Greta in Gingham

It's been a long time since I've done an Anthropologie post.  I go through fads with the places I shop.  I don't know if it's them or me or both of us, but it seems like there will be a whole line that I will love or maybe I'll love everything for a year or two and then things change and I just don't do much shopping there.  

 I spent several years loving everything Anthro had to offer and desperately searching for those glorious dresses that I'd missed out on in-store.  It was a fun thing to do in my spare time and I found a few great bargains, but for the most part Anthro dresses keep their retail value.

So, even though I haven't really felt that spark for many of the new dresses, when I saw this Greta Gingham dress by Maeve pop up on a resale site it instantly rekindled that old Anthro flame and the hunt was on.  I found one and only one in my size and decided I had to have it.

There's a lot to love about this dress.  The colors are lovely, ivory and pale teal.  This dress has a nice length and a comfortable fit.  The shell is made of natural fibers, but the lining feels synthetic so it may be a little warm for summer wear.

It comes with a belt, has pockets, and there is some great detailing on the buttons at the neck and waist.  The real trick is finding a bra that won't show with this neckline.

The perfect dress for feeling pretty around the house for now or to a nice-casual event (eventually), I decided to lean into it a little by wearing a racer back bra with lace straps so it looks more deliberate that they show, because the back of this dress is really nice and shouldn't be hidden under a cardigan.

Shopping Info:  Greta Dress from Anthropologie, Camera Necklace from Ebay, Imperial Max Camera is Vintage

Tiny Windows:ootd

    If you're a second hand shopper like me, there are probably styles you've admired for years and simply waited for them to come down to a price you can afford.  Such has been the case with the Anthropologie's Tiny Windows dress by Maeve.  I'm drawn to it; I don't know why.  But, the reviews tended toward the negative, so I just couldn't pay full price.  A lot of wearers felt it looked rather 1940s grandma-ish.  

    My solution was to wait until I could find the dress in great condition for $25 or less.  In the end I paid $26 with shipping, but, hey, close enough.  So, I've decided to channel my inner vintage granny via victory rolls and clunky heels to see if I can lean in to this style.
    Since this dress is still widely available on resale sites like Poshmark and Ebay (just type in the search phrase 'tiny windows dress') in both the lavender and coral colors, I'm going to do a quick review as well as a few outfit photos.
    Let's start with the positives: color, material, and fit.  I love the soft lavender and don't own anything else like it.  And, I love the soft cotton and swiss dot.  The fit seems true to size.
Negatives:  just the cut.  This dress is pretty frump-tastic with its boxy shoulders and awkward collar.  There's a wonderful way to update vintage styles for modern tastes, but this dress misses the mark.  Do I love it?  *sigh*  No, I don't.  Do I hate it?  No, I'm glad I finally found it in my price range and I think it will make the perfect summer house dress.     

Shop the Look:

Find the dress on Ebay or Poshmark by searching 'Tiny Windows Dress'

Jewelry is my own design

Bow Belt is from ModCloth

Shoes are old and from Payless

I've added a few creative ideas to the photo collage this time, even though they weren't featured in this outfit.

 

Ocean Whispers: ootd

    I didn't grow up near the ocean, far from it, but the first time I stood on a beach staring out across the Atlantic and the most beautiful sunrise I'd ever seen, I was in love.  I've been a collector of all things nautical ever since.  When I found this Pitter Patter Skirt by Maeve on ThredUp for $17.50 and I was instantly drawn to it.  The colors reminded me of ocean waves thick with foam.  

    On the same trip browsing ThredUp, I also found this lace blazer from Forever 21 for only $8 and I knew these two were meant to be.  My favorite thing about this jacket is the little gathering at the back.  Very sweet and unexpected, it gives it that extra something.  

    I accessorized with nautical and seashell jewelry just to tie in that ocean wave feeling I got when I first saw it.  This outfit, especially the jacket, is surprisingly comfortable.  I'll switch the heels for walking flats and this will be my new running errands outfit. 

Shop the Look:

New to ThredUp?  Use this link to save $20 off your first order  http://www.thredup.com/r/WKVOY5

Blazer by Forever 21 

Pitter Patter Skirt by Maeve

Necklace made by me

Other Jewelry is family heirlooms

Heels by Report

Earrings from Claire's

Boho Chic: ootd

    Forgive me for keeping my background rather plain this week.  I just felt that this dress didn't need much help to stand out.  This look is a new-to-me outfit.  The dress is Anthropologie's Daleka Day Silk Dress by Maeve and it's been on my search list for over a year.  Normally running at about $60-$90, I never found an excuse to pay so much for what would essentially be worn for running errands in the summertime and trips to the beach.  But, it is undeniably lovely, so I kept looking.
    ThredUp to the rescue again!  I swear, I don't work for them, I just really love this place. (And if you've never tried ThredUp here's a link for you to sign up and save $20 off your first order   http://www.thredup.com/r/WKVOY )  For $30 this little beauty joined my wardrobe and it is just as stunning in person as it is in the photos.
    The one thing I didn't care for about this dress, or any dress of this style is the waist. Which is to say, it doesn't have a waist.  It has a chest piece that goes right into a skirt.  The chest pieces itself is rather unflattering.  It smooshes everything while simultaneously making it look droopy thanks to the frowning arch created by the halter string.  If you're like me and already pretty small, it can make your chest look non-existent.  This in turn can make your bottom half and belly look bigger.  To fix this little issue, I added a thick belt at the bottom of the chest piece.

 Overall, I love this dress.  It's light and flowy, colorful and yet simple.  I kept the jewelry simple as well, but just using brass filigree pieces that I made myself.  And I put a few flowers in my hair.  After all, what's life without whimsy.

Shop the Look:

Maeve Daleka Dress and J. Crew Cardigan from ThredUp

Evelyn Thong Sandals are old and from Target

Samba Sash Belt from ModCloth

 
 

Summer Cottage Dress Review

    This dress is striking.  It's unusual and eye catching with its beautiful lace and bold colors.  I love it.  It has a great boho feel, but can also be dressy enough for a wedding or possibly a daring wear-to-work look.  Tone it down with deep blue-violet and indigo, or pale pink and beige.  Or glam it up by accessorizing with chunky jewels, cameos or simple brass and leather pieces; this dress can handle it all and look fab doing it.  

    Summer Cottage has a lace shell and lined bodice with two under layers at the skirt for a little flare.  I would say the dress fits true to size, but is meant to be a little loose.  Not knowing this, I ordered one size up, because I envisioned this as a casual dress and wanted a freer fit.  I don't recommend doing this though.  If I had it to do over, I would have gotten my true size and I think it would have been loose enough.  So, if you have a small bust and want something form fitting, consider sizing down.  Overall, I love this unique dress and more styles with it are coming soon!

Shop the Look:

Tan flats, blue heels, Orchid Mak Cardigan and pink Nila Anthony purse are from ModCloth.com

Black heels are by Nine West

Pink Cardigan is old and from American Eagle Outfitters

Jewelry is handmade by me