anthropologists anonymous

I have a problem. [admitting it is the first step right?]

I'm obsessed with Anthropologie. it started a while ago, but took off last year when I realized there was a store close enough to stop by on my lunch break. since then my closet has been accumulating Anthro. it's where I picked up my red pants, a blazer or two, and this killer dress. I try to buy "investment pieces" that are more classic than trendy so they'll last me a while, and watch for sales because it can get pricey. but usually the quality of the piece makes it worth it.

since I just finished a 2-day purge of my wardrobe [nothing from Anthro in the donation pile, sorry Princeton thrifters] I thought it would be fun to share 3 of my recent purchases, which I plan to wear on my upcoming vacation to North Carolina. if you follow me on Pinterest these probably look familiar. [my "dream closet" board has turned into more of a shopping list  / styling inspiration board. more on that later.]

first: this incredibly comfortable and versatile dress. I have another Puella maxi [navy + white stripes] I bought last spring which I absolutely adore. at first I didn't think the maxi trend would work for me but that dress changed my mind. the fabric has held up well, so I knew this basic black number would be a great investment piece. I'm picturing it with a jean jacket + scarf for travel, gold belt + chunky turquoise necklace for sightseeing or dinner. I'm definitely going to be wearing this one all summer.

I also picked up these bubblegum pink shorts. they are super soft and such a flattering length. I've been in a weird limbo with shorts since I graduated college... I'm old enough to realize short-shorts are not appropriate, but bermuda shorts make me look 4 feet tall. these are the perfect in-between. long enough to be appropriate- no cheeks showing- but not momish. [sorry to the moms out there but you know what I mean] I have a feeling these are going to be the summer equivalent to my red pants. stripes, solids, chambray... anything goes. they also have these in regular blue jean which I think I need to invest in as well. right?

and finally, since it is a beach vacation, this newsprint bikini. I fell in love the moment I saw it. a little bit of a splurge for swimwear but once I put it on I knew it was worth every penny. black and white is classic, the pattern makes it fun but not so trendy it will be out of style next year, and the yellow trim pop of color is just... perfect.

vacation is in 3 weeks so until then I'll be dreaming up outfits and keeping my fingers crossed for lots of sun. and trying to keep myself from any more shopping.

52 card pick-up

thank you technology. I never would have been able to keep up with the 52 weeks project without my iPhone. I cut it a bit close a few weeks, but I've made it all the way to week 35 so far!

here's what happened after Colorado:

 

Week 30: Beau and I had lots of quality cuddle time. 

he knew I missed Husband and so he kept me company.

Week 31: I took Lola and my favorite stripey Anthro dress on a date to NYC with Katie.

 

Week 32: I coordinated outfits via phone for after-work birthday drinks.

Week 33: I took a road trip through New England with newly returned Husband.

Week 34: I braved Hurricane Irene.

Week 35: I was finally able to take some time to slow down and enjoy my morning coffee, 

some photo editing, and some blogging :)

Christmas shopping and self-discipline

I love the store Anthropologie. but I try not to go in there too often, because it seems that every time I do I find the most perfect item. at a most out-of-my-budget price. more on that in a bit...

I actually did some Christmas shopping at Anthro this year. I found three perfect gifts in a matter of minutes. (I may or may not have also bought myself a sweater while I was gift shopping.) I just love when you see something and it screams out the name of who is should belong to. and now that everyone's opened their gifts I can finally share...

for my dear friend, who has dreamed of moving to NYC her entire life.
and is finally within sight of it becoming a reality...

for the sister who wants a statement necklace
that doesn't make too much of a statement...

and for the friend who needs a friend for her invisible dog
(though I actually know a few people who would have enjoyed this little guy)...

Anyway, I made the mistake of going back in the other day.
hanging up in the front of the store was this beauty:

the website photos don't do it justice. the flowy fabric, the soft summer colors, the pretty floral print? this would be perfect for a summer wedding. this would be perfect with boots and a cardigan for spring. or even fall. I would normally take one look at the price tag and tell myself to walk away. I don't try on things I know I can't afford to buy, since that's just torture.

the price tag was under $60 bucks! so I tried it on. I was twirling around the dressing room, envisioning hairstyles and footwear, sunny afternoons in Central Park, walks through downtown Princeton, brunch at the Valley Green, weddings and showers and Easter Sunday...

but when I checked the tag to make sure I was taking the right size to the register... $168 was staring back at me. I had, unknowingly, checked the price tag of the belt that was hanging on the rack with the dresses. and though I had fallen in love with the dress, I couldn't make the splurge. so I had to walk out empty handed.

so now, I've decided to come up with a savings system for myself. I can buy the dress... after I 'earn' the money by taking in lunch for work instead of eating out. (yes, many people do this to actually save money, not spend it. but I'm hoping this will get me in the habit and eventually lead to actual savings. maybe)