Review: Made to Measure Tee by Weston Wear

Just a quick review and then a foot update for my RSD readers.

Made to Measure Tee
This will look better with a tan. I am so WHITE and pasty right now -- time to get out the self-tanner. :)

I bought this with my 25% off apology discount and with birthday money from my dad. I initially purchased the XS, my standard size in all shirts at Anthropologie and in Weston Wear dresses, but the ruching around the stomach area was very tight and unflattering on me, so I exchange it for a small. The small doesn't fit as snugly in the shoulder area, but fits much better in the tummy. It is still a bit clingy on me.

I do think the ruching on the sleeves, sides and stomach area adds interest to the shirt, and I love the pattern and the length of the sleeve. Wouldn't this pattern have made a great version of the Soft Structured Dress? I would have loved this in a dress, Weston Wear.

Unless you have a very small waist, you will want to size up in this shirt. I think in the six years I've shopped at Anthropologie, only a few XS tops have not worked out for me, so this top is truly clingy.

Helpfully yours,
V.B.



Foot Update (RSD/CCRP)
I hope these updates will be helpful for someone else contending with RSD. I have looked for something similar, but unfortunately and sadly, have found mostly accounts of dealing with the pain of RSD from people that have been suffering for years. Many stories are discouraging and shocking and I just can't read them right now because they freak me out. So, it is my hope that  since I was diagnosed within three months that I am going to beat RSD, and thereby offer up a success story in the months to come. I'm going out fighting anyway. :D

So, here is the latest news:
I've been on Lyrica for a week now and am still not experiencing any side effects. I was warned by my doctor about water retention and weight gain, but (knock on wood) I still weigh exactly the same as I did last week -- 108.8. What are the odds of that?

The spasms in my foot continued today but were more intermittent, thank goodness. However, during my faculty meeting this morning, they got so bad, I had to hold my leg because it was jerking from side to side. I asked my physical therapist about it today and he thinks the physical therapy is probably contributing to them. The stress of moving back into my room and getting ready for the kids to come tomorrow, probably isn't helping. :D The spasms pretty much stopped by the afternoon and haven't been as intense or as frequent tonight. :)

I was told by my physical therapist that the therapy will start getting more intense as there is research that intense physical therapy can really help RSD. He shared a DVD in which children with this disorder had great success with five hour a day therapy sessions. Well, I'm not going to that extreme, but we did do much harder exercises and he made me work through the pain. He told me that before I finish with P.T., I will end up screaming at him, hating him or screaming and cussing aloud. He told me that is the norm for RSD P.T. patients and that some give up because they can't take the pain. I reassured him that I am highly motivated, I don't cuss and I will not scream at him or give up. He gave me that knowing look like, "We'll see." Well, I did do a couple of minor UGHS during one of the harder exercises, but I did fine. I did a few major UGHS once I got home from shooting pain flashes, but that is the norm with this stupid disorder and the P.T. is just making it worse for now.

Today he began  by working on desynthesizing my foot by vigorously rubbing it and massaging it with a rough towel. Then I did the usual abc's, circles, stretches, toe scrunches and toe and heel lifts. The exercise that caused me to scream out and bite my lip involved leaning forward and holding onto the P.T. table, while shifting my weight from side to side. Then I had to do little marching type steps while holding the table. I also rotated my foot on this thing that was the shape of a garbage can lid with a ball underneath. (He would laugh at this totally stupid description.) I had to put my foot on it, and make the "lid" touch down on four sides. That was the hardest exercise that I did. It made my foot go into spasms.

Okay, gotta go -- it's a "school" night. :D

Anthro Items for Review - Helpful for Popbacks?

More items that I scored during the sale at Anthropologie this December. 

I get better photo quality when I take the photos in the bathroom, but it is so much easier with my foot issues to just take them in my closet, so deal with the white specks. :D It's becoming my signature look after all.

Borderline Belt
In my humble opinion, this is the perfect belt to go with the Tweedy Leaves Dress. It has to be buckled on the 1st or 2nd buckle for the buckle to align perfectly, so you may want to size up. I tend to wear my belts higher so this works for me. When I tried to wear this with the Peppering Skirt, it sat lower and I had to buckle it on the 3rd buckle which made it off centered. It is actually a black belt with brown weaving, but still looks fine with this dress.

Tying it on with a dress to decide if the belt is a keeper.

Renewed Folds Pullover

I love this top. It has shoulder pads! I'm still debating on whether to take them out.

Avery Pullover

I got this for 50% off sale. Should I keep it or am I suffering once again from my well documented 7 Stages of Anthro Shopper Mind Control Disorder? Help! (You won't hurt my feelings.)

Essentially Yours Top

Almost paper thin but very soft. You have to wear a camisole under this and a neutral colored bra as well. I love the slight cowl neck. This will make a great layering shirt, and will give my poor Pure and Good Slub Tee a much needed break. :) I would love to score a popback in the red.

Essentially yours,

V.B.

Anthropologie Sale Reviews Part 3

Reviews of: Scavenger Hunt Bracelet in clear and grey, Peppering Skirt, Twisted Ascot Tee, Fleeting Seas Top, Borderline Belt, Arched Pleats Pullover, Renewed Fold Pullover

Just some quick photos of sale stuff. I'm not really going to do much commentary this time. For one reason, I'm not really sure if anyone is reading these posts and it takes a long time to put them together. However, I know how helpful it is for me to see items on someone that is similar in size to me, so hopefully this might help someone in deciding on some last minute 50% off sale purchases. 

I'm lucky in that there is a store about 30 minutes away from me, but I would much rather order from home, try on the clothes with what I have and then send back what doesn't work. Plus, when I do go to the store, most of what I am looking for isn't there or I can't find it in my size. That is why I love all the bloggers out there willing to put up photos and take the time to write up reviews for the community. It really helps me when deciding what to order.

All items pictured are XS or 0. I am on the high end of what is considered petite, at 5'4, and my weight fluctuates between 108 to 110. I'm not linking to anything because I'm pretty sure all of these items have sold out by now. 

These photos are up to my usual high standards -- enjoy. :D

Scavenger Hunt Bracelets

I am so happy with these. They didn't photograph well, (shocking) but they fit my twig wrists very well as is. The bracelets are adjustable but I don't want to mess with them! It is so hard for me to find bracelets, so I'm very pleased and happy that I scored these on sale. I'll probably get my crafty friend to trim the ends and reknot them as the ends are a bit dangly on me.

Scavenger Hunt Bracelet

Peppering Skirt and Twisted Ascot Tee

I just got this skirt and the bracelets yesterday. I waffled back and forth on the skirt and even deleted it from my wishlist at one point, only to put it back in. When I woke up bright and early for the 50% off sale, I couldn't believe it was sitting there in my wishlist for $35! I was worried about it being garish, but as others have said, photos don't do this skirt justice. I couldn't get any really good photos of the side or back, but the pattern continues and is just lovely. Reviewers around the same height as me, seemed to feel the length was too long, but I like the length on me. It falls just past my knees. However, it isn't a good length for boots. It needs to be longer or shorter, so it will be awhile until I can wear this skirt! :'(

I didn't want to take the time to decide between these photos, so I just threw them all on here. I always take photos of potential pairings with new items. It makes getting ready so much easier when you can grab your phone or iPad and look up potential outfits. It also helps me to see what I like and don't like together. For example, I tried on the Wispy Pointelle Cardi and liked it until I saw it in the photos.

I haven't been this enthused about an outfit in awhile. Excuse the awkwardness of the poses, but I was determined to try on this outfit with normal shoes so I had to prop my bad foot on my dressing stool. I'm wearing last year's Prized Peep Toe shoes in these pictures.

No belt

Awkward side view with Wispy Cardi. Look how sad my other leg looks -- the muscle is just gone after 3 months of no walking.

Borderline Belt

I really like the texture and contrasting colors on this belt, but it is one of those belts that doesn't center right with the buckle unless you are the perfect size. I'll need to try it on with more and experiment to decide if it is a keeper. 

Here it is with an Urban Outfitter's knock off  belt I got off of Ebay. The belt stunk to high heaven, but after airing out on my deck for a few days, the smell went away. These are easy to find. I think I paid around $12 or less, can't remember. I have it in chocolate brown as well.

Ta Dah! I wish I had a photographer to take a photo of this completed look because the photos don't bring out much, I'm afraid, but I love this with the Redux Jacket. 

Fleeting Seas Top

Ack! Not more gray! I swear I'm not buying anything else gray, unless it is really, really cool. I threw this in the cart because it was so cheap, I couldn't resist. It said Navy and in my hurry to be sure I got the skirt, I guess I didn't notice how very gray it is! It is really cute and I do love stripes. 

Arched Pleats Pullover, Renewed Folds Pullover

I wore this out last night. It looks kind of late 80's but I like it. :)

I love this jacket. I went into Marshalls last year to get some tights and walked out with three coats, all under $40 dollars each and very unique. I think the brand is Coffee Shop.??? I'm not going to pull on my boot or crawl to the closet to check the label. :) It was really hard to decide between all the cute coats they had that day. 

That's all folks for today. I do have more I can share if anyone is interested. Are these reviews helpful? Anyone out there? :) It's time to order the Honeybaked Ham.

Yours truly,

V.B.

Reviews: In Time for Sale

Here's a start to reviews of some of my recent purchases. I'll post another round later.

It's gray and rainy here today, so I bring you  . . . GRAY reviews! Catalan Tee, Arched Pleat Pullover, Standby Ode Chemise and a boring OOTD.

I have a problem -- gray! Ack. I actually got ready yesterday and went to my Dad's house to watch The Closer. So, while I was up and about, I quickly snapped a few photos of some of my recent purchases and they are all GRAY, although various shades of gray, I might add. Ha, ha. I do have a lot of color in my closet, but I seem to be gravitating towards gray in my more recent purchases. All of the tops are an XS and fit true to size.

Catalan Tee
First up, the Catalan Tee. I got this with my birthday discount. (I told you I was going to end up wearing this Sweeping Pips necklace to death.)

This is my husband's favorite shirt of the bunch. He usually makes comments like, "Oh, that's nice." (yawn) or, likens my shirts to something from Star Trek or the Renaissance, so when he gives an unsolicited thumbs up compliment on something, it is a keeper! Of course, I end up keeping the Princess Leia (Swivel Revolutions Top) and Renaissance Fair Tops (FP Henley) as well. :D

Arched Pleat Pullover:

The Arched Pleat Pullover is so soft and pretty. It is sold out online, but is probably hanging about the sales room waiting for you to purchase it at -- 50% off sale! I threw it on just to see what it would look like over the Catalan Tee. This is another one of my birthday presents from my dad that I am on the fence about. I kind of liked it over this tee even though it was a bit bunchy at the bottom. My husband's response -- "What is that?"  I guess I need to try it on with more things, but I love the idea of it.

Edit: This is now my favorite sweater. I can't stop wearing it. It looks great over button downs, t-shirts, and dresses. Check here for a more detailed review and here for an outfit post.

This is my bemused look -- does this pullover look effortlessly cool or stupid over this bunchy top?

Pilcro cords, Target sweater, Anthro necklace

This is an Anthropologie necklace, but I don't know the name. It is almost identical to the Rings and Things necklace -- just longer. I've actually worn them together before. It's another one of my favorite necklaces, but is VERY delicate. I got it caught in my chair at work and it broke apart in two places. Here it is though, as good as new. :D

Okay, blah, blah. These posts are so time consuming. I don't see how you regular poster ladies do it and go to work. Blah, blah . . . until next time.

XOXO,
V.B.

Made to Measure Tee Review & Week 11 Foot Update & Grainy Archive Outfit - Yay!

I've got basically nothing in the way of reviews or new outfit photos but I did get my sale and 25% off discount items today and I love them all, so reviews will be upcoming, but probably not until the weekend because I reinjured my stupid foot. Yes, I REINJURED my already injured foot! UGH! My goal was to rest up over winter break and hopefully move from the air boot to something less awkward. I hope this is still possible!

Made to Measure Tee

I do want to give a head's up quickie review of the Made to Measure Tee by Weston Wear. I tried it on today in my usual XS and it was WAAAAAY too tight in the stomach area. It fits well everywhere else, but the ruching in the stomach area is just too clingy and uncomfortable. I think I have only sized up to a small a total of two times in the 6 years I've shopped at Anthropologie, so I'd say this top runs small in the waistline. I'm going to exchange it for a small and hope for the best, because I really like the color, pattern and sleeves. I own a couple of Weston Wear dresses and they fit perfectly in XS, so I am surprised at the fit of this top. I'll post a photo of the small when I get it.

As for the foot, one of my students lunged into me without looking, stepped on my injured foot and caused me to slightly turn the foot as I struggled not to fall over. It is more swollen and painful than it was and is discolored again, so I'll need to rest up before doing another round of photos. 

It's a good thing I have all these great outfit photos saved up to share, now isn't it? Ha, ha. Here's a couple of ways I've worn this wool skirt my mother gave me.

Curtain Call Top & Rings and Things Necklace

This is a great top. It looks very professional tucked into a skirt, but also doubles as a lovely asymmetrical tunic for a "going out" look with skinny jeans and heels. I got the Rings and Things necklace on sale last year for $10 on a "Why not? It's only $10 whim" and ended up wearing it to death last year. I wore it so much, I'm actually tired of it now. :)

Anselle Necklace

I love this outfit as it has a nice vintage feel to it. I only wish the photos could do it justice. Well, that's all for now. Time to prop the old throbbing foot up. Until next time . . . whining over and out. :D

Review: Crochet Cuff Henley

Motor cuff Henley

I pounced during a recent discount promotion and bought two, because I couldn't decide between charcoal and black and oh, who am I kidding, we all know I have a problem with multiple color buying. Ha, ha. (cough)

Crochet Cuff Henley

I asked my husband and his response was, and I quote, "Are you planning on wearing that to the Renaissance Fair? If so, then it is  Kicka$$." He is so not helpful!

Traveling Minstrel - Where's me flute?
according to my husband

I think the detailing is more apparent in the charcoal version, but the black version is going to be more versatile and less Renaissance Fairish as the tepee like stitching in the back is barely noticeable in the black colorway. I love it for its layering potential. I layer a lot and it is nice to have options instead of wearing the same old shirts underneath all the time. However, I would wear this alone for a casual weekend or going out look.

Details and Sizing:

Long sleeve scoop neck Henley with elaborate floral crochet detailing along the sleeves. 6-button placket. Ribbed collar. Shirt tail hem. Features raw seam detailing along the back.

*100% cotton

*Machine wash

*Import 

Measurements for Size Small:

Length: 28"

Chest: 31"

Waist: 26"

As for sizing, I usually wear an XS in Anthropologie clothes and I got an XS in this. 

Here's some shots of the shirts. I just quickly threw on some things I typically layer with in the fall/winter. These are by no means outfits. It's funny, my gut feeling was to keep the black, but now I'm not even sure I want the black. This is why it is worth taking photos of outfits.

I really like this combo. My dad gave this Free People vest to me last year for Christmas.

.

With the Triple Strap Tank

My First Attempt at Tying a Scarf: Iznik Scarf with the Monologue Top

Although, I'll admit to enjoying putting together outfits for work, I have no idea what I'm doing. 

I just buy what I like and hope for the best. Why so much Anthropologie? Well, for one, I like Anthropologie and no one I know really shops there, so my clothes are "different" and unique because of this.  I LOVE the sales and it is so easy to order from there as I know my size and how certain brands will fit. Secondly, I HATE shopping in malls and trying on clothes in stores. I would much rather order from the comfort of my own home, try on the clothes with my accessories and then send back what doesn't work -- also, I'm lucky in that I can ship back for free. 

Blah, blah, blah.  So, what was I writing about anyway? Oh yeah, the scarf. On to the scarf, already. Maybe I should retitle this post. Ha, ha.

Iznik Scarf and Monologue Top

How many of you can relate to the following? When I first bought and tried on the Iznik Scarf, my husband said it was stupid and it overwhelmed my little frame. Today when I emerged from my room ready for work, he went on and on about how much he liked the scarf. Of course, I'm sure he has no memory of his original negative comments. I've learned to not listen to him. :D

Lots of laughter,

V.B.

Kissing Friday Dress & Muted Lavender Top: Outifts from the Archives

I've got a ton of old outfit photos that I can share. However, as per all my photos, the quality isn't the greatest. Anyway, here I am with two normal feet and two shoes. :) Here are photos of a few stylings with the Kissing Friday Dress. This is one of my favorite dresses. Surprise: I have it in both purple and orange. 

MIA Pali Boot, Kissing Friday Dress, Beaded Eglantine Cardigan

MIA Pali Boots (chocolate) I got these in 3 colors when they went down to $39.00 last year. These are my knock-around boots that I don't have to worry about. I had to move out to a portable last year and am constantly walking through dirt, mud, and muck. I didn't want to ruin any of my good shoes so I pretty much wore these exclusively until they put down sidewalk at the end of the year. These boots are very comfortable, look like leather and fit my skinny calves like a glove. People are always asking where I got these. Plus, they have been a LIFE saver for me recently as they are about the same height as my air stabilizer boot. I constantly wear these now.

With Target Cardi - 2010

The purple dress is a size small. It has a looser fit which allows for layering over shirts. The orange dress is an XS and probably fits the best and I debated exchanging the purple for an XS, but decided I liked the different, looser fit of the small. Plus, the small is a little longer.

Anselle Necklace
Target Cardigan, 2010

Biloba Necklace

7 Week Anniversary of Foot Injury and Passerine Tee Outfit

In honor of the seven week anniversary of my foot injury, I thought I'd share my fall version of the Passerine Tee. It's only fitting as this is the top I was wearing when I wrenched my foot. I haven't worn it since, but decided to wear it out yesterday. Read on below for an update on my stupid foot. :D

I love to layer. Here's the Passerine Tee paired with my FAVORITE layering shirt, the Pure and Good Slub Tee. It is very delicate, so I hand wash it and hang it flat to dry. I have this tee in black, white and red and wish I had been able to find all the colors on sale last year. This is one of my favorite necklaces (Target). 

 Below is the finishing touch -- my favorite boyfriend blazer, The Borrowed Blazer. It seems like the year this jacket came out, Anthropologie had a ton of great jackets and blazers. I had a hard time choosing and wish now I had gotten more than a couple as lately none of the blazers have really appealed to me.

Borrowed Blazer

Foot Update

My foot has gotten worse over the past couple of weeks. It feels like it is always waking up from being asleep -- pins and needles feeling. Sometimes it feels ice cold and turns red or blue tinged. I get twitches/spasms in my foot and sharp shooting pains. My whole foot went from slightly swollen to yuck swollen all over. The severity of swelling, color changes and temperature changes come and go and now the bottom part of my leg is also twitchy and cold feeling as well. It just feels miserable. I went from taking an occasional Naproxen to having to take pain pills every day for the pain which makes me very sleepy all the time. I'm a VERY active, hyper person so this is driving me crazy! 

So, I had another MRI done last week. My tibialis posterior tendon is stretched with multiple tears and the tendon running along the ankle on the other side of my foot is also stretched. My whole foot is inflammed and filled with fluid -- tenosynovitis and tendinosis, there is also ligament damage, AND I have arthritis in several places from the surgeries for my skew feet. Most of this I already knew, although I wondered why the other side of my foot was swollen and hurt and now know that tendon was wrenched as well. That was the good news. Ha, ha. 

The bad news? The doctor brought up RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome) or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (RSDS/CRPS). Yikes! He asked us if we knew what it is and gave a brief overview of nerves going haywire resulting in pain. He then talked about next steps and referred me to another doctor. This went over our heads because I really still didn't understand how serious this condition is. When my husband asked about a time frame for recovery, we were told this was a chronic disabling condition characterized by intense pain with no cure. Well, that got our attention, and we started asking more questions! Of course, I googled it right away and wish I hadn't.  One of my friends at work told me that this is what Dr. House has that makes him pop drugs all the time. GREAT! 

I need your prayers. I am refusing to believe this and am hoping that my foot is just so messed up with inflammation that this is causing my nerve responses. Plus, this wasn't a diagnosis just a suggestion of what it looks like is going on with my foot. So, pray, pray. Did I mention, pray? :)