Fitting Room Reviews – Look Back and Phlox & Coral

I went to the Anthropologie store in the Mall of Millenia in Orlando, FL for the first time and I had a blast.  It's always fun to see how different each of the Anthro stores set up their merchandise and displays.  I only tried on a few things and I was able to snag the Culmination Blouse in a 4 (see here).  My store sold out of these really quickly.  Here are my reviews.

1. Look Back Sweater Dress…$138.00

I tried this dress on today in the store and absolutely fell in love with it.  The small fit me perfectly (for reference, I usually wear a size 4 or 6 dress and a size 6 skirt). I tried on the purple dress, which is a rich, deep color; the dress also comes in gray.   The material is high quality merino wool that is lightweight and allows for a beautiful drape.  This dress is form fitting like a sheath dress, but it is not extremely clingy.  The neck line is beautiful and the gathered fabric is just the right touch.   My favorite part of the dress is the deep v back and the exposed back zipper…it’s very flattering.   I didn’t try this dress on with a belt, but a belt would be a great accessory to add to change the look.  This dress would be perfect for my work wardrobe.  I’ll mostly buy this dress in the near future.

2. Phlox & Coral Coat…$288.00

I love, love, love this coat.  Tracey Reese has done it again…she designed a gorgeous piece of art. It is structured well and the fabric is very sturdy.  This coat couldn’t be used up North as a winter coat, but it’s perfect for me here in Florida.  The coral accents and lining is just as stunning as the buttons.  I tried this on in the 4 and the 6 and the 4 worked perfectly for me.   I have been eyeing this coat for sometime, and I hope to buy it when it gets marked down.   I’m just hoping that Anthro will have my size available when the time comes.

Fresh Picks to Follow: Sweater Dresses

Hi ladies…I hope that you all had a great week.  I was lucky to have a 3-day work week.  I took the liberty of taking the day off today to have a shopping day with my sister in Orlando, FL.  And boy did we shop.  Among with my many purchases, I inadvertently bought several sweater dresses today without realizing it.  When I got home, I thought that my new additions would make a great fresh pick topic. 

The original sweater dress was nothing more then a tube shaped knit and was a nightmare for a woman with any degree of curves. Today, they come in a wide range of styles to suit virtually any figure type.  A classic sweater dress makes the perfect blank canvas; which is versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Once you've found the perfect fit pick a neutral tone or a color that compliments your coloring, then consider the following tips:

Tights:  A sweater dress looks great with tights or leggings, but can also be worn with bare legs. If the dress is a neutral color, you can opt for colorful tights to add a pop of color or wear the same color tights for a more sophisticated look.

Belts: If the dress is a chunky and you want to ensure that it doesn’t look like a sack, then add some definition to your look with a wide belt around your natural waist.

Shoes: When matching footwear with a sweater dress, stick to shoes that are structured. Anything too delicate, like kitten heels, will not compliment the look. Try all types of boots, pumps, wedges and ballet flats.  A sweater dress is the perfect outfit to pair with ankle boots, which is a great look for the season. Remember: if you have shorter legs, choose a pair of tights that matches the color of your boots. 

Other Accessories: Structured and bold accessories tend to look stunning with sweater dresses. Chunky jewelry, like long dangly necklaces and wide bangles, will make the right statement with any sweater dress. Scarves are always a perfect addition to a sweater dress, as well as, layering a jacket or cardigan.  A quick side note, a belted cardigan will add a bit more warmth and create a different silhouette your sweater dress. 

Here are several sweater dresses that's caught my eye.  Let me know what you think and if you have bought a sweater dress lately.

1. Anthropologie - Finessed Sweaterdress…$138.00

2. Old Navy - Women's Boat-Neck Sweater Dresses…$34.50

3. Banana Republic - Funnel Neck Cable Tunic…$110.00

4. BCBGMAXAZRIA – Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress…$138.00

5. H&M - Roll-Neck Jumper…$34.95

6. French Connection - Everyday People Dress…$89.00 (Bluefly.com price)

7. Ann Taylor - Scoopneck Ribbed Sweater Dress…$128.00

8. BCBGMAXAZRIA - Blue Wool Striped Turtleneck Sweater Dress…$154.00 (Bluefly.com price)

9. Ann Taylor Loft - Fair Isle Cowl Tunic Sweater…$79.50

10. Anthropologie - Look Back Sweater Dress…$148.00

A Warm and Cozy Sale

Whew! I think my wallet is safe this week.  So, there was a small sale today with lots of sweaters.  I was able to resist purchasing anything today and I plan on sticking to that plan.  I recently moved into my apartment and I took a little break from furnishing and decorating my place.  So, know I have to take a break from Anthro shopping, just for a little while.  We'll see how long that lasts.   Happy Shopping ladies!

miscellany monday

happy monday ladies – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog below and join in on the fun. 

{one}time change. i don’t know about you guys, but i’m happy to have gained an extra hour of sleep.  i’m not loving the fact that it’s pitch black outside at 6pm, but i love my sleep. 

{two} monday night football.  anyone that knows me knows that i love football.  i look forward to football season and i’m always pretty sad to see the season end.  i prefer college football over nfl, but i watch it and enjoy it all.  the florida gators are my favorite college team and philadelphia eagles and green bay are my favorite nfl teams.  and since i live in florida i usually root   i usually work on the weekends, so i can’t always catch the games.  however, i’m always able to catch some monday night football.  who’s playing tonight? its steelers vs. bengals….i’m pretty sure that the steelers will take it home, but you never know.  i usually root for the underdog when it’s not my team…so it will be interesting if bengals pull out a win tonight. 

{three}  anthropologie sale.  so…i wonder if anthro is going to have a sale tomorrow now that there is free shipping.  i’ve already taken advantage this offer one time so far…i’m sure that there will be more shipments to come.  yikes!

{four} veterans day.  if you are like me, you may know someone who is currently serving or who has previously served in the military.  in september, my brother-in-law left for afghanistan for 1 year, leaving my sister, my 2 nieces and nephew waiting patiently for his return.  it was so hard to see the little ones so sad and confused.  i was just telling my boyfriend, that we should do so much more to show our appreciation for our troops.  with that being said, i wanted to share some information regarding amazing discounts and freebies for our troops:

1. applebees  all veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited menu at applebee's on nov. 11. simply show proof of service or arrive wearing a uniform.

2. golden corral for the 10th year in a row, golden corral restaurants will offer their military appreciation monday dinner. the event is scheduled this year from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on nov. 15. all personnel are welcome, including retirees, veterans, active duty, national guard and reserves.

3. mccormick & schmuck's seafood restaurants  for the 12th year running, participating restaurants in the national seafood chain offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu. space is limited so online reservations are strongly recommended.

4. outback steakhouse veterans and active-duty military receive a free “bloomin' onion” and non-alcoholic beverage on veterans day at participating outback steakhouses.

5. subway  some subway restaurants are distributing free six-inch subs to veterans or active-duty members on veterans day. make sure you call ahead because not all franchises are participating in this event.

6. uno chicago grill show up on veterans day in uniform, with a photo of yourself in uniform or with a military or veteran's i.d. and receive a free entree or individual pizza, with an entree or pizza purchase of equal or greater value.

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