There are so many awesome new arrivals at Anthropologie! I am in total grabby hands overload mode right now when I go to the store, so I’m thankful for the guest reviewers helping me cover everything. Please welcome back Betsy who comes armed with a crop of delicious reviews for us to enjoy. If you’re interested in writing a guest post please email me or click the “contact” link near the top of the blog. On to the guest post…
Hi again, fellow Anthropologie lovers! I was having a rough day, so I decided to stop by my local store on the way home from work. Nothing like a bit of retail therapy to take your mind off of things! There have been a ton of beautiful additions to my Pearl District store, and I couldn’t wait to try them on.
First up was the menswear-inspired Gentlemen Caller Blouse by Red Bird ($78). I’m a sucker for crisp striped cotton! I grabbed my true size 6, and was surprised to see that there was no side zip to get into this thing. I wasn’t about to undo the buttons within buttons on the front, so I jammed it on over my head. After some fussing with the front pleat, the 6 fit well, though the buttons do come up awfully high. I don’t really like it when buttoned shirts get too close to my throat – it feels so stuffy and rigid. Undoing the top part helped a bit. This top is definitely cute and would look nice under a blazer or cardigan for work, though I wish that the edges were finished instead of slightly frayed. Wishlisted for now – we’ll see if it hits the sale rack!
I promised myself I would try several items outside of my comfort zone this time around, and the Glassflower Cardi by liaMolly ($148) definitely fits the bill. Not only are these colors a major departure for me, but the price makes my jaw hit the floor. I tried the medium in the same way shown in the catalog – with the bottom two buttons left undone. I have to say that the fit of this cardigan is lovely, and the material is very soft. However, I just can’t get past the colors. The green… it makes me think of Slimer from Ghostbusters. And the pattern on the front reminds me of the 70’s linoleum in my grandmother’s kitchen. If the colors were different, I would adore this, because the fit is flattering and you can tell it’s well made. Alas, I’m not as adventurous as I’d hoped… back to the rack.
Next came the Coyote Star Blazer by Charlie and Robin ($118). Roxy reviewed a similar sweater a couple of weeks ago, whose SKU matched up with the one online. But in the store I found this blazer right next to the one she reviewed, and they’re definitely not the same. This one is made of knit jersey-esque material in a Navajo-style design, while the other is a sweater with a honeycomb pattern. I’m completely confused as to why the SKUs were mixed up, but this blazer was awesome! The material is comfy and stretchy, the single, pretty carved button was well placed, and my true medium fit perfectly. I love the collar. Heck, I love everything about this. I was very tempted to pounce on it at full price, but I think I’ll take a chance on it going on sale. It’s odd that it just recently came out. This seems like more of a fall/winter piece than something for spring. (Note: Betsy’s right. The one I reviewed is actually called the Honey From The Bees Blazer. I have updated the post.)
I rarely try dresses at Anthro so this time I grabbed two. First was the Traced Twirls Dress by Girls from Savoy ($158). I didn’t see my true size 8 on the rack, so I sized up to a 10. And… oh, my. I felt FABULOUS in this dress! Where to begin… The halter style is really flattering and the strap is attached by buttons, so you can go strapless if you choose. There’s some great origami-style folded detail on the bust. On each side of the bodice is a smocked, stretchy panel which gives you some room to breathe. The 10 was okay but the 8 would definitely have fit a little bit more the way it’s intended (I’m a B cup). The skirt was full and invited a twirl, with a gorgeous added detail of a peachy-pink lining underneath. This is an incredibly high-quality, well made dress. I felt like glamorous, 50’s Hollywood royalty in it. I wanted to be wearing espadrilles and giant sunglasses and strolling through St. Tropez. The closest I could get was that last shot. Hee hee… I just couldn’t resist! I have no idea where or in what capacity I would wear this dress. But I covet it. Muchly.
Finally I reached for the Fragrant Valley Dress by Cory Lynn Calter ($188). I don’t know why, but this dress makes me think of the smell of violets in bloom. Like the Traced Twirls Dress, it’s got a retro vibe going, but this time more 60’s. I tried an 8, which ended up being a bit tight in the torso. I think a 10 would give more room to breathe. This dress was adorable, as well. I love the silky, high-quality fabric, the cowlneck and the draped style in the back – I think I’d tie a loose knot and let it hang instead of attempting a bow. The skirt poufs out a bit, and is definitely above the knee. This would be a great party dress. All I need now is a party to go with it!
Hi Betsy,Thanks for these reviews. You look great in those dresses, especially the first one–very glam!
Your reviews are great – I liked the Glassflower Cardi until you mentioned Ghostbusters. Then I lost it! LOL And the Traced Twirls Dress really is great on you. I also like the Fragrant Valley Dress (but that's because I'm in love with it myself!)If anyone is interested, I reviewed the Drifting By Dress and Two Paths Trench on my blog today (www.princessoftaylor.blogspot.com)
These guest reviews are awesome, Roxy. Thanks much, Betsy!I am on the fence about the Glassflower cardi myself – I have put it in and dropped it from my shopping bag almost a dozen times. I think I am in love with it, but that green/yellow doesn't do anything for me – plus $150 for a cotton sweater? Argh…
I am in love with the Glassflower Cardi (your Slimer comment made me LOL though). I know $150 isn't inexpensive but a lot of that cost is because liamolly's owner uses local sourcing for her materials and collaborates with local artists down in New Orleans for her design. I like the way she's structured the business, and that makes me much more willing to splurge over some art house designer who sources all production to China.
Both dresses looked great on you…you should reach for them more often. ;)sugarandspiceandnice.blogspot.com
Love the Traced Twirls Dress on you! No special occasion needed, just a nice spring/summer day!
You look AMAZING in the Traced Twirls dress, Betsy! Buy it!!! I think everyone should have a dress that makes them feel like a million bucks, even if you don't have somewhere to wear it right away. Anywho, thanks for the great reviews!!
Thanks for the reviews Betsy! Now I need that Traced Twirls dress muchly too! The Girls from Savoy are doing some amazing things this season; I pretty much love everything!Roxy – I had no idea about liamolly! I love hearing stuff like that – it actually makes me feel much less guilty about buying at full price!
The Traced Twirls dress looks great on!
Thanks for the nice comments, everyone! I so enjoy doing the guest reviews. I had no idea about liaMolly's local focus – that's definitely to be admired!
I love the Fragrant Valley dress (I just got it myself), and it looks great on you! I also like the Traced Twirls dress on you – it looks fabulous. I hadn't even noticed that one, now I will give it a second look 🙂
i love the dresses on you, betsey!
Oh, I really like the Gentleman's Caller Blouse. It caught my eye on the site, but now I am defintiey lusting after it.
I love the Traced Twirls dress. So much, that I went to the Pearl and bought it, too! I think I am going to wear it on Saturday (day one of Art Walk). I think that an art show warrants a beautiful dress. Thanks for the review 🙂
I really enjoyed these reviews, especially the description of the colors of the Glassflower Cardi! Thank you to Betsy.
Betsy, you totally make me want to try on the Fragrant Valley dress and I never gave it a second look before!
Thanks for the reviews! The Traced Twirls looks killer on you.