Visual Delights

I couldn't resist sharing with you some of my favorite images from that May Anthropologie catalog.
These are no ordinary catalog pages as we know them. Anthropologie took a step further to merge your catalog shopping experience with some heightened visual stimulation.
It's true that it's a bit harder to tell from these what the clothes actually look like, but who cares? These images captivate the viewer, they draw you in, beg to be studied and of course they are memorable, which is more than I can say for most apparel catalogs. If I want a clearer image of the clothes, I can always see them on the website, which is where I go to place orders anyway, but while all of the other catalogs make it to the trash the same day they arrive in the mail, Anthropologie catalogs get saved and stashed away. Is it crazy to save catalogs? I have a hard time parting with anything remotely inspiring and visually stimulating. I'm sure I'm not a lone in these practices. Thank you Anthropologie for constantly feeding my beloved paper collection.

Floating Lotus Dress

Bergamot One Piece

Shell Strewn Bag

Reflections Chemise

Waves & Waves Espadrilles

In-store Sale

Just received this e-mail. Biggest in-store sale of the year starts today, May 19th. Happy shopping!
Please let me know if anyone picks up something really phenomenal.

Mom's Day

First, let me say that every day should be Mother's Day . Second, being a mother myself and knowing how unrealistic that is, I'm glad someone made Mother's Day an established calendar day. Not that I get any presents from my kids just yet, but theres hope for the future.

For now I have to speedily figure out what will I be giving my Mommy (ok, I'm a procrastinator, I do last minute present shopping).
Anthropologie has put together a page of suggested Mom's presents, but my Mom is not into gardening, has no need for journals (however beautiful they may be), doesn't wear long chandelier earrings and certainly will not in a million years occupy herself with puzzles.
As for perfumes and candles, my Father is allergic to all kinds of smells, so those are ruled out.
What am I left with? A cake platter? A lemon squeezer? I was really hoping to do better than that, but the last time I bought my Mother a present from Anthroppologie ( a beautiful sweater), she returned it saying it looks "too young". Mind you, my mother is not that old. I would really like to believe that I'll still be shopping at Anthropologie when I'm her age, but the disturbing thought set in, "what if I'll think it too young?" Shouldn't there be a branch of Anthroppologie-like stores for ages 50+?
Ok, I'm getting side tracked. In the mean time, I stubbornly refuse to believe that there is absolutely nothing at Anthropologie that my Mom would enjoy. Partially because I really want to "convert" her and partially because I really have no patience with shopping somewhere like Century21.
When it comes to clothes, Anthropologie did become a little too "Bohemian" lately even for my taste, but I would like to believe it's a passing phase.
So here are some of my ideas for Mom's present from Anthropologie.

Can you believe this thing? How cute is it? A Retromodern Mini Grill ($98)! I don't know about my Mom, but I want one! Finally, a"girly" grill. No self respecting man will ever go near this thing.

Marilee Bowls - $14
You can never have too many bowls!

Organic Seasonal Cookbook - $19.99

My Mom is a devoted "Organic" consumer, so this should be right up her alley.


Cadiz Mug - $10

I remember that last year, before Mother's Day, Anthropologie had a free shipping promotion, which as far as I know is not happening this year (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

I also found some very giveable items on Etsy.com Lately Etsy became one of my very guilty pleasures. There are so many creative people making so many beautiful things!
Here are some of my Etsy picks.

For the artsy Mom - Vintage Brass Nouveau earrings by Bijoutiful

Reversible Hobo Bag by Retrofied


Hand knitted Melange Shawl by Tijusai

Any other ideas? Please share!