Kiboshed

At Rockefeller Center Anthropologie

Suffice it to say I’m more than a little frustrated at the moment. Despite the initial suggestion to do the Styled at Anthropologie posts coming directly from Anthropologie, today I found out that I will not be able to move forward with them. I was told that all stylists were told not to participate in any blog posts and that the situation is “deadly serious.” Well, I suppose if it’s a matter of life or death I completely understand.

I apologize to you all for getting anyone hopes up. Mine certainly were! I had confirmations from the individual stylists but it’s my understanding that the district office killed the idea. Apologies as well to the stylists; I hope no one got in trouble for talking to me. At the end of the day it’s Anthropologie’s brand and if they want to kibosh the idea…well that’s their right.

It leaves us all in a bit of a lurch I know. But I think I have an idea that will hopefully fulfill the original spirit of the post. I have several friends who are professional stylists/shoppers. We’re all going to get together this weekend and go through everyone’s requests. We won’t be able to do real-life outfits but we’ll do Polyvores for as much as possible with detailed descriptions. I realize this isn’t quite the same as hearing it from an Anthro Stylist but hopefully it will still be helpful. For now I’m off to mope over dinner.

21 Comments

  1. bronzi
    November 22, 2009 / 10:56 pm

    Roxy: I, for one, appreciate your wanting to do this in the first place. I was and is a great idea. Who knows why Anthro put the kibosh, but poo on them. I think your idea is a great one with the polyvore and I for one will be looking forward to seeing them.

  2. November 22, 2009 / 11:40 pm

    Long time reader, first time commenter. I enjoy your blog very much.Bummer that this idea didn't work out, but I can't wait to see your Polyvore styles. Keep up the great writing!

  3. Valerie
    November 22, 2009 / 11:43 pm

    Sad news, indeed. And that's a really cute window display. I was in the Rockefeller store on Thursday but apparently walked right by the window display without a glance!And if you're still taking requests: how would you style the Albertine Dress for work (please, no open-toe shoes)? Also, have you seen it in person? Thumbs up or down?Many thanks!

  4. Diem
    November 22, 2009 / 11:49 pm

    I don't understand how this is any different than if I went into the store and asked for styling options for a particular Anthro item. And I've done that numerous times. It's what keeps me coming back to Anthro…their customer service. Maybe it's seen as favoring one blog over another. Thanks for trying. I thought it was great idea. It would probably sold more Anthro clothing.

  5. Caro
    November 23, 2009 / 12:32 am

    Sometimes, I just wonder why people get into the retail business if they hate making money so much. Gurgh!

  6. November 23, 2009 / 2:09 am

    Sorry it didn't work out Roxy 🙁 That stinks, but I do know from going through their orientation and hire process, they definitely have some social media and blogging guidelines as far as employees go.Have fun w/the polyvore- I still think that's a good idea. I style anthro pieces a lot on my blog and it's a big hit.

  7. November 23, 2009 / 3:17 am

    Haha, Caro hit the nail RIGHT on the head. Thankfully, a few retailers have realized what a viable commodity we bloggers are (and yay to them) but a few still seem reluctant to get on the bandwagon. You know what? Their loss. I bought the Snowscape Tank after seeing it both on you and Anjali- not on the Anthro model, but on TWO REAL PEOPLE not getting paid a cent to rep the brand that way. It's your choice to continue to feature the brand on your blog- just as much as it's their choice to yank the stylist idea.Just sayin', ANTHROPOLOGIE.

  8. November 23, 2009 / 3:36 am

    As a very recent former Anthro employee, I will say they take information sharing very seriously. I know many employees that were reprimanded and even demoted/terminated because they violated the policies of what we can say and do about Anthro on the web.I know this stinks, but on the other side of this, they are definitely trying to be more interactive with their brand (the anthropologist, the Anthropologie facebook page, and twitter all reinforce this). However, it looks like for now it's going to be on their terms.Free People and Urban Outfitters do have very interactive and informative blogs without crossing a line, and I hope that Anthro is able to go the same route very soon.

  9. November 23, 2009 / 3:59 am

    That is too bad. Bloggers have fed my interest in Anthropologie in a big way. I've stopped just looking at Anthro's site and started buying clothes, don't think I'd have done that without seeing on blogs how nice things can look on real people.I think your Polyvore idea is great, however, and it will be very interesting to hear from pro stylists whether or not they work for Anthropologie.If you are still taking requests: I just ordered the Climbing Marigold cardigan. I don't know if it's still in stores. I'd like suggestions for how to style it for a casual outing such as a trip to a mall.

  10. November 23, 2009 / 5:04 am

    That was a great idea, I'm sorry Anthro wouldn't go along with it…and really, how foolish of them! I'm sure your blog does wonders for their sales, something like that really would have only been a benefit to them.

  11. November 23, 2009 / 6:37 am

    That's a bummer, but yay that you've found an alternate way of offering us some stylin's. I really hope in the future they'll wise up and utilize the wonderful bloggers like you who are already blogging about their products and have a loyal following – that would be smarter than hoping people click through an ad email. As we all know the blogger audience is an already-captivated audience. 😉 I've definitely bought MANY items b/c they were blog-reviewed & got the thumbs-up.

  12. Anonymous
    November 23, 2009 / 7:26 am

    that's ridiculous. like someone else said, what's the difference seeing the advice here or getting it in the store? they're still selling clothes (that people might not know how to wear otherwise).

  13. November 23, 2009 / 8:11 am

    I too have been reading away but I just thought I would pipe up here and thank you for the all the time you put into getting this going. I am sure it must be super dissapointing for you and I have to admit I was looking forward to it, but as others said, anthro's loss. Really, I don't understand why they wouldn't go for free promotions of their products, but oook.I am looking forward to your stylings! :)-K

  14. November 23, 2009 / 1:39 pm

    Still taking requests for sure. I will do my best to fulfill. 🙂 Valerie and Lady Cardigan, I've added yours to my list.Thank you all for the support. I woke up no less frustrated this morning but I'm glad that Polyvore is an acceptable solution.

  15. November 23, 2009 / 2:36 pm

    well roxy i guess if the stylists blog here it is akin to giving away "trade secrets" there is a look book that the stores use to style the clothes and it not for us plebians…anyway i like to see real people style clothes. It is a little more interesting.

  16. Sharon from CA
    November 23, 2009 / 4:34 pm

    That's too bad this didn't work out Roxy…but I actually enjoy seeing your reviews on different pieces as well…we appreciate what you do and keep up the good work!

  17. November 23, 2009 / 6:57 pm

    roxy, i know you're upset and frustrated but please know that you're blog alone is so enjoyable and inspiring for myself (and others, of course!). i wish instead of killing the entire idea dead, the higher ups would have investigated other possibilities with you. i get that they need to protect the brand. but surely they can do that AND inspire their customers. i feel like we need to send a memo to both j.crew (between wacky customer service and ridiculous pricing antics) and anthro: RESPECT your customers! don't pander to us.

  18. Kate
    November 23, 2009 / 10:38 pm

    Geez…they are so snobbish when it comes to social media. They don't even have their own blog. The Anthropologist can NOT be considered a blog. There is no communication between reader and blog.It boggles my mind. They are all about knowing their customer, yet they are one sided when it comes to interaction! Their Facebook is sooo juvenile and seems written by teenagers (and sorry Anthro I love you, but Facebook is soooo over) and their Twitter interaction is at 1%.ANTHRO PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CUSTOMERS AND STOP BEING SOCIAL MEDIA BLOG SNOBS. We love you anthro, just love us back. Also, even though you don't have a blog, other bloggers keep the word going, don't ever forget that.Thank you for this blog here Effortless Anthropologie, it's the closest thing we have. (next to the Free People blog, but again, that blog just doesn't cut it and needs MAJOR work.)Sorry for the rant, had to get it out!I love Anthropologie, and I love this blog! Thanks

  19. Anonymous
    November 24, 2009 / 9:07 pm

    Hi Roxy,Im in desperate need of help w/ styling my beloved CLIMBING MARIGOLD cardi… the best I can come up with is the standard taupe cami underneath the sweater… I would love another option…another item I need help with is the DWARF QUINCE cardi…I think you bought this as well… again, I have a matching cami for it but i'd like some other ideas… Thanks so much for any help :))Elizabethsaltypaws

  20. November 24, 2009 / 9:29 pm

    Help with styling the *Monochromatic Corset Dress*! I love it, but am having a hard with styling it for winter.

  21. November 25, 2009 / 1:58 am

    List has been updated. 🙂


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