Planning the birthday Anthro excursion

Gah! The birthday approaches. I’m looking forward to it — 27 was supposed to be a lucky year for me and while some good things did happen it was mostly a very hard year. I’m very much looking forward to 28 and embarking on a new start. Being the nerd that I am I’m already thinking about what my birthday splurges will be. I had a dream the other night that Anthropologie called me and said, “roxy, for your birthday we’re giving you the Anthro Employee discount for the day!” I was like well it’s about friggin time THANKS!! and I bought a ton of nice stuff. I know you’re not supposed to share dreams but what the heck. I’m not superstitious.

Thanks to my awesome family and friends I’m sitting on $400 of Anthropologie gift cards. While I certainly don’t have to spend it all at once, I’ve got a 15% off birthday discount in my hot little hands. Plus after depleting my savings in 2009 I am in aggressive savings mode now and I thought it might be nice to go out for one last hurrah.


So far I know I’m going to buy the Snow-Covered Fields Dress ($148, above) assuming that it hits stores in the next two weeks and that it doesn’t look horrible on me. That leaves $250 up for grabs before discounts and just over $300 after the birthday discount. Could you help me pick from a laundry list of other items I’d like to buy? There’s a poll at the end of the post — I’d love to hear your take in the comments too!


There’s a mix of old and new tops that have caught my eye. None of these are things that I need so the driving force here is what I like. I’ve been trying to will Sparrow’s Falling Ribbon Cardigan ($98, review here) into sale but so far Anthro has not complied. Due to the button pain associated with this sweater I don’t want to pay full price for it. I haven’t tried on the Stratus Cloud Top ($78) or the Tagalong Tee ($48) yet but I’m sure either one would be fab. I have tried on the Through-the-Clouds Tank ($68, review here), the Bordurette Tank ($98, review here) and the Into the Night Blouse ($88, review here) and well, they were all great. It’s going to be very hard for me to choose! And I’m sure there will be a few impulse items to tempt me.


The Daybreak Chemise ($88) has been on my radar for awhile. Anthropologie has it in their loungewear section, not intimates, so I feel like I could make it work as a spring dress. And while the Blushing Faille Dress ($188, review here) says ‘holiday’ to me, I think birthdays qualifies as that, right? And maybe Valentine’s Day? I might be out of luck for the AG Bellini Catwalks (now $100). I own the AG Durini Stilts ($150, not pictured) and I would love to add the Cirrus ($168, review here) to my denim collection.


On to the shoes! I’m wishing for two pairs of Chie Miharas: the Struthio Platforms ($358) and the Stacked Smoke Heels ($388). I’d have to stretch a bit to afford them but the gift money would help a lot. Of course then I spied the Wishbone Wedges ($148) and I was in love (and back under budget). Also stealing my heart? The Chain Reaction Bag ($288).


Just a few more…! The Vilma Romper ($128) is an expensive beauty, but if I want a (relatively) inexpensive splurge there’s the Transmissions Belt ($28), the Blue Spruce Earrings ($68) or the Glimmer & Glint Necklace ($58).

So ladies, any thoughts? Your input is much appreciated! I’ll be deviously plotting in the meantime.

What should I get for mah birthday?

30 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    January 12, 2010 / 4:54 pm

    voted for falling ribbon cardi: i despair of it ever going on sale and i'm on the verge of caving myself.

  2. Diem
    January 12, 2010 / 4:58 pm

    I think you should splurge on the shoes. They will last you for years and your feet will thank you! I never feel so guilty when I buy expensive shoes because I know that I will wear them for years. As for dresses and sweaters, I am also lusting after new ones every year.

  3. January 12, 2010 / 5:04 pm

    Hi Roxy! My birthday is January 26th, so I'm in the same position that you are. I also vote for the shoes–that's what I would use my birthday discount for if any stores in Chicago actually carried shoes. And Chie Mihara's aren't just shoes, they're so much better!

  4. January 12, 2010 / 5:11 pm

    I vote for the stacked smoke heels!I didn't get my bday discount 🙁 I am jealous!

  5. January 12, 2010 / 5:15 pm

    You picked some great items and it is so hard to choose. I'm loving all three shoe choices.

  6. January 12, 2010 / 5:21 pm

    I *know* that it is polyester, but the Into the Night Blouse looked amazing on you!

  7. January 12, 2010 / 5:55 pm

    The Chain Reaction Bag!!! It will go well with just about everything and blue is going to be a strong color in the Spring! Hope you have fun shopping:)

  8. January 12, 2010 / 5:58 pm

    400 of anthro gift cards! I am jealous, but have fun choosing your birthday gifts. What a great dream that you have the discount for the day

  9. Anonymous
    January 12, 2010 / 6:14 pm

    Ok, I think the tagaling tee isn't special enough – not what you go to Anthro for. Ditto the denim – lots of folks have great denim. And I wonder if the Stratus Clouds top is really for the small chested girls. With that said, all the shoes are fab, and the Through the Clouds and Bourdette tanks are perfect. Happy Birthday! Enjoy!

  10. January 12, 2010 / 6:41 pm

    I voted for the Chie Mihara's Stacked Smoke Heels. I wanted them to go on sale, so I could possibly grab a pair. I just can't afford the full price.They are lovely, lovely shoes. I've always been more for getting one thing you will truly love and cherish than for getting a bunch of things. Those other items might go on sale, but it doesn't look like those Chies will. (Also, I'll die to of jealousy if I saw those shoes on you.)Happy birthday, Roxy!

  11. Denise
    January 12, 2010 / 6:42 pm

    I echo the other comments. Shoes – buy good shoes. They will last for years and the ones you chose are timeless beauties. Also, the bag is fab and will also be a piece you have long-term. It seems the clothes will always go on sale or else something similar to them will go on sale. For a splurge, a small piece of jewelry seems like a good plan. Have fun planning your splurge!!

  12. January 12, 2010 / 7:13 pm

    Hi ladies! Thanks for all the input so far. Shoes, shoes, glorious shoes. Such a good point, I have shoes that are 3 or 4 years old that they'll have to pry from my cold dead hands…err…feet. Really I just want to walk into Anthro, throw my arms up and say I'LL TAKE IT, as in the whole store. 🙂 Keep the thoughts coming!(PS – Happy January Birthday AL! And Betsy too if you're January!)

  13. Brenda
    January 12, 2010 / 8:05 pm

    The Daybreak Chemise is gorgeous but really see-through IRL.

  14. January 12, 2010 / 8:18 pm

    Happy Birthday Roxy! I voted for the Into The Night Blouse (it looked sooo good on you…), the Stacked Smoke Heels (you should use the excuse that it's your birthday to indulge!) and the Glimmer & Glint Necklace (I've had my eye on it also).

  15. January 12, 2010 / 9:07 pm

    i'm jumping on the shoe bandwagon as well–while all the apparel choices are lovely, sweaters and tops come and go and seem so easily replaced. shoes, on the other hand, tend to have more staying power…or at least inmy closet they do! happy birthday!!

  16. Zengirl
    January 12, 2010 / 9:09 pm

    I agree the Falling Ribbon would look cute on you. I seem to like blue things on you… and I haven't even seen your face yet! BTW, I think that chemise is a must and I do think you could wear it as a dress. I've actually seen a lot of chemises I like and that may be the next thing I want to collect.

  17. Carrie
    January 12, 2010 / 9:51 pm

    Hey Roxy. All great choices, and I voted for a bunch, but I like the Blushing Faille dress the best, and I think it looks great on you :)I'm also a January birthday, but I'm abroad at the moment so I haven't been able to check my mail. To get the birthday discount, do you just have to be an Anthro member? I'm going to be very upset if it's not there when I get back. And happy January birthday to you!

  18. Stephanie
    January 12, 2010 / 10:04 pm

    You should get the Chie M. Shoes, I love/want them so much but I can't splurge on them and get the Chain Bag 😀

  19. January 12, 2010 / 10:10 pm

    Carrie, the 15% birthday discount is only given to Anthro members, and even then it is only given to a random selection, not to everyone.

  20. January 12, 2010 / 10:21 pm

    Please get the shoes. These are not in my budget and I would love you to have them-style them. Living vicariously through you ;)The clouds tank was also my vote.

  21. January 12, 2010 / 10:25 pm

    I voted for the Chies as well! Whichever piece(s) you decide on, I think you should indulge and get something you wouldn't normally. Be it a single fab pair of shoes or a head to toe outfitHappy birthday!

  22. January 12, 2010 / 10:53 pm

    Consumer psychology says that you feel best about a purchase immediately after making said purchase. So…since I've recently acquired the Bourdette Tank and TWO Through the Clouds tanks – I vote for those 🙂

  23. January 12, 2010 / 11:39 pm

    how can you not get the Chie Mihara's? I'm with Diem that shoes are a splurge and will last for years, especially the quality ones that are classic.

  24. Anonymous
    January 13, 2010 / 12:35 am

    cardigan, bag, necklace, slip, dress … most of my shoes come from uo, target, etc. and people always assume they're from anthro. the anthro shoes i do have, i hardly ever wear. i personally think dresses and bags are the best anthro investments, but that could just be me!

  25. Kat
    January 13, 2010 / 2:13 am

    Into the Night blouse! It looked so amazing on you and I feel like it would get a lot of use AND save lots of money for other fun Anthro purchases.

  26. January 13, 2010 / 4:15 am

    happy birthday to all you January ladies. definitely splurge on the stacked smoke heels or the chain bag! i find myself to feel more special when in pretty heels and toting a beautiful bag. cheers!

  27. Anonymous
    January 13, 2010 / 6:10 am

    Carrie, if you don't receive the b-day discount in the mail I'd contact CS about it. It won't hurt to try and it seems as though it has worked for many people in the same situation before.

  28. Anonymous
    January 13, 2010 / 6:24 am

    "Really I just want to walk into Anthro, throw my arms up and say I'LL TAKE IT, as in the whole store."Amen!

  29. January 14, 2010 / 12:30 am

    roxy, you crack me up! i've definitely had similar dreams about discounts and shopping so i'm glad i'm not alone! can't wait to see what you end up getting!


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