No Anthro Zone Review! Tracy Reese! Oh To Be Admired!

 No Anthro Zone Review:  Powdered Pigment Dress - A Plenty by Tracy Reese





Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011
Opaque Tights in Brown - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - 2009
Lass & Laddie Oxfords - by Poetic License - Anthro $98 Sold Out - Aug 2010
Green Line Satchel in Ochre SS09 - by Orla Kiely - Orig $598 Sale $398 - July 2009

  

Not in a thousand years could I have planned this photo.  Heishe's sweet little whiskered face, staring in rapture from the edge of a picture.  He had been stomping, purring and circling the stool where my camera was sitting.  Desperate for my attention.  I see from the camera angle that he managed to bump the stool and turn the camera in his direction. His appearance in my photos always makes me smile. 



Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011



"Anthro's Model shot of this dress is atrocious. The bodice looks all wrong. Does this photo look off to you, or is it just me? And try not to notice how wonky my belt looks.  My rib cage makes it difficult for me to hold a non-stretch belt in place.

Despite having no faith in this dress ever working for me, I took a chance.  The thin Silk is just asking for every bump and roll to pop-up and wave Hello.

SIZE:  Online reviews suggested this dress runs large through the bust. So I crossed my fingers and ordered a SIZE 4.

I'm 5'6" Tall, 34C-D, 130 lbs, 35-28-36, larger than average rib cage. Normally a problem when sizing down.



Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011
Eighteen Karat Belt - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - Feb 2011
Fresh Catch Cuff in Mauve - Handmade in the USA - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $130 - Dec 2008
(14K gold fill, Opal, Amazonite, Christophase)
Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008

FIT: This is one carefully planned and executed T Reese FROCK. I'm a 6 in most dresses to accommodate my larger bust and rib cage. The 4 is a perfect fit. Bra strap isn't visible across the open back. A well placed strap keeps the shoulders in place. The fit is perfect through the bodice. Perhaps slightly snug at the rib cage as expected for me. The arm hole length is spot on. The cowl slightly low. Don't bend over or the girls will high five. Length grazes my knees.



Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011
Fresh Catch Cuff in Mauve - Handmade in the USA - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $130 - Dec 2008
(14K gold fill, Opal, Amazonite, Christophase)
Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008

 

DETAILS: I have come to appreciate the BRIGHT COLOR PALETTE over the last few months. The faux wrap front is a little strange. Stripes don't match up at the waist. A belt will nicely cover that issue. I am wearing this minus a slip. You can't see through the thin SILK. The cowl is a bit floppy. The dress looked best ironed.

Powdered Pigment Dress - by Tracy Reese - Anthro Orig $228 Sale $129 - March 2011
Gumshoe Sweatercoat - by Charlie and Robin - Anthro $168 - Sept 2009
Eighteen Karat Belt - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - Feb 2011
Opaque Tights in Brown - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - 2009
Lass and Laddie Oxfords - by Poetic License - Anthro $98 Sold Out - Aug 2010
Green Line Satchel in Ochre SS09 - by Orla Kiely - Orig $598 Sale $398 - July 2009
Fresh Catch Cuff in Mauve - Handmade in the USA - Anthro Orig $258 Sale $130 - Dec 2008
(14K gold fill, Opal, Amazonite, Christophase)
Straw Makers Earrings - Orange Carnelian and Purple Jade - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Jun 2008

I see many possibilities for this dress to be styled YEAR ROUND. With or without tights. From Strappy Pink Sandals to Sky Blue Platform Pumps. Along with solid Cardi's in Vintage or Sweater Coat length.

Prepare to see me wearing this styled several different ways over the ensuing Spring and Summer months.

Shop the Powdered Pigment Dress on sale HERE.

One more of Heishe...



My Secret Admirer!  Heishe!

This one could make a 2nd cut.

Anthro Sister Love, from a No Anthro Zone, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Inspiration That Rocks! Style #5 - Petrified Wood!



Petrified Wood - Arizona


This weeks Inspiration That Rocks Outfit is brought to you by Petrified Wood. 

Petrified Wood is the fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation, or the result of a tree having turned completely into stone by the process of permineralization. All the organic materials have been replaced with minerals while retaining the original structure of the wood.




Reader Submitted Petrified Wood Photo

 
This photo was sent by a Reader that has submitted a photo every week since this Series began. She is also from my home town of Bakersfield CA. I applaud her for her dedication.

Molded and Melded Tee - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $29 - Oct 2010
Washi Wrap Skirt - by Fei - Anthro Orig $88 Sale $40 - March 2011
Sulky Belt in Brown - Anthro $48 - Feb 2011
Tour De Jewels Necklace - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - March 2011

 The first item I chose for this outfit was inspired by the impression of what looks like a flower in the very center of the slice of Petrified Wood.  This is the heart of the tree from which concentric growth rings form. Think concentric growth rings...

All the above inspiration was captured by Anthro's TOUR DE JEWELS NECKLACE.  The next piece to fall into place was the WASHI WRAP SKIRT by Fei.  Both the Necklace and Skirt were purchased during last Wednesday's Anthro Sale. I had no idea when I ordered these from last weeks Anthro's sale, they would become inspired items for this weeks Outfit.

Shop Anthro's WASHI WRAP SKIRT on sale HERE.
The TOUR DE JEWELS NECKLACE sold out the same day.

Here I am on the Kern River Weir prancing about taking photos of myself.  Of course to me and you, I'm simply having fun photographing an outfit.  But to everyone else on that bridge, I'm an egotistical maniac. So, down the bridge on bikes comes one of the Big Bosses and an old friend and colleague, Thanh.  To my dismay, they saw me and stopped! I was mortified!

I explained that I was dressed like Petrified Wood.  Do you think they understood what I meant? 
 
Doubtfull!

Everything that comes by way of  Inspiration is quick and easy.  Everything else is time consuming LOGIC.  In a nut shell, the rest of the outfit slowly came together in a series of short styling sessions.  The most difficult piece was the top.  I only have two Grey tops.  I went back and forth between them along with an Ivory Tank.  Finally deciding on THE MOLDED AND MELDED TEE.

 


Molded and Melded Tee - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $48 Sale $29 - Oct 2010
Washi Wrap Skirt - by Fei - Anthro Orig $88 Sale $40 - March 2011
Drawn To You Cardi - by Lilka - Anthro Orig $68 Sale $40 - Jan 2011
Sulky Belt in Brown - Anthro $48 - Feb 2011
Striped Tight Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010
Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378, Sale $190  - Apr 2010
Tour De Jewels Necklace - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - March 2011

The Golden Brown SULKY BELT compliments the Dark Orange Skirt and Grey M and M Top.  This Belt sold out online a few weeks ago.  I ordered it from a Store. And that color just happened to be a perfect match to the MALTED MARLEY BOOTS by Area Forte. I honestly thought the STRIPED TIGHTS in Red (actually pinkish-orange) would be too much Orange below the skirt.  But the fact is they tie the Skirt to the Boots smoothly. I've worn this combination of Boots and Tights before HERE.

 



Striped Tight Red Motif - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18, Sale $10 - Apr 2010
Malted Barley Boots - by Area Forte - Anthro Orig $378, Sale $190 - From Oct 2009 Hidden Catalog Stock - Apr 2010

The last and final item was a struggle to match with any of the three tops I tried.  In attempting to stay in step with the Season, I wanted to include a Jacket, Sweater or Cardi, despite the fact that it was a balmy 70 degrees on the Weir.  In addition, I felt the need to round out the color scheme with White or Ivory from the Petrified Wood.  I finally hit on the DRAWN TO YOU CARDI by Lilka.

 

That's a wrap for Inspiration That Rocks STYLE #5 for Petrified Wood. 

If you are a new arrival for this Inspirational Series, you can view the previous Rock and Mineral Inspired Outfits below.

Style #4 - Ammolite (Fossilized Ammonites)

Style #3 - Bismuth

Style #2 - Opal

Style #1 - Snowflake Obsidian

If you would like to submit a photo for the final post please see Guidelines and Information for Photo Submission and Giveaway at the bottom of a Post HERE.

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

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

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)