A few shots of my recent outfits.

Here are a few of my recent outfits.  I have put on five pounds that increases my bottom half by one size so I am getting limited in what I can wear.  I am turning 35 in a few weeks and those rumors about slowing metabolism and gaining weight as you get older are coming true.  Um, soooo not my birthday wish.  I am trying to lose the weight, if only to fit my clothes, but darn it if those pounds will not just melt off. And darn it but I want my cookies!  And cake.  And candy bars.  Hmmm, if I only knew how to lose this stubborn weight I gained...

Anthropologie's Eyelet Pinwheel Dress -VS- Modcloth's Boat House Brunch Dress

Ok, smack-down time, ladies!  Ever watch Bobby Flay's Smack Down?  Well, I'm going to do a version today with two very similar dresses.  I am pitting Anthropologie's Eyelet Pinwheel Dress against Modcloth's Boat House Brunch Dress.  Both dresses cost the same amount of money, about $160, and both dresses have similar cuts and color.

Check 'em out!

I actually own the Boat House Brunch dress.  I wanted it ever since I saw it styled on Bonjour it's Jinah in this post.  I love everything about the dress and the way Jinah styled it but I really don't like paying full price so I waited and then one day before Christmas it popped up on eBay for $90 shipped so I bought a size small and have worn this baby since.  I bought the Hush Puppies Oxfords also on accord of seeing the lovely Jinah rockin' hers.  The Anthropologie Pinwheel dress was purchased when I returned O by Organics orange frock that didn't work for me.  Once I received the dress and put it on I realized I already own a version so I decided to do a smack down for the blog.

Both dresses hit mid thigh and both have high necks, a-line shapes, same deep blue hue, price points match, cotton material (except Antrho's version has a polyester lining while the Dear Creatures dress has an all cotton lining).

Now for the differences.  Modcloth's version is much more fitted until the waist where it flares out in multiple pleats at the skirt.  It has lovely sailor style buttons, and a Peter Pan collar with a lovely scalloped trim.  Anthropologie's version is eyelet material and the only pleat is a very large pleat at the back of the dress, no collar, and a tent shape with zero waist definition.

Here is a close up of the eyelet pattern (forgive the washed out appearance caused by the flash):

And here is the side view of the the Pinwheel dress:

I look a tad preggers, no?

I would have returned the Eyelet Pinwheel dress regardless of fit because I already have a lovely version of the dress from Modcloth, but in reality if I DIDN"T have the Modcloth Boat House Brunch dress I still would have returned the O' by Organic dress.  The shape is too much like a sack and does not suit my body, perhaps someone more lanky and tall would look better in this?  I don't know, but I'm sure there is a girl out there that would look smashing in this dress, it is just not this girl.  There would be plenty of instances to prefer the clean lines and classic style of the Eyelet dress but I like to feel like I look good in what I'm wearing, not that there is potential to the article of clothing.  I don't think the Anthropologie dress properly translates to the look it is trying to achieve (at least on my body) but I do think it is a lovely dress all the same.

What do you think about the two dresses, do you prefer one or the other?

OOTD Ihrin Shirtdress and my Bicycle Cardigan

Just a quick shot of a recent OOTD.  I am still in love with this Bicycle cardigan I got about 7 or so years ago when I first started shopping at Anthropologie.  It can be difficult to wear because of the green hue so I usually go with navy or white but I figured I could get away with a dark shade of plum so I paired it with the Ihrin Shirtdress.  

Outfit Details:
Cardigan: Vintage Anthropologie
Dress: Ihrin Shirtdress
Necklace: Anthropologie Artist's Imagination Necklce
Shoes: Bass Oxfords

Reviews!

I did these reviews last week and only had 15 minutes to spare so forgive the blurry shots but I was in a big rush.  

First up:Scalloped Strings Tank $70 & Press Lutea Skirt now on sale for $70

TOP: I am wearing the XS here and I think it fits TTS.  It is a lovely, free flowing top that tucks nicely into skirts and would also work with a pair of skinny jeans or pants.  I am wearing it with a nude bra but would recommend a strapless bra to avoid show through at the design.  The top was so sheer as to show my nude bra which in my book is unacceptable.  I think the design at the top is lovely but with viscose material I think the price should be around $40 so this was a pass for me.

SKIRT:I am wearing a size 4 here which is a size up from my normal size 2 and since I am consistently a size 2 I think this definitely runs small.  Also, I carry my weight in my rear and thighs so this particular pencil skirt with very little give may not be best suited to my body type.  Still, the pattern is lovely and the weight is nice for spring and summer.  What I really hated is how the pattern lines up at the side seam; rather, how it doesn't line up at all.  It is a very sloppy finish certainly not befitting a skirt at even the sale price.

Fresh Cut Skirt $70

I am wearing a size small here but would size down to a size XS if I were to purchase.  I love the detail at the waistband, the fact that the skirt is 100% cotton, and the ease of an elastic waist.  However, I did not love how poofy the skirt looked on me; I felt like it added a good 5-10 pounds which isn't the look I'm going for.  I would suggest sizing down if you want to order or try this skirt on.  A pass for me.

Remolino Lace Pullover $80 

 

I left the Scalloped Strings Tank on to try these two items on so you could see the length (longer in back) and also because I knew a colored tank would be fantastic with the lace pullover.  I am wearing the size 0 in the pants (review below) and they were way too tight; I would stick to my normal size 2.

TOP:  I am wearing a size Small in the pullover and would stick with this (one size up) size to purchase because it gives room for layering without looking too big.  I looked at the other pullovers and didn't notice a snagging problem so I think the pullover is pretty sturdy though other bloggers noticed snagging issues so be sure to keep that in mind and look the top over thoroughly in-store before purchasing.  I love the lace pullover and think it would be a great addition to your summer wardrobe.  I think the price is pretty fair and love how it gives off a beachy-boho vibe.

 

Lilliput Top $90 & Andros Wide-Legs $98

TOP: LOVE this all cotton top by Maeve and I have it at the top of my wishlist.  I am wearing a size 2 here and find this to run TTS.  I love the adjustable waist with the tie-back, the keyhole in the front, and the flow of this top.  I love it with these pants and want this whole outfit. I like that the top isn't too short and the color is my favorite shade of green.  It's sold out online so I guess everyone else love it too.

PANTS: I'm wearing a size 2 in these photos and felt the pants run TTS.  They are really long though and even standing on my tippy toes were bunching up on the floor so if you are super tall these are great.  IF you are 5'7" like me or shorter you will need to hem them even for heels.  The color is a bright, saturated yellow and they are a sturdy linen material.  I'm sure they would stretch a little but I tried a size 0 and felt they would be way too tight even with some stretching out.  I would stick to your normal size here.  Love these pants and can see them paired with all sorts of tropical colors for summer wear.

Neo Halter Tank $90 & Starling Trousers $30 on second cut

TOP: The Neo Halter Tank is a lovely cotton tank with lovely details like the scooped back, detailed neckline, and pretty print.  The length is good and it runs TTS; I am wearing my usual size 2.  I am sorry the front picture is so blurry but I literally had like 2 minutes left to get out on time to be where I needed to be that day.  The length is good hitting mid-hip and the blouse fit perfectly everywhere.  Nothing wonky going on with sizing.  It's just really not my style though; whenever I buy black I almost never wear it so despite how lovely this top is it is not for me.

PANTS: My store had tons of these so I figured I would give them a whirl since they are priced so nice.  I actually ended up tanking them home with me but I'm not sure if I will keep or return.  They felt really nice though rode a little low on my hips.  I would have major plumber's crack if my top were not long enough.  However this style pant looks best with a really long top, tunic length really.  I found one tank in my wardrobe that looks great with it so far but nothing else is working.  Geez, I think I just talked myself out of these pants.  TTS here.  I put on five pounds so I'm kinda squeezed in a little tight but I'm losing the weight so they will fit properly at my normal weight (around 120#).  If you can find them in store give them a try because you may like them; they are well made and the birds are cute; they look nice with flats or heels and a long length flowy top.

That's it for reviews this week but I have plans to go in next week in search of many new items from the May catalog that have caught my eye.

Anchors Away!

Clearly I am not yet over my seashore look and decided to carry it through another day.  Hey, I live by the shore so that makes it totally appropriate.  Right?  Right.  Also doing my wide legs again. Eventually I will have to stop posting wide leg OOTD posts as I'm sure everyone else isn't in love with the look as much as I am in love with it.  But, it's cool; we all have our obsessions and as far as obsessions go I think wide legs is a pretty tame one.

Outfit details:
Top: Anthropologie Anchored Boatneck
Blazer: Anthropologie Piped Boy Blazer
Jeans: Pilcro Wide Leg Trousers
Belt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Chie Mihara

Down by the Seashore

I really like to run with a theme so when I choose an item of clothing I go all the way with the look.  Preppy, bohemian, and whimsical are my favorite themes.  Today I am going with the seashore look.  The skirt I am wearing is actually a dress I found at a great price on eBay and I am complimenting it with the seashell bracelet and even my cardigan has tiny seashells that run down the opening on both sides.  I do love this look though it required a bit of fashion tape to hide the gingham border of the tank I layered.

The dress actually looks like this:

And here is how I am wearing it today.

Outfit details:
Dress: Odille Sailing dress
Top: Anthropologie Girls from Savoy Checkmate Tank
Cardigan: Lia Molly
Shoes: Moschino Cheap & Chic
Bracelet: Anthropologie (ca 2005)

Relatively Cheap Options at Anthropologie

Except when purchasing on sale shopping Anthropologie can be quite depressing to a girl's pocket book.  The lounge section is always a great place to find lower cost clothing but the rest of Anthropologie's clothing section leaves much to be desired in terms of pricing.  So imagine my surprise when I was doing some recent browsing and discovered some lovely cheaper options from my favorite store.  These are my favorites.

Pintuck Peplum Blouse

The Pintuck Peplum blouse by Vanessa Virginia is 100% rayon so it is not the nicest material but we can comfort ourselves in knowing it will wash well and won't wrinkle so easily.  Plus, the $68 price tag with cute details like the bird print and tie back may make this blouse worth forgetting it's synthetic materials. Not digging the green bird print so much?  You can also find this top in royal blue and pink.

Fresh Cut Skirt              &                Kahakai Skirt

More lower cost options from Vanessa Virgina but this time in 100% cotton and with a $68 price tag I see these skirts selling out without getting a discount.  They are pull on styling in perfect prints and material for summer wear, and can be dressed up slightly or worn super casual.  I love these skirts!

V-Back Pullover

This top comes in the light grey pictured above and a dark navy that reads black on my computer screen.  It is made by Bordeaux of model and spandex.  I  like that it is made in the USA and is only $58.  I can see this paired with a skinny belt, skinny jeans, and high heel sandals for a date night.

Trina Boatneck

This top is $68 and is by Assemblage which is a brand I am not yet familiar with; I've noticed a lot of that lately at Anthropologie.  It is a cotton modal mix and a longer length.  I envision this paired with a skinny white ankle length jean or pants and flats.  You can have fun adding bold necklaces to a top like this one.

Dicot Macrame Tank

The dicot macrame tank is by Sanctuary for $58 in a cotton/poly blend.  It has a cool, boho feel to it and is meant for layering.  It is an option that is much cheaper than most of the other lace tops I've seen out right now and a great way to be on trend without busting your bank account.

Remolino Lace Pullover

Another great on-trend option for the lace top is this $78 top from Far Away From Close.  It linen blended with nylon and in my opinion looks like it costs closer to $150.  My only worry with a top like this is how fragile it is; I would worry about snags on jewelry or finger nails but so far this top is getting great reviews.

Dimpled & Dotted Tank

You can do the retro thing for only $58 with this cute little cross-backed number.  This would work great with a blazer at the office and then sans blazer after work for some happy hour drinks.  Bonus points for being 100% cotton.  It is a perfect little summer tank.

Ikat Frequencies Shirtdress

This dress is just under $100 and a rare find as Anthropologie dresses are usually over $100.  It is by Maeve and is 100% polyester.  It has an easy feel to it and a looser fit so may work okay if your not in a heatwave.  It has a simple tie for a belt but I'm sure a sturdier belt would kick this cute frock up a notch.

Enchantment Heels

The Enchantment Heels are all kinds of beautiful with the $128 price tag only increasing the appeal of these lovelies.  The reviews state they are comfy too.  They are the perfect neutral heel for summer and if you can show a hint of toe you'll get a lot of wear out of these at the office.

Fabriella T-Straps

Seychelles is well known for making gorgeous, quality shoes at great prices.  These wedges are $110 and are also available in black.  The stacked wedge means you get 4.5 inches for the price of 3.5 inches and platforms are generally very easy to wear; according to the reviews these are no exception.

Charm Necklaces

For around $30 you can create your own charm necklace with a myriad of choices found in the link above.  I love how the necklace is a chain so if you want to add more charms you can put them exactly as you want them to hang on the chain.  This would also make a lovely personalized gift for a special gal in your life.  

Painted Cycles Tote         &                        Galaxias Tote

Miss Albright does beautiful shoes and apparently totes as well.  These bags come with a $78 price tags and a whole lotta fun in the prints.  They will easily tote your weekend wear or work stuff all summer long all the while brining a smile to your face with their fun, quirky prints.

Buttercup Tote

If you are rather partial to leather (I am!) then this Pilcro tote will surely have you swooning at its $128 price tag.  The cut out details and gorgeous sunny hue make this tote a winner.  The only drawback is that with only 6" straps you won't be swinging this over your shoulder.  Still a great way to brighten your day while carrying all that stuff that won't fit into a purse.

Roselle Scarf

An easy way to dress up or change up an outfit is by throwing on a colorful scarf.  This scarf reminds me of some pricier scarves with similar prints and color schemes I have seen Anthropologie selling in past seasons.  The difference here is that this one is under $50.

Puckered Ruffle Scarf

The puckered ruffle scarf is only $38 and comes in three other colors.  It has the details on it that differentiate an Anthropologie scarf from those found in mainstream stores.  I like all the ways you can tie this scarf; check out the different colors to see how Anthropologie styles it. 

I hope you enjoyed looking at my favorite lower cost options!

Summer Sounds Wide-Legs

I bought my second pair of the Summer Sounds Wide-Legs and couldn't wait for a warm enough day to break them out.  I love not having to get these pants hemmed to fit for flats and I love the colors they come in; pale shade of blue, pink, grey, and white.  I have the pale blue and white; I don't need the pink because I have a pair from last year that will do just fine and grey isn't really my color, otherwise I would have bought them all.  They are as comfortable as PJ pants, they don't stretch too much during the day, and I'm wearing fuschia underwear that don't show through these baby blues.

I have styled them today with older items; an octopus necklace I love but don't wear so often, this beautiful blouse-sweater hybrid from Moth, and an old pair of Chie Mihara flats. I like the pale lavendar and blues mixed with the whimsical waistband on the cardigan.

Outfit Details:
Tank: Anthropologie Daisy Game Tank
Cardigan: Anthropologie by Moth
Pants: Anthropologie Summer Sounds Wide Legs
Necklace: Anthropologie Submerged Necklace
Headband: Anthropologie Daisy Fay Headband