You are the light in a dark room and I'm the moth who can't resist it

Some new Anthropologie roll-outs came online last night, and I fell immediately in love with a skirt I had to buy right then and there. The Soft Sakura Skirt is definitely priced higher than I'd like, but I have a feeling this skirt will go the way of the Fulmar sweater skirt of last year, and wouldn't make it to my greedy greedy little hands, much less sale if I held off and waited. Who knows, I could be wrong, but I love the print and sweater skirts are amazingly comfortable and easy to pull off.

And that coral pink lining? Drool.



So I bit the bullet and ordered it. Full-price, no reviews. Eek, and i can't wait for it to arrive!

I *might* have also threw in the D'armee Dress and this gorgeous green glass bead necklace I think will look smashing with it! Hey, I had my reasons: it got me free shipping, I was sold when I saw the awesome OOTDx5 stylings post from the fabulous blogger Wardrobe Review, AND the splurge quenched my need for something military-esque.

Help wanted!!

Happy Thursday all. This has been one of the longest short-weeks I've had in a while. Busy bee at work, and been staying on track with my very new workout goals (nothing I should brag about, but does require a 5am alarm)...

It was also a great week because my new Anthro items arrived. As suspected I puffy heart love the Dwarf Quince cardi, and even got several compliments the day I wore it (which, was the day after I received it, so should say something about how gorge it is!!).

My sale items are lovely little steals, so excited I snagged those.

Which leaves me with my dilemma I need your help with...

I loved the Frontrunner Blazer the day I saw it pop up on the website. Because I've been a little iffy of late in my sizing and how I've been wanting clothes to fit (read: I'm getting older and I realize form-fitting is definitely not alwasy appropriate), so I went to try it on, but it wasn't in-store when I finally made my way over to local Anthro. Boo. So I ordered it. Full price AND shipping. And it arrived and its adorable. I love the gross-grain ribbon bow embellishment, and the burlap-with-gold-speckled fabric you'd only find at Anthro. Fit is nice and comfy -- nothing crazy like super long or tight arms, BUT, I'm on the fence about whether I should go one more size down. Right now, it fits like a charm buttoned. And I think the blazer looks super cute buttoned. But if I wanted to wear it open, it definitely looks a little overwhelming on me. Just drapey in a not good way.

The product shot is of the blazer buttoned, but will that be comfortable for an all-day outfit? I sit at a desk for most of the day, and wonder if I wouldn't rather it open, and then I probably ought to size down. These are my trials and tribulations.

z

So what do you think? Do you wear your blazers open, closed, both? Thanks for the help!!

Anthropologie, you kill me!

I hate that Anthro took away their free shipping code and THEN waived some amazing fall new items and super-duper mark-downs right in front of my greedy little face. I tried to stay strong, but since the weather has been changing, I've been consistently annoyed with my wardrobe every morning, and just couldn't help but indulge in a little online shopping.
At first I had about 8 things in my bag, so the fact that I narrowed it down to 4 items, and two of them were mega-steals (30 measly bucks a $178 for a top that looks like it'll be a luxe little staple!!??).

So here's what's currently on its way to my apartment. Who knows. I've been having some bad luck with new clothes of recent (returned the mui muis because they HURT. BAD.), so maybe these wont end up being what I'm hoping for and I will have to make another trip to the store (why can't one be closer to my home??) and I'll have to force myself to exchange for something else...

Bah.

The posy top was totally not a 'need-to-have', but on sale for $19.95 so I pulled thetriger. It also looks super cute paired with the Aniseed skirt (a lovely CS had me try it on when both were in the stores). So I got it.

And I've been wanting to jump on the blazer bandwagon, and I've been eyeing the Frontrunner Blazer since it debuted as part of the fall collection. Gold specs. A bow embellishment. Ah. So me. So me.

And lastly, the Dwarf Quince Cardigan. Love it to pieces and I can tell a lot of others do as well based on posts across blogger-land, so I was simply scared it would sell out before it ever hit sales.

So there you have it. I'm weak and clicked buy. But boy, I can't wait until I get that package on my front steps!

So much better in theory...

I ordered and bought the new-ish Terrace House Jacket from Anthropologie. Didn't even hesitate to buy it on FP, because in my mind I was going to pair it with so many cute outfits with dark jeans. And my new designer back would complete the ever-so-chic ensemble I was imagining.

I couldn't wait for it to arrive. What a let-down this jacket is. And a good laugh. First off, its not super giving in fit, but most importantly from the side I distinctly resembled a giant empanada wearing jeans.



Back it will go.

Lost... and Found!

The interweb amazed me yet again this past weekend, when I cam across a 'vintage' but pristine new-with-tags Anthro cardigan by Moth that I loved, waited on, and didn't go to buy before it was too late.


The Motion Study Cardigan is great for Chicago weather with its short sleeves, but substantial weight. And I love love love the summery blue hydrangea color, mixed with the polkas and snail critter pattern. Here is how Anthro described it way back when: Slow embroidered snails sneak between polka-dots and buttonholes on the placket of this blueberry popcorn-knit sweater. How can you not love that little cardi?


Boredom and a need for some retail therapy led me to discover it in my size on ebay (yip!), and it's on its way already (love fast ebay shippers!) I will give a shout-out to the seller once it arrives and I can inspect the quality. For now, I'm just itching to see a package when I get home!

PS - and I love the model shot (sorry it's not a better one) and the combination with yellow shoes!

A wedding next week, what to wear??

I'm heading to New Hampshire next week for a wedding and a visit with the in-laws. Of course, traveling always comes with the big question... what should I pack?? It's been unbearably hot both here in Chicago and there in NH, so comfort is going to be a high priority, but since I get to spend time with so many people we don't normally see, I of course want to look cute and sassy.

The big event of the weekend is a wedding. I have the J Crew Lorelei Dress I bought last year, and have only worn twice. The dress is gorgeous, and quite flattering, though I'm always wishing it had straps. That being said, it's definitely a front runner. I'd pair it with my the Anthro Demi-Sec gold sequins cardigan made by Sanctuary and gold Corso Como strappy sandals.




So that's option 1. I truly think it's a lovely outfit, and next weekend would certainly be a good opportunity to get another wear out of the Lorelei dress. Yea? I give it an 8 out of 10.

Butttt, if I were to splurge on something new, it would hands down be the Anthropologie Mullany Dress. Oy, I'm smitten. I love the 50s styling, and the polka-patterns... and my mind goes wild imagining how I'd accessorize. I have these mint flats that I think would look lovely...




So, there is my dilemma. Thoughts? Do I save my pennies and wear the Lorelei or give the Mullany a try with those minty lovelies?

Ready for my peanuts and Cracker Jack!

Happy Tuesday, readers.

I hope you all are having the same GORGEOUS weather we're having here in Chicago! It's sunny and in the 70's... and get it is NOT sticky-nasty-humid. In fact it's amazing outside. What makes that even more fabulous is I'm going to the Cubs game tonight with coworkers and the Hubs - oh how I love baseball games when the weather is beautiful. Seriously, what beats sitting at a game and mashing your face into some nacho's in perfect 70-degree weather?

Nada, I say, nada.

The one hitch: in my race to get out of the house this AM I forgot a cardigan/wrap of any sorts. I spent too much time picking out a cute-but-baseball appropriate outfit (and one that doesn't clash hideously with my current bright-blue nail color), that I completely forgot any type of cardi. And while I l.o.v.e. this weather, I know I'll be quite chilly-willy as soon as the sun goes down.

So what's a girl to do... go to Anthropologie! I mean it's only block away from my office AND they just had a fresh cut of sales.

Don't fret dear Hubs (I know you're reading this), I was good and bought ONE cardigan AND it was on sale. Talk about practicing moderation. It wasn't easy, but I did it.

So tonight, I'll be pairing my circa '08 We Love Vera floral top (including it's crazy-lovely neckline) with the uber soft and cute Field Game cardi. Kind of a mental screw in patterns, but I quite enjoyed it in my quick fitting-room check...

Please excuse the horrible pic of me - wanted to show you my pattern-pairing though. I swear it's cuter in real life, and not in my office ladies' room.




Reminder, you have today and tomorrow to enter the MAC giftcard contest! Click here if you haven't entered. Thanks for all of the entries thus far - I can't wait to select a winner :)

When I grow up, I want to be Emma Pillsbury

And I think I NEED this Remaining Lillies Cardigan sweater for when I become her. Too cute!

Treasure hunting on Ebay

Ebay astounds me on a regular basis. And by astounds, I mean in both the good... and the not so good (or weird) way. I am an ebay veteran and have gotten some lovely little treasures and great finds, like bulk candles and paper lanterns for my wedding, a lightly loved (read: a little less than new) vintage designer bag I normally wouldn't be able to own, and brand new items from Anthro-past that I missed out on.

But to be fair, ebay is also a bit of a weird concept and there are also some of the strangest things being sold (and I guess bought)... like this. And this. WTF.

I found (and won!) a gorgeous Anthropologie Moulinette Soeurs brand new with tags dress on ebay this week. It's a knee length, watercolor plaid halter dress, with gorgeous hues of orange, purples and browns. Its a-line (my love!) with great shaping in the bodice and a comfy smocked panel in the back so it'll be sure to fit nicely. In true Anthro-style it's fully lined with 1.5-inch bright yellow embroidered lace trim. It's the little things that get me.





I remember this dress, and missed out on it way back when, so very squealy that I was able to get my grubby little hands on it now. Happy Monday to everyone! :-)

Who's Keeping Tabs Anyway?

I don't think there are any new arrivals on Anthro this week (yet at least!), so I just apparently didn't notice this adorable printed T until today. Perhaps it's because it's color I don't usually gravitate towards?

I know, step away from the burnt orange, and try adding in some Green to your wardrobe.

Anyhow, even though it's not so 'me' I dig it a LOT. And so it might just have to be mine. If I get this and NOT the swan skirt (I still haven't found it in store, and can't decide if it looks like a toddler skirt), then in reality I am actually making money. Right? Yea, I think so!





A 10$ popback is also probably in my near future as well. Oddly enough, partially green as well.

I need this.

I am getting this skirt. This weekend. Nuff said.

I'm wearing tights and buying bathing suits. Big old WTF.

Today's post is an extension to Sunday's ramblings...

As suspected, the Anthropologie sale is on, but more of a mini-sale than a lot of fellow bloggers hoped or expected. That being said, I was suckered in to order 2 random items that showed up on my wishlist as second cuts.

First, the Bluebells Awakening Cardi.

I don’t know why I’ve always been drawn to this sweater - probably the color combo of jet black and pastels - but at $39.95 ($158 originally) I just couldn’t pass it up. The online reviews are promising, and I think it would look fabulous with my J Crew symphony necklace and a grey pencil skirt or dark jeans.







The Circle Adornments top went 50% off, but weirdly, I decided to pass after a reality check on my wardrobe - I think I have enough light-pink flowy tops to sink a small ship.



So, beyond those, not much else on my wishlist went on sale today. Except for this random swimsuit I added a loooong ways back. Yea, totally random. I mean, I hate buying bathing suits, and certainly have never bought one from Anthro (holy hell why would I spend that much on an item of clothing I will never feel hot in?!?!), but an oldie one-piece with a fun red/white/navy print and a cute skirt that might make me feel a bit more covered went on super markdown... and I decided to give it a go.



The item name is On-The-Dot Maillot, but doesn’t seem to be an active posting any longer... so apologies for the teensy picture. They have several sizes available (according to my wishlist) and it’s a steal at 30 freaking bucks (especially as opposed to the original $268 price tag – wtf?). Style number is 953665, in case you are interested in picking one up for yourself.


Bottom line: including tax, I got in and out of the sale for under 85 bucks… I’m actually kind of impressed by myself.

That's a wrap.

P.S. I should have my Aniseed Skirt doppelganger today or tomorrow. Will post a review asap!

I've got a case of the Sundays...

I know its foolish and wholly unproductive, but some Sundays I sit around and pout about the weekend being over. Today was such. I thought about perking myself up with some good old-fashioned retail therapy, but held off ONLY because of my anticipation of this week's Anthropologie Sale... so, in lieu of some shopping, I updated my Anthro wishlist, prepping for Tuesday's big sale. Of course the two items I covet most wont likely hit the sale racks quite yet, but a girl can daydream...

Bountiful Birds Blouse is a great top because it's fun and neutral at the same time.

And while I'm a little put off by the neckline that resembles Charmin TP, I love love love the watercolor print of the Wild Imagination Tank.



And alas, the one top that I might have a shot of seeing hit the sale, appears to be nearly sold out online... crikey! Perhaps I should just bite the bullet and buy the Circle Adornments Top now... Oh, what to do.

Deja vu...

Happy Friday everyone. Oh wait, not everyone has tomorrow off. Ha, sorry to those of you who have one more day before the sweet sweet weekend.

I have yet to order anything from ModCloth, but have to admit I've been quite tempted lately, given their excellent knock-offs. First, off the Cricket Match Skirt:



Holy MOLY, when I saw this skirt I about screamed because I've been wanting the Anthropologie Aniseed skirt SO bad but haven't pulled the trigger as of yet (shouldn't that darn thing go on sale soon??). I'm worried about the fit of the ModCloth impostor... actually, more about the length... I can't do short/mini. Oh, conundrum.

Which brings me to the next ModCloth clone, the Ivory Symphony Skirt, which looks strikingly like the J Crew Tiered Brique Skirt, but... LONGER! I likely. The Tiered Brique skirt is way cute for both evenings out and work, but not long enough IMO...

ModCloth Version

J Crew Version

Thoughts? Anyone had luck with ModCloth??

Dearest Anthropologie,

It's Tuesday, so why no new sale items? Boo. I was hoping this shirt and skirt I've been drooling over would be on fab mark-down and thus on their way to me. Get on that stat.

Always yours,
Emily

Despite my previous post, I still love Anthro...

And especially Anthro giveaways!

And a lovely fellow blogger, Peggy is hosting a fab Anthro Apron giveaway. Visit and become a follower for your entry. Yay, Peggy!

Some people have lost their minds

Dear Anthropologie,
You know I love you immensely, but WTF is this?
And to each their own, but seriously 5-stars from more than one reviewer?

On the other hand, I'm so annoyed that so many other people like this same JCrew sweater in the lovely dusty shale color, thus making it literally impossible to find. I've even tried a "we find it", with zero luck. If anyone sees it in a size medium, please put it on hold for me! I must have this little lovely.

UPDATE!!! I just checked Jcrew.com and the shale sweater was there, in a medium! Eeks! Why am I so excited for an over-priced sweater? I don't know, but I sure am...!! Seriously, they just declined my 'find it for me' yesterday... and now it's right there. Online. Watch me get an email saying it was all a prank on poor old me.


Lastly, I will defend my Ohio roots always, but seriously, they are making it hard... Being a marketer myself, I'm torn between shaking my head and applauding the ingenuity.

I've got the blues... the minty kind

I've always been partial to the color mint, even though not so long ago people would have said it was a color best suited for women in the 80's. That's fine. I mean, I saw how it could make you look rather Boca-Ratonish. But still, still I was drawn to things with that lively, whimsical minty hue. So I allowed myself to splurge on a few things here and there, just making sure to held myself to moderation. Well, as of recent it's come to my attention that I wont have to check my fetish, or worry I'm looking like a senior, because as it appears, mint is back in style for even those who don't qualify for an AARP membership! How do I know? Because they are being hocked at many on-trend retailers, including JCrew, and Banana Republic... sure, they are calling the shade, "pistacio" and "seafoam", but hell, it's mint.

Here are a couple of new pieces I've picked up:
First, this pretty draped, piece, which I'm hoping is one long enough for my tastes, and two not too susceptible to wrinkles or snags (for some reason the way the fabric is pictured, it has me a little worried). I'll take a look when it arrives, and see if it's a keeper.



And this pretty puppy, which sold out in .02 seconds in seafoam, but not before I snagged on in my size (M).



Best part, well one of the other nice perks of this purchase, is BR is currently offer 25% of all full-priced items when you use your BR card! Take advantage with the code BRSPRING25.

Here are a few other adorable-at-least-in-my-biased-opinion mint pieces I've made a part of my wardrobe over the years:

A gorge necklace from one of my favorite Etsy designers, The Bean and Sprout:



A cashmere sweater I picked up on major sale from JCrew. I know, mint AND a bow, it almost made me have a seizure!



And lastly, the ever-popular Fulmar Sweater Skirt made by Moth and sold at Anthropolgie a few years back. I'm not exaggerating when I saw that EVERY time I wear this skirt, I get told how cute I look:



I personally love pairing my mint clothes/accessories with things that are rust/pumpkin colored, a color-palette that is also worn and loved by one of my favorite fellow bloggers, Kim from Anthroholic. Beyond the mint-rust combo though, what other options are out there? Ideas on how to make this color more neutral or usable?