Thank You!

Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for being a part of Infinite Whimsy!  The past two years brought me countless unexpected joys.  I began this blog during the most challenging year of my life in an attempt to keep my bearings at a time when my world had been turned on its head.  I can say with certainty that it helped immensely, especially during my first year as a teacher (at age 21!), to have such a dynamic community in which I could participate.  Some of you I've met in real life, and others I haven't, but all of you have enriched my life.

When I graduated from Ole Miss in May, then got hitched and moved back up North, that trying chapter of my life ended.  Now, I'm being challenged in totally different ways.  I'm teaching in a new school system with a curriculum that I'm still learning, and making a home out of our new apartment.  All these new facets of my life are exciting and I would like to devote more time to them.  I love this blog and my readers, and am glad to have a record of this important time in my life.

Again, thank you so much for being a part of it!  If you'd like to stay in touch, email me!

-Maria

Congratulations To...

Mindi!!

Winner of the Silver Lining Decor Giveaway :)

image from handmadereviews.net

Check your email, Mindi!! 

An Evening Out

On Sunday, Michael took James and me to Fleming's for a delicious dinner.  James won pick of the night with turtle pie that completely rocked my world.  I don't even like turtle pie, normally, but this one was like a molten chocolate cake with walnuts in it and a homemade caramel drizzle on top.  Sinful and delicious!

I wore something a little different than my normal outfits:

Jacket: Gap

Blouse: Forever 21

Necklace: Anthro

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: J Crew

Bag: Balenciaga

I felt a little out of my comfort zone in this blazer that I picked up in my senior year of college.  I felt kind of bookish, a bit more masculine, and actually- a lot trendier than usual.  I definitely felt stylish at dinner and will probably try to use this blazer more often!  Jackets are my weakness.  I love them on others but struggle with how to wear them.

Do you have an item like that?  One that stumps you every time?  I hope to get better at blazers one day!

Guess what!  I just bought tickets to see Band of Horses at the 9:30 club in December.  I feel lucky to see them in a nice, small venue.  

Today's song is named for Pawnee's #1 basketball player on retainer at Entertainment 720.  Oh, it's also really pretty.

Channeling Emma: Giveaway Time!

Happy Tuesday!  For today's installment of Channeling Emma, I'm happy to announce a giveaway from one of my favorite etsy shops: Silver Lining Decor.  I've always loved her vintage-inspired pieces, especially her sweater clips, just like Emma Pillsbury wears in Glee.

image from handmadereviews.net

Silver Lining Decor is offering one lucky Infinite Whimsy reader this gorgeous vintage gold plated turquoise painted sweater guard!  I picked it from the store for you and love it so much!

Here's how to enter:

1. Visit the Silver Lining Decor Shop.  Choose your favorite item and tell me what it is in the comments. Mine is this bow necklace!

2. Leave your name and email address in the comments so that I can contact you if you win!  

3.  For an additional entry, you can blog, tweet, or otherwise mention the contest and link to it in the comments :)  

That's it!  Thanks for entering and huge thanks to Silver Lining Decor for the giveaway!

Anthropologie Opens in Penn Quarter

Last Thursday, I had the privilege of attending the store opening party at the new Anthropologie store in Penn Quarter.  I took the Metro in, and it was such a quick walk from the Metro Center stop.  The area is full of great restaurants and shopping already, so it's a wonderful place to put an Anthro store.

I met up with Sara and Rebecca there, which was great as usual.  There were lots of guests there, but it was in no way overcrowded.  There was an employee coming by every few minutes with a cocktail or hors d'oeuvre tray, which was very nice.  Even though there were so many guests picking up and trying on clothing, the store looked great.  I've never seen such a well-organized sale room!

Here are a few scenes from the evening:

I really loved this industrial sculpture in the midst of the most feminine and airy room of clothing.  

I also really loved this "window" with its yellow interior that peeked through to another section of the store.  

This clothing display rocked my world.  I bet it would be hard to maintain beyond opening night, but it's so intriguing!  I wonder if the store will keep doing this beyond the opening. I vote YES!

This is my fitting room roundup.  The line was l-o-n-g and I think I was in it for 30 minutes.  The good thing was that employees kept coming by with drinks for people who were waiting.  The bad was that I was less inhibited while shopping.  Note to self: never shop at Anthro tipsy. 

I'm not used to taking mirror shots with the DSLR, but here's my outfit of the night!  And boy, am I excited about it!

Thank you to Anthropologie for inviting me to the event!  I'll have some fitting room pictures up soon, since I managed to snap a few that evening.  

What do you think of the new store?  Don't you LOVE that commingled clothing display?  Or would it frustrate you too much to have everything mixed up like that?  (My mom's answer would be that she's too Type A for that business.  Right, ma?)

Review: Anjolee Pendant

Hello readers!  I have a special post for you today.  A while back, I was contacted by Anjolee.com to see if I wanted to review a necklace on my blog.  They feature diamond jewelry, like diamond necklaces, and specifically diamond pendants.  I chose a diamond pendant to review for you.  They sent the item very quickly via UPS and it arrived in perfect condition.

This is the Diamond Circle Pendant in white gold, with a CZ stone to review. 

I had seen friends and bloggers like Veronika wearing earrings or engagement rings in the round pave style and always found its simplicity elegant and feminine.  I don't own many "grown up" pieces of jewelry and this one is so much nicer than the rest of what I own.  

I wore the necklace here:

and I often reach for it when I'm going out to nice dinners with James or just want to class up an outfit.  It's so simple, but I always receive compliments on it when I wear it.  My husband loves it, too, because it's less girly and more classic than what I tend to wear.  

I would definitely recommend buying diamond jewelry from this site if you're in the market.  They offer a return policy for 30 days, which is crucial for me with online shopping, especially for something as important as diamonds.  They also usually have orders ready in about three days, which is crazy fast for jewelry production.   You can customize your order based on gold color, carat weight, length, and diamond quality, so it actually does take them time to process your customizations- they just do it really fast!

The only thing I didn't like about this necklace wasn't really Anjolee's fault.  I found the chain to be more delicate and easily tangled than all my other jewelry (since this necklace is obviously of higher quality).  I took it off and put it on my nightstand once, but then had to untangle it for about 30 minutes when I wanted to wear it again.  I think this is probably my fault, since I should have put it away properly.  

Overall, if you're in the market for a new necklace or other diamond jewelry, it seems like Anjolee has great prices and wonderful customer service.  Buying a diamond is a huge purchase and this company has a small company feel with its customer service, so you know you're taken care of.  

*This was not a paid post and features my honest experience with Anjolee.com. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Product was provided by Anjolee for the review free of charge.

Anthropologie Fall Picks

Hello, readers!  It's a wonderful Thursday and I have the day off school for Rosh Hashanah.  Shana Tova to all who celebrate the new year today :)  

I decided to finally let my guard down and browse the collection online at Anthropologie today.  Oh my, I was so overwhelmed with cute and whimsical new pieces!  Fall is always the season I do the most shopping in, and it looks like this season will be no exception.  

Tarpan Buttondown , $88, by Odille in red motif

This cute blouse comes in several prints- horses, a twee menagerie, and mice.  My favorite is the mouse blouse, since it's got a cute monochromatic pink-on-pink theme and is more subdued.  

Looking Forward Top, $78, by Deletta

A simple, beautifully draped tee.  It reminds me of my Anna Sui dress from 2008.  It looks so comfortable, too!  I'm just afraid it would be too sheer, and I worry that the rayon in it would make for an uncomfortable day of teaching.  

Slung Sash Tee, $88, by Bailey 44 in moss

A sexy tee from Anthropologie?  I love it!  I like all the colors, but am most drawn to this deep green for fall and winter.  The reviews seem promising, but I might have to hold out 'til sale to avoid paying $88 for a t-shirt. 

Adelie Blouse, $158, by Charlotte Taylor

Oh. My. Goodness.  This is definitely my #1 pick for fall, as long as it doesn't look clownish on.  It's the perfect sky blue color, with an adorable peter pan collar and cinched waist.  It looks super flattering, and I am not afraid to wear a penguin blouse.  Penguins mate for life!

Salix Petal Blouse, $98, by Odille

I love the bold primary colors and feminine shape of this blouse.  I think it would look great with pants or a skirt, and I have lots of complimentary cardigans to go with it.  

Unconditional Osier Dress, $168, by Weston Wear in blue

This cute little dress has already caused quite the buzz in our community.  It comes in a soft taupe, too, but I think I prefer the blue.  It would be perfect for a holiday work party, Thanksgiving dinner, or just with tights, boots, and a cardigan. 

Alabaster Tassels Sweater, $148, by Far Away From Close 

I don't believe I've heard of this brand at Anthro before, but I do love this darling little sweater.  It looks sweet and subdued on the model, whose makeup is seriously perfect for the colder seasons.  I love her earrings, too.

Neckercheif Sweater, $78, by Knitted and Knotted

What's not to love about a periwinkle pointelle sweater with a necktie?  It's feminine and decidedly retro, with a nice slim fit.  I'm trying to think of outfits to make with this one and many already come to mind.  The price is not bad, either, for Anthro.

AG Stevie Cords, $168, by Adriano Goldschmeid in purple

I love my AG Stevie Ankle jeans in dark gray, and years ago I tried the cords on, too.  They felt like PJs and I always wished I had just bought them.  In high school, I wore burgundy cords at least once per week, and these feel like a modern version of those.

Pleated Ponte Skirt,  $88, by Maeve

I'm a sucker for a good A-line skirt in a pretty color.  Since this one is ponte, it would be perfect for the winter months, but in a happy color to keep things fresh.  The pleats are gorgeous and I hope it doesn't make me look like a tent.

Go Lightly Wedges, $148, by Seychelles

I am definitely a lover of wedges, and these look awesome.  They are a mix of geeky librarian and chic fashonista, which I love.  The color is my only qualm.  It looks like it could get scuffed up easily.

Belted Booties, now $138.50 with the promotion, by Schuler & Sons

I adore a good bootie!  These are simple in color and shape with interesting details like the belt and open top.  I think these are a little more classy and "older" than my style usually favors, but I think that would make them a good addition to my closet.

Striped Steps Socks, Horizontal, $18, by Tinoretta

If there's one item I'm definitely getting from this list, it's these socks!  My husband loves Paul Smith socks, and when we saw these he thought they were a women's version of his own.  He bought Paul Smith socks for his groomsmen and they wore them for our wedding.  James is all the way on the left with the white shoes and rainbow socks :) 

Photo by Gabe Aceves

So, what do you think?  What are you loving for fall this year?  I can't wait to hear your picks!