Fitting Room Reviews: Taking Flight

Happy Saturday night, Anthrofriends! 

     Hope you are all enjoying the weekend and wherever you are, there is lovely weather. That would have to mean, then, that you are NOT ducking tornadoes in the South. Wowsers--what a motivation to stay indoors and do all shopping online, if you can get access in the ol' bunker.

     Well, I got to try on a few items that I had seen online this week. 

     Leave it to Anthro to teach me some new terms. Like "pellucid." I fully intend to start throwing that around as part of my everyday vernacular. It apparently means the same as "lucid"--just that added syllable though, adds class, elegance, and apparently is worth an extra 75 bucks. 

Pellucid Wings Blouse, Moulinette Soeurs, for $128. First of all, the cut is quite flattering. It's true to size--I wore a size 2 and it draped quite nicely without excessive blousing. I also love that the v-neck neckline is twisted and romantic. Good length, too. Perfect for tucking in or belting.

Furthermore, the silk is gorgeously printed, although somewhat sheer. At first glance, it appears to be covered in upside-down butterflies, but upon closer inspection, they're brightly colored swallows.

There is beautiful beading over a few of the swallows on the upper left and right waistline. It literally took my breath away. I actually became short of breath. In the Anthro dressing room. Overly dramatic? Maybe.

 Or maybe not.

Further on the whole winged theme, I had to try Lil's Monarch Skirt, for $78. The cut appears pretty classic: wide ruched waistband which sits on the natural waist and drops into narrow pleats and fairly deep side pockets with a side zip.

It was not true to size--even the size 2 seemed to be a bit billowy, with the waist not QUITE as crisp as I would have liked. Would recommend sizing down, but I couldn't find a size 0 to try on. The length was just above the knee (I'm 5'5'').

The fabric was cotton, fairly light, with monarch butterflies in rows, only seen on closer inspection. From across the room, it appears to be a regular polka-dotted number.

 I liked this skirt, but really found the texture of the fabric to be mediocre. It's not a distinct shape, and tends toward blousiness, which would be fine for other less hippy body types.

 Still love the pockets, though.

The applique and pleating of this chambray Wiltern Dress, $168 caught my eye. The cut is almost a halter with pearl buttons (which are a little challenging) at the back, crisp pleating from the neckline, and wonderfully plunging deep side pockets.

The fabric is chambray, but is so well tailored along with the applique, that it is appropriate for beach, dinner, and everything in between. True to size? I think so--given the cut of the torso, although the skirt is so roomy. It hits just above the knee, that is, if you're 5'5'' and have odd posture. 

Also, roomy enough to hide a burgeoning waistline--food induced or otherwise.

In other news, I LOVE a few items Anthro has come out with, which is a relief. I was a little concerned about a month ago, but I think they're back on the upswing (can't say that about their stock, though). Anyone else agree?
More on that tomorrow! Happy weekending, friends!

Happy Easter! Fresh Eggs, Fresh Blooms, and OOTD

 

     Happy Easter, lovely people. It's been a little foggy and misty these past few days. Do I wish I hadn't gloated about Southern California's perfect weather last post? Maybe. Didn't keep me from enjoying Easter foods. Especially since I didn't have to make any of it. 

     These hand-dipped eggs were made by my friend Gabby. She used leaves from her garden, panty hose, and a pot she didn't mind throwing out. That's also hand-made bread, which was completely delicious with a LOT of butter. Didn't need it--I just like butter. 

     Gabby and I went to a garden center the other day together. We both love plants--me, blooms. Her, succulents. 

     I only have irises for you.

 OOTD: I wore my Eva Franco dress for church, and Avery wore a flowered Carter's dress.

Yes, I know--I should have taken a full-length picture. Sorry I'm so lame. Just believe me when I felt like an Asian Jackie O without the yacht. Or Asian Joan Harris without the crazy chest.

Avery looks like a baby Asian Laura Ingalls Wilder.

The dress was too tight, so had to slip into some Deletta--perhaps the most comfortable dress I own. Just all jersey softness. Off, off, oppressive tweed!

OOTD:
Anthro Deletta Corsage Twirl Dress
Anthro Moth Windy Dunes Cardi

Avery's outfit:
Skirt and Cardi, gifted
Baby Legs, Leg warmers
Headband, gifted

Happy Easter, everyone!...And the winner of the Perricone giveaway is Alexandra! Congratulations!

AnthroTour--Glendale

 Happy almost Easter weekend, friends! Yesterday was so very glorious--bright and sunny and breezy with the occasional wispy clouds coasting in a bright blue expansive sky. Of course, not to rub it in, but this is what Southern California often looks like.

Don't worry--what we lack in weather problems, we make up for in traffic congestion and general rudeness. Which was made worse yesterday, apparently, by Obama arriving at LAX. Yes we can...be even more crowded!

 Anyway, I tried on a few things at Americana Anthro, but thought this pinata-like wall covering so colorful and glorious--just like the weather outside, most worthy of posting. Gorgeous.

 View from the checkout counter.

 And Avery and me, enjoying the weather. Me in an Anthro Sparrow Konichiwa sweater and Bee's favorite blouse, and Avery in her favorite pink jumper. She is perfecting her pensive look. She's a brooding artist, after all.

Last call for the $150 gift certificate Dr. Perricone giveaway. Will announce the winner on 4/24, likely evening after all the festivities.

We have an Easter egg hunt planned, and are trying to play cupid for one of our best friends...I guess that's how we inject romance into our lives nowadays--by being nosy busybodies and living vicariously through our single pals. We can already claim credit for 2-3 unions (one marriage with child!), but he is our current center of focus.

Btw, if anyone in LA is interested in being set up with our very handsome, tall, athletic, sweet-natured, disease-free friend, please email me. He enjoys mountain biking, politics, dogs, and unfortunately, the comedy of Daniel Tosh. As does Chris. As do I. But his show has reached a level of vulgarity I find hard to digest.Which seems to be the main theme of his show.

Happy Easter to all! Hope you are all having a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful time surrounded by loved ones.

Fitting Room Reviews: Fluid Motion Tank, Penthisilea Tunic, Charcoal Terrace

Oh, Sale Day. How I love thee, and yet thou makest me nervous because I'm running out of pregnancy disability checkage.
Thank goodness Anthro only had a few items on sale this week. Avery's college fund is still safe. Although, she sure ain't going to an Ivy League.
For the following fitting room reviews, please please excuse the total lack of makeup, i.e. facial blood circulation and poor lighting and look of utter exhaustion. Avery's been waking up 3 times a night, just to announce that she's awake and will accept feeding but only for about 5 minutes before she dozes off again. After which, I take an hour of tossing and turning to fall back asleep, and then she's awake again, all perky and chubby and cute. Motherhood! Fun and frolic for all!

Fluid Motion Tank by Edme and Esyllte, now $40, I tried on in Navy (Olive also available online). Didn't look too exciting on the rack, but I love LOVE it on. It's got a simple tank, draped by 2 very graceful, flattering panels that you tie with a ribbon.
It looks flowy yet can be architectural if left untied.

Like so. Also, great for selling watches in Central Park. Psst, mister...have I got a Rolex for you!

Fei kills it again with this top, the Penthisilea Tunic, for $118. The reviews online are 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I can completely see why. As would be expected, it's 100% silk, and feels so whispery smooth, you may or may not rub your cheek repeatedly along the fabric behind the dressing room door.

The print is very tribal but unique and non-repeating, so it looks very authentically exotic (like something you'd buy from an ancient woman in a Cambodian village who hand-looms, not from the Anthro at a mall in Orange County).

Also, I found the subtle elastic gathering at the center of the tunic to be perfectly measured--not too much to be bunchy. Not too mild to be blousy. It's flattering and easy to move about in.

True to size--I wore a xs, but it is quite roomy due to the tunic style.

It totally accentuates the waist. See how you can't help but looking at my waist? See?

Sale stalking, fo' sho. Would probably have to jump on it--don't think it will last til 2nd cut.

Fei yet again. This Charcoal Terrace dress, for $158 looked so easy to wear and beautifully made, I snatched up a size 2 and 4 to sidle into. Got 3.5/5 stars online, mainly bc they say it looks like a nightie. I will say that the bust is intricately folded (see last picture) and the high waistline was one of the things that drew me in.

It doesn't have a very defined natural waist--more like a babydoll shape. I love the teeny spaghetti straps--dainty, yet strong.
The fabric is 100% silk again, which makes it look timeless, but not something you could throw in the wash. It's true to size. In fact, if you are less than a C cup, you could probably size down so that the skirt would be more body-skimming.

Overall, a lovely dress, just not a must-have for me...yet.

So the only things I bought on sale day were the Fluid Motion tank and some other sale items to be seen soon. Anyone else score on sale day?
Don't you guys want to win the $150 gift certificate from Dr. Perricone's skin line? Or just me? Hurry! It's over this week! Along with my pregnancy disability checks! And my ability to take naps at a moment's notice. Booooo....