I’m bringing back sale outfits today! Hasn’t it been awhile since I last did them?! Nevertheless, let’s get started with a few stylings compiled from Anthro’s sale section only!
Total Savings: $186.15 (i.e. you’re paying just about half the original cost!)
Using this simply cut dress (but did you see the gorgeous back of it???!) as the basis for the outfit, all that is needed is a little pop of color in the form of the necklace and wedges. The pattern from the wedges really add some oomph and an unexpected feel to the look.
Total Savings: $272.20 (i.e. this time, you’re paying less than half the original price!)
Partially tuck in part of this classic white blouse, so as to allow the cute button detail on the waistband of the pants show, and to also give a casual, relaxed vibe. Accessorize with a necklace and wedges, and this versatile look is complete!
Now, how about we create a few more new stylings, but simply use only the pieces from these past two looks?
Total Savings: $284.20 (i.e. again, you’re paying about half the original cost!)
Tie the tee off to the side for a casual, yet refined look. Layer on the necklace and put on the great wedges…you’ve got yourself another fabulous look!
Total Savings: $222.20 (i.e. you pay around 46% of the original cost!)
Again, just switching up the accessories transforms this look into a brighter, bolder look!
I know I say this nearly every time I create sale outfits, but it’s only because it’s so true: it is amazing how much you can save by waiting to buy items until they’re on sale at Anthro!
Which of these looks is your favorite? Have any of you taken part in the sale? I haven’t, although, as always, I’m tempted…
I’ve got an Anthro sighting! Last night, I saw the ever-loved Mompos Dress in a Special K commercial for snacks of sorts (can’t remember). I can’t find any screenshots, so, unfortunately, letting you know of this sighting is the best I can do! Keep your eye out for it!
Readers, remember Sawan? She was the sweet reader who requested I style the Southward Stop Shirtdress and Distant Chirping Chemise (to see those posts, click here and here) back in September. I was so pleased to hear from her that both of those dresses are getting some good use in her wardrobe, and I was equally thrilled to hear she had another styling request for me! This time, she’s in need of some ideas for the Dotty Shorts:
I adore these shorts! Not only are they just plain fun (dots -like lots – of fun! haha! I couldn’t resist!), but I also think they have the potential to be quite versatile too.
There is a wide range of colors that would work with the shorts. Neutrals will obviously work, such as white, black, gray, and navy. Actually, these colors could make for quite sophisticated pairings. Soft colors like light purple will work too, as will richer colors, such as a more eggplant/plum purple. For a real bright pop, head opposite from the turquoise on the color wheel and consider a orange-ish color. Keep in mind that pairing these two colors together will intensify both colors, but it could make for quite the eye-catching look. Lighter yellows will also work, as will the occasional brighter yellow. Same goes for pink – use caution, but many shades will work. I don’t think there are real major color pairing no-nos with these shorts, but the biggest one to take caution with would probably be green…many shades just won’t work, especially the forest greens (although something closer to a lime green could be divine). Remember there are always exceptions though! My best advice, as always, is just to play around and see what does and doesn’t appeal to you!
Time to delve into some stylings, don’t you think?!
Urban Outfitters’ Silence & Noise Boyfriend Blazer (black) – $78 (I went to U.O. because Anthro isn’t currently carrying a simple black blazer, such as this.)
125th Street Blouse (ivory) – $148 (tip: this could work with the shorts in its red color too, for a more eccentric look)
Depending on whether your work allows shorts, this would be the perfect way to make these shorts appropriate for work. The sophisticated, yet simple blouse and blazer are complemented by the great shoes. The tote and bangle finish off the look!
I’m loving this put together, yet more casual look! A white tee might seem boring and safe, but with the great cut of this one, along with pairing it with some great accessories, it’s far from boring. Instead, it feels fun, fresh, and summer-y!
Tiergarten Weekender – $898 (wow, wow, wow…expensive! any classic brown tote would work well!)
With its vivid colors, what a festive look this is! The simple bag helps keep the look sophisticated. Perfect for weekend errands or an barbeque, don’t you think?!
Aeolian Tee (lilac) – $78 (tip: this top would work in its yellow, white, and navy colors too!)
I’m LOVING the lilac top with the color of the shorts – it makes for such a pretty color combination! That purple top is further amped up with the purple belt, which I envision wearing around the waistband of the shorts (shirt untucked). This way, it’s subtle, but adds a bit more cohesiveness. The nude wedges and rectangular ring are the perfect way to finish off the look!
You might think the pairing of the floral print shoes with these shorts is too much, but I think it definitely works because the shoes have a hint of that turquoise color. I’ve also kept it pretty simple with the top, which I envision neatly tucked in. A non-fussy, sleek bracelet is all this look really needs to feel finished off nicely.
Don’t be afraid to pattern mix! Stripes, in general, are going to be lovely with these shorts. While these particular stripes are technically polka dots, the top still works with the shorts because the scale of the polka dots is different for each of the two pieces. Tuck in the shirt for a polished look. The pairing of crisp white accessories helps to further soften the look. You could definitely add a clean-cut piece of jewelry to this look, but I don’t think it’s necessarily needed either.
Here are some additional striped tops that could work perfectly with the shorts:
I really appreciate the clean lines of each and every piece in this outfit – it makes for a very sophisticated, modern, yet effortless look. If you wanted, you could do more of a statement necklace, but I rather like the more demure look.
This would be a great look for evening – maybe a night on the town?! The contrast between the black of the top and the white polka dots in the shorts is great, as is the delicate statement necklace (which pops against the black top!). The heels and clutch finish off the look. You could make this more daytime appropriate with different shoes and a bigger bag.
Here are a couple of other statement necklaces I’d recommend:
Wearing this yellow-orange cardi open over this pretty cami would be a great way to bring in a different color palette. The necklace makes the yellow-orange color feel all the more intentional. You could certainly dress up the look with heels instead of the sandals, if you wished to.
Now, let’s look at some more pairings that could work with the shorts (click the picture to be linked to the product page; if by chance that doesn’t work, let me know and I’ll be sure to fix it!):
(tuck in for the right proportions)
(could work in any of its other colors too!)
That wraps up this request! Hopefully, Sawan, you’ve gotten some great ideas!
Today’s the day! That is, I’m going to share with you my completed baking notes project, complete with a how-to so that you can make your own version (they don’t have to be baking notes…they could be anything…even a plain pad of paper!). Let’s start at the beginning though, shall we?
At $7.50, while they weren’t crazy expensive – especially for Anthro(!) – I decided I’d rather create my own so I could tweak the content. Plus, this way I could have a never-ending supply, always able to print some more out! And who doesn’t like a little DIY fun too (with NO trips to the store!)?!
Well, are you ready to see how to I got to that finished state (and see some more pictures of the end result)?! Let’s get started!
*note: some pictures have their color altered (darkened/dulled in all cases) to best allow the text to be readable*
Create your design for your baking notes, or whatever you wish your pad of paper to be. You can make the design any shape you wish.
Gather your materials:
Staple sheets in sets of 5, so as to not make them too thick for cutting later on (the staples themselves will hold the sheets together while you cut, with the purpose of getting equal sized sheets, without having to cut them all individually):
Measure out and draw cutting lines to create the size of the baking notes you want:
Cut on lines:
Note: By cutting in stacks of 5, you will hopefully get clean lines on all sheets. You should get about equal size too. You can always trim some too, if need be.
Measure how wide you need your folder to be. I had mine cut to about 5 1/2 inches (so 11 inches in width when the folder is not folded), 1 1/2 inches wider than the baking notes. Cut.
Cut off the “folder” part of the folder:
Glue the left long edge of the baking notes with the hot glue, as shown (glue all of the sets of 5 together, so you’re left with one complete stack):
Laying out the fabric on your folder for guidance, cut to size (there should be about 1/4 inch-1/2 inch on the top and bottom of the folder):
optional step: With a zig zag stitch, sew the raw edges on the bottom of the top so that the two layers become one. This will make for a neater finished edge in the next step.
Glue the raw edges neatly inwards to the inside of the folder. You could leave as is, or, to make it a bit more pretty, cover the seam with some sort of trim, ribbon, or buttons:
Glue in the notes in the center fold of the inside of the folder.
You’re done!
Not including the time it took me to create the design for the baking notes, this project took under 1 1/2 hours (and that was with me figuring out what I was going to do along the way). That means that for not much time, you get a great result!
The above photo is of my first entry in the journal! In the case you can see that the “heavenly” box is checked for taste and the “yes! (and often!!)” box is checked in response to the question “make again?”, I’m guessing you’re wondering what it is that I made and had such rave reviews for…Salt-N-Pepper Cookies from one of my beloved Baked cookbooks! Seriously, these sandwich cookies were divine, with just the right amount of kick, and a filling resembling an Oreo’s filling, but better! If you are looking for a cookbook – heck, even if you’re not! – I truly recommend these two books (huge recommendation!!!!)! They’re Amazon links are here and here (the dark cookies on the cover of the second cookbook link are the Salt-N-Pepper Cookies). And no, I was not paid to write this…I seriously adore these cookbooks with all of my heart. Everything I’ve made from them has been to die for. Okay, side tangent over.
Anyway, I really am quite pleased with how my baking notes came out – they’re personalized to my taste/needs and I can’t wait to continue using them!
Should you have any questions about the process of making them, please feel free to ask me in the comments or by email (theanthropologieconnoisseur@gmail.com). And if, by chance, you make your own version, please tell me about them! I’d love to hear (and see pictures if you feel like it!)!
Guess what?! My DIY baking notes are officially complete – i.e. they’re “bound” and in a homemade cover! I’m so pleased with the results and I can’t wait to take you through the process, step by step, tomorrow (and of course show more pictures of the finished product!)! In the mean time, I’m going to give you a little teaser, in the form of this picture, and two words: vintage fabric!
Any clues as to how I made the cover?! Stay tuned!
In fact, right then and there, I declared, “These would be perfect for any baker!…While the price of these aren’t too, too bad, I’ve just decided I’m going to customize/create my own version of these! Yay! So excited!”
Well, dear readers, I followed through with that idea! While mine are slightly different, I’m quite pleased with how they came out! I’m not completely finished with them yet…I’m still brainstorming the perfect way to bind them together. But don’t you worry…I have some DIY (i.e. cheap!) ideas up my sleeve, and once I’m completely done, I’ll be sure to show you a picture! In the meantime, here is a picture of the note sheet itself:
(please ignore the vertical stripe on the left…it’s not actually a part of the design!)
There are a couple things I should mention:
On the inspiration, there was a large area devoted to ingredients…I didn’t feel this was necessary, as I plan to use these sheets as a journal and not a cookbook (make sense?). Besides, there is a place for the source of the recipe so that I can be sure to find it again!
While I’ve stuck with a clean, modern, yet slightly vintage look, I did decide to omit the use of color. Originally I had a blue-green that matched the color of my kitchen mixed in, but then I decided I liked the gray and white (it’s not black, it’s gray!). This will also keep the cost of printing these very low. Bonus!
Yay for quick, cheap, totally fun, anduseful DIY projects!
I’ve got an exciting Anthro sighting for you today!
Lifetime now has videos featuring Project Runway’s upcoming season’s contestants. Well, unsuspectingly, I found something of interest in Fallene Wells’ closet tour video!
Let me type a transcript of part of it:
“I’m obsessed with Anthropologie. One time I told, um…one of my friends…swas like, ‘Are you ever gonna have kids?’ and I’m like, ‘Not until I can fill my closet with Anthropologie!’“
“I was obsessed over this dress from Anthropologie but it was $400…I’m like hell no I’m not gonna buy that dress…that’s insane. And so, um, I found it on eBay and I was like ahhhh, it’s only $120, I can get it! It has sort of an art nouveau feel and it’s Anna Sui and she’s my favorite designer…hopefully I didn’t butcher her name too much.”
Isn’t that awesome?! I love the lines about her friend asking her about having kids…priceless!
I’m eager to see her designs now – I wonder if I’ll love them like I love Anthro?!
*To see the video, go here, and scroll down to click on “Fallene Wells’ Closet Tour”.
Goodness, gracious…all of these cupcakes flavors have my mouth watering - Sour Cream Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Mango Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting and Coconut, Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache and Cream Filling, just to name a few.
We all have at least one person in our lives you just loves being in the kitchen – cooking, baking, or even both – right? Maybe you’re even one of those people? I am!
Even if you avoid the kitchen at all costs, you have to admit your smitten with some of Anthro’s great kitchen accessories…I mean, take a look!:
How cute is this plate?! Not only would it work well for baking pies, but it would also be a great source of color inspiration! Double duty=winning situation!
Okay, picture this: dumping your fresh berries (from a Farmer’s Market?!) into this pretty. You could store them in the fridge in this, or you could even serve your fruit to guests in this rustic chic way!
These would be perfect for any baker! It has space to put the: recipe, ocasion, source, ingredients (and quantities), “recipe remarks,” “best served with: _ coffee _ tea _napkins _ pride _ humility,” comments (with room for different testers), “overall results: _ disastrous _fair _ good _ heavenly _ a mess”. While the price of these aren’t too, too bad, I’ve just decided I’m going to customize/create my own version of these! Yay! So excited!
This is a similar ideas as the last product – documenting what you make in the kitchen – but with a different feel. While I prefer the previous product, this might be a great alternative (it’s all about preference!).
Having recently invested in an ice cream machine (on sale!), this might be a great investment! Yummy sounding flavors like Wildberry Lavender and Queen City Cayenne intrigue me!
After trying my first macaron in the legendary Ladurée in Paris about a year ago, I’ve been hooked on these little gems. And a whole book of just macarons?! Heaven!
Do any of you have any of these products? Do share! And Did I miss any other must-have kitchen products?!
