Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Sale day! addendum: name it and claim it!

Hooray! the Corsage Twirl dress is on sale!! And so is the Glassflower Cardi. So excited!! (written at 7:30 am)

Monday, May 3, 2010

fitting room reviews and a big PR plug for apple iphone

If this post doesn't make it painfully obvious, I was not using my usual iphone for this fitting room review.

Unfortunately, I forgot my iphone in the car. Ack!

So by the time I arrived (meaning, 2 very eager sales associates trucked, taking 3-4 trips each) with my 15 items into the fitting room, I had to make do with my work blackberry, which has all the crisp clarity of a dingy fishbowl.

Now, I know taking pictures in Anthro isn't illegal, but the very last thing I wanted to do was to tell the sales associate I would be right back, so I could go grab my camera and snap multiple photos of the merchandise, and would they mind holding my purse, thanks.

So here we are, fishbowl pals.

Plus, with the blackberry, I had to hook up the bluetooth function, which wasn't really working, then email each of these pics to myself, then download them onto my computer, upload from my desktop, then upload to blogger. All for today's post which aspires to mediocrity!

Ok, enough griping.

Just the nitty gritty.

The Faint lines tee, $48, is huge. I was feeling like the xs was large enough to hide my pet hamster and my new lumbar support. I like the detailing at the top, but usually like tees that are a little more streamlined. Nice detail. Didn't get to try the yellow, just the lavendar.







This top Fairway Buoy Tank $58.00 has been reviewed before, but I just couldn't resist. It is just so fun and nautical. I would have to learn how to sail, just so I could wear this and feel like I had a moment of destiny. The shape is pretty flattering, and the colors are fine for air, sea, and the fourth of July. True to size, I wore a xs.



The Anthurium Blouse, $88 was my fave try-on of the day. It's a little stiffer than I'd like--showing just a little extra chestage than is necessary in a family show, but makes up for that with the crisp flare of the waist to hip.

It's highly embroidered without being an annoying schoolmarm, and the back is ready for business, too (similar to front, but dips lower). I put it on hold, for sale-stalk. I wore a 2, so a little big.



If you squint, you can see a butterfly or an angry man growling at the front of this top.
Folded Wings Tank $68.00 in 3 colors is beautifully made and executed. It's true to size. I loved the detail, but wasn't crazy about the wooden piece (peak of angry guy's eyebrow). Still, beauty marries comfort! and has an angry baby.



The name of this blouse, Moscow-In-Bloom Blouse $98.00 totally intrigues me. Not sure that I picture Moscow in springtime with shades of yellow, pale green and dotted with jewels. 

But if that's the case, hey--sign me up for a one-way ticket and enough Borscht to keep me kickin'. This blouse was breathtaking.






Um, how many reviews of this Whirl & Wind Cardigan $88.00 have you seen? I know--enough. But I still loved it, and had to try it on. 
Both in yellow and in black, which I haven't seen. It's edged with green thread--quite an interesting combo. Which would have been betters served with Mr. Iphone. Liked them both--loved the yellow. Sale-stalk!



Ack! couldn't turn this one in time.
Homespun Horticultural Tank $68.00--very pretty. thought it ran a bit big. love the detail at the neck. Super comfortable. Looks good with my anthro necklace, circa '09.
 
ps. I will try my best not to ever leave my iphone in a car (or in a bar) again! Speaking of which, Apple's stock seems to being just fine, after their prototype was "stolen." Um, sounds like the best PR gig EVER ('course, a single share is worth 1-4 items at Anthro, depending on how you shop).

Can't wait for tomorrow's sale! already checked out anthroholic and effortless, and it looks like a good day ahead.  

papparazo

We spent the weekend with family and friends. Chris (hubby) is from Michigan, and so we flew back there for a few days. I'm blown away by how beautiful and green it was--and how good-natured and friendly the people of the midwest are.

On day 3, Nalynne wore this great grey Anthro top--the name of which escapes both of us. I tried to find it last night in the last 4 catalogs, but to no avail. 
I do know she's wearing a Moth sweater though, which I have and love in grey in another post.

Michael, Chris' brother, was kind enough to let me borrow his fancy camera to imitate a "real" photographer. 'Course, that means that the pictures of me (by Chris) taking a picture of her are with my little iphone--which, don't look all that bad, right?

Maybe I should have brushed my hair that day. Whoopsies. 


Nalynne: Anthro top, grey
Moth sweater, '09
her own Jeans

Me: Lucky Penny purse, Anthro, '09
Leather Jacket, I love S and K
Daughter of Liberation grey pants













Saturday, May 1, 2010

scraps of whimsy

According to our domestic goddess friend Heidi, quilting used to be just an everyday part of life.

Little scraps of fabric from little Sally's work apron, sister Mabel's new spring dress, and say, Johnny Jr.'s overalls were painstakingly and matter-of-factly hand-stitched together, either by individuals or quilting groups, resulting in some of the magic seen below.

Heidi told me these older quilts were stuffed with shreds of wool after the sheep were sheared in days gone by.

To quilt was not a trend or a hobby. It was not fashionable. It was just a way of life because you couldn't just buy a down comforter from Nordstrom's for 100 bucks.



The quilt below was made by Heidi's mother in law, decades ago. By hand! EVERY perfect little stitch!
And aren't the colors just so timeless and beautiful?

I wanted to hug it tightly to me--while quickly inspecting the underside for a "Made in China" tag.

Find it impossible to believe this flawless perfection was NOT made by machine or mass production.
Just a very organized, determined woman who wanted to keep her family warm. 

Colorful assault

Spring has sprung with an almost violent vengeance!

Our dear family friends have the loveliest yard which could double as a state park. I've yet to see a stretch of grass this massive since my last stroll through Golden Gate Park (in my hometown of San Francisco). 

Guess who is suddenly inspired to build a gazebo? Have you ever seen anything more charming? It looks like it just grew organically in that exact spot.




I was flabbergasted at the exuberance and dramatic volume of these blooms. Pink popcorn anyone?

It was such a poetic experience once the breeze started up and delicate pink petals swirled all around us.




I was tempted to prance down the grassy lane in a fluffy white tutu and allow a flock of bluebirds to chirp all around while they wove a garland of roses into my hair. 

However, since I was surrounded by other people, and specifically my in-laws, I was forced to act normal and demure. Instead, I snapped many a happy picture.



Thank goodness winter is over!

let's all go to india!

Let's be clear--I do like the clothes in the new may catalog, but even more impressively magnificent is the setting where the new items were shot.

Have you ever seen anything more intricate, mysterious, colorful, vibrant and awesome than India?

I am in AWE. If Anthro ever decides to start selling the door in this below photo, I will be FIRST in line. 'Course, I'm not sure if they can sell actual historical artifacts of India.

If in fact they can, or if this is just the door to some abandoned foreclosed home, I will camp out overnight in a line that wraps around the block and sings old Madonna jams long after 3 am.

btw, end table about 200, coffee table about 400 bucks. 


This sitting hammock completely charms, reminiscent of a beautiful woven spiderweb.

And who doesn't want strings of marygolds strewn across their path like a welcoming citrus path?
I certainly do. Hubby needs to make note of that, ok? great, thanks.

ps. knotted melati hanging chair 500 bux, ocean's offerings rug, 600. 


If ever a ceiling could be tastefully lined in bright but tasteful colors, this would be it.

Also, would love to take some of these pillars home over the weekend and just insert them neatly under our living room ceiling. They are incomparable.  



Umm, so breathtaking. Which to look at first? The chandeliers? The amazing scalloping of the doorways? or the utterly gorgeous curly design (carved?) echoed in the second layer?

Turtle paradise hammock ($98) and Diving sea turtle pillow ($78).



How great is the multi-colored lining of the shelves along and above the bed? It adds so much depth and interest to the room. 

Not to mention you wake up and suddenly you're in a flowery gray/yellow haven.



This Distant Voyage Quilt (200 bucks, plus or minus depending on size) is so vibrant! How many colors are collected on this quilty? and still just stunning. Can't wait to see it up close in the store.

I love this quilt--and quilts in general.



Ok. I also loved the Anthro From-the-Waves shower curtain, $118. The colors, the tree motif, all feel like you've come in from a refreshing dip in the ocean. The tree coral towel, $18 also fabulous. You can almost smell the sea breeze.



Just a little what-if scenario: Anthro offering an international tour of places they have shopped for their wares? And where they've photographed their catalogues? How many people would be interested?
Ummm, WHO WOULDN'T??

Thursday, April 29, 2010

what i found in the sale room--plus options layered on


hey, you guys! hope everyone is having an amazing week.
i promised awesome daily reader elizabeth (happy thursday, elizabeth!), that i would post some pics of my new avenue of laces top that i bought a few weeks ago. so i am wearing above:

basics:
long sleeve tee: f21 in grey
pants: daughters of liberation, anthro in burgandy (super soft!)
top: ave of laces top
shoes: rocketdog

option 1: then i added this f21 knit vest in black.

it's finely woven, with a racerback neckline that can be seen better here (see 4th picture from top).

i love the thin belt and the angled edges at the hem. it's also lightweight and gives a bit of a waistline when you need one.




option 2: and THEN, i tried it on with this f21 black vest (it is a little odd having that sash at the waist of the top, but i kind of like the fact that the color ties it all together).

the vest is a wool blend, so pretty structured (i.e. i didn't have to suck in as much after lunch) and surprisingly flattering since it nips in at the waist and the shoulders flare out, reminiscent of star trek's next generation.
ROMULANS BEWARE.





option 3: well! of course, then i had to have my tea-party (gastronomical that is, not political) option.
another f21 special. it's a knockoff of coco chanel's cute little houndstooth jackets.

i love layering the differing textures, colors, and shapes. it lends a prim air, yet isn't too stiff to hang out at the mall (after gorging on miniature cucumber sandwiches).

whaddya think, elizabeth? send pics of your outfit, too!



okey doke. moving onto other sale captures and conquests!

i picked up this tracy reece plenty top for 9.99! yup, somebody in LA likes me--and thankfully, she wears my size and loves to make returns.

i think i'm gonna call her Ofelia. thanks, ofie!

wasn't too sure about the colors initially, but WAS sure about that price tag. who loves an anthro bargain? THIS GIRL!

plus, after about mmmm, 2 minutes?

i started to really like the colors, especially since the fabrics are super soft, and the shirt is beautifully cut, has delicate little strings to tie at the neck, and generally makes you feel ready to go antiquing in a parisian flea market with keith johnson.

smooches, KJ!










and then!! i reverted back to my college girl ways. remember that?

when you would buy stuff NOT your size, (because it was on sale and that meant another $9.99 special) and
a) just squuueeeezed your way like a packed sausage into a jacket that was too small or
b) buy a shirt 2 sizes too large and then throw a skinny belt on and CALL IT A DAY?
not bad, eh?





well, here comes my favorite of the day. ming garden top, how i've waited and sale-stalked for you!

the minute i saw this on the website, i just gazed for a happy dazed moment at the loveliness of the print. it's just so light, graceful, and luxurious. 

it took its sweet time going to the sale rack, and when it did, i couldn't find my size initially. but sunday was my lucky day.

could it be any cuter? i just want to throw it over my shoulder and give it a good burping, it's SO DARNED CUTE.



hi there, cute little twin sister of ming garden top.

don't know your name and not super thrilled that your string waist belt fell off somewhere between the dressing room and my front door, but will squire you around time quite happily anyway.

the front silkiness is all luxe, and the back soft cotton is all comfort. perfect for layering, or a nice summery jaunt to you-know-where.



one update:

a few weeks ago, i tried this green beauty on in anthro's fitting room. loved it, wanted to make out with it and meet its parents, but balked about the price tag.

after some deep thinking, i went to another store (el segundo, instead of home store del amo), found it in an xs, and made the commitment.

here, it's paired with my anthro belt, daughter of liberation pants (also for sale, 20 bucks!) and one of the stylish anthro fabric rosettes (also sale item, about $9). shoes, thailand special.

i'm loving the colors, green and brown and grey all over.

to top it all off, i had my official anthro SA hairstyle (you know, the forehead braids tied together in the back in a carefully carefree manner) so was feeling as jaunty as a prairie girl has a right to.


  

ok, so i want to know about you guys! what's the BEST SALE ITEM you've ever gotten at anthro?
and send pics if you have a digital camera, iphone, bberry (which essentially means all of you), please?