This Saturday Night: A Discussion on Healthy Shopping, Shopping Addiction and Keeping yourself Fashionable and in the Black!

Good Evening, Ladies! It seems everyone in the Anthro Blogging Community are all sharing the same thoughts and sentiments. Are we in trouble with our shopping habits? Did we all HAVE to have the Two-Wheeler Shirtdress even though it ran big, was a dull shade of blue and had tiny, tiny armholes (Come on ladies! I love mine, but you know it's true)? Is that $500 Leifsdottir coat really worth it? Charge or pay cash?

We are talking about it ALL this Saturday night on our live podcast, at 7:00pm EST! We'll have a special guest psychologist who will discuss compulsive shopping and how to tell if YOU or someone you know has a problem and needs help. AND we'll poke fun at ourselves at ALL the times we know we've slipped up and been idiots about shopping! We'll discuss how to stay out of the red and still look fierce!

Please join Dereck and me for a lively discussion (he likes shopping too!). We are still lining up guests so you never know who will stop by! Stay tuned!

The Dereck and Kay Show

Where am I going to hide all these bags?

Flower Stand Dress and Anthropologie on the Dereck and Kay Show

Good afternoon, dear readers! I am so excited about today! I started the day by putting on my Flower Stand Dress for my gig this morning. This dress is so incredibly pretty and feminine. It just makes me feel like I need to go to a fancy Tea or something.

Anthropologie Flower Stand Dress, J Crew Jackie Cardigan, Seychelles Kiss at Midnight Pumps

And tonight is a very special Dereck and Kay Show! It's our FIRST Birthday!

I can't believe we've been doing our little goofy radio show for a year now! We didn't know what we were doing for the first few months, but after a while, we fell into a groove and our little dinky podcast is gaining popularity (yay!). To celebrate, we will have two special guests on the show from two blogs you know and love, Roxy from Effortless Anthropologie and Kim from Anthroholic. They will be on our show and ready to answer your burning questions! Call in to interact with us! Please tune in tonight at 7:00pm EST! If you miss the show, you can catch the podcast version about 15 minutes after we go off the air. Please like us on Facebook and subscribe via iTunes!

Click to listen to the show!

I hope many of you will enjoy tonight's Anthro-centric show!

Dereck and Kay Show Birthday Special Sunday: Q&A with Roxy and Kim!!!

Good Morning Ladies! Well, I was super bummed that last weekend's Dereck and Kay Show got hurricaned out! Well, this weekend, we are back and I'm super excited to announce that our one-year birthday celebration show will include two very special guests! Roxy from Effortless Anthropologie and Kim from Anthroholic! I'm super thrilled to have these iconic Anthro blogging ladies on the show!

The best thing about this is that you will be able to call in and ask your favorite Anthro Bloggers questions! How cool is that?! So, be sure to tune in this Sunday, at 7:00pm EST on blogtalkradio at this link.

The call in number is 661-467-2416, which is also available on the blogtalkradio page and will be announced several times during the show. Also, please check our facebook page for updates on this exciting show!

Busted!

I was stone-cold BUSTED breaking my month-long shopping ban last week. I ran into a reader at Anthro and I was standing in the checkout line with my arm full of skirts! LOL, I had an Anthro Shopping Relapse!

So...I guess I'm a weak soul and didn't last very long. And there's ZIPPY CHANCE I'm missing any opportunities from the big Tag Sale that will start tomorrow. So...May Shopping Ban? FAIL.

It's okay though, there was actually a month earlier in the year that I didn't shop, so maybe I still win? (Excuses, excuses). Anyway, I might as well share what I picked up (all different blue themes it appears):

• A Navy Field Skirt (marked down to $19.95!)

• A Fantastic Field Skirt

...and an Inkwell Skirt...which happens to be one of my new faves. I LOVE the poofiness of it! It's so adorable!

Cardigan: Anthropologie Blooming Lattice Cardigan, Blouse: Anthropologie Scalinata Top, Skirt: Anthropologie Inkwell Skirt, Shoes: Bare Traps

Feeling goofy after the Radio Show Broadcast. The Inkwell Skirt was an excuse to dust off the ole' Blooming Lattice Cardi, which I sometimes find a little too "cute" to wear for real. The navy accents in the skirt went perfectly with the cardi. I certainly felt dressed up, but totally comfortable. I didn't want to wear tights because it's MAY, alas...Boston is really cold and gloomy right now and the forecast doesn't look good either. I guess I will keep the faith, until the sun comes out again.

Tag Sale starts tomorrow...OH, the anticipation!!!!!

Mushroom Bourguignon & the Peggy Sue Dress

It's Mother's Day! Have you called your mommy yet?

As well as loving to wear pretty dresses and sing pretty music, I also adore to putz around in the kitchen. I adore French food, but don't do that much French cooking in reality. It's involved and there's lots of butter and cream going on. I love beef bourguignon and have made it from time to time. It's delicious, but quite heavy. So, last night, I decided to try a recipe for the mushroom version I saw on Smitten Kitchen. 

Start with lucious, portobello mushroom caps...

Slice.

Simmer with wine, onion, garlic, stock and other yummy stuff...

Serve over creamy egg noodles...swoon!

 This is a great little recipe if you are vegetarian or prefer to eat less meat. I certainly love good beef, but in reality, I only eat meat maybe twice a week. I'm not gonna lie, it's a tad labor intensive (I like low maintenance food) but it's worth it.

I got asked to sing at a recital of a composition major at the Walnut Hill School this afternoon. Walnut Hill is a high school for the arts and I remember wanting to go there so bad when I was in high school. I was asked to learn the song cycle pretty short notice since the soprano on hire had backed out. I have been working very hard for the last 6 days on this piece, but it's brilliant writing and lots of fun to perform! I thought it was a great chance to wear my Peggy Sue Dress. It's a hard little frock to dress down, but the navy worked great with the Remaining Lilies Cardigan.

Dress: Anthropologie Peggy Sue Dress, Cardigan: Anthropologie Remaining Lilies Cardigan, Shoes: Seychelles Kiss at Midnight Pump

 I was feeling so pumped after my performance, I thought I might as well leap! My ankle is feeling much better so I think I'll be heading to the gym tomorrow before work!

It's Sunday and that means it's time for another Dereck and Kay Show today at 7:00. Please listen in and call in if you feel so inclined! We'd love to hear from you!

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!!!!

OOTD: 1952 Molded and Melded

 

Anthro: 1952 Skirt (now $29.95!), Molded and Melded Tee

Cardigan: Ann Taylor Petites (old), Scarf: Ann Taylor (old)

Boots: Payless!

Look at the petite girl wearing this long, weird skirt! I love this so much, but it's a little tricky to style. I thought paring it with black and wearing boots instead of heels would make me look less stumpy. I adore the pattern of this skirt and I felt so adorable in it at church this morning. I totally rocked my solo, but I had a totally embarrassing moment. I'm supposed to stand about 3 bars until the end of the introduction of a hymn to cue the congregation when to start singing. The last hymn, I stood like a whole PAGE early (like 30 seconds of music) cause the first page had a double bar line at the end, so I just went into auto pilot. I was like; "Why isn't anyone else standing?!?!". Then I felt like a total idiot!  Luckily, I don't think I'll be getting fired over it ;-) LOL

It's SUNDAY!!! That means a NEW live Dereck and Kay Show! We are having a facebook fan contest!!! The show should be terrific tonight, so be sure to tune in! Who knows!? You could win some crap from Starbucks!!!!!

Happy Halloween! Reviews: Fall Skirts and Tops

Happy Halloween, Ladies! I hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend. I am working hard over here this weekend! I think my next day off is Veteran's Day! My husband and I are planning to go Atlantic City to go to the Junkies' Poker Open! I'm not playing it it, I'm just going there to party with my favorite radio boys and sport my Pinochle Skirt! It's perfect for the Borgata, right?!

I am absolutely drooling over the new arrivals at Anthro and I'll be reviewing a couple today! Okay, here we go!

Field Skirt Edme & Esyllte $78

Why does this feel familiar?

Look at the cute lining!

This did nothing for me on the website, but in person I love it! Do you know why?! Because it's a corduroy Circle the Globe Skirt!!!! That's amazing! It's the same adorable shape, same awesome pockets, same cute waistline stitching, plus this adorable paisley lining. This will be coming home with me at some point and at $78, it's a little pricey, but I'll pay full-price for it, just like I did the teal CTG Skirt. The cord is really light so that the skirt stays light and poufy. Love, love, love. E&E, well done.

Glowing Leaf Skirt $98 Floreat

Here's another really adorable skirt that I didn't expect to like. I've walked past this one a dozen times and I finally decided to pick it up. It's really adorable! I love the orange and sequined details.

It's got no pockets, which takes away some points for me. I also do feel like it's a touch long, so I would be more inclined to order a petite size (which is sold out). I wish, so much that Anthropologie would start offering a few petite sizes in-store. There are quite a few of us under 5'4 and I notice that the petite sizes always sell out online before I have a chance to get to them. I just feel a little annoyed about having to pay shipping, just because I'm below average height. But, that's another matter. Back on point, this skirt is really cute and I may pick it up on sale.

Let's talk about the top for one moment, shall we? This is the Trickle Down Top ($68 Deletta) which has been out for a while. It's cute, but sheer. Why?! It needs to be worn with a cami. I would pick it up on sale because it is really adorable. The beige color would go with all kinds of things. Wishlisted for sale!

Layered in Slate Skirt $88 Coquille

I have no pencil skirts in my Anthropologie Library and I think this may be the one I take home first! I simply adore this little jersey skirt! The gray color goes with everything and the little layering details are cute and unusual. The length, I think is okay for a petite gal and I am really glad it fits well. My only caveat is that it's expensive for what it is...a jersey skirt. The layers and draping is nice, but $88 seems too much for jersey. I'll wait for the sale on it.

Speeding Panorama Tank $68 one.september

This has been on my radar since it appeared online, but this is the first time I've seen it it person. It's JUST beautiful. I can see this going great under a simple cardi or being gorgeous on it's own with jeans. Plus, I LOVE that it's a drapey asymmetrical top a similar shape to the Hidden Hummingbird Tank which is one of my fave Anthro pieces. The $68 price seems fair, although I will probably wait for the sale which I feel is not far off.

Inked Marble Mini $128 Lilu

It's a mini skirt, but on 5'1 me, it just means it fits :) How cute is this little skirt? It caught my eye on the hanger and it's a really soft and flowy silk and feels AMAZING on your body. The side pockets are cute and the pattern is really pretty. $128 seems fair, although again, I will hold out for a sale.

It's Sunday, which means it's another LIVE Dereck and Kay Show tonight! We are giving away a $10 Starbucks Giftcard to a random facebook fan and you MUST listen live to win! Call in to claim your prize!

I'll be posting an OOTD later! Enjoy your morning!

OOTD: Refined Cord Love

So, I broke down and bought my Refined Cord Shirtdress the other day. I just felt like it was worth it and since things had been so tough for me the past couple of weeks, I wanted to give myself a little treat. I've decided to embrace the fact that Autumn is indeed here and it's only going to get colder for the next 6 months. I could not resist taking the dress out for a spin!

Anthro: Refined Cord Shirtdress $128, High Prairie Belt (now $19.95!) J.Crew Scarf (old)

This dress kept me warm while we ventured out for burritos after last night's broadcast! We had fun last night and I loved rocking this dress! I WILL be getting a lot of use out of it! It was totally worth the money to me. So...that's 2 dresses at full-price for me this season...OY.

In other news, after I got home last night, I found a cute little envelope in the mail pile for me that I must have missed. It was an invitation to Anthropologie Harvard Square's opening party! Hooray! I'm going to have a blast picking out an outfit for this one! 

Happy Columbus Day everyone!

10.10.10 Sunday Reviews and an OOTD

Happy Sunday, all! I hope everyone is enjoying the Columbus Day weekend! AAAAAAAND...

It's 10/10/10! Holy Moly! I love when dates like this happen! I got married on 07/07/07 and part of me believes that dates like this are good luck! Hope you are doing something fun today!

I stopped into Anthro on my way to work yesterday and had exactly 8 minutes to try on some things in the dressing room (I stopped by specifically to purchase the Refined Cord Shirtdress since I could NOT stop thinking about it since trying it on a month ago). Here's what I grabbed for you guys:

Mystery Moulinette Soeurs Dress $168 (??)

Hm. Okay. This dress seems very....um...like something I would have grabbed to wear to a party or a school dance in 7th grade. The material is nice and the fit is okay, but something about it doesn't seem very Anthro. It just makes me think about 7th grade, which for me was in the late 80's. Pass.


Switching Sides Sweater $118 Moth & Wall Street Skirt $88 Moulinette Soeurs

First off, the sweater: How adorable! This is a very "me" sweater, so when I saw it hit the website, I just had to try it on. It's simply adorable. The fabric is soft all around and the different colorways are just so cute. This is the gray colorway and it's darling and fits awesome. $118 is a little high for me, so I'll pick it up when it hits sale.

Now for the skirt...meh. I'm not quite sure who came up with the name Wall Street Skirt? It looks really cute with the sweater, but if you are petite, you should order the petite size online. Hemming this will ruin the beautiful design on the front. Otherwise, it's a cute skirt, that fits TTS. It's a thin wale corduroy and $88 is a good price for a skirt at Anthro! I think it's cute, but it's not really my style. Pass.


Peppered & Striped Skirt $128 Tracy Reese

I know this skirt has been reviewed to death, but I decided to throw my .02 in. It's a cute skirt and well-made (Tracy Reese for goodness sake), but I'm not quite sure it's a winner for a petite frame. On me, I think it's making me look a bit dowdy. If you love this and you are 5'2 or smaller, wait for the sale and get this altered a few inches. It would probably be super cutie-cute if it were 3"-4" shorter.

And here's my OOTD...my beloved High Tea Blouse and me are finally together. We've come a long way to get here and I had to call many Anthros, but finally tracked down this pretty in Harvard Square. Yay!

It's Sunday night, so we'll be broadcasting a brand-new, live Dereck and Kay Show tonight at 6pm on Blog Talk Radio! Please join us live or listen to an archived episode on the website! Happy Weekend everyone!