No Anthro Zone Reviews - Pebbled and Primped Boots - Fleeting Lights Cardigan

Anthro's Pebbled and Primped Boots - by Miss Albright - $258

I love all my Miss Albright shoes!  So why not give the boots a try too! Wow, am I happy I did.

I've never been a fan of full length boots. I find them too uncomfortable to wear.  After reading the reviews, I had to try these for myself.  I was shocked when my BF said the ruffle was a no go. For me that was the main attraction.  It gives them a feminine perspective. Although when viewed from the front, the boots are rather plain looking.

SIZE: I normally wear size 8. I ordered a 1/2 size up. I probably didn't need to. So, I am calling these TTS.

FIT: Comfortably loose, but definitely not sloppy. I have a 13" calf, these are 16". So not really too big. There is plenty of extra space in the front. The toe is comfortably rounded. My heel doesn't slip up and down. I can easily wear thick socks. I am just under 5'6'. These are the perfect height at just below the knee.

FEEL: Not only are these awesome looking, but they feel like heaven. Most important is the flexible sole for walking. I could easily walk for miles. I have a bad toe that tends to lock up and cause pain inside a tight shoe.  There is plenty of space at the top of the toe box so that I can flex my toes. This is the main reason I don't normally wear boots.

LEATHER: I don't think the leather looks cheap as some reviewers online noted. The color is different! Depending on light the color is Black, Brown, Grey, and Olive Green. All colors I happen to like. The texture gives these boots a different look. There are lighter areas that give depth and reflect light. I don't view these as flaws. Certainly they don't resemble plastic rain boots as one online reviewer suggested. I like that the leather isn't heavy. These are perfect for California, where thick leather boots are not needed.

DETAILS: The zipper of one boot was sticky. I used silicone on both. The low grooved heel is exactly what I was looking for. The sole is non-slip. There is one very small square of dark leather to the inside at the top of the right boot that can be seen in the above image.

RECOMMENDED - Order TTS - Considering the comfort and the style I rate these as excellent. The slight imperfections are to be expected in a boot at this price. And the unusual color makes them unique and versatile.

Shop the Pebbled and Primped Boots here. 

I love the Pebbled and Primped Boots so much I ordered the Bowtied-Beauty Boots over the weekend.  Size 8 are now sold out.  I sized up to an 8.5.  Reviews were mixed as to the boots being TTS or running slightly large.  8.5 might be to big for me.  I read all 84 online reviews. Not a single reviewer mentions what brand these boots are. Does anyone else already have either of these boots?  Would love to hear your perspective.

Shop the Bowtied-Beauty Boots here.

Anthro's Fleeting Light Cardigan - by Sleeping on Snow - was $198, Sale $100.

This is a beautifully well made sweater. Well worth the original $200 price tag. It has been patiently waiting in my Wish List for a sale.

SIZE: I ordered a Small from online. I'm just under 5'6", 125 lbs, 35-27-36.

FIT: Most reviewers suggested TTS. I am always a Small in sweater, but this one fits like a glove all the way around. It almost makes me look flat chested since it's so tight.  It's also very short. I had planned to wear this with the Just Right Skirt by Girls of Savoy also on sale, and the Bright Sides Blouse from early 2010. If you are between sizes you may want to size up depending on your fit preference.

Bright Sides Blouse in Coral - by Odille

Anthro Orig $98, Sale $50 - Mar 2010

Just Right Skirt - Girls From Savoy

Anthro Orig $118, Sale $60

Shop the Just Right Skirt here.

FABRIC: The body of the sweater is Wool with 10% Nylon. The sweater has some stretch and is heavy and warm. I don't think it will stretch out over time. The lining is Grey Silk, and is gathered and sewn loose for comfort. The sleeves are unlined. The sweater can be hand washed or dry cleaned.

DETAILS: The detail work is gorgeous and perfectly matched. Obviously done after the sweater was assembled. Lovely chevron stitch work with embroidered French Knots, and lots of beads in a rainbow of colors. The inside placket is re-enforced with heavy grosgrain ribbon. The placket sits crooked when snapped and it is thick. Since I am busty it looks a little odd between the girls. The over sized snaps are sewn on very well. My sweater came with one extra snap and some extra Grey yarn. There are no extra beads.
This will look great over Dark Grey, Purple, Navy Blue, Orange, Yellow, and even Chartreuse.

RECOMMENDED: Consider the length. Size up if between sizes, depending on fit preference.

Shop the Fleeting Light Cardi here.

I am undecided on the Fleeting Light Cardi. The Just Right Skirt will be delivered Tuesday. I will try out the outfit then.  Due to the short length the Cardi, it's not as versatile as I had hoped.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions about the reviewed items.
If you currently have any of these items I would love to hear your impressions.

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

What does an Overcast Dress, Boots, a Weir, and a Warm Day have in Common?

Elizabeth of "You Can Have Your Cake and Eat it too" (that's what liposuction is for) is hosting a giveawy.  For details visit her blog here.

The Answer is:  My OOTD!

The sun today was almost unbearable.  I couldn't hear the camera beep over the River, or see the flashing light in the sun. To bad squinting doesn't remove wrinkles, or I would look 29 again.  He-he!

Right about now, I can see Christine running down the bike path headed the same direction I am.  Except she's on her daily lunch run, and I'm looking for photo ops. It turns out we were both headed for the Green Bridge in the distance behind me. This is where the Bike Path crosses over one of the many weirs on the Killer Kern.



See more images of Bakersfield here.

If you're wondering why the bridge is fenced in, it's because stupid people like to jump in this River.  It's deceptively smooth as glass, with a killer undertow. The Kern River exits the Western Sierra's from a narrow rocky canyon to the East, making this the fastest dropping River in North America.


See my Son and I raft the Killer Kern here.

Overcast Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $128, Sale $60 - May 2009



See better images of the front and back of the Overcast Dress here.

I'm a planner.  And an organizer. That includes my daily outfits. No one likes a wardrobe snafu in the morning.  Over the last week, I've been too tired before bed to even think about the next day's outfit.  The wacky weather isn't helping either. So I haven't been practicing what I preach.  As a morning person, it turns out that I'm most creative in the early hours.



Splash of Color Sweater - by Moth - eBay $90 - Dec 2009



I fully intended to wear the Overcast Dress by Maeve with the Splash of Color Cardi by Moth. What a mistake this untried pairing was. Does Mrs. Claus in stripes ring a bell?  The ruffle around the hemline was comical, and there was too much color going on.  Can you imagine wearing this sweater in 85 degree weather?



Proscenium Cardi in Navy - by Splendid - Anthro Orig $68 - Jun 2010

Shop the Proscenium Cardi in Small here

Not that I have a problem with color.  In fact, I have too much color around me.  I'm a color-phile according to Jamie of Thrifty Threads.  So I opted for a pairing that is completely different from my norm. Two-tone!
I honestly didn't like the Proscenium Cardi that much at first. But it screams over a dress. 

See this Cardi scream over a different dress here.

Delphi Hippodrome Belt - Anthro Orig $42, Sale $20 - Oct 2010

I tossed in the Delphi Hippodrome belt and belted the Cardi.  Also a rare occurrence for me.  I really liked the fact that the belt was also Navy and wasn't alarmingly noticeable wrapped around my not so slender waistline.

Pin Dot Tights Navy - by Eloise - Carmel CA Anthro, Sale $5 - Apr 2010

  These Pin Dot Tights by Eloise are a favorite.  Next week I'm breaking out the Pony Prix Tights.  In the meantime, you can see me wearing the Pin Dots here in Navy, and here in Brown.



Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378, Sale $190
Oct 2009 Hidden Catalog Stock - Apr 2010

  I will also be sporting a couple new pairs of boots.  That is if the weather cools off. Please, please cool off.


Sepia Crocus Bag - Dark Multi-Stem Shiny Laminate Tote
by Orla Kiley - Anthro $178  - Aug 2008



Who is the girl in this photo?  It doesn't look like me.

How do you plan your daily outfits?
Do you dress on the fly? Do you plan and lay out your cloths in advance?
How do you remember all the pieces of a previously created outfit?

I load images of all my purchases into Shutterfly, arrange them into outfits, and date them as I wear them.  Shutterfly for iPhone allows me to carry my phone into the closet and pick out the items.

6 months from now I should be able to use my blog. 

What about your closet?  Is it organized so you can find what you want quickly?  Is clothing grouped so you don't have to search the entire closet looking for each piece?

I would love to know how you deal with these questions!

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

Anthro & Athleta - A Balancing Act!



I am standing at the top of the Sound Barrier behind the Amphitheater, looking towards the Riverwalk Parkway and my office.  Down the embankment behind me is the Bike Path and the Killer Kern River.  This is the only hill for miles around.  Plenty of California sunshine up here. You would never know it was Fall with all this Green.

See more examples of how I mix Anthro and Athleta here, here, and here.



Barometer Top - by Pilcro - Anthro Orig $68, Sale $40 - Oct 2010

My timing for re-ordering the Barometer Top was perfect. I hit the sale price. I truly love this top.  Although the cowl collar is a bit fussy.  I tacked the collar down in the back and along the shoulder, so when I bend down it stays in place. I totally recommend this top.  Christine has the Purple and loves it.  It isn't often that we both love the same item from Anthro.

Shop Anthro's Barometer Top on sale

  

Washed Velvet Skirt in Brown - Athleta $69 - November 2009


Here is a fine example of Athleta goodness.  The Washed Velvet Skirt, like the Sherpa Skirt comes in an awesome display of colors.  This is a fine wale corduroy that looks great with everything.

Shop Athleta's Washed Velvet Skirt



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

The Lion's Gate Sweater was well worth it at full price. For over 2 years it has served me well.  It's washable and goes great with Gold, Brown, Blue, and Neutrals. I adore the big wooden Buttons, 3/4 length gathered sleeves, and the hoodie is cute as heck from the back.

 

I know!  It looks like I'm blowing my nose.  I'm actually putting on magnetic sunglasses. 



Did I go overboard with the Gold? Both Heidi and Christine agreed that it worked.  They know better than to lie. Heidi thought the tights looked great with our (yes we both have them) Schuler and Sons Space Between Wedges. A co-worker saw me coming off the hill and asked if it was wise to be running around on grass in these shoes.



Space Between Wedges - by Schuler and Sons - Anthro Orig $158, Sale $80 - Mar 2010



The ugliest Anthropologie Product shot in history.

The Belt is from Kohl's.  The year is unknown.

The bag is Fossil.  It was a Birthday gift three years ago.  Pre Orla Kiely.

Fancy Jasper 4x Leather Wrap - Etsy Crea Vita Designs $75 - May 2009

It was a bit of a balancing act to work so much Gold into this outfit.

 

I hauled on this weeks sale!  Will Blog all about it Friday.  That's the day my Pebbled and Primped Boots arrive. 

 

Now the blog editor is really bogged down with too many photos.  It doesn't like me.  So I will say Goodbye.

 

Tell me what you got from sale.

 

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



Anthro and Athleta - The Focus of My Camera!

For the last time, we are jumping back in time to two weeks ago. 

I adore Anthropologie!  I love Athleta!  Why not bring them together.  The former defines me as a woman, while the latter allows me girly comfort. This outfit is no exception.  It brings me down to Earth with so many feminine details. 

See how I mix Anthropologie and Athleta here, here, and here.



Cumulonimbus Tee - by Deletta - Anthro Orig $68 - June 2010

 The focus is this heavily detailed girly Tee. Not without it's problems.

First of all, Anthro Tee's run very large.  I normally wear a Small or Medium in most T Shirts. However, in Anthro T Shirts I wear an XSMALL.  I truly feel for you tiny ladies.

Secondly, I am lucky that I can sew and make simple alterations. Because most of Anthro's T Shirts are too low cut.  For example, I had to take a one inch tuck on each side of the neckline of this T Shirt. I know, a lot of work for a full priced T Shirt. But worth the extra effort for me.



Sherpa Skirt in Olive - Athleta Orig $80 - Nov 2009

 Athleta's Sherpa skirt is a Winter wonder. The fabric is wicking, soft, warm and has been offered in a rainbow of colors over the years. Nicely detailed zippered pockets located front and back.  This particular color of Olive, sometimes looks Brown.  If I lived in a Winter State, this skirt would be a must have in every color.

Shop The Sherpa Skirt by Athleta

I still can't believe I took this myself with only a 4" tripod.  Let's be clear about the fact that my photographer is my X-Hubby. And he was no where near the Killer Kern River Bottom this day. I don't want you guys to think I am using a Pro. Neither if us has a clue what to do with a camera.  My best stuff is purely by accident.

Speckled Tights in Ivory - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Feb 2010

Too many pairs of tights, not enough outfits. If you have not taken the dive into Anthro's selection of tights, then you are missing one of life's perfect Winter accessories. 

Shop Anthro's Legwear








BTW, this belt was included with a pair of Apartment 9 Jeans from Kohl's. I used it in this outfit to balance the Turquoise Rose necklace. It's about 4 years old and made from very cheap plastic and what reminds of heavily glued card board.  But it looks cool, and I get tons of compliments on it.  There is only one reason this belt has survived in my Anthro dominant closet.  My closet lacks belts. 

Portland Blossom Mary Jane's - by Keen - Nordstroms Orig $85, Sale $42 - Oct 2008

  

Before my love for J-41's grew, there was this one pair of Keens.  I wear them often during the Winter. They seem to slide right into the vacant shoe area of so many outfits.



This is me trying to come up with a creative new pose that won't leave me falling flat on my face. For one of my very first Posts, I wasted an hour photographing myself attempting to hold an Anthro models pose.  I honestly don't think my knees bend in the same direction as hers.  This is a must see if you haven't already seen it.  See the models pose and my simplified version here.



Solid Turquoise Rose with Hand Stamped Salt and Pepper Beads
by Allison Dayton - Athleta Orig $198 - Apr 2009

You guys have seen this Turquoise necklace a few times already.

Brown Cable Knit Sweater - by DKNY Jeans - Circa 2008

I seem to have discovered a love for photography.

But when I examine this closely, it seems like I love taking photos of myself.

And that just sounds wrong.

Is this a natural channel for most Style Bloggers?

Remember I never blogged until 3 months ago.

Am I overdoing the photography? 

Or do nice photos at least add something to the mix? 

Should I be focusing on something else?

Dressing Room Reviews are not possible in my No Anthro Zone.  I am already reviewing everything I order.

Besides, I'm still in my holding pattern as one of the top10 Anthro Reviewers. 

Be honest please!

Anthro Sister Love,  Laura

If you don't wish to comment on the live blog, please feel free to email me at lauramartinsemail