Thursday, February 10, 2011

Anthro Gets the Modcloth SQUEEZE! Fresh Anthro Closet Chaos Picks!

I spend just as much time browsing Modcloth's site as I do Anthropologie.  I know, that sounds so strange coming from an Anthro Addict like me. 


Look On The Sunny Side Dress - by Shulami - Modcloth Orig $88 Sale $62 - Jan 2011
Mullion Tights in Brown - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Jan 2010
Rensselaer T Straps - by Miss Albright - Anthro $148 - Aug 2010
Fortified Flora Necklace - Anthro Orig $42 Sale $20 - Mar 2010
 Meet Modcloth's Look On The Sunny Side Dress minus the juvenial Black bow tie.  A quick session with a seam ripper and wallah, I've got a very wearable dress.  Even better on sale. It's a Silk Viscose Blend, that is obviously going to wrinkle badly.  I'm a size Medium with Modcloth, and a Small with Anthro.  This dress is a bit large on top, while a little narrow through the hips. Thankfully, that's exactly how I'm proportioned.  Fortunately for me, most of the female population is Hour Glass.  So I luck out on sale.

Shop Modcloth's Look On The Sunny Side Dress on sale HERE.

Modcloth's sale is ending soon.  Shipping is free over $100.  But even when it isn't free, the flat rate is $7.  I placed a large Anthro order yesterday to the tune of $20 for shipping.  So Modcloth looks very attractive when money is tight. 


Major Style Jacket - by Theme - Modcloth Orig $95 Sale $47 - Jan 2011

The Major Style Jacket by Theme fits a little wonky.  The sleeves are too long, so I folded them under.  And due to the angled buttons, it just looks off at the waistline. The fabric is 50% Wool and 50% Chemical.  What the...  It's made in China and the washing instructions specify "NO BLOEACH."  Ha-ha! The Medium is a little on the large side. But I like my Blazers slightly over sized.

Shop Modcloth's Major Style Jacket on sale HERE.

Look On The Sunny Side Dress - by Shulami - Modcloth Orig $88 Sale $62 - Jan 2011
Mullion Tights in Brown - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Jan 2010
Rensselaer T Straps - by Miss Albright - Anthro $148 - Aug 2010
Wool Tapestry Stem Leather Handbag Multi - by Orla Kiely AW08 - Orig $800 eBay $400 gently used - Apr 2009
Look Out!  Anthro Incoming!  I love Eloise's Mullion Tights in Brown with Pink plaid to add a touch of color alongside theYellow and Brown.  I struggled between several pairs of shoes and booties.  In steps the Rensselaer T Straps to add some sophistication. Along with my favorite Orla Kiely Handbag.

Look On The Sunny Side Dress - by Shulami - Modcloth Orig $88 Sale $62 - Jan 2011
Major Style Jacket - by Theme - Modcloth Orig $95 Sale $47 - Jan 2011
Mullion Tights in Brown - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Jan 2010
Rensselaer T Straps - by Miss Albright - Anthro $148 - Aug 2010
Fortified Flora Necklace - Anthro Orig $42 Sale $20 - Mar 2010
The Fortified Flora Necklace was the perfect item to tie all the colors together.   The necklace begged to differ!  A few minutes after arriving at work, it insisted on falling apart.  I had secured it with super glue last year.  Looks like I will have to make a trip to Target between two back to back all day meetings.  This is exactly why I stay as far away from cheap jewelry as possible. But it is very cute with this outfit.

I was really bad yesterday.  How bad was I?  I literally fell off the wagon, right on my behind. See the first 6 entries in my New Items Folder HERE

AHHHH!

Shiny Leather Caraway Bag in Muave - Orla Kiely Orig $584 Sale $380 - Feb 2011

THIS PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS?  IN MAUVE!

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

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Guest Post on Effortless Anthropologie! Inspiration That Rocks! #1!

Last week, I was honored when Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie asked me to guest post for "Things You Love Week."  Guess who I wrote about?  All of you! See Roxy's Guest Post HERE.

Let's get this Inspiration That Rocks Challenge underway with Rock #1 from my personal collection:

Snowflake Obsidian - Volcanic Glass - From Utah
Obsidian is formed when volcanic eruptions cool within the earth. The speed at which it cools prevents crystallization and the rock forms as solid volcanic glass. Snowflake Obsidian is dotted with white patches  where parts of the rock have begun to crystallize. These patches closely resemble Snowflakes.  

Deep Sea Dress - Athleta Orig $89 Sale $55 - Feb 2010
Precious Materials Cardi - by Moth - Anthro Orig $128, eBay $80 - Oct 2010
Graphic Rose Tights - by Anna Sui - Anthro $20 - Dec 2010
Old Clems Peep Toes - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Jan 2011
Clear Bangle - Commemorative Anthro Gift for Maryland Accessory Store - Dec 2010
You're thinking this is too easy.  Black and White!  How hard is that?  I did however, NOT use the obvious items from my closet that you might be picturing in your head right now.  Like a certain Snowflake Necklace.  Also NOT used is the Haviland Sweatercoat. Nor did I wear my Snowflake Obsidian Jewelry.  Although I was tempted, that isn't what inspiration is all about.  I stuck to color, texture, and geometry.


Deep Sea Dress - Athleta Orig $89 Sale $55 - Feb 2010
Graphic Rose Tights - by Anna Sui - Anthro $20 - Dec 2010
Old Clems Peep Toes - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Jan 2011
Clear Bangle - Commemorative Anthro Gift for Maryland Accessory Store - Dec 2010

I'm a Rock!  This first photo is me as pure Black Obsidian.  I cooled really fast, so no Snowflakes have formed.  Ha-ha! The dress I chose is Athleta's Deep Sea Dress.  The fabric is smooth as glass. However the Bodice is crochet.  The crochet could represent what is known as Conchoidal fracture.  When volcanic glass is hit with a rock hammer, small pieces will break off.  The uneven surface of the glassy chunk of rock above exhibits this type of fracture. On my wrist is Anthro's Accessory Store Commemorative Bracelet.  Very glassy indeed!

Deep Sea Dress - Athleta Orig $89 Sale $55 - Feb 2010
Precious Materials Cardi - by Moth - Anthro Orig $128, eBay $80 - Oct 2010
Graphic Rose Tights - by Anna Sui - Anthro $20 - Dec 2010
Old Clems Peep Toes - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Jan 2011
Clear Bangle - Commemorative Anthro Gift for Maryland Accessory Store - Dec 2010
Now I am Snowflake Obsidian!  I cooled a bit slower and crystal have started to form a Snowflake. The Snowflake is Anthro's Precious Materials Cardi.  I eBay'd the sweater after seeing Tien of Adiaphane wearing the Cardi with the Babergh Dress.
Precious Materials Cardi - by Moth - Anthro Orig $128, eBay $80 - Oct 2010

Not the most flattering photo of this Cardi.  And probably not one of my best outfits.  Wearing Black and White is working out of my comfort zone. 


I couldn't miss with the Graphic Rose Tights. I know they scream ROSE pattern. But if you don't look to close, the subtle pattern is similar to the crochet bodice of the Dress, and snowflakes. And just because I've only worn them one other time, Old Clems Peep Toes


Deep Sea Dress - Athleta Orig $89 Sale $55 - Feb 2010
Graphic Rose Tights - by Anna Sui - Anthro $20 - Dec 2010
Old Clems Peep Toes - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Jan 2011
To create color interest I threw in Anthro's Cherry Vanilla Trench by Leifsdottir.  Obsidian that is high in Iron will have a Redish Brown color.


Cherry Vanilla Trench - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $448, Sale $230 - Aug 2009
Graphic Rose Tights - by Anna Sui - Anthro $20 - Dec 2010
Old Clems Peep Toes - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $90 - Jan 2011
Next Wednesday's Inspiration That Rocks could be one of your's.   See all information about the Challenge and Giveaway at the bottom of this Post HERE.

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

Monday, February 7, 2011

The In The Trees Comes to Life for Jamie! The Incentive for Inspiration That Rocks!

Last week, the Beautiful and Masterful Miss Jamie of Thrifty Threads, created Four Superb Styles for me using the In The Tree Skirt by Floreat and my Virtual Closet.  Jamie and I both own this skirt.  See her Post HERE.

I thought I would thank her by attempting to style her FOUR outfits.  Today I'm starting with Outfit #2. 

Trickle Down Top in Green - by Deletta - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $29 - Dec 2010
Good Tidings Cardi - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $248 Sale $60 - Oct 2008
Friendly Terrain Belt Red - Anthro Orig $34 Sale $20 - Dec 2010
In The Trees Skirt - by Floreat - Anthro Orig. $158, Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Opaque Tights in Red - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12 Sale $7 - Jan 2011
Loose Rein Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 Red Tag $105 - Dec 2010
Necklace and Lotus Bracelet - Faceted Garnet with Sterling - by Sundance - Apr 2009

Jamie's pick for the top was Anthro's Sand Daisy Tunic by Velvet.  She suggested that I tuck this top in.  I tried her suggestion but realized that I would not be able to remove my outer layer in the office, since the top is a tank.  So I went with a substitution in Anthro's Trickle Down Top in Green by Deletta.  I really liked the idea of carrying the Olive Green color of the Boots...UP!


Trickle Down Top in Green - by Deletta - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $29 - Dec 2010
Friendly Terrain Belt Red - Anthro Orig $34 Sale $20 - Dec 2010
In The Trees Skirt - by Floreat - Anthro Orig. $158, Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Opaque Tights in Red - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12 Sale $7 - Jan 2011
Loose Rein Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 Red Tag $105 - Dec 2010

Necklace and Lotus Bracelet - Faceted Garnet with Sterling - by Sundance - Apr 2009
See me wear the Trickle Down Top in Blue with the In The Trees Skirt ...HERE.

Jamie's pick for the sweater was Anthro's Haviland Sweatercoat by HWR Monogram.  Since I changed up Jamie's choice for the top, I also needed to change up her choice for the Sweater.  The Trickle Down just has too much going on in the way of ruffles that the Haviland Sweatercoat could not conceal at the neckline. So I went with Anthro's Good Tiding Cardi by Leifsdottir.  This short sweater also allows for the waist detail of the skirt to shine.
Good Tidings Cardi - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Orig $248 Sale $60 - Oct 2008
I added Anthro's Friendly Terrain Belt in Red at the waistline of Anthro's In The Trees Skirt by Floreat.

Now for my favorite aspect of Jamie's brilliant styling idea.  The pairing of Hue's Opaque Tights in Red  and Anthro's Loose Rein Boots by Miss Albright.  I fell hard for the Red and Olive Green component.  Making this outfit my favorite of the Four Jamie Styles.  And also the reason I am styling them out of order. 

Opaque Tights in Red - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12 Sale $7 - Jan 2011
Loose Rein Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 Red Tag $105 - Dec 2010

Necklace and Lotus Bracelet of Faceted Garnet with Sterling - by Sundance - Apr 2009

I threw in a little touch of Red at the Neckline and wrist by way of a Faceted Garnet with Sterling Necklace and Lotus Bracelet by Sundance.


I am making it my goal to answer the remaining Three Outfit's that Jamie's styled from my Virtual Closet before Spring is upon us.

I hope Jamie approves of the changes I made! Thank you Jamie!

Oh no it's a schedule!  I thought it was necessary for the ROCK and MINERAL Inspired Styling and Giveaway! If I was scratching my head, then I knew everyone else had to be just as confused.

SCHEDULE:

Outfit 1 - Post Wed Feb 9th (using inspiration from my Collection to get this Challenge started)
Outfit 2 - Post Wed Feb 16th - Submissions current until Sat Feb 12th
Outfit 3 - Post Wed Feb 23rd - Submissions Sun Feb 13th thru Sat Feb 19th
Outfit 4 - Post Wed Mar 2nd - Submissions Sun Feb 20th thru Sat Feb 26th
Outfit 5 - Post Wed Mar 9th - Submissions Sun Feb 27th thru Sat Mar 5th
Outfit 6 - Post Wed Mar 16th - Submissions Sun Mar 6th thru Sat Mar 12th
The Vote - Friday March 18th thru Mon March 21nd.
Winner of the Incentive shown below - announced Tues March 22nd.

GUIDELINES: 

1. Send one photo per submission period (see schedule) of a ROCK or MINERAL from the Internet or elsewhere.

2. Rock must be under natural light.  Remember that I have to ID this rock without testing for hardness determined by the MOH's hardness scale.  I also can't drop HCL on it to determine if it's a carbonate rock.  I also can't break it to determine cleavage. I will let you know if it's impossible to ID, and you can submit another for the week.

3. Do not tell me the name of your specimen. Make sure you know the name. I have to identify the specimens.

4. I will create an outfit each week on Wednesday for 5 weeks using a chosen photo as inspiration.  I will identify all the submissions on the day of the Post.

5. If I use your photo for inspiration you will be entered in the vote for the winning style and the Giveaway.

THE INCENTIVE:

The winner is determined by who submitted the photo of the Rock or Mineral I used for inspiration to style the winning outfit. 

If you submit a photo for each of the 5 styles you have a higher chance of winning. 

The more creative and do-able the submission the higher the chance you have of winning.

Everyone will vote once for one of the 5 styles.   

I WILL NOT be revealing the names of those that submitted my chosen inspiration photo from each weeks pool of photos.

THE INCENTIVE:




I hinted about this item last December.  Not entirely sure where I was going with the idea. The prize is one Vintage Tatted Snowflake that hung on the family Christmas Tree for many years.  I took it off my own necklace worn in this POST.  My Mother tatted this unique piece over 35 years ago.  This is heirloom quality lace that will last for centuries. The snowflake measures 2 inches and has seed pearls incorporated into the tatting, the chain is 20 inches long with a lobster claw closure and small blue decorative bead. 

All you have to do to enter the Giveaway is submit photos by email (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com). one per submission week. 

Lets Rock this Challenge!

Anthro Sister Love, Laura

Saturday, February 5, 2011

One Dress Worn TEN Ways! eShakti Custom!

Meet my custom fit eShakti Dress. When eShakti contacted me and asked me to pick anything from their site as a gift for reviewing the order, well, like any girl who loves cloths, I jumped at the chance.

See Peggy of "She Hath Done What She Could" in her fabulous eShakti Dress HERE

To introduce you properly I thought I would show you just how versatile my little Hummingbird Dress is. 

So versatile, I pulled 10 outfits from my closet in under 3 hours and photographed them myself.

Please don't miss my review after the Fashion Show...
#1 - eShakti Belted with Sweater, Tights and Booties.




#2 - eShakti with Belted Pullover, Net Slip, and Pumps!

#3 - eShakti with Retro Jacket, Tights and Boots


#4 - eShakti with Orange Stripes and Platforms

#5 - eShakti with Ivory Cardi and Wedges



#6 - eShakti Belted with Pink Cardi and Metallic Heels



#7 - eShakti  with Yellow Cardi and Platform Sandals



#8 - eShakti in Pink, Orange and Yellow

#9 - eShakti with CATS IN A HAT




And #10 - eShakti and Me
 Which style was your favorite?

No Anthro Zone Review:

Why did I order this particular dress? Mostly for the little Hummingbird Appliques. I also have no Grey dress in my closet. What I found out is, Light Grey is not a flattering color on me.  Especially right now since I'm white as the new driven snow.  Glaring, Blinding, Snow White!

If you check out the prices on eShakti you will find they are very reasonable.  It costs only a bit more to customize your order.

This dress is solid as a rock.  I included my custom measurements with my order.  The fit is spot on.  Including the length.  Most dresses are too long in the arm holes or too wide.  Not this one, it's made to my specifications.  The waistband is elastic, and the dress has a side zip. 

There is no lining. The 100% cotton jersey is medium weight, with just the right amount of give.  But not so thin that your bumps, rolls and undergarment's show through.  This is machine wash, tumble dry.  That is an important factor for me when ordering a dress. 

It takes approx two weeks for delivery.  Naturally my dress was a wrinkled mess from the packaging.  No fear.  I spritzed mine with a mixture of liquid fabric softener and water and tossed in the dryer on medium heat for 10 minutes.  The wrinkles fell right out.  I didn't even have to wave my magic wand over this one.

Shop my Hummingbird Dress HERE. 

If you have any questions about eShakti, or my experience with ordering from them, please leave your questions in the comment section below.  I will reply as soon as possible.  Or you can shoot me an email at lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com.

Please don't forget to send me your Rock and Mineral Photo's for inspiration and my first giveaway.



Anthro Sister Love and an eShakti Dress, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)