Cruising Anthropologie’s new arrivals section is a daily game of mine. It’s fun to pore over the pretty new things and carefully plan (and then, ahem, ignore) my budget for the month and decide which item or two might come home with me.
This year I’ve noticed an interesting trend. More and more, Anthro is releasing an item in one color and then following a few months later with a new color. Had they done this in the past? Almost certainly but it’s become more obvious to me now. It jumps out at me mostly because it disturbs my sale predictions — all of a sudden an item like the Caballo Falls Dress ($168) that was about due for a move to sale becomes new all over again with the addition of a navy hue.
I can’t really say that it’s a seasonal thing. Anthro isn’t debuting spring colors in February and adding summer tones in May. Do I want the Breezy Ride Cardigan ($98) in navy or red? Or both?? It’s not exclusive to basics. Items simple and intricate are getting multiple color releases and I feel like a kid in a candy store: overwhelmed!
Well, maybe that’s overstating it but you get the drift. On the one hand it’s great when an item I wasn’t crazy about due to the color gets a second life in a new tone. On the other hand it’s annoying when I’ve already bought an item in one shade and now find myself tempted when it’s released in a second equally alluring color. It’s the discretionary spender’s lament.
I’m curious how the community feels. Some teased new color releases underwhelmed, like the Speckled Ink Dress ($158). Others were just as tempting as promised, like the Chantico Tank ($88). For a long time I refused to buy items in multiples. Recently I’ve broken that rule so much that I can’t even call it a rule anymore. How about you? Do you like items released in new colorways? Do you own multiples of Anthro items?
I actually technically enjoy when Anthro produces multiples…if I really love something, I'm pretty prone to wanting it in many colors (hi Behind-the-Clouds dress, I still regret not getting you in charcoal), or, sometimes there are pieces that don't quite work for me, but a color twist makes them perfect (specifically I'm thinking of the orange Terasina dress, that eventually came out in green and black, though that is a weird case because they called it the Gathered Together dress).However, I pretty much end up hating Anthropologie's multiple strategy overall because it means the item will take *months* and *months* to go on sale. Agh, drives me crazy! I understand from their perspective, why make a popular item go on sale before it has to, but I buy such a large volume of Anthro, after a while I can only afford it all at sale prices 😉
I still refuse to buy multiples of anything that is not a basic. I rarely shop at Anthro for basics though. I come to Anthro to buy pieces that are unique. To me, it cheapens what I have once they release it in a bunch of colors. It makes it seem more like I am going to Kohl's or JC Penny's than a unique boutique style shop. Also, I think it keeps them from moving forward with new designs when they keep repeating the same one. It seems a little lazy to me.In general, not a fan. 🙁
I actually don't like buying multiples of items unless it's basic pants or skirts and tee shirts. However, I have broken that rule apparently with Anthro stuff since the new colors are fabulous. I'm with goldenmeans. It' definitely a love hate. The Molded and Melded tee? Fabulous in the red and the lilac and now it's in green? Ugh….but while it's just a tee, I have gotten sooo many compliments on them. yes, I said them. I am trying now to only buy a multiple if the second item is on sale. Not multiples of FP items.
I have a few multiple styles (three Climbing Cowlnecks, for example), but in general, when it comes to dresses or skirts, even if I really love a cut, I'm not likely to buy it in another hue.So overall, I enjoy seeing the new color patterns of certain items, and find that sometimes (like with the Breezy Ride in red) they make me re-consider an item I had previously dismissed (because I have plenty of navy cardis).About the sale issue, one positive of the new color release is that typically, it means that Anthro re-stocks all the other colors, too. (See Field Game Cardi). So when the item does eventually make it to sale, there are plenty of all colors to choose from. Yes, that increases the temptation, lol, but it also is preferable to a situation where Anthro releases only one color you like but the stores and on-line mostly sold out of it weeks before it hits sale.
Sometimes I don't get a chance to buy the Anthro dress that I want (a funds issue mainly) so when a similar one comes out in a different color, theoretically I'm happy about it. Also, though unique, I happen to think that much of Anthro's clothes are timeless so it doesn't bother me so much that they are recycling designs.It IS a little lazy, and the last thing I want is to feel like I'm in a Kohl's or JCPenney, but for me, when I walk into Anthro, I, too, am overwelmed to begin with. I don't know where to start because there are just so many beautiful things. I have to spend a limited amount of time there so I don't spend hundreds of dollars. It takes me a while to catalog what I want and what I can afford and what I can hope for later. I'd rather them release different colors at different times than to release multiple colors of something all at once because then each piece at least feels more original. Of course, with the exception of basics, but like Ady, I don't get many basics at Anthro.
I like it when Anthro rolls out with multiple colors/versions of a design. Not every color works for me and so it gives me better chance of finding, and in some sense personalizing, the right dress/blouse for me. Anthro is a mass retailer, it's aim seems to be to bring that boutique image/style to a larger consumer body, albeit a bit more exclusive one. Around here I'll go to an event and expect to see at least 2 other Anthro pieces in the crowd (of course it'd probably be the same with other brands/stores if I was as well versed in their stock!).
I am guilty as charged! I buy multiples of a top if i like the shape or color. Why not if you like it. I guess i like the garanimal approach to dressing . I agree also roxy it is a budget breaker…sigh..
SOrry a bit off topic–but I need help!Does anyone own the Vappu dress and if so have you tried to machine wash? It says it can machine washed, but I am afraid of wrecking the dress? Same with the beda–has anyone washed and worn that one as well..
Oh don't get me started on this topic . . . .I hate the delayed/staggered release of new colorways. I try to be very thoughtful about my purchases (especially at full price) and I like to have all my options in front of me. When I find a different colorway the very day after I place my order it drives me nuts. I feel like it lessens the boutique appeal of Anthropologie. I never buy multiples anyway, so I don't see any advantage from a consumer point of view. Yuck yuck yuck to holding back colors for release at a later date.
Aside from the effect they have on sale timing, I welcome the multiples. However, after reading your entry and these comments, I'm struggling to think of a time when the release of a new color way really wowed me or won me over. Usually I'll hear rumors that there is going to be a new color on these blogs and I'll start imagining exactly what I would want (the Drifting by Dress in a jade green or maybe a cornflower blue please!). But then the actual item is never what I pictured, and I'm often disappointed (Drifting by Dress in black. . . meh).It's a different story with shoes though. Seeing a new color release for shoes always excites me, and I wish they would happen more often!
I am with Katie…I get upset if I buy something in a color I like, only to have it come out in a color I love later on. I try not to buy items in multiples unless they are basics, and yes, I do get some basics from Anthro b/c I feel they hold up longer.
Great post, Roxy! I've never bought any Anthro duplicates. At other stores I have been tempted before when it came to buying something in a different color, but its usually basic shirts in solid colors (like at Express or JCrew). At Anthro I prefer to have a full range of colors at once that way I can decide which is the best to spend my money on. Sometimes the new color I like better, sometimes Im happier with the color I originally chose.I cant decide if I like the Breezy Ride cardigan in red or navy better, either 😉
I forgot to add that when I got the Winged Victory top, I was happy when I did because I didnt like it as much as when the polka-dot version came out a few months later.
My fashion theory is, that if it's "me" and it works, buy it in every color I like and at Anthro this has translated to shoes of all things. I have the ALL BLACK Mercurial Maryjanes, the Scarf-Tied Oxfords and am budgeting to get the Hallowed Halls Oxfords. While all the same shape, it works for me really well, they are cute and quirky, but the color variations give me options.
How about the high tide tee – first white, then brown, then pink and now black? I don't get it – why don't they introduce them all together? I rarely buy multiples of other than staple items – so it is frustrating when I buy something and then they introduce a color later I would have actually preferred:(
One good thing about it is that the new colors are usually still in stock come sale time. I've found myself buying multiples of things I really liked that I purchased at full price when they go on sale.
Good points Roxy. I own two multiples: the Blooming Lattice Cardigan and the Climbing Cowlneck. It never ocurred that they're multiples of each other until today 🙂 because each one is so unique in my eyes. I think it has a lot to do in how you wear an item. If you see it as a unique piece, then it wont seem so mundane or basic b/c you're creating a one-of-a-kind outfit. Even something as basic as jeans- I own multiples of F21 jean skinnies and don't realize it b/c each time I create different outfits with them. The bottom line: it's all about how you piece it together!
I like this post and the comments, so thanks Roxy. I have purchased multiples from Anthro (I have both colors of the Thousand Days skirt and I also caved and got the Great Escape skirt too. And the teal Circle the Globe…) because when a design works on me, I tend to want to wear it again and again and having more colors lets me change things up a bit. I have never been all that interested in the Breezy Ride cardigan, that is, until it recently got released in red and it immediately got wishlisted! So in that case, releasing a new color just earned Anthro a new sale. However, I will say that it drives me crazy to have to wait that much longer for a wishlisted item to hit sale. In most cases, I wait for sales and rarely buy FP so I'm definitely learning patience!
Ok someone quick!!!! A Gumshoe Sweatercoat (#913636) in Ivory is showing up on a popback in a Large…wish it was my size 🙁
i don't mind multiple colorways–in fact, i'm a serial multiples buyer–own both lattice cardi colors and 2 field games…if it ever makes it to sale, i'd like to get both traced twirls dresses (tho' technically they're kinda 2 entirely different dresses–shape is the same but print/color entirely different!)i don't like when anthro staggers the release of colors though, esp when they're similar hues–ie, rising vapors, caballo falls…those 2 cases in particular annoyed me b/c it's a budget buster for someone who bought the original then an ever so slightly different hue appears months later that you realize will compliment you even more but who wants to shell out $$ for nearly identical items?! at least the field game cardi really took on a different look in each colorway and can (sorta!) be justified in owning more then one!btw, just noticing the stock photos you have up of the caballo falls dress–is it my imagination or does new navy hue have thicker straps?! i might have to revisit this dress if so!
I don't mind multiples as long as it's released at the same time, I don't think I like the fact that Anthro is releasing the new colors months later. I don't usually buy multiples except for the Stratus Cloud top (gray and white) and the Wind Ripple Tee (Grey and Red) I own. I'm still on the edge of caving to the grey Field of Game cardi. Did you try the gray color Roxy? I tried and loved the Navy last year, got it on sale this week but is it something I should get multiples of, I'm still deciding.
also, was trying to remember if they did this in the past and the subway stairs skirt came to mind–i know this came in yellow and black but can't remember if they were released at the same time?
I do have the swift current cardi in both white and grey, but typically I tend to stay away from multiples. There's just too much beautiful clothing out there to spend all my $ on just one design. The delayed release of different colors is a love/hate thing for me too. For example, I wasn't a fan of the Breezy Ride cardi in navy, but dig it in the red. On the other hand, I bought the original Caballo Falls dress months ago, but would have preferred the darker blue version that came out recently. Since it's been months since my purchase, it's way too late to change my mind.When shopping I don't appreciate seeing the same designs for months and months – yawn – I'd rather they have all new designs for the rollouts in the all colors they plan to have, and would also like seeing things go on sale sooner to make room for the new things. That said, I understand that this may be an economical tactic by Antrho – slow release, with new colors creating more want and extending the shelf life of an item = probably lower costs and higher profits. With that strategy I think they do a good job of balancing the multiples with just enough new offerings; not everything has a multiple release, and the stores still seem stocked with new and interesting things to try on every month.
I have a couple multiples: two torsade tees in different colors, a dress from last summer that I don't remember the name of but it's a multi-colored jersey dress. I tend to wear one of them much more than the other, and wish that color had been out first.I do tend to buy multiples of things that I really like. I'm guilty of having two JCrew sweaters in three colors each but they're versatile and I wore all of them throughout the winter. It does sort of seem like a scam. I'm trying not to give into it these days! I did waver a bit before grabbing the Ablaze dress on sale because I heard there were two more colors being released of that dress (after the Emerald Cut too) but haven't seen anything yet. @Anon at 11:05am, I've washing my Beda dress and it's fine. I've always watched my Jacqueline dress from last summer that is similar to the Vappu – also fine! Good luck!
Stef – re/ the Caballo falls dress, both the original aqua and the navy blue have thick straps. The straps are actually not thin on either dress like the catalog shot. The catalog photo is a bit misleading in that respect. Hope this helps.Heidi
I own the Alena Skirt in both colors, but I think that's the only piece i have multiples of. Sometimes I don't mind when Anthro comes out with new colors because I wasn't too fond of the original colors (i.e. Field Game Cardigan, Chantico Tank), but the new colors of the Winding Road Tank are killing me! When is that thing going to go on sale??
goldenmeans – haha, the sale wait drives me crazy too! Does Anthropologie not realize I carefully choreograph my sale dance??!? I mean, seriously. How do I counteract the rhythmic misstep that is a later color release?Ady – interesting take! At one point I had a very similar view. I've relaxed my stance a bit recently, but I found myself nodding while reading your comment.Anon @ 9:37 – the red is almost unfairly awesome. I agree that waiting for sale makes it easier to cave on multiples. Though I'm not sure that's always a good thing…Lauren S. – I think that because the dresses and skirts tend to have more unique patterns I'm unlikely to buy multiples. But if the product is a solid, I break more easily.Estranged Jazz – ha! It can be overwhelming in Anthro to be sure. I usually make a few laps before I head to the fitting room. I find this the easiest way to put together outfits, etc.Jen – I've noticed more Anthro out and about, from events like you to the general public. It's cool to see the brand we love being embraced, but it's also a bit of a secret I want to keep to just a small group. I agree with your point that more colors help items fit into a personal style better. You can be selective about which color you pick based on what you already own.ali – LOL! For basics I agree, if you like the cut why not buy more than one?Katie – the one thing I hate is when I buy an item in the closest color to what I want, only for the color I want to be released several weeks later. I feel a bit cheated.AL – Yes! The Drifting By Dress was another example of a new color being hyped and I was very disappointed when it was black that was released and not something like green or grey. Caroline – Anthro mentioned during one of their recent quarterly calls exactly that goal, to have customers invest in their basics because they last. And for what it's worth I agree with you. Some of their basics are well worth investing in.Natalye – I'm close to just flipping a coin on the Breezy Polka Cardi. Either would work for me!Anonymous @ 12:28 – I think of shoes in a different way. As soon as they're patterned I too will buy multiples to go with different outfits. :)Anonymous @ 12:35 – I think it's a marketing thing for Anthro. Will you be tempted to buy the shirt you already own in another color? (If you're me, quite possibly.)Ana – it's true. That's exactly what happened for me with the Field Game Cardi. Wasn't crazy about the navy but loved the grey. Glad it was still in stock on Tuesday!DEA – I also own multiples of jeans, mostly because it's so hard for me to find jeans that fit. (OK, I guess I was always a multiples buyer and never realized it…)Sara – the sale wait kills me. Especially when an item is about 3 months old and then all of a sudden gets a name change/new color. All of a sudden that clock is back to 3 months of waiting.stef – yes, agreed it's annoying on a more distinct piece. I want to know my options up-front on those. The straps on the Caballo Falls are equally thick on both hues. The Subway Stairs Skirt was released in both colors simultaneously. (LOVE that skirt!)Stephanie – I did try (and buy) the grey, I have not had a chance to cobble together the reviews post. I will probably run it tomorrow afternoon. Diana Draw – I learned that my local Anthros get deliveries 4 days a week. Every week! So I agree it's a good tactic by Anthro to make their store stock look fresh and new each week.Dorothy – what's interesting is that Tracy Reese released the dress in all 4 colors (green, red/orange, black, purple) at the same time! I am curious now to see if Anthro releases the other two colors…Heidi – thanks for the info!Sara – I don't know, but soon I hope. I really thought it was going to make it this week.
I also like multiples. I find that anthro takes more risks on the second release. Usually, first release includes the standard anthro colors…gray, beige, mossy green, etc. So when something gets re-made, it seems they go for bold and I LOVE that. I didn't like the Chantico in the pink, white or gray! But that green…HELLO GORGEOUS TOP!