Where I've been hiding...

Dear readers...thanks for hanging in there while I've been not blogging. I have not forgotten about you! I have been sort of keeping up with the community but I've mainly been busy with rehearsals. I've been very heavily involved in an opera that was put on by Harvard Early Music Society. I had been cast as a fury in Cavalli's La Calisto. It's a nice opera, but being a baroque opera, it also had dance. I have a dance background, so I decided that it would be totally fun and interesting to learn some baroque dance steps! Well, I'll tell you what, it's been very challenging! I didn't think I would ever get all the steps right, but by the end of the run,  I danced some nearly perfect dances!

I had about 4 costume changes, which was insane to me. I was a dancing Nymph, a dancing Bear (yes...a bear), a singing Fury and a singing Celestial Body. Yeah...a smorgasbord of good silly times! I managed to sneak my Anthro High Prairie Belt into my Nymph Costume :)

Rehearsals were exhausting and my friend and fellow soprano (and fellow Anthro Addict) ended up on the Clover Food Lab Blog because we were so obsessed with their Rosemary Fries (how can you not be obsessed!? Hello! Rosemary Fries!!!!). When you walk in and order them, they scream; "FRY DOWN!!!", so we officially started referring to them as "Fry Down" from that point on. As you can see...I'm sporting my Blooming Lattice Cardigan :)

Between my crazy rehearsal schedule and my start up project (more news later!), there has been no time (or funds) for Anthro. I have purposely not gone onto the website to keep from lusting at what I can't have, but I think I should be able to afford some new pretties soon! Until then, I'll start posting outfits again! Glad to be back and thanks again for hanging in there!

OOTD & Reconnecting

So, when I was about 8 years old, my mom signed me up for piano lessons because I was obsessed with playing. My grandmother had gifted me one of those tiny wooden pianos (à la Schroeder from Peanuts) when I was 2 or something and I loved it and could not stop playing it and figuring out tunes I heard. When I was about 10, my piano teacher suggested to my mom that I take voice lessons because she had heard me sing during one of our solfege lessons and she thought I had a nice voice. This is WAY too young to be taking proper singing lessons, but we didn't know any better. My cousin was taking some lessons with a gentleman and my aunt insisted he was great with children's voices without doing any damage. So, my mother took me to him and I starting singing. All kinds of things, classical, musical theater...amazing! I enjoyed it so much and to my amazement, he was also the artistic director of a Musical Theater Review Ensemble, which I joined when I was 13. I learned to tap dance, jazz dance, do a little ballet and sing my little musical theater butt off!!!

Ultimately, when I was 17 or so, I decided to focus my musical studies exclusively to classical singing and decided to leave the group and study exclusively with the teacher I was studying with at my high school. But, being that he was my first voice teacher, he remained a close, beloved friend of the family and we have managed to keep in touch off and on throughout the years. Well, he was able to come to my wedding four years ago, which was totally awesome and this week, he is visiting Boston and is staying with us. It's amazing to re-connect with someone who met you when you were a kid and watched you grow and go through all of your changes and situations.  Now, as an adult, it feels great to reconnect with someone and share your shared passion for music! So, I'm having a great week!

Here's what came out of my closet today!

Anthrpologie: Deuxhill Cowlneck (2010), Pinochle Skirt (2010), High Prairie Belt (2010?), Salutations & Closings Heels (2011)

A surprisingly All-Anthro combo. The Deuxhill Cowlneck and the turquoise in the skirt play off each other perfectly. Turquoise is one of those colors I am obsessed with these days. I have always been a fan of blue, but I'm loving all things turquoise right now.

A Good Heart

I know my last entry was such a long time ago and I've been a bad blogger! One of my very best friends has been going through quite an ordeal this week. She had open heart surgery and she's only in her 30's. She was born with a congenital heart defect (bicuspid valve) and the aortic stenosis had become so severe that the valve needed replacing. So, she went under the knife last week and I have been visiting her in the hospital nearly every day since. Heart defects are one of the most common birth defects and heart disease affects women more than most people think. She did fine in surgery and was actually allowed to come home today! So, I'm so glad things are going well! I was very worried about her going in (tried not to show it), but am so glad things are going well and I see her improving every day :)

Needless to say, I've been behind on blogging. I have not, however, been behind on dressing. I had a lovely exchange on the Effortless Anthropologie Trade Market. I purchased a Precious Materials Cardigan (been chasing it forever and a day!) and when I got the package, I also got this cute little blue plaid top as a bonus! I'm so lucky! It's super cute!

I must like this pose.

Top: Anthro (Odille...anyone have any info on it?), Skirt: Anthro Circle the Globe Skirt, Belt: Anthro: High Prairie Belt, Wedges: Payless

Today is probably the hottest day of the week. I sucked it up and turned on all of our window AC units, driving up my electric bill this month. But since I'm in charge of that bill and chose not to roast, it's okay. I refuse to be hot anymore. Anyone else in the middle of a heatwave?

High Prairies & Plains

Good Afternoon, ladies! I have officially been given the go-ahead to resume normal activities within my pain tolerance after my screw removal surgery! I'm still limpy and painful and the surgeon told me today that the fourth screw (which I didn't get to take home) was VERY DIFFICULT to remove as there was bone growing around it! So, he says I'll probably feel beat up for another week or so. But today I drove myself to my appointment and got dressed up for the first time, so I'm feeling like I'm on the mend. It still takes me a little bit to get going, but I'm able to walk somewhat close to normally, although the swelling is still an issue. So, I'm pleased to have all that stuff behind me! Thanks to everyone who wished me well during this time :)

It's like going to be a high of 101º today, so I grabbed the one dress that really reminded me of summer, which was the Plains and Prairies Dress. It isn't normally a dress I'd be attracted to, but it just makes me think of summer picnics and walks in the park. I threw the Tepore Cardigan and the High Prairie Belt on to pull it all together for a doctor's office visit. I really like the look of the two pieces together!

Dress: Anthro Plains and Prairies Dress (2010), Cardigan: Anthro Tepore Cardigan (sold out online, still in stores), Belt: Anthro High Prairie Belt (2010)

Screwless!! YEAH!

So, we're roasting on the East Coast right now. Our cozy little condo is nice and cool so far! The cats are enjoying having me home but I hope to get back to work soon. I have a couple of gigs coming up, so I have to get back crackin'! I'm also sitting out this Anthro Sale even though it's 25% off all clothing too. There is NOTHING I want, except for the Verdant Slipdress and we know that puppy will NEVER go on sale. I'll have to save up for it. Otherwise, I've been mostly "meh" to the latest Anthro offerings. Anyone else feel the same way?

What happened to the Sugar and Cream Dresses? And the On-A-Wing Blouses or the Raccoon Rumpus Blouses?! I think the Sailboat Skirt is cute, but I miss the Anthro whimsy!

Screw YOU, Screws! 2 Outfits too!

Good evening, Ladies! So, we had some decent Anthro markdowns on Tuesday, didn't we? And AT LAST, the Nostalgic Asterisks Dress got marked down to $80. The much-coveted Magellan Dress did also and I picked them both up on Tuesday morning along with the Tepore Cardigan. On the website it looks totally drab, but in person it's GORGEOUS. It's soft and delicate and perfect for spring and summer and looks fab with a belt. I am looking forward to sporting the Nostalgic Asterisks Dress for a party on memorial day.

Being the impatient Anthro girl that I am, I popped into my brand new dress for running errands yesterday morning!

Dress: Anthropologie Magellan Dress (sold out online)

The weather was SO BEAUTIFUL yesterday after it has been miserable and rainy for the past 10 or 11 days or so. I enjoyed wearing this and having my shoulders and arms free after months and months of cardigans. I was so glad I was able to find this dress in my size on the sale rack and I've been stalking it. This is a 0 and it's a great fit for me.

In the meanwhile, if you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that I've been having some pain in my ankle due to the fact that it has 4 screws in it from a bad break (er...breaks) I had four years ago. I went to see my orthopedic surgeon this morning and he said he can definitely take them out! So, in a week, I'll be screw-less and hopefully a lot more comfortable. Here's a link to the photo of the x-ray if you want to see it. I know some people are squeamish, so I will give peeps a choice whether or not to look at it, but I think it looks COOL!!! My surgeon says they look like a cyclone!! Anyway, that ginormous sucker on the bottom is starting to back out a tad and interfere with a tendon there and giving me an awful zinger. So, we're going to take them ALL out next week! Apparently, this will cramp my style for a couple of weeks and I'll need a cane. How do you work a cane with an Anthro Dress? Am I supposed to whimsy it up a bit?

Anyway, I wanted to look not-so-pathetic at my appointment today because the last time I saw my very-handsome doctor, I was a hot mess. That's what 10 weeks on crutches will do to you. I haven't worn my Seabound Skirt in nearly a million years. This was actually the first piece I purchased from a B&M Anthropologie after I found the guts to go in. It's whimsical, well-made and colorful. Today was a gorgeous day, so I thought it was appropriate outfit...for...the...doctor's office. (?)

Blouse: Anthropologie: Picture Frame Blouse (2010), Skirt: Anthropologie Seabound Skirt (2010), Belt: Anthropologie High Prairie Belt, Shoes: Jessica Simpson

I'm a little nervous about going under the knife again. The operation on my ankle is the only operation I've ever had aside from getting my wisdom teeth out. Frankly, who enjoys being cut open? I'm also slightly worried about being intubated due to the fact that they have to shove a plastic tube down my trachea and I have a very important gig in 4 weeks. The last time I talked to the anesthesiologist and they gave me the smallest tube possible and I had no negative vocal effects that I remember. I'll have to trust again that I can make the same requests. Don't mess up the money maker!!

It's almost Friday! How is everyone preparing for the Holiday Weekend!?

Wonderful Wednesday

Thanks to everyone who said nice things about my Valentine's Post yesterday :) Wednesday is so great it deserves two O'sOTD! Yesterday was the first day of my outreach job. I go out to area elementary schools and teach kids about music and over a 10 week period or so, have a couple of small groups of kids work on their own compositions (songs). They teach the song to their classmates and then they give a giant performance at the end of the year. Not that I'm the greatest composer on the Earth, but I can teach a 4th grader, the basics :)

When I was playing dress up in my closet on Tuesday night, I thought that the Pinochle Skirt and the Stretching Sprigs Cardi were great together! I was very colorful, but I thought this was a really fun outfit.

Cardi: Anthropologie Stretching Sprigs Cardigan

Skirt: Anthropologie Pinochle Skirt

Top: Anthropologie Scalinata Top

Boots: Bowtied-Beauty Boots

Belt: Anthropologie High Prairie Belt

Of course...after this was over, I got to go home and take a nap and putz around before rehearsal...so here's the second OOTD: I couldn't resist...

Dress: Anthropologie Color-Dipped Dress

Cardi: Anthropologie Cherry Cardi (don't know the name, thrifted!)

Shoes: Bare Traps

Tuesday morning after I got off from work, I basically RAN to Anthro and picked this up for the new 2nd cut price of $49.95. I was stalking this one like a hawk and when the price dropped, I pounced like a lioness on a gazelle. I'm so glad I was patient! This dress was sitting in my closet taunting me, so I decided to wear it to rehearsal. This dress is SOOOOOO fun to wear! There were a lot of negative reviews about the belt it comes with...but I actually think it's cute and works well with the dress. This dress is a dream...if you find one...buy it. It's DIRT cheap, EXTREMELY well-made and cutey McCuterson.

I cannot stop thinking about the Botany Book Dress, so I'm going to try it on tomorrow after work. I am looking forward to doing some great reviews for you!

OOTD, Thrifted Anthro and Blizzard Craziness

So, it's no secret that there was a impressive blizzard across New England yesterday. We are buried in tons of heavy, wet snow which caused power lines to collapse and trees to fall down. Unfortunately, my husband's car was a victim of a downed tree branch. The branch fell from a very large tree taking out the sideview mirror, part of the frame and windshield which is cracked. As if we haven't had enough car trouble in the past 6 months! The insurance company is coming out to see if the car is totalled on Friday. Nightmare! Aside from that, I was actually relieved to have a snow day. I had a rehearsal scheduled in the evening, but since the Governor declared a state of Emergency, it was canceled. I did a little looking through my calendar and realized it was my first "day-off" since the 28th of December. Yikes. I've been very grumpy and overtired and I think I needed this day to recuperate. Back to the grindstone today though!

I have been non-impressed with Anthro's January additions, which is bittersweet, since I'm on an Anthro ban until my credit card is paid off. I allowed myself to go treasure hunting at Second Time Around, which always seems to have old Anrtho pieces. I scored an adorable little cream cardi with cherries at the snaps (Moth) and a GORGEOUS red and gray cardi with ruffles at the bottom (Guinevere). I scored them for a song and I threw on the little cream cardi over the Waffle Weave Dress Monday night!

Dress: Anthropologie Waffle Weave Dress

Cardigan: Anthropologie Cherry Cardigan (don't know name or year)

Belt: Anthropologie High Prairie Belt

Somehow, this photo doesn't do very much for the Waffle Weave Dress, which is adorable and totally comfortable. I was very pleased with how the two pieces worked together. And of course...my workhorse Marley Boots from Payless. When it's cold and wet and snowy outside...you throw these on with every dress with some legwarmers. You gotta be cute, but at the same time...winter in Boston is no place to wear cute shoes. Especially when you're a city dweller like me.

Sorry for the delay in posting, but I'll announce full details of the Anthro Flux Closet Challenge tomorrow! Hope you are all having a great week and aren't snowed in!

OOTD: Weaving some Blooming Lattice

Good morning ladies! It's November! Getting dressed for my church gig is always fun! I didn't do this on purpose, but these are the two pieces my husband bought for me at Anthro when we went shopping on our anniversary this summer!

Anthropologie: Blooming Lattice Cardigan, Weave-the-Ring Skirt, High Prairie Belt

I've got to hide these gray tights from myself, because I keep putting them on, taking a picture and then deciding they don't go well. I should have spent the extra minute searching for my navy pair, but oh well. Anyway, I felt cute in this and the ladies at the church loved it :) One time, I wore dress pants and I got asked to wear nothing but skirts and dresses instead. Well...go out shopping? NO PROBLEM.

Anyway, it's Monday and that means there could possibly markdowns at Anthro tomorrow! Anyone hoping for any pieces in particular? I am personally hoping for second cuts on some pieces, especially on the 1952 Skirt and the Shawl Collar Sweatercoat (I would like one in gold!). Happy Monday ladies!

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!

A Tough Couple of Days and OOTD

Happy Saturday, Ladies! I hope everyone is taking it easy today. Thank you so much for your thoughts on my audition outfit choices! It helped a lot!

Well, I have some weird news for you guys. So, after my post on Thursday morning, I was on my way to work and whilst I was in unfortunately involved in an auto accident! There was a State Trooper (quite luckily) on the scene and I didn't even have to deal with the other driver (who was cited). I wasn't hurt really, but my back and neck are a little sore from suddenly tensing up and probably from the impact (my car was struck on the rear side and it spun around, scary!!!). It's the first time that I've been in an accident and I was super shaken up. For some reason, I had the brilliant idea to keep on going to work (I was almost there anyway) and I didn't really have time to emotionally react. I spent 6 hours at work just, yanno...working and then my poor back started to hurt. I'm feeling better today.

I still had to audition for Super Amazing Conductor™ yesterday afternoon. It was kind of hard for me to keep focused since I was super traumatized by...oh, I dunno...being in a freaking car crash! But, I woke up yesterday and sounded decent, so I was ready to go and YES, I did wear the gray Dreamy Drape dress with the Foxy Tights! They looked so good together and that dress is just so soft, it almost makes you feel like you have nothing on, which is cool and creepy at the same time. I was feeling so good!!!! It was kind of rainy and windy but it was HOT! I got to the venue on time and I was ready to go and here's what they had asked me to prepare:

• 2 Arias from the BAROQUE repertoire, at least one of which is in English
• sight reading

Sweet! I was ready! When I singing my first aria, I suddenly became super nervous, but it manifested itself in my left leg shaking out of control! How embarrassing!  Regardless, I thought I sang well. My second aria wasn't as good, but it was decent. At that point, I was given some advice and was told; "Thank you." NO SIGHT-READING. Even though, I could see some stuff on a music stand right to my left.

I made the assumption that this meant, it wasn't even worth their time to see how well I sightread and I proceeded to have a full-on, emotional, opera-diva breakdown. I kept my composure until I was outside the building and then I let loose! I cried in front of the building, I cried on the train on the way home, I cried in the street and I cried back at my apartment! I think I had a delayed reaction from the car accident or maybe I had some pent-up frustration, but let me tell you ladies, I was inconsolable for about 3 hours.

After I got back to reality, I saw more clearly. As a musician or any performing artist, you never know WHAT to takeaway from an audition, until you get the results about the gig. The ones you think you rocked, you don't get the gig and they never want to hear you again and the ones you feel like were kind of sucky, you get the gig. You cannot predict whether or not you get hired from what you experience at the audition because it's a weird situation. I definitely over-reacted. I will patiently wait for either a "Thank you, but no" letter or a contract. Either way, it's not the end of the world. This was my first full on Diva Breakdown™. I think I'm fully inducted into my field now...wearing Anthro and all.

Anyway, I needed to be with my best friends last night, so I went to my good friend's performance and afterward, we went to dinner and cocktails! I of course was wearing Anthro! Here's what a post-breakdown, post-car crash, Anthropologie addict looks like at midnight!

Anthro: Dagmar Shirtdress, Anthro: High Prairie Belt (The Black colorway has quietly disappeared from the wesbite?), Nine West Boots (old)

Boo, there's some smooge on the camera lens. I LOVE the Dagmar Shirtdress! It's so flattering and the pattern is so bold and feminine at the same time. It was fine for this cool autumn evening and I got lots of compliments on it! I hope to get some Anthro therapy today and I'll be back with some reviews! I hope you all are having a great and safe weekend!!!