Anthropologie Spring

I went to Anthro over the weekend to try on a few things--I didn't really plan on buying anything, but I ended up spending about $200! It was well worth it though, as I am super-excited about my purchases. Here are a bunch of things I tried on--I pretty much liked everything, but had to decide between the top two so as not to go over bugdet.

Squeezebox Top, $48 I love the color of this Deletta top and the funky ruffles. It's soft and comfy! I didn't end up buying, just because it's a little on the expensive side! And, it seems like a slight MJ homage, no? Tied Down Dress, $98 I think this is a great summer dress. The waist has a nice taper, and I love the angle of the A-line skirt, and the drape over the bust-line. It's fun and flirty without being overtly sexy--perfect! If you are thinking about purchasing online, don't let the color "red" scare you; it is a very muted, springlike tone of red.

Lace Tracings Top, $68 Both Lynne and I adore how this top was styled in the Anthro spring catalogue with the blue San Pedro Pencil Skirt in Turquoise. Overall, I love the vibe of the shirt. It's hard to see in the catalogue because the shirt is tucked in, but it is actually very flowy and loose fitting through the belly and I adore the lace trimmings on the neckline. I do think it looks best tucked in or belted though. And, it really does "hug" the breasts, so not feeling 100% comfortable with that...hmm.

Alstroemeria Tee, $78 I find this tee very artistic and gorgeous, and I love the ruffles and draping are beautiful. I think the fit and the scoopneck and cap sleeves are great!

With a Twist Tank, $78 This is on of the most adorable, confections of a shirt I've ever seen. The white lace and pink sash remind me of a take on a Degas-costume. In this photo, I am wearing it with a nude tank-top, and I am not sure you could get away with wearing nothing under it, since it is basically see-through with all the little holes in the lace!

Infinite Garden Tank, $58 The print on this tank is one of the most beautiful I've seen in awhile--I LOVE large, non-repeating flower prints! The fit wasn't super-flattering on me though, because it kind of fluffed out right around the belly. But, this could be perfect on someone with a very slender body-type!

Back Porch Blouse, $98 This blouse is very unique and magnetic! It's really unlike anything I have seen before, and one of the reasons I love Anthro is these completely unusual finds!

So, which two things did I buy...? The Tied Down Dress and the Back Porch Blouse! So excited about these items!

Spring Boden Purchases: Dresses

Happy Friday! 

I posted a while ago about coveting several items in Boden's spring catalog.  I finally took the plunge and got a few pieces that I am very happy with.

 

Here is the Sicily Spot Dress,  It's made out of a soft and luxurious cotton.  I think it will be great on a summer Saturday, or even at work.  For a fun look, I'll pair it with red wedge sandals, but if I do wear it to work, I'll pair it with the nude shoes and bag I also got in this order (will post that review soon).   Even though I'm suprised at myself for buying this because I usually prefer pindot polka dots--I think the navy color keeps it from being too garish.  Now I only have to wait for some warm weather to get this sucka out of the closet!

 

 

Next up: the Sassy Silk Dress.  I really love the shape and quality of this dress.  I think it will be great for any daytime events where I want to be dressed up.  This dress is definitely on my Rome packing list: I think I'm going to wear it when we go to the Vatican...fitting, no?  This dress is a size 4; unfortunately, it's pretty tight in the bust area.  I think if I do end up losing that last five pounds it will be fine, though.

 

All in all, I have to say that I'm very pleased with the quality and detail of these items, and I am will definitely be adding to my burgeoning Boden collection in seasons to come.

 

Spring DVF Purchases

As I mentioned, I've been really wanting to infuse color into all my outfits lately.  My quest for all things spring is probably due to the complete lack of a spring we are having here in Boston.  I shouldn't complain though because all the highs in the 7-day forecast are in the '40s--a first since the fall, I'm sure.  And I've been loving DVF's spring collection.  I ordered a few things from her line from Saks.com.

The Gyls Stretch Silk Blouse in Lime, size 6.  This blouse is the only work appropriate thing I ordered.  I plan to wear it on Wed. as styled here with my navy Express Columnist pants and brown belt/pumps

I love the mix of feminine silk shirt, styled with more masculine pieces like the work pants and belt.  I also ordered the Mateo Silk Twill Blouse in size 6 and the Kealy Washed Silk Skirt in Size 2:

I love, love, love the idea of this outfit.  I really think my wardrobe lacks interesting pieces like these and I love the Asian inspired print, and blouse.  However, this one may be a return--as both pieces were pricey...and my husband says I just look "ok" in it, and that the back makes my shoulders look wide....hmmph!

The last thing I ordered is the Arely Bis Silk Jersey dress.  I love it, and think it is very flattering.  The wrap makes it come in at the waist--which makes me look skinnier than I really am.  Unfortunately, I don't have many places to wear this dress---but will bring it with me to Rome!

A last note on this pieces: I just love the quality of the fabric.  Diane Von Furstenberg's clothes are more expensive than what I normally wear, but I think I'm getting to a point where I'll trade quantity for quality.  The only downside to her line is that I don't find much that's work appropriate.  I tried on the Helen suiting dress (and forgot my camera!) at the brick and mortar Saks here in Boston--and I loved it, but there is no way I could wear it to work because it was so form-fitting. I don't think I could even wear it during daylight hours :-)

Casual Friday

I love that my work has a jeans day on Friday.  I wore my AG Stevie's (if you've never tried AG jeans...you are missing out on seriously comfortable and great fitting jeans), a 12th Street by Cynthia Steffe jacket, and was planning on wearing brown pumps, but just could NOT do heels.  I ended up with my flat Cole Haan riding boots, which I think looked good anyway.

 

 

Don't you just love what a fitted jacket will do for an outfit.  I am tired of neutrals so I've been wearing a lot of color lately. 

 

 

A nice way to end the week!

Style Worship: Kate Middleton

I have to admit that I am looking forward to the royal wedding.  I know it's silly, but I loved planning my own wedding...and this one is definitely the ultimate dream wedding.

I am not usually  someone who gets star struck.  But I absolutely adore Kate Middleton's style.  I totally want the royal blue Issa dress she wore when she and William announced their engagement:

If this dress were still available (or I trusted ebay, which I don't having once bought the worst knock-off "authentic DVF" dress ever), I would totally buy it.

And, I think her style choice of the white Reiss dress for the official engagement pictures was spot on:

Wish that one was still available too.  The dress says "bride" while still saying modern woman.  I love that Kate obviously puts a lot of thought in her choices, and they speak to her credit.  I can't wait to see what her wedding gown will look like...I'm sure it will be beautiful, tastefull, and leave me wishing I could get married again!  So, yes, I guess I am a little star struck :-)

New Anthropolgie Tops: Work and Play

Hello! This is my first post in quite awhile, as I have been super-busy at work lately. In addition to all of my normal tasks, I have been working on a presentation that will be give to my entire department. It has taken over a month of extremely hard work, and tomorrow is the day! I feel set and ready to go, just worrying a little bit about technical glitches at this point (it's a webcast).

Although I haven't had a lot of time for shopping, I was able to fit a little online shopping in last weekend, and I got two new tops from Anthroplogie.

The Gathering Tank, $48I think this top is fancy enough for my work, even though it's tee material, especially topped with a cardigan. I really like it, but it did shrink a tad in the wash, so I do wish I had purchased one size up from my normal size. I love the little anthro touches--the pintucks and ruches--I think they look great and add personality to a single color tee without going over the top. I like the dark grey version that I purchased, and if I buy another one a size up I might go for the green.

Wind Smocked Henley, $48
This top is a little low cut, so it's definitely not suitable for work. I like how it flows out a little at the waist, and the ruching that extends from the shoulders is very cute. I wish it hit at the bottom just a tad lower, but I think the overall design definitely makes up for that. I normally don't wear a lot of patterns, but this one is subtle enough that it gives an interesting look without overwhelming.

Wish me luck tomorrow! Still trying to decide what to wear!

J. Crew's Merino Zip Cardigan and Express Herringbone Pencil Skirt

This is a bad-ass work look.  If you don't look closely it seems very feminine, but it's loaded with bad-girl detail which I love. 

 

 

This sweater is a blend of the demure---chiffon fabric at neckline--and, the more avant garde slanted zipper. 

 

 

The herringbone skirt has a buckle (hidden under my sweater, but would look good with a tucked in shirt, which I just can't pull off right now) and form fitting shape.  The only downside-this outfit must be worn on a skinny day :-(

 

And of course, wearing this with my trusty black tights and booties. Can't get enough of those.

 

sweater: J. Crew

Skirt: Express

Tights: Hue (Anthropologie)

Booties:Flannery Boots, J. Crew

 

And an Atkins update: I am down a total of 5 lbs. now.  The weight loss is definitely slowing and any day I go off it I go up a bit, so I definitely think it's part water weight.  But, all-in-all it seems like it's been a way to get me to stick to a diet, so if I can just double that number I'll be really pleased.

 

xoxo,

Lynne