I am loving these guest posts. It’s been so much fun to hear other people’s takes on Anthropologie’s clothing and get a mix of different body shapes in one centralized location. Thanks this morning go to Zengirl, who offers another take on some of Anthro’s beautiful dresses. If you’re interested in doing a guest post please email me. Take it away, Zengirl!
I was quickly smitten with this blog (kudos Roxy) and decided I should do my part for Anthro lovers…. I will tell you now that I’m a curvy and muscular 5’4″, so short people rejoice! I was in search of the Larkspur Capelet Dress ($188), but could not spot it at my local Anthro. So, here are the three dresses that I chose (being hugely inspired by the usual French chansons playing at the store).
The Here & There Dress ($158) by Moulinette Soeurs is pure silk 50’s inspired fun. The draped neckline is soft and flattering, but in the Size 8 I’m wearing, it tends to feel a bit tight in the hips like a Marilyn Monroe dress. I think it would get some attention, but I prefer to be a bit more undercover when leaving a scene. The contrasting fabric of the straps is a nice touch and accents the waistline trim nicely. If you like glam, this dress is for you … and with a longer cardigan, this could be cute for work.
The Skyfall Dress ($178) by Burlapp is something adorable that reminds me of something you would see on “The Sound of Music.” The dusty blue chiffon made me feel like I was back in ballet class. However, the coolest part is the crisscross white ribbon trim that forms the straps and decor — almost like being in the Air Force. The button detail adds an antique flavor, and in this size 8 I feel like a princess. I will also add there is the bonus of not wearing a bra as the lining seemed sufficient. In my store it was paired with a feminine white sweater vest — truly marrying sky with clouds. I think this just made my wish list as it is tres comfortable…
Last on the list (but actually the first thing that caught my eye in the store), is this slick little chartreuse number — The Lime Juice Dress ($138) by Girls from Savoy. You know when something just feels so right when you put it on? This was one of those special things. The silk is cut long and straight with the slightest A-flare — I already feel like I lost 5 lbs! Although I’m usually not a fan of bows at the neckline, this one just seemed so beautiful with the soft ruffles… and perhaps the green color made it not overtly girlish. I’m wearing this with the fabric belt, but you’ll see it online without it. There is a unique little insert of fabric at the hem that just adds a little flare as you walk (the far right photo above).
It’s just another thing that makes this not just another store copycat. This definitely falls below the knee, so on my short frame it definitely requires some heels … but it is fab. The best part is that this can really be used at work with a jacket or cardigan, or just as nicely on a date. I don’t even think the leggings look so bad with it. Comfy, practical and romantic. I’m in love…and maybe that green will attract more money!
Well, that’s my report from chilly Philly. It’s nice to think of Spring and thanks for having me as a guest. Okay, back to the French music….
I think you look fab in all the dresses! The blue one is especially flattering… Thanks for the reviews!
Hi Roxy! Do you have any ideas on what will go on sale this week? I wasn't too gung ho on last week's sales..I thought there would be more. On the flip side…I'd like to get people's opinions on this…does anyone shop H & M? I read somewhere online that about a week ago, a lady found a couple bags of clothes (in NYC) that were torn up and damaged-all from H & M..employees from H & M were told to damage clothes that they couldn't sell over the holidays..that is crazy! Instead of donating them to the Salvation Army? And so…a little birdie told me that Anthro does the same thing-but not on clothing but on their home items…do you think this is true? I know that you have several employees/ex employees in this blog so I just wanted to confirm…this is so sad if it's true…
Roxy, this is such a fabulous idea featuring guest reviews! I love seeing different body types trying on all the lovely clothes (because let's face it not everyone is a size 0) Love your blog, as always and it such a highlight/escape from my day-to-day routine!
Roxy – thank you for having a guest poster! Zengirl, you have an awesome figure! You look fabulous in all these dresses, especially the Here and There dress. Wow! (And I hope you know I mean this in the nicest possible way!)
chiming in: zengirl, great guest reviews! and your anthro in "chilly philly" is quite possibly the loveliest one around.also, if anthro does trash their home goods…firstly, that is terrible. secondly, WHERE. am not ashamed to say i would dumpster dive for that. i think.
Zengirl — I love all three on you, but the Skyfall Dress is my favorite. Thanks again for writing this post!Sharon — I will have a sale guesses post later today! 🙂 On the unsold items topic, way back in 2008 I did a post on some things I'd heard, but since then official word from Anthro has been that everything is donated. I can tell you that retail units I've worked for in the past have destroyed unsold items to protect their brand image. However recently as more attention is drawn to this wasteful practice I do think many companies have changed their stance. jadan & Denise – I am loving these posts too, and thanks to all the ladies who are contributing! It's a nice perspective between all the Anthro blogs plus the community here to see how items look on different bodies.Megha – ha! Per my response to Sharon above, I don't think Anthro destroys their home items. I would LOVE it if Anthro opened an outlet. I think there is a thriving secondhand market because of geographical displacement to the items. If Anthro got their shit together and centrally posted unsold items online I bet they'd be able to sell 80% of their stock within 2 years. The question is whether the capex of maintaining something like that is worth it.
I do think that opening an Anthro outlet store would cheapen the brand (for example, I stopped paying full price for Crate and Barrel and Banana Republic merchandise after I discovered that they have outlet stores 2 hours from my home…). However, if Anthro were to donate their unsold clothing and household wares to people in Third World countries, I think it would improve their brand image. After all, the designs are inspired by artists all over the world, so it would be Anthro's way of giving back after profiting from their ideas.
hi used to be from philly as well. i miss the store at rittenhouse square. i thought the skyfall dress looked great on you.
roxy, second your comment that what is not sold at sample sals at anthro fp and urbn is donated to chariy i know several people who are employees/ex that have told me so
Anthro unsold/damaged goods often end up at Jeremy's in Berkeley. I don't shop there now (I used to work in Berkeley) but I know that I have bought a lot of Anthro stuff there…hmm, makes me miss it. Also Jeremy's San Francisco but I always thought more of it was in Berkeley and SF had more top designer merchandise.I love the guest blogger idea and reality! Also, today's NY Times had an article on what merchants do to donate merchandise, as a follow up to the H&M story.
I just wanted to say thanks for the comments and I really do like the Sky dress. As for Philly, I do think I see some of the leftover merch from Urban and Anthro in Buffalo Exchange. So, Philly girls, please do leave the size 8's for me :). And yes, the Rittenhouse store is to die for and I have always thought it would have been the perfect loft. I'm thinking of doing a guest blog about the headquarters. I hear it is quite cool…
I can vouch for the same cute factor in the Skyfall Dress. I tried it on in the first and original Anthropologie store in Wayne, Pennsylvania (I want to see the store in Rittenhouse Square!) and it's quite perfect for most body types. Even so, I don't want to pay $178 for it yet.