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!

Happy April 2009

I know by now all of you have seen the April catalog, but you don't come here for the pictures, you come here for my take on them. Right? Right.

Ah, April. Finally, a catalog worth posting about. You might have noticed that I didn't mention the previous two. That's because there was no incentive. April however, is refreshing, soothing to the nerves and easy on the eyes. The photography is just gorgeous. So perfect in it's "imperfections". The April catalog is vibrant, it has motion, it's got life. The models are not over groomed mannequins but look warm and serene. Did I mention happy?
Of course the cover says it all. A beautiful family frolicking on the beach in front of shimmering blue water. That's pretty innovative, a family right there on the cover... yeah, and with kids too; three kids! It's very, very easy to project myself and my family into this picture.
The April catalog, seems to be a step away from the usual Anthro 'meditative reflection, melancholic brooding, a bit decaying, slightly mystical' feel of Anthropolgie catalogs.

Pleated Petal Tank - $98

I love the perspective of this two page spread. The lines of the car and the girl leaning out of the window lead the eye right in towards the floppy hat and the tank. Good photography is not just about clicking a button, ladies and gentlemen.

Pieced Gauze Dress ($168)
So romantic!

It's no longer just a perfect looking couple in a perfect setting (agham, J.Crew), it's a good looking but NOT perfect couple with kids. The guy is a bit geeky compared to the men in previous Anthro catalogs, which makes the whole scenario of him being married with three kids and his wife affording Anthro clothes more believable. The lady/mother figure is not a generic looking blond with blue eyes, which makes her appear more human (Not to suggest that blue eyes are inhuman, but it's nice to see some variety).
Where was I? Oh yes, perfect in it's imperfection, because after all, life is beautiful but never perfect.

I don't get the scarf on the guy though...

Would someone explain this look to me? Is it a beach scarf?

A Dog Moment

Yesterday as I was walking down the street with my two kids, ages 6 and 5, two men were walking towards us with a pit bull. The pit was not on a leash and was freely roaming about, running ahead of it's owner and sniffing here and there as dogs tend to do.
I don't know where my kids got the idea to be afraid of it, but the sight of this dog approaching us unattended, made them panic. Both kids grabbed on to me on either side and tried to climb me as if I was a tree. The owner of the dog was watching our proceedings with an impassive expression.
"You should have your dog on a leash", I said to him.
Without batting an eye he growled - "Mind your own f***** business!"
Well, I'm pretty sure that my kids hysterics and safety is MY business, but I did not take this further, not having any confidence that the creep wouldn't seek his dog on us.

I've lived in NY most of my life, and by now I should be immune to some New Yorkers particular brand of rudeness, but I'm not. The incident had a very deep impression on me.

Firstly, there is a law in most states, NY included, stating that a dog's owner is obligated to have the dog restrained at all time in public places. Second, pit bulls are famous for being aggressive. I was not even aware to what extent, until I googled them and found numerous articles of cases where people were mauled, scarred for life and even killed by unrestrained pit bulls. All of you dog advocates out there, don't get your feathers ruffled yet. I'm not saying that all pits are inherently evil or dangerous, but there must be a good reason why this particular breed is outlawed in some States/Countries and those people who chose to own one, have a responcibility to take proper precoutions in the interest of public safety.
Third, speaking as a mother of two precious, dearer than life, children, how dare anyone out there take chances with my, or any kids safety in the inerests of their dog?!
Finally, the fact that this man, in his early thirties, had absolutely no scruples about cursing out a mother in front of her small innocent children, for showing justified concern for their safety is just beyond low. Why do some people insist on being such scum?
In our family, we positively abhor cursing. Not for any religious reasons but because we feel it's lowly and undignified. We strive to raise our kids to be intelligent, pure and compassionate individuals who will never lower themselves or their fellow humans by resigning to such language, and it saddens me to think how many rotten people my kids will have to encounter on their journey through life.
Thankfully, this incident only left us with a bad feeling, but there's a lesson to be learned from all of this. I know what I learned, I hope you people learned something too.
Though this has absolutely nothing to do with the general gist of my blog, I had to get it off my chest as I feel very strongly about this point.

PEOPLE, KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A LEASH!

Stained Glass Swimsuit

Just though you might like to know that the Stained Glass Swimsuit I wrote about in an older post is on sale for $69.95 (originally $128). It's still not cheap, but what is these days?
As I mentioned before, this one is a personal favorite. It looks very flattering and timeless.
Not all sizes are available though, but if you're one of the lucky sizes (4, 6, 10, 14) hurry up and snatch it up!

E-Mail Heads Up

Received this e-mail last night. For those of you who can't read the tiny print, it states that an expended assortment of wear-now looks will go on sale today, March 16th in Anthropologie stores.
Sounds extremely tempting, but fortunately or unfortunately I'm home-bound today doing some product photography. I have to confess though, I am distracted by the words "expanded assortment". I wonder what Anthro's definition of "expanded" is. Please, please let me know if anyone picks up something really sensational today. Happy Shopping!

March 2009

How did Anthropologie know that the one thing I want to do right now, above anything else, is lay in the sun and lazily dip my fingers and toes in the warm blue water?

Ahhh, IF ONLY March looked like this in my neck of the woods.

Worries fall like dominoes? No, not exactly. We're in prime flu season here. Both my kids have been home for the passed week. It's a wonder my immune system is still holding up against the onslaught of their germs.

I have a friend who lives in Palm Beach and fantasizes about snow and winter sports. My husband tells me the grass is always greener on the other side, to which I reply "that's because there is NO grass here!" Just white. I can't even see my car under the snow hill it's covered by...

Cheating on Anthropologie

To continue from my last post,

In my attempt to unveil the identity of the mysterious sweater I found at Anthropologie ( on sale!), I Googled in the name on the tag, Leifsdottir. Anthropologie came up first in the results, followed by Bloomingdales and Nordstrom . I clicked on Bloomingdales and surprise, surprise! I see some familiar styles.
What do we learn from this? That not all Anthropologie styles are made exclusively for Anthropologie. I knew this to be true for shoes and some accessories, but not the clothes.

Recognize these?

Anthropologie calls this "Morning Colors Dress"

Bloomingdales calls it "Octopus Flower Dress"

Center of the Sun Cardigan (image from Bloomingdales)


Fairy Cake Jacket (Bloomingdales calls it Patissarie Jacket)

Riata Skirt (image from Nordstrom)

Sylvan Scene Cardigan (otherwise known as Melange Sweater)

Now a question begs to be asked. If I wanted to buy any of the Leifsdottir designs, would I buy them from Anthropologie or elsewhere?
I do get immense satisfaction of making purchases at Anthropologie, maybe it's those little muslin pouches they put my receipts in, I don't know. I would probably take a peek at other websites to compare prices, though. There is no commandment that says "To Anthropologie, thall shall be true". If the price was the same, well, then the shipping charge would be the deciding factor :-). Think about this long and hard, Anthropologie.

Mystery Sweater

On my recent trip to Anthropologie I made a little discovery, which lead me to a bigger discovery.
The little discovery was this pretty mystery sweater. The reason I call it a "mystery" sweater, is because I'm pretty sure it never appeared on Anthropologie website or in any of the catalogs. I was under the impression that all Anthropologie merchandise appears on the website, but it seems I was wrong.


This sweater is phenomenal quality with lot's of little details and it can be worn in a variety of ways. It's made out of a very soft woolly blend with velvet trim and velvet covered buttons with little embroidered buds.
Now I have a confession to make . I'm a sucker for velvet. I haven't seen enough of it this season at Anthropologie to satisfy my velvet cravings.

button detail

I like how the bottom curves to show a triangle of the velvet placket underneath.

The funnel neck has the same embroidered velvet on the outside and you can wear it up, rolled down, or opened.
Though you can't tell from my pictures, this sweater is semi-fitted with princess seams in the back. When I tried it on, it was figure flattering and felt soft and comfortable.

If anyone has any idea what this sweater is called, I'd love to know. Being that Anthropologie is big on giving all their articles of clothing a name, I'd prefer to continue the tradition and be on first name bases with this one.


As I've mentioned in the beginning of this post, this little discovery has lead me to a greater discovery, but as I have a limited attention span for blogging, I will tell you all about it in my next post.