Anthropol-obsessed

Got to see my wonderful friend Mary C. in London this week who was here visiting family before starting her new job in NYC. She's like a breath of fresh air, and I always love seeing her (and having her snap me out of whatever doldrum I happen to be whipping up at any given moment). She's also one of the most stylish people I know, so always up for a shopping jaunt around the city (be it NYC or London). So I was happy that she indulged me with a trip to Anthropologie.

As per usual, I hit the sale racks which like most Anthro stores are prolific and cheap. While I like to think I have endless supplies of money, I don't. Plus the continued poor economy and threat of tanking business does not bode well for my continuing to earn money. Not to mention that EVERYTHING eventually goes on sale-- especially at Anthropologie, where you can probably even pick something up at cost. And I'm nothing if not patient.

Since I work from home, my wardrobe has shifted from work attire to at home attire... but I like to at least look a little put together, even if I'm just wearing jeans. Plus, I'm a girly-girl at heart, so like to have some sort of embellishment, whether it's a necklace, or embroidery and something in my hair. I suppose one day I'll be too old for this-- or maybe I already am... but until I feel like I am, I'll steam ahead.

So I picked up these shirts that are great for layering and pairing with shorts or skinny jeans for a more casual look, or dressing up with heels or a blazer for a night out. maybe one day I'll work in an office again in which case I can break out all the suits that are tucked away in the back of my closet. Until then, casual friday is everyday in the this house.



















(mine is cream with gold detail... but for some reason there wasn't a corresponding photo on the website...)

Support this!

This is a project my friends are developing-- what a wonderful tribute to an historic small town in picturesque Vermont, the people who are at its heart and the revitalization of a community.

WWEPW

It's probably no surprise to those who know me well that I am a big fan of Glee. Singing and dancing television show full of teenage angst and crazy-talk (Sue Sylvester, anyone?)? Awww-yeah. Not to mention guest star Gwyneth's delightful Holly Holiday makes me want to skip around the room-- literally ("Let's get some tacos!"). But of all the wonderfully quirky characters, I am an Emma Pillsbury fan. Not only because of her bit of crazy about dirt that is a little reminiscent of a certain Hawaiian living in England (so MRN tells me) but because of her wardrobe-- which I happen to love. Especially because so much of her attire comes from my beloved Anthropologie; and a lot of pieces it I actually own.

So imagine my GLEE to stumble across this website: What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear. This intrepid blogger recaps Emma's outfits and sources them, along with providing alternatives for things that may be sold out or too expensive. She also gives tips for putting together Emma-approved outfits, and occasionally will throw in other characters' styles as well. Either way, it's a fun way to spend some time, if you're of the browsing / window-shopping set (which I am).

This week Emma showed up in this fun, bright pink cardigan. And yes, I do own it. :)

Top Hat White Tie and Tails

I love hats. I think it's a shame that they're not in fashion anymore... well, in the way they were 70-100+ years ago where as much care went into choosing a hat as did an outfit. It's also a shame that my head is so darned big that even if they were in fashion I couldn't really wear them... well, off the rack, anyway.

One of the fun things about living in England is that people still wear hats. Well-- sort of. To weddings... and even then, not many. But there are still some who hold strong to the tradition. To me a hat automatically makes an event more formal-- more special. And the evolving trend of "fascinators" which are beautiful (and sometimes fantastic) feather and flower (and other things) designs flowing from headbands; or attached to clips that are "fastened" to the hair, is setting fashion a flutter with possibility (or maybe just me a flutter with it inspiring a resurgence in hat wearing). This one that Kate Middleton recently wore (a gorgeous handmade design by Vivien Sheriff Millinery) includes a cameo and badges from a Welsh military uniform (apropos considering the event she wore this to was to launch a Welsh ship-- her first official Royal engagement with her hubbie-to-be). It's hard to see but the pheasant feathers and other baubles are attached to a small, chocolate brown velvet pillbox hat. *LOVE* Perhaps not quite the drama of a hat, but oh so chic. Definitely enough to still warrant my affection. I'm secretly hoping that the impending Royal Wedding will inspire a resurgent trend around hats (I think Kate's already making headway-- pardon the pun).

I spied this one at Zara last week and I'm sort of coveting it. It makes me want to go on an exotic beach vacation somewhere in the French Riviera. Of course, it likely wouldn't fit my head.