I’ve lead you through my sad stories of falling in love with an ASOS dress, only to have it not be available in my size. Examples: here and here.
This morning when I fell in love with one of their dresses, I was preparing myself to be let down – for them not to have my size. Sadly, this time, the story didn’t change. The smallest size they had was a six, whereas I need their smallest offering, a size two.
That back! Swoon!!
Though knowing I was not going to get the dress, I decided to search the name of the dress…see if I could find any bloggers rocking it so that I could tell myself even if I couldn’t wear the dress, someone was still doing it great justice. I did not find any bloggers wearing it, though my search was cut short when I clicked on a link to ShopStyle. Interestingly enough, they had two pictures of the dress. When I hovered my mouse over the top one, it listed size two as one of the sizes. Confused, I thought that ShopStyle must just list all the sizes ASOS normally carries or all the sizes an item comes in before it is sold out in those sizes. Curiously though, I decided to click the link to ASOS website.
And you know what?
The dress was magically available in every size, including a size two!!! I went back to the tab where I had originally pulled up the dress on my own, and no, it was still showing the dress only available in a size six and up! What was with this?
Honestly, I didn’t care. I quickly added the size two dress to my cart, still a bit weary that suddenly it might say the dress really wasn’t available.
But to my greater surprise and immense relief, I am now the proud owner of the dress! That is, I’ve ordered it, and I’m crossing my fingers it’ll fit and be to my liking when it arrives!
Finally! A dress from ASOS that I lust for is mine!
Note: Maybe you are interested in the dress too, and need a size four or two? Here’s a link to the ShopStyle page that brought me to my available dress.
Remember that open-back, peter pan collar dress from ASOS that I so desperately wanted a while back, but couldn’t get it due to my size being sold out in every version of the dress? Well, I certainly remember. In fact, it’s still for sale. And in fact, it still is not available in my size. Oh, how the lust has lived on though.
Well, today, while browsing, my heart nearly skipped a beat. I spotted a gorgeous dress…and not only did it have scalloping details (remember I’m loving those too?!), but it also reminded me of the above dresses. I took a closer peek, and it really does remind me of the above dresses. But, dare I say I love this new version more?! Oh, and did I mention it was a petite-cut dress, perfect for me? *swoon*
And even though I love the yellow color, I know it wouldn’t be best for my skintone. However, that’s no crisis, considering the dress comes in a cream color, as well as a navy, which is so me (EDIT: As of now, the navy color has been eliminated!). Perfect, right? This could be a fairytale ending…I buy the dress and wear it all the time and the dress and I live happily ever after. (After all, we’re soulmates!)
But no. Yet again, ASOS is sold out of the dress in my size in not only the navy color, but in the other two color options as well! I did some searching and found out that the dress also comes in a regular, non-petite version, so I thought my problem would be solved…sure petite would be better, but I could live with the regular size. Yay!
But no. This dress is sold out in all three colors in this version too! Seriously…how does this happen? Am I just late in finding this dress, or do dresses sell like the speed of light at ASOS? It just doesn’t seem fair! I know, I’m whining, but what can I say? I WANT.WANT.WANT. it! No, scratch that, I NEED it! Dramatic much, maybe? But seriously…I really would love to own this beautiful dress.
Tuck this vibrant top loosely into the skirt. The contrast between the orange of the top and the green of the waistband will look superb! The shoes are simple enough to not distract from the skirt, but they also add a bit of an edge…I mean, how cool are those shoes?! The jewelry not only works well together, but helps finish off the look, especially with the greens in the bracelet bringing out the greens of the skirt.
If you wanted to transform this look into an errand-going and/or work outfit, adding this large bag would be perfect:
I’m the first one to admit that I’m by no means an avid reader (well, do blogs count? because if they do, then I’m an avid reader). However, recently I did read an excellent book, so I feel compelled to recommend it to you all!
1) You find out amazing tidbits about Chanel’s life. Without doubt, Chanel is one of the most intriguing women, and definitely one of – if not the – most influential women designers in history. If you think you already know a lot about Chanel, you still won’t be disappointed with this in-depth book.
and 2) Karbo’s writing style is so enjoyable to read. Throughout the book, it’s as though you are talking to a friend…you just want to keep on reading and reading and reading. And remember: this is coming from someone who is not a big reader generally at all.
In a nutshell, my advice is to read this book! Although the reviews on Amazon give it only about 4 stars on average (out of 5), I would give it a much higher review. I flat out disagree with some of the lower reviews, one of which, for example, cites Karbo as annoying – no way! As a fashion lover, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with the book.
Run to the bookstore or library, or order it here now! And again, I am not being paid to write this review…I genuinly really recommend it!
(yes, those aren’t new, but man do I wish their sale price would go down even more so I could snatch ‘em!)
Gathering Breeze Dress ($258)
…ya, I’ll take all of those – just a few of my recent lust items.
I’m going to wish you a fabulous Memorial Day weekend now because I’m going on a trip early morning tomorrow and therefore might not be able to post again until Tuesday!
What I love about this look is just how playful, yet still so sophisticated it is. The modern top contrasts with the feminine pencil skirt, but it still is just a combination that works. The shoes (love!) and the bag add another dose of fun, as well as just an eclectic feel. The ring finishes off this polished look. Honestly, if I could wear this outfit tomorrow, I would….oh, how I wish the stylings I created online could be in my closet too!
Happy End of Weekend (yes, I realize that sounds a bit like an oxymoron!)!
(And don’t be shy…feel free to leave a comment/question/random thought/etc!)
I just adore this patterned corset top…it’s fresh take on a classic, and it still has a sense of quirk. At the same time though, it also could look very polished…or be a great casual piece to have!
So yes, I’m spellbound by the design of the dress, but also something else…
…and not in a good way….
I’m sure you can guess what it is!…the price! At $358 for a cotton dress, it sure is expensive!
Nonetheless, a girl can dream, right?! Why not look at just a few ways to style the dress? Let’s do it!
First, you could go the more casual, but still put together route by pairing the dress with a jean jacket like so:
I like pairing these beige-y colored shoes and bag with the dress because it really makes the white of the embroidery on the corset of the dress stand out! Isn’t this a perfect casual, but still put together look?!
Another route you could go with the dress is pairing it with a more menswear inspired jacket.
Leave the barely blue blazer open, which help to bring on the blue of the dress. This is a very polished look, but it has some personality to it, which is nice.
Going really simple with the styling is another great option. Check this method out in this example:
By pairing this pink belt with the dress, once again you highlight the most beautiful feature of the dress – the embroidered corset (it has tones of pink in it, in case you didn’t notice). Then, by pairing simple wedges with it that don’t weigh down the look, you have an effortless, casual look! Once again though, it’s still very put together!
You can also go for a more full on glamour with the dress, as is done here:
This would be a great party look! Don’t you think?!
Well, there you have it: one dress, done four different ways…and honestly, there are still many other directions it could go!
At this point, it’s safe to say I want this dress…..
…but at this price, it’s not happening. Darn!
Do you have any items currently at Anthro that are just way out of your budget but you just can’t help loving it? And what do you think of these particular stylings? Which is your favorite? Are you spellbound by this dress, like I am? Do tell! I’d really love to hear!
Thanks so much to everyone who has voted in the poll deciding which ladys’ dresses will be used as inspiration for complete stylings! Today I need you to vote one last time…yes, the women have been narrowed down. Drum roll please, as I reveal the contenders…
Anne Hathaway
Angelina Jolie
Dianna Argon
Scarlett Johansson
Sandra Bullock
Natalie Portman
Emma Stone
Leighton Meester
Christina Hendricks
Mila Kunis
Tina Fey
There they are! This time, please vote one time! And please do vote! Thanks…I look forward to seeing the results!
To see the first four posts in this styling series, go here!
Art students are notoriously known for their sometimes wacky and out there ideas (well, maybe I should scratch “art students” and say “anyone in an industry related to the arts”). So what if I were to tell you that one student designed a mini collection of shoes based on medical bandages? You might think, “Crazy! Whack-a-doodle ____!” You can fill in the blank with whatever you want, but after actually seeing the shoes, you might change that word to something like “genius” or “incredible” or “I-need-those-shoes!” This story isn’t hypothetical. Take a look.
A bit unconventional? Perhaps. A bit daring? Yes. A bit creative? A big yes! A bit sophisticated? Yep! Whether you covet or loathe these, you have to admit you’re intrigued by them!
Gwendolyn Huskens designed them for her graduation show at Eindhoven’s Academy of Art in the Netherlands. She appropriately named the collection “Medic Esthetic.” Kind of a cute name, huh?!
Obviously my Anthro stylings are pretty abstract, considering Anthro sure isn’t selling bandage inspired clothing! But that’s okay! It is, after all, inspiration! Texture, though, was my foremost concern.
This skirt, with its leather and wool sections, just screamed out to me to be used in a styling for this inspiration! Tuck in the shirt and add the more feminine touched necklace and gorgeous shoes, and it’s a complete look! You could easily add some gorgeous tights for added warmth and texture!
What do you think of these stylings? Perhaps more interestingly, what do you think of Huskens’s shoes?!
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By the way, did anyone tune into Project Runway’s finale last night?! (If you haven’t but plan on doing so, stop reading…spoilers!!!). Who do you think should have won? I’m disappointed…I was for Mondo!!! I’ll be doing a post tomorrow having to do with the finale!
First on the agenda is the hugely popular Southward Stop Shirtdress ($128). Have you seen the fit of this one?! It seems to be one of the most flattering dresses!
The pockets have this utterly adorable subtly contrasting polka dot print. Check it out.
I haven’t seen this dress in person, so when I was closely examining it online, I realized what a range of colors it has…namely browns, blues, and pinks! Here’s a close up of the print:
Before I get to my styling of it, let’s take a look at the way Anthro styled it!
I do like the way it looks here, however a) I wouldn’t recommend a long sweater like this for shorter women out there (myself included!) because it can easily make you look…short, b) it’s paired with the Double Overhand Belt ($34), which while it looks lovely in the picture, if it didn’t have the sweater covering a large majority of it, I don’t think it would in fact pair so well with the dress. Even with these cons, we can take away a few ideas (which you might have already been able to assume on your own, but still); the dress works well with tights, sweaters, and/or belts.
Let me start by simply showing some belts I think would work nicely. Don’t worry…I’ll get to complete outfits too!
Feather-Clasped Belt - $58 – While I would strongly caution that you not get too theme-y with the bird motif, this belt would be a subtle, delicate touch that would in fact work. Something like the Ring Of Plumes Belt ($38) with actual feathers…now we’re getting carried away (i.e. please. don’t. wear. with. this. dress!)!!!
Double Overhand Belt - $34 – This belt, pictured in Anthro’s styling of the dress, wouldn’t be my first choice unless you also wear a cardi/sweater. If you do wear a cardi/sweater with it though, it could work well, adding just that tiny extra bit to the look.
Soft Bow Belt (brown) – $28 – This belt is so sweet and would be the perfect addition.
Gift Bow Belt (black) – $14.95 – This is really more of a navy color to me than black, which would bring out some of the blue in the dress nicely. It’s on sale currently too!
I’d say the general rule of thumb when picking out a belt to wear with this dress is that it should be fairly simple – cutouts won’t work as well because they’ll be distracting and will compete with the print, as opposed to complementing it.
A sweater has the potential to really spice up the dress. I would strongly suggest something more drape-y. A structured sweater, such as the gorgeous Herringbone Sweater Jacket, would just not work so well because the dress has a structured feel to it. You don’t want your look to appear too structured, because then you end up looking uptight (remember, fashion is non-verbal communication!)
Delicate Drafts Cardigan (purple) – $98 – This color would be gorgeous with the dress, bringing attention to both the blue and pink coloring in the dress (it will draw out the pink and make the blue pop)!
Dimpled Cardigan (navy) – $98 – This would add some great texture, but it wouldn’t compete with the print because it’s in a dark enough color. The navy would, again, bring out the colors in the dress.
Boucle De Souffle Jacket (brown) – $128 – I know I strongly suggested you didn’t do anything too fitted with the dress, but I think this particular jacket would work, as long as you left it open (not closed!). The ruffles help keep the look from being too blah or boring, but they’re not overkill.
In terms of pointers for legwear, I would say that again, you want to be sure to not pick anything too boldly patterned. Don’t get me wrong…some patterning, preferably pretty subtle, would look awesome.
What was that? You’re ready for some complete looks?! Here we go!
This is a seemingly neutral outfit…until you get to the purple/pink tights! Not only will they pop, but they’ll help to bring out the pink hues in the dress. They’re a fun touch. The slightly metallic colored flats help to polish the look, while the ring hints to the shoes and adds the finally oomph to the look. To tone down this look, you could certainly swap these tights for a more neutral brown (patterned or opaque). Then, if you still wanted a bit of pizzazz, but not too much, you could add a pop of color in the form of a skinny belt.
Replace the belt that comes with the cardigan with this feather belt (so wear the belt outside the sweater). This will give such a nice, soft, organic vibe to the outfit. Brown tights and booties finish off the look!
Finally, here are two more pairs of shoes that would pair fantastically with the dress.
Pixie Hollow Flats - $188 – They would really make the blue/green coloring in the dress stand out!
Asbury Flats - $135 – These subtly green shoes would be the perfect complement!
So…we’re through the first part of this styling request! I’ve got to make the executive decision here to split this post into two parts…I don’t want to overwhelm anyone! Therefore, I should have the second part of the styling request up tomorrow! In the meantime, feel free to send me your styling requests (at theanthropologieconnoisseur@gmail.com) and take the poll! If you want to make any guesses as to the other dress I’m styling, go ahead in the comments too (hint: look at the title of this post)!
Anne Hathaway
Angelina Jolie
Dianna Argon
Scarlett Johansson
Natalie Portman
Leighton Meester
Christina Hendricks
Mila Kunis
Tina Fey
