Anthropologie Reviews- Sale!

With the much anticipated Black Friday sale coming up, thought I would review some items that are on sale and thus up for a (hopefully) big percentage off on Friday. This is a quickie since my last 2 days of work before vacation will be crazy ones!!!

On a side note, I was up for an upgrade and am finally getting an iPhone on Tuesday! YAY for better photos!

Basque Floral Dress (size 2)

So I do understand why people love this line - it is uber flattering and very '40's sexy. This is a size 2 which I could not even zip. It creates a lovely silhouette but I have to admit I'm just not comfortable with the sort of retro pinup girl look. I think a size 4 would have been fine (one size up).

Basketweave Tee (XS)

So cute. And soft. And waist cinching. Only problem? Too much cleavage. I could maybe size up but I don't know if that would help anything. I'm definitely on the lazy side when it comes to wearing a cami. Would reconsider at Black Friday sale and perhaps take to tailor and have them sew it up a bit. Great for hiding a tummy and creating a waist!

Curved Stripes Cardigan (XS) 

Love the idea and colors but the shape is terrible. It just doesn't lay well on me and I felt like a house in this.

Sloped Peaks Chemises (XS) 

This looks blue online but I remember it being more grey in store. I LOVE the lounge section at Anthro. Some of the dresses are made as well as "real" dresses and the price point is so much more tolerable. This was basically cute and I thought about buying it but the pleats did not lay perfectly and I knew that would bother me. Otherwise, pretty cute and comfortable.

Goldspun Paisley Dress (size 2) 

When this dress first came out I was immediately drawn to it: bright sunny colors and gold thread. It is quite lovely and the fit is spot on but I couldn't imagine where I would where it. The length is also a no-no for me. 

Excited for black friday. I went to my local store at 6 am last year and I actually had a really good time! I lived in NYC for so long I would have never DARED do BF shopping but where I live now - it's sort of fun.

Anyone else have plans for the big shopping day?

The One That Got Away? Anthropologie Reviews

Do you ever find yourself obsessing over something you decided not to buy? Then when you finally find it again (and usually at a good, sale price) you sort of wonder what all the hype was in the first place? I definitely do that. I think part of it is the game of hunting it down and getting it at a price that is reasonable. Another part is that I like to try on clothes and sometimes simply can't remember how I felt about it the first time I tried it on. I think a good rule to live by is - if you left it behind once, you should probably leave it behind again - but I definitely have trouble with that! Here is a case in point:

Dappled Sea Blouse (XS)

The pants are a pair of Joe's that I picked up that were dimed out but then they charged me a weird price for them.... still figuring that one out. So the colors are GORGEOUS but the pattern is pretty bold and the shirt is nothing but a light coating of chiffon on one's body. Plus the neckline sort of hangs open. I sort of love it but I don't think it's doing anything super exciting for my figure. Hmm...

 Floral Sateen Slims (size 4)

 The fit on these is awesome. They are so comfortable and I think quite flattering. The problem: wow they are bright and flowery. It makes me feel a little bit like a grandma in Florida (not that that is a bad thing - I'm just not one, yet...). How do you style these without looking a) too trendy/young or b) too retirement old. I think I would just wear them with a crisp white cotton shirt but I'm still not sure I have the guts.

Pilcro Stet Bootcut Cords (size 27)

Mmmm... corduroys. I feel about corduroys the way Homer feels about donuts. Mmm... drool. Love to wear them in the winter - a touch classier than jeans so warm and cozy. I love that these are a thicker corduroy. I did decide to size up from my normal size of 26 which I often do in Pilcros. I just don't like the tightness on the thighs in my normal size. I think these are flattering, it's hard to tell. And maybe I don't care - they are so soft!

I'm really trying to save a little cash for what I know will be a fun sale season but it is hard! 

Anyone else finally reconnect with an item that got away only to be disappointed?

Silk Shirt (and a pant) Reviews - My New Obsession

Okay. So it's sort of ridiculous to become obsessed with silk shirts when a large part of your week is spent with a rambunctious 3 year old... but... it's my little reminder that I do also exist in the work world. I think you can throw on a silk shirt with just about anything and look fabulous. And I love the way the material feels. Light in summer, layer with a cardi or blazer in fall/winter. Fantastic.

Here are a few new silk ladies that I am contemplating:


Silk Boy Shirt in French Hen (sizes 2 and 4 respectively)

Sorry for the blurry pics, I'm not really sure what happened. You can see a better shot of this shirt on me here. There wasn't a huge amount of difference between the 2 and 4. Hens, silk, navy. Super cute. I think this shirt looks better tucked in. It's now sold out making me rethink my decision to return it. Cute, but will I tire of the chickens? Do I even like chickens?

Scoopneck Blouse in Anchors Aweigh (size 4)

This is a size bigger than my usual shirt size but I like having a LITTLE extra room since there are no buttons and of course no give. When I have this shirt on I feel adorable and jaunty. When I see the picture the scoop neckline seems a little plain jane to me. I do love the buttons at the shoulder and the basic look of it.

I am not pregnant - that is the drawstring to the skirt I am wearing.

Ann Taylor Silk Button Down Camp Shirt in Azurite (size 2 and 4 respectively) 

BTW, they just released this shirt in a very similar color for full price. This one is on sale for $89.99 online and I got it for $29.99 in store! Very similar to the Blythe but I love the roll tab sleeves. I think the 4 looks a little baggy. Very comfortable - seems to have a little stretch to the material.

Anchors Aweigh Pant (size 2)

Managed to snag these on popback during that crazy update the other day. I don't think the pics make them look that cute but they feel great on. I do wish the legs were slightly trimmer but I think the angle of my photo makes them look baggier than they are. They are so comfortable and make me feel super elegant. I would wear with heels, a white shirt and huge jewelry. My one problem is the length. I really hate that upper ankle length - I think it looks funny. There is a 1 inch hem that I could let out so maybe that would help.

What do you think? What are your favorite silk items?

Madewell Review - [BLANKNYC] Skinny Color Jeans

Ah, Madewell. It's been a whirlwind romance. I'm finding that every year I pick 1 new retailer to be obsessed with. 2 years ago it was J Crew. Last year it was Anthro. This year it may be Madewell (although this could be curtailed by the distance between me and an actual store). Since their jeans are risk-free, I thought I would five them a whirl. Here are the results:

[BLANKNYC] Skinny Color Jean (size 27) in Deep Blue

First off, the color does not feel like deep blue. It just looks like regular dark denim. I had a hard time capturing it with my camera but I didn't feel like these were a pop of color at all. I ordered up a size from my normal size 26 jean because a) these are skinny and I go up a size in JC Toothpicks and b) I am hanging on to a couple of pounds and am sick of everything feeling like a sausage casing. Grrr...

If you are looking for a skinny jean I think these are cute and reasonably priced. The mid-rise is comfortable and they are skinny without feeling ridiculous. The fabric did feel a little chintzy to me. Not soft, not that thick, slightly itchy if that's possible - but I am pretty sensitive.

The length I loveth. PERFECT. I hate those darn jeans that are too short - like really ankle lenght - not flattering on me. These just had a tiny slouch at the ankle.

Funny little detail on back pocket. Those are actually little raised bumps.

Anyone else try Madewell denim and like it?

Madewell Review - The Camden Satchel in Colorblock

Ah, Madewell. I have found a new love (just what I need). I think I've really been craving a new destination to explore clothes! JCrew is wonderful and Anthropologie great but I find myself sort of bored when I walk in now. I think I've exhausted many of the same silhouettes there. Madewell has been a fun new place to explore - just wish there was a retail store closer.

The Camden Satchel in Colorblock in Saratoga Blue

This bag is so lovely. The blue suede is a gorgeous color. The colorblocking part of the bag comes from the light brown leather on the side (this was not inherently clear from the website)

One zip pocket and 2 cellphone/etc. pockets

The longer strap look like it had a little wear at one point.

 LOVE. Such a lovely bag and not a bad price with 25% off. Unfortunately, I need something bigger for all my work stuff. The zipper up top doesn't open completely - it is linked at the end - which made it impossible for me to put my reams of music inside. My only complaint is that the carrying handles are a little short for me to wear the bag on my shoulder. I think this is a carry with hands or wear with long strap cross-body type of bag.

Anyone else try some of the bags from Madewell? How do you feel about the quality?

Anthropologie Review - Striped Boatneck Mini Dress

I had been dying to get my hands on this little dress since it went on sale and finally located it via charge send. I did read the reviews that said it was really short but since I'm pretty short I figured I would give it a try anyway.

Striped Boatneck Mini Dress (XS)

Let me start by saying that I love short dresses. But woah, this one is REALLY short. Like I can't bend over or lift my arms short. So basically, this is not a dress but a tunic. The colors are scrumptious. Much more vibrant than they appear on the website. 

But, the dress is literally just a hunk of rayon sewed together on the side. I was soooo disappointed in the quality. Plus, there is literally no hem to be let out if you want it to be longer, which is also ridiculous. The fact that this dress was originally sold for something like $160 is OUTRAGEOUS. It is a lovely colored sack with no room for an alteration of an obscenely short hem. Hmm...

I will be skipping this one. For about $30 I might consider it as a tunic with skinny jeans and boots but that's about it. Why can't we just have some things fall to the knee?

Madewell Review - Silk Stardot Dress

Free shipping & returns will be end of me! I'm so glad this promotion is ending tomorrow because I have found a new store to be infatuated with. Yes Madewell is skewed slightly younger, but some of their shapes are really fun and different. I like that. I have a closet full of staples and could stand a few things to mix it up!

Silk Stardot Dress (size 2) in Fresh Blueberry

This dress is so interesting. I love the fun graphic pattern of little polka dots that meets to form stars. Very cool. I normally do not love a slit sleeve but this one is subtle and flirty. The dress is silk although feels more like a chiffon then a traditional silk (like the Blythe). It is fully lined and the length is right to the knee. Although the waist band is elastic. It has a panel of flat material in the front which makes it look less casual. I think I would like a thicker belt with it. 

In the pictures I think it looks pretty plain Jane, but wearing it made me feel so lovely. Modern, light and easily dressed up or down.

What do you think?