Anthropologie has made its August preview page available to loyalty members! There are a few promising items and many more worthy of discussion. My favorite item on the page is easily the Lia Embellished Tank ($118, above) which looks promisingly cute with all its details and embellishment and such — and hopefully is not too short.
I’m also cautiously optimistic about the flutter-sleeved Harlow Embroidered V-Neck Pullover ($118), the Anya Sleeveless Lace Top ($88) and the Embroidered Split-Neck Top ($88). None of these are making me jump out of my chair to run to the nearest Anthropologie store but they are cute enough that I’ll make a lunch-break stop-in.
The one item that did make me go “ooooohhhhhh” was the Ynez Tunic Dress ($148, above), a truly beautiful offering. I see it being perfect with a denim jacket or long cardigan over it. I want this! I’m also pleasantly curious about the Wrapped Shirtdress ($138), which is highly reviewed (yet in the preview…?) and has at least 3 cute patterns to choose from.
My god though, what even is some of this other stuff? I’m scratching my head trying to figure out items like the Milou Dress ($138) which has a pretty print but an awful cut, and while cute the Velvet Swing Dress ($148) is wandering way too far into Free People territory. Is Anthro trying to cannibalize its own sister store? That seems like a poorly thought-out strategy.
It gets worse too.
- I had the Teagan Lace Dress — when I was 3 years old, and I’m sure it didn’t cost $138. What is up with this juvenile stuff Anthro keeps foisting on us?
- The Tisdale Embroidered Dress ($158) is literally a nightgown masquerading as daywear, but not the cute sorta slinky nightgown, the “I give up” kinda nightgown
- Also nightgowny, and not in the cute way? The M.i.h Langley Embroidered Dress ($398), which is insultingly expensive for an item not made of diamonds or something.
- The Lenka Printed Jumpsuit ($188) was tailor-made for Juliette Moore’s character in “The Big Lebowski.” As for the rest of us? No, just no.
Suffice it to say, I weep for the future. I truly hope this is not the best of what Anthropologie has to offer for Fall or they’re still going to be off my must-go shopping list for new clothing. I’m just sad.
So many of these items have no tailoring or thought about fit. Someone suggested in a recent comment that by not tailoring their items Anthro is saving on production costs and I fear that may be their angle. What an awful, awful turn of events it’s been recently at my former favorite store. I can’t even pretend to like half this stuff.
Below are all the pre-shop items. You can also visit the first dibs page here. Am I wrong in my assessment? What do you like, not like, and so on in the pre-shop? If you aren’t swooning over the new stuff here, Anthro also made its sale an extra 40% off and made all orders FREE SHIPPING too. (No code required.) My most recent sale picks are in this post.
Thanks for the post Roxy!!!
I loooooooveeeee Ynez Tunic Dress and Embroidered high neck Blouse by Akemi Kin
FYI today it's 40% off sale and FS yay!!!! But I'm still wondering if I want anything ?
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I see the extra % off sale now! I'll update the post to reflect. Thanks Nam!
I actually purchased the Ynez Tunic Dress this past weekend online when it was 20% off. It was super cute but I found that it fit (for me at least) like a bag 🙁 I am very slender and generally wear an XXSP and that size was still too big for me so I had to send it back. The dress is really cute though.
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Oh no! That's a total bummer, it does seem like a lot of Anthro's stuff runs big, especially at the smaller end.
Yes! Though I have noticed that some of their stuff has gotten a big larger/shapeless. I also just generally have a difficult time finding things that fit (and I prefer a more fitted look) though Anthro can be an exception.
You must be so tiny! That's such a bummer when you're sized out of certain clothes you want, I remember that feeling about twenty years ago lol. Now it's the opposite and I'm too busty and some things seem to fit me better but then again there's certain tops and dresses I'd just love to wear like I used to but just can't anymore because that:(
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Like the Leah Dress maybe, which I was delighted to find in-store on the onesies rack and it fit me everywhere except the bust? ???
<img src="http://bit.ly/2eRHuuG">
Of course right? That's such a pretty color too!
Aww, yes, I think I'm on the smaller side 🙂 but I've had good luck with Anthro and their petites sizing. I think its only more recently that their sizing has been larger and more shapeless, but a lot of that is their style which I am so sad to see. I do hope they can come back to what they used to offer – I feel like I hunt on ebay now for inspiration and style! I'm still really hoping that they can come back. In the meantime, I've found some really cute (and well-fitting) things at White House Black Market.
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Yesssss, I am LOVING WHBM right now! I just bought a really cute outfit there — basically the outfit shown below which is this one-shoulder top and a pair of crop jeans that are currently sold out on the website.
LOVE this!! This is also something that reminded me of Anthro: https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/produ…
I do really like WHBM, but I love Anthro more and am hoping that they go back to their loveliness!
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Understood! I feel the same way. ?
One other thing I like about WHBM — their jewelry is costume surely, but is like a less expensive interpretation of Sundance's stuff. (I love Sundance but can only afford one or two jewelry pieces from them per year.) Anyway, you've inspired me to put together a WHBM outfit post! Look for it next week or the week after, depending on how my work schedule turns out.
Agreed! Their jewelry is really nice. The other difference with WHBM is that I'm finding their clothing much more age appropriate (as a woman in her late 30s 🙂 ) than Anthropologie. Thanks for all of your posts Roxy, I don't comment often but LOVE your blog.
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♥️❤️?
Do you mind sharing your measurements? I'm trying to figure out if I should order an xs petite or xxs petite. I'm 5'3 and about 111 lbs. Thanks!
The Lia Embellished Tank is my favorite piece from this pre-shop and the Cynara Midi Dress is also a close second!
But overall I find the majority of Anthro's clothing offerings to be juvenile. I'm sick of the tassels and cold-shoulder tops, I don't know who they are targeting. Luckily Free People has stepped things up to fill in the gap and provide unique and mature items.
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They really have, and it feels weird to think of them as mature but they've had a great mix of items for all ages lately!
Seriously! Tassels on everything! Overkill
I purchased the ynez dress with the 20% off sale and I'm still waiting for it to come… I'm cautiously optimistic as I am curvy, so I'm hoping that the larger fit will be perfect for my body type… But in general I agree with Lindinha. I feel like I'm going to scream if I see another cold shoulder, tasseled, bedazzled, embroidered piece of clothing. Especially when said clothing is shapeless and ill fitting… Give me something classic, fitted and flattering with a touch of anthro-of-old flair and I'll be back to being a loyal customer. I have a birthday discount this month and where I usually had to whittle down my choices to just two or three items from a list of ten, I'm having trouble making the $150 minimum so I can save on shipping. To be honest, I'm finding more flattering clothing in Loft – their prices are great, they have sales every week and their clothing is flattering for most body shapes. They may not be as quirky as Anthropologie clothing used to be, but they stand the test of time. I hope Anthropologie takes note and makes some changes.
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I agree about LOFT. I haven't done much shopping this summer compared to last year, but LOFT and Madewell have gotten the majority of what I have spent!
LOL, the Milous dress was actually the only thing I wishlisted from the preview. The shape reminds me of last years' Aveline lace dress which fit me well. I could see it looking cute with a leather jacket and boots. Still, I'd be waiting for it to hit sale before I would buy (because that's just the way I look at Anthro these days.)
The rest of it is just awful. If it looks nice the fabric ls horrific. And like all the others I'm so tired of the shapeless styles and poor quality they are pushing on us lately. Free People looks poised to get all my money this fall.
I did get a few accessories at the 20% off sale this weekend, and I have to recommend this topper. I used to have one of these about 25 years ago and somehow lost it and have been looking for a replacement ever since. It's 100% cotton, fits well, and the pattern is really cute. Sold out in black, but will hopefully pop back: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/lola-crocheted… Also, I grabbed this necklace a few weeks ago, and am surprised at how much I'm wearing it. I might have the "pink" color – it looks lavender to me (so maybe that's another color that isn't online yet?) https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/shimmer-lariat…
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That topper is seriously cute!
I had a topper just like that back in 93'! I think I wore it until it died or I lost it at a club:D
Haha, Jess, I think I lost mine the same way. I was living in London at the time and got it at Camden market.
How cool is that? That had to be one of the best places for shopping during that time and I remember always wanting to go!
Agree with your assessment, Roxy. I had similar thoughts viewing this latest offering.
I'm curious what you bought at Madewell. Lately many of their items have looked like shapeless sacks to me, just two rectangles of cloth sewn together. Especially bummed about the Courier shirts. They've come in such cute fabric patterns, but I just can't seem to figure out how to get them to look good on me.
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??? I hear you, I think especially on their website Madewell is really good at making everything look shapeless!
I did some sponsored posts with Madewell in the Spring, and part of my compensation was a gift card. So I used that card to buy the Finale Tank Top in cream (which I went all the way up to an XL in for bust coverage, and then tailored the way-too-long straps), the High-Rise Denim Boyshorts in Tile White: Button-Through Edition (which I took a 31 in and looooooooove) and the Curvelink Pendant Necklace. I wear this together as an outfit — you can see it on a dress form by scrolling down in this post.
A couple of weeks ago I bought the Gingham Tier Top (I took a medium) and the Nashville Sunglasses in milky pearl. I wear these together with a white denim skirt I bought at Madewell last year.
Then when they were running their extra 30% off sale promotion last week, I bought the Whipstitch Saddle Bag and the Dakota Shoulder Bag in true black. I feel like I'm forgetting a dress or two right now — I will check my closet when I'm home tonight. ?
I'm also really excited about their new arrivals! I'll have a post on them next week. I am crossing my fingers for a promo.
Thanks so much, Roxy. I'll check out your ideas.
I remember seeing your posts in the Spring and enjoyed them very much. I hope you get to do sponsored posts with Madewell again. I loved how you styled all the looks and spent quite a bit of time studying them.
Looking forward to next week's post!!
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Thank you maryeb!
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On the Courier Shirt, I've seen it styled in-store over a dress and then tied together, and yes that's a very 90s like but I think it works well! I agree that on its own it is too bulky for most people, maybe with a cute tee underneath so it can be worn open? Which pattern do you like?
Last year they had the cutest version with penguins. I tried so hard to get it to work for me, but gave up. Currently I like the cactus and chambray. The Embroidered Side-Button stripe looks intriguing as do the Back Button versions, but I haven't tried any since the penguin was a fail for me last year.
I can't get the Courier to look right on me either. It's been sitting in my closet. I've tried to tie it and tuck it but I just look really wide in the front. Sigh
I just ordered the Madrid Wrap dress in a petite size and really hope it fits when it arrives because I think it looks just gorgeous. Again, I absolutely love the Ynez and think it fits beautifully and is TTS in my regular size Small. It's not bag like on me at all, it looks more twenties in style imo and is incredibly pretty. I just love the color. The Assymetrical skirt is so pretty with the different prints as well and I wish listed it, it looks like so much fun to wear. I also wish listed the Lia top as well. I'm more pleased with this roll out than previous ones but I agree, there are some that I'm wondering what were they thinking lol. We sometimes need/want more structure Antho:)
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I am very excited about the Ynez!
Roxy, do you by chance know how Tiny fits? I love the Anya sleeveless top but have no idea about how that brand runs.
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I am nearly always a medium in their tops, and size up in their rare dresses.
Oh thank you so much Roxy! I 'll go ahead and order it in a Medium. I know I've tried Tiny on before but just can't remember about the sizing for some reason. It's such a cute top!
One more gorgeous dress I just found, the Carlson Burnout Velvet dress. I'm not sure why it wasn't included in the August preview page but it's also got a twenties look to it, I love the floral print on this one.
That dress is under BHLDN. I wonder if you can return BHLDN dresses to any Anthro store. Anyone know???
Btw, Jess, I have an old top from Tiny and it runs really large. I don't know if they've changed the sizing on Tiny but my top is one size down from my usual size.
Thanks so much for letting me know Karen, it could be one of those brands that may have inconsistent sizing depending on the top, I guess I'll find out once mine arrives.
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Here's what the BHDLN site says about returns:
Our hope is that you are completely satisfied with your BHLDN purchase. If you aren’t, we are happy to accept your return or exchange; but please keep in mind…
– Merchandise must be returned within 30 days of delivery.
– Bridal gowns cannot be returned in stores.
– Other BHLDN merchandise may be returned in a BHLDN store or a BHLDN shop within select Anthropologie stores (Please note: the NYC Midtown Showroom cannot accept returns).
– BHLDN merchandise bought in-store cannot be returned to our warehouse. Please return your item(s) to a BHLDN store or shop within select Anthropologie stores, or you may ship your item via certified mail to a BHLDN store or shop with your original receipt.
– Merchandise must not be worn, altered, or washed, and must be free of stains, pet hair, floor debris, and pin marks.
– Merchandise must have all tags attached and be in its original packaging.
– Gowns not returned in original condition may be refused or subject to a $75 restocking fee.
– Most returns will process in approximately 2-3 weeks.
– If you are an international customer, please click here to view our International Return policy.
So based on that yes I think you can return that particular dress in an Anthro store if needed.
Good to know Roxy, thanks for posting their return info!
Lovely details; lost the big picture. Nothing added to my wishlist.
Here's an interesting look at the history of the Babydoll silhouette. I know it works for quite a few women, but not for me.
http://www.anothermag.com/fashion-beauty/7954/the…
Luckily for me, I just stumbled across two early Leifsdottir silk dresses that fit me perfectly! And they have a waist, which Leifsdottir used to avoid as often as not (empire or drop waist, and sooo many ultra minis). Feels like Christmas in July.
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That is fascinating Eina, thank you for linking to that!! Fashion has such interesting history don't you think?
I have visited Anthro a couple of times recently and there are two blouses that I am really happy to purchase. The Printed Henley blouse by Mauve in multicolor https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/printed-henley… and the Jayden embroidered top is lovely for work and very comfy. https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/jayden-embroid…. Apart from this I did not find anything that matched decent, sober, pretty, stylish categories. It is all far too bohemian, huge and untailored for my tastes.
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Cute stuff Magnolia! It's always awesome how this community points out the good things to each other. I will run another post about Anthro new arrivals next week so we can further discuss.
I tried on the Jayden top today. It was one of the few things that caught my eye. A lovely blouse, with nice details, though it didn't quite work for me, I would still recommend it.
I don't know why they cannot provide choices that are more form fitting and tailored. It seems like once in a blue moon they will offer a gorgeous fit and flair midi (you know…those timeless retro fit styles) that just flies off the rack (or online since it's probably a online only). Can't they see that there are many of us out there that prefer that style to a shapeless sack or little girl tunic. Am I alone in this request?
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You are SO not alone in that request!
They brought back the Emory dress in a denim/chambray for fall. I bought the black version this spring and it's a gorgeous figure-flattering midi, with just the right level of quirk.
I hate that they did another color for the eva franco waverly garden dress. Now I want the navy blue one as well.
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Ha!
Now it's called the Chino Apron Midi-dress. I miss when anthro had fun with names…
Same here! They were certainly more creative with their names and descriptions back in the day.
I hate that too. I bought the original the day it arrived at the store. It is gorgeous but now I want the blue one as well. FYI, last day of 40% off sale.
Okay that was fast lol, the Madrid dress already showed up today and it's so gorgeous in person, I especially love the ruffle at the hem. I'm on the shorter side, 5'4" so I ordered a Petite Small and it fits mostly TTS, it's longer in the back so I can't wear flats with it but that's okay since I have a perfect pair of clogs to go with it. I'm also going to add another hook for the top even though it already comes with one for extra coverage just to be on the safe side. The prints on this one are too pretty to pass up!
Hello Jess, Would you mind giving your measurements. I love the Madrid dress too although I'm not sure even in Petite it will work for me as I am 5'2". Perhaps the XS will be a bit shorter. Thank you!
Hi Rosebud, sure I'm (34D/27/35) so I'm quite busty at the top so if you're smaller, an XS should fit as it's a wrap dress so mostly adjustable for how tight you need it. The petite size is indeed still longer in the back so when you try it on, I'd recommend some platforms/wedges.
What do people think the next promotion will be? Back to 30% off sale? Further cuts? New cuts? Nothing? Trying to guess whether I should ask for my Price adjustment now or wait and see if tomorrow brings something better.
I just don't understand all the boho, hippie, peasant stuff. It looks like Free People. Or 1968. In a bad way. And what's with all the netting on the skirts? THAT reminds me of cheap clothes from the '90's. Sigh… On another note – I bought an adorable short sleeved green sweatshirt for under $20 from Anthro when they had 40% off and free shipping last week. At first I was thrilled – then I got a little sad that I bought a SWEATSHIRT for 40% off at Anthro. Anthropologie… come baaaaaack!!!!
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Yes, come back Anthro!!!
What is the name of the dress forth from the bottom left hand side? The link doesn't work. Does it mean that it is sold out?
Sorry, I meant to say what is the name of the dress forth from the bottom left-hand side (the black with embroidery dress)?
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Hi Renee, for some reason these days Anthropologie sometimes loads a new item and then has it disappear from the site for a few days. The link is not working right now (even if I go to Anthro's site or Google) but it should work again in a few days or so.
Oh good!!! Thanks Roxy!!!
Jet.com has the Velvet by Graham & Spencer Emilie Embroidered Peasant Dress in black for $198 with free shipping and free 30 day returns, plus you can get 15% off when you sign up for an account (they only give up to $20 off, but it's better than nothing).
I also love the Farm Rio Rosario Maxi Dress and matching Rosario Peasant Top (I ordered both). Gorgeous print!
Oops – it's called the Mendoza Peasant Blouse.
I actually blew it with this dress. I was watching the other color way, hoping that the black would be added. What I didn't realize is that there was an entire other product with the same name. The problem is when I searched for it on the site only the beige dress appeared. Ugh!!! I only found it when I searched Velvet. Then it showed the black but it was too late, my size was sold out. And, I could have used the 20% off all full price items. So disappointed. 🙁
Both colors of the dress had the same name on Anthro's site, but the black one sold out right away.
I'm off to try the Byrony Apron Skirt after work today. https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/bryony-apron-s…
Hope everyone is well and stay cool! It's going to reach 109 in Portland OR on Thursday…a bit too hot for me!
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That is super hot! I will have a fresh Anthro post up on Thursday if you feel like sharing the results there — here works too.