Anthropologie Reviews: Fall colors and summer sale

Mmm, fall. My favorite season for clothes. Layers and warm yummy colors like burgundy and forest green. Anthropologie's summer offerings are lovely but I never have much luck there during that season - too much strapless and shapeless maxi-ness for me. But fall/winter - yes! Cozy wrap sweaters, fun party dresses, killer heels, oh my! I mostly tried on some lingering sale items in my most recent visit but I'm going to try to take the time to try out some new fall yummies next time.

Needlelace Peplum Top (XS) in Wine

I've been hemming and hawing about keeping the Katrine Peplum top which I think is beautiful but runs a bit high-waisted and is quite frilly. I thought this would be a nice option with the v-neck in the front and the gorgeous color. It's still pretty short-waisted and I don't like what seems to be a longer peplum. Too much! I think these tops would be perfect if the peplum was way less gathered at the waist. Adds too much visual weight in my opinion.

Katrine Peplum Top (XS) in Black

 Here's the counterpoint to the Needlelace. With a belt, I think it looks pretty cute. Without I tihnk I look thick and like my waist is too high. What to do, what to do.

 Cyclades Dress (size 4?)

 I'm pretty sure this was a 4 because I remember thinking it was a bit too big and that this was strange considering I usually have to size up in Tracy Reese. It is adorable and super flattering. The material is a bit funky - sort of like vintage polyester but has a nicer flow to it, yet enough stiffness to give the dress shape. The pockets are in the front - almost like a kangaroo pocket - which I really like. Pleating is just enough to give an ease to the skirt and neckline is high and balanced. Quite adorable!
 
 Dayboat Dress (size S)

 This is one size bigger than I usually wear and I don't think I need the XS. Super adorable and super comfortable. My only problem.... the sleeves. There is all this weird ruching and I tihnk it looks frumpy from the front. Love the deep scoop and the solid waistband. It's amazing because the skirt is very pleated but the pleats lay perfectly. Very cute for $49.95.

 Elementary Jersey Dress (size S) in Black

I would definitely need my regular size XS. Even so, I don't think the top is defined enough for this shape to work. Skirt is long and overly pleated and the waist is not defined enough.

 Botanica Swing Dress (size 4?)

 I was drawn to this dress because it's just sooo easy. Feels very little girlish to me though. I don't think this shape is doing anything particularly magical for my body but it would be great for one of those I want to look cute but feel bloated days.

 Palisades Pullover (XS)

Totally cute basic little pullover sweater. I was less wowed by the colors in real life. The fit is perfect! Love the neckline and the skimming fit. Stripes are placed at just the right height so they are neither hanging out underneath the breastline nor going over them in an unflattering way. Lovely!

 Pegged Trousers (size 2) by Harlyn

 OK. These things are crazy. They were on my local sale rack for $49.95 but they seem to be full price online. I love the idea of a drapey, pleated trouser but the back view on this is frightening! Makes my butt look like it's several inches below where it should be. The front is acceptable but they rode up as I moved in them giving an sort of, ahem, camel toe effect. The size 2 felt pretty snug in the waist for your average size 2 at Anthropologie.

 Foulard Silk Shirtdress (XS)

 Love a cute shirtdress/shift but this is Holly Hobby. Length is too long and the dress runs HUGE. I am drowning in big ugly material, With a tuxedo bib front. Not good.

Here's a random blast from the past shot. The Clipped Cities blouse by Leifsdottir and the Looped Spectrum Necklace. I'm not sure about either piece alone but I do love them together. My husband hates the blouse - think it looks like an odd sace but there's something about it. Love the ease and then the necklace adds that pop of color that you need. I don't know though. So handmade looking.

What do you think?

Madewell Reviews: Sale and extra 30% in-store

Mmmm Madewell. I really love their laidback, young but not too young vibe. The sale section at my local store is packed and it's still 30% off! Gotta love it. Lots of items that only recently came into the store are already on sale. Sort of shocking. If you like deers, the deer sweater is already marked down. You like cardigans, there are tons. Here's what I found:

Silk Flowerstripe Blouse (XS)

I actually like this blouse. The details are sweet and the little puff sleeves are fun. Unfortunately, like most of Madewell's popovers, the bust just doesn't fit. I would size up but then the shirt would be huge. If you are more moderately proportioned this is a sweet, although quite sheer top.

 Silk Scallop Peplum Top (Size XS)

The silk on this top is so soft and delicate. I was really drawn to it. Again, because of my bustiness, the top was way too tight in the XS but...

 Silk Scallop Peplum Top (size S)

 ... the small fit much better. I sort of wanted this top to fit a bit looser anyway because of the delicate material. I think if you are going to go tight peplum then you have to go for stretchy material. The color is jewel-tone gorgeous without being overly bright. I was pairing it with the Looped Spectrum Necklace which I recently caught on popback from Anthro. On the fence about the necklace since it is so handmade looking but I like it with a nice vibrant top.

Mini-Check Market Popover (XS)

 Again, not to sound like I'm caught on repeat, but the popover is too small. I ADORE this color and the fabric feels slightly puckery in a nice way. Madewell's popovers definitely run on the shorter side and I think this could use a little more length so that you have the option of tucking it in.

 Silk Drop-Pleat Dress (size 2)

 This is way out of my normal comfort zone but I think it's really elegant and fun. The red is definitely RED but it's a flattering cooler tone of red. This dress is prone to a lot of static for some reason.

 Silk Drop-Pleat Dress (size 0)

I often have to size down in the elastic waist dresses and I might be tempted to do the same with this one. The only thing I'm not loving is how the top part doesn't fold down correctly. I think a belt would remedy the situation. Not sure if the top problem is better in the 0 or 2.

 Cargo Tunic Dress (XS)

 This reminds me of the tunic dress that I bought last year. So easy breezy and yet I actually prefer this one in that it is a slimmer cut. There's nothing exciting going on just a great shift dress in a nice neutral shade of navy. Would love to see the garnet color.

 Leafstitch Crewneck in Stripe (XS)

 Here's another love. So soft and slouchy and sweatshirt-y. I couldn't help but feel like the top stripe was hitting me in a funny place and making me feel wider. Besides that though, this is a sweater you want to throw on every day for casual wear. $49.99 in store.

 Oh Dear Sweater (XS)

 I'm not sure I'm particularly drawn to a head of a deer on a sweater but I love the fit of it. Nice dense knit that skims the body but isn't clingy at all. Adorable shape.

 Journal Cardigan (XS) in Gray Marled Pepper

 All the journal cardigans seems to be on sale. They aren't as slimming as the Merino Cardigans at J Crew but they are thicker and cozier. True grandpa cardigans. I like the fit of the XS but prefer the length of the S (see below).

 Softfleck Sweater (XS)

I might want to size up to a small for this. The colors are gorgeous and really different. Haven't really seen anything else in this color this season (is that bad or good). Nice thick yarn and slightly loose knit. Tempting.

 Journal Cardigan (size S) in Mountain Berry

 This color is delicious. I really like the length of the small but the fit is not as close to the body.

 Journal Cardigan (size XS) in Heather Saddle

Yet another journal cardigan - cute and love the camel color. Nice basic and again - nice to have a thicker knit than some of the thinner merino cardigans.

 Leafstitch Crewneck (XS)

 Same as the cozy stripe sweater above but plain. Like your favorite sweatshirt in sweater form. The texture is almost like a waffle henley. Not sure how it would hold up over time.

 Striped Gondola Dress (XS)

This was my first love from the fall release. Just easy breezy and super duper flattering. I know, stripes stripes stripes, when will it end? My usual size XS is tight enough to be sexy but not too crazy. The contrasting side panels really create a lean shape.

What Madewell items are you craving? Which of my sale finds do you like?