Anthropologie: more fun to shop than wear? (Update in #55)

[citymama]

I love browsing at Anthropologie - the store I go to is very whimsical and fun. The clothes also look whimsical and sometimes even elegant hanging on the racks. I'm always enticed to walk away with something. All the posts on the MomWear boards lead me to believe others enjoy shopping here too.

So why is it that everything I've ever bought there either gets returned or hangs in my closet unworn and unwearable? The sweaters are super itchy. I've had one top that looked really cute in store but looked like a clown shirt when I wore it at home. Another shirt fit well everywhere except the armpits were ridiculously tight. The high waist cords are kind of uncomfy - they hit me right at the belly button - yes, my least concave part. Most of the other clothes end up looking fussy and frumpy on me with all the ruffles and cords. (I should point out my style is very simple and unfussy. Minimum accessories and layers.)

I don't have any such problem with Boden or BR or AT or Athleta or anywhere else I shop. A few duds, sure, but not across the board like this.

Have I just had bad luck with Anthro or does anyone else feel this way? I suspect it will continue to draw me in with its cuteness but I will try and leave my credit cards at home. ;)

ETA: Extra credit: is arivecchi the only person on the planet who can pull of their clothes with panache? ;) ETAA: and goldenpig with her red Anthro coat!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I have the same issue. But, I have to add in that being short is a factor too, I think. None of the adorable dresses work for me b/c they hit below the knee (unflattering to me). I also just don't think I am cool enough to pull off the styles. I am not trendy nor funky. :)

[TwinFoxes]

I've said before, I like Anthro on other people but I always feel like I'm in costume when I wear their stuff.

[elektra]

Anthro has tons of clown clothes! LOL!
I seriously have to stay away from over half the stuff I see there because it is just too girly/clownish. I do think the stuff looks very sweet, but a lot of the 40's inspired stuff with poofy sleeves and/or ruffles just looks ridiculous on me.

However, I still really like a lot of the stuff I find there- it is often the "plainer" stuff.
I actually really like my highwaisted cords.

I also have worn a somewhat funky scarf over and over- but I feel like a funky-printed scarf is actually cool vs. clownlike, as some funky-printed pants might be.

I have J. Brand flares I got there. A splendid button up plain white top. A plain gray dress, plain gray dressy shorts.....
oh and how can i forget the arivecchi poncho!

[sunnyside]

I have this issue to a point.

I have had great luck with easy cardigans there. I have gotten some real winners. That and the occasional shirt. I don't shop pants there or skirts or dresses. Just mainly cardigans and tops to go with my staple: Jeans.

I found that the unique cardigans they sometimes have look great with any simple tank top and jeans, and make it easy to be pulled together with zero effort. I could never do top, skirt, cardigan, tights, shoes etc. Way too many variables for someone like me.

[arivecchi]

I think you have to know what types of things work for you at Anthro since they carry so many different brands. I would say I don't like about 85% of the things there for me. They may look cute on others, but not great on me or are NMS. The things I do end up buying from there I love and are in constant rotation.

[citymama]

I think you have to know what types of things work for you at Anthro since they carry so many different brands. I would say I don't like about 85% of the things there for me. They may look cute on others, but not great on me or are NMS. The things I do end up buying from there I love and are in constant rotation.

You didn't answer the extra credit question! ;)

[ett]

I agree with you that it's fun shopping there, but a lot of their clothing definitely makes me look like a clown. But I have found a number of simpler/plainer items that fit me well.

[elektra]

ETA: Extra credit: is arivecchi the only person on the planet who can pull of their clothes with panache? ;)

arivecchi could probably pull off almost anything, but goldenpig pulls of anthro looks quite well too! even better than arivecchi I think! She actually looks adorable in a lot of the girly stuff that just doesn't work on me.

But as we all know, anthro is much more "feminine romantic" (wasn't that it?) which is much more up goldenpig's alley. ;)

whereas arivecchi owns the "urban equestrienne" category!

[lovin2shop]

I've had mostly hits, but definitely a couple of duds. I really tend to like their airy, spring tops as I really like "pretty" in the warmer months. I don't do as well with their winter options. I did love the high waist cords, although I bought another pair of *really* flared Pilcro cords that I really don't care for anymore. Swish, swish, swish....

[arivecchi]

LOL! I doubt it! I always see girls in the dressing room that look fantastic in things I would not dream to wear. I agree with elektra, a lot of their items are too frilly/loud for me. I tend to like their solid/plain pieces. Here are my latest Anthro purchases:


http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24181083_008_b?$redesign-appcat$ (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopsale-dresses2/24181083.jsp)http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24498644_069_b?$redesign-appcat$ (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=24498644&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS&color=069)http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24047391_041_b?$redesign-appcat$ (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopsale-dresses2/24047391.jsp)

[arivecchi]

but goldenpig pulls of anthro looks quite well too! even better than arivecchi I think! She actually looks adorable in a lot of the girly stuff that just doesn't work on me. :yeahthat:

Agreed! I feel like Anthro is so perfect for a girl with goldenpig's eclectic/romantic style!

And elektra has been known to go nuts at Anthro every now and then and she looks great in their stuff too. :)

[arivecchi]

I did love the high waist cords, although I bought another pair of *really* flared Pilcro cords that I really don't care for anymore. Swish, swish, swish.... I have two of those cords and I love them (wore them a ton this winter), but yes, wish they were not so noisy! Fortunately, I live in the city, but I can definitely hear the swishing in the office!

[mjmamma]

I love that plaid top!

I do well in there but their prices keep me at bay a bit, but I'm frugal (aren't we all :rotflmao: )

[♥ms.pacman♥]

i'm fairly new to Anthro, but recently got about half a dozen items there. the only anthro stuff that' i wear everyday would be the ponchos. they were super comfy, warm and i could easily wear them out shopping with kids. i loved them and wore one almost every day (though now it's too hot to wear them, boo). the other stuff was great (i got a dress, a skirt, a sweater top, khakis) but just not as comfy/practical for everday wear as a SAHM of 2 LOs..i didnt' want it getting ripped, stained, etc. but i do wear it on special occasions and stuff.

i think i would buy & wear Anthro waaay more if i WOH, and i could get away with wearing nice clothing on a daily basis.

[citymama]

I do well in there but their prices keep me at bay a bit, but I'm frugal (aren't we all :rotflmao: )

Part of my problem might be that I buy only on like 75% mark down, which means I'm getting the stuff that didn't sell so well.

[ltmommy]

I would kind of disagree with this. I have bought some items, mostly dresses, that I wear over and over and over again, and every time I wear them I am impressed with how original, stylish, and high-quality they are (despite the fact that they were 50-75% off).

Now I do have to counter that I usually try on 10-20 items when I go in there, and MAYBE one or two are hits. It is not uncommon for me to walk out with nothing. I usually stick to tops, sweaters and dresses, and I have a pretty good idea of what works on my body type. I would never, ever order any of their clothes online without trying them on because there is like a 95% chance it won't work.

But the things that do work, I find they are just so beautiful and well-made, and just so different from everything else that I see. It's weird, I rarely see something in the catalog that strikes me, but every now and then I will try on something that is just really, really flattering. I just bought this dress with my birthday coupon after waiting since December for it to go on sale with no luck: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/20803672.jsp?color=030

[boolady]

I don't know about more fun to shop than wear, but I was going to post a thread yesterday about a top I got there that has totally not held up the way it should for what it cost. I can't find a picture of it, but the brand was Ttees...it's a patterned top, a blend, that I got for a date night. The navy on it has looked faded since the first time I washed it (according to directions) and it just made me wonder if others have had issues with some of their cute tops or other pieces in brands I've really only ever seen there.

ETA: I ask because I've maybe worn and washed it 3 or 4 times at this point, and it looks like junk. I really don't think I can wear it again, because it looks like I've had it for about 10 years. I don't think that for $68, that should be the case.

[ett]

I don't know about more fun to shop than wear, but I was going to post a thread yesterday about a top I got there that has totally not held up the way it should for what it cost. I can't find a picture of it, but the brand was Ttees...it's a patterned top, a blend, that I got for a date night. The navy on it has looked faded since the first time I washed it (according to directions) and it just made me wonder if others have had issues with some of their cute tops or other pieces in brands I've really only ever seen there.

ETA: I ask because I've maybe worn and washed it 3 or 4 times at this point, and it looks like junk. I really don't think I can wear it again, because it looks like I've had it for about 10 years. I don't think that for $68, that should be the case.

If you still have your receipt, I would definitely take it back to the store. I've only started shopping there within that past year, so I can't attest to how stuff holds up, but it should definitely be more than 3 or 4 times. I expect even Target quality items to last longer than that.

[elektra]

I don't know about more fun to shop than wear, but I was going to post a thread yesterday about a top I got there that has totally not held up the way it should for what it cost. I can't find a picture of it, but the brand was Ttees...it's a patterned top, a blend, that I got for a date night. The navy on it has looked faded since the first time I washed it (according to directions) and it just made me wonder if others have had issues with some of their cute tops or other pieces in brands I've really only ever seen there.

ETA: I ask because I've maybe worn and washed it 3 or 4 times at this point, and it looks like junk. I really don't think I can wear it again, because it looks like I've had it for about 10 years. I don't think that for $68, that should be the case.

Some of the items there do seem like very good quality to me, and some are not. I got a safari jacket and it ripped at the shoulder seam a week later. I took it back (with receipt) and they just exchanged it for me.
My guess is that they would help you out somehow (credit at least) if you take the top back in.

[AnnieW625]

My favorite cotton yoga capris are from there that I bought them when I was newly pregnant with DD1 in 2005. I have wanted more since, but Anthro. no longer keeps them. Kind of like the Trader Joe's clothing, it is rare they keep the same stuff all of the time., and somewhere in a box of clothes I haven't worn since pre baby we lost is a sleeveless Anthro. top I love. Other than that ponchos look horrid on me, and if I don't need nick nacks or Capri brand candles I just don't buy much there.

[tarnator]

So weird....I was just in the store an hour ago....
I bought a sweater/cardigan there and I think it is going to be great! It was strange though, the medium was unflattering even though it still looked like it fit, and there was almost no difference between the small and the x-small.

I will agree though that it is hit or miss. Actually, my DH really dislikes most of my anthro stuff, he prefers more tailored stuff - like everything that I have ever bought at Boden....

[Globetrotter]

I agree, citymama. I think it's because we are short and a lot of those theatrical flowing styles overpower us or hit at the wrong places. I love the idea of anthro. But perhaps 20% of the items suit me.

[goldenpig]

OK I love Anthro but I agree it takes some digging around! They carry lots of different designers so there is a lot of variation. You have to be selective, not everything is going to appeal to or look good on everyone.

I bought a lot of stuff there and what I bought has held up well so far. But you have to target what fits your style. I agree, they do tend toward a fussy/frilly-ruffly/maximal/embellished/boho vibe, which may not be your cup of tea. Even I don't like most of the stuff they carry. They have tons of "crazy grandma" sweaters and wild prints that even I wouldn't wear, and I have a high tolerance for crazy prints (like I bought a bright yellow blouse with owls on it). Like they'll sell things like a maxi dress with ants all over it (ugh--makes my skin crawl!). Sometimes I wonder who buys that stuff!

But I still found plenty of things to fit my whimsical romantic taste. I had the best luck with the outerwear, skirts and dresses. I used to browse online and then go in and try on only the stuff that I found online (otherwise it is easy to get overwhelmed). You can read the reviews to see if there are going to be problems or fit issues with that particular piece. And I always saved my receipts and kept track of the weekly sales and I ended up getting most of my pieces on sale, either at the outset, or sometimes with price adjustments.

Also, they have a really generous return policy (no time limit) so if you ever have a problem with an item, they'll take it back. I like shopping there and at Nordstrom because of their return policies, it makes me less nervous to buy something. I haven't shopped at Anthro for a few months now, and am trying not to shop at all for the next few months, but I definitely will still shop there in the future.

In defense of Anthro, I'll post some of my favorite Anthro finds (there are some treasures if you dig around!):
Outerwear:
The famous red corset trench!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y_Fv6nB9gnU/TyY2HA87hJI/AAAAAAAAA70/gs7tCDAPC2I/s400/IMG_8640.jpg

Purple tweed coat with faux fur collar
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ouJ7p68ISu0/T3OtXjKMvsI/AAAAAAAABAc/SdCotUv3N0M/s400/b27be76e59d64a6a9ba0872e0c7131bf_image.jpg

Golden Gate Cardigan purple poncho:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C9HvXd3lXJg/T3OtXn8LSqI/AAAAAAAABAU/8gJrplLXn3c/s400/P116001119_image.jpg

Mustard blazer:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a93G7LiJ7Bk/T3OteIvyl5I/AAAAAAAABBc/5sE_PPgFm8E/s400/IMG_303690_image.jpg

Jeans:
AG red snakeskin skinny jeans:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VRyAyeuEsBQ/T3OtXv0sPqI/AAAAAAAABAY/MJKg6PdS4og/s400/4914e1ec4ec410821b28a75e1d731123_image.jpg

Blouses:
Lemon Liftoff owl blouse:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5u1uSd3s5QE/TqWTJjdy2XI/AAAAAAAAAzM/6VQOJJcic1o/s400/P1160531.JPGhttps://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0KBAOWTHMs/TqWTKomHEAI/AAAAAAAAAzM/nAT8IhzIxBU/s400/P1160536.JPG

[goldenpig]

Dresses:
Winter Tree shirtdress:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hByilpkKXX8/TsPTeb1sQZI/AAAAAAAAA0s/SBIPfASWu20/s400/P1170378.jpg

Bailey 44 tiered striped dress in orange:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T1GFq5icoN4/TwQP-9f679I/AAAAAAAAA3o/-p7yuXcGvIs/s400/IMG_032056_image.jpg

Skirts:
Liquid Acres pencil skirt:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zsVwC9bF0rQ/T3OtYhMi7sI/AAAAAAAABAo/5xVITn6igGM/s400/284592166485de98998bf939531eec77_image.jpg

Orange tile print skirt:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rReRgG5OjDo/T3OtYvEj4wI/AAAAAAAABAw/el258i-8d40/s400/3a9e26467b78ba0923fb3129cadbad83_image.jpg

Floral skirt:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MskL3ryokU4/TwQP-ZyKvBI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/kQGy9_2x01M/s400/P1170546_image.jpg

[goldenpig]

Also, I just wanted to add that they have so many different designers and styles that people with very different tastes can still find things to suit them. Arivecchi and Elektra and I dress very differently but we all love shopping there! I see that Arivecchi posted some of her new finds.

Here's something for Elektra (I could totally see her wearing this with white jeans and sunglasses):
Manu Blouse (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopnew-clothes/24609851.jsp)
http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24609851_049_b?$product410x615$

or this Hera Feather Dress (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopsale-freshcuts/23831167.jsp)
http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/23831167_095_b?$product410x615$

As for me, I don't think there's a whole lot right now that I'm interested in (which is convenient since I'm trying to shop my closet!). I'd love this blouse if it weren't $330--yikes! Most of my stuff I bought there, I got on sale in the $35-100 range.
Plumeria Peplum Blouse (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-blouses/24391799.jsp)
http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24391799_009_b

[Puddy73]

I have the same problem. I love the way their clothes look online and on the racks but they look ridiculous on me. I think you have to be thin to look good in most of their clothes. I'm tall, muscular and curvy (Serena Williams body type) and I look like I'm wearing a costume.

[arivecchi]

I am keeping my eye on:

http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24165029_015_b?$redesign-appcat$

http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24031932_049_b?$redesign-appcat$

http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24539207_015_b?$redesign-appcat$

http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/23187040_029_b?$redesign-appcat$

[joules]

Like they'll sell things like a maxi dress with ants all over it (ugh--makes my skin crawl!). Sometimes I wonder who buys that stuff!



Was it a blue-green dress with orange ants? If so, the sales person was wearing this the last time I was there. At first I thought "hmmm...interesting." but then thought it looked totally cute on her. But definitely something I can't pull off.

[goldenpig]

Was it a blue-green dress with orange ants? If so, the sales person was wearing this the last time I was there. At first I thought "hmmm...interesting." but then thought it looked totally cute on her. But definitely something I can't pull off.

Yes! Totally wrong color, wrong length, wrong print for me. But I guess other people must like it:
Fire Ants Maxi Dress (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopsale-dresses2/23301815.jsp)
http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/23301815_038_b?$product410x615$
Atlantic-Pacific (http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/2011/10/retro.html)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1lN3nMN3YM/Tp3o1mpUR_I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/4iF5mjBsHBU/s898/RETRO%2B33.jpg

[TxCat]

Ha! I feel like I could have written the OP. In fact, I think I wrote a variation of it back in the fall. Anthropologie and I have never really gotten along. But, on the favorite outfits thread, Anthro was getting so much love around here, and everyone looked so cute in it, I thought I would give it another chance. I spent 2 hours trying stuff on - nothing worked, or it was really badly made (ie, a skirt that fell apart at the waistband in the dressing room!). I don't even think it's a strict body type thing - I'm on the tallish side and thin (5'8" and a size 0-2), and it just doesn't work for me. That being said, I still get drawn in by the pretty pictures online and in the catalog - I'm intrigued enough by some of the items that GP and arivecchi posted, I might stop by this weekend. On the other hand, I'm on a shopping diet right now. ;)

[citymama]

TXCat, we're sisters, same body type except I'm a couple of inches shorter than you. I think I lack panache b/c I just can't pull off the Anthro look despite having the supposed right build for some of their stuff! But seriously, the fabrics are so coarse and itchy. No? I'm pretty intolerant of the slightest discomfort in my clothing.

Goldenpig and arivecchi, I love you guys. You make it look so effortless to be stylish and can pull off just about anything. (Elektra, that goes for you too!) The items you posted look so awesome, GP, but they'd just look like a costume on me.

So, where else do you shop that's more minimalist and less fussy? Or maybe it's time to start another thread...

[ilfaith]

Okay, that ant dress is a bit creepy crawly for me, but I did see a pair of shorts with bees on them that I thought were adorable.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-pants/23876162.jsp

I don't have much success at Anthro either (although I did buy THE poncho last fall.) I think part of my issue is their winter clothes just aren't right for my climate. So many heavy bulky sweaters aren't really necessary in Florida...and I really don't do a lot of layering. But as much as I love the look of their retro-inspired dresses, they don't really fit my lifestyle. I don't have much need for a full-skirted halter neck sundress (unless anyone is having a Mad Men party). And while I love the idea of a bold print, I find they can often be overwhelming since I am petite (similarly, because I am just 5'2", their dresses and pants almost all require significant alterations...because the length and volume is often too much for little me). Part of me loves the costume-y aspect of their clothes, but I usually have a reality check and ask myself where on earth I would wear these things. Then I wander into the Gap a few doors down and buy yet another simple tee shirt.

[goldenpig]

So, where else do you shop that's more minimalist and less fussy?

I really love White House Black Market! And Nordstrom. J Crew has a lot of stylish classics. I shop at Gap and H&M too. I haven't been to Banana Republic and Ann Taylor in ages (most of my old wardrobe came from those two stores) but I think they have a lot of good stuff too. I've heard good things about Zara but haven't ever bought anything from there.

I haven't caught on to the Boden and Athleta trains yet...you guys will have to give me a tutorial once I can start shopping again...

[elektra]

Here's something for Elektra (I could totally see her wearing this with white jeans and sunglasses):
Manu Blouse (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopnew-clothes/24609851.jsp)
http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/24609851_049_b?$product410x615$

or this Hera Feather Dress (http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopsale-freshcuts/23831167.jsp)
http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/23831167_095_b?$product410x615$


You know me well goldenpig! I was eyeing that dress earlier this week. :)

[mimi2008]

glad to hear it's not just me who feels this way about anthro. Most of the time, I don't even bother to go in this store and walk right by. Stuff in there is not petite friendly. Also, i'd say the style is quirky-vintage, stuff you would find in a nicer-second hand store near a college campus. also, price tag is steep IMO, esp for quirky clothes. not my cup of tea.

i have only bought 2 things there: a silk scarf and leather pumps (shoes i love but still have not worn).

i love their home decor items and the overall feel of the store though.

[Globetrotter]

TXCat, we're sisters, same body type except I'm a couple of inches shorter than you.

why did I think you were petite? :D Never mind that theory.
The ant dress has got to go.

[hellokitty]

I'm so relieved to see this thread. I thought I was the only one who couldn't wear (or afford) anthro stuff. That ant dress creeps me out, BUT my kids would think it was frickin' awesome if I wore it, lmao! If they made that dress in a boy shirt version, it would sell like hotcakes.

[anamika]

Eh, I never got the Anthro appeal. I can just look at the clothes and see how they would never work for me. I went in once to get boots on sale. They didn't have my size so Anthro has never gotten my business.
But I love seeing how it looks on other people!

[arivecchi]

So, where else do you shop that's more minimalist and less fussy? Or maybe it's time to start another thread... BR and JCrew are great classic options although I am not a huge fan.

Here are my fave classic lines: Theory (you can find it at a discount at Nordstrom Rack and dept. store end of season sales - the quality is great and I always end up wearing everything I buy from this line for years, so $wise, a great investment), Polo (their website has great sales), Vince (can be found at a discount at NR), BCBG (some items are frilly but they carry a lot of neutral/classic pieces too) and Max Studio (their site has great sales).

I also love to browse on piperlime, zappos and Amazon. I also buy some of the more subdued/solid pieces from Boden.

[citymama]

I really love White House Black Market! And Nordstrom. J Crew has a lot of stylish classics. I shop at Gap and H&M too. I haven't been to Banana Republic and Ann Taylor in ages (most of my old wardrobe came from those two stores) but I think they have a lot of good stuff too. I've heard good things about Zara but haven't ever bought anything from there.

I haven't caught on to the Boden and Athleta trains yet...you guys will have to give me a tutorial once I can start shopping again...


BR and JCrew are great classic options although I am not a huge fan.

Here are my fave classic lines: Theory (you can find it at a discount at Nordstrom Rack and dept. store end of season sales - the quality is great and I always end up wearing everything I buy from this line for years, so $wise, a great investment), Polo (their website has great sales), Vince (can be found at
a discount at NR), BCBG (some items are frilly but they carry a lot of neutral/classic pieces too) and Max Studio (their
site has great sales).

I also love to browse on piperlime, zappos and Amazon. I also buy some of
the more subdued/solid pieces from Boden.

Thanks, style divas! The few things I have from Max Studio/Mara and BCBG fit me really well. When I was younger I shopped at Benetton! I love my Splendid pieces. My body type does well with the athletic, no-fuss brands like Athleta and Patagonia. I do fine at Gap, BR, AT but so rarely shop in store any more. Some Boden works great, some items are too
huge on me at the bust (yep, non existent, even while nursing a toddler!). I do love the more fun Boden styles; I'm not a fan on more preppy styles like Polo or Talbots. I saw a dress I loved at White/Black, but I've never tried them. Great suggestion!

[sntm]

I love Anthro stuff. I agree that you have to have a certain aesthetic to make it work. I'm fairly girly, but usually more classically girly (Kate Spade, etc.) so some of the more hipsterish stuff I can't do. That said, I love a lot of my Anthro stuff. I couldn't find a pic of one of my favorite dresses, a 40s style puffed sleeve, high waist, big circle skirt dress in dusky blue with bicycles printed on it, or a skirt I loved that was white cotton gauze with large red poppies printed on it (that I was wearing when I fell for one of the great loves of my life) but here's some others (I think this was all anthro stuff. I know I've bought a ton over the years.)

Gah, forgot to embed them. anyway, the coat I wear all the time, the blue/white striped dress is full length and makes me feel like Daisy Buchanan.

BTW, I love the ant dress. I am very tempted...

[DrSally]

I don't have much from Anthro, but I love their displays and houseware. Some of their dresses are just so intricately crocheted/embroidered and just beautiful. Gone by the time they go on clearance though. I think part of it is that you have to put a whole outfit together, and that can be hard (for me at least) wo/ guidance when you're using unusual pieces. I do think some of their brands use a surprising amount of acrylic in their sweaters.

[queenmama]

I get excited every time I walk into Anthro but I rarely buy anything to wear... I think they have such a knack for merchandising that the displays suck us in! I do love their housewares, though. And I bought their red plaid swing coat this winter which carried me through my 7th month of pregnancy! (It's too warm to wear now)

Their sister store, Free People, is more my style anyway. I'd say 90% of my clothes over the last 8 years or so have come from there, and I almost always buy online.

Sent from my Android phone using Tapatalk

[citymama]

Shannon, your Anthro looks super cute on you!

[TxCat]

Some Boden works great, some items are too
huge on me at the bust (yep, non existent, even while nursing a toddler!).

Yup, we're sisters. :D It's not always easy for me to find stuff that fits me well in the bust area. Sadly.

My list is basically the same as arivecchi's (shocker ;) ). I often look at BR and J Crew for more everyday basic stuff - they tend to have a lot of styles that are flattering for less curvy figures. And their XS or 0 sizes tend to fit me well on top. Theory and Vince are really nice and well-made and great deals if you find them during end-of-season sales. Max Mara and Ralph Lauren are more pricey, but again, if you find a good sale, or you find a great piece, it might be worth it.

And, you can always go to Anthro for belts, scarves or household items.

[tarnator]

The one thing that makes me love Anthro is that their stuff is not 'boring'. I can walk past the Gap, ON, BR, and a lot of other stores and it is the exact same stuff, season after season.

Having said that, I just spent about $500 in anthro....it is all going back except 2 cardigans. Somehow my home mirror is much more harsh than the store!

[goldenpig]

Shannon, wow you look great in Anthro! Love all of them, especially the coat and the orange dress!

Tarnator--yes, the Anthro mirrors do tend to make everything look good, don't they!

[elektra]

Is that you in the coat sntm? I thought it was a picture of the models from a catalog!

[Globetrotter]

Is that you in the coat sntm? I thought it was a picture of the models from a catalog!

:yeahthat:

Wow!

[sntm]

Is that you in the coat sntm? I thought it was a picture of the models from a catalog!

You have MADE my day! Those were pro pictures taken by a friend of ours a month ago (so 6 months pregnant.) I'm basically feeling like a ginormous dowdy lump these days, so I will Eat Up the compliments!!!

[elbenn]

Is that you in the coat sntm? I thought it was a picture of the models from a catalog!

Yes. I wasn't sure if that was a professional picture until I saw you in the other pictures. Great picture.

[arivecchi]

Shannon, wow you look great in Anthro! Love all of them, especially the coat and the orange dress!

Tarnator--yes, the Anthro mirrors do tend to make everything look good, don't they!
:yeahthat: to both comments!

[arivecchi]

My list is basically the same as arivecchi's (shocker ;) ). I often look at BR and J Crew for more everyday basic stuff - they tend to have a lot of styles that are flattering for less curvy figures. And their XS or 0 sizes tend to fit me well on top. Theory and Vince are really nice and well-made and great deals if you find them during end-of-season sales. Max Mara and Ralph Lauren are more pricey, but again, if you find a good sale, or you find a great piece, it might be worth it. We do have the same tastes! Must go shopping together sometime! :)

[citymama]

I found myself drawn, as if by a magnetic force, into the Anthropologie store earlier today. And the same magnet made me pull about 6 things off the rack, try them on, and in a 10 minute span of time, walk out of the store with 2 of them and wanting more. I'm wondering if they will work out this time!

Um, who started this thread?

Here's what I got:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-knitstees/24559254.jsp
The crossover fabric is quite flattering, or seemed to be in that perfect Anthro dressing room light!

And a lightweight cardigan like this one, except in tan, and it was on sale for about half that price:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-knitstees/24769499.jsp

Definitely fun to shop there - let's see about the wearing!

[arivecchi]

I like both of the pieces you picked out! They seem very versatile. Hope they work out!

[DrSally]

Loving that stacked v neck top. I have a dress like that, and the layers are very slimming.

[crl]

Nice! Hope they work out. :D

Catherine

[kozachka]

Shannon, wow you look great in Anthro!

Love you in the coat and black top. I am also more of a classical girly type and have trouble shopping at Anthro, but maybe I should just try harder ;).

[lmintzer]

LOL--I had to go back and look. I thought that was a catalog photo, too, sntm.

[marylovesbennyhill]

I went here for the firsr time and found it to be a pretty store. The sale items were shovwd into a tiny space which made for uncomfortable browsing. Some of the items were lovely....on sale anyway