Rusicada & a Round of Fitting Room Reviews

On Memorial Day my boys were ecstatic to hit the community pool for opening day and I was just as eager to break out my white denim (yes, I still follow this silly "rule" for no good reason) and head to Anthropologie with my mom and my best girl.

Of course wearing some pretty Anthro for our jaunt to the store was in order! I loved the Rusicada Asymmetric Top the minute I saw the product shot on the website.  I tried to wait for an online review, but was too weak and had this pretty piece on it's way to me without so much as a hint to how it would fit when it arrived.  While my package was still in transit, Anthro added the model shot of this top and I got really nervous when I saw just how long and dramatic the hem (tail?) was - and that was on a girl no doubt 10 inches taller then me.  I  mentally prepared myself for disappointment. And what a waste of time that was! I LOVE this top - the colors and design are magnificent  and I just feel like I should be sashaying when I have it on.  I guess a lot of people are drawn to this unique piece, because it's already sold out online!

Anthropologie Rusicada Asymmetric Top

Gap 1969 Lightweight Cropped Legging Jeans

Anthropologie Saloni Drops Earrings (bigger then expected, love them more then expected, easy & gorgeous at a great price!)

Anthropologie Beaconed Treasure Necklace
J Crew Flower Bud Ring (yay for a popback!)
Loft Bracelet

Seychelles Harlow Wedge

Baby Lulu BLISS Andi Set
Headband - Etsy
Shoes - Carters

And here are a few quick snaps from the fitting room.  I would have tried on gobs more, but my mom was holding Campbell in the store, and when she realized I wasn't at her side she started wailing (we are kind of obsessed with each other!) Even though my mom brought her right to me, she must of been worried that I would leave her again, because she didn't want me to put her down.  

Hazed Landscape Tee - Size XS

Southwestern prints are really not my thing, but I was intrigued by this top online, I loved the cute hem and mix of patterns and the Southwestern vibe was subtle enough to not turn me off completely.  I thought this top was really pretty and appreciated the higher neckline and fit in the sleeves. The material was thin, but not see through.  Ultimately, it's just too long for me.  And while I really liked the colors, if I put this with dark denim I don't think I would feel summery enough - it looks like more of a Fall motif in my book.

Elornis Shift - Size XS

I fell hard for this dress when I saw it in person.  Holy moly, the colors are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous on this dress and the print felt strangely sophisticated for flamingos...???  Whatever, I LOVED IT. I had to exercise great restraint not to pay full price for this one.  If it had been even $20 less expensive I probably would have succumbed to the draw of this pretty frock.  It felt great on, and the length was sweet perfection for me.  I will be stalking this dress until sale time! I hope the rest of you hate it so it gets marked down quickly ;)

Undergrowth Tank

This tank was so cute as a button.  I couldn't even decide which colorway to bring to the fitting room with me because I wanted them all in my grabby hands! Just adorable and easy.  The fit was not too big by the hair of it's chinny chin chin.  I would probably wear a layering cami under this because of the neckline.  But I loved it.  Now I just need it to go on sale, along with the Elornis Shift and then I will be a happy girl.

Tops

I've been making a real effort lately to resist buying so many Anthro dresses and focus instead on cute, easy to throw on tops for Summer.  Most of them have been winners - like the Openwork Tee - now on sale!

I love the colors on this vibrant top, and the "flaws" mentioned in the online reviews didn't really bother me, personally.  For one, yes, you can see the straps to your unmentionables but only if you are really looking for them - the lattice detail and my hair camouflage them for the most part.  And yes, it is a trapeze/loose fitting swing style but the material is so soft and the cut feels really airy and comfortable.  I don't love to wear shorts, but this top seems like it will be absolutely perfect with them in the coming weeks.

On the other hand...the Painted Peacock Tee was a big disappointment in the fit department.  I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo above, but this top was swimming on me.  It was falling off my shoulders, and far too low cut in the front and the back - and there was no disguising my straps through the back cut-outs.  Huge bummer (no pun intended!) since this is a gorgeous print and the colors are awesome!  I just felt sloppy in it, so back it goes!

The only other top to find a spot in my return pile, was the High-Low Poppy Top.  Other reviewers are loving this one, but for me I just felt like a giant square - it looks so boxy on my frame!  And the print...on one hand I kinda liked it, and on the other hand it kept making me think of Ronald McDonald with the mix of this particular red and orange and I felt too loud in it.

It is a great price point for Anthro and the material is super thin, but not see through so it would be great for beating the heat.  I also really loved the extra length in the back.  From the side, I like this top - but from the front I am slightly horrified.

Happily, the other items in my online orders have been working out wonderfully - so you'll be seeing them in some outfits soon :)  Have you all tried any fun new tops at Anthro recently?  What are your favorites right now?

Bowman V-Neck (briefly)

Today has been a real doozy.  Despite not getting much sleep last night (not on account of the baby, just woke up not feeling well followed by the onset of insomnia) I got everyone showered, dressed and out the door so we could scope out the schools book fair a few minutes before my big boys had to head to class.  Unfortunately the librarian wasn't happy to see early customers (maybe she didn't recognize me from the past 3 years I've volunteered to run the registers) We arrived at the book fair at 8:25 and were informed that it wasn't "open" until 8:40.  Seeing that the shelves were stocked and ready to go, I asked if we might be allowed to just look around so my older two could tell me the books they wanted me to buy them once the fair was underway.  Thinking this would be no big deal, I was pretty surprised when I was told there weren't any exceptions and that we needed to wait out in the hallway - and to that tune she closed the door swiftly behind us and called down to the office to inform them they shouldn't be letting parents in for the book fair before 8:40.  Um. SHEESH! Graham (who is clearly very, very two) melted into a puddle of tears and screamed for new books the entire way back to our van.  That pretty much took the wind out of my sails - and I took my throbbing head and sobbing toddler back home where I changed out of my cute new top (which btw is wonderfully soft and stretchy and has awesome ruching detail) and spent the entire morning pouting.

Wearing 5/24/12 by janrussell

By afternoon I was ready to face to world again...mainly because I needed chocolate milk and to sign up for our pool membership and swim lessons.  Choosing to leave the house wasn't a good move on my part.  While signing up at the pool, Sawyer managed to tip my (huge-honkin' city mini) stroller completely backwards with Graham and Campbell seated in it (Unscathed! Thankfully!)  Graham threw another fit when he realized we were just signing up and not actually swimming at the pool.  And the store I quick ran into for chocolate milk didn't sell chocolate milk.  Good times.

Maybe I will bust out the Bowman V-Neck again over the long weekend - it's such an adorable piece, it deserves better.  Like a trip to Target! Alone!

Snack Stand Duty in the Slanted Scoopneck

I submitted an online review for the Slanted Scoopneck on Anthro's website, the jist of which was that this tee is overpriced but adorable. Because it's a wear now, wear anytime, easy to wear piece I decided I didn't really care that I was being ripped off, and I kept it (my husband just loves that I think this way!)

Today I had to work the concession stand at the baseball field and then shuttle my oldest off to a birthday party for a classmate.  A girl classmate.  It was just him and one other boy on the guest list.  Eyyiyi. He's nine and it's starting already!

This little lady better not get any ideas about boys for a long, long, LONG time!

Point me to the Picnic

This pairing was a happy match made on Polyvore.  I wasn't sure if it would be too busy once I actually put the pieces together IRL, but I think it works!  I bought this skirt when I was just a few months pregnant with Campbell and actually thought the elastic waist might allow me to wear it under my growing belly. Unfortunately, it just didn't look right while I was expecting, so I've had to wait quite awhile to wear it.  I love the playful mix of of patterns and cheerful colors, I'm definitely glad I didn't pass it by at the time.

Wearing 5/18/12 by janrussell

 I actually do have a picnic (well, a graduation party, technically!) to attend over the weekend, but I have another piece that I've been saving to wear for that ;)  I am so excited to break out pretty summer dresses and skirts now that it is warming up.  Happy Friday!

Rowena Tunic - Did I make a mistake?

I was surprised when the Rowena Tunic arrived, it was a much weightier piece then I expected - actually perfect "soccer mom" attire since it can get cool out on the fields.  However, while it was soft and fit well in the arms, the body of the top was super roomy, I had to really, really cinch the tie waist and I felt there was just too much material in that area.  Of course now that I look at these pictures, I'm having some pangs of regret for sending it back.  Probably enhanced by the fact that there wasn't anything I had to buy from the Tag Sale this morning.  Can you tell that this is too big?  Should I let the ship keep sailing or call this top back home again?

The added convenience of pockets!

Someone tell me what to do!!!

I need knee pads!

My boys are notorious for wearing out the knees of their jeans, but this is a relatively new phenomenon for me.  I've recently noticed that the knees on some of my jeans are looking seriously sad - the pigment has rubbed away and it's not subtle!  I have the hardest time finding jeans (don't we all!) and I'm really disappointed that I will have to retire some of my best fitting pairs!

Wearing 5-11-12 by janrussell 

What I really need is some replacement dark denim, but what I'm drawn to at the moment is any fun color from AG.  In this case, the Sulfur Nude.  I was able to buy this pair in a size 24 (Anthro seems to start carrying this brand from size 25 and up)  so the length is better then the Polka Dot Stevie's.
 

Wearing 5-12-12 by janrussell

Again, they are so soft and comfortable - definitely a perfect fit for the weekend!   

Polka Dots & Cobalt

A few weeks ago, I finally gave in to the temptation to order the Polka Dot Stevie's from Anthropologie.  Customer Service tried to tell me that the size I needed was sold out even in stores, but I was not deterred - I called around until I found them! I was hopeful that the shorter inseam would work without having to hem them...in this case, my optimism wasn't enough. Here are the pants prior to their jaunt to alterations.
 

 

While the jeans were away at the dry cleaner, I had plenty of time to dream up ways in which I would wear them. Yep, polka dots on polka dots...no such thing as too much of a good thing, in my book!

Bedeckied Flounce Tee by janrussell
  

I was thrilled to get them back in my hot little hands. They are SO COMFORTABLE, I honestly feel like I am in pajama pants.  Even though I wore this cute top last week, I had to break it out again and see how it paired up with the Stevie's IRL.  Plus, I needed happy polka dots to cheer me up.  I was supposed to be chaperoning my Kindergarten's field trip, but just days before the trip to the local theater and playground for a picnic, he announced that he wanted to bring Dad instead.  He explained that the rejection wasn't anything personal, just that Daddy could push him higher on the tire swing.  Humph! So much for loyalty! 

And one last quick snap of a very simple outfit from earlier in the week when I broke out my Seychelle's Keep You Guessing Sandals.  Love the fun pop of color and how these pair with Cobalt blue especially.  I do have some rubbing on my heels, but I'm hoping the leather will soften after wearing them a bit more.

And now, since I am not in the audience for Stone Soup (wah!) I am off to spend the morning with my two little ones - no time to wallow in being kicked to the curb ;)

Time flies when you're having (well, sort of) fun

I have been (somewhat) able to keep up with snapping quick OOTD photos, but posting them to this blog has been another story.  So in the interest of time, you can find most outfit details on my Polyvore page - here.

 

 I have been crazy obsessed with my Paso Fino Sandals and wear them every chance I get. I also surprise myself by reaching for the J. Crew Wildcat Cardigan as often as I do - animal prints are not usually my thing, and neither are flats - so hooray for a tiptoeing out of my comfort zone!

Even if it's right back to "tried and true" the next day. 

I wore this bright cardi for a play date at the park, only it ending up pouring rain and we had to move the fun inside to one of those playlands with tunnels and slides...and crazed mother's who come flying out to ask if anyone is the parent of a red head wearing a striped shirt because he just pushed over her son and she has had it with that!!!!!!!!!!  So embarrassing. But, I claimed him and we both said how sorry we were.  I think the other mom needed an Rx for chill pills, but I resisted the urge to tack that on to my sincere apology.

Our weather in PA has been a bit bi-polar, so it was back into my boots for weeknight baseball games.

Last Sunday the sun shone again, and I eagerly dressed up in my Dulcie Dress for church.  Only I never actually made it into the sanctuary since Graham stopped dead in his tracks on the sidewalk and refused to go inside.  Poor thing has been having...how can I put this...problems that require Duralex cocktails...and he was so uncomfortable and out of sorts that I brought him home.  So much for the glamorous theme Campbell and I had going ;)

On Friday it was the Race for Education - a fundraiser at my boys elementary school which had me outside and kid wrangling for hours.  But it was (mostly) fun.  And this polka dot Bedecked Flounce Tee is definitely (100%!) fun.  It's super wide and boxy, but it works, and I love how comfy it is.

Saturday it was back to the baseball fields for team pictures and two games.

And there you have it another week (or two, in this case) come and gone.  Sometimes I wish things would slow down.

  And some moments I could freeze forever.