Category: Anthropologie

The animals in my closet

9/3/2014

Animal prints are classic & seem to me to convey a little old Hollywood grace & glamour.

Here are the animals in my closet...

I began in 2010 by ordering just a zebra-print belt from Boden >>

I also bought a couple other leopard-print belts at Forever 21 for next to nothing & an animal-print microfiber purse from Amazon.

Boden still carries a similar belt:

Boden Waldour Waist Belt, $38

J. Crew dress, Boden belt

Last year, I found this leopard-print dress at Land's End for under $30. Very easy to wear.

Land's End dress, GAP maternity cardigan

Land's End Women's Petite Sleeveless Pattern Ponté Welt Pocket Dress, $29.99

My youngest son's very favorite item of mine is this leopard-print cardigan because it's so soft. I got at H&M for $5;
I noticed over the weekend they still carry them in store for $14.95.

F21 fake leather skirt, GAP top, H&M cardigan, Boden boots

Over the summer, I came across this animal-print skirt from Banana Republic that I managed to snag for the "kill price" of $9.50.

Photobombed by my son! :-)

J. Crew Factory crewneck sweater, Banana Republic skirt, Madewell necklace, Denver Museum of Nature & Science cuff, Piperlime sandals

Banana Republic Heritage Animal Print Jacquard Cargo Mini, $39.99. (I called the flagship store in S.F. to get the kill price!)

I'd always wanted animal-print shoes with mid-heels, & I finally got some from Sole Society.

Sole Society Isabelle pumps

Sole Society Isabelle, $69.95

These subtly-printed crops go with everything gray does & helped update my pant selection.

Anthropologie sweater, Boden crops

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $26.40

My latest acquisition is this leopard-print sweatshirt from H&M.

H&M sweatshirt, GAP shirt, Urban Outfitters jeans

H&M sweatshirt, $9.95

H&M Sweatshirt, $12.95

So what about you? Do you own many animal-print pieces? Did you buy them recently or in the past?

You may also like...

A leopard-print vest I'm eyeing for fall...

Uniqlo Women's Ultra Light Down Printed Vest, $39.90

More animal prints...

& yet more animal prints...

2 Comments

What to wear to a backyard barbeque (& what not to wear)

6/11/2014

0 Comments

Barbecue season is upon us. July 4th is on the horizon. The neighbors are grilling right now. You will be at a bbq near you any day now, maybe this weekend!

Some of you will probably relate when I say that a bbq is not the ideal fashion venue for me. The quintessential masculine event, the barbecue--
worse yet, kegger!--asks you to look casual yet pretty.

Most people go the shorts & t-shirt route, but I just feel bland in that. But I think I might feel ok if I had perfect printed shorts (they're popular right now, examples below).

Some girls can pull off a maxi dress or cute sundress for the event. You just don't want to look like you're too dressed up.

Here's what not to wear.
Have fun but don't overdress; you'll just feel self-conscious.
Let's face it: most people do not dress up as much as this for a bbq (but most of our backyards aren't like this either :)...

Image photographed from a Build.com catalog that came in the mail

So what should you wear? Here are 5 options.

1. Printed shorts & a t-shirt, cami/tank, or simple top
Almost every store is carrying cute printed shorts in a variety of different lengths right now. Throw on a t-shirt or simple top, & you're good to go.

H&M Shorts, $12.95

Zara Bermuda Shorts, $39.90

LOFT Botanic Print Linen Cotton Riviera Short with a 4-inch Inseam, $44 .50

LOFT Paisley Print Walking Shorts in Marisa Fit with 10-inch Inseam, 2 colors, $54.50

2. White jeans or cropped blue jeans with a sleeveless top or tunic
Last summer, my standard bbq outfit was rolled-up skinny white jeans & solid tees. It was kind of sporty without being dead casual.

For today's bbq, I like the idea of cropped jeans & a halter top. I think I can vary this outfit throughout the summer with any sunny tunic or sleeveless top.

What I wore to the last bbq, details right

A tunic is another great option with white jeans, shorts, or blue jeans

Boden Boho Tunic, $82.60

Level 99 Lily Crop Jeans, $98

Piperlime Pim + Larkin Harper Bow Tie Halter Top, $44

Boden Easy Tank, $26.60 to $30.80

H&M Peasant Blouse, $34.95

3. A Zand skirt & a swimsuit top, tankini, or t-shirt
Just add a swimsuit top & you're sure to look cute but still pretty casual (you may still hear "you're dressed up!" but you're just as likely to hear "what a cool skirt!").

Zand Amsterdam Anna long skirt with pouch, €55

Zand Amsterdam Anna Gobelin short skirt. €45

Zand Amsterdam Anna long skirt with pouch, €55

I own two Zand Amersterdam skirts (see them here), & I wear them every summer, at least once a week, for work & play.

Most are cotton, reversible, & snap to fit whatever size you're feeling that day. Each one is unique, & most include a detachable pouch with shoulder strap.

Some of the styles are sold in town at boutiques, or you can order online. They ship worldwide.

I wrote more about them here.

4. A truly casual dress

PrAna Quinn Dress, $75

Piperlime August Salt Havannah Stripe Dress, $29.99

5. Beach pants with a swimsuit top, tankini, or tank
I've been so happy to see the resurgence of wide-leg pants, especially in thin, gauzy fabrics!

Swell O'Neill Johnson Pant, $48

Victoria's Secret The Beach Pant in Linen, $79.50

Swell Element Vanessa Beach Pant, $39.99

So what are you wearing to the upcoming Father's Day barbecue? Maybe you'll just throw on some shorts & a t-shirt or just wear whatever you have on now. I guess it doesn't really matter, but I do hope you have fun!

What do you wear when you go to a barbecue??

0 Comments

The sweatshirt=the new silk shirt?

5/27/2014

5 Comments

"...in today's culture, the sweatshirt has become the new silk blouse."
-- Fashion Designer Juan Carlos Obando

I wish I could say that we could just pull all our sweatshirts out of our drawers (or pick them up off the floor :) & voilà! we'd be styling the new silk shirt. If the sweatshirt is indeed the new go-to top for all our tuxedo pants & work skirts, I'm afraid we'll need a new one that doesn't have stains on it & the name of our alma mater across its chest. I'm not positive our old faithfuls won't work, though--I may have to try it!

The boxy shape of a sweatshirt is another problem. I don't look particularly good in a square shape (who does?).

But I can see the versatility of the sweatshirt look--it mutes & brings down the fanciest of fancy pants--in a good way.

Supposedly, Einstein wore a lot of sweatshirts.
He makes them look smart! :-)

Here are a few sweatshirts you may want to look at if you're considering taking on this trend...

J. Crew Factory Short-sleeve quilted sweatshirt, $29.50

J. Crew Factory Medallion-print Sweatshirt, $24.99

J. Crew Paneled Sweatshirt in Surf Stripe, $78 minus 30%

J. Crew Paneled Sweatshirt in Navy Floral, $78 minus 30%

Anthropologie Starboard Sweatshirt, $49.95

Banana Republic BR Monogram Silk-Back Sweatshirt, $34.99 minus 35%--FRONT

Banana Republic BR Monogram Silk-Back Sweatshirt, $34.99 minus 35%--BACK

Whistles L'Ete Logo Sweatshirt, £60

Piperlime Pam & Gela Hi-Lo Sweatshirt, $165

Baukjen The Asymmetrical Jumper, £79

H&M Sweatshirt with printed design, $9.95

Zara Two-tone Sweatshirt, $49.90

H&M Sweatshirt, $39.95

J. Crew Jacquard Floral Sweatshirt, $34.99 minus 30%

J. Crew Jaspe Tunic, 2 colors, $79.99 minus 30%

Maybe you do already own one like this one?

J. Crew Factory Heathered Sweatshirt, $26.50

I bought this sweatshirt in the winter from Banana Republic. It has only worked out so-so. I love the beading on the collar, but the rest of the sweatshirt has a slight sparkle (you can't see it in the photos). I think it'd be easier to match with things if it didn't have the sparkle--it's sometimes just enough extra to categorize an outfit as "too much going on."

Will you be making like Einstein & getting yourself a sweatshirt? What do you think of this trend?

5 Comments

Pretty as a flower

5/19/2014

2 Comments

A slideshow of 8 wearable floral-print dresses, $24.95 & up. Do you like one of them? 

2 Comments

Trend alert: Zipped down the back

4/29/2014

0 Comments

Do you have any sandals or shoes that zip down the back? I saw this trend last spring, but it's really taking off now.

Do you like the trend? I haven't decided if I like it or not, but I did read one review that said the zip makes the shoe easier to take on & off.

One thing to take into account: the zippers have a quality all of their own. A cheap zipper will make the shoe seem cheap.

Here are zippered shoes & sandals at all prices. Most come in several colors...

From Anthropologie...
This is just a few of the Anthropologie sandals & shoes that zip down the back. For more click here.

Anthropologie Abbey Lasercut Sandals, $188

Anthropologie Abbey Lasercut Sandals $188

Anthropologie Harrison Heels, $288

Anthropologie Courtyard Heels, $158

Anthropologie Koi Strappy Wedges, $168

Anthropologie Baila Sandals, $68

Anthropologie Unwrapped Wedges, $100

From Online Shoes...

Onlineshoes.com Women's Oh! Kassandra, $224.95 minus 20%

Onlineshoes.com Women's Earthies Campora, $158.99 minus 20%

This shoe looks like it would span seasons well...

Onlineshoes.com Seychelles Unlock the Door, $129.95 minus 20%

Onlineshoes.com Splendid Congo, $69.95

Onlineshoes.com Carlos by Carlos Santana Maiko, $78.95

From Target...
Comes in four colors. Chambray available in store. 

Target Women's Merona® Tori Ankle Strap Wedge Sandal, $21.99

From Zappos...

Zappos BC Footwear Prepare For Landing, $60.99

From 6 p.m.com...

6 p.m.com Steve Madden Figo, $39.99

From Amazon...

Amazon Libby Sandal, $19.99

From Sole Society...

Sole Society Linn, $69.95

Sole Society Eleni, $79.95

Sole Society Teresa, $59.95

From Nine West...

9 West Fichel Open Toe Sandals, $89

0 Comments

How many ways can you button a cardigan?

3/19/2014

0 Comments

Boden Cocktail Cardigan, $74

I've been a little bored with cardigans lately, which recently inspired me to try buttoning them down my back. That went ok, not perfect.

So what can we do to mix up the cardigan rut? Well, how do you usually wear your cardigans that have buttons? Do you wear them open most of the time?

I typically button a few buttons in the middle.

But I think it's time I tried buttoning them all the way up & wearing
them as tops.

I'm also drawn to the classic look of buttoning the top button--this one takes a bit of guts, though, because we want to avoid looking like our grandmas.

One more option is to button most of the buttons at the top & leave a couple open at the bottom (my favorite choice at the moment).

Here are some examples of each option...

Buttoning the top button or two
There's something a little retro & nostalgic about buttoning the top button. Is it too conservative?

Anthropologie Danika Cardigan, $128

I've noticed it's mostly British sites that model the cardigan buttoned at the top.

Boden Beaded Stripe Cardigan, $44.40 to $59.20

Boden Broderie Cardigan, $110.40

Boden Fair Isle Cardigan, $39.20 to $49

Buttoned all the way & worn as a top

Anthropologie Lace-ruled Cardigan

Anthropologie Chiffon-Fringe Cardigan, $98

Joe Fresh Crew Neck Cardigan, $17.99

Victoria's Secret The Sexy Cardi, $19.99

Buttoning a couple buttons in the middle
Up until this very moment, I thought buttoning a button or two in the middle looked carefree & light. But looking at these models below now, it seems very conservative to me--maybe even more so than buttoning the top button!

Boden Pretty Piped Cardigan, $68

Land's End Women's Regular Long Sleeve Fine Gauge Supima Lurex Cardigan, $54.99

LOFT Cotton Modal V-neck Cardigan, $49.50

Wrap London Sian Cardi, $59

Mix it up a bit...
I love this option below...

& this light little cropped sweater--

Anthropologie Shirley Midi Cardigan, $128

Boden Favourite Cropped Cardigan, $58

Garnet Hill Cashmere Peplum Cardigan, $68

Boden Crew Neck Cashmere Cardigan, $84

But I still love cardigans buttoned down the back...

Anthropologie Dotlace Pullover, $49.95

You may also like...

Dressing all in one color
& other ways to mix up
what you already own

Two great deals on long, open cardis:

Love Culture Knit Rib Flyaway Cardigan, $14.95

Target Merona Women's Bellona Open Layering Cardigan, $11.98

0 Comments

Valentine's eye candy

1/29/2014

0 Comments

5 gifts under $40...

Boden Velvet Trim Cami, $34

Anthropologie Charmed Dots Serveware, $12.95

Anthropologie Scarlet Thistle Set, $29.95

dEliA's Xoxo Sweetheart Necklace, $5.90

Sundance Catalog Loveable Ruby Ring, $38

You may also like...

Burgundy & blue

Spot on

0 Comments

A little flounce in your skirt

10/28/2013

0 Comments

A little flip in your hem, a ruffle in your step--something playful, flirty, & flattering about flounce skirts.
Do you own a flounce-hemmed skirt? Where did you find it?

From Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor High Low Hem Pencil Skirt, $89 minus 50%

Ann Taylor Faux Leather Ponte Flounce Skirt, $88 minus 50%

Ann Taylor Tweed Flounce Skirt, $98 minus 50%

Ann Taylor Leopard Jacquard Flounce Skirt, $69.88 minus 50%

From Anthropologie

Anthropologie Cateline Skirt, $69.95

From Banana Republic

Banana Republic Fluted Shine Skirt, $98 minus 40% (code BRSAVE40)

From Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers Peplum Skirt, $148

From J.Crew

J. Crew Fluted Skirt in Double Crepe, $98

From Piperlime

Piperlime Fannie Boucle Knit Skirt by DV by Dolce Vita, $88

From Boden

Boden Hayley Skirt in sage, $98

Boden Hayley Skirt in fig, $98

From Talbots:

Talbots Seasonless Crepe Flounced Skirt, $99

Talbots Italian Flannel Trumpet Skirt, $129

From The Limited

The Limited Ponte Flounce Skirt, $59.95 minus 50% (code BIRTHDAY)

The Limited Houndstooth Flounce Skirt, $59.99 minus 50% (code BIRTHDAY)

The Limited Ponte Flounce Skirt, $59.95 minus 50% (code BIRTHDAY)

The Limited High-Waist Flounced Hem Skirt, $17.49 minus 30%

Dress 'em down or dress 'em up.
Try 'em with a bird tee... with a lace top... or with a crisp shirt or sweater.

Bird tees

Lace-topped tees

0 Comments

Our daily lace

9/2/2013

2 Comments

Lately we see lace attached to everyday items. Do-it-yourselfers: it seems we should be able to recreate this look easily enough.

Anthropologie Rione Skirt, $118

I looked all over Etsy to see if someone might have handmade a similar look to this. No luck.

The idea of adding lace to an existing item seems to me in keeping with TED's TEN guidelines for sustainable design. It fits with Design Strategy#2: Design for Recycling/Upcycling.

Banana Republic Lace-Front Pullover, $79.50 minus 40% with the code BRweekend

My favorite of several lace-fronted sweatshirt-type pullovers out there.

J. Crew Factory Lace-front Tee, $31.50

This top is really a pretty good deal. Comes in 4 colors.
Free shipping today.

Do you sew? Could you recreate this look yourself?

Are you searching for something?:

Search Party

2 Comments

Of trends & tie-neck blouses

8/13/2013

2 Comments

Do you follow clothing trends? Instead of jumping on a trend, I watch the trends to find the ones that are most "me"--the ones perhaps I've been waiting for all my life, the styles I would have designed if I had any skill in that area. It's more like hopping on your train home rather than hopping on the first train that comes in no matter where it's going.

Tie-neck blouses in The Lady's Newspaper in the 1880s

Most trends are typically not so new, only "new to thee" (as Prospero says to Miranda). The style has likely appeared somewhere first--on a runway, on a style icon, in an era ages ago.

Here's a case in point: I thought tie-neck blouses were a fairly new trend. I thought they'd come out about two years ago. But I just found someone talking about them in 2008. And I think this type of top actually has its roots in a much more distant past. I could see royalty wearing a version of them or perhaps musketeers! And I can imagine Audrey Hepburn, hip '60s chicks, and schoolteachers on the prairie wearing them.

Still, for some reason, these blouses call to me. I think they just feel like me, whether they're popular now or not. When I bought my first tie-front top two years ago, I thought I was one of the only ones wearing it. Of course, since I bought it at The GAP, probably millions of others women were thinking the same thing :-).

Most trends last through several years. You often think a trend is brand new and fleeting. But truth is, most return the following year and for several thereafter. Sometimes it's just easier to find in stores, sometimes it's subtly changed or amplified, but pretty much it's just the same trend as last year. Like skinny jeans, for example.

I thought I was wearing one of the only tie-neck blouses available when I bought this one at The GAP two years ago. It hasn't been the easiest item to wear. It seems supremely conservative even while it's trendy.

Lots more tie-neck blouses are in stores now...

A bunch of lovely sleeveless tie-neck blouses from Nordstrom...

Nordstrom Sleeveless Tie Neck Knit Shirt, 5 colors, 5 sizes, $49

Nordstrom Halogen Tie Neck Sleeveless Top, 4 colors, 5 sizes, $69

From Anthropologie...

Anthropologie Tilda Tie-Neck Blouse, $148

From Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Coincidence & Chance Tie-Neck Secretary Blouse, 5 colors, 4 sizes, $39.99

From Forever21

Forever 21 Buttoned Tie Neck Bodysuit, $15.80

L.L. Bean Signature Tie-Neck Blouse, Mallard Print, $95

This blouse is from L.L. Bean Signature. The same blouse is pictured to the right.

L.L. Bean Signature Tie-Neck Blouse, Mallard Print, $95

A couple last thoughts on trends...

Sometimes the trend serves a purpose. I've become a new fan of high-low maxi skirts because I like to walk and walk pretty fast. I've sometimes steered away from long tube-like skirts because they restrict your stride: you have to take fairly small steps or lift up one side. High-low skirts, on the other hand, are missing the front panel so you can run to the bus without having to hold your skirt.

Wearing something trendy can take years off. Wearing something trendy (even if it's not as new as you thought) can make you feel young and up-to-date.

So basically there's no hurry. I'm pretty sure the new trend will be around next year and the year after. You have plenty of time to see if it suits you, if it calls to you.
For me, I just keep an eye on the trends, waiting for my train to come in.

You may also like...