Tuesday, November 30, 2010

OOTD: Galloping Fillies!!

Today is Tuesday and there was no Anthro sale. I think it was actually a good thing because I scored both the Waffle Weave Dress (which I initially hated, but now actually has grown on me and I've become obsessed with having) and a Slow and Steady Cardigan (snagged the very last extra small!). I am very excited about receiving my prizes, but have blown through slightly more than half my normal monthly Anthro allowance and it's not even December 1st. Oy...oh well...we'll see what happens on Thursday...my poor wallet.

So here's a piece you don't see very often...The much-panned Galloping Filly Skirt! This is a really special skirt and I'm not going to lie and say it's easy to style this. It's got a crazy horse print, it's a burlap-looking soft fabric, it's got tons of tulle and it's ginormous. However...it's adorable and it's freaking got horses on it. It doesn't come out very much, but I thought it was the perfect day for it.


Sweater: Hot Sauce (hand-me-down from a good friend)
Skirt: Anthropologie, Galloping Filly Skirt
Boots: Payless

A high-heeled boot would have been perfect, but I am walking all over the city today and comfy shoes are a must. I love this skirt although it takes up tons of room in my closet and it's tricky to style. Since I teach private music lessons, I can get away with a quirky piece like this and I love it!

I'm going to try and swing by Anthro tomorrow to see the new arrivals. I haven't been in a B&M store in what seems like forever! Happy Tuesday, ladies!
Sunday, November 28, 2010

Oldies but Goodies - Sale Reviews (plus a podcast plug)

Sometimes, items I review just don't make it to a post for whatever reason. I thought I would give a few of those items their shot as all of them have all shifted to the sale and most are still available in-store.

Rushcliffe Cardigan (was $148, now $99.95, style # 18753731)


This is an xs. I had been lusting after this forever and I would have taken this home, had it been less expensive. A hundred bones is still a lot to pay for a cardigan, plus, this one had a snag on one of the sleeves. I really like it still and I love that it has a removable collar, although I think taking the collar off makes it decidedly less special. Something about it in photos looks "non-soft", but it is actually quite soft and comfy. I really like this piece, but it's not totally practical, so I left it in the store. Sadface.

Slow and Steady Cardigan (was $128, now $69.95, style #18753731)

 
 It broke my little heart to leave this behind. I was trying to decide between this item and another one and I left this in the store because of the price point. Even at $70, it's a little pricey for me, but it's incredibly cute. Insanely cute and I still really want one. I may try and track one down eventually (especially if it gets a second price cut), but I can NOT say enough good things about this sweater. First off, it's got cute turtles crawling on it and it's got fantastic sleeve lining (stripey!). Lastly, it fit like a dream and was super, super soft. Another Wendi Reed winner...I am still in love and am still stalking. As of right now, sizes small, medium and large are still showing in my wishlist as available! Call customer service to snag one.

Walkway Dress (Blue Colorway) (was $158, now $79.95 style #18888610)

 Here's another cute Tracy Reese piece. I already own a Dreamy Drape Dress (aka: Speckled Ink Dress), so I didn't need this one. The pattern is really cute. The dress, in my opinion, would be improved by a belt. It's a longer dress (this was the p, size and it came below the knee. p size in Tracy Reese's fit well at the hem for me). I think it's really cute and comfortble as most jersey dresses are. It's not on my wishlist, so I'm not sure how available it is, but customer service is very helpful, so if you really like this dress, give them a call and they'll track one down for you.

From-The-Poles Jacket (was $128, now 69.95, style #18752733)


 Here's a cute little sweater jacket! This colorway is hard to find now, but some of the others are still available online. I thought it was very warm and comfy and slightly awkward. It looked foolish when I undid the top buttons, so this looks the best with the ruffles peeking out. I'm actually not crazy about the cream colorway here, so I may wait to see if this gets a second cut and I may jump on the green colorway. So cute!

So...there you have it! Reviews from the depths of my hard drive! It's Sunday night again, which means it's time for another live Dereck and Kay Show on Blog Talk Radio!!! Please join us at 6pm for our Thanksgiving Show where we break down the events and hot topics of the week!! If you can't join us for our live one-hour show, all of the archived past episodes are available for download as a podcast or streaming here. We're also on Facebook! Maybe one of these days, we'll discuss Anthro on the show :)

Happy Sunday everyone!!!!
Friday, November 26, 2010

Reviewed: Lappula Dress and Floating Sparks Cardigan

Happy Black Friday everyone! I am so glad to have the day off today! I actually had a gig yesterday, so I didn't really feel like it was a true day off...especially since after the gig, I had to drive 1 and a half hours to New Hampshire to be with my in-laws (which was great, but it's STILL a long drive after the gig). I would not have made it, if it wasn't for hilarious Sports Junkies Podcasts on my iPod. Anyway, after getting up super early to practice my music and make a billion oatmean raisin cookies and driving all that way...today is AMAZING. I am staying away from the stores today (although, always tempting to go to Anthro).

I actually was planning on being a good girl and abstaining from this week's sale, but when I logged on to my wishlist, I noticed that the High Tea Trousers had taken a second cut from $60 to $30 and the Taking Flight Loungers, which I have been drooling over just about FOR-EVER had shifted to sale from $48 to $30 and I had to pounce. They are just sooooo cute and I have not bought a new pair of pj pants in ages. They just shipped today (after saying they were backordered which took some of the wind out of my sails). I haven't actually tried the trousers on and reviews say they run ridiculously small, so they might not even fit, which would suck. We'll see what happens. In the meantime, I have some quick reviews for you!

Lappula Dress $168 Edme & Esyllte



This dress is really cute! I spied it on the rack and I snatched it right up to try on! I really like it! Plus, it has pockets and the fabric is really nice (silk). This dress personally isn't for me. For someone of my stature, this pattern is really overwhelming, even in a petite size. It's gorgeous, fits TTS and is a great quality dress! I would recommend this if you really like it and I think it's worth full price. I just can't get past the gigantic-ness of this pattern on me.

Floating Sparks Cardigan $98 Moth



Hey, it's not bad, but let me tell you...this cardigan has about a million snaps and on this cardigan, they were NOT sewed on well. To boot, they snapped together extremely tightly, so every time I unsnapped one, I felt like I was going to tear a button off. That is the first thing that turned me off to this sweater. Secondly, I don't care for how it looks closed. This may be another feature of my small stature, but I find it extremely overwhelming and the pockets are a little weird. It's comfy though and seems warm. I say, wait for the sale if you can. If this were $88 it might be worth full price, but $59.95 seems about right for this one.

So that's it! I hope to make another trip to Anthro this weekend, so I'll have some more reviews for you. And for those of you keeping score at home, I actually finally got my grubby little hands on a Salty Seas Dress!!!! It will have to be shortened at the hem and the straps will have to be shortened, but I adore it! Now...I just have to wait 9 months until May and I'll be able to wear it out! LOL

Happy Friday everyone!
Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, ladies! I'm so thankful for so many things...including the fun and passion that fashion blogging brings to my life! I know I've been away for a few days, but I'll be back full force soon with some reviews!

I hope all of you ladies had a wonderful holiday. I got up at 6am to make 4 dozen oatmeal raisin cookies and we have lots of leftovers. Here I am taking them home!

Dress: Anthropologie Sugar-coated Shirtdress
Cardigan: Anthropologie Split Decision Cardigan
Belt: Anthropologie Fastened and Knotted Belt
Boots: Payless

I thought this was the perfect Thanksgiving outfit! I ate LOTS of green bean casserole!!!! Gobble, gobble to all!
Thursday, November 18, 2010

OOTD: Raccoons and Sprigs!

Good morning, ladies! Last night, I wanted to wear my brand-new Stretching Sprigs Cardigan that I scored on a random popback. I paired it with the adorable Raccoon Rumpus Blouse that I coveted so much from summer. I still love it and think it's totally awesome! I've still seen some in stores and it's just $20 now!

Cardigan: Anthropologie Stretching Sprigs Cardigan ($59.95 now)
Blouse: Anthropologie Raccoon Rumpus Blouse ($19.95 call CS)
Jeans: GAP Kids
Clogs: Dansko

The embroidery on the back is really special isn't it? The photos are kind of crappy and do not do the cardigan justice. It is a really gorgeous little cardi and if you have a chance to grab one, snag it! I got TONS of compliments on the sweater and also randomly on my new glass water bottle. As a singer type, I like to carry around a bottle of water to rehearsals, but I can't stand plastic. It's not even environmentally related, I just can't stand the way the plastic makes the water taste. Glass is clean and I won't feel bad putting other things in the bottle other than water since it's glass and it won't stain or react to acids or anything. The silicone sleeve protects it and I LOVE IT. There's my non-Anthro product plug for the day :)

Happy Thursday everyone! I have been having kind of a weird workweek, so I hope today goes well!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Grey Day Reviews and OOTD

Good afternoon, Anthro fans! Today is very gray here in Boston, but I had the day off from work so I didn't mind the grayness. I headed to my penultimate Physical Therapy Session late morning and then headed to Anthro to try on some things. I have some reviews for you!

First off is the Walk With Me Dress $148 Edme & Estyllte


 This is the 0, but the zipper was broken. I didn't ask to try a non-broken 0, so I just clasped the hook and eye and did the belt. It's actually a cute little dress. All of the dresses were displayed with the hem buttoned to the waistband like this. It's a cute way to wear it. This dress is a little bit country, which is cute. The belt seems quite cheap and I would definitely choose another belt to go with it. I un-did the hem and it hangs like this:


 As you can see, it's very long for a short girl, so if you really love this and you are little order the petite size. I think it fit TTS. It's not really something I need, but I recommend it if you love it!


Next up, I grabbed the Silken Sketches Dress $168 Maple



 This has been out a while, but I have never seen a 0 in store until today, so I grabbed it and tried it. It's a really nice silk, with cotton dress that you can step into. The bodice is stretchy and it has no zipper or anything. It's comfortable. No pockets. My verdict? "Meh." Nothing special, in my opinion. It's not worth full price either, wait for the sale on this one.

The I grabbed the Karelia Coat $248 Elevenses


Oh MY. I don't know why I waited so long to try on this coat, but it's totally stunning. It's a total "ME" coat. I can totally imagine rocking this on a night out. It KILLS me that this beauty is $248 because I MUST have this. It is not a warm coat, no...but it sure is adorable! The quality is nice and I like the fact that it zips up. I would order a 0P right now if I won the lottery. *sigh* WHY does Anthro do this to me!?

I also noticed in the store that there was a new colorway for the Flower Vendor Top, which is a burgundy. That's bad news for me because I have been waiting for it to go on sale forever and new colors usually mean no sale :(



Anyway, this is what I came in wearing:

Top: Anthropologie, Past and Present Tank (not "available", but still available in every size as of today through the catalog link)
Cardigan: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan
Jeans: Gap Kids (makes me LOL every time I type this)
Shoes: Dansko (old)

I adore the Past and Present Tank and was very pleased to discover it's available again! Snag it! I also received my Stretching Sprigs Cardigan in the mail yesterday. I never tried it on in the store but I always adored it and snatched it up when it popped back online a few days ago in my size. It's SO BEAUTIFUL and it fits like a dream! I totally did the right thing jumping on that puppy! Yay for ordering the last one in stock! 

Hope everyone's having a great Tuesday!
Monday, November 15, 2010

OOTD: Pinochle Anyone?

Hi Ladies! I've been away for a few days! I have been so crazy and a bit under the weather, but I'm back in full-force! It's Monday night!!! Do you guys think there will be an Anthro Sale tomorrow!? I'm going to sweat it out at Effortless Anthropologie (Roxy's Sale Guessing Game!) to see what the lowdown is! Monday nights sale speculation is always fun, even if I don't necessarily want anything. Plus, I'm on a shopping ban until Christmas. I'm hoping to get to Anthro tomorrow to go and try on some new arrivals and hopefully not buy anything.

Anyway, this outfit is from Saturday night! My hubs and I went on a dinner date to a trendy restaurant in our neighborhood and I thought it would be the perfect night to break in the Pinochle Skirt I scored for its second cut price of $19.95. There's something about seeing the two slashed prices with red pen that is ridiculously satisfying. Seeing three slashes is even MORE satisfying. I almost don't want to take the tag off my Marine Mural Dress, I just want to look at the price cuts and smile, but it MUST be worn! It's just too quirky - like me.


Top: Ann Taylor Petites (SUPER old)
Cardi: Anthropologie (thrifted)
Skirt: Anthropologie Pinochle Skirt
Boots: Payless

I look at this outfit and I wonder if it actually worked, but it's off my person now and it doesn't matter. The cardi is one I found at my FAVE consignment shop in the universe, Second Time Around. There are a few around the Boston area, but the one closest to me is in an affluent neighborhood and is in a quiet shopping center, so I ALWAYS score majorly. There are always lots of old Anthro pieces as well as other sweet designer items. I have gotten some gorgeous Karen Millen pieces for a steal. It's ridiculous. Anyway, I saw this little Moth Cardigan hanging out by itself. It's actually a really sweet little piece. You can't see the detail in the photo, but it has two gorgeous buttons in the front and the back has this super duper crosshatch area. I picked it up for a steal (15 bucks I think) and I got another black, beaded Odille Top also.

The pink boatneck top I've had forever and LOVE! It's a regular go-to piece for me and is totally flattering. I figured it would pick up the pink in the skirt. I don't for the life of me, understand why the card print on the skirt is a mirror image. I don't know if it's a mistake or what, but my cards are backwards! It doesn't matter though, because it's still cute. I won't lie though...it's a little snug, so I won't be eating a big meal in this!

Let's hope for another big sale tomorrow!
Thursday, November 11, 2010

OOTD: I fell out of the September Catalog

Happy Veterans Day, Ladies! I hope you are enjoying the holiday! I want to give a shout out to all those who have fought for our freedom here in the US. As a military brat, I have a special place in my heart for those who go off to defend this country. Thank you for your service! I salute you!

Do you ever find yourself in an outfit that was featured in the Anthro Catalog? I did last night. The Shawl Collar Sweatercoat has been in my regular rotation since taking it home and I broke out my Southward Stop Shirtdress last night for rehearsal. Behold!




Dress: Anthropologie Southward Stop Shirtdress $128 (seems to be sold out!)
Belt: Anthropologie Fastened and Knotted Belt ($19.95)
Boots: Payless $30!

I fell in love with this dress all over again last night. I'm so glad I nabbed it when I did in August, because I think it's just super. The thin wale cord is really nice because you can layer it with something underneath if you want and it's light enough for warmer weather. Plus, I love the stupid birds and deer that are on it!!! I can't help it, the pattern is so cute and what initially sold me on the dress.

I need to go on a spending moratoriam as my November clothing budget is done as of this morning. I saw online that the Stretching Sprigs Cardigan had popped back in xs and I jumped on it like a hawk on a squirrel. I'm not an online Anthro shopper (without the free shipping anyway), but I have been watching that cardi for ages and I popped it into my cart and pressed confirm before you could blink. Then I noticed that it was the last one! So...there's a small part of me that thinks my order may or may not be getting canceled. I suppose we'll see if in fact I get the last cardi or if it was a fluke. In other news, my Marine Mural Dress arrived yesterday and I could NOT be happier. It's perfect and I cannot wait to have a reason (or some weather) to wear it! Come on Summer!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010

New Colors & OOTD: Sugar-Coated Shirtdress

Good morning, ladies! Another good sale at Anthro this week!!! It's quite a surprise since last week we saw a great sale with tons of second cuts and markdowns.

It's been raining here for what seems like ages here in Boston and I am trapped in my rainboots. I actually secretly pining over the Sugar-Coated Shirtdress ever since I tried it on and when it went to sale last month, I passed it up in favor for another piece. I spied two at my local Anthro before the weekend and I told myself that if it was still here during the week, it was meant to be and I would snatch it up. Well...



Dress: Anthropologie Sugar-Coated Shirtdress $59.95 (sold-out online, but still available in stores! Call customer service, style #18823385)
Cardigan: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan in Mustard
Belt: Anthropologie: Fastened and Knotted Belt ($19.95)
Wellies: J.Crew (old)

I am IN LOVE, IN LOVE with this dress!!!! I don't know what took me so long to pull the trigger on this, but it's possibly my favorite dress of the season (I love my Refined Cord and my Southward Stop, but...)! It's totally flattering, fits and is adorable. The hemline gets shorter with corresponding sizes, so it hits me at the knee, the same way it did the model, which made me feel good about it. The colors look bizarre when it's on the hanger, but on, it's all kinds of cute. It's got an awesome vintage feel to it. I do actually like the burgundy ribbon that came with the dress, but I took it off in favor of this belt. I feel like the key to this is a thinner belt, even though the model shot shows the Radiating Ruffles Belt. I just think it's too much for someone of a small stature...especially since I have a short torso. The belt is adorable though.

I still can't get over the bizarreness of this shot. It's like she's pining for candy.

So, it seems some items have come out in new colorways; specifically, the Refined Cord Shirtdress. I already own (and love) the navy, but the red tempts me. I also noticed a new color of the Daylight Aurora Top. The black and grey is cute and a lot more like something I'd be tempted to buy! I'm still pining over the new color of the Deuxhill Cowlneck though more than anything!


Does anyone else find that a product in another color will suddenly raise an interest for you?
Monday, November 8, 2010

Reviewed: Bianka Blouse, Wildflowers-In-Flight Top, Whipped Woolen Cardigan (Second Look) & D'armee Dress

Good morning, Ladies! I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend! I was quite the busy bee and I am JUST exhausted. Two 2 1/2 hour concerts, my church gig and the Radio Show...I'm pooped. I wish I was off today, but gotta keep on keepin' on...gotta make the money for my Anthro habit! I thought I'd start the week with a few reviews.

First up is the much-reviewed Bianka Blouse $68 Odille


Here is the much-coveted black print colorway, which is very cute. This top is available in so many colors, it's not even funny. However...I understand. This is a very flattering little blouse. I have actually tried this on before and loved it. I don't know why I haven't pulled the trigger on it yet. I think I may love the Deuxhill Cowlneck more...especially the new black with print colorway! Anyway, I think it's a good buy. These are flying out of the store at full price, so I think it's worth it.

Next is the Wildflowers-In-Flight Top, $78 Porridge  which seems to me to be the Blacklight Blouse or the Polynya Corset Blouse (okay, that one is a little different) but a different color, right? And...uh...brand I guess. I don't know what's going on with the 3 identically designed tops but in different colorways, but whatever.



Okay, it's pretty cute! I'm not going to lie, it was a teeny, tiny bit big, but I think I would would buy it and get it taken in a bit. It's really adorable. I'm not crazy about the colors so I would be more inclined to try the other colorway, but I really like it. It would be totally cute under a jacket or cardi with some jeans for a night out on the town for some cocktails! Wishlisted for sale, only because I'm cheap and I don't need this.

Here's a second review for the Whipped Woolens Cardigan $98 Birds on a Wire. I tried this cardi on in my very first post. I was disappointed then.



Sadly, I continue to be disappointed. I loved this so much when it hit the website, but I just can't get past the fact that it looks kind of sloppy. The little hook and eye closure didn't help it. Pass for me, not even on sale.

Lastly, is the oft-blogged D'armee Dress $138 Parimeter.



Aw. This dress is so cute on the hanger, but unfortunately, it didn't fit me at all. The military style is so cute and I love the Army Green color, but something about the fit is off. Maybe it's not a dress for xs petites. I'm sad. Back to the racks for further consideration. I may try to convince myself it's worth it on sale or with a belt because I really do like it.

That's a wrap! Over the weekend I heard from someone in the community at Effortless Anthroplogie that the Marine Mural Dress had received a 3rd price cut and I scored one from a store over in PA and it's now on it's way to me.
I can't really wear this now, but I'm in love with it and I couldn't bear to pay even $59.95 for it, but $29.95 is amazing! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dress and I am now the owner of 3 Nathalie Nété pieces. An art junkie? YES.

I'm now obsessed with getting my hands on a Salty Seas Dress. There are a few on eBay, but I KNOW it's $29.95 now. What are my chances of scoring one through CS? Late to the party...late to the party. But I HAVE to have this now. I live in New England for goodness sake!!! Anyone seen any kicking around in stores?

 
Next up? Sale reviews!