's appointment, I got car sick.  I hadn't eaten enough before taking my vitamins.

I was already nervous and upset about the Dr's visit.  On top of getting sick, I suffered an anxiety attack. All while I sat next to my car in a parking lot.  How's that for the ultimate vacation day.

If only Calgon could really TAKE ME AWAY! He-he!

Now I have to reschedule that dreaded Dr's visit.  And TAXES remain on my To-Do list. Despite all the drama of Friday, I put together a fabulous INSPIRATION THAT ROCKS Outfit for Style #5 that is scheduled to Post Wednesday morning.  



Fanned Flames Blouse - by Leifsdottir - Anthro orig $178 sale $90 - Jan 2009
Paseo Ruffled Leather Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $448, Sale $225 - Oct 2010
Dotty Cluster Tights- by Eloise - Anthro $16 - Aug 2010
Sasha Pump - by B Makowsky - Macy*s Orig $134 Sale $104, FS Promo - Sept 2010
Custom Order Sterling Beaded Bracelet - Etsy Shop Adri33 $48 - Apr 2010

 
Anthro's PASEO LEATHER SKIRT by Leifsdottir was supposed to be an investment piece.  I'm now thinking I still need a basic Black skirt.  I thought I would get a lot of wear out of this skirt.  This is only the second time I've worn it.



Fanned Flames Blouse - by Leifsdottir - Anthro orig $178 sale $90 - Jan 2009

The Skirt certainly compliments Anthro's FANNED FLAMES BLOUSE by Leifsdottir in the most splendid way. The blouse is just too spectacular to wear with plain old Black trousers. Blah!

Fanned Flames Blouse - by Leifsdottir - Anthro orig $178 sale $90 - Jan 2009
Custom Order Sterling Beaded Bracelet - Etsy Shop Adri33 $48 - Apr 2010

I CUSTOM ORDERED THIS BRACELET from Esty Shop Adri33.  If you click the link, you can see a better image of the Sterling Silver Turtle.  The bracelet has an appealing Gaelic Theme that makes it the perfect accent piece for the Blouse.



Dotty Cluster Tights- by Eloise - Anthro $16 - Aug 2010
Sasha Pump - by B Makowsky - Macy*s Orig $134 Sale $104, FS Promo - Sept 2010
Shiny Leather Caraway Bag in Mauve - Orla Kiely Orig $584 Sale $380 - Feb 2011
Custom Order Sterling Beaded Bracelet - Etsy Shop Adri33 $48 - Apr 2010



It was Jamie of Thrifty Threads I blame for these pumps. I saw her wearing the SASHA PUMPS by B Makowsky in Ivory.  I had been searching for a Black Mary Jane style pump for Month's.  I'm a sucker for the stud detail.

Shop B Makowsky's Sasha Pumps on sale HERE, HERE and HERE.

It's difficult to see the Lavender color in the shoulder ruffle of the Fanned Flames Blouse.  The DOTTY CLUSTER TIGHTS by Eloise are also Lavender, and the perfect excuse to add a level of color to an otherwise Black and Gray outfit. And the infusion of color is even further intensified by Orla Kiely's SHINY LEATHER CARAWAY BAG in Mauve. 



Ivory Cotton Blend Cape - by Calvin Klein Jeans - Macy's 2007

This Cotton Blend Calvin Klein Cape is a rare Non-Anthro item in my closet.  The back detail is gorgeous.  Even more so when a bright color is worn beneath.



Fanned Flames Blouse - by Leifsdottir - Anthro orig $178 sale $90 - Jan 2009
Paseo Ruffled Leather Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $448, Sale $225 - Oct 2010
Ivory Cotton Blend Cape - by Calvin Klein Jeans - Macy's 2007
Dotty Cluster Tights- by Eloise - Anthro $16 - Aug 2010
Sasha Pump - by B Makowsky - Macy*s Orig $134 Sale $104, FS Promo - Sept 2010
Fair-Isle-Gloves in Taupe - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $30 - Jan 2011
Custom Order Sterling Beaded Bracelet - Etsy Shop Adri33 $48 - Apr 2010

Last week I produced only one post.  That was INSPIRATION THAT ROCKS #4.  My goal this week was to squeeze in an OOTD between Inspirational posts.  I did it. 

See me wearing this outfit pre-Paseo Leather Skirt HERE.

How do you handle situations like my stressfull Friday?  Have you ever had anxiety attacks?  And more important, I want to know if others get sick from taking daily vitamins.  That is just crazy.

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

My Little Pony Runs on Gasoline!



Greetings!  If you’re wondering about the strange title, keep reading.  I’ll get to it eventually.

If you haven't seen the lovely styling created by The Anthropologie Connoisseur for yours truly, be sure to see her post HERE.  This is one genius style maker.  I'm thrilled with her suggestions.  Please, please, check her out. Ask her for your own free of charge styling request.

Elizabeth at "Have Your Cake and Eat it too" is at it again with another Giveaway.  You can check out her blog and enter her Giveaway HERE.



 

Anthro Salka Jacket by Double Stitch Nov 2010

 

 I wasn’t completely taken with today’s outfit, despite the fact that I spent several hours re-mixing Sunday night.  I styled a few partial outfits that didn’t go to completion. This is the only complete outfit that I was comfortable with enough to wear.  It’s very possible that I set my expectations too high. Then I received a compliment by the first person that saw me at work. Then another!

Why does it take a compliment to bring reassurance?  Obviously I don’t trust myself.  Bad Laura! I wonder how many potentially cute outfits I tossed aside Sunday night.

I realize what I wear might matter to some, and nothing to others, but what’s important is that it matter to me.



Paseo Ruffled Leather Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $448, Sale $225 - Oct 2010



I still hadn’t worn the Paseo Ruffled Leather Skirt except once to dinner.  So that was the first item pulled from my closet.  Despite my resolution to concentrate on the skirt and only the skirt, I got sidetracked multiple times. I did as promised and took pictures of the mass destruction I left in my wake.  Then I deleted them by accident. Do you believe that?

Shop the Paseo Ruffled Skirt HERE.  See my review for the Paseo Ruffled Skirt HERE.

 

Salka Jacket with Bandeau Top Layered



The Salka Jacket was an easy connection to the skirt. 

The tough part was finding a simple long sleeved tee to keep me warm.  My closet continues to lack basic items. I rummaged this Gray/Blue T Shirt from the spare bedroom.  I believe the Anthro name was the Bandeau Top. This represents some of my oldest Anthro.  I think any color long sleeve T shirt would work just great, since Gray and Black are neutrals.  Right?  After all, the only part seen is the sleeves and the bottom front.

Salka Jacket - by Double Stitch - Anthro Orig $118 Sale $59 - Mar 2009

I just noticed that the Product Image shows 6 buttons on the Salka Jacket.  Mine has only 4.

See an alternate suggestion for styling the Salka Jacket HERE.

I had a certain pair of tights in mind when I started.  And so we come to the odd title.  When I received the first pair of Pony Prix Tights they reeked of what I can only describe as gasoline.  I hand washed them and soaked them in Downy.  Once dry, they spread their foul odor to the entire drawer of tights. So back into the mail they went. 




Pony Prix Tights - by Tintoretta - Anthro Orig $28 Sale $10 - Oct 2010

The Pony Prix Tights are sold out, but Anthro also has the Foxy Tights HERE

  Anthro promised a quality control check.  After 2 weeks and several phone calls to CS (where are my tights) I received my replacement pair. Along with a PA. They had gone on sale. I guess they didn’t pass quality control inspection.  I bet I know why.  Pair number 2 also reeked. I had planned to review these once I got the 2^nd pair.  I missed that opportunity completely. They sold out in one day for $10. This is a common problem when everything must be ordered online.

I’ve seen the Pony Prix Tights on Kristina of Kristina J, and Jamie of Thrifty Threads.  Well?  My inquiring mind wants to know.  Do your tights have a gasoline odor too? What did you do, if anything?  Or are they so cute you put up with it like I do.  I'm hoping it will dissipate over time.

 


Anthro's Pony Prix Tights by Tintoretta with Macy's Sasha Pumps by B Makowsky - Orig $138 Sale $104 - Nov 2010

  The Sasha pumps were yet another easy connection



Contrast Cuff Gloves - Lambswool and Angora - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $30 - Dec 2008



 Shop similar Gloves HERE.

As I was preparing to leave for work this morning, I thought of a certain pair of gloves.  My gloves are housed in an Orla Kiely storage bin on a shelf under my dresses.  I grabbed for the bin, and found the perfect pair.  Not that I have worn them much so far today.  Just on the way to work and over to Target to pick up a few things. They add a little extra special something to the outfit.

 


Anthro's Salka Jacket with Leifsdottir's Paseo Ruffled Leather Skirt Nov 2010

 

Dear Wonderful Readers,

I must thank you for your inspiring emails, helpful suggestions, and encouraging comments.

I recently received a thank you from Antoinette, who scored a pair of Three Times Booties using my Anthro Switcharoo link to the catalog product page.  She got the last pair. I am inspired to keep up with those links whenever possible.

Shelley sent a suggestion for a hair cut that just might help cover some of my hair issues. When I asked, she also sent a photo of the hair cut on her.  It turns out we have the same hair issue.  By the end of this week I might have a new hair cut as long as my Stylist Sara approves.

Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions, ideas for improvements.  And know that I sincerely appreciate hearing them.  This is what the Anthropologie Community was meant to do.  We meet here to help each other, even if in the smallest of ways.

Now for today’s comment topic:

Have you ever ordered something that had a strange flaw, or at least bothersome problem, but kept the item anyway because you really liked it?  An issue like the Pony Prix Tights perhaps?  Perhaps you tried to repair or eliminate the problem. 

Tell me your story!  How did you deal with it?  Did you order a replacement only to find it was no different than the original?

Today's topic is only to get the ball rolling.  Please feel free to comment on anything you like.

Anthro Sister Love, Laura



No Anthro Zone Review - The Sasha Pumps in Wednesday's OOTD!

What a morning. I went to pick up Heidi D. at the Honda Dealership.  Cheeto needed a new mask.  It's a little Orange metallic Civic.  Hence the name Cheeto. When I got in my car I get a warning light telling me I had a low tire.  I checked all the tires at the gas station.  No low tire.  I forget this every year.  First rainy or  damp day, my computer tells me this.  It's moisture in the sensor.  Arggggg!  What good is a lying computer anyway.

The focus of today's OOTD is a Gaelic inspired, Leifsdottir Silk Blouse, from Anthro's 2008 Catalog.

 


Fanned Flames Blouse - by Leifsdottir - Anthro orig $178, sale $90 - Jan 2009



It was instant love when I came across the model shot in the catalog.  Anthro had paired it with the fabulous French made Hillier Bracelet. Heidi D has both the blouse and the bracelet. I am so jealous of that bracelet.



Fanned Flames Blouse with Hilliar Bracelet - Oct 2008 Catalog




Anthro's Hilliar Bracelet - by Satellite of Paris,
Let's just say it wasn't cheap

If you look closely at the shoulder ruffle, Cream and Lavender fabric runs alongside the bead work.  The ruffle appears to fall perfectly on the models shoulder. IRL it just didn't do the same for me. I wasn't happy with the shifting of the heavy, unstable ruffle. After carefully adding a few thread tacks, I was rewarded with the perfect effect.

If anyone is in need of a special black skirt, it's me.  This little Mini does the job.  But just barely. The saving grace is that it's super flattering, comfortable to wear, and didn't break the bank.

Melody Mini Skirt in Black - Athleta $39 - Nov 2009

 Shop the Melody Mini for $34 at Athleta here.

Meet one of the few pre-Anthro items that has continued to survive my "To Sell List", and provide great service for many years.  The slightly fuzzy knit is a blend of Cotton with Angora and Viscose. Bright blouses can be seen through the peek-a-boo knit detailing down the back.




Off White Cape - Calvin Klein Jeans - Circa 2007

Unlike most capes, this it not voluminous, so it doesn't overwhelm me in folds of knit.  The appearance is all cape, while the construction is more sweater. My arms are free to give hugs. And, I can wear this one unbuttoned and still maintain a flattering look.

This outfit is just dying to meet up with Anthro's Cream Confection Jacket. See it here.  It's in the bag and on it's way.

No Anthro Zone Review - Sasha Mary Jane Pumps by B Makowsky



Sasha Mary Jane Pump - by B Makowsky - Macy's orig $134, sale $104 Free Ship Promo - Sept 2010

 Shop the Sasha Pump on sale at Macy's here.

At Zappos in additional colors here.

I have an 8 year old pair of very worn out Black Papagallos.  When I saw the Sasha Pump on Jamie of Thrifty Threads I fell in love.  It was everlasting when I clicked to find them in Black.

Anthro has a beautiful bloom bedecked pair of B Makowsky's.  Shop the Burst of Beads Pump here.

I went with my normal size 8. The fit is perfect. They do pinch a little on the top of the toes where the lip of the shoe rubs if walking a lot. Nothing I can't solve with some Foot Petals self adhesive foam. This shoe is flexible for comfortable walking.

The 3.5" heel is awesome and chunky with a bullet shape.  I'm not one to wear stilettos or pointy heels.  I don't feel like I am going to face plant like I do at 4".  And the toe is baby doll round.

As a warning, the Black leather is distressed, but not noticeably so. The leather is of medium hardness around the base, and at the heel.  But, soft and flexible where the studs are at the top and sides of the shoe. The stud detailing is attractive,  and not overdone.  The foot bed is very comfortably padded, with plenty of holes in the ankle strap for adjusting to many different shapes of the foot.

This is the perfect versatile pair of Black Mary Jane Pumps. The construction is solid.   I am definitely going to be looking for B Makowsky more often.  And the price was very easy on my budget.



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

 I adore wearing tights.  I am more comfortable with my legs covered. And with all the beautiful colors, prints, and textures available, there is a perfect pair for every need. I bounced off the Lavendar color in the ruffle of the blouse when I chose this pair. The choice brings color and pattern interest into this otherwise Black, White and Gray outfit.

Custom Order Sterling Beaded Bracelet - Etsy Shop Adri 33 $48 - Apr 2010

So I didn't get the matching Hilliar Bracelet.  I discovered Etsy a few months later. It was then that  I realized I could custom order something special.  I love the little Sterling Silver Turtle Charm that is so in character with the Gaelic theme of the Fanned Flames Blouse. 




I am a die hard Orla Kiely freak.  But after seeing the Chanel flap that Tien of Adiaphane has been raving about, I almost fell off my Orla bandwagon.  Then I visited Orla's US site and found my very own equivalent. It's in my budget for November.


Quilted Patent Iris Bag - Orla Kiely Mainline Collection AW2010 - $380

Shop Orla Kiely here.

 I don't think I can wait until January for this bag to go on sale.  The price is reasonable, although the bag is small in comparison to what I am used too.

A Black Pencil Skirt has been on my mind for months.  I haven't encountered the skirt that sparks my outfit creativity. Something basic, but dripping unique details.  Must be comfortable, just above the knee, and preferably versatile. I would like it to be easily dressed up or down.  No lace or frills. A few flattering ruffles are the bomb.

Something along the lines of this Leifsdottir.  Which went on sale at Antho Yesterday.  Heidi D. ordered it. Don't you guys think she should review it for us.

On sale at Anthro here

Also on sale at Leifdottir here.

I'm not sure I want a leather skirt.  But I sure do love this one. I couldn't find reviews. 

Please send links or images if you see an interesting Black Pencil Skirt.


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