Anthropologie, I heart you...

Update: the shoes arrived and are just as fantastic in person. I've wore them to the shower and received a ton of compliments, and since then have worn to work and had several people comment on how cute they were. I recommend going a 1/2 size if you're regularly a half sizer, like me - I ordered the 8, though I often wear 7.5s and I am glad I did!


Happy Hump-day all!
My fiance knows one of my absolute FAVORITE stores is Anthropologie. Say I'm having a rough couple of weeks or he owes me a treat, he knows the fastest way to my heart is a trip to Anthropologie. Routine is such: I drop hints (read: pout), S takes a little while to realize what I'm looking for and we head on down to Anthro where he sits patiently on the couch with the other husbands/BFs that are waiting for their women-folk, and lets me browse to my heart's content. We used to live right around the corner from the Gold Coast Anthropologie, but since we moved to Bucktown it just isn't as convenient or easy to make a stop in to the store... but when the Anthro outings DO happen, you can physically see my spirits being lifted (I know, sad).

After combing through the store at least 2 times (its so easy to miss things!), I usually end up with one or two pretties coming home with me. I try and act with some restraint given their price point and my inevitable lust for non-sale items.

What I love about Anthropologie is you can find unique pieces, similar to what you'd come across in a high-end boutique, but in a variety of sizes. And their stock is never stagnant. The selection is broad and diverse, but styles/items move fast. Some of my favorite possessions came from Anthro, including a gorgeous gold and green-gemmed frog bracelet that my mom gave me and some simple gold beaded hoops that are my go-to when I'm wearing a statement necklace. As far as clothes go, my Anthro tops have frills, lace, some sort of pizazz that just make you feel special when you're wearing them.

For the most part, my in-store purchases have been relegated to blouses/tops/sweaters and accessories. I've bought a few fantastic skirts, too, but never shoes given their limited selection in stock. However, sometimes when S watches a BoSox game and I'm in need of alternative in-home entertainment, I'll happily "browse" online. More than once I've come across a pair of shoes I covet, that like the rest of their items are a perfect mix of fanciful and sophisticated. Up until this week, it has always remained that way: I browse and love, but never pull the trigger. Well, I finally fell super hard and ordered a pair that I couldn't resist and had to have. Take a gander at the After Six Sparkle Skimmers described as: Taking a break from the tennis shoe set, casual canvas is gussied up with a crystal-encrusted t-strap for more formal engagements. So freaking cute! I love anything that is gussied!

So the order has been placed and I even paid for expedited shipping, but I'm worried my gussied skimmers wont arrive as soon as I'd prefer. I called Anthropologie customer service and I was surprised (and disappointed) as they didn't offer any solutions to ensure they get here by EOW. Which leaves me constantly refreshing my inbox, waiting for that 'your item has shipped' email and crossing fingers and toes that I will have them in my greedy little hands in time for my wedding shower this weekend. I know, Murphy's Law (and my luck) they will arrive on Monday, but if anyone out there is looking after me, can I call in a favor and get these pretty puppies asap? Thanks! I owe you!

Another giveaway on one of my daily reads...

One of my daily reads, Gigi's Gone Shopping is having a great giveaway! I love lipgloss, especially mini's since they are so easy to drop it a clutch or pocket if need be.

http://www.gigisgoneshopping.blogspot.com/

If not me, then perhaps one of you...Good Luck!

Exciting giveaway and a new etsy shop I love...

One of my favorite blogs, Through the Looking Glass is having a great giveaway that I hope I win! Its for any piece in a great Etsy store I've just stumbled upon thanks to TtLG: which.goose-check it out!

If not me, then perhaps one of you...Good Luck!

http://www.baileyandmeister.com/2009/08/whichgoose-giveaway.html

Did they name it gilt.com, because you'll inevitably end up feeling guilty??

Oh Gilt, why do you make it so very easy for me to pick up designer items for a fraction of the price? It's only Monday, and by 10:30AM I'd already purchased TWO lovelies from today's Marc Jacob's sale... granted both were VERY well priced (I swear, and I'm not just saying that to ease my conscience), and I also had a credit which made the purchase 'free'. AND granted Marc Jacobs has such a fantastic vintage feel, reminiscent of what I drool over while watching Mad Men.

Even knowing the above, I didn't need the white LS shirt, but with the bow detailing, I just couldn't resist. AND it was so inexpensive for what I think is a very neutral and timeless piece. So I had to get it. And the Ada cardi, well, so super cute, and you need lots of cardigans when you live in Chicago and work in an office that feels like an ice-box. And besides, it was meant to be considering it shipped a mere 5 hours later! Yes, the two pieces are already on their way! I should have them by the weekend- now that's just a good deal with great service. Thank you Gilt. And I did refrain from buying the gorgeous Silk Windowpane Tie Dress that I had in my cart, in my size. That's something, right? Even though I held myself back, I do still feel a smidgen guilty...so I will go on a shopping diet for the rest of this paycheck (not assuming i can make it through a whole month, so I'm operating on paycheck time now). Meh, it's a start! What do you think? Should I have pressed the buy now? Do you ever feel guilty? How do you manage the ease of shopping online with your budget? Do you ever feel better for buying something on the sample sale sites when you see later it's sold out? I definitely do, but think I should delve into that a bit more.

Dreams do come true (kinda)

I recently jumped on the Mad Men bandwagon (read: became obsessed and watched approx. 2 dozen episodes in a mere 3 weeks). Since I work in the Ad Industry I'm not shocked by all the drinking and spending, however, during almost every episode I make the following comments:

1.) I want to smoke
2.) I love the clothes from that era
3.) I don't love men from that era

OK, let me clarify staring with my third point... Don Draper is so very dashing, but really, let's all agree, he's a sleaze. If you looked up Scumbag, his picture ought to be in there. He stole someone's identity (which I still don't know why, but hoping I didn't miss something while I was catching up on blogs during the show). Even more importantly, he has a beautiful, super charming wife who he totally treated terribly, and then didn't do a very good job (IMO) of asking for her forgiveness. Oh well, makes for great TV.

Now onto the fashion---swoon, I love it. I was cursed with a figure that can't swing some of silly things of today's trends (skinny jeans, I hate you), but I would have rocked those clothes in the 50's/60s! Oh well. Maybe those full skirts will come back into style, with some editing of course.

And lastly, even though the characters smoke ALL THE FREAKING TIME, to a point that is disgusting to anyone, I still have cravings every stinking time a tune in. Maybe it's because everyone still looks lovely and fresh-faced DESPITE smoking 1-2 packs a day. Ah, reality bites.

Which brings me to the catalyst for this topical post: the new bad-ass widget courtesy of AMC TV... http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/madmenyourself... similar to creating a me on Wii, just a few short steps and there you are with the fabulous big hair, a tasty cocktail, the perfect set of pearls and super feminine (screw, skinny jeans, I mean the true sense of feminine) dress. Enjoy...