Autumn's Here with an Anthropologie Sale

Lots of markdowns at the US Anthro online this morning.  This, plus the big autumn sale in the UK means lots of decisions not to buy stuff for me this week.  Also, word of mouth is that there will be an extra 25% of sale in the US starting this morning.  We'll see if that pops up - that might push the decision to buy in Anthro's favour.  Must keep to budget!!!

This morning really was a case of 'water, water all around, but not a drop to drink'.  The only thing that I've added to my shopping basket so far is a headband that went on sale.  Whoo, big spender!  I've got a few things languishing in my cart and wish list, but I was really hoping for some double mark-downs.  Sad.  But as I haven't caved yet, I don't see any reason to now.  (Maybe that extra 25% will be enough reason - who knows?)

Quite a few cute finds in the sale, just nothing that pushed me to buy.  Let's see what you think:

Ribboned Chenille Pullover - now $90

I've gone back and forth on this one.  The cropped silhouette is so very early-90s, but it just looks so cozy.  The inter-woven ribbon is a nice touch.  Still WAY too much at $90 though.

Ribbon Glimpse Cardigan - now $50

A basic gray cardigan made of super-soft knit.  The covered placquet is a nice touch, but I hate those little pockets that will inevitably droop weirdly.  

Cabled Cocoon Poncho - now $60

I lusted after a J.Crew pullover in this same colour for months last year, until it sold out online and was never seen again.  This, too, suffers from the same two problems: too expensive (even on sale), and 'will this colour look terrible on me'?  This could easily be a wonderful transition piece for the time-before-you're-freezing-and-need-a-coat, plus the loosened turtleneck keeps the look relaxed.  

I think it corresponds to my new penchant for high-waisted trousers, but I really like these drapey, billowy blouses:

l to r: Arced Crosshatch Blouse - now $70; Quisqualis Peasant Top - now $150; Coeurs Blouse - now $40

I actually purchased the Arced Crosshatch Blouse at the Regent Street Anthro last week - it had reached second markdown here, I think mostly because it looks like a shapeless mess on the hanger.  But I absolutely adore it; it's the most luscious silk and it quite flattering.  I really like the pattern of the Quisqualis top, but for $150?  No way.

High IQ Corduroys - now $60

Speaking of high-waisted trousers, I love that these cords come in navy.  And in tall and short sizes.  Frankly, they're not even that expensive on sale.  Hmmm....

Felt Almond Heels - now $70

There are several pairs of shoes I'm presently stalking at Anthropologie, but these beauties on my wishlist just hit sale.  I love the 40s-style vamp, the felt is fun, and the grey is versatile.  There are tons of shoes at Anthro at the moment, though, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed these will keep for a while.  I'll be sad if I miss them, but not brokenhearted.  

l to r: Gem Tree Drops - now $30; Brazzle Posts - now $15; Animation Origin Hoops - now $20

I typically keep my earrings pretty simple, and these prices are causing me to look twice.  Maybe it'll be an accessories-heavy purchasing period for me.  

l to r: Sky Ladder Necklace - now $30; Nyathi Necklace - now $30; Swathed Sky Necklace - now $30;
Popped Tiers Necklace - now $50

What goes for earrings does not always apply to other jewelry.  I do like my basic chains and such, but every now and then, a girl needs something fun and chunky to put on.

top to bottom: Peahen Belt - now $50; Firefly Belt - now $50; Crabapple Belt - now $50

Finally, I love these cute little belts.  I can't help but feel like $50 is a bit much for what is basically an elastic belt, even if they do have adorable clasps.  Ah, well, c'est la vie.

Tommy Hilfiger Alina High Boots

J and I stopped by the Tommy Hilfiger store on Regent Street during Fashion Night Out last week, which was a weird experience in and of itself.  It's like a weird little swath of Americana in London: Tommy, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers.  I'm sure the preppy can be popular here, but it still feels weird to be in such an American store.  Ha.  

Anyway, I was distracted by the shoes on the mannequins in the windows.  I don't think I would ever think 'Tommy Hilfiger' for shoes... but man, do they have CUTE shoes.  

The mannequin was wearing tasseled loafer sandals that I can find hide nor hair of online.  Silly me for forgetting my camera!  There was a girl there (employee, likely) wearing heeled knee-high duck boots, and loafers were definitely high on the list.  As 'preppy Americana' as it is in my head, such things do fit in well with the 'British Heritage' trend that's hitting heavily in London for Fall.  

So, while they're horribly out of any conceivable price range I have set for myself, I adore these boots.  They'd not even be a suitable replacement for the Hunter Watleys that I like so much, because the zipper up the inside leg ruins any real waterproof aspect.  I do wish they just laced up.  I HATE that those front laces are just decorative.  Boo, designers!  Boo!  Apparently people do not like shoes that require them to work to put them on.  Maybe we all need velcro track shoes as well.  (Ok, rant over - though I am determined to find a collection of boots that actually lace.)

I've been feeling in a rustic sort of mood and these boots fit perfectly...if you wear heels while being rustic, of course.  (Of course!)  Whatever else, they look comfortable, stylish and classic.  I love when the trends coincide with my natural style inclinations.  One pair in a 6, please!

If you want to splurge on boots, these are £210 at uk.tommy.com.

Glitter Shoes

I'm always a little wary of glitter shoes.  Will it just fall off and get everywhere?  Glitter truly is the herpes of the craft world - you can't ever get rid of that stuff.

Nevertheless, I've got a magpie's love of shiny things, so glittery shoes appeal to me.  

Of course, it's become a trend, so you can find glitter in just about every shoe iteration.

There's the standard party-girl, high-class-hooker gold glitter stiletto:

Christian Louboutin Lady 150 Glitter Peep-Toes

The hideous shoes that look like you're wearing glittery socks with sandals:

Miu Miu Glitter & Suede Ankle Boots

The oh-so-casual loafer:

J. Crew Darby Glitter Loafers

The are-these-casual-or...what-the-heck-do-I-wear-these-with Oxford booties:

Steve Madden Cirkus S Oxford Pump

The more-practical cute wedding/party shoe:

A. Marinelli Vernon Glitter Sandal

Or the 'casual' pump that just happens to have glitter on it:

Miu Miu Suede Glitter Pumps

What's your perspective on glittery shoes? 

Do you have solutions to the 'what do I wear with these' problem?  I'd guess the answer is the same as mine to 'what do I wear with this sequined skirt?': just treat it like a regular skirt and go with it.  Pulling. It. Off.

Fave 25 London FW Runway Looks

Here are my top 25 picks from London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012.  A smaller fashion week and crazier fashion meant that I had a lot of multiples this time round:

In no particular order:

#1: Julien Macdonald

#2: Aquascutum

#3: Jean-Pierre Braganza

#4: Paul Smith

#5: Clements Ribeiro

#6: Peter Pilotto

#7: Michael van der Ham

#8: Vivenne Westwood Red Label

#9: Roksanda Illincic

#10: Burberry Prorsum

#11: Matthew Williamson

#12: Giles

#13: Mary Katrantzou

#14: Burberry Prorsum

#15: Matthew Williamson

#16: Erdem

#17: Pringle of Scotland

#18: Kinder Aggugini

#19: Peter Pilotto

#20: Roksanda Illincic

#21: Jonathan Saunders

#22: Temperley London

#23: Antonio Berardi

#24: Roksanda Illincic

#25: Giles

all images from style.com

Charlotte Olympia Niniveh Leopard Pumps

Taking animal print to a whole new level.  Seriously, how much fun are these?  

I typically hate Charlotte Olympia pumps - the inset platform that is her typical design style is just so weird and frankly, ugly, that I'm put off by them.  These don't seem to have that problem.  Am I distracted by the pattern?  Whatever; CUTE!  

I can't exactly front the £670 for these, but in my dream world, I'd be all over them.  

Wednesday Pretty, 9/21

Untitled #5 by Kent Rogowski

20x200's theory is defined as thus:

(limited editions × low prices) + the internet = art for everyone

It's a website that makes available a limited edition of photographs and art available in several sizes - the smallest costing only $20.  Now, I've found that an 8x10 (the typical 'small' size) is frankly a little silly for buying art, unless maybe you're buying for a child's bedroom or a bathroom/hallway.  I like my art BIG.  That being said, it's a pretty cool design resource.  Much like shopping on etsy, you've got to do a little digging until something great jumps out at you (or you can subscribe to their newsletter and get automatic updates), but occasionally you can find something you really like.  

I really like this series by Rogowski, where he put together puzzle pieces from several different puzzles, making a colourful floral mishmash.  It's just gorgeous.  And, unfortunately, sold out except in the largest size.  I said I like big, but $2000 is more than I want to spend on wall decoration at the moment. (Or maybe at all moments).  

Find out more about 20x200 here.

Lena Hedley on the Emmy Red Carpet

I don't know if I'd claim her as 'best dressed', but she certainly pulled off 'most strikingly dressed'.  

And guess what?  She's wearing Alessandra Rich!  

Seriously, as soon as I started noting her as a designer,  her designs have shown up on the red carpet no less than 4 times in the last month.  Whee!  I feel like I'm cutting edge.  (Yes, these are the things that make me happy).