This post could be subtitled “everything I want keeps selling out.” I realize Anthropologie, like many retailers, has cut back inventory based on the crappy end of 2008. But I keep watching items sell out on the website and it’s starting to upset me a bit. In their last quarterly call Urban Outfitters CEO Glen Senk said they’re keeping their inventory chain flexible. I hope so. Items selling out in less than 3 weeks (online anyway) has left me frustrated.
Rants aside, this lovely top is the Sewing Basket Top ($68) by C. Keer. It’s either sold out online in this color or it’s a store-only color. Too bad because it’s leaps and bounds above the ivory in my opinion. The top is an amalgam of shiny embroidery, triplet rivets and a folky ribbon. I grabbed a size small from the slim pickings left at the 5th Ave Anthropologie (NYC). It was quite fitted but looked pretty good.
I like the way the arms are cut, leaving some extra air where the neck and body of the tank meet. It’s really lovely, if a bit season inappropriate. Now that the resort and spring collections are trickling into stores I suppose it matters less and less. If you can find this in your size I heartily endorse it.
Another top quickly dwindling in stock is C. Keer’s Through-The-Clouds Tank ($68). As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago this is almost an exact replica of last year’s Tivoli Scoopneck, just in a different palette and under a different label.
Interestingly, much like the Tivoli I found the shoulders to be cut a lot wider than the product shot infers. The end result is a bit of extra fabric right at the armpits and a fit that it’s a bit less than what I wanted. I grabbed my true size medium but found it to be too roomy. On the side shot you can see the extra fabric below the small cinch, right behind my elbow. I’d size down to a small to buy this…if there are any left.
One last top is one I hadn’t noticed online before. It’s the Assemblage Tank ($58) rounding out this all C. Keer review post. The top is kind of preppy for Anthro, what with it’s drop ties and athletic cut. Those white dots you spot around the neckline aren’t loose bits of fabric, it’s intentional and meant to look like chiffon ribbon wound into the top. I like the bit of it in the neckline.
I tried on my true size medium and found it close-fitting but comfortable. This moss color reminds me of AstroTurf but it’s nice to see an option besides ivory or grey. I didn’t like the cut of the shoulder on this top. I feel that it makes my chest look wide. Maybe with a tee layered underneath I’d feel differently.
As of this morning, free shipping is still working on the website. I hope Anthropologie continues to extend this promotion — I’ve placed two or three more orders than I normally would as a result of the savings.
Roxy, what color is the Sewing Basket top you tried? I tried the ivory, never saw any other color online or in stores. I thought the top was very long, but it doesn't look that way on you.
Good morning Jennifer, the top is grey. The SKU is 17401522 for reference. I may just end up calling CS about this one.
Love the Sewing Basket top. It looks great on you! I agree with limited stock, I feel like my store only has a few of each item-and I don't think it's a ploy to make you think you need to buy it b/c they don't have many left (as I KNOW other stores do)-I really think they DON'T have many left!!!I also love the free shipping. I know I bought something almost daily this summer when there was no minimum purchase-everything from earrings to dresses. Things I probably would not have gone to my store to bought simply b/c of lack of time. What a treat that was!
I am having the same issue with website items selling out almost as soon as I find them…I'm glad you mentioned it. So frustrating!
Hope you had a good holiday! Nice to have your reviews again, I missed living vicariously through you. I like all three tops (though the green of the last top throws me a bit) and you look good in sleeveless. But, what do you wear over/under to be seasonally appropriate?
Pamela – Agreed, I don't think Anthro is playing around here. I think they just have low inventory for many items. Hi Georgine, nice to be back. I missed everyone! For the first two tops I'd probably go the layer over route, but for the last top you could wear a turtleneck or thermal underneath pretty easily.
Hi Roxy,Welcome back! I hope you had a great time during the holidays. Yep same issues with me, the items I want keep selling out which sucks, I just realized this morning the Horizon Line Dress sold out online 🙁 and I tried the red version at the store yesterday and I liked it a lot, pretty good quality. I guess I'll watch it if it gets on sale and call CS or something. Can you tell us if it gets on sale at the store?It's great free shipping is still working online hopefully it works tomorrow if there is a sale update. Did you get anything from Anthro?
Thanks Stephanie! I'm actually still on va-k, but I'm back in NYC today and taking a break because I am super sore. Going to the spa in a bit for an end of the year refresher. 🙂 I will do my best to look out for sale items in the store. I got major hints from employees this weekend that sale should get another big update for the end of the year stock clearout, but I'm not sure if that's happening this week or next week. I did see a lot of 'old' stock back out on the floor, and that usually happens right before the items go on sale. I will certainly watch the Horizon Line Dress as I'm also hoping to buy the red if it hits sale.I did end up buying the Balcony Tee in ivory this past weekend. I got 3 (!!!) Anthro gift cards between Hanukkah and Christmas, but I'm waiting to use them until January since it's my birthday month.
Thanks Roxy! Enjoy your day at the spa 😀 Awesome holiday anthro haul! We'll see what gets on sale soon.
Hi Roxy — Nice to see you enjoying your vacation (and still posting for us!). Quick question: Do you have any tips for keeping the roped posies necklace looking fresh. I do like mine, but it tends to look more droopy that the product photo — of course!
Hi Kathleen – no lie, I keep mine in the fridge to keep it crisp. Hairspray also works but be careful to test it as hairspray can sometimes bleed colors.
this is for roxy or anyone who has had this experience:i ordered some items from anthro on the 18th and I just got the package last night when i came back to my apartment from being at my parents' house for christmas. the problem i have is that a pair of earrings that should have been included were not there. the box looked a little beat up and not secured on one side so i was thinking they COULD have fallen out, but you think they would have been secured in the package with the other things somehow. has this ever happened to anyone with anthro and what did you do? did you call them and were they nice about sending a replacement for free or giving your money back or were you out of luck? thanks for any help!
Hey Kate– I ordered a pair of boots and earrings that shipped at the same time. Anthro shipped them separately, but supplied only one tracking number. Look at your order history to see if there were two boxes, and then call UPS to see where the 2nd box is. They'll be able to track the information from the one tracking number. That's what I did. I'd definitely call Anthro, too, to make sure nothing was left out, etc.And glad to have you back, Roxy!
Oh, I should have mentioned that I received the boots last Wednesday, but the earrings were still in South Carolina when I called.
@Hey_Kate, I once ordered some items from Anthro and a dress that should have been included in the package according to the tracking number wasn't there, I called Anthro CS right away when I opened the box, they were great, they refunded me the money.
Welcome back Roxy! Thanks for the great blog and reviews! You mentioned your b-day discount, my hubbies b-day is Jan. Is it possible or has anyone ever got their sig. other-a male- to get an anthro card to get in on the b-day discount a 2nd time around? My b-day is in Aug, so long to wait! 🙂 Lisa
Hi Lisa, I do have some male friends who shop at Anthropologie (mostly in the homewares section, though occasionally in the clothing as well). I feel your pain about the discount. January is pretty much a retail dead zone so I'm always jealous of those with birthdays in December and June. At the risk of sounding rude though I would not encourage anyone to have someone else sign up for the anthro card in an effort to get a 2nd discount card. I would consider that gaming the system.
OT, but I would be forever grateful if anyone has spotted the Always A Lady skirt in a small or medium in their local store. I know it's a long shot, but I'm out of town and far, far away from a retail store, and CS was not helpful. I would gladly pay for shipping and a little extra if anyone happens upon one. I so want to wear it for my husband's homecoming next month. My email is mrandmrsdarling at gmailthank you!
Not rude at all 😉 I see what you mean, I just though of it, I guess I was just having an anthro- desperate moment. lol! Thanks for replying!
I've been hearing about the birthday discount, but I never received anything for last year's birthday (May) and I've had the Anthro card for over a year. Is the discount coupon something you receive in the mail? How did I miss out? I'm a very loyal customer!!As for inventory – I agree that the new arrivals have really low inventory and sell out so quickly online. As example, I just ordered the Curiosity top, and before I even have it to try on, many of the other sizes have sold out! Hopefully the stores will have more supplies of these new items, but I'm not seeing them yet. Several of the newer tops sold out almost immediately online – I wonder if this will trigger a re-supply of them.
I have heard so many different stories from Anthro employees on the birthday discount that I don't know what's right. As I understand it each year everyone who has their birthday attached to their anthro card is entered in a pool and some percentage of those in the pool receive the discount. If you don't get one and you contact CS they will almost always send you the card (I myself had to do this for 2009). I'm glad I'm not the only one with inventory issues. I suppose this is a gift to my wallet. Can't buy what isn't available.
thanks tien and stephanie! according to the slip in the box, they SHOULD be with this shipment. i thought maybe when i eagerly tore the package apart (haha) they flew across the room and got lost, but i looked everywhere…maybe they will turn up tonight but if not i'll call them tomorrow. thank you 🙂
I am totally feeling you on the sadness at the constant selling out! It is really making me feel anxious anytime I actually like something at Anthro. And with the stupid homepage redirects it's even worse, since I can't even revisit the item of my affection to look at it's picture, it's like it's gone forever. sigh.I really like the Through-The-Clouds scoopneck, though I find it confusing that they named it that since there is a dress of almost the same name. But I guess since this piece is a retread from the same season, it's minorly fitting.