Everything’s pretty quiet on Anthropologie’s site today so it’s time for some musings. It’s been awhile since I’ve done an Etsy cruise so what say we look for some pretty dresses? I love looking for unique pieces on the site. Plus, supporting developing artists is so important to me. I don’t mind paying slightly higher prices for handmade stunners. I’ve picked out some of my current faves to showcase here. All photos in this post are pulled from the product pages. If you end up buying anything please let the seller know Effortless Anthropologie sent you!
The photo at the top of this post, as well as immediately above, is for THIMBLEandACORN’s Eyes of Coal Dress w/ sleeves ($68). I love the architectural elements of this dress — the stand-up cowlneck; the thin belt loosely braided to create a defined waist and the soft-looking wool. As winter continues to roar outside this toned down dress seems like the perfect thing to warm up in. Here’s another dress I love by the seller. Visit THIMBLEandACORN’s shop here.
My jaw dropped when I saw this dress, called the Wing Dress ($250) by kaoriyatsumoto. The pleating on the bodice is exquisite. That alone is enough to fall in love but the designer also tailored the skirt and waist to perfection. It builds such a pretty, flattering shape. Just happens to be my size too…visit kaoriyatsumoto’s shop here.
Like something from a dream this dress (OK, tunic) has everything I want for spring — white and a big ol’ flower. And a styling idea with a cinch belt to boot! This is the Pretty Birdie’s Flower Tunic (hemp) ($125) by stephanieteague. I fear that the lycra component will pucker over my curves. Still I can’t help but admire this lovely off the shoulder piece. Or maybe it’s the model’s amazing hair that’s captured my fancy. Or maybe it’s both. Visit stephanieteague’s shop here.
One of the great things about shopping on Etsy is that each designer carefully details their sizing guides. They’re often willing to cater to custom designs, shapes, colors, etc. This is Secret garden dress with short or long sleeve ($157) by Lirola. It’s available in several colors and in case you couldn’t tell from the product name, more than one sleeve length. You get a custom-made garment just like the famous peeps do! This designer has several Anthro-style dresses in her repetoire. Visit Lirola’s shop here.
Oh my goodness. I need this dress! The layered skirt. The beaded neckline. The sweet look. I want to be that person! *mentally converts cm to inches* And I even think it may fit! This beautiful frock is the White Day DRESS ($195) by MagnolijaDRESS. Whenever I’m having a bad day I just pull up this bookmark. It just makes me happy. Visit MagnolijaDRESS’s shop here.
I am looking for some versatile day dresses but I’m frustrated with how short many retailers are making their pieces this year. Anthro has thankfully been trending towards knee-length but my closet needs some label diversity. Enter The little trapeze dress ($75) by JosianePerron. It’s great — just the right mix of preppy and whimsy for me. The green stripes make it perfect for post-tennis drinks at the Country Club. (No, I’m not making that up. Don’t judge! I grew up in Connecticut!) I like that it has some youthful elements to it while still feeling like an adult dress. There’s even a pink version. Visit JosianePerron’s shop here.
Another simple yet oh so fun ensemble is the Anais School Girl Dress – Navy ($37) by zorya. Oh the pockets. Love them. The lacy neck is a nice touch. It fits in with the whole college gal/librarian/50s vibe Anthro is exploring at the moment, though on a much less embellished level. This looks very easy to pop on for work or weekend. Plus, this designer is local for me (NYC) and the price is right on. I plan to buy this dress very soon. Visit zorya’s shop here.
How cute is this dress? It’s right on trend with one shoulder and flowers galore upon the remaining diagonal strap. Designer AnnieFish calls it the ivory silk dress – recycled ($180). I lovingly admired this dress for a few days before discovering it only comes in one size and that size is not mine. Wah. Can’t win them all I guess. If you’re a size 2 this dress is ready for you. Visit AnnieFish’s shop here.
It’s a little short for my taste but with leggings underneath as shown evilneedles’s Black and Gray Rose Tunic Dress ($39) is appealing from pattern to ruffle to shape. I envision throwing a belt on over this and a cardigan for winter weather. It will transition great to spring. Visit evilneedles’s shop here.
One more youthful frock to consider. This is the Polka Dot Valentines Day Baby Doll Dress ($50) by nicolelindner. I have a weakness for polka dots and the playful quality of this dress seems perfect for a day at the park or a romp through fields of tall grass interspersed with wildflowers and butterflies and…wait, where was I? Visit nicolelindner’s shop here.
Oh my… that Wing dress. Just… oh dear. Where will I scrounge up the $250 I need to get that dress in my life???
I love Anais School Girl Dress! $37! I might just have to buy it now.
I featured Lirola on my blog too- I love the secret garden dress! :)Did you notice Anthro's new arrivals? 😉 I think there are 4 new tops, a skirt, two cardis,…
Hi Roxy! I saw this on Design*Sponge today. Not sure if you were able to get the others but looks like they are releasing them!http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/02/weekly-wrap-up-new-penguin-classics.html
Meli22 – I did see the new stuff! I will have a roundup post on Sunday for all the pretty new things. Which item is your fave? I am drawn to the McKay Tank for some reason.Katie K — that is awesome, thanks much for the update! Through some awesome readers I've found 7 more of the books but I still need a few more…running off to Amazon to preorder them now!!
these dresses are adorable! thanks so much for posting these and for giving talented local artists the publicity they deserve.
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Didn't buy any of these items but I did search Lirola's store and she has some super cute things. I got this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40099313So excited! I love the print, the color, the ruffles, the sash, everything!Thanks for linking to her store. I told her you did, and she was surprised and said she'd have to check out your blog 🙂
Betsy – I know, I know. My credit cards are hidden from me while I pay down bills (at my request) but I wanted to go search them out for that beautiful dress.!Tb0n3! – my completely biased advice is: do it!Meli22 – great minds think alike!! 🙂 t. – happy to give them some exposure. Kelly B – that's awesome, I love that top but didn't include since it's not a dress. Wonderful buy and thank you for letting the designer know how you found her. 😀
I love etsy! Thanks for showing me some new sellers that I hadn't found yet!
Roxy-nice post, i love etsy. i have personally bought a dress from lirola and love it, plus she is a total sweetheart and amazing to work with. for the most part though, especially with my non-standard body shape, finding clothes that fit just right without a try-on can be super hard, even when supplied with the dimensions. i've found that sadly, a lot of my etsy stuff has sat unworn in my closet, and returns are a lot tougher when you're dealing with handmade, custom items. obviously there are some items (like those with stretch, etc) that are a safer bet… in general though, i wish off-the-rack stuff worked more for me, because i think patronizing sellers on etsy is awesome. for now though, i think i'm mostly going to be sticking to jewelry and handbags and stuff 🙂
roxy, i'm really loving the fancy that tank in sky or orange…
Very cool of you to support such talented independent artists! I'm so happy that you bring them to my attention, because I probably wouldn't find them on my own. Me = lazy.