More Preggo-Friendly Tops

A few more items:

Deletta's Flower Vendor Top, $78.00 stunned me into silence at first.

I loved this rosette detail at the right shoulder. In combination with the cowlneck, it struck me as elegant and unique.

Not crazy about cap sleeves in general, however.

Ah, if only. The worst part about this top is that it is undergirded with a silky camisole. Sounds like a good idea, but the spaghetti straps twist and turn and become very unwieldy when put on and taken off. It was all atangle. I reluctantly handed it back to the SA because I knew I couldn't deal with the chaos.

Also, it was an acrylic and wool blend which would explain the itchiness. Dang it.

Love, love, L-O-V-E the Lady's Choice Cardigan, $88. It's the gathered neck, the elegantly puckered shoulders, the lovely colors. It really is ladylike and flows very nicely. Probably should have tried the XS instead of the S.

Will definitely need to sale stalk this one.

Anthro's Sale Belly-friendly Items

The second trimester is a revelation. I finally have the energy, interest, and bile-free mouth required in going back to Anthro, and it's a relief. I haven't been to my home store in Del Amo in over 3 months. THREE MONTHS. THAT'S not right, friends.

Anyway, their new gorgeous sunny-hued displays (new? or just new to me, not clear) are so femininely beautiful and remind me of a rosy-tinted quilt I made one day 6 years ago (when I was suddenly just sick and tired of the daily grind and HAD TO call in...sick).

Like most, I am grateful to be employed in this economy, but sometimes the complete LACK of creative thought in daily work life makes me want to screech and flail wildly into the numbing quiet.

Everytime I see that quilt, I smile and think back to that rebellious but necessary gesture of "I WILL do something creative!! Even if I have to act sick tomorrow to continue the charade.*sniffle*"

The bedroom at Del Amo also had this great vintage sewing machine mid-stitch, as if to say, the Anthrowoman ain't afraid of the occasional rough hem, it that weren't already clear.

I even ventured into the sale room to try on some belly-friendly tops, i.e.

1. highly breathable, non-restrictive materials
2. machine-washable
3. long front edge to cover burgeoning bump and to NOT reveal my embarrasingly hairy belly button.

I loved several of the Porridge t-shirts when they came out a few months ago. Finally, going on sale! I adore the print on this one, and thought it very clever that they included beet seeds. So stinkin' cute, right?

However, the fabric was really not that soft and I thought the print would be only appropriate for non-work, casual events, so had to leave it behind.

Velvet's Soft Edges Tee is only 19.99 and the fabric is so soft and comfy. Only problem is that it's quite sheer, but I thought it would be great for layering.

Also, the front edge seems long enough to hide the navel and not scare the neighborhood children.

I also liked the edging around the neck. But let's face it. I was most excited about the price. Only M and up available online. Boo.

Oh, Moth. You know how to make a cute sweater even more irresistible (um, the solid green lining of the pockets, peeking out under the stripes, duh!).

Case in point, this Four Petals Cardigan, $49.99 which is FINALLY on sale, sheesh! After months! Months, I say! of stalking.

I was somewhat underwhelmed by the look of this cardigan on me, and thought of how it would be limited in scope, in my wardrobe. Reluctantly had to return it to the sale rack. So, if anyone wants a small, it's still there, I'm assuming (I saw a M, too).

Anyway, I love finding Anthroware is so versatile--perfect for maternity, weight gain, or an extra-large lunch. Anyone else finding that to be true?

Prada and the Triumphant Return

Happy Weekend, Anthrophiles! I finally mustered up the courage and anti-nausea medication to return to Anthro with trembling brow and pounding heart.

Ever since the 2nd trimester began a few weeks ago, I've felt better and better. Thank you for all your kind encouragement, especially you moms out there who went through the same wonderland/horror show. 

Confounding our enemies for 2 years

There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.

-- Homer, Odyssey, ninth century B.C.

The final excuse: Our own Anthrolife

Hi bloggie friends,

     I've been holding this secret in for a while, but it's time you knew. The real reason why I haven't been blogging on a regular respectable basis is because of debilitating exhaustion and overwhelming nausea in the last 3 months.

     That's right, I'm pregnant. We're due 1/11/11 and both very excited.

     As the author of Anthrolife, with its small but esteemed readership, I feel a great deal of remorse and guilt for not going to Anthro stores. I love my blog. I love the clothes/housewares, I love visiting the stores, trying on clothes and hearing back from you all.

     But I have to tell you--the very Volcano candle scent that I used to delight in, sniff ecsatically--now causes me to retch and lurch in a most-unladylike fashion.

    And I love Anthro much too much to dry heave within its rustic oak doors. 

     So, please forgive my slow (and store-less) posting. Nowadays, I'm most likely asleep, dry heaving in the corner, or trying gamely to button my pants.

Love,
Shelia
    

Outfit of the NIght--Vegas, Day 3--FINALLY!

Let me just start by saying this: the bathroom in our hotel room was bigger than our kitchen at home. I could have done a high-kick in the shower (if I were physically capable). It was just a thing of beauty and a joy forever.

Outfit of the NIght--Vegas, Day 2

Our second day in Vegas kicked off perfectly--at the Wynn Buffet for breakfast.

I had always assumed that Bellagio had the best buffet in Vegas. Chowhound's boards, however, state otherwise. The more I read, the more I found a strong stream of opinion pulling for the Wynn.

Well, it was definitely more beautiful from the start. Especially eating in the garden atrium area, with soaring greenhouse ceilings and surrounding mirrors, brightly lighting the huge array of flowers, plants and antique lamps hung in archways.

I know I said this was not a food blog--but I have to show you that the Wynn has very ripe papaya in their breakfast buffet. This is meaningful because it is not easy, cheap or common, like the usual mass breakfast fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries--all found at the Bellagio, and mediocre quality). 

And I found that to be the case for the food in general. Not as plentiful as the Bellagio--but definitely higher quality.

I wore an Anthro Lilka sundress, circa '08. Sorry this is such an incomplete picture. I was too busy stuffing my face to care.

Chris took snapped this shot using the Hipstamatic application on my iphone--retro-fying it.

More of Wynn's clustered flowers. They really had a beautiful aesthetic--lots of bright colors and flowers, without gaudiness. Much like you-know-where.

Dinner at Rosemary's restaurant was mildly disappointing for both of us. Only redemption was our very friendly waitress and the crunchy rice krispie peanut butter dessert concoction.

No, that's not it, below. We popped them in our mouths and it was over within half a second. 

Highlight of the day was Wayne Brady's utter, flabbergasting, quick-witted genius. Why has he not exploded into a new hemisphere of Letterman/Leno-type fame by now?

Every single moment of his improv show was just as hilarious as Whose Line Is It Anyway, but just edgier.

Chris was convulsing helplessly next to me, tears streaming down his face.

WB is the FUNNIEST man alive.

I say that with honesty and confidence. Go see him if you EVER get the chance.

Outfit of the Night--Vegas, Day 1

Happy Independence (from Treacherous Outside Forces, such as Ye Olde England) Day!

Speaking of the hemorrhaging of cash. It's 4th of July weekend and time for Chris and my 2nd annual Vegas trip.

Here's to the pursuit of happiness and freedom (financial and otherwise).

Ok, NOT FAIR, Anthro

Dude. C'MON. How DARE they bust out the logarithmically increasing cuteness in shoes! JUST when I have decided to stop shopping until I am not HEMORRHAGING CASH.

Sheesh.

Is is just me? Or does it seem just NOT right.

Btw, glad to see the Picture-Perfects are still on the website, but sucks that they're still full price since I tried them on about a month ago.

Anthro-plants

While Nalynne and company were here a few weeks ago, we took several trips to Home Depot to check out their shop-vac/Weber grill/garden shovel selections.

Nalynne spotted these lovely plants in their garden section, simply labeled as "Tropicals from Around the World" that she recognized from her home Anthro in Columbus, Ohio.

Sure enough, when we went to the Santa Monica Anthro, they also had these lovely parsley-like fronds, gracing their tables, amongst Jane Austen books and Splendid tees.

She bought us 2 of them--found some great dark espresso-colored pots at Target, and they've been brightening up our Dining and Kitchen areas ever since.

My favorite aspect of these plants is that they're so delicate-appearing. Yet seem to be hardy enough to be watered only every 3-4 days. Or whenever we happen to remember.

I think they were about 7-8 dollars at Home Depot. Great deal for such a big impact, no?

OOTD Deletta Corsage Twirl Dress and Nearly Gossamer Cardi

Anthro-knobs

Just a Little Bit...

Most of us love Anthro for how it makes us feel, no? The beauty, the peace, the quirky details all give us a sense of order and relief from a world that is so chaotic and ugly.

I got a small sense of that peace when I downloaded the entire Aretha Franklin "Very Best of Aretha Franklin" album and listened to her rhythmic, perfectly soulful wailing while I bobbed my head and sipped my latest cool, refreshing beverage of choice:

Chilled organic almond milk. Don't judge. It's really good. 

And watched my favorite scene from "The Holiday." You know, when Jude Law stumbles drunkenly but charmingly into Cameron Diaz's confused, blubbering world.

Warning: sappiness and irresponsible behavior ensue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rMph8HzcDE


While my husband scurried around, cleaning the garage and putting the house back to rights, now that my in-laws are gone.

THAT'S a good Friday afternoon, folks.

Outfits of the Day--Go LAKERS!

Sigh. Nalynne has such wonderful fashion sense. Meaning she wears Anthro almost everyday. Not that the two are mutually exclusive. Just sometimes causative.

On our trip to Big Mama Anthro (Santa Monica), she was wearing

Yellow Minas Tank, Anthro buy here, $88

Navy Splendid Cardigan, Anthro circa 2009

Snakebite belt, Anthro, buy here, $32.

Anthro Leggings, circa 2009

Seychelle's Hullabaloo in yellow, buy here, $100 on their website.

I love this outfit. Every component is so fun and easily swappable into multiple outfits. Her Seychelle's, especially I've been eyeing for days. They're elegant, yet fun, and yellow goes with everything. 

Especially since the Lakers are going to win tonight. 

Yup, I just slipped that in.

Nalynne and I go to the Mothership

It was inevitable. For Nalynne's long-awaited visit this week, we had to go to the Santa Monica mondo-mama store, on the lovely 3rd Street Promenade. 

Anthrobooks: Summer Reads

Whoooooboy.

Sorry, friends. I have been a flaky blogger for the last week. A combination of moving to our new house, and the upheaval that entails; the in-laws coming to town; feeling under the weather; and the general chaos of life. 

Anyway, was thinking about all the good books I've gotten from Anthro in the last few years. Or spotted at Anthro, jotted down, and then bought at Amazon. Thanks, Anthro!

How to throw an Anthro shower

As I was browsing through polyvore for Anthro wares and furniture, I came across this utterly spectacular example of celebratory genius. 

I really enjoyed this beautiful blog--it was inspiring and fun, with just gorgeous photography. Here's the home page: http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com

But check this business out: you will not believe the quirky, adorable, thoughtful details of this party!

I think this is what happens when you have multiple creatives working lovingly towards one happy cause...complete with friggin' owl stirrers and carrot cake lollipops. NOT FAIR.

Um, which Costco aisle can I get all that at?

Setting Up House

It's so exciting! Chris and I are picking out paint colors and furniture for the new house. We're both partial to warm colors--so hoping for shades of citrus for the kitchen, guest bedrooms, and the family room.

How to get Immediate Salesperson Attention in a Memorial Day Crowd

1. Sit down casually in the middle of a completely packed Anthropologie

2. Whip out your iPhone, do not attempt nonchalance.

3. Start snapping pictures of your favorite shoes on the table.

4. Watch as the SA's leap to attention.

Picture-Perfect Clogs

$158.00

SO STINKIN' CUTE. But about as comfortable as you can imagine wooden clog heels to be. Since when is it wrong for heels to be padded? Huh? Shouldn't they all be? Is that just crazytalk?

 

Not on the website yet. About 170 dollars.  Loved the strappy crossing in the front and the weathered look of the leather. Plus, the wedge makes this easier to walk and just a smidge more casual.