Working Professionals & Anthro

So there's this stupid, funny little thing among working professional women when it comes to Anthropologie. If we ever shop there, it's something to be confessed in a low, hushed voice. The other day I saw a friend and colleague of mine rocking some burnt orange pants on the hospital floor and I just had to inquire. 

Friend: Yes, they're from Anthro. But I have it under control. I keep it in check.
Me: Are there rules you abide by?
Friend: Oh definitely. You cannot wear more than one article of clothing from them. You are allowed ONE. Otherwise, you go from young professional to peasant searching for her lover in the woods. *motions as though she is placing a laurel of leaves in her hair*

This had me ROLLIN'.

If you look at this season's campaign, you'll see that she's actually spot on. 

The gnome will help me find the lost Excel spreadsheets.

Your honor, my client is only guilty of rad fashion. 

Anesthesiologist by day; Elk herder by eventide. 

So, why would we ever step foot in Anthropologie?

Aside from their fine hardware section, one could say it's to create an out-of-the-office wardrobe. But if you ask us, especially the ones just starting out on the career path, we want to project an image that says "take me seriously" both in and out of the work place. This makes us gravitate to the staples: Ann Taylor, J. Crew, and Banana Republic instead. (One time in an Ann Taylor Loft Outlet store I bumped into three friends from residency in less than ten minutes, no joke.) And while these stores I've mentioned have beautiful, classic pieces that are perfect for a professional's closet, there's that part of us as women that wants to throw in something unexpected, something oh, je ne sais quoi.

That's what Anthro provides: A bridge between take-me-seriously and know-I'm-still-cool style. 

And as my friend noted, this should be done in moderation. 

Just for funsies, I think I'll make a habit of throwing out lists of what a working professional (office type) might purchase from Anthro for work and/or play (I'll let you make that call), so as to save her time and streamline her visit -- you know, so you can get in and out fast without being spotted...That happened to me one time and I exclaimed, "I'm just here for the knobs!" 

Without further ado, Monique's fashion picks for Anthropologie Winter 2014-5

Look at the detail around the heel. Delish.
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Don't dismiss metallic shoes. They are surprisingly versatile.
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Longer length tops are the look of the moment now.
You'll need slender necklaces like this to match.
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THESE.
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No one needs to know those are hooves.
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I'm always looking for black jewelry and this has a decent amount.
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Don't be afraid of animal print.
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That color with some fitted black or grey pants. YES.
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Lace in small doses.
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Don't ask me how you're going to launder this.
Simply thank me for introducing more sequins at the workplace.
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Stripes are a staple. Put a statement necklace on that.
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Asymmetry is an easy way to add pizzazz and introduce pattern-play.
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Look at the texture of this skirt. It says I'm an educated woman who gives a damn.
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Pink pants, who says you can't?
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I'm not always okay with florals, but add some black and we're good.
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What do you think? Are you still wearing basic button-ups and trousers and I just rocked your world? Are you a free spirit and reading this made you pity our perceived constraints on women's fashion? Did you spit out your latte when you read my captions? (I hope so.)

Sartorial minds would like to know! Leave a comment and we'll discuss. That is, unless you're too busy frolicking through the woods... with a spreadsheet.

Post-partum

I totally had a (second) baby. It kind of blew me away, actually. I had in my mind that I would deliver on my due date, after everything was in perfect harmony at home.

Well, life had other plans. I delivered 5 days early. Labor pains didn't feel anything like they did the first time. Oh, and my house was a disaster inside and out because we were struck by a terrible storm that took down trees and our electrical service with it. Thank goodness several people helped by stepping in while we were at the hospital to clear up debris and even launder my girl's layette. Tears of joy and gratitude!

Once we got power back, it was time to restock the fridge and I included a few treats for this post-partum mom:

Mmmmmmm. . . ice cream

I was having a borderline 'baby blues' kind of day when my husband told me to go on ahead and do my favorite.thing.EVER. Yes folks, I went to Target without the kids! And even better, I was shopping there with a gift card from all the returns we made after receiving more pink/leopard print/cupcake covered onesies than we knew what to do with!

I present to you, my booty (heh heh):

In the first photo you're looking at the following:

1. Makeup brushes. These make me feel like a big girl. Because, you know, having two kids wasn't enough to get me there. . . The Target brand sell for $2. 
2. Pads. OK, not a luxury item, but very much needed in the postpartum period. 
3. Index card holders. I'm an index card freak and I just love organization and color, so this really tickles my fancy. < $1.
4. If West Elm made a headband, this would be it. This was my 'splurge' at $11. 
5. Scissors, glorious scissors. I'm putting these in every room of the house, it seems like I always have a need for them. $0.75 for two.
6. Tom's-esque shoes for $11 on clearance. Holla'!
7. I got this necklace at Kohls, actually. I was in need of a simple silver piece to go with everything. $6.
8. Fedora. Now that I'm breastfeeding again I don't wear as much sunscreen because my baby likes to suck on my face. This is perfect for avoiding too much sun exposure. Trendy, too.
9. For the postpartum muffin top. I only plan to wear this as needed to get back into my old clothes. I can't remember the price, but this is actually a Spanx knock-off and was pretty cheap.  
10. Pencil container. See #3 to explain why this had to come home with me. It's actually storing #1 right now.  < $1.
11. The ice cream will be short-lived. I have to start exercising now so I got me some light weights.
12. Close-up picture is below. These were some pretty earrings at Kohls. They remind me of stuff I've seen at Anthropologie, but for a fraction of the price ($8).
13. Yoga mat, for some postpartum Pilates. It's so on. 

#12

Not shown are a few other items, like a canvas tote for the weekend that was on sale.

I really had a great time livin' it up with my gift card, so if someone were to stumble upon this entry and worry that I returned their gift, I hope they keep this in mind. (You didn't get to plaster my daughter's butt with ladybugs and ruffles, but you helped sweep away the blues. Thank you.)

Mixin' It Up: Perforated Shoes

For Mommy:

Ni-Kiyo Perforated Ankle Straps

For Leepo:

Native Shoes Jefferson

I'm Ridiculous

After having some body issues today, I decided that the one part of my body I can still rely on are my feet. Therefore, I purchased these today (65% discount at Nordstrom's Rack, worn and refinished).

Thankfully my hubby's response was just to laugh.

I know, I know, the gold heel might be a bit much. But I really do intend to wear this often, with jeans and everything. Plus, I'm allowed at least one kooky purchase in the third trimester, right?

VC's Fontaine Sandal

Also, my apologies for turning this into a shopping blog lately. I'm in this frenzy of buying stuff I think I need before the baby comes!