Store Guide: Anthropologie

In college I'd tagged along with friends to Anthropologie, but I never went by my own initiative.  I'd browse and sometimes find a thing or two that I liked, but I was always shocked by the prices. What could possibly be the justification for charging upwards of $60 for a fairly simple cotton top? And so on and so forth.  On top of that, the "Anthro look" - you know what I'm talking about - is very distinct, and on its own, it's really just not my style. 

Then, a few years ago I made a discovery...the SALE section!  Anthropologie has one of the best year-round sale selections of any store I've ever shopped at.  The location at 375 West Broadway (near Broome Street) in my Soho neighborhood is especially wonderful.  At around the same time, I also realized that although you'll never find me decked out in head-to-toe Anthropologie, the store really does have many wonderful pieces that - for the right price - I can incorporate well into my wardrobe.  

ANTHROPOLOGIE: BUY

I especially enjoy my relatively new relationship with Anthrolopologie because of the amazing success I've had with bottoms (skirts, pants, shorts, etc.)  I've always found shopping for tops to be so much easier than bottoms, so whenever I've had great success with a particular brand or store, I stick with it! The extent of my success in this category at Anthropologie became clear to me as I prepared this post.  I've gathered a selection of Anthro bottoms from my closet in a slideshow below - each bought for $19.95, $29.95 or $39.95.

 

1) This green A-link skirt with a silk tie has pockets too!  The fresh, bright hue is amazing in the spring and summer. 2)  The cargo-green skirt with brass buttons gives me a fun way to jazz up a pencil skirt for work.

3) Super-unique, super-cute gray cargos with a bunch of zippers and pockets.  Great for a lazy day when you need a break from your jeans!  4) I.  Love.  These.  Pants.  The red color is amazing during the fall but I've worn them in every season.  The perfect, trim fit make them great for both work and play.

5) This purple skirt is cool because of the asymmetrical detail on the front.  Purple is one of those bold hues that goes with surprisingly everything!  6) These lightweight, straight-leg cargos are incredibly comfortable.  The faint violet color and tie-waist makes them playful.

 

7) These khaki Bermuda shorts are my God-send for work in summer.  I personally love the shorts-suit, which I think women can totally get away with, if done properly.  I wear them with heels and a blazer for a cool (literally) and different look.  8) The light khaki pants are amazingly versatile.  I've dressed them out for a fun night out look by rolling them up to capri-length and pairing them with an ultra-feminine top and heels.  

An additional reason why I like Anthropologie is that they have an excellent return policy.  There is actually no time limit for when you can return, as long as the item is unworn.  With your receipt, you'll always get your money back (versus store credit).

ANTHROPOLOGIE: DON'T BUY

Don't buy items full price if you cannot determine what is driving the cost up so high.  An intricately beaded shirt, yes, should cost more.  The plain cotton "Artful Layering Tank" for example, should not cost $38.  In fact, stay away entirely from the "Basic Layers" category.  Please, buy your basic layers at Target or Old Navy.

FINAL TIP
If you  pay frequent visits to the store, you'll find that every so often, sale items are an extra 25% off... a true shopping victory!