It's a Coat! It's a Dress! It's a Sweater! My Very First Polyvore on Anthroholic!

   
 No, it's the kooky, outrageous Panneled Sweatercoat by liaMolly! I'm wearing it as a dress.  Heidi loved mine so much she bought one later on eBay. You can view Anthro's outfit that includes the Sweatercoat in the Sept 2008 Catalog HERE.

Panneled Sweatercoat - by liaMolly - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Oct 2008
Striped Tights Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010
Coracle Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - May 2008
Lexington Candy T Straps - by Miss L Fire - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Nov 2008

Shop similar liaMolly sweatercoat HERE in a Small.



  Even the size Small is too big for me.  I took in the Belt in back to tighten it up a little.  The sleeves are 6 inches too long, so I have to roll them up.  Which in turn hides the button detail. 



Panneled Sweatercoat - by liaMolly - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Oct 2008
Coracle Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - May 2008

  It's cute, and I get compliments every time I wear it.  This year I updated the Brown Opaque Tights I normally wear, with Anthro's Striped Tights in Red Motif by Eloise.  The Lexington Candy T Straps by Miss L Fire have always suited this outfit.  No need for a change there.  And the Coracle Necklace is the worst electroplated Anthro piece I have ever seen. None the less, it actually looks cool turned Black. It was part of the very first online purchase I made from Anthro.

Shop the Striped Tights in Purple HERE.

and Navy HERE.

Striped Tights in Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010
Orla Kiely All Leather Handbag Patent Leather Stitched Stem Print in Ink
PerriBerri Orig $620 Sale $400 AW08 - Mar 2009
Lexington Candy T Straps - by Miss L Fire - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Nov 2008

  The Orla Kiely Handbag in Ink adds a splash of color to the outfit.  I'm ready to hit the door running.

PerriBerri (formerly known as OhBabyAustin) is a great place to watch for sales on Orla Kiely.
ILoveOrla is another. See my Right Side Bar for additional Orla Kiely links.

Panneled Sweatercoat - by liaMolly - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Oct 2008
Striped Tight Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010
Coracle Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - May 2008
Lexington Candy T Straps - by Miss L Fire - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Nov 2008
Orla Kiely All Leather Handbag Patent Leather Stitched Stem Print in Ink
PerriBerri Orig $620 Sale $400 AW08 - Mar 2009

 Thank goodness for Anthro's Reversible Tank.  The Sweater tends to ride low in the neckline. I've tried to wear this with something underneath.  It doesn't work.  The buttons down the front are actually snaps.  The sweater looks ridiculous open.  So why layer it.  

Do you have an item of clothing that you wear in a different way than it was intended for? Tell me about it.  I saw the amazing Collete of Statements in Fashion wearing a skirt as a blouse.

Don't forget to visit Kim at Anthroholic and use the Polyvore Mini Editor to enter the Anthropologie Contest.  I created my very first Polyvore yesterday, then proceeded to make 5 more. I was surprised at how fun it was, but also difficult since you are limited to 100 Anthro items.

Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com

No Ugly Santa's on my Sweaters! Re-Constructing Anthro's Cascading Tulle Cardi!



Brocade Sweater Coat - by Tracy Porter Orig $212 Sale $21 - Jan 2009
Snowscape Tank - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $70 - Jan 2009
Corvera Pant in Okra - Athleta $89 - Nov 2009
Bouquet of Roses Heels - by Miss Albright - Anthro $138 Sold Out - Nov 2009
Toasted Meringue Cuff - by Lee Angel - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Mar 2010

 Lori of Lorispeak pointed out how happy I am in yesterday's outfit.  Where did my happiness go?

Can you guess why you haven't seen this outfit yet?  Let me count the ways...
#1  I DO NOT like it.  #2  This IS NOT me. #3  I don't do theme anymore.

So why am I wearing it now?
#1  I love the Snowscape Tank
      Shop the Snowscape Tank by Corey Lynn Calter on eBay in Size 6, Size 0, and Size 4.

#2  I love how Athleta's Corvera Pants (brushed fine wale corduroy) fit and look.
      Shop Athleta's awesome pants HERE

#3  I adore The Bouquet of Roses Heels by Miss Albright.
      Shop Miss Albright Shoes at Anthropologie HERE.

#4  Who can't help but love Lee Angel Jewelry.
      Shop Lee Angel at Anthropologie HERE.

#5  It's the holiday's.  At least I'm not wearing Santa on a sweater.
     Did you see the winner of the Ugly Santa Sweater Contest?

Brocade Sweater Coat - by Tracy Porter Orig $212 Sale $21 - Jan 2009
Snowscape Tank - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $70 - Jan 2009
Corvara Pant in Okra - Athleta $89 - Nov 2009
Bouquet of Roses Heels - by Miss Albright - Anthro $138 Sold Out - Nov 2009
Toasted Meringue Cuff - by Lee Angel - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Mar 2010

Notice I didn't mention the Brocade Sweater Coat by Tracy Porter.  It's never been an object of my desire.   But it is one of my best sale finds ever.  The total for the coat was 21.20. 90% off of the original price of $212. I actually found one of these for Heidi at the same sale price. She has the entire outfit except for the Snowscape Tank. I've seen her wear everything else, except the coat.

I would never pay full price for this coat.  The sleeves are poor quality jersey that is fuzzy after wearing the coat a hand full of times. The pockets were constructed wrong.  I can't put my hands in them because the zip opening is placed to the front.

It's the bits and pieces that make up this outfit that keep me coming back.  Each piece is special, but not particularly versatile.  In fact, I rarely wear any of them with another outfit.  Except the Pants and Shoes. It's a wild array of details and embellishments.  And the Rose Theme just isn't very original or intriguing.  But it does smell like Holiday!  I may be old enough to be a Grandmother, but I refuse to dress like one.





Toasted Meringue Cuff - by Lee Angel - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Mar 2010

  Oddly enough, I get more compliments on this outfit than most in my closet.

Bouquet of Roses Heels - by Miss Albright - Anthro $138 Sold Out - Nov 2009

It's the awesome Miss Albright Heels.  These shoes are the object of everyone's desire.  They even look great in the photo.  Something about the Blue and Orange-Red. I will be wearing these on Saturday to the Company Party.




Bouquet of Roses Heels - by Miss Albright - Anthro $138 Sold Out - Nov 2009

 
Oh look!  Now how did another photo of those remarkable shoes get in here?

My outfit for the Company Party is an Anthro Copy Cat from the November 2009 Catalog.  The only item I replaced was the Sweater Cuff Booties with Miss Albright's Bouquet of Roses Heels. You can see the entire outfit in my Virtual Closet HERE.

You might recall the Cascading Tulle Cardi by Sparrow. The fit was horrendous, but the Cardi itself is positively charming.  So I took another crack at refining the fit.  Jess of whatjesslikes has the same outfit.  You can see her wearing the Cardi HERE. 

Do you have this Cardi and would like to tailor the fit?  Or if you are just interested in seeing the instructions, I placed a new page (Re-Constructing Anthro's Cascading Tulle Cardi) under ACC's title header with instructions and photos.

I want to know about any and all Holiday outfits.  I love seeing them, and reading about them. Would love to hear from you.

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

How Many Perthshire's are in an Anthro Pop Back?

  

Perthshire Dress - by Edme and Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Ephemera Necklace - by Dejarnette of New Orleans - Anthro $128 Sold Out - March 2009
Delphi Hippodrome Belt - Anthro Orig $42 Sale $20 - Oct 2010

 What is a Pop Back? 

Up until this year, Anthro Online linked sold out items back into the sale or regular section when an item was returned.  So if you were browsing any given section you might find one available item in one particular size.  As soon as the item was claimed, the entire Product Page disappeared. When another is returned, the Product Page appears again.


Perthshire Dress - by Edme and Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Ephemera Necklace - by Dejarnette of New Orleans - Anthro $128 Sold Out - March 2009
Delphi Hippodrome Belt - Anthro Orig $42 Sale $20 - Oct 2010
Opaque Tights in Grey - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010
Leather and Wool Cross Stitch Bag - by Orla Kiely Orig $800, eBay $400 - April 2009

  Anthro now adds these items back to the catalog link, if one existed. I can only assume this method is more efficient.

The September 2010 Anthro Catalog




Perthshire Dress - by Edme and Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010

 For example:  The Perthshire Dress is no longer visible anywhere on the website.  You can only find it by having the link to the September catalog, which is no longer anywhere on the website. Anthro displays only three catalogs at a time.  When the January catalog rolls around, September's catalog, along with links to the remaining stock, will be overwritten.



Perthshire Dress - by Edme and Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010

 Shop the Perthshire Dress in Pop Backs HERE.

The answer to "How Many Perthshire's are in an Anthro Pop Back?" is likely to be many.

I can't take all the credit for this outfit.  I have The Anthropologie Connoisseur to thank for help. See her Post for the Perthshire Styling HERE. Scroll down to about half way through the Post.  The Anthropologie Connoisseur browsed my Virtual Closet and suggested the Grey Opaque Tights and the Ephemera Necklace along with several additional fabulous ideas from Anthropologie. The fabric tie that came with the dress was not flattering, and I'm not in love with the Delphi Hippodrome Belt in this outfit.  So another Belt is under consideration.

I'm going for a Style #2 for the Perthshire Dress in the near future.

 

Perthshire Dress - by Edme and Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Opaque Tights in Grey - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010
Leather and Wool Cross Stitch Bag - by Orla Kiely Orig $800, eBay $400 - April 2009

Shop Anthropologie Opaque Tights HERE.

The Grey that is listed in the link is Heathered Grey, which have a variegated slubby look, and are not the same as the Opaque Grey I am wearing.

 Perthshire Dress - by Edme and Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Three Times Booties - by Schuler and Sons - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Nov 2010
Opaque Tights in Grey - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010
Leather and Wool Cross Stitch Bag - by Orla Kiely Orig $800, eBay $400 - April 2009
UO Red Wool Paddington Coat - by Kamichi Blue Orig $120 Sale $60 - March 2009

  Shop the Three Times Booties HERE. 

Click on the Fall Frolic Booties next to the Three Times Booties to find the Product Page. Sizes are still in Pop Backs, so check back often.

I am totally taken with The Anthropologie Connoisseur's idea of the Midnight Aspiration Booties by Chie Mihara. Wouldn't those make an awesome high dollar combined Birthday/Christmas present for the next few years? Ha-ha! I am watching these for a sale.



Ephemera Necklace - by Dejarnette of New Orleans - Anthro $128 Sold Out - March 2009

Shop the same necklace named Suds at Dejarnette Jewelry HERE.

Shop a single strand version of Suds HERE.
Adornment Bracelet - by Etsy Shop Tara Bacci $280 Oxidized Hand Forged Silver Wire Wrapped Cuff, Garnet, Prasiolite, Green Topaz, Faceted Ruby -May 2009



I recently received a suggestion from an awesome Reader named Shelley. She sent me this photo of Jodie Foster. Love this hair cut on Miss Foster.  It's just as fantastic on Shelley herself. So keep sending me ideas and suggestions.  I will consider them all. 

Many of my close friends and family know that I run on a daily routine that keeps me organized. Currently, it takes just a few minutes to finger gel through my hair, scrunch, and go.  The thought of adding half an hour to do my hair scares me a bit.  I would have to get up at 3:30 AM as apposed to 4 AM now.  So Sara cut only my bangs.

And this is the final outcome.  It really doesn't look much different than when she normally straightens my hair. I don't have enough hair in the front to make this style look right. On top of that, I kept having to push hair out of my eyes.  And as you can see I am right back to wearing it curly today.  However, I will certainly style my hair straight for a few Holiday Parties.

THREE INGREDIENT COBBLER

For the first time ever, I'm going to share a recipe.  My Mother sent me this recipe and requested I make it for Thanksgiving. She had found it somewhere and didn't know where she had gotten it.  Turns out I gave her this recipe many years ago.  It's a very simple 3 Ingredient Cobbler.

One Box White Cake Mix

1.5 sticks Melted Butter

2 cans Fruit Pie Filling

13 by 9 inch Glass Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Open cans and dump Pie Filling in an ungreased Glass Baking Dish. Even the filling out with a spatula.

With a spoon sprinkle the White Cake Mix evenly over the Pie Filling.

Spoon melted butter over the Cake Mix.

Pop in the oven for about 1 HOUR.  The Butter and Cake Mix should be bubbling and turning brown. 

Best served warm. This is a great simple holiday dessert to bring to a party.  I love Cherry! 

Anthro Sister 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)