Anthropologie Button Belted Dress

Shopping during a recession is all about finding pieces that do double duty: dresses that go from day to night, a suit blazer that also pairs well with jeans, costume jewelry that updates a decade-old outfit. While perusing Anthropologie's recently updated website, I came across a supremely versatile dress. It's a dress and a skirt, all in one! The Button Belted Dress will set you back about $250, but that might be worth it for this chic combo.

Anthropologie Wish List

1.) Wrap Around Blouse-$98 2.) Tsuru Blouse $118 3.) Obi Trousers $128 4.) Eastward Dress Coat $288 5.) Quintessential Shift $198

Sometimes I scroll through Anthropologie's website and don't find a thing. Other times, I covet every single design. Right now is one of those times. And unfortunately my minimum-wage-paying internship doesn't support my Anthropologie addiction. Should I have a sudden windfall, these are investment pieces at the top of my wish list. Seriously--how gorgeous is that shift dress?

Readers, what shopping addictions do you possess?  What's at the top of your wish list? 

Tied Tight

(1. Prabal Gurung for J. Crew $225, 2. Sunday Shopping Skirt--Anthropologie $49.95, Felix Rey Lola Clutch--Shopbop $200)

Is there anything more feminine than a bow? I think everything looks better tied tight. Here are just a few bow-laden pieces I'm loving right now. 

What are your favorite trends for summer?

Fashion Rules: Seersucker

1.) J.Crew Swimsuit: (top $52, bottom $44), 2.) American Apparel Seersucker Full Woven Skirt $38, 3.) Anthropologie Besotted Dress $138, 4.) Kate Spade Seersucker Jenny Ann $125, 5.)Urban Outfitters Seersucker Plimsoll Sneaker $24

This year Easter falls particularly late in the spring season, and it's really cramping my style. Traditional fashion rules dictate that seersucker should not be worn until after Easter, but it has been so nice out recently I've been itching to don this colorful, lightweight fabric.

Readers--Let me know your fashion verdict. Would you wear seersucker before Easter? What fashion "rules" do you abide by?

BHLDN

 (Photo Credit: BHLDN)

How gorgeous is this romantic wedding dess? It's from Urban Outfitters Inc.'s new wedding brand BHLDN (pronounced beholden). I especially love the covered buttons and simple silhouette of this vintage-inspired gown.

If, like me, you aren't in the market for a wedding dress, the whimsical shop also carries accessories, jewelry, shoes and bridesmaid dresses that are perfectly acceptable to wear to non-wedding events.

Readers--What do y'all think of the new Urban Outfitters brand?

Tea Time!

When it's bitter cold outside, there's nothing better than a piping-hot cup of tea. I think it was my semester across the pond got me hooked on the British pastime of afternoon tea, but to be perfectly honest, I'd drink practically anything out of these gorgeous sets from Anthropologie!

Readers how do you like your tea? Do you take one lump or two?

(Image Credit: all from Anthropologie Home)

Obsession of the Moment: Capes

My top trend this fall is definitely the cape. I'm obsessed with all the pieces pictured below, especially the Anthropologie look. Readers what are your favorite trends for fall?

(Clockwise from top left):
Everything in Place Cape: Anthropologie ($198)
Alice and Olivia Emory Cape: Shopbop ($495) 
Navy Wool Capulina: Etsy ($56)
Ultimate Military Cape: Topshop ($190)

Sorry for the lack of posts lately! I've been so ridiculously busy with midterms and school work that I've barely had time to think, much less blog. School wise, things have finally calmed down so I'll be back to posting regularly! The weather outside was dreary today so I thought I'd pay homage to Lox Papers and create my own college-inspired Rain Check. Readers--What do y'all like to do when it rains?

Image credits: (Scarf, Pumpkin Spice, Cozy Blanket, Emma, Kate Spade Stationary, Hunter Boots)

Back to School Dream Shopping

If budgetary concerns weren't an issue, back-to-school shopping would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, I live in the real world where my wardrobe is more Target than Tibi.  Here's what I'd buy if I had a Bill Gates'-sized bank account:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag ($228)
2. Anthropologie Fleur De Lys Dinner Plate ($16)
3. Tory Burch Leather Elle Boot ($495)
4. Kate Spade Bow Ring ($75)
5. Susana Monaco Billow Sleeve Dress ($172)

Readers, what big ticket items are on your wish list for fall? 

Spotlight on Nashville: CHIHULY

 (Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Gap Favorite V-neck T, Anthropologie Shape Template Mini Skirt (Fall 2009), Longchamp Le Pliage Tote)

All summer, my mom has been trying to get my family to go see the Chihuly art installations at the Cheekwood Gardens here in Nashville. Last night we all cleared our schedules and finally went to check out the glass exhibit. If you're a Nashville reader or anywhere near the city, I definitely recommend checking out this exhibition. The hand-blown glass sculptures are beautiful and incredibly unique--They were like nothing I'd ever seen before.

Click below for more photos from the exhibit. All images are courtesy of my brother, Jack Hallemann.

Anthropologie Previews Penguin's Fall Line of Clothbound Classics

As I perused the Anthropologie website checking out this week's sales, I was pleasantly surprised by a handful of new additions to the Home section. Anthropologie is already selling the new line of Penguin Clothbound Classics! You may remember I'm a huge fan of Penguin's colorfully designed covers, but I wasn't expecting new titles until September. A quick search on Amazon confirmed my suspicion that the line isn't available until later this year. What a treat for Anthro shoppers! The preview doesn't include the complete fall line, but Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White, and Shakespeare's The Sonnets and a Lover's Complaint are available for purchase now. The editions cost $20 each, but if you're willing to wait until late September, Amazon offers a discount on pre-orders bringing the cost down to $13.50 per book. Additionally, Amazon will have the complete line of classics including Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist, and Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles available this fall.

Summer Sales

In an earlier post I mentioned that July is a bargain shopper's dream. Sales are popping up all over the internet, but you might miss out if you don't know where to look! Lucky for you, I'm here to offer some guidance. These are my picks for the best deals on the web.

Shopbop: Today only all sale items on Shopbop are an additional 20% off.

Tory Burch Stud Ballet Flat ($110)
J Brand Cuffed Shorts ($93)
Bop Basics Cashmere Striped Button Back Sweater ($135)
Low Luv x Erin Wasson Arrow Bangle ($45)

Readers-- What's the best deal you've snatched up so far this summer?
See more of my bargain picks after the jump!



Anthropologie: Through Labor Day all Anthro members receive free shipping on all orders. Sign up for the Anthro program here.

Waterdrop Posts ($20)
Snowmelt Cardi ($40)
Lanai Breezes Shift ($100)
Frye Stone's Throw Sandals ($90)

Bluefly: Today only take an extra 10% off all purchases.

Tbags Silver Jersey Tunic ($116)
Free People Black Zipper Leggings ($43)
Boutique 9 Cutout Sandals ($94)
Stella McCartney Clutch ($825)

Urban Outfitters:
BDG Canvas Carryall ($30)
Lark and Wolff Dress ($40)
Reformed Bolero ($30)
Minnetonka Moccasin ($30)
Tiered Stone Necklace ($25)

Color Me Stylish

Need a way to release your inner artist? Look no further than Anthropologie's Color-Me-Paisley Tote. The black-and-white graphic bag comes with six fabric markers making it a fashionista's coloring book. It's a little pricey for a cotton bag at $218 so try to stay in the lines!

Alice Cullen Wears Anthropologie

By now it's no secret that I'm a Twihard. I couldn't make the latest film's midnight premiere on the 29th, so I had to wait until last night to see Eclipse. All I can say is wow. It is leaps and bounds better than the first two films. Sure there are a couple cheesy lines here and there, but hey, who's counting?

I mentioned in an earlier post that I love Alice's wardrobe. Naturally, I was so excited when I spotted her wearing a piece I have in my own closet! During my semester abroad in London I pretty much lived in my Inverness Trench by Elevenses from Anthropologie. With it's classic color and girly silhouette, it was appropriate for every occasion. Hopefully Anthro will come out with another similar version this year.

Below is a picture of me rockin the same coat as Edward's sassy sister. I styled it with black leather boots from Banana Republic and last year's AG Stevie's, similar here.

(Image Credit: Fan Pop)

Links to Beat the Monday Blues: June 28

I feel like I'm the only person who hasn't seen Toy Story 3. Hopefully I'll get a chance to catch up with Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang soon. In the mean time, I'll have to settle with looking at these cake pops from Bakerella.

The show doesn't premiere until tonight, but I can't help but nervously chuckle every the commercial comes on. Really ABC Family? You're going to name a show about fat camp, Huge? Does that make anyone else kind of uncomfortable? Maybe it's just me.

I'm a self proclaimed "Janeite," with an affection for Earl Grey. This Etsy seller must be my kindred spirit.

Looking for a way to help those affected by Gulf Coast oil spill? Kenneth Cole recently launched a line of custom t-shirts with 100% of the proceeds going to disaster relief. Click over to his Facebook page for more details. The shirts are only $35 and feature slogans like, "I clean up well."

Lucky Magazine reported on the ladies of the Twilight series and their fashion choices for the Eclipse premiere. Who do you think looked the best on the red carpet? My vote goes to Ashley Greene.

These new arrivals from Anthropologie are swoon-worthy.

I'm considering making this post a weekly thing. Readers-what do you think?  Let me know in the comments if you'd like to see more of this series. Happy Monday :)

Inspired By: Michelle Obama

Yesterday, Mrs. O, the blog devoted to Michelle Obama's fashion, posted this pic of the first lady rocking Moschino at the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Even if you disagree with her husband's politics, you can't deny the woman manages to look fierce while jumping rope. If you want to get her look on a less-than-presidential budget, here are two pieces from Anthropologie that fit the bill:

Left: Pearly Glow Tank ($68), Right: Citizens of Humanity Kelly Bootcut ($99.95)

Anchors Away!

Left- Lilly Pulitzer ($118) Right- Anthropologie ($29.95)

Something about nautical-themed clothing just screams summer. I'm loving these anchor-print bottoms-they'd look equally as cute with a crisp white blouse as they would with a v-neck tee.

Twilight-Inspired Scarves

The Twilight series is my guilty pleasure. For a while I tried to deny it, but I can no longer hide my allegiance to Team Edward. Sure, the films are cheesy and the books are less than Pulitzer Prize worthy, but I have to give the wardrobe stylist some credit. I absolute love this look of Alice's from New Moon. Eclipse doesn't premiere for another week, so I've been getting my Twilight fix scouring the web for an Alice-inspired scarf. Check out my picks below:

1. Madewell ($38)
2. Hermes ($375)
3. Vintage Vera Neumann ($12)
4. Anthropologie ($28)
5. Otrera ($195)

Readers--Are you all excited about Eclipse? Do you consider yourself Team Edward or Team Jacob?  

(Alice Image Credit: Fan Pop)

Girls in White Dresses...

My cousin's graduation this past weekend got me thinking about my own graduation ceremony. I went to a small all-girls prep school where tradition reigned supreme--No caps and gowns, my classmates and I all wore long white dresses. While I missed out on moving my tassel and tossing my cap, at least my outfit was stylish! Right behind flip flops, sunglasses, and SPF 15, the perfect little white dress is high on my list of summer fashion essentials. I picked some of my favorite LWDs from around the web:

Urban Outfitters BDG Knit Tank Swing Dress ($32): Casual, simple and effortlessly chic, this Urban Outfitters swing dress would be perfect to throw on for a trip to the pool or walking around campus--And at only 32 dollars, the price is right!

Banana Republic Deep Vee Back-Zip Dress ($150): The touch of black makes this cocktail dress oh so classy--and I love Banana Republic's styling in this photo.

Gap Convertible Maxi Dress ($98): This easy-breezy maxi dress is right on-trend for this season, but make sure you style it more beachy and less bride. Pair it with simple leather sandals, a chunky necklace and a wavy hairstyle for a flawless boho-chic look.

Anthropologie's In A Twinkling Dress ($138): The blog world has been giving this dress mixed reviews. It's cute and flattering, but word on the street is that those gorgeous metallic dots are itchy to the point of skin irritation. I haven't tried it on myself, but it's high on my wish-list despite the bad press. I'll have to trek over to my local Anthro and give it a try.

Shoshanna Bustier Eyelet Sundress ($330): 330 dollars is a bit more than I can afford to spend on a sundress these days, but this Shoshanna number is gorgeous if you have the cash!

Flea Market Dress from Spool 72 ($64): I stumbled upon Spool 72 when it showed up as an ad on Facebook. I clicked the link on a whim, and I'm so glad I did. This vintage-inspired shop has great on-trend pieces at affordable prices like this off the shoulder piece. I love the sash and scalloped hem.

Graduation Gift Ideas

It's that time of year, again. Vitamin C is playing, caps are flying and cigars are smoking. It's graduation season. As a rising senior in college, I get the following question often: "What is a graduation gift that will actually get some use once the recipient goes off to school?" Here are my suggestions for gifts I would have loved to receive the summer before my freshman year:

$25 and under:Extra cups always come in handy around the dorm room, making a personalized Tervis Tumbler a great gift idea for a high school grad. Not only are these cups microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, personalization is only $5 extra and will help ensure the cup doesn't mysteriously walk away from the owner at the end of a dinner party. ($16 plus $5 personalization)

No matter how good a school's cafeteria is, the food is bound to get old about halfway through second semester of freshman year. That's where this next gift idea comes in handy. A recipe book, like this one from Etsy, filled with some dorm-friendly recipes provides a perfect alternative to the monotony of the dining hall. ($15.95)
Like the Tervis Tumbler, a set of microwave-safe bowls are perfect for everything from ice cream to Campbell's chicken noodle. I'm partial to these Latte Bowls from Anthropologie. ($20 per set of 4 bowls)

$25-$50:Making a trek to the community bathroom is made much easier and more stylish with a
monogrammed towel wrap. I received one before I went to college and it has been my most-used gift by far. ($45)
Pearl studs are a fashion choice that instantly adds a touch of class to any outfit. Not to mention, they go with everything from a little black dress to a t-shirt and jeans. Overstock.com has several options available at heavily discounted prices. ($29.49 and up)

Over $50:

I'm not tech-savvy, so I won't make any suggestions as to which brand is best, but having a laptop computer with me at college has been unbelievably helpful. If at all possible, I suggest bringing one with you to school. That being said, it would make a great graduation gift.

Any denomination:
College students are notoriously broke, so monetary gifts are always warmly accepted, regardless of denomination. The same goes for gift cards. Specifically, cards from Target, Walgreens, Office Depot, local grocery stores, gas stations, or favorite clothing stores would all be great gifts.

PS I just figured out how to check the traffic for this blog and I'm so excited you all are enjoying my site! I'd really appreciate it if you'd become a follower-- in the future I hope to have a contest that will be exclusive to followers of style of a 20 something like this one over at anthrosdottir! Thanks for reading!