...stepping away...

This community has been hit with so much over the last couple of weeks. I was truly hoping for the chance to get more involved, and do anything I could to maintain our sweet little corner of the blog world.

I am so sad to say that, after much consideration, I've decided to step away for awhile. In the last week, I've witnessed the most intensely harsh words and criticisms that I had no idea even existed in this community. This bitterness was not conveyed through my blog, but through others I've read.

The reason I loved being a part of this blogging community was because of the sense of partnership and sisterhood that I felt with all you women. Unfortunately, those moments of partnership seem so difficult to find through the pages and pages of angry bitter words towards one another.

I have decided to step away from the Reader Outfits: What We Wear feature. I had so looked forward to doing this, as a chance to keep alive a feature that all of us loved. Many great women have submitted, saying they were so glad that Liz and I had decided to keep the feature going. With all the hurtful and negative feelings conveyed in anger over our doing this feature, I now want no part in it.

Liz, I wish you the very best in continuing this feature. It seems so clear that women love and miss this feature and were excited about this continuation. A very painful thread on Roxy's blog brought about many many negative words. Such bitter rants. Roxy had said she was planning on doing Reader Outfits as well, and I think that's wonderful too. You have such a loyal following of people that would all love to take part.

A woman's blog is her blog. Their part of the online world that lets her share whatever their her heart desires. Be true to what you want to write. Things you find most interesting, pictures and details.

Who are we to criticize these people? We have such a strong potential to, instead, become close with them.

The last several weeks deeply saddens me. I truly thought we would all get the chance to pull back up and be stronger than ever. In the process, it has become ever so cool, ever so cruel. Ever so difficult to continue to be around the constant negativity.

So this will be it for awhile. Not sure if I'll be pulling it down completely, or just taking a much needed breather. I am so hoping that everyone will have calmed down in the not so distant future. That each and every one of us can be a better part of this community... aiming always to build it up, and never to break each other down.

-Kim-

*** Update...

Hey ladies. Thank you so much for all of the sweet positive messages in response to my last post.
I just wanted to make it clear (not sure if I didn't in this post) that I need a break not because I feel as if I'm being personally attacked and torn down. It is the way I'm seeing others being treated that seriously bothers me. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. My opinion is simply... if you don't like something, don't read it.
It just makes me so sad to see the way ladies are completely tearing apart other bloggers in general.
Thanks so much for the support. Please continue to support each other!
-Kim-

OOTD: Bright night out

*** Don't forget to send your entries for Reader Outfits: What We Wear to readeroutfits.whatwewear@gmail.com by Friday night!

As the husband and I get closer and closer to the move that we are so excited about, we also get closer and closer to saying goodbye to the people that have made our time here so special.  Friends I got so close with on a 6 month-stint at the Pentagon threw us a going away dinner Saturday night.  Such a positively fun night surrounded by great friends, great wine, and sad goodbyes.  


Dinner attire was casual, but I was dying for a chance to wear a few new fall favorites!

Anthro Molten Blouse
Anthro Pilcro Serif Cords
Steve Madden flats
Watch: Michael Kors
Wrap bracelet: Stella & Dot

Had all my shoes not been packed already, I would have loved to wear some nice tall brown boots to break up the color.  There's always next time!

Hope you all are having a beautiful start to your week!

xoxo

Reader Outfits: 'What We Wear'... all the details!

Yesterday, I posted info on a feature called Reader Outfits: What We Wear' that would be starting here on Array of Anthro... a new version of an old favorite (Reader Outfits on a since discontinued blog).

Almost immediately, I received a message from Liz over at Behind The Dressing Room Door that she too had thought of working to keep this feature we all loved so much alive. So... a wonderful partnership and collaboration was born. 

Reader Outfits: What We Wear will be a new, collaborative approach to displaying the fresh, inventive, and beautiful stylings of all you lovely ladies reading.  Please submit your outfit to ReaderOutfits.WhatWeWear@gmail.com 

and include the following information:

-  Your name

-  Your Blog URL (so we can link up to you in the post!)

-  Your outfit details: Designer details, or names of items in your ensemble.  (This way we can link up to the product for the ladies that love what you're rockin')   

- Don't forget to attach your photo!

Please submit all entries by Friday, September 23 at 9 pm PST (and every Friday thereafter!)

Liz and I will both be doing write-ups on each of your outfits.  Half of the entries will be posted on Array of Anthro, and half will be posted over at Behind The Dressing Room Door.  And of course we'll link to the other's page so you can click over to see the other half of the gorgeous outfits!

I am so exited about this collaboration, and so excited about the continuation of this feature.  So many of us looked forward to seeing our lovely reader outfits feature on the weeks it was available.  We'll have it here for you every week!

So, spread the word ladies! Let's rebuild, reconnect, and share with each other 'What We Wear' !

"Come Together"... details on a new feature!

I've been one of many that can't help but be wrapped up in the endless blog entries regarding our community's recent scandal. My husband even just showed me an entry on a blog he looks at with the post titled: "FRAUDOPOLOGIE". And believe me, he's not one to cruise the internet searching for Anthro stories.

This makes me sad. Yes, many have been hurt, and many are feeling the desire to pull away from our blogging community. I, like hopefully many others, am feeling an overwhelming desire to throw myself back into blogging, and reconnect with the ladies that have made and keep this community what it is. We are similar, we share so many things. We are honest, we write about the things we enjoy, and love to read the musings of those like us.

Breaking away from the blogs is a forfeit in mind, letting the dishonest win the game. Instead, let's 'come together' with a renewed vow to support one another... seeking friendship and honesty.

SO... in an effort to pull those together that feel the same way I do, I'd like to start a new feature here on Array of Anthro.

'What We Wear'

I'll try to run a 'What We Wear' feature every week, giving those women (bloggers and readers alike) another forum to submit reader outfits. I don't know about you all, but I so looked forward to reading those every week, grabbing so much inspiration from my fellow Anthro-lovers.

To mix it up a little, I'll try to come up with some kind of outfit inspired theme each week for the 'What We Wear' post.

Most of the country felt the early feelings of Fall this week, and I know so many of us are yearning for the cooler weather to jump back into the Fall favorites in our closet. Please send me your Fall-inspired outfits that you've worn recently! (If you're a west-coaster and haven't had the cool weather yet, send in any reader outfit you like!)

Please send your 'What We Wear' Fall outfit and outfit details to ReaderOutfits.WhatWeWear@gmail.com.

I'll collect outfits until Friday evening on the 23rd, and post next weekend!

Spread the word ladies! Let's rebuild, reconnect, and share with each other 'What We Wear' !

**Update** Liz over at Behind the Dressing Room Door will be collaborating with me to make this feature FANTASTIC! So excited about this partnership, as well as making the new 'What We Wear' feature as fresh and exciting as possible! Head over to Liz's page to read her take on the new feature!

honey blues

Ok, I've been called a bit dramatic on more than one occasion, but I feel like this is such a horrible situation to be in.

You see, I own this coat.

Anthro Honey Harvested Coat

My parents gave me this beautiful coat as a Christmas last year, and I loved it to pieces.  The classic shape, accompanied by the bright beautiful color kept me so happy all winter.

Now the problem.  Anthropologie has decided to cause me some serious heartache this coming winter.  Have you seen the most beautiful addition to the Anthro's New Arrivals?  No? Well please, let me share....

Anthro's Ruched Marigold Coat
$248


This coat is so utterly feminine, in such a beautiful hue.  Cinched waist, buttons placed perfectly.  I can only imagine that this coat is utter perfection (and believe me I've spent a lot of time thinking about it).

Why torture me so?  Two coats in the exact same color?!  Even I know that's irrational, and I won't be making the plunge (or letting anyone close to me make the plunge for me).

Sad times.  For those searching for the perfect winter coat, designed to make you feel flawlessly feminine, bright and beautiful... I'd venture to say this would be the one.

OOTD: 'oooh fall'

Hubs and I have been checking the weather all week, looking forward to what has been forecasted for today.  Cool weather?  All day long?  Practically freezing in the morning?  OH YEAH.  That means it's the first feeling of fall, my dears.  A time that I so completely look forward to all year long.

Facebook status this morning:

SO excited... first day it feels like fall!!! BIG date planned immediately after work with the dear husband to go get our first pumpkin spiced latte's of the season. we have been anxiously awaiting this day. and yes, we're that kind of family :)

Yes, we carried through on said date plans right after work.  And me?  I couldn't have been happier.

See?  I love my pumpkin spiced latte's.  :)

Anthro Sweeping Stitches Pullover
Anthro jeans
Steve Madden flats
Anthro bag

This pretty little number has been sitting in my closet desperate for some cool weather.  So excited it got to enjoy our early fall celebration!

Anyone else love the fall as much as I do?  The colors, the scents, the food, the beverages... and especially the FASHION?!

xoxo

love notes and OOTD

Remember Lara? The Anthropologie Personal Shopping extraordinaire I absolutely raved about here?  Well I got home today to the best surprise waiting in the mail.  She had hand written a beautiful thank you note.  It was truly the most incredible treat.  What a dear!  I had such an amazing time, and yes, of course I will be keeping in touch!

I had actually called on Tuesday to see if our store had a couple sale items I wanted to set aside, and got Lara on the phone.  Feels like chatting with an old girlfriend :)  Lara called me back a bit later at work to tell me that she had swiped up the beautiful Verdant Slip Dress in my size, as well as a sale scarf I'd love, and a high-waisted skirt she was positive would be right up my alley.

Well Lara dear, you were right.  And with an item I had never seen in the store, never seen online, and never tried on!  Couldn't wait to wear my new skirt today.  And honestly got so many compliments on the beautiful colors this skirt brings together!

Anthro Flurried Plumes Midi
J Crew Boat Neck Painter Tee
Stella & Dot necklaces
Seychelles Pumps

This weekend marks my last one here in DC... with no real plans yet.  It's really starting to sink in that I'm going.  Am I sad? Sure.  I work in an office of great people.  Am I excited?  YES.  and lucky.  We get to go home.

affected

I by no means have been affected by the unjust experiences coming to light in the Anthro blogging world, though somehow, I do feel affected.  I feel hurt and completely unsettled knowing that the women of our community have been wronged and taken advantage of.  I know by now you all have read experiences shared in different forums.  If you are one that has been affected and are choosing to stay quiet, that is your right... by ALL means.  I do urge you to carefully look at Roxy's post: 

Effortless Anthropologie Online Scam Protection

You deserve to protect yourself and are entitled to the safety that the law ensures.  If you have been wronged, refund or not, you have every single right in the entire world to file a formal complaint.  

Our community is such a special one.  One that does not deserve to be ripped apart by the actions of one. 

Anthropologie Personal Shopping Appointment

Yay!! Now that I've shared the moving news, I can finally share my Anthro Personal Shopping News.  I have desperately wanted to try out a Personal Shopping experience, but was waiting for a gently push to finally make that request.  (moving away from our favorite store was all the motivation I needed)  Here's my email to the Anthro Personal Shopper at Tyson's Galleria to help explain a bit:

Hi! My name is Kim, and I am so in love with the style and grace that Anthropologie brings to my wardrobes.  I am a part of the Anthro blogging community... please see ArrayofAnthro.blogspot.com!  Scrolling through my history will give you a little idea of the general clothes I tend to gravitate.... heavy on the pencil skirts and work appropriate tops for work!

UNFORTUNATELY, I am moving away from my dear store.  My husband and I will be moving at the end of September to Virginia Beach.... at least an hour from the closest Anthro location, sigh.  It has always been a goal of mine to come and experience a personal shopping appointment.  I have heard nothing but good things, especially at this location!  So, I figure, no time like the present to schedule an appointment and experience the fun!  I'd love to document the experience with outfit pictures, and talk about the general experience.... hoping to get more ladies to take advantage of this amazing perk!

My general goal for this appointment is to pick out the PERFECT fall outfit.  There are so many wonderful trends and 'throw-back ' shapes popping up this year, and I can't wait to find something beautiful and 'me' to take back with me on the move... so far from my beloved store!

If these times do not work for your personal shopper, PLEASE feel free to get in touch with me so we can work something else out!

Very much looking forward to hearing from you!

Kim

ArrayofAnthro.blogspot.com

Lara, Tyson's Personal Shopper was BEYOND fabulous.  Setting up the appointment was so easy using an email address that goes straight to the personal shoppers.  (A form is filled out on the Anthro website for the initial request.  Keyord Personal Shopper and you'll find it).  I arrived last week to find such a welcome group of girls who knew exactly the reason I was there.  I got the opportunity to meet Lara (actually had met her several times in the store but didn't know it was her).  Lara took me back to the fitting rooms to a room she had already set up just for me.  She took my comments about what I usually wear, and honored them completely.  What I love even more, is that she made sure to pull things that I may not necessarily gravitate for.  Sometimes you need that extra push to try things that you assume may not flatter you to end up with the most wonderful surprise!

Not only was the fitting room filled with a HUGE variety of different outfits, but Lara had decorated the space with a sweet little rug, pillow, and chair... making the space feel so warm and welcoming!  She took me through each outfit she had chosen for me and the reasons why she believed they would work well and be versatile in my wardrobe (SO important!)

I'm not going to write reviews on the products now, rather let the pictures speak for themselves. Beware!  There are lots of pictures (and I didn't even include all of the varieties Lara provided).

Lara made it a point to stick around to see each outfit, so excited to see if her selection was a hit or a miss.  (Though I have to say, I really only think there we a couple misses among these BEAUTIFUL wardrobe options).  She made it so comfortable to show her, to talk with her, and to ask questions.  Several pairs of shoes were brought to me to try on, and well as an accessory wall in my room that featured the most lovely bags I've seen.

Honestly, I couldn't have been more thrilled with my experience.  Us ladies here in the blogging world generally know what we want... what shapes we're looking for, what color palates, etc.  This trip proved me wrong.  Lara pulled such beautiful pieces that I probably wouldn't even given a chance.... "that color won't work on me, that shape won't flatter my figure".  Sometimes we all need a little gentle pushing to step outside our dear little comfort zone.  This, more than anything, is what I believe the Anthro Personal Shopping experience is all about.  A free service, where an experienced Personal Shopper is there for us and us alone. 

Try it out, please. It's free, and it's fabulous.  Then pretty please fill me in on how much you loved it (because you will).

xoxo,

Kim