Presenting the birthday haul!


This novella actually begins on December 29th, when I received a large envelope from Anthropologie. Inside I found my birthday coupon for the year! Very wise of Anthropologie to make sure it got to me before January 2nd because I would have started whining as soon as the holidays were over — where’s my card? Patience is not my forte.

My plan was to wait until the 20th to do my birthday shopping. It’s a sale day, I’d have plenty to choose from…but that plan went right out the window. As soon as I got paid on the 15th I could wait no longer. Thanks to all your votes, I knew I was looking for the Stacked Smoke Heels ($388), the Through-the-Clouds Tank ($68, review here), the Blushing Faille Dress ($188, review here) or probably a necklace like the Glimmer & Glint Necklace ($58). During lunch I called about the Stacked Smoke Heels. Anthro was completely sold out of my size and the next size up. While I was disappointed I wasn’t overwhelmed because, well, $388 is a lot of money that I could use to buy multiple other things. I did order the Snow-Covered Fields Dress ($148) because I’m not going to shut up about the dress until I own it. With luck it should be here tomorrow.

As soon as work was done I headed over to the Soho Anthropologie here in NYC. The door security guards pretty much all know me by now. My name is “whassup” and theirs is “hey, how you doing?” The store had been completely reorganized and the decor changed over to spring. It was like a sign — come in and shop roxy! Everything’s new. Not that I need prodding. I immediately went for the Through-the-Clouds Tank. It was on a table just a little ways in the store. Unfortunately I struck out on everything else on my list. I could have called and ordered it over the phone…but what fun is that? So I looked around for other fun stuff to try on.

Without further ado, here’s what I came home with:


First, I wanted something sparkly and I’ve been enamored with the Gardenia Bib Necklace (now $100, no longer online) for quite some time. Soho happened to have one left so I grabbed it. It’s so gorgeous — it’s hand-beaded and the leather flower is big but not overwhelming. The necklace is lined in the back. I wore this to work yesterday and got tons of compliments. The flower does want to sit in the center so I had to adjust the bib back into place a couple of times over the course of the day. I don’t mind a bit. It’s beautiful and dresses up any outfit.


Ladies, nice pick with the Through-the-Clouds Tank! I went for the ivory color since this top seems very light and summery. I don’t own that many white tops. This one is a great building block. I bought a small. I like it so much in fact that I’m selling my Tivoli Scoopneck from last year (it’s listed in the Trade Market). I’ll hit on the jewelry below.


I couldn’t resist bringing home the Climbing Cowlneck ($48, review here). And I’m glad I did since this one absolutely blew off the shelves. Hopefully this shows Anthro that aggressive pricing and basics with a twist can do really well. Haven’t worn this one out yet but that will change next week.


I’m going to Mexico! Uh, in June. Best to be prepared now though, right? I mean, you never know when there’s going to be an emergency beach trip. I loved the Percussive Cardigan ($78, review here) so much when I tried it on. I had a really hard time choosing which color to get it in. I ended up with the white due to its beach-friendliness. I hope the other colors make it to sale.

(PS – my boyfriend came by to pick me up for a date as I was taking these photos. Quote the man: “I know I said this was a casual date, but…”)


Anthro’s costume jewelry is really cute but kinda overpriced. Still, with the birthday discount I dove right in. I scored the Missletoe Earrings (now $20) which were already on sale and the Iced Lait Necklace ($48) which I have on over the Through-the-Clouds Tank above. The necklace is not heavy at all. The glass beads are faceted and the cloudy resin beads are pink-toned like the ribbon. Overall I’m pleased. The other two pairs of earrings aren’t on the website at the moment. The medallions that are inset came in four variations — two silver and two gold.

So that my dears is the birthday haul. I went over budget but it was completely worth it.

35 Comments

  1. Athena
    January 21, 2010 / 1:59 pm

    Great pics Roxy! You're supposed to splurge and go overboard when it's your Birthday! ;-)I really like the Climbing Cowlneck, such a basic piece with a twist. And the Glimmer and Glint necklace looks adorable.Regarding the 15% b-day card, do they normally send it right before your birthday month? Last year they didn't send me one so I had to email them about it & then they sent one to me. My b-day is at the beginning of March & I hope they're on the ball with it this year so I don't have to email them again. :)Wishing you a Happy & Beautiful Birthday!!

  2. January 21, 2010 / 2:07 pm

    I can't wait to do my birthday shopping!!! I live what you bought. For clarification- the coupon can only be used in store, right? Btw- did you wear the candle necklace they sent!?

  3. January 21, 2010 / 2:12 pm

    Thanks for the bday wishes Athena! My friends who have received the bday discount have gotten them between the 1st and 10th of their birthday month, so I'd say that's an acceptable range. Pamela – it says on the card in-store only. Because the one item I desperately wanted wasn't in-store, CS allowed me to purchase it by phone. They made it clear though that had the item been in-store they wouldn't have respected the coupon.

  4. January 21, 2010 / 2:12 pm

    I'm going to wear the candle necklace tomorrow, btw. 🙂

  5. Anonymous
    January 21, 2010 / 3:11 pm

    I called and asked (begged) and they let me use my b-day discount over the phone. I have a southern accent and that may have helped, though … lol!I LURV that Gardenia Bib necklace – I have wanted it for such a long time … good for you! You did great on your b-day haul!

  6. January 21, 2010 / 3:28 pm

    Thanks roxy. I got excited thinking maybe I could use it via the phone :-). Happy birthday!!!

  7. January 21, 2010 / 3:30 pm

    Love the Gardenia Bib necklace–excellent choice! So it finally went on sale? I may have to track one of those down myself. . . .

  8. January 21, 2010 / 3:35 pm

    Anon – love that you used your southern charm with CS! I have a feeling that if you ask very nicely they won't say no to birthday discount by phone. Who wants to tell the birthday girl no? Pamela, it's worth a shot.AL – it did finally go on sale on Tuesday. I saw one in 5th Ave a couple of weeks ago, but I'm not sure if it was there over the weekend when I was last in-store.

  9. January 21, 2010 / 3:58 pm

    So jealous of your Climbing Cowlneck. Hopefully my store will get them soon. I was a woman on a mission yesterday, digging through every single item, ready to pounce on one. At least I got my hands on a Lilac Claudine tee and a Tempting Trellis cardigan to console myself. My birthday discount arrived on Nov 31, and i spent it on Dec 1. I wanted to wait until after-Christmas sales (my sister and I made a killing with the discount on clearance items last Dec 26), but I was afraid they would run out of things, esp with lower inventory levels this year.

  10. January 21, 2010 / 4:13 pm

    Lovely haul! I actually just bought my first piece of Anthropologie (poor college student here) and cannot wait for it arrive!All of this looks so gorgeous on you! Definitely perfect for date nights and, of course, summer in Mexico!

  11. January 21, 2010 / 5:15 pm

    Roxy, what an amazing Birthday score! Wow! I wish I got spoiled rotten like that during my birthday! I'm green with envy! And yes…. Happy Birthday Roxy! Wishing you a very happy and fruitful Anthro-filled year!

  12. January 21, 2010 / 5:15 pm

    you look so cute in everything esp. the cute lil hat! I love that first necklace, ive wanted it since it was in the catalog last spring..so pretty glad you snagged it!

  13. January 21, 2010 / 5:25 pm

    happy birthday, roxy! great haul. i love all of the looks. i hope you enjoyed yourself!man, i can't wait for my bday discount. i'm so glad anthro even offers it.

  14. January 21, 2010 / 5:47 pm

    Happy Birthday! I have to say the part I liked best was the security guard (wassup etc) part 🙂 very funny. Glad you found such nice things to enjoy.

  15. January 21, 2010 / 6:06 pm

    I love all your choices- you look great in the Through the Clouds tank!Happy birthday!!!

  16. January 21, 2010 / 6:12 pm

    laura – where did you see the Tempting Trellis cardigan? I have been waiting and waiting for it to go on sale, but I think Anthro might sell through their stock first. I need a medium.Thanks J! I'm going to have a contest for college students in Feb. :)Thanks Crew_Girl_In_Canada! My friends are pretty awesome, I have to admit. The fam too.Natalie – I had forgotten about the necklace until it started showing up in stores again a couple of months ago. I'm so glad it came back!Thank you Megha. I'm glad Anthro does this too, it's such a nice perk.Sydneygirl – hee. glad you like my nickname (one among many).Thanks Molly_Darling! I think the Through-the-Clouds tank is so very pretty. Can't wait to wear it everywhere.

  17. Glenda
    January 21, 2010 / 6:18 pm

    Whoohoo, way to go on the birthday haul, Roxy! And after I saw you wear that ruffly coral top in your first pick, I plan to check it out again on the sales rack. Before, I had thought it would be *too* ruffly on top and had bypassed it, but I really like how it peeks out under your cardigan in your photo. Hmmm, hope they have my size…

  18. Kim G
    January 21, 2010 / 6:19 pm

    Roxy – Happy Birthday, you look great. I especially love the climbing cowlneck and the through the clouds top. My birthday is in March, so I think that even if I sign up for the anthro card I won't get the discount.

  19. January 21, 2010 / 6:24 pm

    Happy Birthday Roxy!Fantastic bday haul – when that coupon comes in the mail, it's almost impossible not to splurge and go nuts, since discounts are so hard to come by at Anthro!I love the bib necklace and the Through the Clouds Tank is fabulous on you – very flattering!

  20. January 21, 2010 / 6:36 pm

    That's a great haul, Roxy!! Love your choices. I am waiting to see the Climbing Cowlneck & the Snow Covered Fields Dress at my store. Hope to see your review on the dress very soon!And Happy Birthday in advance!! Tomorrow's the big day, right?

  21. Diem
    January 21, 2010 / 6:40 pm

    Happy Birthday Roxy! The Anthro at Tyson's Corner, VA had restock their Tempting Trellis cardigans a couple of weeks ago. I might be worth it to give them a call if you still want the cardigan.

  22. angie
    January 21, 2010 / 7:00 pm

    Hey- how DO you sign up for the birthday club? I can't figure it out!

  23. January 21, 2010 / 7:32 pm

    Happy Birthday Roxy! I can't wait to see how the Snow Covered Fields dress looks on you 🙂

  24. January 21, 2010 / 7:57 pm

    Glenda I have the ruffle tier tank in two colors and I really love it. It's very versatile and multi-season. Go for it!Kim G – you never know! I think you should sign up, you know you won't get it if you don't.Thanks Kim! I feel the same way, when the discount comes I'm splurging.Thanks Archana! Yes tomorrow is the big day.Diem thanks for the tip! I will be calling around later today.angie — you need to have an anthro card. It's the yellow card up at the cash registers up front in-store. You can also sign up online, just do a search for "anthro card" on Anthropologie's website. Then it's a lottery whether you get the discount or not, though if you don't you can contact CS to inquire about one. Hope that helps.Thank you Lauren! I can't wait either.

  25. January 21, 2010 / 8:20 pm

    Thanks for sharing your birthday splurges. It looks like you got a pretty good haul. Happy birthday (in advance)!

  26. January 21, 2010 / 9:39 pm

    My mom got a birthday discount in the mail and she sent it to me to use, but I didn't know if they checked your name/birthdate when you used it?

  27. January 21, 2010 / 9:43 pm

    Thanks Lola! I think I did pretty well. :)sara22185, it's based on the honor system.

  28. Stephanie
    January 21, 2010 / 10:51 pm

    Awesome BDAY haul! Happy Birthday!

  29. January 21, 2010 / 11:15 pm

    When I used my birthday discount, they asked to see my anthro card to verify.I guess it depends on the sales associates.Happy birthday, Roxy! I was on the fence about the Through the Clouds Tank until you reviewed it!

  30. January 22, 2010 / 1:42 am

    Oh Roxy, you did good! I love everything. And Happy Birthday girl!

  31. January 22, 2010 / 2:33 am

    Happy Birthday. Glad to hear you enjoyed some serious shopping! Love the bib necklace. Again, Happy Birthday.

  32. January 22, 2010 / 9:22 am

    Ooh, I love the necklace & everything else. Thanks for the details on how the bday coupon works.Happy Birthday!


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