Anthropologie Addict: West Coast Style Because Vancouverites are not all about the yoga pants

Love It Or Leave It: Camouflage Trend Fall 2013

2013-10-06T09:56:00.001-07:00

Sanctuary Camo Chinos and Creature Feature Top

I'm really gravitating to these camouflage pants I found at Anthropologie on Grandville in Vancouver and had to bring them home to think about. With taxes they came out to about $150 which seems a bit pricey for such a trendy statement and I'm not sure I have enough tops to pair with it effectively. Shoes are covered with ballet flats and converse sneakers, but I feel like these may not blend in appropriately with my very casual style. I love how camo is looking paired with more glamorous items like silky black blouses and high healed booties, but I'm just not sure how I feel pairing them with Aeirie tee shirts or Lululemon long sleeve tees.

The fit is on the generous size so I was able to go one size down and still get this relaxed look to them. I like that they are not a skinny jean as this makes it a little more casual and fresh. The print is pretty subdued and washed out, not highly contrasted like some younger versions of camo print. I'm 5'4 and the pant is actually full length on me ending just below my ankles. It really looks best rolled up, and since I have very athletic thighs, I like them rolled up a but higher than usual. I think the amount of lower leg that shows helps the proportions out.

The top was a pass for me. I think its adorable but I have a few other 'critter' print tees from anthro that I haven't worn in a long time. This one is not the correct size for me as it was all they had left and too small but I wanted to try these pants on with a tee.

For now, I think I'm going to love these and maybe keep a look out for more suitable tops to pair with them.

Fit Review: Finely Feathered Tank, Seychelles Good Intention Wedges, Pollination Tank, Kanoko Striped Tank, Side Tucked Tee

2012-06-10T19:22:00.002-07:00

Hello old friends, it's been quite a long while since I've updated this blog. I've had a few Anthro finds over the past few months (tees and stuff) but nothing really grand has caught my fancy until now. I've been lured back into the Anthro web with this gorgeous Finely Feathered Tank which I found on my trip to Portland last month but sadly the only size they had was a 10. I searched and searched every Anthropologie from Pearl District to Seattle and no other store had this tank in yet. Once I was back in town I called my local store but they also hadn't seen this tank so after a few days of obsessively looking at it online for reviews I decided to order it (still waiting for mine to arrive since it was out of stock). When I stopped in store today I finally saw it again in person and got to try my size on (12) as well as the 10 I'd tried on before. All of the sizes in stock had the exact same print distribution with the bird on the side and on the back. It was identical from tank to tank and yet completely different from the one shown online. I do still love this tank and truthfully I think I prefer the bird a little more inconspicuous. Hopefully the tank I get from my order will be as nice as this one or better as far as the print otherwise I'll exchange it for this one. I found it TTS, maybe a bit large in the armholes but otherwise the size down (10) was a touch too fitted. I adore this tank even though I've been luke warm about the peplum tank trend so far. Surprisingly I don't find the cut of this peplum unflattering to my pear shape, probably because it's cut longer in the back than the front and is broken up with a monochromatic graphic peplum.

Finely Feathered Tank

Left is my TTS 12 and the Right is the 10

Size 12

Pollination Tank

Roomy in the size 10. I liked this size.

This is the other tank I saw in Portland and really loved but it's a bit pricier than I want to pay for it and I'm not sure the color/print will have longevity in my closet because of the bright colors. It was about $118 in store today so If I head back down to the states this summer I'll hopefully find this one marked down. I love the hot pink with the navy line drawn bees.

Kanoko Striped Tank, Orange size L

This is another one I really liked today. The color is a super pretty peach and looks especially nice with my dark grey pants. The size I tried on, although I was thankful for the roominess in the tummy area, was a touch too big in the arms. You'd definitely need to wear a racerback bra with this one. I'm wish listing this one in this size, I'd definitely get it on markdown.

Side Tucked Tee, pink size L

This tee is really pretty and flattering from the front due to the ruching across the middle and the double layer of fabric on the bottom half (sort of a bubble hem) which you can adjust to hide mummy tummy. I really liked it from the front and wished the back had the same consideration but it's totally solid and single layered on the back so it showed a lot more flaws in the back (muffin top) than it does from the front.

Seychelles Good Intention aka Fabriella T-Straps $49!!

And lastly, my score today were these Good Intention T-Straps, from Seychelles that I'm wearing in the pictures. Someone had ordered them online and returned them to the store so as soon as I saw them I snatched them up without even checking the size first because for $49 I'm not going to hem and haw over them. Luckily they ended up being just my size so I kept a vice grip on these as I walked thru the store. They are TTS (9) and the leather is butter soft. I'm not a heels wearer when I can help it but as I tried on all these tops I totally forgot I was wearing these shoes they were THAT comfortable. I really don't need a pair of shoes but these go with everything in my closet and they are really comfortable...so what the heck, why not elevate my closet with a new pair of 'fancy shoes' that I can wear with jeans, crops or skirts.

Annoyed: Striped Steps Socks Mislabeled.

2011-10-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today I made the treck out to anthropologie to pick up some new long wooly socks that I'd been eyeing on the anthro website. I normally am really, really sensitive to wool except when it comes to my feet which seem to really enjoy the luxurious feel of wool. Anyways, I decided to splurge and picked these cute socks up based on the online product description (acrylic, wool, nylon, spandex) and when I arrived home and pealed back the price sticker the fabric contents are actually 65% cotton, 31% nylon and 4% spandex. Really annoyed! I'll likely be returning these and will have a better look around to see if they have any long wool socks in store.

Striped Socks Horizontal

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2011-09-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Many of you (all 16 of you ;p) have probably been aware of what has happened with the Anthroholic blog and her fraudulent personal shopping services. I feel a little bit out of place posting about this since I'm a very new Anthro blogger and I'm pretty unknown, but I have been an Anthro blog reader for a very, very long time and so I've been reading about all of the events and feel the need to reflect.

I almost had a transaction with her a couple of months ago. She reached out to me when I posted an APB on an item. She had this item and was selling it at a reasonable price but she was being incredibly pushy about getting payment right away due to her travel plans. Something about her polite pushyness, her unwillingness to look at other solutions and her convenient and ready excuses about travel plans sent red flags to me. I desperately wanted this item but I did not feel good about the circumstances and so after sending emails back and forth for days I reluctantly passed and purchased this item on ebay instead for $100 more. I'm really glad I followed my instincts because until yesterday I felt really foolish for having paid more for this item on ebay.

I just wanted to say how impressed I am by some of the very honest and genuine posts that are being made by her betrayed blogger friends. It's hard to put yourself out there to readers and share your self in such an honest way, it's so easy to hide behind outfit posts and posts about 'things' in the midst of something so hugely betraying and very public. It's hard to take a stand against a friend when you see them behave in such a wrong, and totally incongruent to the person you know behavior. Especially when you don't have the full birds eye view of events and you really want to be able to give them the benefit of the doubt. I just want to say how much I respect the integrity of these bloggers and I respect their words.

These types of things happen in real life every day and sometimes we have a hard time seeing the ugly truth until it really hits us in the face and is too hard to avoid, and sometimes it's just a million tiny offences that never quite hit us in the face. It can make us feel bad and very jaded in people in general and that robs us of being able to experience other more genuine friendships. It felt really good to read these posts this morning and to know these bloggers are sharing their real selves and not projections of a fantasy they want us to believe. I may have had a change of heart about how I shop and my consumer habits but I have not had a change of heart about reading these ladies blogs.

Some of the ones I've read so far:
Anthro Closet Chaos
The Top Drawer
The British Anthropologist
The Stylish Soprano
Effortless Anthropologie

25% Off Sweaters

2011-09-08T08:05:00.001-07:00

My latest Lust Item and My Weekend in Seattle

2011-08-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

Oh man. Oh man. My wallet is in trouble with this gorgeous Hampden Pea Coat. I love every little thing about it and will have to sacrifice much of my wish list items for this beauty. I just love the browns and oversized print. If only I could start this early in dropping Christmas wish list hints.

Sorry I've been lacking in posts lately, my husband has been on vacation and he's been sort of cramping my Anthro drop ins as well as my free blogging time. We spent a weekend in Seattle though and he did allow me to shop at Anthro to my hearts content with the trade off that the rest of the weekend would be totally free of shopping so I was happy about that, especially when he broke his own rule and discovered the watch department in Nordstroms. He has a weakness for watches so all I had to do was sneakily mention that Nordstroms had a huge selection of some of his favourite brands and I was left to wander the store while he tried on each and every watch he wanted too.

At Anthro I tried on many, many items but settled on getting fall casual staples. I got the Banded Ripples Tee in purple (looks more maroon to me) and I got the Starred Entry Tee (again) in Grey and the Anza Cardi in Turquoise. Today I was able to get a price adjustment for the Anza Cardi since it went on sale this morning, which made me very happy. I also got the Aldabra Barrette finally. This was my 3rd time ordering the barrette after it getting backordered and finally the order went thru. This is my top favourite hair barrette of my collection and it literally holds all of my thick, course hair in a ponytail. I also managed to find the Speckled Lotus Jaw Clip and quite love it. I have really thick, thick hair and since discovering how well made french hair accessories are and how well they hold all of my hair I've decided to collect them when they are on sale. Nordstroms also carries some of these hair clips by France Luxe but sadly they didn't have any of the bigger ones that I wanted or I would have gotten some more. I think ebay is also a good place to find these at sale prices.

Thats all for tonight but I will try to post a fit review of all the tops I got tomorrow evening.

Hampden Pea Coat

Did You Hear...? Roxy's Holding A Contest!

2011-08-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Roxy at Effortless Anthropologie is hosting two contests on her blog to win a healthy $250 or $100 gift card to our favourite store. I told her in my entry I was hoping to buy the Noon & Night Dress with the gift card but now that I see today's post about the blogger event she went to I've found some absolutely beautiful boots that look promising in the cuff circumference department for my 15.5" calves.

My Beauty Arsenal

2011-08-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Moroccan Oil, Arbonne Seasource Gelee, Origins, Arbonne Primer, Arbonne RE9 and Clear Advantage Acne Line, Dr. Reckeweg R30 Universal Ointment (Homeopathic), Arbonne Tinted Moisturizer

MAC Red lipstick and Coral/Pink Lipstick, Body Glide, More Arbonne makeup

OPI Nail Polish, Jo Malone Blue Agave Perfume, Diaper Wipes (makeup remover)

Behind The Dressing Room Door Contest

2011-08-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

It's Behind The Dressing Room Door's 1 year blogiversary and she's giving away a a $25 gift certificate to where else but Anthropologie. Make sure to check her blog out (one of my very favourites) and enter to win.

A Random Post For You

2011-08-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

~ My daughter sporting a serious arm party

Lepidoptra Dress

~ Is it just me or did Anthro add a bow to this dress overnight? I wonder if the sash is included..

~ I'm really missing my favourite TV shows. I have a LOT of favourite TV shows that my husband and I record on our PVR and watch on the weekends or after the kids go to bed. These are the shows that I get most engrossed in. Have you watched any of these? I think Mad Men is my top all time favourite.

Images from Pinterest

The Help

~ My solution to the TV ADD I'm suffering is reading this book which is so far fantastic (only about 100 pages in). It's a lot harder to read books now that I have two toddlers. It's pretty much impossible to do during their waking hours so I read for a bit before I go to bed.

Chia Mihara Shoes

~I have been obsessing something crazy about these Chia Mihara Shoes. It is so unfair that they are priced so steeply. Gravity Pope in Vancouver sells Chia Mihara's so I may put the bug in my husbands ear early for Christmas. I'm thinking I'd like an everyday shoe like a Mary Jane that can be worn with skirts or jeans.

Happy Anthro Markdown Tuesday!

2011-08-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

What an amazing sale today!! Lots of items got marked down that I was tempted by but I've been coveting the Backswept dress something bad the last few weeks and so I purchased it in two sizes to see which one works best. And now is when I realize that I have no shoes to go with this dress ;p

My store never received the Backswept Dress or the Meyer Meringue so I don't want to take my chances waiting till I can get to the store to see if they received a shipment of them for the sale. I'm convinced I can fall the Backswept Dress up despite the open back design. Chrysanthemum are fall flowers after all, aren't they?

Did you find anything from your wish list marked down today?

Backswept Dress

Meyer Meringue Dress

Seattle had one size 14 Meyer dress when I was last there and despite it being too big for me I tried it on anyways. I loved the dress so much but it's really a summer dress and I wouldn't want to wear it in the Fall with such a sunny color.

Flower Stand Dress

Triple Bar Belt

I got the Triple Bar Belt in Navy several weeks ago and I was tempted to get a second one since it's such a versatile little belt. I got it in a medium and I can wear it around my waist thru my pant belt loop or I can wear it at my upper waist. The blue was the right color choice for my wardrobe as it looks lovely over browns but If I happen upon another one of these in store I'd love any one of the other colors.

**Update**

I ended up ordering the Cuffed Clogs on sale and with free shipping. Not sure I'll keep them but they would solve my shoe issue with the Backswept Dress and it will be wearable for Fall I think. I'm almost certain the catalogue shot of the Backswept Dress is styled with these shoes. I also think they'd go nicely with my Checked Crops.

Free Shipping On Shoes!

2011-08-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to read 'free shipping' and ready to place my order for a few dresses (Noon & Night Dress, Backswept Dress) I'm eyeing and then I realized it was for shoes. I do have my eye on some shoes on the website but my priorities lay with clothes right now. Hmmmm, come to think of it, maybe we will see a big shoe sale tomorrow. Time to study up on the shoe offerings.

Happy Anthro Markdown Tuesday! + Store Report: Checked Crops, Starred Entry Tee, Across The Lands Dress (Green Motif)

2011-07-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

I stopped in at Vancouver Anthropologie today to pick up the Readymade Dress which has been on my wish list ever since I tried it on on a whim. I'm a bit disappointed at the sale price since I expected it would probably get marked down to about $59 since It's marked down to the same price as the Reflecting Pools Dress which is originally priced at $10 more then the Readymade dress. Not a huge deal, I was just hoping for a lower price today. I'm just glad the sale prices in Vancouver are the same as online.

Trinket Flats

Shoes in store again today. Oooh I wish they would carry the entire selection of Anthro shoes, especially Miss Albright.

Readymade Dress

So as I said, I tried the Readymade dress on before (over here) and was really impressed with the fit. I'm still hesitating on keeping it or not because the style is restricted to just summer and $69 is steep for a seasonal dress. Also, I have the Sailboat Skirt and it seems like having two nautical themed outfits is a little much..but I do love it. And, I'm not sure how I feel about the Chambray. Will it be too dated by next year? The fit is really flattering on me since it makes me really long torso seem shorter and my really short legs seem longer. I also really like how simple and comfortable this dress is. It sort of feels as comfortable as wearing sweats. Probably a keeper although I need to mull over if I want to hold out for second cut.

I decided to try it on with the Starred Entry Tee just to see if I can fall this dress up and I think it's possible although the way this top clings around my middle and where the top of the skirt sits I think this look needs to be belted.

Across The Lands Dress Green Motif

I LOVE this dress in this colorway. It's a funny way to do up a dress with eye hooks down the sides and at the neckline. It makes this really a wrap dress without a sash. I'm not sure I love how big the peep hole is at the bust.. I felt a bit exposed and would probably wear a black bandeau bra underneath to shorten the cleavage exposure but otherwise the dress was perfect. I really love the print and color in this dress. It's quite fall but can be worn in summer or spring as well. It's a size 10 and felt quite comfortable and roomy so I'd stick with this size. Wish listed for markdown or possible full price purchase if a dressy function pops up.

Starred Entry Tee

Checked Crops

My store finally got the Checked Crops in today (after I've ordered online). I really like the fabric in these pants. I was initially sceptical that I would like the fabric since it's polyester but it's a really soft, thick and brushed fabric and totally not itchy. The crops, as you can see, are really pant length on me. This is just fine by me since I plan on wearing this mostly with my boots or with my flats and if I wear it with chunky heels I can roll the cuff higher. The fit on these pants are a bit big and higher rise. I tried these on in a size down from my usual (12 in most pants) since they didn't have my size in. I'm going to stick with my true size since I think I need the baggier fit over my athletic thighs to prevent the pattern from distorting and just so it drapes a bit better in my upper thighs and butt. If you have narrower hips then me I would suggest sizing down in these as all the SA's in my store have tried them on and preferred the size down. If the one I ordered fits not too much roomier then these ones then I will keep them, if there is a big difference in size I will return and wait for markdown for this size.

The Starred Entry Tee I have really mixed feelings about. I really love the orange and the grey colorway but unfortunately they really cling to my muffin top and highlight it. The Blue colorway seemed to disguise my problem areas more and was a bit better balanced on me then the others so I brought it home to think about. This is a large and I take a medium or large in most tops. I think there is not a lot of difference in fit in this shirt between medium and large but I got the large for the bit of extra length in the torso so that I could bunch it up a bit around the middle to hide my tummy. I also think that the horizontal seam across the front may be a problem for some depending on bust size and where it lays on you. May be returning this top and waiting for markdown.

Remember These?

2011-07-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Mystery Miss Albright heels I mentioned last week?

Well they just popped up online

Malbec Heels

My Current Fall Lust List

2011-07-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

I'm suffering from Anthro ADD at the moment and wish I could go on a fall shopping spree (since it's 16*c here at the moment and not really summer) so instead of actually shopping I'm just gazing at my wish list. Most of these items are not in my local store so my wish list may change once I get a chance to try some of these on.

Starred Entry Tee

I tried this one on in the grey color last week in Seattle and I'm really not sure why I didn't buy it. I think I was hung up on my first impression of it on the website where I thought it was just sort of plain and boring. When I saw it in person I was surprised that it was a thin sweatshirt like material and had a really flattering fit. Perfect for me for fall - casual yet elegant. It was lovely on but I passed on it and now I think I would love it in either orange (that's a branch out color for me) or the grey which really looks like a soft blue/pale purple. I just noticed this picture of it online today and it really shows how well this top hugs your curves in the right places.

Checked Crops

As much as I'd love to wear skirts all of the time, I know I just wont unless I'm going somewhere fancy. These pants really drew my attention because they're dressier then jeans...but can still be quite casual and effortless. I can wear them with my boots, flats or my heels. It's a bit of a pipe dream that these pants will look nice on me with this particular print or that they will fit me at all since I have quite athletic thighs and a curvy figure, both of which make pant shopping a pain. But I really waaaaant these to work on me. My store hasn't gotten them in yet and I'm quite anxious to try them on.

Stash Away Cardigan

This is such a great cardi. My friend got one the other day and it looks so Jacki O on her. The length is lovely, the fabric is lovely and I adore a 3/4 length sleeve on a cardigan. It looks perfect with pencil skirts and jeans. I'm drawn to the yellow since I'm a bit obsessed with the color lately but I think the grey would have more versatility in my closet.

Backswept Dress

This was on my pipe dream wish list back in May and then I sort of put it out of my mind. Lately I'm obsessing with this dress again and very badly want it to go on markdown. I'm obsessing about how to pair colors with it and how to make it fall appropriate. I have no shoes to wear with this dress but I have a few occasions in the Fall that I will need a dress for so If it goes on sale, and I can satisfy myself that this is a versatile dress to style then I would love to have it.

Tsuru Blouse

Beautiful blouse to wear with a pencil skirt or trousers. It's just stunning and so elegant. I can see wearing a blouse like this to a dinner party. Although I'm visually really drawn to this top it doesn't have that comfortable effortless look that appeals to me so I wouldn't be tempted by this unless I have a very specific function it would be perfect for.

Helping Hands Top

This top is too adorable. I love a 3/4 sleeve over full length and the print is just too cute. I wonder how the print would look like on and if it would be obvious what the print is or if it just looks like smudged colors.

Happy Anthro Markdown Tuesday!

2011-07-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

This is the first week I've been disappointed at not seeing some of the items I had my heart set on buying today. How silly. It was such a good markdown with several items I've got on my wish list but because I had my heart set on 2 specific items I can't enjoy what was uploaded. Such a fickle creature I am. I was hoping the Backswept Dress would be marked down today so when I was up at 2am with my cranky 1 year old I decided to actually 'get up' and check online for it. I was also hoping to see the Readymade Dress but alas, this was not the week for me.

Yesterday I was in at Vancouver Anthropologie briefly since I was in the neighborhood and I wanted to check and see if the Checked Crops were in for me to try on (nope, not yet). Since I was there I quickly checked thru the barrettes which I like to collect when they are marked down and I saw that they got the Asters Barrette in ($22 CAN/$18 online). I went to pay for it and the lovely SA told me they were ringing up at $9 so I grabbed a second one. I'm surprised they aren't marked down online today since I figured they were scanning for cheaper for that reason but I guess it may be a glitch? If your in store and had your eye on those it may be worth while getting it scanned to check the actual price on it.

Asters Barrettes

Embroidery Pattern Skirt

I really loved this skirt when I tried it on but not sure if I like the midi length on me.

Cultivation Skirt

I haven't tried this one on yet but I'm a sucker for polka dots. If it's still in when I get a chance to go back to the store later this week then I may snatch it up.

Grapevine Tank

I really loved this top when it came online and my only poo-poo about it is that the neckline is cut in a way that shows bra straps. I'd probably get this if I see it in store later this week but I'm not so motivated to order online at the moment.

Slung Scarf Tank

I liked the look of this tank and the print on it but really didn't like the boxiness of it. I'd like to see how this looks belted or tucked in before I totally write it off.

Anthropologie Review: Heritage Raincoat (Come to me my pretty!!)

2011-07-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today is the start of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so I decided to venture out to Seattle for a look see since this epic sale includes new season (pre fall) items and not last seasons (summer) leftovers. Specifically I have skinny jeans on my needs list and some other fall bits and pieces that I'm keeping my eyes peeled for but sadly I think I was the only person today who came out of Nordy's without a big bag. I did see AG Stevies on for $100 and almost got them but I just didn't love them enough to bite the bullet. I think the problem was that it was just too crowded to maneuver with a double stroller and I didn't have a list of things I wanted to look for other than jeans so it was a little bit of a frustrating experience. Next year I think I'll be more prepared and leave the kids at home.

My husband and I ventured over to Seattle Anthropologie because we all know finding something there is not that difficult and the store was pretty mellow with most shoppers across the street at the big sale.

Shoes!! I forgot this location carried shoes and I came upon the most gorgeous Miss Albright Plum colored suede with waffle textured pumps. *sigh* there were other beauties not currently on the website and a few boot options too. No shoes for me today since I've already gotten my fall/winter every day shoes and I try to only buy heels when I have a specific event/outfit in mind since they are not every day shoes for me.

I had my eye on the yellow Heritage Raincoat since it appeared on the website a couple of weeks ago and since I've been on the hunt for a replacement raincoat for the one I'm currently using I've tried this jacket on already in the Vancouver store in size medium. I came very close to purchasing it the other day when I returned all of my last weeks purchases but I realized there was a huge price difference between what was online and what was in store. I think the Vancouver store has this jacket tagged at $350ish? Anyways, thankfully I remembered that the online price was closer to $300 (actually it's $288) so I figured I could just order it online at a later date and I refrained from purchasing in store. I hate to avoid making purchases in the Vancouver store since I really want the store to prosper so that they open more Anthro's in the lower mainland but that is just too steep of a price markup for me, especially when you factor in taxes. I've noticed though that although the regular merchandise in the Vancouver store is marked up from the website, the sale prices match the online prices so it's definitely worth your while to shop in store for those items.

Heritage Raincoat

The Heritage Raincoat is exactly the type of jacket that I need living in Vancouver where it rains about 95% of the year (including this weird summer we're having). Last winter I used a raincoat with an inner fleece liner for the entire winter instead of using a warmer down jacket and I was perfectly toasty and comfortable so I'm pretty confident this jacket will be perfectly appropriate for our usually mild winters. Especially since this jacket is roomy enough to allow for layers underneath.

This British Millerain waxed cotton jacket is lined with a really soft brushed cotton that feels more like flannel. I love that this jacket is flexible and not stiff like most other rain appropriate jackets. I have a Lululemon Audrey trench coat that I adore for it's style but what bothers me the most about it is that the outer fabric has little stretch and so loading the kids into the car (no attached garage :( ) on a rainy day is quite annoying as is driving with the jacket on. This jacket feels really nice on!! It's a bit on the very very roomy side throughout the torso and I can easily fit a thick sweater underneath it. I'm actually wearing a thin sweatshirt in this picture and it was still quite roomy. I would have loved to have sized down to a small but unfortunately the shoulders and upper arms were a bit too tight and would not have allowed me to layer much of a sweater underneath, although the body was still very roomy. I'm very happy with the fit of this jacket since it's sort of meant to be over sized and is nicely balanced with a large printed hood and a belt. The hood is quite huge but I find that ideal on a truly rainy day, especially when I don't have hands free to carry an umbrella.

There are four pockets on the front with the lower two being quite deep and lined with the same flannely cotton as the inside of the jacket. The sleeves are lined with a silky polyester which I quite like because that helps to prevent your inner sweater sleeves from dragging and bunching across fabric. Left open the jacket is really huge but if you tie the sash around in the back it gives the waist of the jacket some definition. Also, I like that I can just tie the jacket closed with the front panels overlaping for a narrower fit if I don't use the zipper.

All in all, this is a fantastic jacket for those of you living in rainy climates. Probably not worth full price if you don't see a lot of rain but for Vancouverites, a good rain appropriate jacket is a must have item. The style of this jacket really suites my day to day life of running around with my kids and it has a laid back, put together but not dressy vibe that I like. I like my wool coats for dressing up but for sherpa-ing around in the rain it's quite perfect and very well made.

Review: Lemon Liftoff Blouse

2011-07-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

I was so, sooooo excited that Vancouver Anthropologie got this blouse in this week (along with a lot of new release items) and when I saw it in stock in my size I was almost giddy to try it on. It is so beautiful in person and the silk has a slight sheen to it. however, I was majorly disappointed that my size 10 (I'm an 8/10 in most blouses). was too snug in the torso. I was able to put it on easily with the side zip undone but once on my middle felt hugged by the blouse to the point that I would be afraid to bust a seam if I leaned over or touched my toes and the fabric has no stretch to it other then mechanical stretch and that really just isn't enough for a fitted silk blouse. I would probably have purchased this in the next size up except my store didn't have anything above a 10. Poo-Poo! As you can see in the photo below, the blouse is gorgeous (and my toddler was not having anymore shopping!). Wishlisted for another store visit.

Lemon Liftoff Blouse

Sale Haul! And Waffling About the Settee Roses Skirt

2011-07-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

So I had a bit of a stressful trip into Vancouver Anthropoligie today (unhappy children plus complicated transaction) to have my Heartseas Habotai Blouse price adjusted and in the end I did have the price adjustment honoured so I was able to purchase the Climate Control Cardi that went on sale today with the difference. I also picked up the Scratchboard Skirt to see if I liked it better then my Settee Rose Skirt I got the other day and I'm really sort of torn.

I really like the outfit with the Scratchboard Skirt but the quality of the skirt feels less substantial then other skirts of the same price. I'm actually really disappointed that the skirt doesn't have pockets. It also has a really strange construction with an inner liner only on the back half of the skirt, the front half of the skirt is two layers of printed fabric (sort of a faux wrap) and the second outer layer seems to be a bit longer then it should be and doesn't sit symmetrically. I think it's meant to not sit symmetrically and is part of the design but I still feel off kilter. The pull up waist is a little bit big in the large but I opted for the extra length of the large versus the medium. The elastic waist kind of looks like mens underwear but I think I like the casualness of it. I think I'm torn because I know this will go on sale...and probably because something better will come along. This will probably go back to the store and will be repurchased at sale time.

Dotted Dashes Tee, Scratchboard Skirt,

Triple Bar Belt, Climate Control Cardi

The Dotted Dashes top is just adorable! I saw it initially when I purchased the Settee Skirt but passed in favour of the Dorsal Tee. When I returned the Dorsal Tee I tried this one on and immediately fell in love with it. It looks so cute with this skirt, my Sailboat skirt and with jeans. Tucked into skirts it sort of has the look of the Readymade Dress with the boatneck and nautical red stripe/polka dot. I love that the background is raw white and not a sharp white. I experienced tear the tags off lust with this simple little tee and I'm glad I did because it works with a lot of items in my closet. And also I guess I seem to have a thing for polka dots on red and white or white on red.

I'm very pleasantly surprised with the Climate Control Cardigan which I never bothered to try on at full price since the extra flap of fabric was a turn off. I've been on the hunt for a pretty/dressy cardigan for a while and thought that a yellow/chartreuse would be a good choice considering what I have in my closet already. Once I tried this one on today I was sold. It's a great fitting little cardigan and the bronze buttons really dress this up. The extra flap on this really doesn't stand out when you wear the cardi closed and when it's open it looks like any other basic shaped cardigan.

Settee Roses Skirt, Dotted Dashes Tee

Triple Bar Belt, Climate Control Cardi

I was surprised that the Dotted Dashes Tee worked well with this skirt tucked in. I think it's because the raw white background of the tee matches the raw white patches in the skirt. Adding the cardigan and the skinny belt is a bit much and I think I've decided that if I were to keep this skirt it would be a sandals only skirt which limits it to warm weather. I think the boots really makes me look wider and stockier then I am so I'm almost certain I'm going to be returning this skirt as well. Oh well. If I'm not 100% sold on something or how it looks on me then it's best to send it back in favour of something I know immediately looks great on me, right?

Oops, forgot to talk about this little belt. I got this in a large and it's slightly loose on me but I think the medium would have been too snug. I really, really love the belt though and I ended up choosing the dark blue after not being able to choose a color for the longest time. I could see the yellow, red and green ones being equally as useful in my closet but I settled on the blue simply because I'm favouring navy's lately and it looked really cute over this tee paired with jeans.

Happy Anthro Markdown Tuesday!

2011-07-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! What a fab markdown today, no? I guess I think it's fab because I have an item I love NWT that I get to have price adjusted (hopefully) and a few items that have been on my radar were marked down today. I'm in need of a pretty cardigan and there are two options today that I'm seriously considering.

Heartseas Habotai Blouse

I got this blouse a little while ago and for some reason have kept the tags on. It's partly because it's so pretty that I've been afraid to wear it, but now once I get it price adjusted, with the sale price I may feel this is less precious and wear it with abandon. :)

Climate Control Cardi

I really like the Climate Control Cardi but have held back because I'm not so sure I like the extra flap of fabric at the neckline. At the sale price I don't mind it at all. What I love about this cardi are the gorgeous colors it comes in as well as the brass buttons on it. I'm having a hard time choosing which color would best work in my closet but I'm sort of leaning towards the yellow...but I'm quite attracted to the blue as well.

Seashell Cardigan

I like this cardigan but wish it wasn't so snug fitting. I would size up to a large in this but I'm just not totally sure I'd want to always wear this buttoned up and the style of this cardigan really looks best buttoned up.

Sempervivum Belt

I almost purchased this belt a while back but decided not to in favour of something else. I like that this is such a comfortable and un restricting belt to wear over dresses. Sometimes wide leather belts feel like your wearing a corset so I like the crochet portion of this belt.

Clean Sweep Trousers

I've had my eye on these for a while now. I haven't tried them on yet but I love them as lounge pants and I'm sure if they're in store when I'm next in I wont resist them.

Styled: Settee Roses Skirt

2011-07-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

I brought home the Settee Roses Skirt today and have taken pictures of it worn with both my Lemon Stick Wedges (perfection!) and with my new Primped and Pebbled Boots. My goal for today was really to find jeans (or something) to be styled with my new boots so I'm not disappointed that I came home with this skirt and not the jeans.

here it is worn with the wedges and you can see how well the skirt and wedges pair together. Not so much with my grey Gathering Tank Tee but if you look at the pictures below worn with the white version of this tee you can see how summery this outfit would look.

Here it is with my Primped and Pebbled Boots. The skirt goes over the top of the boots and I think it works (hubs approves). I've read that you want your skirt to either go over the top of your boots or to have a significant enough (but not too much) space between the top of the boots and the bottom of the skirt. having the hem and the top of your boots meet I guess is the look to be avoided. I think the grey tee works with the boots but I think I want to find a teal top to go with this or perhaps a solid mustard yellow. This look is very fall and dark. I might like to pair this with a wide belt.

I really liked the colors of the Dorsal Tee paired with this skirt but not so sure I liked mixing the patterns together. Although my husband liked this tee untucked and with jeans (I didn't find it flattering) he didn't like it tucked into the skirt. I'd like to find something mustard to wear with this skirt so I'm thinking if I see the Winners Circle Tee in yellow I would probably like that better.

The white tee really plays up the white parts of the print and gives this a fresher look. definitely something I'd wear during summer.

Better look at the print in natural light and the boots. I don't think I like the boots and the white tee together. Pardon the ugly backdrop, it's our spare catch all bedroom.

Brainstorming colors to pair with the skirt. Do you have any color selections for me that may work with this skirt?

Anthropologie Fit Reviews: Talauma Tunic, Settee Roses Skirt, Cirque A-Line Dress, Dorsal Tee

2011-07-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

I was able to stop in today at the Vancouver Anthropologie as my husband was feeling very generous with time and $$ since he's in vacation mode. Oh how I love vacation mode!! My shopping list today was to find a pair of skinny jeans to wear with my newly acquired (finally after a year of waffling) Primped and Pebbled Boots and sadly I came home without jeans but I did bring a few purchases home for a visit instead.

I've been fantasizing about the Green AG Stevie Ankle Jeans since I saw them on Square Peg For Anthro Blog a few days ago and finally got to try them on today. The green, although it's gorgeous, GORGEOUS, I'm just not sure I can commit myself to wearing green jeans especially since they draw attention to my lower half. Also, I don't have very many tops that would go well with it. The AG Stevies were super comfortable and very strechy. I found the same jeans in a dark blue denim and I would have instantly purchased them except they were sold out in my size and the size down. In The image below of me wearing the Talauma Tunic I'm wearing 2 sizes too small AG Stevies, hence the major muffin top (my apologies!) . I think I should stick to my tried and true Levi's Demi Curve Jeans though since they are the best fit for my small waist to wide hip ratio and they greatly reduce muffin top.

Talauma Tunic

I tried on this top because the pretty branch print caught my attention. I tried this on in a medium and I would say it's TTS although flexible either way since it's an oversized top. I did really like it a lot but not the type of top I was in the mood for today so I've wish listed it for a later date.

Settee Roses Skirt

I've had this skirt on my wish list since it first appeared on the website. I love that the print lends itself to Summer as well as Fall and when I saw it in store today it was the first item I grabbed. I was pleasantly surprised at the weight of the cotton and the softness. It's sort of a textured thick cotton that feels quite a bit more casual then you would expect with this print. I love playing up the mustard yellow or the Indian Teal for fall and the white in the print for a more summery feel. I'm posting more images of this skirt shortly since it deserves a post of it's own.

Cirque A-Line Dress

I was quite enchanted by the elephant print of this dress and the contrasting yellow sash over the black. The print, when you look at the negative space is quite perfectly balanced and dances around your body in such a fun way. I tried this on in a 12 which is a size up for me and would be the size I'd buy. I had issues zipping up the zipper at the bust but it was not because it was snug, it was just not a very good zipper and it seemed to be too small for the weight of the fabric. I felt like if I pulled it closed that last little bit the zipper would break so I let it be. I really like this dress for a party but not so much for casual wear so it's wish listed for when the occasion arrises and if I try it on again and successfully zip the zipper up smoothly without destroying it.

Dorsal Tee

I have really mixed feelings feelings about this top. I love the colors, love the style, just not so sure it works on my figure. I saw it on my way out of the store and my parking was running out so I had to make the purchase without trying it on first. It's a medium and quite thin and sheer so it shows all of my imperfections and muffin top in all it's glory. It's so sheer that you can see my frowning belly button underneath. I tried it on with a cami underneath as well and that solved a lot of the issues except for the muffin top so I think I want to take this back tomorrow and try on the large because I think if the large flows away from the body as I think this is intended than it could look so much better on me. But maybe the stripes are just too busy for me? I dunno, I really love the muted mustardy yellow with the taupe background. Maybe I need to find something else in these colors. The length of this tee (on my short 5'4 frame) is more of a tunic length which I really like but I don't think I would like this in a different colorway.

Happy Anthro Markdown Tuesday! + Some New Wishlist Additions

2011-07-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

This week I'm on family vacation in Parksville, BC and away from access to my most favourite store just when a couple of items I've been stocking have popped up on markdown so I immediately emailed a local friend who is also an Anthro connoisseur to keep an eye out for the Aldabra Barrett for me. Not major purchases at all this week but I've been really, really wanting the Aldabra Barrett in white so it figures it gets marked down when I can't purchase it in store. I've been interested in the Wildflower Foxtrot Dress as well but I think it's a touch too short for me so I need to try it on first in store. I'll be sure to scope it out this Sunday when I'm back and hopefully the markdown room hasn't been pillaged too badly.

Aldabra Barrett

Wildflower Foxtrot Dress

I spotted two new items online today that gave me major heart palpitations. The Heritage Raincoat, most perfect for our wetcoast Vancouver weather may need to come home with me one day soon. I adore the yellow one with the navy and white polka dot print inner liner but the orange one with butterfly print is also pretty cute. It's quite pricey at $288 but for the climate we get in Vancouver where it rains 85% of the year it has a good cost per wear value so I think I can justify it to myself. I think ;p. If it looks fabulous on me that will be all the push I need.

Heritage Raincoat

The Sea Nettle Shift Dress in robins egg blue with deep red contrasted print and some orange and pik thrown in are exactly the color combinations I love. I really love the shape of this dress as well and I wish it was not an online exclusive so that I could try it on in store. It's so gorgeous but I'll have to wait till some reviews show up before I take the plunge on it because I really have no clue what size i'd be in this since I can range from size 8-12 depending on the brand.

Sea Nettle Shift

OOTD Inspiration: Canada Day

2011-06-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Canada Day and were heading to the beach at Harrison Hot Springs for some family fun. I don't have a lot of red in my closet but I do have the Ruched Hourglass Top seen in the set below and I have my white Banana Republic shorts that I can wear along with it. Oh if only I could shop specifically for tomorrow I'd buy the Bubbled Fan Pullover and the Toms Red Canvas Wedges and perhaps a wicker bag from Old Navy to carry the kids sand toys in.

Anthropologie Fall Fashions

2011-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I get about fall fashion. I love summer but there is something about fall clothing that is so much more exciting and substantial. I always find my summer wardrobe is much less made up of investment pieces and are much more cheaper disposable fashion or items from summers past. Whatever I buy in the summer that is pricey must be wearable in the fall months as well. Shorts and tanks I'm more then happy to purchase at places like Joe Fresh or Old Navy but once we hit Fall I love substantial shoes, coats and sweaters.

Collecting Dots Dress

This dress is after my heart with it's retro shape and red polka dot print. I can see this one making it's way into my closet and worn with tall riding boots. Am I too late with the rugged riding boots and pretty dress style? I just ordered my first pair of tall boots ever (post to come shortly) and was hoping to wear it with dresses. I think that style would make me more comfortable wearing a dress very casually.

Strappy Dandelion Dress

This is another dress I love for it's print and it's shape. Dandelions are adorable and the blue shades are exactly what I gravitate to in my closet. I really hope fall brings me many excuses to wear pretty dresses. Dinners out, date nights and work functions with my husband would be very justifiable reasons to have some pretty dresses on hand.

Short & Stitchy Cardigan

A couple of pretty and versatile cardigans are on my needs list for fall and winter. I get very overheated fast indoors in the winter since so many people like to crank the heat. I'm really surprised I don't own one single cardigan. I have one wrap sweater that gets way overused and I think it's time to add a cardigan or two. This one is really pretty in the red and I really like it's cropped shape but what I'm not sure about is that it's an open cardigan and also, I think if I get an Anthro cardi it must be 'special' with a pretty print or embellishment. Otherwise I can stick to Old Navy for something more plain.

Lemon Liftoff Blouse

This blouse is definitely wish listed. I love the owl print on it and the sleeves and necktie. It reminds me of the Loosened Shelby Blouse in the lemon yellow print. I loved that blouse except for the sleeves and this blouse seems to solve what I didn't like and embellishes what I loved. A cute print, yellow background, and preppy neck tie.

Piped Sailor Skirt

Oh god I love the newest skirts added to the website. The preppy/nautical/military style skirts are really calling to me. I especially love the wool grey and yellow colorblocked sweater skirt.

Colorblocked Sweater Skirt

I can see myself wearing this skirt a lot with sturdy heels/booties or flats or even perhaps tall boots. I love that it can be paired with several colors and has that added small pop of color in the yellow ribbon detail. This to me seems like a staple skirt. The teal is lovely as well but I think I'd get less use in that color and would be more limited in color pairings.

Last Blooming Skirt

This is such a pretty skirt for Summer/Fall/Spring. I love the butterfly detail at the waist and the antiqued beigey colored background. I love this skirt but I think this one will be a wait until markdowns item.

Pansey Corset Trench

I initially thought I needed a new coat for Fall/Winter but I do have one from last year that I love and a cropped pea coat from 4 years ago that still works. My problem with last years coat is that it's a size and a half big on me but I can still use it (especially with a heavy sweater underneath) and the cropped pea coat is perhaps a half size too small. Between the two of them I'm probably covered. I would have loved to been able to take in my too big jacket but with it's design it would be very pricey if at all possible. I went thru a phase a few years ago where I was obsessed with dressy wool coats. I can see this obsession returning if Anthro comes out with some nice designs this fall and winter. I always put a wool coat on my Christmas wish list but it's always annoying to have to wait so long for a new jacket and then get to enjoy it for a shorter period of time. Ah well.

Shoes! My other love besides coats.

Glossed Loafers

These are really cute and funky. I love the greeny/grey color best but the turquoise is fun too. I don't see myself wearing these shoes but they are lovely eye candy none the less.

Fanfare Platforms

My recent shoe purchase (post coming soon) is very similar to these in style so I was excited to see these in the anthro catalogue since my purchase was from a shoe from 2009/2010 and I wasn't sure if they would work with this years fashions. I love the sturdyness of it mixed with the feminine peep toe. This style of shoe is easily an everyday versatile shoe.

Not loving the cloak style of jacket. It's a cute style on others but I don't see myself participating.

Crystal Platform Clogs

Woven Saddle Boots

I don't love these boots persay but i've been anxiously anticipating Anthro's fall boot selection. I sorely missed out last year but saw a lot of boots I loved online so I'm excited to finally see some boots for this year.

well it looks like, according to Anthro, that the rugged boot and pretty dress style is still in. Thank goodness! I love the style as it allows you to wear dresses more casually which is always my goal. I hate looking like I took a lot of effort in an outfit since I always lean towards more casual.

Towering Tassel Mules

These are so, so cute. I love the colors it comes in and would have trouble picking which I like best. Since I lean to a more casual effortless style that naturally means I also love slide on backless shoes.

Stacked Strap Heels