A Small Set Of Anthropologie Fall Reviews

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I did some reviews a few weeks ago. And I also tried on the following items for this post at a different store.

This is what I wore the day I went to Anthropologie. The top is Free People’s Mixed Print Tunic (previously styled here).

In a miracle of all miracles, I am wearing pants (Old Navy’s Skinny Rockstars from a few years ago. Size up in these. I wear a 12 in them. I usually wear an 8 in pants. I wish they had better colors available right now. I want to scoop some more up on sale when they finally bring fun colors back. You can usually score them for less than $20 on a good sale).

So I decided to forgo my usual pantless pictures and try on some tops with actual bottoms on. This isn’t likely to happen again. I cannot seem to get away from pantless pictures. There is even one at the bottom of this post. Let’s blame the flu. Always. Forever.

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Llamas, llamas everywhere but not a drop to drink.

They. Are. Everywhere. Suddenly I cannot look on a website without seeing the fuzzy creature. I don’t know how I feel about this. At first I was all, “Wheeee! Llamas! Whooo Hooooo!” And then I bought the llama skirt and was content.

We had established in our household many years ago that I am indeed not a llama when we would read the brilliant book, “Is Your Mama A Llama?,” every single night to our children.

So, no, I am not a llama. But I was not sure where I stood on being a llama lover. I am a lover of many things, but llamas? Hmmmmmm. They spit. And while that is gross, I have to give them props for it in a gross-awesome kind of way. There is such a thing. And llamas are a prime example of how awesome gross can be.

I can say I like them. I like them in a lukewarm, would smile if I saw one and not need to go up and pet it sort of way.

But The Moonflower Henley has pink in it. Bright pink. Suddenly llamas are looking very good indeed. I decided I did not need this shirt. I am wearing a size 8 in the picture which is my usual size in tops, but it did gape at the neckline. I tried it on in a different pattern below if you want to read more about the fit.

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It is hard to tell, but The Highlands Coat has a lot of different textures going on. The front appears to be some sort of sherpa vest, there is embroidery, a smooth material. It was busy without being busy. It was also by a brand I am beginning to love this year (they made my vegan leather jacket), Hei Hei. I am wearing a size Medium here.

It looked more flattering in person.

Or at least that is what Myself told me.

She was all, “Da** girl, you look goooodd.”

But then she saw me staring in aghast at these pictures and was like, “Sweetie, don’t look at them. Don’t you know Myself cameras always lie?”

If I did not live in California, I would buy this in a heartbeat. I really like it.

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But wait! Whaaaaa? No pockets?!?!?!

No, Jenni, they are there. Just on the side. Don’t pay attention to me, I obviously have never put on a coat before.

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This shirt is the sister to the llama shirt.

I like it better.

The colors really pop. They are perfect for this season and the next. The animals are hidden but whimsical and pretty. I love this top. I tried on an 8, but the top gaped open at the buttons. I bought this top in a size 10 (with a 25% off code). I wish I would have stuck with the 8, because it is a little too big. So, I would stick with your usual size. I think busty ladies might be sized out of this. The top is very weirdly formed in front and low cut. But the pattern!… It is a conundrum.

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I saw The Garden Lace Dress on the sale rack and decided to try it on. It was okay. There was nothing about it that spoke to me. The colors were not right for my complexion. This is a size small. I do think it is pretty on the right person, because I have seen the dress on girls on Instagram and admired it on them.

But I tried it on. “And that’s all I have to say about that.”

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As my secret lover always says, “wrap it up like my favorite present.”

Forget “put a ring on it.” Put a bow in it and call it a day.

Okay. He doesn’t really say that. What he actually says is, “All right. All right. All right.” Wait. Whoa! What? Your secret boyfriend says that, too? What are the odds? And by secret boyfriend we mean in our heads, right? And that he has no idea that he is actually having conversations with you let alone dating you? Right. Perfect secret boyfriend. I’m lying. We broke up. I actually broke up with him. Those annoying car commercials where it feels like I am being smothered by boredom? Yea. It’s over.

What were we talking about?

Oh, yes. This amazing, gorgeous, fabulous blanket-like creation, The Tartan Blanket Coat, also by Hei Hei. Or sweater? Or jacket? It really is just like a big blanket you can wear. And who the heck doesn’t want that? I think the success of the Snuggie proved the appeal. I scoffed and scoffed at those infomercials. I thought to myself, who the heck would buy a blanket you can wear?

And then Christmas morning, a few years ago, my sister pulls out a present from my father. A present she has asked for. A complete family set of Snuggies. I think I drowned a family of mice that day with my tears of mirth.

But this blanket coat? Why, it’s completely different.

Because it is awesome. and I’m the one who likes it.

I am wearing the size M/L in the pictures. I tried both the XS/S and the M/L and ultimately decided on the XS/S for the fit in the shoulders. This is one of those pieces that Anthropologie makes that will look good on a multitude of body types. The colors and pattern are amazing. But it is VERY itchy so it will require it to be a layering piece. It is really good.

It has fringe.

Did the Snuggie have fringe? Don’t answer, I don’t want to know.

Did the Snuggie have multiple colors of happiness running through it? The answer is no, Mandi.

I originally bought this with my 25% off code for my husband to wrap up for me for Christmas. With a bow. Secret ex-boyfriend not included. However, I am having second thoughts about it and will probably be returning it to wait for a better sale price. We just do not get enough cold weather here to warrant it. But it is beautiful. I am a fickle indecisive creature.

And that is all right. All right. All right.

Hei, Hei, Hei, Hei, watch the leather man!

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I forgot to include this The Composed Pintuck Top in my other set of reviews. Probably because I wanted to block out my no-pants picture from my mind. This top is too good not to show, though. We have an English Bulldog and my husband desperately wants a French Bulldog, too. And I desperately want a house that does not smell like dogs… Well, more dogs, at least.

So I bought this shirt.

That makes no sense.

I know. But I love the green. And the French Bulldogs on it. My husband can just look at my chest and dream of what he can’t have. Wait. That isn’t right either.

Sigh.

Let’s just all put on Snuggies and forget about it.

I purchased the size 8 in this top with a 25% off code. I could not get it out of my head ever since I saw Elsie rocking it on A Beautiful Mess. The reviews complain of the sides being high. I concur with this. I will have to wear high waisted pants (which really should be all I wear anyway) or layer a thin tank underneath to avoid any skin mishaps (I am thinking this tank because of the ruffled sides. It is sold out, but I would check Ebay if you like it. I previously wore it here). Different than the tights mishap occurring in the picture above.

Are you ready for this cold weather? Have you purchased any sweaters or coats? I am not planning on purchasing any sweaters this year (besides my present and this sweater on sale). I have enough for California. So you will be seeing a lot of repeats in my outfit posts coming up in the next few months. What about you? Bought any boots? Dogs (Actual dogs, not dogs that parade in a tease across the chest for a significant other)? What are your thoughts on wearing llamas? And what is the most awesome-gross thing you can think of? Any comments of “your thighs” shall be deleted immediately and spit upon (in an awesome-gross way, of course).

*this post contains affiliate links. Clicking on product links will result in a small commission for a ticket to go see my ex-secret boyfriend in the movie theater this blog.

Pretty Pleats With A Necklace On Top

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Way back in the peak of summer I fell in love with The Solana Swing Dress from Anthropologie. I reviewed it here. But I vowed to wait for a good sale price. I very much wanted both colors it came in: grey and pink. I liked the pleats. I liked the swing shape. I knew it was a dress that I could carry into all seasons.

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It finally went down to less than $30 during a recent sale. And so I scooped up both colors, and happily awaited their arrival. I even took pictures in one of them while I was extremely sick (still am. I don’t know what to do about this illness) so I could show the dress while it is still available. This dress escorted me to the doctor’s. It is a keeper. Here is the deal, though…

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In the reviews, two separate people stated getting any sort of water upon the dress resulted in a permanent loss of the beautiful pleats. I am terrified of even brushing up against the sink in this or going near Ollie, the drool monster. I will try dry cleaning, but I also worry they will want to iron it or steam iron it. Therefore, it may never, ever, ever get washed. That’s not too gross, right?

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I ordered both dresses in a size medium, but the pink dress is noticeably longer.

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I decided to pair the grey dress with a white long sleeve shirt and wear it more as a jumper with tights.

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We took the dogs for a drive and I decided to pose with Murphy.

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I initially wore my hair in a new ponytail style, but it was too windy to keep it.

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Murphy was being kind of crazy, so I switched to Ollie.

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But Murphy looked sad, so I decided to take them both for a walk.

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This did not really help, because what they really wanted was my husband. They adore him the best. That is because he adores them the best. Funny how that works.

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They finally got what they wanted. My husband is aghast that I took his picture. He doesn’t need to know I then posted it on the internet, too. Let’s just keep that between us. And, yes, I love a bearded man.

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And I love a good scarf. I purchased this scarf from Anthropolgie many years ago. It has always been my favorite.

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Do you “do” pleats? Do you wear long sleeves under your sleeveless dresses in the winter? What should I do about cleaning the dress? Any suggestions?

*I shared this on The Pleated Poppy and Reasons To Dress.

Anthropologie Holiday Workshops 2014

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I had the pleasure of going to two Anthropologie holiday workshops the last few weeks. Each one was a lot of fun. I did not take as many pictures as last year, because, honestly, I am super shy. I did not want anyone to know I was blogging about it. Which in not taking a lot of pictures, pretty much almost made that a sad reality. Sometimes I do not think things through.

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The first holiday workshop I attended was in Corona, California. It was a very small crowd. There were just six of us plus the girl teaching the project.

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At this workshop, we made pearblossoms that were going to go on a wreath. We took crumbled up butcher paper and rolled it into a rough shape. Then we taped around it with masking tape. We then painted the masking tape and added glitter and a stem to the finished project. I think this is a cool skill to learn because the wadded paper and tape trick would work for a number of projects (including bodies for Christmas critters). The glitter they use is so cool. Much better than regular ol’ glitter. It figures that Anthropologie would have awesome glitter. It very much looks like powdered magic. I want some of my very own.

I vow to get a picture of the finished window this time! I will place it in Keepin’ It Real. I was a dork and wore one of my favorite dresses to the workshop. That is because last year I wore clothes that were not my favorite and they did not do anything messy. This year, I wore an embroidered dress and the project could not have been messier. They kindly let me borrow their apron. Phew!

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I only took one picture of the inside of the store. I did not get one of their cool atrium in the middle of the store. Last year I learned this was one of the most expensive Anthropologies to build because of the atrium. Next year, I promise!

I met two lovely ladies there and it has been fun getting to know them on Instagram. And the sweet girl who ran it, gosh I wish I could remember her name, was fantastic. Warm. Welcoming. Encouraging. Everyone loved her.

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Here I am with one of the finished projects.

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At the end of the session, they gifted each of us girls who participated in the workshop a miniature pumpkin and a 25% off coupon to use on a full price purchase. The generosity of the gift made my head explode. I had done some reviews in the dressing room prior to the workshop and had made a wishlist in my head. Well, all of that went out the window. Suddenly, I could not remember what I had yearned for. I ended up buying two of these Kantha pillows, The Fanned Flora Dress, floral tights, and the llama skirt. I was halfway home when I realized that the thing I actually came to the store to buy… the one item I had really, really wanted… I forgot to get. It was this shirt (in a happy ending, the shirt arrived last week. I bought it with a different code).

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A week later I went to the workshop in San Diego. I had also wanted to participate in the one in Carlsbad, but their workshop started incredibly early in the morning and it would have been impossible to get there and get kids to school. I chose getting the kids to school. Where’s my Mother Of The Year Crown?

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The San Diego Workshop had two different stations to pick from. One station was very crowded. It involved making the coolest pinecones. The other station was fairly empty. It was just cutting thin cardboard. My introverted self chose cutting cardboard.

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Both Anthropologies had pretty little setups with food and drinks for the guests. I forgot to take a picture of the table in Corona. At this Anthropologie they had about four people helping out with the crafts. I met a lovely woman (I do not know if I can use her name here) who also participates in Effortless Anthropologie’s discussions and such. It was so nice to meet her. I would love to make plans to go again next year to chat with her again.

I took some pictures of the pretty store:

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This is what I wore that day. My favorite Free People top, The Mix Print Tunic. And my mustard yellow Old Navy Rockstar Pants. I took these pictures in the dressing room, because I squeezed in a couple of reviews that will run later this week.

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This Anthropologie gave away the sweetest ornament made of bark and with a burnt “A” for Anthropologie on the wood. Of course, I could take it as my Mother Of The Year Award. They also gifted the 25% off code to participants.

The year before, neither Anthropologie gave participants gifts, so I would not go to a workshop hoping for something. It was a sweet unexpected gesture this year, but next year might be different. I would go for other reasons. I went to learn a new craft. Meet new people. And step outside of my comfort zone. I feel like I did all of those things. Probably not well. I was still too shy. I am still the Amelia Bedilia of crafts. However I did meet new people in spite of those things.

Did you go to one of the workshops this year? What craft did you get to do? Do you plan to attend one next year? They are usually held in the middle to end of October so check the website at the beginning of next October to call and register for a spot.

Last year’s workshop posts can be found here and here.

this post contains affiliate links. Clicking on or purchasing from a link will result in a small commission for glitter this site.

It’s The Little Things: Put A Scarf On It

I have been thinking a lot about scarves lately. I have been seeing them pop up all over Instagram. Yesterday I was at Anthropologie and as I wandered the beautiful store, the scarves seemed to be whispering to me, “Cozy,” they murmured. “Flattering,” they promised. “Unique,” they softly said as they caught my eye and winked.

But I live in California.

Buying an expensive scarf just isn’t practical. For my lifestyle. And my budget.

I guess you could say that I am married to Warm Weather but I don’t mind flirting with Cold Weather’s attractive cousins. temperature trollop I ignored their siren calls and promised them I would be back when they went on sale (especially this temptress).

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I happened to be at a different mall later in the day. And I also found myself at Target. I had actually wanted to go to Target that day to view a scarf after seeing it on myfavoritethings25 Instagram feed (sorry, I do not know how to link to Instagram). My Target store did not have that scarf, but they did have the plaid and other patterned one above. Since plaid and blanket scarves seem to be the trend of the season (and leopard. Leopard. Leopard. Leopard. Put a spot on it), I scooped them up for around $30 for both (most scarves at Target are on 20% off sale through the end of today and buy one get one 50% off online).

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At the mall, I went to Forever 21. They had a wall full of scarves. I did not purchase one.

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But I spotted this blue and black flannel number for less than $10 there and I think it is pretty.

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H&M did not have the scarf selection I was expecting. But they did have two different patterned blanket scarves hidden in the clothing section that were huge. The pattern was pretty. This picture is not them. I did not get a picture of them. I had all ready broken a $2 ring at Forever 21 and guilt-purchased it, I did not want to drop anything else and have to pay for it in reaching for my camera. Aren’t I helpful? But I will share this:

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I will admit that I am clueless about styling scarves. That is why I like to buy infinity scarves. They are easy. I like easy. But most of the scarves I admire lately are not infinity. What is a girl to do? Well, I found this video on You Tube and the tutorial to make a regular scarf look like an infinity scarf was so simple. Most importantly, it works!

Are you a scarf styling genius? I have heard that you can make a scarf into a vest? Do you know how to do that? I’m just happy I managed to get the thing around my neck.

It’s The Little Things: more accessories! I love the cooler seasons! Shhhhh! Don’t tell Warm Weather.