Sale Picks! Orla Review! Anthro Response!

Woohoo!  I was not expecting a sale today.  It was in the back of my mind naturally.  And of course I checked as I do every Tuesday.  So I was happy to see a few things made sale from my Wish List.  Although I winged it for a few additions.


Drifting Lilies Dress - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $298 Sale $150 - Apr 2011

Leifsdottir's Drifting Lilies Dress SHOP HERE is the Cream of the Crop.  It's very different for me.  I don't normally go for romantic.  My thought is to tone it down with a rugged topper....

 Lengthy Days Vest in Green - by Sanctuary - Anthro Orig  $128 Sale $70 - Apr 2011

 I like the idea.  But I can't be sure about the execution as an outfit.  The dress was not Wish Listed, but the
Lengthy Days Vest SHOP HERE was. I may remove the Vest belt and belt over with one of these...

Curves and Lines Belt - Anthro Orig $54 Sale $30 - Apr 2011.JPG

OR....

Sliver Belt in Green - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011

go for a more colorful choice in Green. Or maybe the softer version that looks Orange, but is described as Pink....

Sliver Belt in Pink - Anthro Orig $38 Sale $20 - Apr 2011

Any one of these belts might work.  All these colors are wonderfully light and Spring ready. I normally have better luck wearing stretch belts like the Curves and Lines SHOP HERE.  But if the Sliver Belts SHOP HERE are soft enough (they do look soft) then they will work just as well.

Remember this Orla Kiely Bag?   We Orla fans were so excited to see OK back at Anthro.  My excitement turned to disappointment when I saw this bag first hand. 

Sustainable Sunflowers Bag - by Orla Kiely -  Anthro $258.jpg

Heidi ordered it.  We poked, prodded and discussed it.  She returned it.  I reviewed it. 

Shop this bag and read my NOT-SO-STELLAR review HERE

While adding my Review I happened to notice this little Miss Albright Satchel sitting on the Side Bar.  It was Wish Listed immediately. 

Bursting Peony Satchel in Green - by Miss Albright -  Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - Apr 2011.JPG

Now maybe it will work for this outfit, maybe not.  I thought it was Yellow, but it turns out the bag is pale Green.  I like the Appliqued Fabric, But I know I had better protect it with something to keep it from picking up dirt.

For the last 3 years I have sufficed with 1 pair of Espadrilles.  See Anthro's Roadways by Bobbi Blu  HERE.  Just the other day I was wearing those with the Mompos Dress.

Anthro's Mompos Dress by T Reese with Roadways by Bobbi Blu

Suddenly I have found myself starving for Espadrilles.  Then I saw Anthro's Lemon Stick Wedges by none other than my favorite Anthro Brand Miss Albright SHOP HERE.  Guess where I saw them first?  On Molly's awesome Blog Anthromollogies.  She paired them with the Mompos Dress. 

I did ask her if it was OK for me to run with her idea.  She approved.

Now back to the subject.

To make a long story short I was compelled to grab at another pair of Espadrilles. This time on sale.



Etruscan Espadrilles - by Bettye Muller - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Apr 2011



I'm thinking the Etruscan Espadrilles by Bette Muller SHOP HERE 

will work very nicely with this outfit.  Don't you?

I received a response from Anthro regarding the Mompos Review Situation. 

Read my email message to Anthro HERE

Here is Anthro Response...



Hi Laura,

Thank you for being such a passionate supporter of Anthropologie. We all enjoy your blog and reading your thoughtful and thorough reviews when you submit them. As you know, our ratings and reviews section is an open forum for customer’s to share their personal experiences with our products. We welcome all opinions but do take the time to read each review prior to posting to ensure they are appropriate. In our experience, we have found that customers can have very different opinions on the exact same item. In regards to these two reviews, they are two customer’s opinions and although they may seem skewed, we cannot remove them as they are within the Review Guidelines and follow the Terms and Conditions we have set for submitting reviews. We appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts on the dress (you looked great in your photos on your blog!) and made us aware of a possible issue with the content on our site.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime regarding any issues you have or see!

Sincerely,

Joannah Holmes

Anthropologie

Don't you just love how Joannah first attempted to smooth my ruffled feathers.  Very apropos!  I would have done the same thing if I were in her shoes and given the responsibility of dealing with me.  Ha-ha!  I think I like this gal.

However, I felt like I was being addressed like a child. Why explain the rules to me? Why repeat issues I had already suggested? I explained there was nothing inappropriate about the review.  I didn't ask for the reviews to be removed. And I didn't say the reviews were skewed.  I said the votes were skewed.   The most important question I asked was not addressed.  So who knows if the system has been compromised by someone using a server that can randomly generate IP Addresses.

Should I now consider Anthro's Review System as possibly compromised and untrustworthy. 

I suppose it's time to rely on the Blogs as I should have been in the first place. 

The big question is...should I continue providing reviews to Anthropologie?

Or should I reserve my energy for my Fellow Bloggers?

Is my Top Ten Ranking really all that important?

What do you think!

Actually don't answer the above questions if you don't wish to.  Here is an alternative discussion.

What did you get from the sale today if anything?  I'd rather hear about that!

SIDE:  I am so sorry I'm behind on blog rounds.  I feel so bad about that, because everyone comes to visit me even when I can't seem to get over to them.  I promise to work harder on that.

Did you notice the other day that my replies to comments were filled with gobbledygook?  Is that HTML code?  That is what happens if I use my Laptop PC from Yahoo mail..  But when I use my iPhone from Yahoo mail it's fine.  But it's also very hard to type on that little keyboard.

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

Dear Anthro................

This issue concerns everyone in the Anthro Community. Please join me by voicing your concern to anthro@anthropologie.com

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

No Anthro Zone Review - The Mompos Dress by T Reese

The Mompos by T Reese is an experience of itself. Lovely, flattering and filled with unique qualities befitting an Anthro dress

Mompos is in Columbia the Republic of Colombia!



Anthro's Mompos Dress by T Reese - April 2011

I know I wasn't the only gal put off by the initial reviews. Luckily I had already ordered before any reviews appeared.



No Anthro Zone Review: The Mompos Dress, A Plenty by Tracy Reese, Anthro $228.

Anthro describes the color as Light Denim. Personally, it appears Purple with a slight Gray tone. Not Pastel, Blue or Chambray.

SIZE: I ordered size 4 and 6. All my T Reese clothing is size 4.  I chose to be on the safe side, since Free Ship was about to end.

MEASUREMENTS:  I'm 5'6" Tall, 130 lbs, 34C, 35-28-36, Narrow across the Shoulders. Larger then average Rib Cage.

FIT: The 4 was so snug through the Bust, a deep breath was uncomfortable. However, the Torso and Waistline fit was exceptional and flattering. I immediately changed into the size 6 dress. This dress was slightly tight in the bust, and somewhat lose in the torso. 
 

Comparing the Mompos Dress Front View - Left size 6 - Right size 4



I found it difficult to get flattering photos of the size 6 dress. I had positioned the belt using the loops.  It seemed a bit too high. After 20 minutes I noticed the bodice was no longer tight.

The Size 6 Dress Developed an Unflattering, Stretched Out Fit in no time

I decided to give the size 4 a second shot. This time I tightened my bra straps to give the Girls a support boost and add some length to my mid section. Sure enough, the dress stretched out slightly by the time I had taken a few photos. The Bust no longer felt tight. The fit was now flattering in the Torso.

The Size 4 Dress Felt Right in all the Important Places

The color difference is an anomaly caused by a different location in the yard.  That is Scientist Speak for "The sun was shining on me at a different angle"




Comparing the Mompos Dress Side View - Left size 6 - Right size 4


You can really see the difference in the fit in the above comparison in side view.

If I had tried this dress on in an Anthro, I would have left with the wrong size. Who's going to stand around for 30 minutes to see if fabric stretches?

The All Important Details 

No POCKETS!

BELT closure is to the back, with 2 rows of 2 snaps. Nicely Reinforced! All 4 snaps must be used to keep the belt tab from hanging loose. The size 6 belt was too lose, since it can't be easily adjusted, it didn't offer any aid to reign in the stretched out waistline.

Mompos Dress by T Reese - Belt Detail

The Size 4 belt was perfect. There is an inch difference in length between the belts. This belt can be easily altered by taking a tuck behind the Bow to the front. Too bad they didn't think to put the snaps under the Bow in front for easy access. Dah!

The ARM HOLES for Size 6 were cut to far to the front. This is clearly seen in the Comparison images in Side View.  The arm holes for the size 4 were just right. No pulling or rubbing in either size as described by JennaNY and AnthroAddict12.
LENGTH:  Size 6 measured an inch longer than size 4,  from waist to shoulder. Another inch from waist to hemline. The six hit at an unflattering knee position. The 4 at my preferred above the knee location.
FABRIC: Sheer 100% Cotton Shell. Dry Clean. Nylon Net Slip attached at waist for volume. Full liner of 100% Cotton attached at the waist and bodice. Adjustable Straps? A redundant detail, since the lining is attached. Snap Tabs at shoulder. Also redundant. Dah!




An attempt to reign in the Size 6 Mompos with
the Enchanting Eyes Belt - Anthro $58 - Apr 2011

 



Shop Anthro's Enchanting Eyes Belt HERE

WRINKLED: I lightly spritzed with water and tossed in the dryer on low heat for a few minutes. Still needs pressing.

ZIPPER is exposed. High quality YKK brand.

ODDLY PLACED fabric pieces around the Bodice Darts can be seen on both dresses. The online image is naturally pieced to perfection.

THE STRIPED SKIRT PANELS are placed in a Flattering CHEVRON Pattern.

SIZES 0, 2 and 4 are on backorder.  Showing 99 plus for size 4. I've seen large numbers like this for backorders before, that later appeared much smaller.



 

Oh to be admired by a Cat that appreciates The Mompos Dress - April 2011

  I just realized, that the last time Heishe looked at me like this I was wearing my only other T Reese Dress. 

See Heishe's Admiration and my Review for the Powdered Pigment Dress HERE.

My cat has an appreciation for the finer things by Tracy Reese.

Shop Anthro's Mompos Dress  HERE

I've got a handful of fabulous stylings planned for this dress.  It looks like I found my PERFECT SUMMER FROCK after all.

Have you seen this necklace before?  Meet my cheapo $18 version. The idea originated from an Anthro review. I liked it enough to give it a whirl.  Of course, it doesn't come close to resembling the original. I didn't expect it to.

Shop Anthro's Two Fold Amethyst Necklace HERE

Shop similar pre-drilled Amethyst Slices on eBay HERE  

 

Perhaps the review was not the correct place to share this idea.  Regardless, I applaud the gal for her creative ingenuity.  Unlike the dressing down followed by a lecture from two subsequent reviewers claiming to be artists/jewelers.  

 

And that wraps up this weeks installment of Good Reviews Gone Bad.  With a healthy dose of Mompos for good measure.  Haha!  

Ready or not, here I come.  Blog rounds start now!  

Oh!  Today is Camden's 23rd Birthday.  Please wish him a Happy Birthday for me.  I'm such a bad Mother.  I didn't even remember until I saw todays date on my PC.

BAD Laura!
 

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

Me Pot O' Gold! No Anthro Zone Coming Attractions!

Every now and again I pull a Vintage Anthro out of my Closet for a day in the sun.  This is one of those truly lovely Vintage Treasures that will always have a place in my heart and reserved space in my Closet. 

The Prima Ballerina Cardi by Manoush is a Masterful Work of Art, drafted in 100% Merino Wool with a Tea Stained, Pleated Silk Skirt. 

Prima Ballerina Cardigan - by Manoush - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $70 - Nov 2008
Wide Leg Trousers - by Pilcro - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Mar 2010
Pot of Gold Heels in Seafoam - by Seychelles - Seychelles $90 - Mar 2011
Toasted Meringue Cuff - by Lee Angel - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Mar 2010
Owl's Nest Necklace - Anthro $48 - Feb 2010

Versatility NOT included.  It takes a certain amount of panache to figure out what to do with this Anthro Treasure.  Something I wasn't blessed with.  Every time I wear this Cardi I stye it with Jeans. Except once, over the Babergh Dress.

See me wear the Prima Ballerina with the Babergh Dress HERE

Way back in November 2008, this lovely, Soft Cardi arrived looking like it had been through the wringer.  I picked it up as a Pop Back after the price dropped from $268 to $70. Someone must have carelessly grabbed both sides and pulled the snaps open. That's the only explanation for every snap left dangling from threads. It took hours to sew the snaps back in place.



Prima Ballerina Cardigan - by Manoush - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $70 - Nov 2008
Toasted Meringue Cuff - by Lee Angel - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Mar 2010
Owl's Nest Necklace - Anthro $48 - Feb 2010

 Today I went with Anthro's Wide Leg Jeans by Pilcro...


Prima Ballarina Cardigan - by Manoush - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $70 - Nov 2008
Wide Leg Trousers - by Pilcro - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Mar 2010
Pot of Gold Heels in Seafoam - by Seychelles - Seychelles $90 - Mar 2011
Toasted Meringue Cuff - by Lee Angel - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Mar 2010
Owl's Nest Necklace - Anthro $48 - Feb 2010

The Pot of Gold Heels by Seychelles.  And a well known Anthro Statement piece, The Owl's Nest Necklace.  My Necklace may have been the last one in existence. It arrived in several pieces, but repairable with glue and a few jump rings. 

I was feeling punchy.  A second statement was in order.  The clear stone in the center of Anthro's Toasted Meringue Cuff by Lee Angel, is very similar to the Purple and Blue Flower brooch in the Owl's Nest. 

I was smitten by me first glimpse of the Pot O' Gold Heels on Modcloth.  They Sold Out before I had a chance to gasp with sheer delight!

Just for you, I performed some fancy foot work, in case you want a Pot O' Gold for yourself.

Shop Seychelles Pot of Gold Heels at Nordstroms HERE for $89.95 and FREE SHIP, in Taupe and Black

Shop Pot of Gold at Zappos HERE for $90 and FREE SHIP, in Taupe, Black and Seafoam seen above

Shop Pot of Gold at Seychelles Footwear HERE for $90 plus shipping, in Taupe, Black and Seafoam

Or

You can pick them up at Anthropologie HERE for $90 plus shipping in Taupe only

See the lovely Mandy of Bobs and DooDads enjoying  her very own Pot of Gold.

Anthro cancelled my Star Mail Necklace in Capricorn from Tuesday's Jewelry sale.

BooHoo! 



Star Mail Necklace - Anthro Orig $118 Sale $50 - Apr 2011


The truth is, I'm much happier that Moths Any-Other-Rose-Cardi, a fluke addition from at least 1.5 years ago, actually shipped. 

Yay! 



Any-Other-Rose Cardi - by Moth - Anthro Orig $118 Sale $60 - Apr 2011


I would rather keep the Cardi and loose the Necklace.  Of course having them both would have been stellar.  You win some!  You loose some!

COMING ATTRACTION: No Anthro Zone Reviews 

The Mompos Dress!  A Plenty by Tracy Reese.  I'm very happy to announce that the issues reported by the initial reviewers, were not encountered in my No Anthro Zone.

Other reviews include Anthro's Sveaborg Picnic Clogs by Lucky Penny, and the Cut Sprigs Heels by Giraudon.

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