Adrien: Secret Shame Update!

After posting about my closet a few weeks ago, I spent some quality time last weekend organizing and moving stuff around. I haven't bought hooks for the back wall yet (unless you count the giant nails left by the former owner. Thanks, lady.) but I'm hoping to do that this weekend. I saw something like this at Target:

And thought it might do this trick. I did, however, buy a large over-the-door hook thingy for my belts:

It's working out nicely for belts but when I tried to hang a couple of my smaller bags it really didn't work - they swing around too much and get tangled up. Then I organized all my clothes by type:

And reordered my storage box things, using the one on the top shelf for my smaller bags:

Here's what the rest of that side looks like:

And I organized my shoes a bit better:

So, baby steps! I still need to root out some of the shoes I don't wear anymore and deal with the hidden tower of shoe boxes that live in the left hand corner that you can't see. I'd also like to get some under-bed storage for all my boots, since they don't earn their keep in the summer.

Sorry, this isn't the most exciting update, is it.

Marianne: Shifting Feathers Dress

Good morning, world. I've actually had this dress for over a month but realized this morning it hasn't made it to the blog! I bought the Shifting Feathers Dress from anthropologie with a birthday gift card, after coveting it for weeks.
This dress was shorter than I expected. I guess the other bloggers I've seen it on weren't as tall as I am. It also isn't the most flattering dress I own, especially in the hip area. Part of the blame, I think, lies in the pockets. Once again, pockets are handy but they add bunchy material right to the hip area. I used to have a seamstress roommate that took the pockets out of all of her pants and dresses, and it really makes a difference.

In spite of some issues I obviously have with it, I love this dress. What it lacks in flattery, it makes up for in comfort and quality. The dress is fully lined in a silky jersey, which means you don't have to wear a slip. And who wants to wear a slip when it's 90 degrees outside?

The pleats at the top are nicely done and add interest without foofiness. The cloth tie belt that it comes with is fine but I prefer a wider belt to try and give some definition to my waist. And yes, I'm wearing the too-tall Marc Jacobs shoes that I regret every single time. I'm a sucker.

dress: C. Keer (anthropologie)

shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs

belt: Anne Taylor Loft

Marianne: anthro sale picks

I am wearing a repeat outfit today, my "Bustling Fauxvenues" look, minus the belt and plus a black cardigan because I work in Siberia:
So instead of outfit goodness, here are some of my recent picks from the massive anthropologie sale that happened last week. First up, the Climbing Cowlneck. And I wear a size bigger than Adrien, so I was NOT the one to steal it out of her basket:

I have resisted shorts for a long time, but on the weekends, when you are literally chasing a toddler, skirts and dresses are not practical. So I picked up the Cool Breeze shorts:

and the Heat Wave shorts:

I also bought this skirt, which I'm already regretting and I bet money I'll return it. I think I was on a high from my white jeans purchase:

Lastly, the ubiquitous Meeting Place tank, which I adore and hope comes before the projected July 23rd shipping date.

Reviews on all of these to come this week!

Adrien: Cheap Thrills, Old Navy style.

Over the weekend Old Navy lured me back in with a promised 30% off everything (through tomorrow! Run!), but I really didn't need anything. This was a recreational shopping trip, just for the fun of maybe finding something awesome for next to nothing. And I think I did. I mostly combed the sale section and though I didn't find anything amazing, I did find a pair of super-soft thin lounge...crops? Knickers? I don't know what to call them but they have POCKETS FOR MY CHAPSTICK. Check it:

Worn here with my usual around-the-house gear: an inside-out paint speckled t-shirt and Reef flip flops. White hot.

I also bought a necklace that I'd fondled on my last visit but didn't buy, because, though it was nice, it had an element I didn't like. But, for 30% off, I was willing to dust off my jewelry pliers and remove said element. (I am so annoyed that I can't find stock photos of either of these purchases.) Anyway, see that red beaded necklace hanging on the right?

That would be it, minus the weird silver discs that I removed. You'll see it again later this week, I'm pretty sure.

What's your latest cheap thrill?

Adrien: Anthropologie showdown.

Just writing that last Anthro post made me itchy to get my hands on the unfortunate items that I knew wouldn't fit me anyway. So, today on my lunch break I ran over there to see what was what. My original intent was to photograph myself wearing the items I posted about on Wednesday, but the two dresses I loved were nowhere to be found. I mean, they might have been in the store but I kind of lose my vision and go snow blind when I walk in there. SO MUCH WHIMSY AND DECORATION. *trips over display made out of light bulbs and paper*

Anyway, I did find a few things I posted about and some that I didn't, so I loaded up the dressing room and proceeded to take the absolute worst photos possible. I have no idea how I managed to take such bad pictures but I do know the lighting was very much not good and my camera kept blinking the Red Battery Light of Doom, so I had to move fast. First up, just to prove a point, I give you the Floofy Horror:

Mimeo Blouse (aka floofy horror)

Told you.

Then I tried on the Albus Sprigs Tank  which I actually kind of liked, but not for $40:

I layered the Masked Stripes Cardigan over it which made me look like a crazy person, but I liked it! (Just blur your eyes and try to block the rest of my outfit.) It's itchy as hell but it's also really meant for fall/winter. I really don't get why it's in the store right now.

I'm not sure what's going on with my face there.

I also tried on this dress, which was on sale online for $39.95, but was still $79.95 in the store:

It technically fit, but there's nothing that bulks the waist up quite like a thick band of bunchy elastic, eh? I'll pass, thanks.  I found the Climbing Cowlneck top in the store, but only in navy in XS. I tried it on anyway and I liked it!

It did fall off my shoulders though. I didn't buy it because hitching shit up all day is not something I can handle. I had one last item that I tried on with the top - the Air Mail skirt:

Love. Love love love. So much cuter than it looks in that terrible photograph. So I bought it.

The end!

Marianne: White Jeans and Poses

As you know, I've been on the hunt for some white jeans for under $50. Since I've found good premium denim scores at T.J. Maxx in the past, I headed there. First I tried on some Paige Denim skinny crops, and...no.
I'm just going to go ahead and proclaim that skinny jeans should be dark. Period.

Luckily, I had grabbed the Perfect Pair of White Jeans. Some $40 Ralph Lauren numbers that were crisp and flattering and perfect. Let's ignore the hot mess of a shirt I was also trying on:

I changed to a different Hot Mess of a shirt, but still loooove these jeans.

I have since worn these to death. Yesterday was the third wearing, and I waited until evening to take pictures. And so, everything is a bit wilted and stretched out looking. I love this feather-print t-shirt from Forever 21, I wish I had bought 2. I also wish I had taken a detailed shot of it, but you can't win them all.

Since it's Silly Fashion Blogger Pose Week, a few more for your enjoyment. The Pee Pee Dance:

The I'm Trapped In A Box:

And the Catch Toddler Sprinting For The Stairs:

jeans: Ralph Lauren

t-shirt: Forever 21

sandals: Cynthia Vincent for Target

scarf: street find in Paris

Adrien: Anthropologie, I love/hate you.

Every time I read that Anthro is having another sale I get all worked up and rush out to the store, only to walk away empty handed. See, what I love about Anthropologie is not what Anthropologie is about lately and what I don't love seems to be a lot of what's available. Or, if I love it to pieces it's still too expensive, even with the markdown. The Great Heights shift dress, for instance, was marked down to $79.00 back in MARCH and languished in the sale room for weeks and weeks without ever getting marked down again. I would've paid $50 for it, but not $80. I just didn't love it $80 worth.

Also, I can do a little bit of ruffle or flower embellishment but too much just seems to overwhelm me and annoys my inner tomboy. I like interesting details (especially if they're vintage or nautically inspired) but I can't pull off a lot of crazy floof, especially in sad washed-out non colors. So, this, for instance:

Is my nightmare. Meh color, lots and lots and lots of floof. And still nearly $50. Ugh. And what the hell is all this:

WHO CAN WEAR THIS*? Not me. This, on the other hand, is adorable:

But I think I'm too old to wear it. Cute, but a little too 1950s toddler, perhaps? Then I saw this:

Happy medium, right? It's got details, but not too much and it's a nice color. and $29.95! Now we're getting somewhere.  (I actually put this in my cart only to have it snatched rudely away almost immediately. Now it's out of stock in pink. GROWL.)

So, now I move on to dresses and throw another tiny tantrum. I love this even though it can't see how to wear a bra with it:

But at $89.95 it's still too expensive for me.  At 59.95 this dress is perfectly simple and nicely priced:

But it's the color of SADNESS AND DESPAIR. I mean, really. Really? That is not even a color. That is what you get when color gives up and dies.

If I had unlimited funds and could buy whatever I wanted from the Anthro site right this minute, here's what I'd pick:

The High Seas Dress

Isn't it just so cheerful and fun? I just freaking love it. And this is just the most perfect thing ever:

Graphical Dress

And, oh! Be still my heart. Please behold my dream cardigan:

Masked Stripes Cardigan

I might actually have to buy that one even if it doesn't go on sale. I love it. And finally, I think this little boudoir set perfectly illustrates what I mean when talk about vintage details:

Empire State Set

 I die.

*Disclaimer: If you have one or more of the floofy tops I just dissed and can wear them and make them look good, that is fantastic. I envy you. But please don't be all mad that I don't like them. I like what I like.

Marianne: Strike a pose.

Have I mentioned that it is freaking hot? 97 degrees today, people. I can barely handle putting clothes on, so unflattering sack dress it is. As an aside, I might be the only person out there that dislikes pockets on most dresses. I think they add bulk right on the hips, and I can't stop myself from putting my hands in there, which ruins the line. Just my 2 cents.
I was, however, inspired by Adrien's last post and thought I would interpret some of my least favorite fashion blogger poses. If you are guilty of posing like this, I'm not going to apologize. I still love you and I think your hair is pretty, though.

First up, the Little Lost Girl. Knock knees are a must.

And now the Sassy "What's That Up There?"

I call this one, "I'm Just Walking. So Blasé." This one really shows off the sack-like properties of this dress, doesn't it?

And then I made up some new ones. Please feel free to use these liberally.

The Hailing A Cab:

The Fashion Zen:

And my favorite, the Scary Scary Monster!

Dress: J. Crew

Bag: Marc Jacobs Stella

Shoes: Miz Mooz

Adrien: Hot like whoa.

It's summer! Hi summer. It's so freaking hot out that the camera lens fogged up and the first set of photos all looked like this:

Awesome. As you probably can't tell, I decided to try to do that skinny-belted-cardigan thingy. I don't have the right color skinny belt (yet) but I didn't let that stop me, no sir. I just went for it anyway. This particular belt has the added bonus of having no keeper so I had to resort to double-sided tape to keep it in line. You can see for yourself how well that worked out:

Then, since all the regular photos were fogged up, I decided to practice some of my Precocious Fashion Blogger moves:

What's that down there?

What's that up there?

I have no idea what this is.

 And yes. Those are the exact same wedges I have in gold. Shut up. They were so on sale they were practically free.  

dress: Banana Republic
belt: Gap
cardigan: J. Crew
key necklace: Twist Style
sandals: Franco Sarto
bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs


Okay, bye bye!