Bigger is Better

Anthropologie has done it again! Just when I thought I was becoming immune, they gave their site a makeover and loaded it with vintage inspired outfits for Fall.
The site has become more aesthetically pleasing and best of all, now sports larger thumbnails and a "quick shop" option. Another addition to the site that I'm loving are the customer reviews. Very helpful, thank you! The subcategories menu on the left still needs some work. It's a little confusing to me. I don't know what it is, small font? Background color? Too many subcategories? Something to work on, Anthropologie. Still, overall, I'm very happy browsing through the new, bigger, better site!

Vintage-Inspired

Bold Boutonniere Dress

Windfall Dress

An Artist's Style

I couldn't resist sharing these pictures of Elsita with you. Doesn't she look lovely?

An incredible sense of style is just one in a long list of Elsita's admirable accomplishments. She is an amazing artist who works in a variety of mediums and seems to excels in everything she does. Reading her blogs and looking at her art I always wonder "how does she do it all?" I'm always in awe of people who seem to have 25 hours in their day (and still manage to look this good).

50's Inspired

This is not from Anthoropologie, but I love this classic, a la Audry Hepburn look.

To see more of Elsita's style, visit her blog, The Hidden Seed.

Sifting Through the Sale Section

My Picks from the SALE section.

Lemon Mousse Sweater - $39.95 (was $78)

The name says it all! So soft and delicate with pointille blooms
and decorative flower buttons.

Pom Flower Pullover - $49.95 (was $98)

I like the "watercolor " look of the flower print
and the clean silhouette of this sweater.
The neckline detailing in the back adds an extra flavor
to an already lovely piece.

Wind Rush Blouse - $29.95 (was $58)

So fresh and summery looking. I prefer the white with blue,
but the yellow is nice too for someone who'd look good in this color.
The price is very reasonable,

I don't remember the last time I bought anything at Anthropologie for $29.

Day-In, Day-Out Dress - $59.95 (was $128)
Does anyone have this dress? I'm curious what it looks like on.
I like the silhouette, but I would change the belt and add a brooch to give it some color.

Two Rivers Dress - $59.95 (was $118)
It looks so flowy and flattering and the color is perfect for Summer.

Who are you and what have you done with Anthropologie?

I received the most bizarre catalog in the mail today. The cover had some kind of abstract print design on it and so I didn't catch on right away what it was. On leafing through the pages it became obvious to me that I was looking at an Urban Outfitters catalog and not until I got to the home decor section did I start having doubts. What was I looking at? I didn't know Urban Outfitters sold the same furniture as Anthropologie. I went back to the cover and saw ANTROPOLOGIE spelled out in a rubbed off looking print at the bottom. What the he**? Did they start recycling clothes now between the two brands? I was under the impression that Anthopologie catered to a different age group? More financially secure and with better different taste. Granted, the Americana themed styling is very creative, but looks more like a cross between Urban Outfitters and the Sundance catalog.

The clothes too, have undergone some unwelcome changes. What happened to the well tailored, figure flattering styles I used to rely on Anthropologie for? Now everything is looking shapeless and dull. Did I mention ugly? Sorry Anthropologie, but it needed to be said.
Are the designers getting paid less due to the plunge in the economy?

The home decor section never disappoints...

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!

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?