Another set of reviews..

Hi there! I went to the Philadelphia Flower Show this past saturday and had lots of fun! I went semi crazy and took close to 600 pictures haha.. I'll share some of my favorite photos here after I finish editing them. While I was down in Philly, my bf and partner-in-crime went to visit Anthro (mostly because of me..and my bf went to Barnes&Noble instead ha). I was excited to see the store have some of the items I have in my wishlist (which are few and far between this season).

SO, let's start off with...

Winterbloom Maxi Dress $200 by Leifsdottir

 

I grabbed a size 6 which is the size I usually go to for Leifsdottir. The dress itself is very lovely but maybe a bit too formal. I love the print but not the fit. I'd need to grow a couple more inches in order for this dress to fit me correctly. The torso part of this dress is long because the waist sat at the top of my hips and it's also kind of baggy so I think this runs big. The dress would also need to be hemmed a couple of inches because there is too much length for me (and I was on my tippy toes in the picture). Even on sale, it's still very pricey at $200 and it would not get much wear because of the formal look of this dress. pass for me.

Unknown dress Dot Gleam Dress By Leifnotes 

 

I tried this dress on because my friend loved it when she saw it on the hanger. It's not really my style but I gave it a try anyways. I grabbed a size 6 since I wasn't familiar with this brand. I think the dots were gold stitching on the dress (actually to be quite honest, I don't quite remember if it was stitching or not since I felt meh about this dress so I'm probably wrong about that). The dress came with a detachable slip...and it turned out to be a pretty thin slip. You could see my dark colored underwear through the dress. The slip fit me fine as there was no tightness anywhere and the outer shell was pretty baggy/free flowing. The overall look left a lot to be desired; the top was very blousey on me (which I'm not fond of ) with a stretchy waistband. the length hits a couple of inches above my knees and it's longer on the sides as you can see in the picture. My friend still likes it (but not on me). it's definitely a pass.

Honeyed Life Shirtdress $148 by Moulinette Soeurs

 

This dress was one of the items in my wishlist. I read reviews it ran big so I grabbed a size 4. Well, they were right since the size 4 fits me perfectly with a little bit more room for food. There is also a waist tie to cinch in the waist but it didn't really do anything for me. I should also note the color is darker than it appeared on the website and it's more of a muted yellow butter color. The length is also a good length as it comes down to my knees. The print is very cute but I think for the overall look, it looks kind of blah on me. My friend thought it looked matronly on me and I have to say I agree with her. I also noticed the racer back straps had the tendencies to stick out and I know it would drive me nuts all day if I wear this dress. I'll have to revisit this dress again when it goes on sale. 

Sincerely Paris Halter Dress $148 by Girls From Savoy

 

I was intrigued to try this dress on. I already own Traced Twirls Dress in turquoise and Aubergine Sky Dress so I'm kind of tired out by this recycled style. What drew me in is the cute postage stamps all over the dress. I grabbed a size 8 since 6 wasn't available. It turned out to fit me fine but still a bit snug unlike the previous sister dresses so I think it runs small especially if you have larger rib cage. The skirt portion looks a bit weird on me..it sort of poufs out like a balloon (does this make sense? lol). My friend liked it a lot on me so maybe I'm just being overly critical of myself? I'll have to revisit this again and try another size up. 

Riparian Stream Top $128 by HD in Paris

 

I really liked this top online so I was excited to try this one on. The silk felt really nice to the touch but it's sheer. sheer enough to see my bra and dark jeans underneath so I would definitely wear a light colored bra with this blouse.  I picked up size 6 and it fits well. While I really like the fluttery sleeve style, I think it made my chest looks odd...maybe I'll try a different bra next time? The tie at the waist helps give the body some definition. I didn't have the problem with the top being too short either; it landed at my hips. I can see picking out this blouse in a hurry but still looking pulled together with just jeans and cute flats. Will revisit during sale time.

Inked Flora Skirt $118 by Moulinette Soeurs

I really like the yellow motif of this skirt but I only saw the grey so I tried this on anyway. I grabbed a size 6 but it was pretty tight at the waist so I'd size up. It's pretty poofy at the hips as well so this might not work for some body types. I remember it not being lined or having pockets so boo to that. The length hits at the top of my knees so it works for me but it might end up being too short for taller gals. Now that I look at it, it doesn't look bad with the top I had on at the time lol. Pass for now but I may revisit during sale time. 

Australe Cardigan $118 by Field Flower

argh Anthro, you are killing me!!! why did you have to make this cute cardigan out of terry cloth material? what's wrong with cotton or cashmere? WHY. *ehem* aside that little rant, I do think this cardigan is cute. It's the old Field Flower's style which I love and greatly miss from Anthro's collection. I grabbed a size small and it fits well. I really like this cardigan but i hate how it feels on my skin; it's not soft at all. Also, I'm kind of clumsy so I can definitely see myself snagging this cardigan left and right especially when it's open for invitation. see that close up picture full of little loops? snagsnagsnagsnag. I'll try to get over it but this one definitely won't be a full price purchase for me.

Wrapped Ruched Tee $30 by Bordeaux

I grabbed this tee to try it on with the skirt below. I grabbed a size small and found out it's too small for me. It was tight in the arms and the length is too short for me. I kind of struggled to get the right drapey look in the front but gave up in then end. On the plus side, the material felt comfy and thin but not sheer. Definitely size up for this one. 

Hatch Mark Skirt $148 by Maeve

I grabbed a size 6 since that's the standard size for me with Maeve. This one definitely runs big as I have excess room in the waist so definitely size down with this one. The skirt is made from linen and i would say it's of medium weight in terms of thickness. The design is simple but cute; i imagine it can be paired with a lot of colors (i'm thinking blues and greens) since the base color is neutral. This skirt didn't really do anything for me though. 

Dropwaist Mini Dress $60 by Meadow Rue

This dress is not really my style but I tried it on out of curiosity. I wasn't sure how it was going to look on me since I never really go for trends and trendy clothes often look horrible on me. I grabbed a size 6 which fits fine but I suppose if you have a smaller frame, you could probably get away with sizing down. This dress was so short though! (I suppose it's expected from the name "mini dress") the length fell mid thigh on me. This dress is what I would call impractical; can't wear a bra unless you don't mind exposing it from the huge back slit. The back also gaped like crazy which made me wonder if the designer team didn't really inspect this design carefully and recognize the annoying flaw. meh. Aside from the pretty color, this one is definitely a pass for me. 

Melon Ball Dress $158 by Moulinette Soeurs

I saved the best for last! I really like this dress although I'm still a bit apprehensive about the color which is what is holding me back from really loving it. The color is a bit more intense than how it's depicted online. I was never a big fan of pink unless it's pastel pink. hmm. I'll have to think about this one. Well anyways, let's talk about the fit now. Moulinette Soeurs's sizing have been inconsistent and I hadn't read reviews for this dress before I tried it on so I grabbed a size 6. It definitely runs big and as you can see from the picture on the right, I can pull some extra fabric around the armpit area. The waist was pretty big on me as well although the structured shape prevented it to look really baggy. The length came down to my knees which is a good length...but I would order the petite size (4P) if I decide to buy it when it goes on sale. I love the details on the neckline and that is really what makes the dress imo. Wishlisted. 

Well, hat wraps up the reviews for this time. Currently, I'm not liking a lot of the items on the website right now (and that is a good thing for my wallet) so these pieces are the only ones I'm interested in from the collection right now.

Do you have a favorite item out of the bunch? Mine are the Mellon Ball dress and the Riparian Stream top.They are not must haves but I would definitely purchase those two items when they go on sale. I'm also dying to try this newbie on so hopefully the store I go to will have them in the next few weeks. I hope these reviews help you some of you who doesn't have an Anthro store nearby. Until next time! : )

failed search, Anthro reviews and a random Kate Spade

These are the dresses that I really like and want to try on:

I was hoping the local (re:1hr away) would carry them..

nope.

instead they gave me ones that looks kind of ridiculous on me.
sigh. you give me the case of sads, anthro!

er..i'll just start with the worse of the batch to get it out of the way.

Grand Slam Dress $228

yikes. talk about ill fitting. my best friend, A hated it so much on me. I don't like the color on me either but I tried this on anyway since I haven't seen any reviews for it yet. I tried on my usual size at 6. it fits TTS although it was a bit snug on the waist for me (probably due to Five Guys burger I ate before going to Anthro.  yes, I know.fail). As you can see from the picture, the top was hugeee on me and the way the skirt falls made my hips look wider than it really is. The color is more intense irl and the thin silk felt nice to the touch. I don't think it was lined though I could be wrong. but yeah....the color & fit is all wrong for me.
Passsss

the next dress just doesn't do anything for me..
Ruffled Oska Dress $168

I thought this dress looked lovely on the hanger so I took it back with me to the dressing room. I tried on my usual anthro size 6. It fits..but it didn't flatter my body at all. it's just kind of there ..and as you can see, the cinched in waist part sat oddly higher above my natural waist. The silk was also pretty thin and surprisingly, it wasn't lined. The tiers falls nicely and didn't add bulk to the lower part of the body which is a plus. At 5'6, the length hit right above the knees which is perfect for me. My friend liked the dress but she didn't like it on me and I agree with her. All in all, this is a pass for me.

The next one isn't bad but didn't really wow me either

Watercolored Gems Shift $168

I didn't see a size 6 hanging so i grabbed the next size up. Not sure if it was because I was bloated from lunch that day but even with a size 8, it was snug on me at the waist. The material was also pretty stiff but was lined. Both my friend and I agreed the plain blue panel in the back adds interest to the dress. The length on this one is also a good length falling just above the knees for me. The V cut in the back was high enough to cover the bra which is good so you don't have to worry about it peeking out. The straps was also wide enough to cover up my bra straps so no worries there too. It can be work appropriate by covering it up with a cardigan (yellow, cobalt, teal, mint green, purple etc) and casual enough for a dinner outing without the cardigan. I'm not completely sold on this dress and it doesn't help when my friend said it ages me too haha. Pass for now but I may revisit when it goes on sale.

Carlow Tank $98
 paired with
Madison Shorts $88

yes, my friend is silly :p

Carlow Tank: I like this tank a lot  but it kind of confuses me actually. Sleeveless but it feels like a sweater. It's made out of a thicker material than I would like to wear in the warmer months. I like the strings on the chest area which is the main selling point of this piece. I grabbed size m which fits well since I read it runs small. It was form fitting but not uncomfortably tight. I like tops with an interesting flair to them and this definitely fits the bill. It's too expensive for what it is so I'll probably wait for it to go on sale. wishlisted!

Shorts: I always love me a cute pair of shorts. It can be hard for me to dress in the summer since I dislike the hot weather so I'm always on the lookout for cute but easy-to-wear pieces. The polka dots pattern is subtle enough without being too loud. The length falls a little bit higher than my fingertips but it's not too short for me. I picked up a size 6 and it's a good fit considering I still have my sweater tights on while wearing it. Paying $90 for a pair of shorts is kind of ridiculous so I'll be waiting for this one to go on sale as well.

Last week, I received an email for free shipping at Anthro with a minimum of $150 purchase. So I decided to take advantage of it and ordered these 2 skirts I've been eyeing on since they went on sale:

Beaufort Gale Skirt $65 (2nd Cut)

I ordered this one in 6P which ends up being a good decision since it comes down to my knees while still fitting me well at the waist. The materials are sheer but I don't think it's as sheer as the reviewers on the website claims it to be. The outer layer is opaque enough to hide everything but the lining is see through..kind of reminds of the foolproof half slip.The skirt is very well made and the embroidery reminds me of Tangerine Flicker Dress. The wide waistband (a little bit more than 5") does a good job of hiding lumps and bumps but makes it a bit harder to style it.

 I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep this or not because I don't really know its potential to fit in to the rest of  my closet. What do you think? Should I keep it or return it? any style ideas for daytime wear?

Wisteria Skirt $90

I also ordered this in 6P as well. It fits well; not too tight and not too loose although buttoning those 2 buttons at the side is kind of a pain since they're pretty small. The length is also to my liking as it hits me right above the knees. The material is also pretty thick...and kind of a pain to iron. I don't mind ironing but this is the one skirt you'd want to second guess if you loathe the activity. It does poof out a little bit below the waist but it doesn't really bother me..probably because I'm comparing it to the disaster that is Yarn Plumes Skirt. The picture on the right represents the color of the skirt a bit more closely under the harsh yellow lighting in my room. The neutral color and the beautiful embroidery makes this skirt to be an easy versatile piece in my closet while still being unique.

Bailey Dress $237

Loveee this dress. I don't have any Kate Spade pieces nor have I tried one so I grabbed my usual dress size at Anthro. I tried on a size 6 and it fits me perfectly in all the right places. The silk was also nice to the touch and not thin at all. As you can see, the ruffles also lay flat so it won't overwhelm your body. I love the pattern and so does my boyfriend which is surprising because he doesn't like it. He described it as a different kind of polka dots because "its pattern is not like normal polka dots". Yeah, I don't know what he meant either which is why I replied with a sigh. I don't really care for the belt; it looks kind of cheap to me but that's a very easy fix.

Does anyone know if KS dresses gets a second cut if a sale item lingers on the website long enough? I would love to get my hands on this but even at the sale price, it's still a bit too high for me.

So that's it for me. I haven't been to Anthro for awhile now since I haven't been taken it with any of their new offerings. The only thing that'll tempt me to stop by is if the Embossed Basket Dress goes on sale tomorrow.

New Beginning

Hi everyone! Can't believe it's 2012 already..doesn't it feel like it was just summer yesterday or is it just me?
I don't really have a new year resolution since I never really end up following through anyway but I will try to blog more often and become a better person. Work and school can really burn me out which leaves me shedding my nice skin sometimes. With a break before school starts, I can regroup myself and detox for a better year.
and detox meaning reading good books, eating good food, spending time with friends and..Anthro!
I have made a few trips to Anthro before and after christmas (with my gift cards!) but haven't really found anything I badly wanted to have right then and there (with the exception for Unconditional Osier Dress). In the meantime, I have tried on a couple of items some of you may be looking at to purchase...


First up, Goji Plaid Dress $168

I think I was the only one who wasn't so keen on Take Action and Twinkle, Twinkle dress. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful but I feel like it just didn't flatter me as much as I would like them to. I'm excited about this version because red is my favorite color and it has a side zip meaning more structure to the bodice.
I think this dress fits TTS. I tried on the size 4 (a size down from what I usually take) in this photo which fits but a bit too tight for my liking but look how it skims the body! This dress hits me just at the top of my knees which is at a perfect length for me. The fabric is a nice silk fabric with a bow in the back but the one thing that bothers me is I don't remember seeing if there's a supposed cutout in the back. sadly I can't really tell from the pictures too :(
I'll have to go back and revisit this dress when I see it again in stores (strangely enough, i haven't seen this dress on the floor for awhile now). but in the meantime, wishlisted!

Unconditional Osier Dress $168

I know, I'm a bit late joining this party. I thought this dress was cute when I first saw it but it took me a couple of months before I actually took it to the dressing room with me. I'm glad I did because I loveeee this dress now. I'm waiting to pounce on this dress when it goes on sale (soon perhaps?). This one is a Medium and it fits perfectly and comfortably which is always a plus. The lace is soft but I'm also afraid I'm going to snag it because I'm sort of clumsy. It's sold out online but there are plenty in stores.

Embossed Basket Dress $168

I'm still wavering back and forth with this dress. I love the cobalt blue color, the comfortable fit, the perfect length, and the versatility of it ...but I'm unsure of the fit. This one is a medium which fits nicely but I feel like it also made my chest looks flat (I don't have much to begin with but I would like to preserve the little that I have) and waist looks wider? I suppose a belt can always fix that problem. This is another dress I'll have to revisit but I will wishlist this in the meantime. Any opinions on this?

Slung Sash Tee in polka dot $60 (bought for $30 during promo)

I think this is the first Bailey 44 item that I have in my closet. I tried the moss color before but I missed out on it.Although after trying this on, I ended up liking this one more! I took a size M here and I love the comfortable yet flattering fit.

Plaited Illusion Cardi $88

I've had my eyes on this cardi for awhile now but never saw it in stores until recently. Oddly enough, there was only a size XS left maybe this was a popular piece? Anyways, I tried the XS which you see below here.
This cardi is unique and comfortable to wear. it's also a neutral color so it's sure to go with many outfits. I ordered the size S with one other item before free shipping ended because I can already see myself living in this cardi for many years. The XS was a bit tight on the arms though it fits because it stretches. I love the details on this but unhappy with the raw edges hopefully it doesn't get funky after a couple washes and wear.

Raspberry Jacquard Dress $168

This pretty dress had a lot of potentials but somewhere along the way, it failed me. It may have been the lack of waist definition but it doesn't really flatter my body. I like the jacquard, the color, and the sweetheart neckline but it failed to impress me when I put it on in the dressing room. If this one works for you, that's great because it is a beautiful dress and I wished it had worked on me : /
I tried my usual size 6 and it fits comfortably so it's TTS for those of you who are interested in this piece.

Pleated Ponte Skirt now $40 i think

I've always been interested to try on this popular skirt. I managed to find only 2 of these hanging randomly in the store, and one happened to be my size. I tried on the size 6 which fits perfectly and it lands only a couple of inches above the knees but it's nothing scandalous. It is a thicker knit so it's great to wear during the colder days. I do think this skirt is cute but it's not a must have for me.

Yarn Plumes Skirt $118

Anyone else thinks the catalog picture for this skirt is funny? poor girl, it must have been cold when they had this shoot. lol

ok, talk about unflattering. My bottom half looks like an open umbrella or a lamp shade. ok, not that bad but.. why is it so darn poofy?! I took a size 6 here and it fits fine since it also has elastics on the back of the skirt. I like the feathers...but the fabric is also a lint magnet which I know would bother me. I make few exceptions here and there for some lint magnet pieces *i'm looking at you, Ihrin shirtdress* but not this one. fit is awful on me so it's just another strike added on. passs. unless it's on sale for like $10 then I can probably..do something.. about the poofiness.

Stilt Striders Skirt $80, sold out online but still floating around in stores

This skirt is intriguing... I do think the flamingos are adorable. the size 6 fits me fine but it's very..meh on me. I don't think it flatters me at all actually. I don't know, I have not much to say about this skirt. I have seen other bloggers wear it and it looks super cute so I suppose I will have to live vicariously through them.

Bike Lane Dress $158.00

Hi Bike Lane dress! you are truly adorable but it's impossible to wear you right now since it's only 37 degrees outside! I do hope that you'll be on sale by the time the weather warms up because I can't wait to have you!

I think I like this a lot better than the Two Wheeler actually. Two Wheeler is cute but I'm more attracted to this color palette. but hey, aside from the bike prints, they are two different dresses so why not get this one too? No..I'm not being an enabler...
Anyways.
I ran to this dress as soon as I saw it in store. it's cute, cute, and cute.
 I must have this dress...in 3-4 months. The fabric is cotton lined with another layer of thin cotton so it'll be perfect for the warm weather. The sweetheart neckline reminds me of one of my favorites, Lepidoptera Dress.

There is also a hook and a row of buttons on the back of the bodice

Maybe my cookies aren't all in the cookie jar but it took me a good few minutes to figure out where the darn zipper was located. It was hidden under the fold. I think it's a nice touch from the design team to do so though. There is also a single button inside around the waist area which I always forget is there.

I tried on size 6 which is my usual size which fits me perfectly. I usually size up for strapless dresses because I have a wider rib cage area but this one fits me comfortably everywhere (bust & waist). it does come with removable straps (not pictured) which I'm pleased to discover because I do like the extra security when I'm moving about. oh and It also has pockets! another plus. The length is similar to the Lepidoptera dress as it lands on my knees and I'm 5'6 so shorter girls might like it better at the petite size (strangely, online only offers size 0P to 6P)

Brocade Paisley Dress by Cynthia Rowley or $200

I don't remember seeing this dress online anyone knows what this dress is called? I'm usually not a fan of paisley print but I was attracted to the vibrant colors. I had no intention on buying it though because it was $200! This one happened to be a size 8 and it fits perfectly so I guess it runs on the smaller side. This dress lands a couple of inches above my knees. I thought it was super poofy and unflattering but looking back at this picture, I like how it highlighted my waist (but still poofy). maybe another dress with the same silhouette but with different prints? maybe cheaper too..since the original price was $400.

That wraps up this set of reviews! Hopefully, I was able to help some of you out there making a decision : )

A busy weekend with Anthro

I've been super excited this weekend ever since Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie announced Anthro will be doing a sale promotion of 50% off full priced sweaters and outerwear (including 30% off sale price items starting today!).  From the wishlist roundup I did recently, I knew exactly the 2 items I wanted to buy: Outlined Celandine Cardigan (black motif) and Rising Snowdrops Cardigan (both by Tabitha). I managed to grab them both when I strolled into the store in the a.m. I also had some time to do a couple of reviews (which includes Aubergine Sky Dress!!!)

First up:

 Rising Snowdrops Cardigan. tried on my usual size S.

I may have found my sweater blanket. it's soo soft and comfy to wear. i love the stitching though the embroidery material also pills already. I do think it's a bit too big on me even though it's an open cardigan. i did grab this one up for the sweater promotion but may exchange it for an xs since there weren't any at my local store. I also like the sleeve length on this one since my hands are always unnaturally frozen cold during wintertime. I would definitely size down on this one if you are looking to buy it in the near future.

 Tucked Peplum Tank ( i believe this was the name of this product though I could be wrong) on sale for $60

tried on my usual size S. I do think it's flattering but it's an awkward length for me. the material is thicker than i expected it to be but it's soft and also comfortable. i think this was by Bailey 44. I may try this one in a Medium next time if there's one still hanging around in the sale rack.

 Nolana Skirt

I've been waiting to try on this skirt ever since I saw it hanging in store a couple of weeks ago. I tried on my usual size 6 and I do think this one runs a bit big. there's a lot of room to give even after a big meal though I will try on a size 4 for comparison.  I love the lace rust color and the underlining is lavender mauve color. the lace is also sturdy, i don't think it would easily tear if you accidentally snag it on something. It's also longer than I expected it to be and at 5'6, it hits past my knees. I'm definitely getting this one in petite length when it goes on sale.

yes i'm flashing my belly button :p 

 

 

 

Sweetheart Shrug Tee now $40. I tried on this one before with my usual size S and it was a bit too tight. I sized up to a large which is less form fitting for the lumps and dumps but still flattering. (hey look! i have curves! yay!). The bra straps does make an appearance now and then but I think it will be a quick fix at home with a little stitching. I will be getting this one very soon. 

and I saved the best for last....

Aubergine Sky Dress $168 by Girls from Savoy. This brand have occupied my heart ever since the disappearance of other favorite brand, Floreat. This dress is certainly a winner in my book. I just wrote up a lengthy review at Anthro site which hasn't appeared yet..and I also forgot to copy it for this blog. oops. so here we go..

I tried on my usual size 6 in dresses though I usually size up to an 8 for strapless due to my wider ribcage. This one fits comfortably everywhere...except that I haven't had a single meal that day (bad habit of mine). It has stretchy panels just on the sides (instead of all around like its predecessors Traced Twirls dress) for extra room. the sweetheart neckline is also a favorite of mine because it flatters my bust (yes, i do already have the traced twirls dress but I think this one is different enough..tralalala). Girls from Savoy also does a good job for making sure this strapless number stays up and with my smaller bust, i need reinforcements!

The subtle black print among the base dark purple color is certainly a delightful surprise. It's a busy print but very subtle and hard to notice unless someone gets too close to your personal bubble space to examine it. I love the contrasting yellow embroidery around the waist too. it definitely allures the eye and creates an illusion for an hourglass shape. One thing that I dislike about this dress is the length. at 5'6, it hits past my knees which I don't prefer. I think it makes my legs look stumpy and also, it's harder to style it casually which I plan to do with this dress. I'm not sure if it would look as cute if I alter the length and making the embroidery at the edge of the dress instead of 1/4 way up the edge.

I also forgot to check if this dress has pockets or not though I don't think it doesn't (but I could definitely be wrong). i love that this dress is machine washable too! yay! it's almost made of good quality cotton and sturdy enough to hold up the shape. I wish it comes in petite size but it's wishlisted for sale time for which I will definitely pick this one up!

close up of the print

and I will leave you with a blurry phone outfit picture from thursday, I believe. nothing too exciting but it does feature one of my favorite pants ever!

Headwaters Tee, Checked Crops, Sweeping Stitch heels.