Dear Anyone Else

I've a got a case of the Help Mes today, so please bear with me. Consider this a reverse Dear Abbie and I am requesting a bevvy of style-related advice from your highly-regarded collective fashion know-how.

 

Starting with this dress. I purchased the Anthro blackboard dress from Ebay months ago but aside from my initial glee over its well-fittingness, I haven't worn in. Because I am not sure how to wear it.  The ruched shoulders make wearing it under cardis awkward, and then throwing a jacket on seems to make it loose its nice lines, and with just a belt, it still doesn't seem right.

 

You ladies have any ideas on how I can style this? Or have I fashion blogged too much and I can no longer accept leaving a dress on its own - because it seems like a fine piece all by itself? 

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And then way back in April, I fell victim to the Lust for a Yellow Bag and purchased one of those hot-to-trot Cambridge Satchels in yellow. Swallowing the retardedly high cost for shipping anything overseas, my lust for the satchel was so great that I didn't even bat an eyelash when the web site advised that due to demand, blah, blah, blah, it may take up to three weeks before I received anything.

{via}

And so I clickety-clicked my way through a purchase and have been sitting on my hands as three weeks came and went. And I've received nothing except an initial order confirmation e-mail. Even after I sent customer service a ping a few days ago inquiring about my status. Whole lotta nada.

Has anyone else purchased a Cambridge Satchel before from the states? Is this kind of wait and silence normal? Was Pippa Middleton spotted carrying this exact bag weeks ago so that the Satchel company has been raided of all its wares by a bevvy of fanatical trend-following London-ites and they're tanning hides as fast they can right now through the dark of night to keep up?

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I know fashion is a cyclical thing and retailers take inspiration from each other and I typically have no probs at all when doppelganger looks pop up from different stores. But I do find it amusing when an inspired-by look clocks in as more expensive than the original. Case in point:

Ramona Buckle Slides - Anthropologie (3 colors - $98) OR Worishofer 251 Sandals (21 colors - $59.95)

What do you think about this style? As a backlash to the sucky Anthro sale yesterday, I bit on the yellow Worishofers and bought them online. I know about the shopping ban ... I know they're comfy as all get and they are kind of IN right now, but I'm still undecided on whether "orthopedic chic" is a good thing?

Slightly on Target

I'm so glad to be home! Going to FL isn't far, but it seems so much longer when you have a BF and pup at home that you're missing! Especially since all the time in FL was spent rolling out at the crack of the dawn and finishing long after dark - I had zero problem sleeping like a rock in the hotel.

A little "surprise" that I enjoy receiving after a long week away is a little pile of fresh packages (OK, one package, but still, it's nice). I received my Target GO International dresses and wanted to share my thoughts on them (though I'll keep it short since I know reviews have already made their rounds in the blogosphere).

  

Tracy Feith by Target hibiscus print dress: I think most of you gals know by now that the Tracy Feith dresses fit real small, so you've lucked out on this one, petite gals. I am typically a size 2/2P and got this in a 5 and it "just" fit. If you're on the busty side, you probably need to size up. The length is perfect on my short frame and it is fully lined in a bright orange with a layer of crinoline along the hem for added flounce. I really like this dress - except I kind of feel like I need to be on a Hawaiian vacation to wear it. I'm undecided about this one ... I may trade it in for the all-white version.

See Kathryn rock the dress.

  

Libertine by Target striped tunic: I'm not sure about this. It is short, so I'm going to need some leggings or other bottoms to wear this out in public in. And the puffed sleeves - I am kind of feeling football player-ish. I got this in a S for the additional length and I figured the 100% cotton material will probably shrink in the wash. I think I'm going to end up keeping this so I can wear it for super-cas at-home weekends since I'm automatically in love with something if it has stripes.

See Pamela, M and Carol rock the tunic.

And this is what I wore today - hello, beautiful spring - albeit cloudy - weather! I even broke out my very first Minkoff, which I love love love, but which I also carry around like a newborn baby! I'm not much of a handbag person - this ain't Respect the Purse -  and honestly I'm cheap can't you tell, hehe, so this is a big purse splurge for me. That I will coddle around like a purse baby. My sweet little studded purse baby.

  

Dress: AT Loft dotty blossoms (worn here before - similar here, here or luxe here)

Belt: cheapie gold woven (similar here)

Shoes: Artisan by Clarks herring bow flats (worn here before - similar here or here)

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff navajo studs clutch

Uggs are for Mondays

Greetings again from NYC, aka the frozen northeast, aka the icy wasteland, aka the site of mini-snowpocalypse 2010. As you've all noticed (or lived through), we've had a bit of snow in the past 24 hours. What a difference a day makes, huh?

Fashion does unfortunately take a backseat when it comes to bodily warmth and battling the elements. I was so thankful I had purchased my first pair of Uggs (and thought to bring them to NY, whew) and dug through my old closet to pull out this puffy mass of warm shapelessness from high school!

I shoveled the whole front walk (you can probably tell because it looks like a 1st grader did it) and then had to help my dad unbury the driveaway entrance (thank you Mr. City Snow Plow Worker guy - sigh). A Jackie Warner workout ain't got anything on plain ole shoveling snow for a few hours! The snow was for real knee high!

I'll be headed back to the SE in another day or so, so I am hoping hoping the local airports get themselves sorted out! I did thoroughly enjoy my visit with the fam though, and we had our usual holiday over-indulgence on everything, plus some time to enjoy the big city holiday cheer (though I do mean "enjoy" a bit lightly though - check out the usual Christmas crowds at Rockefeller Center, egads).

And the cool one-legged seagull down at the Seaport:

In a modest fashion front, I had some quality time with the big sis and we went to three different Anthropologies (two of them yesterday during mini-snowpocalypse) and I think I'm thoroughly indulged in one of my fave retailers for a while. In fact I may need to go on a purchasing diet for January (sshhh, don't tell my wallet).

I don't know how much longer this Anthro tag sale with the additional 25% off runs for, but if you NYC gals have an opp (and can get out of your homes or even up the block!), I highly recommend paying the Greenvale, NY store a visit. It is located as a stand-alone store in a non-descript corner in Long Island (i.e., not convenient to anything) but it has such a massive sale inventory that there were two huge sale sections and a lot of one-off older items!

Here are some of the goodies I scored on super-sale between online and the Greenvale location:

Are you thoroughly indulged this holiday season, or is there still lots more to come this week? What was the best thing you got to do this holiday season? (And did you fella Anthro-lovers score any super-sale "last one standing, can't believe I found it in my size" goodies?)

The Importance of Being Victorian

Happy Holidays, you beautiful people! I hope your Christmas days were peaceful and warming, regardless of whether or not you celebrate the day. Here's hoping for additional discounts off anything you didn't find in your stockings for the rest of the holiday season!

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My apparent penchant for cugly (cute/ugly) print dresses has apparently followed me up to the NE where between an online order and visit to the store, I'm probably over-indulged in Anthro's recent tag sale. I did manage to score deals on the Raines heels and found the last pair of Pebbled and Primped boots at my local-ish store (and maybe some other stuff too ...)

I also purchased Maeve's Wightwick Manor dress on a whim and though I am in love with the cut, overall fit, and soft corduroy, there's the issue of this print. As for size, I ordered down from normal based on the online reviews and I am thinking I may need to head back to the store (haha) to get my regular size, as apparently I have a larger rib cage. The dress fits perfectly everywhere but it tight right below the chest and above the waist. I guess I am big-boned?

The print, similar to my experience with the Sugar-Coated dress, I don't know if I like this off-kilter unusual fabric, or if it reminds me of wallpaper from the '60s. Or carpet from the '70s. It actually does a good job of being reminescent of the actual Victorian Wightwick Manor. My big sis though, took one look at this dress and didn't even blink before saying "return it." I don't know, I am digging the fit so much that I kind of want to keep it - and am even considering it in the slightly too small size if I can't find my usual 2.
 
What do you think? Keep, or is the print just cugly going on plain ole ugs?

Caped Crusader and "Thank You, Santa"

I always feel like I am behind the ball on reviews because I don't get to head to my fave stores as often as I should (I can almost hear the BF snort with laughter in the background) and a lot of you fella blogettes already do such an awesome job with them. But I got a couple of requests to share more about my recent purchases so here we go:

♥  Anthro Cartonnier craftsmanship capelet : I think the original yellow color scheme sold out so quickly that I never even realized it was a piece from this season. I stumbled on this new colorway last week and immediately fell in lust. Then the little voice inside my head (the same one that tells my right forefinger to use the mouse to hit "submit" all the time) told me "go, go, go!" and well ...

This jacket feels like the softest wool blanket ever. There's not a bit of itchiness, and the jacket is fully lined. It is probably too light of a jacket to wear in most parts now, but may be perfect for the SE winters. As for sizing, I am usually a XS/S in Cartonnier and got this in the smaller size - there's still plenty of room for me to wear a sweater underneath and not feel like a mammoth.

My only critiques are that I wish the jacket was a few inches longer and the collar would stand up on its own better - other than that, I think in Anthro world, this is a deal at full price!

 

♥  Anthro Edme & Esyllte field skirt : I was hesitant to join the field skirt bandwagon at first because I didn't see a color I loved (OK, I didn't see it in a color I didn't already have in a similar style) - and the yellow came out and I almost jumped on it, except I couldn't figure out what to pair with it. But that is another reason why I love this little corner of blogdom because you gals all started wearing your field skirts and filling my head with pretty ideas!

I agree with the online reviews that this skirt is less full than the circle the globe skirt from this summer. It is unlined but the corduroy is enough of a fabric that I didn't feel too light for the weather. I got my usual size 2 and I think the fit is good if not a tad large. I wasn't bothered enough by the fit to go smaller though but you gals may want to try your normal size and one down. The length hits me perfectly too (I'm 5'2" or 5'3" on a good hair day) and I am always a sucker for pockets.

♥  Forever 21 faux fur collar coat : I actually ordered this a few weeks ago but haven't gotten around to wearing it yet. I am a big fan of the faux fur look but too much of a chicken to go "full faux fur." This furry collar was a nice compromise for me, and the collar buttons right off if I'm just not feeling it.

This is another piece that isn't that wouldn't make it into regular NYC winter rotation but I love the 3/4 sleeves and length - perfect for wearing with skirts or dresses. It also has two cute front pockets and two black pleats. As for sizing, I got my normal size S and the fit is perfect - though if you planned to wear any warm layers underneath, I would recommend going up a size.

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The fabulous do-it-all mom / teacher / deal finder extraordinaire Peggy recently organized a blogger Secret Santa and I was lucky enough to get paired with modernmom, another do-it-all mom and fella fashion addict. Here's what modernmom got me, from one of my fave stores (hm, how did she know ...) :

Thanks so much for your wonderful note and great gift, modernmom! I hope you enjoy what I got you - happy holidays!

Bah Humbug Business Appropriate

Ah, Florida, there's nothing like driving down your palm tree-lined streets perusing amusements beyond my imaginings while the breeze whips through my hair giving my face a frozen teeth-chattering wind burn. This is the first time ever I've turned the heat on in my hotel room in Florida - and I come to see you a lot, ole buddy! What is up?! I spent last night under my covers in bed with the heat going - and my feet were still f-f-freezing!

Of course I find myself here ill-equipped in the attire department - one thin fleece jacket that does not work over my requisite business attire and my $10 side street "pashmina" is going to need to do double duty as both scarf and body wrap today!

See for yourself how I am dressed today - completely not what I had planned and it's boring, but this is my (gulp) weather warmest! And yes, for those of you living in the Midwest, I know you gals are just rolling your eyes at my chatter about 30 degree weather - but if only I had been smart enough to bring my warmer clothes!

Jacket: Anthropologie Sine Brief Meeting (similar here or long-sleeved here or BF-cut version here)
Pants: AT Loft grey herringbone trousers (similar online here or here)
Shoes: Sofft patent pumps (similar online here or mary jane here)

So what do I do to appease myself and my frost-bitten little soul? Be not so good and gift myself some early Christmas presents of course! Such as ...

So have you gals bought yourselves anything sweet for the holidays?

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I'm sure you gals have noticed a few of these badges around our little fashion blogosphere lately:

The fabulous Tara B. from Little Girl Big Closet is hosting a fantastic feature very much in spirit of the season - she and some of our favorite blogettes are putting together fashionable vignettes in the style of the 12 Days of Christmas! I was completely surprised and flattered that I was asked to participate, so please keep an eye out for me! Her feature starts today - I can't wait to see what prettiness all the gals have put together to celebrate the holidays!

That 70's Dress

I'm probably the last person in the Anthro blog community to try these dresses on, but I snagged them during this week's sale (plus one off Ebay) and wanted to get your opinion on whether or not I should keep one of them. Can you guess by my title which dress I'm questionable about?  ;oP

♥  Anthropologie Edme & Esyllte Sugar-Coated shirtdress (now on sale $59.95 - no longer online) : I took my true size in this and the fit was about right. What did I like? I like the colors are perfect for fall and winter, the comfort were great, the cotton fabric was not too heavy and skirt wasn't crazy full. The length was also good on my 5' 2" frame.

Things that I don't love about the dress? I wish it wasn't a spread collar, which makes me feel like I need to wear something underneath since I'm not exactly appreciatively endowed up high. Also, with the bodice area-only buttons and the side zip, it was strangely difficult to get out of - I guess my shoulders are pretty wide? I spent time more time than I wanted with the dress hunched right around my shoulders trying to undo the arm ties to get more leverage - big fun.

And the print ... I still can't figure out if I am in love with or hate the print. Half the time while wearing this dress, I was expecting Kelso and Hyde to come waltzing into my room holding out a doobie for me.

So what do you think - keep, or "blech" send this back?!

♥  Anthropologie Nell Couture June, July, August dress (now on sale $69.95): I've wanted this dress forever and thought it'd be June 2011 before it would finally go on sale. This is another comfy-as-heck knit pullover dress (with pockets!), but I have to admit to being a tad disappointed with the fabric when I got it - for the original price, I thought it'd be lined like the Perilla dress or at least a more substantial knit. However, this is one of those dresses I can probably pack into a ball for two days and still be able to pull out to wear. Keep!

♥  Anthropologie "Heck if I Know" dress from Moulinette Soeurs: I've never seen this dress before so I have no idea what it is called, but got it off Ebay recently. It is navy blue with a faint plaid pattern in deep red/brown and is lined in fuchsia. It is not stretchy, but has great ruched details along the sleeves and neckline. The fit is spot on for me, I can't wait to wear this dress for work!

Floral Cheesiness

With my first purchase of winter cropped pants ever, I am now a full convert to the wool shorts trend. I am so in love with this pair that I had to wear them again soon and try them with tights (and I am on the scout for more more more). I wanted to do booties and a blazer, but it is nowhere near that kind of cold yet in GA, so I thought this flippy cardigan would be a nice pairing.

The BF didn't say anything this morning but did present me with the raised eyebrow, which usually signifies the silent "I love you, but I question your attire, so I am not going to say anything at all because I don't want you to kick my butt." I don't know, is this look a little too "young?"

Top: J. Crew silk brulee tank (similar online here)
Sweater: Forever 21 peplum country (worn here and here before)
Shorts: Forever 21 wool blend (worn here before)
Tights: Anne Klein
Shoes: Franco Sarto (similar online here)

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Here's a case of "you looked way better online" - take these leather plimsolls from Boden and how those gazelle-leggy models are able to look so sporty-chic in them with only their bottom halves showing:

And here's reality of the leather plimsolls (and these pics do nothing to convey the Chester-the-Cheetah-ness of these big pancake-wide shoes with the weirdly tan color rubber toe caps). And no, I didn't bother tying them - partly because I tried with one and you can't really use the laces to pull the shoe together:

I guess I should stick to my rubber-soled ballet flats for casual footwear for now - or even my Skechers. Do you have any recs for finding good casual / sporty footwear?