..but...Anthropologie made me do it!

For over 6 months I have successfully avoided Anthropologie, both in store (obviously) and online. Unfortunately, that has come to an end. After a friend showed me a new skirt she bought from Anthro, I decided to browse and see what Anthro was offering in terms of sweaters - you know... something warm... for winter.

Unfortunately, I didn't find anything that actually had a real, practical purpose... but I did walk away with the Facile Camp Shirt. It was love at first sight. I had to have it. I told myself "No, no, Steph, do not buy this shirt, this shirt will NOT keep you warm during a Beijing winter." I told myself "Steph, NO, you might move to Hawaii, you would have absolutely no use for a shirt like this in Hawaii." (Oh yeah, friends, there is a chance I might move to Hawaii after this! But it's just a possibility... If we move back to San Diego, I will have the chance to wear this beautiful shirt again... though I am not going to lie, we are really hoping for Hawaii!)

Last night, I successfully talked myself out of buying this shirt. This morning, I successfully talked myself out of buying this shirt. But after class, I came home and once again set out to find reviews and saw it on lovely K over at Vurbanity.

And so I bought it. Promptly. Especially because one size sold out overnight and I panicked and...yeah.


So it will be on its way to me shortly! The husband really loved the shirt and told me I should get it. Who am I to argue?!

The other thing I was looking for were a pair of simple, camel-colored flats. I had been eyeing Cole Haan's Astrid Ballet Flats, but kept holding off due to the price - $148. They finally went on sale at Neiman's, and I was able to snag them for just $66 - and free shipping (you know I love that!) They are also one of the Nike Air flats and are supposed to be comfortable - we'll see.


I'm hoping all my recent purchases will fit when they finally arrive! It would really suck to have to send back and wait on returns all the way from China. I especially hope the shoes fit... I am really hurting for flats! Hopefully at least 1 pair (of the 3 I bought online) will fit me.

I'm also anxiously awaiting a bunch of long sleeve shirts and long sleeve thermal shirts I bought from the gap... it's quickly cooling down here and my winter wardrobe is sad!

What are you guys hoping to, ahem - acquire - soon?

Steph

Anthro fitting room reviews - mostly a fail for me!

Well, after the gym today, my mom had to run an errand that happened to be right next door to Anthropologie, so I decided to do an unplanned Anthro fitting room review session... luckily I had my camera in my huge purse! The quality of these pics is not really good at all... I have to try to cover the flash, which doesn't allow for a good pose... (I would be really embarrassed, I can just imagine people giving the side-eye to the dressing room with all the camera clicks and huge flashes... LOL). Do any of you guys feel silly sitting in there taking pics? I feel like the sales people think I'm nuts. But, I know most people use cellphones and I'm just not that advanced, hahaha.

Anyway a few months ago I bought the Foliage Fancy tee, and while I loved it for a cute everyday tee, it was too fragile and already had a little hole in it after just 1 wear.. so back to the store it went! love Anthro's return policy! Its really one of the best I have ever seen.

OK so onto the reviews. The two items I REALLY wanted to try on were not at my store! There is another store nearby which I will definitely check out later this week. The two items I weren't able to try on were the Ipanema dress and the Banderole tank.

Other than those two items, I had nothing I was really looking for so everything was grabbed at random!

First thing I tried on was the Drawing Parallels Dress. You know I love stripes! But, alas... this dress was not meant to be. First... I think its really over priced for what it is. $178 - which I wouldn't have paid so I guess its a good thing I didn't like it! I just didn't find it flattering, though I do have to say it is very nice quality, the dress is crazy comfortable, and it just felt nice to wear.


Anyway - all in all I felt like it just was pretty blah. I actually think it might be a lot cuter without the stripes on the very bottom. Its a big pass for me! It did run true to Anthro sizing.

Next I tried on the Decanted Dress. And, again, I wasn't crazy about it, though I guess its sort of cute. Maybe if it went on super sale. I felt like it made me look "hippy" (not to be confused with "hippie"... lol). Here it is belted.


And unbelted... woah look at the intense scary look on my face... lol


This next one was from the sale rack and was just gorgeous! Its a really poor picture - I'm sorry! The lighting is awful because of my trying to block out the flash! This was the last one my store had, and it was a size 0. It was way too short on me... but wow, what a pretty top!! If you are looking for this top in a size 0, the Greenwich, CT store has it! Its Odille's Striped Pursuit Top (no longer on the website, though it is on Anthro's European website for super expensive, ha ha!)


Here it is from the site so you can see it a little better


I really loved this top, its 100% silk and the draping was so pretty.

My favorite things from this trip to Anthro were two of Velvet's basic tees. I just loved these tees! They were so cute & flattering.

First one is Velvet's Soft Edges Tee.


I know its just a tee but it was so flattering, light, & soft! I tried it on in the dark grey, (which was not see through) Again sorry the picture is soo dark.

Here it is on the model so you can see the pretty details


And finally, the only thing I took home with me from Anthro today... the Yardarm Tee.


I love it! Again, I know its just a tee... but its so cute for summer ~ and sometimes, these sort of tees are what you end up wearing again & again! I love the little pocket and the buttons on the top, by the shoulder.

The last tee is the only thing I bought from Anthro today.

But the really exciting stuff for me happened at ZARA.... I bought a dress and a top from there, and they are awesome - I am so excited to show them to you guys in my next post!

**If you haven't already, don't forget to enter my giveaway! Deadline to enter is April 30!!!**

OOTD! Antro's Chantico Tank and Sam Edelman's Daria sandals from Lori's Shoes

A couple weeks ago, beautiful Andi at Saltwater Dreams did an OOTD post wearing Anthropologie's pretty Chantico Tank (which has recently been restocked online and is now available in black as well!). I told her I had this top and she wondered how it looked on me, considering our body types are different and we both bought the tank in the same size. Well, this is for you Andi!


I love this top. Its so pretty. It reminds me of a Greek Goddess, and as Andi pointed out, its very forgiving due to all the draping, so if you are having one of those days, this is the top to wear that will make you feel like a million bucks again. :)

I tried it on in both grey and pink. I loved the pink on me, it brought out the rosy tint (haha) to my cheeks and was very flattering to my skin tone... but, I ultimately went with the grey because I thought 1. its a little more sophisticated and 2. it will hide dirt better than the pink (I hear Beijing is sort of dirty, and I know its really polluted!)

Not the best pic, but you get the idea of me in the pink..


And in the grey I bought


Strike a pose! (where do I come up with these poses? lol!)



Again I am wearing my destroyed J. Crew skinnies, and also my new Daria sandals by Sam Edelman, available here at Lori's Shoes (code: TOUTIE for 20% off). (I originally thought these sandals might be way too much with all the rhinestones... but I love them. I think they are perfect in an edgy way to spice up an otherwise plain outfit!)

* BTW, I love Lori's Shoes. If you have never shopped there, you need to start! They have a great selection, awesome customer service & good store policies. Check them out! (Plus you can often find a coupon code!)




And I just love the zip-up back... its a really cute detail, and it makes these sandals so easy to put on!


Two things:

1. the outfit can definitely use some more accessories - maybe a couple bracelets - which are packed.

And 2. the shirt is super wrinkly from being packed in a suitcase! Its dry clean only - does anyone have any tips for getting out the wrinkles? I was thinking of hanging it up in the bathroom while I take a shower and letting the steam maybe work them out.

Steph

OOTD! Anthro's Winged Victory Blouse REDONE: Blacklight Blouse

In Anthropologie's Winter collection (I think it was winter), Odille had the cutest little blouse out called the Winged Victory top. It was insanely popular and sold out very quickly. I am not a strapless sort of girl - I tend to stay away from them due to all the logistics involved (if you know what I mean) ... but, on a complete whim, I tried on the Winged Victory top and as soon as I did, I knew I had to have it - it went home with me that night!


I love the pop of green against the black, and the architectural detailing at the top of the blouse is just gorgeous and incredibly flattering. Its also a really secure feeling top so I felt comfortable enough buying this.

I know a lot of people missed out on this top the first time around, which is why I knew I had to post about it as soon as I noticed that Odille came out with a polka-dotted spin on the Winged Victory top with the Blacklight Blouse.


How darling are those polka dots? With the same pleating at the top, and the black, and, and, the pop of green in the pretty sash?!!! Available at at Anthropologie for $78. Several of the smaller sizes are sold out online, but don't forget to call Anthro's 800 number - they can track it down for you! (And tip... I notice my previous local Anthro store used to have many items that were sold out... you can always try there, its the Carmel, California location.)

Here I am in the Winged Victory top - I think this top runs big? I have it in a size 2 for reference. BTW, look at that sad little bow I made.... LOL. When I tried it on at Anthro, the sales girl tied it for me in this perfect little bow... that I can never seem to recreate!

I usually tie the bow to the side... notice the gorgeous bracelets, aka hair ties.. hey, I'm moving!


That's me with no makeup... told you I'm not shy about that!

Close up of the pretty detailing


And here I am wearing J. Crew's destroyed skinnies, which I can no longer find on the site. I love pairing a really girly, feminine top with the destroyed jeans... I'm predictable like that;)


I love this top for a weekend night out, or date night, or... or... lots of things. Its just so pretty! I also think it would look gorgeous paired with a pencil skirt and heels.

Steph

Anthropologie's Ipanema Dress

I don't know what it is about this dress (I actually think it has a lot to do with the photograph!) ... but to me, its just stunning. I love it.

It reminds me of travel... of jetting off to a tropical island, a foreign land, the sound of an exotic language I don't understand, sunny days spent poolside, lush tropical rain forests, browsing boutiques amidst palm trees lined streets, and enjoying hot, sultry nights with the warm ocean breeze blowing by. I can feel that when I look at this dress. I love the sunny color, the airy gauze, the lace detail, the coiled appliques on the neck.

And so, although I should be packing (movers come on WEDNESDAY!) ... I am going to procrastinate and head to Anthropologie to try this on.

The hardest part of the move is this part - separating what clothes I want to come with me for the next 2 months, and which clothes have to go in the boxes that will be shipped straight to China, unavailable to me for the next 2 months! That is a hard decision, I am sure you guys can imagine! I hate packing for trips, and this is even more difficult!

But hopefully I'll have some reviews for you later & maybe some new stuff to share!

UPDATE: And... it actually looks like I won't be trying this dress on today. It doesn't come out for another couple weeks. I'm still headed to Macy's though!

Steph

Recent Anthropologie purchases & reviews!

I've lived in Monterey, CA for the last 2.5 years. While its beautiful here, I am definitely ready to leave! I'd say the year around temperature averages around 55 degrees. While its not freezing, its definitely a little bit hard to deal with that cool weather year around - plus I never get to wear the type of clothes I love to wear - summer clothes! I grew up on the tropical, sandy beaches of South Florida so its been an adjustment to live somewhere with no summer and no real usable beach. Let's just say I am looking forward to getting out of here and moving somewhere that has a summer!

Anyway, in preparation for warmer weather I needed to re-vamp my warm weather wardrobe since it is seriously lacking, to say the least. I headed to one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie, to check out their always awesome selection of beautiful, unique tops/tees.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

This is the Swathed Gingham Blouse. This top immediately caught my eye when I saw it in Anthro's catalog. Originally I was going for the black, but it was a lucky shopping day when my husband was with me and he was all about the green. Seeing as how I am trying to brand out from my ever-classic black habit, I tried on the green and just loved it! I think its a perfect spring and summer blouse, and love the kelly green with my blonde hair. When I wear it, I will make sure to tie it a little better so the bow doesn't hang too long.



Next up is the Buds and Bunches Tee. I also bought this in the orange color shown on Anthro's website. I think the orange color is a lot nicer in person. I love this tank because the straps are thick enough to not show a bra. The straps are also braided which is a really pretty detail, and the blossoms are too pretty to pass up! I love how it fits and can see myself wearing this throughout spring & summer!



Next up is the Hourglass Surplice Tee. I love this tee! Its super flattering & so comfortable! The material is so soft, and I love this turquoise color. This is a really easy to wear top that would look good on anyone. Its also very reasonably priced as far as Anthropologie goes!



And last for today is the Foliage Fancy Tee. I absolutely love this tee. Again, the material is really really soft and the shirt is very simple, but the lace detail is a really pretty feature that absolutely makes the shirt. The lace is placed in the perfect spot so as to not reveal any "sensitive areas"... its also very lightweight and thin material (though still feels solid and good quality). I bought it in the grey.


I have some other items I recently bought from Anthro, Banana and J. Crew, but I'll save those for another post.

In the meantime - I recently purchased a pair of glossy black Hunter welly rainboots, but decided to cancel the order at the last minute. I sat there thinking about my purchase, which I was very excited about, but then I pictured myself opening the box with my husband next to me - and me pulling out a pair of rainboots. I could just HEAR him ".... really? Steph? Really? rainboots?" It was enough to convince me to cancel the order!

These are the boots:


But, I'm still thinking about them. I know they can be used in rain as well as in snow when worn with the fleece inserts. Do you guys own Hunter wellys? Do you like them? Should I buy them? Do you get a lot of use out of yours? As a Floridian I've never lived somewhere where it snows - well, except for one brief winter in the D.C. area, but during that time I had a pair of uggs. I was thinking of buying the wellys instead of the uggs - thoughts?

Thanks for reading!