The weekend in-store community post

Note: I will run new posts over the weekend but continue to have this post on top of the blog to encourage participation.

I have noticed a lot of community members sharing in-store deals and spots in the comments of various posts. Inspired by the weekly Seek & Find posts started by the lovely Alexis over at J.Crew Aficionada, I think now is a good time to start a similar weekly post here.

This post is for community members to trade information. You can ask for help in finding an item, report back on what you saw in-store at your local Anthro, ask general questions, make a request, or just stop by to say hello. I love how helpful this community can be!

Some FAQs....
- What does "sub" mean?
It means that people are subscribing to the comment thread. You can do this by checking the "send follow-up comments to x email address" box in the comment form.
- Someone in the comments said they wanted to buy an item from me, but it's been x hours and I haven't heard squat. What should I do?
I give people 24 hours for the benefit of the doubt. After that move on to the next person that contacted you.
- Someone said they returned an item at the store 20 minutes ago but I just called the store and it's gone. What gives?!?
A store associate might have taken a fancy to it or a customer might have grabbed it. Maybe it's just at the bottom of a big ol'pile. Unfortunately, you're out of luck.

Recommended reading:
Gigi's tips for a successful swap
Ways to find hidden inventory on Anthro's site
How do I find reviews for x item?
Ways to find style numbers on Anthro's site for sold-out items (it's right below the Lilac Ombre Heels photo)

Store Inspiration: Soho

It's been one of those weeks where there are just not enough hours in the day! So here's some eye candy to kick off the weekend right. Earlier this week at the Soho (NYC) Anthropologie I was fascinated by all the wonderful mannequin outfits. All four NYC Anthros always have great outfit ideas on the dress forms but if I had to choose one store I think Soho is consistently the closest to my taste. I would buy all of these outfits in a heartbeat! Here are three of my favorites.

I keep all of these outfits in my Store Inspiration album on Facebook. Previous looks include the Openwork Vines Skirt/Vanilla Bean Blouse look that several Anthro community bloggers are currently translating to real life.

On the dress form above: Percussive Cardigan ($78) over Placid Commotion Tank ($68) and Seven Days Bermudas ($78) with Boule Decorees Necklace ($118).



On the dress form above: Checks And Balances Blazer ($98) over Lissome Ruffles Tunic ($78) and Pilcro Bright Button Trousers ($98) with Sweet-Wrap Sandals ($178) and unknown necklace. (Closeup of necklace in next shot.)

Necklace closeup. Gorgeous!

On the dress form above: Left mannequin: Conservatory Blouse ($78) over Citizens Of Humanity Amber Bootcut ($169), with Pessinus Garden Necklace and ??? belt (maybe Midas Braids Belt ($48), not sure). Pineapple Island Heels ($150).

Right mannequin: Chocolate Chip Dress ($128) with Whirl & Wind Cardigan ($88) and Ghostflower Choker ($198). Uncovered Bounty Sandals ($178).

Outfits: Eccentricities

An email beckoned me to Anthropologie's outfits section early Tuesday, featuring bold print-on-print combinations. Anthropologie's Facebook page explained further:


Fashion should be what it is in France—very good material and completely individually worn." So says the eccentric star of the 1975 documentary Grey Gardens, Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale—the reclusive first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who approached fashion without any sense of fear or self-consciousness.... She dressed for herself, whether that meant wearing a skirt as a cape, or pinning a cardigan on top of her head as a makeshift turban. It is her unapologetic approach to mixing and matching that inspired our latest batch of outfits.

Admittedly most of these looks are outside my comfort zone. But it's always nice to see new items on the models to get a vague idea of what the item might look like on.



I think the shape of this look is a great idea for spring. A belted open cardi would look fabulous over the Chocolate Chip Dress ($128). I'm in love with the Enduring Espadrilled ($96), though as I mentioned in this post last week you can get them for less at Urban Outfitters. Wondering what other sweater you could pair with this look? How about the Obscured Oleander Cardigan ($88)?

Also in this outfit: Ambrosial Cardigan ($98), High Prairie Belt ($38).



It's interesting to me to see two prints of such different sizes together. I think I could do something similar to this look in real life but I'd only be comfortable doing one fashion element of this outfit at a time -- either the mix of small and large prints or the combination of pink and orange. The Pitter-Patter Blouse ($98) looks so cute here though I didn't love it as much in real life. The flag print on the Pulsations Skirt ($78) is great and ahh, the length is perfect.

Also in this outfit: Following Blush Necklace ($32), Cloud-Streaked Sneakers ($65).



This outfit is very close to workable for me. My main problem is that the shorts are too short. If I had awesome legs though I'd be all over this look. The Night Skating Top ($48) has been out forever; it's interesting to see it in an outfit here. It does include flicks of yellow so I see the shorts as complementary.

Also in this outfit: Lemon Fizz Shorts ($118), Tousled Web Necklace ($58), Cassis T-Straps ($158).



The last two outfits come back into my comfort zone. I love this look! It reminds of one of my personal inspiration wall pieces -- just swap a Chanel tweed in for the current blazer texture. Can't wait to see the Button Seeds Tank ($58) in real life, as it looks adorable here. I like the look of the Elevated Eyelet Blazer ($128) though the price tag gives me pause. This look I could recreate comfortably.

Also in this outfit: Joe's Raw Hem Kicker ($152), Vernal Festoon Necklace ($58).



And this last look is very tempting just as it is. Splendid's Percussive Cardigan ($78) is such a winner. So soft and comfortable, I love mine so much I should probably buy a backup. This model looks very comfortable and ready for the weekend. As am I, Ms. Model. As am I.

Also in this outfit: Soft Edges Tee ($58), Heatwave Shorts ($58), Madrona Sandals ($99), Rocky Begonia Necklace ($58).

Eye Candy: May catalogue preview

Hi ladies! Just a quick post to share the preview images from the upcoming May catalogue...looks like another beautiful destination shoot with clothes and adornments to drool over. Which piece is your favorite? My wishlist continues to grow exponentially. Tien also picked out a few of her favorites here. More photos in my Facebook album here.

Fragmented Reflections Dress ($198)

Sunwashed Dots Shirtdress ($128)

Shifting Feathers Dress ($98)

Gurgling Ripples Cowlneck ($68)
& Ambrosial Cardigan ($98)

Faint Lines Tee ($48)

Ornamented Obi Tank ($88)

Condensation Necklace ($32)

In The Air Tank ($98)

Reviews: Light Rising Tank, Insider's View Shell, Coil Flower Tank, Changeable Skies Top, Placid Commotion Tank

Another top with a view from the back.

As sometimes happens I did not see We Love Vera's Light Rising Tank ($40) until right before it went on sale. This top has two beautiful sunburst medallions along the bottom hem set off against a mustard base pattern. I like the details of this top, from the keyhole in the back with neck tie to the large armholes with an inner strip of fabric designed to prevent bra visibility. Nice work there, Anthro!

I grabbed both a 6 and an 8 to try on. The 6 was the better fit overall (shown above) however it did pull across my hips. I have this problem with straight-cut tops, though I prefer this cut to flared bottoms. A couple of small DIY vents along the bottom hem would fix this. One odd thing is the tank the model is wearing has a rounded scoop-bottom hem, while in real life it's straight. I like the model version better! I didn't buy this top but I like it.



I was very excited to try on the Insider's View Shell ($68) by Testament after last week's belted outfit set. After considering both the grey and red I brought the red downstairs to try on. Initially I tried on the medium (left 3 shots) before heading to Chelsea and debating the large (far right shot).

The top actually has two layers and the top layer is slightly sheer -- odd. With the medium the top layer hugged my curves nicely but the bottom layer was uncomfortably tight. I guess Testament took their lining tips from Moulinette Soeurs. The large unfortunately looked like a sack on me though it was more pleasant to wear. I'm not sure the vertical stripes are doing me any favors either. In the end I will probably buy the medium. Waiting for sale.



C. Keer's Coil Flower Tank ($58) is eye-catching. Both the yellow base and aqua base version are bold just right for summer. I guess I wasn't the only one who liked it -- there were only Ls and one XS left on the rack. The staff was able to produce a medium for me but I really needed a small.

The top is more A-line than I'd like, almost trapeze. This floaty look is annoying for larger chests. It leaves tucking in the top as the best option (as shown in the April catalogue -- page 10 for those playing along) or leaving it floating above a pair of shorter shorts. I am quite disappointed with this development as this top is probably a pass for me now. Lame. Rosa rocked it recently though, so while it didn't work for me it's still worth a shot!



The colors of the top were recently expanded to include a brown floral pattern that is online and a red floral version that is not. Fit is the same as the other prints.



I love the hem sash on the Changeable Skies Top ($78) by one.september. I have no idea why, as it cuts across my widest part. This top reeled me in from across the floor. I usually wear a small in one.september but sized up to a medium so the sash didn't look so tight.

Seemed to work as I'm now enamored with this top. The fabric is really slouchy and I worry a bit about the long term durability (will it hold up to laundering??). Love every element though from the lacey filigree neckline to the fluttery sleeves. Wishlisted!



This is C. Keer's Placid Commotion Tank ($68). It comes in both ivory and this grey which read as a pastel blue to me. I have a thing for ribbons and crap slapped on a tank thanks to J.Crew and Anthro's version is equally pleasing.

But wow does this tank ever fit close to the body. Normally I'm a small in C. Keer but had to size up to a medium here and even that's a bit tight across the muffin top. On the one hand, the dudes will dig it. On the other hand I'll probably have to skip meals lest the tummy make an appearance. Decisions, decisions. Wishlisted for further consideration.

Attn New York Anthro fans: Nathalie Lété will be at 5th Ave today

French artist Nathalie Lété is the latest designer to collaborate with Anthropologie. A 5-piece clothing capsule collection will land in stores in June. But if you're a New Yorker in proximity to Flatiron you can get a sneak peek of the artist at work. Ms. Lété will be at Anthropologie's 5th Ave store (5th Ave/16th St) today making the windows her latest canvas! I cannot wait to see how the windows turn out.



Ms. Lété already has several home pieces available through Anthropologie including the Amelie Sofa ($3500) above. You can drool over all of her Anthro pieces here.

Further reading:
Anthropologie launches limited-edition artist line (AOL styelist)
Anthropologie & Nathalie Lété (design*sponge)
Thanks Jennifer & Sarah for the links!

Sale (accessorized) & my guest post

If you're a costume jewelry lover like me this morning's sale is small but tempting -- all adornments, all the time. If you were hoping for home or clothing though it's another week's wait. Seems like most of the community was eager for a wallet break so this might be a sigh of relief. Breakdown below.

I also wanted to mention that a guest post I wrote went live overnight. The wonderful Gigi of Gigi's Gone Shopping asked a bunch of bloggers to answer 5 questions about fashion. Last night was my turn. Gigi's been a great bloggie friend and I highly recommend her entertaining blog. She posts reviews from several stores I frequent -- including Anthropologie -- at such a blindingly fast pace that it's impossible for me to comment on them all. Best of all she does a great job of highlighting best picks during sales (though she's polite enough to leave Anthro to me, which I endlessly appreciate).

Here are some of the other "5 minutes with..." series posts:
5 minutes with The Look 4 Less
5 minutes with Strawberry Swing & Things
5 minutes with God's Favorite Shoes
5 minutes with Love at First Shop
5 minutes with kelinda.KELINDA
5 minutes with Fabulous Florida Mommy
5 minutes with Life of a Busy Wife

I think there are more to come too! Stop by and say hi if you have a moment or two. On to the sale!


Necklaces:
Shore Things Necklace (now $30)
Demure Flutter Necklace (now $40)
Twinkling Orbs Necklace (now $30)
Flutter-By Necklace (now $30)
Crafty Couture Necklace (now $30)
Geometry Gems Necklace (now $20)
Splendid Catch Necklace (now $30)

Earrings:
Cool Splash Posts (now $10)
Paved Bull's-Eye Posts (now $10)
Glinting Buttercup Posts (now $10)
Enchanted Cluster Posts (now $20)
Delicate Greens Posts (now $10)

Bracelets:
Plush Bangle (now $30)
Collezione Bracelet (now $20)
Ancient Etchings Bangle (now $20)
Sea Clusters Bangle (now $20)
In The Rough Bracelet (now $30)
Modiola Bracelet (now $30)

Playing the Sale guessing game

Ah, it's Monday night and you know what that means -- time to guess which items will go on sale tomorrow. Most likely this will be a home-oriented week. Still, Anthro has surprised us before! Can't say for sure which items will and won't make it so I thought it would be fun to take some educated guesses. This post is no guarantee that any of these items will actually be on sale come tomorrow. What are you hoping to see? What do you think will/won't go on sale?

About due for a shuffle to sale.
Bougainvillea Cardigan ($128)
Covered in Cables Cardi ($88)
Field Game Cardigan ($118)
Snowmelt Cardi ($68)
Balcony Tee ($68)
Bouquet of Stripes Tee ($68)
Breeze Along Cami ($78)
Claudine Tee ($48)
Free Flow Tank ($78)
Oscillating Folds Blouse ($88)
Secured Corsage Tee ($58)
Sun Grown Tank ($58)
Sunny Escape Tank ($68)
Swathed Gingham Blouse ($78)
Torsade Tee ($48)
Zigzags & Zinnias Tee ($68)
Fifth Form Shift ($128)
Hello, Good Day Dress ($118)
Slate Stripes Shift ($128)
Aniseed Skirt ($128)


Anthropologie, are you taunting us?
Dwarf Quince Cardigan ($98)
Plaza Cardigan ($128)
Speckled Ink Dress ($158)
Snow-Covered Fields Dress ($148)
Wright Dress ($168)


It ain't the holidays anymore.
Demi-Sec Cardigan ($128)


Doing the sale dance for these.
Around the World Dress ($168)
Blazing Rays Dress ($158)
Prairie Rose Cardigan ($88)
Percussive Cardigan ($78)
Winding Road Tank ($48)
Thoroughfare Shell ($78)



Dear Anthropologie, my budget requires that the following go on sale.
Bordurette Tank ($98)
Shimmering Pin-Up Cardigan ($88)

The Trade Market: Looking to Buy

Welcome to the Trade Market! This is Effortless Anthropologie's buy/sell/trade posting. You are welcome to create classified-style listings in the comments or link to an outside auction service. Please note that resellers are not permitted. Please note this post is for buying only -- there is a separate selling/trade post below.

All transactions listed within are conducted independently of this blog and as such I have zero involvement. If you have a positive experience you're welcome to leave a comment stating such. If you have a negative experience please send me feedback directly via email to snapsparkchik (at) gmail.com. Please make sure to read The Trade Market Guidelines before posting. You can also view past Trade Market posts by clicking on the "trade market" button in the sidebar. Cheers to a wonderful community!

The Trade Market: Looking to Sell/Trade

Welcome to the Trade Market! This is Effortless Anthropologie's buy/sell/trade posting. You are welcome to create classified-style listings in the comments or link to an outside auction service. Please note that resellers are not permitted. Please note this post is for selling/trading -- there is a separate buying post above.

All transactions listed within are conducted independently of this blog and as such I have zero involvement. If you have a positive experience you're welcome to leave a comment stating such. If you have a negative experience please send me feedback directly via email to snapsparkchik (at) gmail.com. Please make sure to read The Trade Market Guidelines before posting. You can also view past Trade Market posts by clicking on the "trade market" button in the sidebar. Cheers to a wonderful community!

The weekend in-store community post

Note: I will run new posts over the weekend but continue to have this post on top of the blog to encourage participation.

I have noticed a lot of community members sharing in-store deals and spots in the comments of various posts. Inspired by the weekly Seek & Find posts started by the lovely Alexis over at J.Crew Aficionada, I think now is a good time to start a similar weekly post here.

This post is for community members to trade information. You can ask for help in finding an item, report back on what you saw in-store at your local Anthro, ask general questions, make a request, or just stop by to say hello. I love how helpful this community can be!

Some FAQs....
- What does "sub" mean?
It means that people are subscribing to the comment thread. You can do this by checking the "send follow-up comments to x email address" box in the comment form.
- Someone in the comments said they wanted to buy an item from me, but it's been x hours and I haven't heard squat. What should I do?
I give people 24 hours for the benefit of the doubt. After that move on to the next person that contacted you.
- Someone said they returned an item at the store 20 minutes ago but I just called the store and it's gone. What gives?!?
A store associate might have taken a fancy to it or a customer might have grabbed it. Maybe it's just at the bottom of a big ol'pile. Unfortunately, you're out of luck.

Recommended reading:
Gigi's tips for a successful swap
Ways to find hidden inventory on Anthro's site
How do I find reviews for x item?
Ways to find style numbers on Anthro's site for sold-out items (it's right below the Lilac Ombre Heels photo)

OOTD: Whatever the weather, cardis and me go together

The weather in New York City is in that Springy in-between phase where it's too warm to wear a real sweater but still too chilly to go without something covering your shoulders and arms. So I'm in total cardigan mode at the moment and this OOTD set reflects that.

It's been a busy few weeks at work with lots of visitors in and out. As a result I've been dressing more up than down recently. I designed this look around the necklace, a bib from Anthro that I love. It may look heavy but it's really not. Here's a closeup shot of the accessories in this look. This dress, a v-neck number I grabbed at NY&Co for something like $10 last Spring has been a great work staple. It's some kind of horrid polyster-icky stuff mix, but hey, $10. I find myself tugging at the hem sometimes as the skirt tends to float upwards over the course of the day.



The thing I like most about this dress is the stitch pattern right below the bust. This dress fits like a glove and is very flattering. Great day-to-night dress. For work a cardigan to cover and one versatile belt make me look cool and in-charge.

In this outfit:
Cardigan: Banana Republic (similar here, here and here)
Dress: NY & Co (similar here, here and here)
Belt: Snakebite Belt ($32)
Shoes: Nine West Naughty Flats ($50)
Necklace: Binu's Necklace ($58)
Earrings: Anthropologie (similar here, here and here)
Ring: Forever 21 (similar here, here and here)



I've been ripping on Ann Taylor and their sister store LOFT for a little while now so it's only fair to lavish high praise when they do well. The skirt in this outfit is from LOFT (it's like LOST, all caps!!) and was instant love. It's an ivory-based jacquard skirt that has a beautiful pattern on it. It's lined and though the majority of the material is polyester (blech) it looks expensive. The price points stings a bit but I never shop at Ann Taylor or LOFT these days without a coupon. The fit of this skirt is amazing. I think the view from the back is illegal in about 15 states. Well done. Gigi also tried this skirt on and loved it.

The top is my beloved J.Crew Rosette Tee from last year. Who knew this would be the tee that launched a thousand more chiffon affixations from J.Crew? I've passed on most of the newer designs but this one still has my heart. I love how it looks over a pencil skirt (an idea I fully admit to copying from an early 2009 J.Crew catalogue). Closeup of the accessories here. This is my favorite springtime work outfit.

Top: J.Crew rosette tee (similar here, here and here)
Cami: Banana Republic (similar here, here and here)
Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft Sunburst Jacquard Skirt ($80) -- take 30% off today by entering "Friends" at checkout
Shoes: J.Crew Joley peep toes (similar here, here and here)
Necklace: J.Crew double-wrap layering necklace in gold/lilac (similar here and here)
Earrings: Anthropologie Urchin's Shell Earrings (similar here and here)



Last week there were a few torrential downpours. On those days my hair is near impossible to control. A pony is the best option though as you can see any loose wisps had ideas of their own. The Stratus Cloud Top doesn't seem to photograph well but is cute and fun in real life. Since it runs a little short, hitting me at high hip, I threw a longer cardigan on over it to keep the silhouette long and lean. Let's be honest -- skinny jeans are silly on me. But these AG jeans are very comfortable and they work with heels.

To get the ponytail to sit over my shoulder I just tied it low and towards one side. I always watch the YouTube videos in amazement of how "simple" it is to do a high bun, or a french twist, or even a self-done french braid. NONE of those things are easy with my hair. So the simpler, the better.

In this outfit:
Cardigan: J.Crew Twilit Stripe cardigan (similar here, here and here)
Top: Stratus Cloud Top (similar here, here and here)
Jeans: AG Stilts in durini (grab 'em here, here or here
Shoes: Cole Haan Air Almond (similar here and here)
Necklace: NY & Co (similar here, here and here)



I was stalking the Organized Chaos Tank for a loooooong time before scoring it (thanks to help from Diem!). But once I owned it I found myself pushing it towards the cull pile. Funny thing is every time I wear it I love the outfit. The top has so many colors in it that it's easy to pull one or two out for a look. I originally tried the top portion of this look on a weekend and then after laundry time switched out my jeans for a skirt during a later work week. Now that I see the photos I think the jeans worked a little better. The belt is simply to keep the cardigan from fluttering about. How do other people deal with this problem?? I always see models with open cardigans and no problems but in real life mine becomes a mess if I let it fly about.

The necklace is yet another Anthro grab. It hasn't shown up online yet which is too bad because I love it and would recommend it! It's a single-strand that I'm wearing layered into a double. It has no closure so it's a delicate task to double it. There are two variations of the necklace: a gold chain with round, faceted taupe and green beads and a silver-chained version with clear and blue beads. I have and love both. It's $32 in-store. Closeup shot here.

And lastly, the shoes are from Target. They've been impressing me lately. These are replacements for my Steve Madden Scotcch flats, which wore out from near-daily use last spring and summer. While most people seem to find Target shoes true to size I have to size up a 1/2 size. My local Target (the laughable Atlantic Ave Target in Brooklyn) has a very slim selection so it's mostly online roulette for me. Free shipping makes it worth it.

In this outfit:
Gap cropped v-neck cardigan (similar here, here and here)
Top: Organized Chaos Tank (similar here, here and here)
Skirt: Gap slant-pocket denim pencil skirt (similar here, here and here)
Shoes: Target Studded Point-Toe Flats ($18)
Belt: Anthropologie (similar here, here and here)
Necklace: Anthropologie (similar here)
Earrings: Crystal Wave Earrings ($32)



Skirt and cardigan, rinse and repeat. It's a challenge keeping it fresh day by day. This is why I own 11 billion patterned tops. The underlayer is the Paragon Top which I grabbed on sale over the winter. I love it! I've been lucky with the beaded neckline in that none have come loose yet. Hopefully I didn't just jinx myself. It is a bit heavy and pulls down as the day goes on so I usually wear a high-neckline cami underneath just to be safe.

The top has teal in it which is my favorite clothing color and I found a cardigan that perfectly matches the shade. Ah, small victories. The cardi is also the perfect length on me, hitting just below where my high hip starts. I added a necklace isn't needed with this outfit and some might find it overkill. Although if you think this is too much accessorizing my next look is going to really drive you over the edge.

In this outfit:
Cardigan: LOFT Crewneck Cardigan ($40)
Top: Paragon Top (similar here, here and here)
Skirt: J.Crew cord pencil skirt (similar here)
Shoes: Nine West Naughty Flats ($50)
Necklace: Dripping Gems Necklace ($42)



This is most of what I wore to the Chelsea Anthropologie party last week (I changed the skirt as I sadly stained it during the day at work). The tank is from Ann Taylor LOFT; I see J.Crew is carrying a similar tank for 3x the price. Suprised? Nope. There are differences obviously but for a trendy look I feel much better about dropping $20 then I do $80. On top of it all is the Soutine Cardigan, which has a vibrant floral sunburst pattern on both the front and back. I still remember when I bought the cardigan -- I had just gotten a bonus at work and indulged myself in a small splurge. The $128 pricetag was hard to fathom then but I've gotten so much wear out of the cardi that it was well worth it.

And the accessories (closeup here). As I alluded to above I am wearing a huge necklace plus three bracelets and it's perfection to me. J.Crew's jewelry line gets lots of poo-poo'ing from the J.Crew Aficionada community and I don't agree. Is it ridiculously expensive? Uh, yeah. But on sale this stuff is great. The community's argument is that this stuff doesn't last long. I dunno. I've had pieces for 3 or 4 years now and honestly my taste changes so often that I'm fine if the stuff craps out in year 5. Let there be no doubt; I appreciate the beauty of fine jewelry and plan on owning those pieces of mine forever but for costume $50 and 5 years works well. The bracelet colors that I got are no longer available online but I have seen them floating around stores.

In this outfit:
Cardigan: Soutine Cardigan (could not find anything similar)
Top: LOFT Sparkle Sequin Tank ($35)
Skirt: J.Crew sateen pencil skirt (similar here, here and here
Shoes: J.Crew perfect pumps in dusty rose (similar here, here and here)
Necklace: J.Crew Deco Necklace (now $70)
Bracelets: J.Crew Glamor Bracelet ($70), J.Crew Small Cristal Colletto Bracelet ($70) and J.Crew Pearl Garden Cluster Bracelet (similar here)

Dear Anthro, this must be a very heavy necklace

(click the image to zoomify)

Oversized shipping charge? $1000?!?!? My shopping cart is crying.

Update 4/23 5 PM: the issue is now fixed.

Spotted for less: sandals, swimsuits and espadrilles

Every so often fabulous community members email me about Anthropologie items they've found for less somewhere else. Much as I am a store loyalist I love a good deal! This post rounds up some of the recent finds; please add a comment if you know of something else.

The outfit above features a beautiful pair of Chie Mihara sandals. Anthropologie called them the Hoisted T-Straps ($380) but they're sold out. And even when they were available $380 is a hard pill to swallow.

This week is Lord & Taylor's Friends & Family event. They're one of EA's newest affiliates and what a warm welcome this F&F event has been! They carry those same Chie Mihara t-straps ($375) and after discounts you'll save over $100 on them! (Use promo code FRIENDS at checkout.) Still not cheap by any means but much less than the full asking price.



Seafolly's Natalie One-Piece ($148) has a classic glam vibe that is just dying to go to Mexico with me. Many thanks to Jamie, who let me know that this same suit is available here for $134. With free ground shipping on USA orders, that brings the total savings to almost $30. Not bad! Thanks Jamie for the link.



This last item comes to us from Sharon, who asks, "Hey roxy, have Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie ever sold the same item before?" Yes, though not commonly. If you buy the Enduring Espadrilles ($96) you're getting pretty shoes to be sure. But why not pay pay $8 less, include it in a free shipping order, and use ebates when buying the same shoes from Urban Outfitters?? I don't know why not either. Silly Anthropologie!

Have you spotted any Anthropologie items for less somewhere else recently?

Reviews: Red Delicious Blouse, Woodblock Print Skirt, Obscured Oleander Cardigan

Welcome to the Chelsea Market Anthropologie fitting rooms! They are so ornate and bright and I love them. Major kudos to the team behind the store design. No more caves like pod 1 at Rockefeller Center or all of the 5th Ave fitting rooms. The floor, with its pebble fan pattern, is simply gorgeous. I admit to staring at it for awhile...although that could have been the Chardonnay.



Plus the rooms have cubbies! It's amazing what you can do with a bit of space. I was pleased with the store's stock of new items and grabbed a few things to try on. This reviews set is from last Thursday night's party. I have a backlog of photos I'm slowly catching up on. The rooms were so bright that I had some difficulty getting good shots. My sad little iPhone camera kept closing its digital shutter for less exposure, not letting in enough light. I'm sure I'll figure it out but please excuse the darkness of some of these shots.



Finally, something from We Love Vera's line that fits curvy well. This is the Red Delicious Blouse ($88) that won my heart in the April catalogue. It was hard to navigate the sea of people to get to the racks so I just grabbed one hoping it would be my size or close to it. I ended up with a 10 which was too roomy but fine for pics. I will buy a size 8 (one size up from normal).

The print is everything you'd expect a Vera to be. Bold, bright and crisp. The button-down is tailored such that there is a defined, tailored waist. I love the cute little pocket on the left side. The buttons are easy to work with unlike some of Anthro's recent tops. A complete winner. This gives me hope that the Sketched Danios Dress ($158) will be a winner for me too. Wishlisted!



Odille's Woodblock Print Skirt ($78) is an eye-catcher. It's got a floral print in a color that's the combined tones of pink, peach and orange (closer to pink in my opinion). The front of the skirt has a wide a-line pleat that is questionable. I was suckered by a beautiful H&M skirt with a similar cut and found that while my waist looked tiny and terrific the damn thing bunched into a diaper with every step I took. So I proceeded cautiously here.

I initially grabbed a 10 but found it too big at the waist. The 8 was much better at the waist but the hem was catching my thighs as I walked and pushing the skirt up into a bunch. Sigh. I can't tell if this is due to the shape of my legs (probable) or the slightly tapered hem of the skirt (possible). I think I'd probably stick with the 10 to be safe. I am left undecided though. Points for pockets, points off for the side view. Wishlisted for now to deliberate further.



I was very tempted to grab Sparrow's Obscured Oleander Cardigan ($88) in pink to match the rest of my outfit. In the end though I took the brown so it would stand out more. I loved this cardi from the moment it appeared on the website and in real life my affection only grew. Sparrow's winter sweaters are often scratchy wool but this one, while not incredibly soft, is much nicer against the skin.

The medium was comfortably large on me though I'd probably buy in a small. The sleeves are very long, which I like but will not be to everyone's taste. The oyster-shaped pockets are a wonderful unexpected touch. This would be a spring to fall work staple. I'm not sure about the flower placement -- right over the chest, really? -- but it's subtle enough that I can deal. My dilemma is which color to get as I truly like all three. Wishlisted!!

Reviews: Knotted Poppies Dress, Drawing Parallels Dress, Zoya Dress, Orange Blossom Dress, Sunray Medallion Dress

Normally I'd complain about this type of catalog shot -- where we can see neither the dress nor the shoes very well -- but my gosh it's so pretty I just can't. Instead I squinted my eyes and thought, I think that dress looks cool. It is a dress right? Not a romper? I'd be OK either way. And those shoes...look...nice...maybe.



Sara from You, Me & Anthropologie looked fantastic in the Knotted Poppies Dress ($158) and gave me a first glimpse at the dress. I probably would have passed this one by otherwise. I grabbed my usual size 6 which fit but had all sorts of weird pouf around the waist. This is happening a lot with Anthropologie's dresses for me this Spring. I don't know if they changed fit models or what but I hate it, a lot of items are cut much slimmer through the hips and thighs yet have all kinds of room in the tummy and rump. They're shaped in ways that mean they no longer fit.

The v-split along the neckline also means the dress is not work-appropriate. That leaves garden party as the only time I'd wear this one. No thanks. Too bad, as I like the color and I like the yellow sequin flowers and I like the print. The fit is off though so this one went back to the rack.



I moved on to Bailey 44's Drawing Parallels Dress which is reasonable at $78...no wait, there's a 1 in front of that??!? $178? Har. Talk about paying a premium for the name on the tag. I grabbed a medium and found the dress to be pretty cute on, though the right side of the dress was drooping for some reason. The thin-striped underlayer is a nice touch and I like the oatmeal/black color combo. The cons outweigh the pros here though. Dry clean only. Rayon. Could find this at Old Navy. Pass.



The Night Blooming Dress gets a spring cousin in the Zoya Dress ($158). Nothing bad to say here -- this dress is beautiful. I didn't like on me quite as much as Tabitha's earlier version. I grabbed my usual size 6 and found it a bit tight across the hips so I'd probably size up to an 8 to buy it. Time will tell if this one has the same quality issues that some reported with the Night Blooming Dress (zippers tearing bodices, etc.). Wishlisted for sale time.



You'll notice that the print of the Orange Blossoms Dress ($138) that I tried on is different than the print of the product shot. I think I like the one I got a little bit better. Speaking of dresses that are cut slim through the hips and thighs, I had to size all the way up to a 10 in this one. I thought maybe I'd gained weight or something but the dresses in my closet fit the same. So, uh, either I'm crazy or Anthro is. Either way, the 10 worked.

This dress has pockets (yay!). And the sash is really nice though not as long as in the product shot. I didn't expect to like this dress but I did. Wishlisted!



Last weekend was the first time I'd seen Girls From Savoy's Sunray Medallion Dress (now $100) in-store. Then it went on sale on Tuesday -- strange. I tried on my usual 6 and found the cut generous. I would not size down though because the bust was just right. The shoulder straps were longer than I'd like.

This dress is long, long, long. The color is a nice pastel yellow and the medallions? Lovely. Still this dress just misses on the fit. Despite being a happy color it looks kind of sad, doesn't it? On second cut I'd consider this one.