Guest Post on Effortless Anthropologie

For all those (well, all 5 of you...hehe) who were waiting to read my guest post on Effortless Anthropologie, the time is now! See here for my write-up on Vancouver's first Anthropologie store Grand Opening! Hope it's a good read.

Thank you to Roxy Turtle for featuring me on your blog!  Loved the opportunity!  

Note:  Blog banner borrowed from Effortless Anthropologie site.

Dakota Group Sample Sale!

The only other place I stalk like Anthro.  I go here for Sinnequanone (though I think they dropped the label), Faryl Robin shoes, Soia & Kyo coats, Charlotte Torontola and Matt & Nat handbags.  Lots of other great brands too.

I'm overspent this month on Anthro goodies, so I'm afraid I will have to pass.  Sadly. :(

Gotta Celebrate!

My Vancouver Canucks just won the 3rd Round in the Stanley Cup playoffs and I am ecstatic! Vancouver is going to play in the STANLEY CUP FINALS!! That is a BIG friggin' deal, considering we haven't made it out of the 2nd round in 17 years!


I remember it so well, too. I was a HUGE fan back then and followed the Canucks soooo closely. I recall reading the papers everyday reading stats, reviews, watching all the games, hanging on my mom and brother's every word as they discussed their favourite game every day. But I didn't just follow the Canucks, I followed hockey. I watched every game that was on TV. I knew the teams in each division and kept track of their progress so I knew what to expect from the opponent.





I loved hockey so much I got a job at the Pacific Coliseum and worked the concession stands for every home game. It was amazing! I was just a teen in high school who loved hockey (especially Trevor Linden) and I got to go to all the games live! I thought it was a great job.



On weeknights, when there were evening games, I had the school bus drop me off on Hastings St. so I didn't have to go all the way home and then back out to the Coliseum for my shift. I would be in the building by 4pm and do homework until my shift started at 6pm. I got to see the players up close, watched them practice, run around the arena in their blue thermals, and I even caught a glimpse of a naked Jyrki Lumme by surprise. Hehe. Total surprise. He just walked straight out of the change room (which is right next to the staff change room). Who does that?? It's a good thing it wasn't in the era of smart phones and social media or his naked arse would have been all over Facebook in seconds!



Anyway, fast forward to 1994, I'm a year out of high school and on a delinquent trip to the Philippines for a few months. And, of course, it is the year that the Vancouver Canucks make it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals. And it goes all the way to game 7! I remember early mornings tuning into ESPN to catch the games. It was an amazing series, that didn't end too well for Vancouver.

Fast forward again to 17 years and here we are again. Glad to be home this time to witness the Cup Magic in person!

Woohoo! Congratulations Canucks! You're an amazingly strong team this year and you deserve a spot in the finals! But it's not over yet...got 4 more wins to go...Gotta BELIEVE!!

My First OOTD and Fitting Room Reviews

Now that there is an Anthro in town, my blog can finally become a proper Anthro blog with Outfits of the Day and Fitting Room Reviews.

I had my second Anthro visit today with the pure intention of returning a couple items and reviewing a few pieces I've been eyeing online.  However, I couldn't find everything I was looking for so I ended up trying a few things that caught my eye in the store.  Big mistake!  A few things came home with me but that's probably not too surprising.

It was a regular work day for most people and Anthro has been open for a week now, so it was a nice change to be in the store with room to move and no line-ups.  Today was the first time I really got to take it all in and check out the inventory.  

This store is only 6,000 sf, so not the biggest Anthro I've been in, and it showed in the selection that was available (or not available, for that matter).  I could not find most of the items I was hoping to try on and there was also a lack in sizes for the items that were on the racks.  Now that could also mean that they have been snatched up by someone else, which doesn't surprise me as size small tends to be the first size that disappears in Vancouver.  Similar to a women's size 7 shoe, size small in tops and dresses are a very popular size.  Lots of petite women in Vancouver, I guess.  Which is one of the other reasons I love shopping in the US, there rarely seems to be a shortage of size smalls in the sale rack or in popular items.

Speaking of sales, the sales room in the Vancouver Anthro is also quite small compared to others I've been to.  But again, it's all relative, I suppose, considering the store itself is not huge. 

Day 2 of the Tag Sale seems to be a bit slow here as the sales associates were just beginning to mark down items on sale.  I visited the sales section about 4 times and each time there were another few items that were marked down.  The sales associate at the register actually said all the markdowns should be completed by the end of the night.  Oh man, I guess that means another trip out to South Granville for me tomorrow.  Hehe.

Anyway, without further delay, my OOTD and Fitting Room Reviews...

Swept Swag Sweatshirt, Hei Hei cropped pants (can't remember name, circa 2010), Hearthside Wedges (circa 2010)

Ruched Hourglass Top - $48

I liked this top right away because of the white on red polka dot print, but instantly fell in love when I saw the ruching in front (perfect detail for coverage) and the cutie-pie button details in the back.  I found the shirt to fit TTS, I'm wearing a small here, and it a nice, comfortable tee.  Perfect for daily outings over any type of bottoms really.  Wishlisting this cutie for a sale.  Comes in a white on navy color too which I hope to pick up too on sale.

Drapey Bubbled Tea by Deletta - $58

I first saw this top in the teal color at the Grand Opening but didn't have the patience to line-up for the dressing room, so I passed.  There were no more teal in a size small so I grabbed the ivory color.  This is a two-part piece with a tank underneath the sheer t-shirt and connected on the inside.  I found the size small to fit a bit snug in the hip area, though one couldn't really tell with the draping on the outside.  I should have compared with a medium but didn't have time.  I did like the sheerness of the tee and the connected tank on the inside.  Will have to re-try this one again to determine how I like it for sure.  

"Nameless" Sweater by Bordeaux - $68

I really liked the color of this top (sweater/pullover, whatever you want to call it, since I can't find it on the Anthro site) when I first saw it hanging on the rack.  When I tried it on I liked it even more.  It is a thin sweatshirt type of material, good for spring days or cool summer nights, the color is such a pretty turquoise blue and there is a slight blouson effect to it that makes me classify this as more of a short-sleeved pullover.  This is a size small and I think it fits TTS.  Love this one.  Wishlisted for sale.

"Nameless" top by Deletta - $68

Another nameless top that I found all by it's lonesome.  It was intriguing because of the attached lime green scarf connected to the sheer light blue tank.  It was a bit too form-fitting for my taste but I liked the way the scarf draped over the tank and also liked the thin jersey fabric that was quite soft to the touch.  I could take or leave this top, but I am a big fan of the scarf piece.  So now I'm looking for a thin jersey scarf to wear.  But if I don't find one, I may just wishlist this one for sale.  Fit is TTS, this small fit me well.

Land of Springs Dress by Weston Wear - $118

This dress is great on.  It's super comfortable (gotta love jersey) and the draping in front is flattering.  The horizontal stripes were surprisingly not a deal-breaker, in fact, with the cut of the dress, it actually seemed slimming.  I really liked this dress and can see myself wearing it with flip flops to the park or dressed up with wedges or espadrilles to a summer bbq.  This was a size small and fits TTS.  Wishlisted for sale.

I have more reviews to post, but so little time.  Stay tuned...

Tag Sale Part Deux

Another set of markdowns appeared this early morning (or late last night, however you want to look at it).  I usually check out Effortless Anthropologie or Behind the Dressing Room Door for the first peek as the lovely ladies Roxy and Elizabeth do a wonderful job of posting the sale items in an organized fashion.

I picked up the Efflorescence Tunic, Singing-in-the-Showers Slicker and Sea Anemone Maillot (my first swimsuit purchase at Anthro).  

What did you pick up?

My Tag Sale Haul

Waterlilies top - Sale $59.95

Tacked Vines T-Straps - Sale $79.95 (to add to my growing collection of Miss Albright)

Quatro Bangles - Sale $29.95 (To wear with my Waterlililies Top)

Omnifarious Bracelet - Sale $19.95

Mimidae Wedges - $79.95 (Hunted these down like an animal! Another Miss Albright stunner.)

Composed Pants - $29.95 (I love Hei Hei's pants.)

I managed to keep my purchases at this month's Tag Sale to a minimum, mostly because the markdowns were a little lacklustre to me. But I'm still pretty happy with what I was able to get my greedy little hands on. Can't wait to pick them up at Hagen's...

Belated Grand Opening Re-Cap

So I haven't written much since I've been sick. It was a doozie and I was pretty out of it for a week, but I'm well-rested, taking my meds and on the mend. Big shout out to my awesome hubby for taking care of Benna so I can get my much needed rest and for not making fun of my feebleness when I'm ill. Though who wouldn't be feeble with a fever of 102F??

Anyway, enough of that sob story....so this is what happened last Friday, May 13th...

I woke up feeling like a truck ran over me, but I had to attend Anthropologie's historic (in my books) Grand Opening on South Granville! Besides, I had made arrangements to meet with the Regional Director for my write up as guest post on Effortless Anthropologie. I could not miss this opportunity. I asked my parents to come early (8am) to babysit so I can make the 10am door opening.

Well, I missed it by 10 mins. I was running on low battery, I guess. When I arrived, the store was already open and a lot of women were inside, milling about and shopping. It was a busy scene, but apparently not as busy as Calgary's recent Grand Opening two months prior. Where Vancouver had 65-70 excited shoppers waiting outside it's doors, Calgary had double! Crazy! But apparently, Vancouver had a weeper. One source said they heard a girl cry when the doors finally opened, and another stated the girl was on the phone and exclaimed, "I'm so happy I could cry!". Either way, the Grand Opening brought out some positive emotions for a lot of women in the Lower Mainland, including myself!

Inside, I made my way to the sales staff who were already busy ringing up customers. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to meet two very cool ladies in the Anthro world: Regional Directors Jennifer Paletta and Nancy Wahl. Partners in managing the western division of Anthro. Jennifer, out of San Francisco, and Nancy, from Seattle (who I am pretty sure I've met before because she and I vaguely found each other familiar). Very evident that I do a lot of shopping at the University Village Anthro, where she calls home. We had a great conversation and these ladies really made me feel welcome on this very busy and very important day. I was truly touched by their hospitality. They even introduced me to Wendy Wurtzburger, Co-President of Anthropologie! I was not expecting the President to be there! And she was pretty cool too.

So after a cool interview with the fab ladies, I ran into Adam, Regional Manager from University Village, Seattle. We had met before at the store last time I visited the U-Village, and he was lovely to chat with. He convinced me to keep this Boyfriend Cardi in Fuschia pink and I'm very glad that I did! So when I came by to say hello, he remembered me and I was quite touched.

I also met a couple of "besties" in the humongous line at the register who were ahead of me. Heidi, who was supposed to be at work, and Melissa (a fellow Anthro junkie, moniker given by Heidi), who happened to be off from work that day, who both had mixed feelings about Anthro opening up in Vancouver. Very similar to what I posted before on the issue, they too used to revel in the uniqueness of Anthro products. But now that the store is available to the masses of the lower mainland, we can expect to see it's shelves ravished by locals and seen around town, again and again, I'm sure.

So what will they do, I asked? Shop at smaller boutique stores, wear indie-labels, that kind of thing. They will still shop at Anthro, but not like before.

Perhaps that will hold true and some will buy less frequently. But overall, I still think Anthro will be my main go-to for my wardrobe.

Anthro's products are quite unique, and turnover of old items to new, is quite frequent (new shipments every week, markdowns every week), plus they don't seem to carry a lot of inventory for one particular product (items sell out, with no backorders all the time). So if you pick that right unique piece, you could be that unique person who "scored". Which is the feeling we all love, isn't it?

And sure, we will probably be able to recognize an Anthro item on Jane Doe from down the street, but I still think the products are better than the alternatives out there in the same price range. So yes, I'll be disappointed to see the Aritzia fan-base trading in their hoodies for belted cardigans, but at least we'll see less of those dang TNA sweats on the street! Amen to that.

Anthropologie Semi-Annual Tag Sale!

The semi-annual tag sale is almost here!  Tomorrow (Tuesday), May 17th marks one of the biggest Anthropologie mark down sales of the year.  According to info gathered by Roxy on her blog, a store attendant confirmed 1000's of items to be marked down for tomorrow's special event!  Wowee!  Also, there are high hopes for additional mark down promos (such as an additional % off sale items, like they ran during the Christmas holiday season).  That would be spectacular!!

The event is so special that select stores will open extra early (see store list here) to allow only Anthropologie members (I assume that means cardholders) a chance to shop early.

Now, it has been speculated that the Canadian Anthro's will have their own tag sales a few days after the US sale.  This may be true, I can not confirm.

However, I did speak to the Senior Store Manager for Seattle (he was at the Vancouver Grand Opening) and he said the Vancouver store has already marked down all their items early in time for the Grand Opening. So, do not expect to see additional mark downs during the US tag sale.  Boo hoo!  I called a day after speaking to him and a customer associate also confirmed this stating there is are no additional sales nor, will there be any sale promos (such as additional % off) this week.  Extra boohoo!  

The sale racks in Vancouver seemed pretty sparse to me, just like a regular weekly sale but nothing like a semi-annual tag sale should be.  I am still feeling out the staff at Vancouver Anthro to see if they have been asked to keep a lid on sales.  Perhaps I can get to know one to get a little inside scoop.  I'm still hopeful for some extra markdowns soon.  

Canadian shoppers, don't be discouraged, Anthro does seem to be listening to their Northern neighbours a little at a time.  The online experience has improved in use and appearance, but not so much the prices.  One step at a time, I suppose.  So I'm happy to keep griping about the differences because I know someone is listening.

Anyway, no Canada sale tomorrow sucks big time, which is why I am waking up in the middle of the night to do all my shopping online!   But I do have a budget, so I have to be a smart shopper tonight.  So there, Canada Anthro...you will not be adding my purchases to your sales reports this quarter.   You will need to start keeping up with the US sales and promos to keep my shopping loyalty.  

But I still love you, Anthro.  No hard feelings.

*note:  Sale Poster photo courtesy of Behind the Dressing Room Door.

Vancouver Grand Opening Re-cap Coming Soon...

First day without a fever!  I'm back online!  Hubby is taking our feisty toddler out for a walk and I hope to whip up something interesting and readable in an hour.  Post will be sent to Roxy as a Guest Post on Effortless Anthropologie. 

Please stay tuned....

Out for a Sick Day

So this is how I have been feeling the last few days. I pushed myself by working out on Thursday and then I drugged up and headed to Anthro on opening day, but I had to be there for the Grand Opening! Well, tonight is the big shindig I was so excited about and I can't go. I'm just way too sick. My friend, Marl, will go instead and I've asked her take lots of pics and to give me the full report. I hope she has a great time. Wish I could be there too.

I am happy to say I will have a full report on Vancouver's Big Grand Opening as a guest post on Roxy's Effortless Anthropologie blog. I'm so honored to be given the opportunity to write for her.

Well, I'm off to bed for now. I'll get cracking on that guest post as soon as my head clears a bit.

Vancouver Anthro Storefront

Took a trip out to see the new digs of my favourite retailer and wow, was I impressed! I have to admit, I wasn't sure how nicely it would turn out considering the space on South Granville is pretty tight. Anthropologie stores tend to be quite large, i think because of all the selection and inventory they carry, from clothes and accessories to furniture and knick-knacks. But the storefront definitely did not disappoint. It was pure Anthropologie all the way.

This new sleek and stylish Anthro is dressed in concrete, wood and some decorative netting that continued inside into the main window front,. This Anthro is still under construction, of course, so no uniquely dressed mannequins or cute, kitschy wares graced the front windows, but it was definitely underway. Though I've seen other Anthro's dressed in wood on the exterior, I think this may be a nod to the contempoary westcoast style of BC. That's what I'd like to think, of course. ;)

I stood across the street in awe, just taking it all in, snapping photos quickly in between the stop and go of the traffic lights. Female passerbys grinned at me as if they knew these pics would end up online for Anthro fans to marvel at. Hehe. Nah, it was probably just me thinking everyone is as excited as I am about this place. But, I did get one stylish girl comment on how excited she was about the store too, so I'm not completely pulling the assumption out of a hat.

I even took some quick shots of the inside through the front windows, trying my best to block the glare from the glass. Inside was a busy scene of bodies moving around, folding clothes, decorating, cleaning etc., etc.

So, Friday, May 13th is the Grand Opening with the store officially opening it's door to the public at 10:00am. There is some sort of Grand Opening party that evening that is by invite only and there was a Facebook contest which closed last night offering an RSVP to the event. I entered, of course, but past the deadline so not sure I will be admitted. Oh well. I have until Friday to find a way to get invited. Wish me luck!

So these are my photos. I am planning on walking through those doors at 10:00am on Friday but have no intention of buying anything. I am a sale kinda girl. But despite that, I'm sure I will end up walking out the doors with a shopping bag in hand.

I am so excited.

Ciao for now. Me.

Pretty Excited

Yes, I am!  So I am pretty darned excited about the Vancouver Anthropologie Grand Opening this coming Friday, May 13th!  

I'm already planning an all-day babysitter for my little Benna (probably Nana & Lolo) and strategizing my plan of attack on the big day.

I am pretty sure I will be begging my parents to come over at 8am so I can be at Anthro when the doors open at 9:00am.  Oh yeah!  And I've even asked my hubby for a discretionary bonus so I can make a significant purchase to commemorate this long awaited event in the history of Vancouver shopping!  

I hope to snag some things on sale (as this is always my first pursuit as soon as I enter through the doors of any Anthro) and am hoping there will be shoes (crossing fingers!) at this location too!

Here are some items of what is currently in my Spring 2011 wishlist:

Marathon Strand Bracelet - $58 USD

Enchanting Eyes Belt - $54 USD

Rosewood Tank - $128 USD

Backview Dress - $168 USD

Mompos Dress - $228

T-minus 3 days until opening!  Yay!

Ciao for now...