A Waffle Over Lunch! Free Shipping is Back!

First order of the day.  Free Shipping is back at Anthro over $100 through November. I plan to drink a Margarita tonight in celebration. WooHoo!




Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118 Sale $60 - Nov 2010
Jackie Cardi in Bright Cinnamon - by J Crew - Orig $62 Sale $50 - Aug 2011
Palisades Belt - Anthro Orig $44 Sale $10 - Oct 2011

 
This is what I wore to lunch with my son and his new girlfriend today. I received Anthro's Palisades Belt ($10) in the mail last night. I had no idea I would love it so much when I picked it up on Pop Back.  I'm particularly partial to the rich color of the leather on the front. So what better than to put together an outfit this morning that centers on this belt.

Anthro's Palisades Belt Reveiws HERE. Available on eBay HERE.

Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118 Sale $60 - Nov 2010
Jackie Cardi in Bright Cinnamon - by J Crew - Orig $62 Sale $50 - Aug 2011
Palisades Belt - Anthro Orig $44 Sale $10 - Oct 2011

How do I put together an outfit on the fly from a belt?  I hold it up and pass it over my dresses.  At which point I settled on Anthro's Waffle Weave Dress by RicRac in rich Deep Plum.

See my alternate style for the Waffle Weave Dress HERE.

See tons of fun styles on totally cool Anthro Bloggers HERE.

I found two listings on eBay for the Waffle Weave Dress HERE.

The seller is asking for the original $118 for the dress.  That's crazy business if you ask me.

I added Anthro's Tree Rose Cuff in Lime to bring out the Green in the Palisades Belt.  Funny that my Review was at the top when I Goggled the cuff.  He-he!


Bowed Lacerta Mary Janes - by Miss Albright - Anthro $168 - Sept 2011
Sepia Crocus Bag - Dark Multi-Stem Shiny Laminate Tote by Orla Kiely AW08 - Anthro $178 - July 2008

I bet you are all just dying to hear about Camden's GF.

In my last Post I mentioned that I wear my Bowed Lacerta Mary Jane's often.  This will make twice in one week.  When I saw the November Catalog and the Tegu Platforms I did a double take. 




The Tegu Platforms by Schuler and Son's not Miss Albright

 I find them very similar to the Bowed Lacerta's by Miss Albright. The color combination is intriguing.

The Bowed Lacerta Mary Janes by Miss Albright

I have no quibble with owning both pairs of shoes. The description states they are by Miss Albright.  But it turns out they are actually by Schuler and Son's, which tend to run narrow for me across the front.  Too bad there is no vamp strap to keep these on my narrow heels.  But I do have my stretchy shoe bands.  However, I discovered yesterday that they are far more obvious when you wear them over tights. 



Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118 Sale $60 - Nov 2010
Jackie Cardi in Bright Cinnamon - by J Crew - Orig $62 Sale $50 - Aug 2011
Palisades Belt - Anthro Orig $44 Sale $10 - Oct 2011
Bowed Lacerta Mary Janes - by Miss Albright - Anthro $168 - Sept 2011
Sepia Crocus Bag - Dark Multi-Stem Shiny Laminate Tote by Orla Kiely AW08 - Anthro $178 - July 2008
Tree Rose Cuff in Lime - Anthro $38 - Jan 2009

 Have I tortured you enough about Diana.  Oh, I suppose I haven't yet told you her name.  She is completely opposite of my son.  He is tall, thin, and Blue eyed.  She is short, Rubinesque, and dark eyed. 

He told me yesterday that he "Loves her to death."  Not sure how to read that. 

As I expected she's bright, but also a little shy. I could tell his displays of affection were making her uncomfortable in front of me. Neither of us are used to that is seems.  I certainly don't disapprove. They are young adults.

The most surprising bit of information is that she is a Pre-Med student. 

OMG!  Camden had better get his act together fast.  He works at JBX and has no plans to attend college at this time, despite my offer to help. Diana is working as a floater at Sears while attending school. The same position I held while attending college to be a Dental Assistant years ago.  Go Diana! I already love her.

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

Inspiration That Rocks Style #4 - The Magic of INSPIRATION! As Told by a NOVICE!

I thoroughly enjoyed styling the first three "Inspiration That Rocks" Outfits. For more Inspiration induced outfits, visit JG and her Readers at STUFF JEWISH GIRLS LIKE. 

This weeks Inspiration That Rocks comes from AMMOLITE. A rare gemstone made from fossilized marine critters known as AMMONITES. Ammonite shells are made from Argonite.  Most Ammonites go through Diagenesis which replaces the shell with Calcite.  In rare circumstances the step in which Argonite is broken down into Calcite is skipped.  The Ammonite is then encased in AMMOLITE. See more gorgeous images of AMMOLITE HERE.


Ammolite


When INSPIRATION didn't materialize for Style #4, I quickly became FRUSTRATED.  A short time later, FUN left the scene, and STRESS arrived.

 

Super Girl Poses with a LEMON


I'm a FOLLOW THROUGH kind of Gal. What would SUPER GIRL do?  Lucky her!  She has a Super Girl Suit.  What does that leave me for plan B?  LOGIC!  So I styled a FAKE that I never even tried on. I knew I couldn't pass this outfit on to you.  Where had I gone wrong? 

Style #1 - I must confess.  I really didn't feel all out inspired to create an outfit from the Snowflake Obsidian  I chose. I logically coordinated clothing and accessories that captured characteristics of the rock.  I did meet a goal I had set for myself.  That goal was to use an item in my closet that wasn't getting much love.  The Precious Materials Cardi by Moth.

View Snowflake Inspired Style #1 HERE

Style #2 - As with Style #1 I wasn't inspired to create by the Opal itself.  Instead I used an item of clothing that inspired me with the idea that I could wear The Sea Drift Dress by C Keer as a skirt. Once that was accomplished, I reverted back to the method of capturing characteristics of the Opal to complete the outfit.  The same method used in Style #1. I was so happy with how the outfit turned out, I was inspired to try using background in my photos to fulfill a missing characteristic.  Sparkling water was used to represent the sparkle in the Opal.

View Opal Inspired Style #2 HERE

I was completely happy with the outcome of both outfits.  Once I thought about it, I really did use inspiration . But not from a Mineral as I had promised.

Then the most amazing thing happened.

Style #3 - Dear Readers,  This is the first time in my life that this has consciously happened me. I truly felt inspired to create something from inspiration I felt by studying another object. I used inspiration from a Mineral to style an outfit. The whole process felt effortless.

You must know that I am a LOGICAL PERSON. So the more I thought about it, the more MAGICAL it all seems to me!

View Bismuth Inspired Style #3 HERE



Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60 - Nov 2010
Dissolving Spectrum Cardi - by Guinevere - Anthro $98 - Mar 2010
Friendly Terrain Belt Red - Anthro Orig $34 Sale $20 - Dec 2010
Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Sale $30 - Feb 2009



So we return to Style #4.  After two days of staring at the LOGICAL FAKE OUTFIT, I could take it no more.  I was ripping the entire ensemble apart in my head. 



Blocky Dark Red Ammolite

 I walked into my closet and started pulling out dresses. Then I grabbed THE WAFFLE WEAVE DRESS by RicRac. Why hadn't I seen this two days ago?  I must have been BLINDED by lack of INSPIRATION. It wasn't until now that I recognized the TEXTURED KNIT.  It looked very much like the Blocky Dark Red Ammolite. The glittering Red, and blocky striations remind me of BURNING TIMBERS.

A PEAR
Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60 - Nov 2010
Dissolving Spectrum Cardi - by Guinevere - Anthro $98 - Mar 2010
Friendly Terrain Belt Red - Anthro Orig $34 Sale $20 - Dec 2010
Mullion Tights in Brown - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Jan 2010
Clever Notions Peep Toes - by Re-Mix Vintage - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $100 - Nov 2008
Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Sale $30 - Feb 2009

 Ammolite

Dissolved Spectrum Cardi

Where had the DISSOLVED SPECTRUM CARDI been hiding 2 days ago? Nowhere!  I was too busy swimming in a LAKE OF LOGIC, and floundering in a SEA OF STRESS, to recognize it. Here were all the gorgeous colors of the Ammolite.  In minutes, I had the 2 most important INSPIRATIONAL items for this outfit.

An ORANGE
Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60 - Nov 2010
Dissolving Spectrum Cardi - by Guinevere - Anthro $98 - Mar 2010
Friendly Terrain Belt Red - Anthro Orig $34 Sale $20 - Dec 2010
Mullion Tights in Brown - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Jan 2010
Clever Notions Peep Toes - by Re-Mix Vintage - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $100 - Nov 2008
Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Sale $30 - Feb 2009


The rest of the outfit  lined right up.  Anthro's FRIENDLY TERRAIN BELT had the same Glowing Red Timber color. The only item I have worn previously with the WAFFLE WEAVE DRESS is the LIMONCELLO NECKLACE.  It works so well with the dress I couldn't pass up the combination.

There's that LEMON again
Mullion Tights in Brown - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Jan 2010
Clever Notions Peep Toes - by Re-Mix Vintage - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $100 - Nov 2008

I could have gone so many ways with a rainbow of opaque tights.  I wasn't in the mood to play Chicken.  I couldn't pass up the obvious PLAID of the MULLION TIGHTS.  Say hello again to Blocky pattern in the Tights. And the Pink-Orange Stripes were too good to be true, along with the neutral pin stripes that were also carried in the piping of the CLEVER NOTION PEEP TOES by RE-MIX VINTAGE SHOES.

I would have never paired these Anthro pieces without inspiration from the Ammolite.

I'm not surprised to discover that I am a late bloomer when it comes to using inspiration.  Certainly I have been inspired before.  But I never really thought about the process.  I have always considered myself to be Logical.  Inspiration was for Artists. The truth is it takes both to make anything work. I had to find my mix so to speak.

I can't wait to here stories about how others came into their inspiration.

Please send me more fabulous Rock, Mineral or Gemstone Photos. Two Scheduled Posts remain.  Then we vote for the winning Style.  The owner of the winning Photo will receive a fabulous Vintage Tatted Snowflake Necklace.


See all the necessary Info and Post Dates at the Bottom of a Post HERE.

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

Waffle Weave in Autumn Splendor! More Berry Stitched Boots Please!

 ANTHRO! The Waffle Weave Dress is PURPLE!  Where were you when you decided to call this Brown?  Or is that a decision that comes from RicRac. What do I know?


Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60 - Nov 2010

Lion Gate Sweater - Sleeping On Snow - Anthro $148 - August 2008

Plum Paisley Tights - by Tintoretta - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Nov 2010

British Poise Cincher - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010

Berry Stitched Boots - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $248, Sale $130 - Nov 2010

Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Sale $30 - Feb 2009

 Last night I tried this dress on and decided it wasn't a keeper. I really loved it on Jen of Vintageglammz. My BF chimed in immediately! He pointed out the connection with the Berry Stitched Boots!  Purple!  I decided to humor the well meaning man.  Within minutes I had put this entire outfit together.



Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60 - Nov 2010

Shop the Waffle Weave in Pop Backs HERE

 I didn't actually try the outfit until this morning. I was fairly certain this would work. The cut of this dress reminds me of my all time favorite Anthro Dress. The Fragrant Valley Dress by Corey Lynne Calter.  I expected it to look somewhat the same on me.  But it doesn't.  The Waffle Weave is a heavy nylon with some spandex for stretch as opposed to the Silk of the Fragrant Valley.  The folds of fabric in the cowl tend to stick out more than I like. Of course my chest sticks out more than I like too.  Which only makes matters worse. Ha-ha!


What jumps out at you in this photo? 



Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60 - Nov 2010
Berry Stitched Boots - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $248, Sale $130 - Nov 2010

 Did you notice the plant behind the bench?  I did not plan this by the way.  My photographer instantly put two and two together for me.

This is what dreary looks like in Bakersfield CA.
 

Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60 - Nov 2010

Lion Gate Sweater - Sleeping On Snow - Anthro $148 - August 2008

British Poise Cincher - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010

Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Sale $30 - Feb 2009

The cut of this dress, like the Fragrant Valley, is easy to style.  I could come up with several ways to wear this. So did Jen of Vintageglammz. She is a creative gal.
  


British Poise Cincher - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010

I knew this belt would get lots of wear. 

See me wearing this belt HERE with the In The Trees Skirt and the Berry Stitched Boots.

Shop the British Poise Cincher HERE.

Waffle Weave Dress - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60 - Nov 2010

Plum Paisley Tights - by Tintoretta - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Nov 2010

Berry Stitched Boots - by Lucky Penny - Anthro Orig $248, Sale $130 - Nov 2010

 I expect there will be Pop Backs on these Sold Out Boots.  So check HERE often if you want a pair for a great sale price. The Plum Paisley Tights (Sold Out) jumped right out of my drawer and into this outfit.  I wonder why?

Plum Paisley Tights - by Tintoretta - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Nov 2010

Wow! This outfit was so easy for me to put together.  And to think I was about to stuff this dress back in a box and return it.

Did I make the right decision?  Do you like my 3 minute outfit?

Why are some outfits easy, while others defeat me?  Does this happen to you?  Tell me about it.

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