Hawaii has long seemed like the perfect spot for Anthropologie’s aesthetic — especially its breezy summer maxis and ever-growing swim collection. But up until just a couple of months ago Hawaii had exactly zero Anthropologie stores to speak of, the closest being humorously 2,500 miles or so away.
Finally in late June Oahu welcomed Hawaii’s first (and hopefully not last!!) Anthro store in Honolulu’s expansive Ala Moana shopping center. I had the pleasure of stopping by the store in early July during my trip to Oahu and Kauai — and it is a gorgeous Anthro location!
Have a look around the store with me, plus see a few things I tried on while there…
This store is located on the third level of the shopping center, near the heart of the layout. It’s also near Miu Miu which tickled me a bit. Ala Moana Shopping Center has a good mix of mid-market and higher end stores, certainly worth a trip if you’re in Honolulu and need a break from the beach or sun.
Anthropologie completely played up the island theme and even if this boat isn’t very accurate to Hawaiian culture (there are very few sailboats around the Hawaiian islands, and ancient Polynesian boats would have had taro sails) it at least captures the vibe of an easy, breezy oceanside city. Even in bustling Honolulu I still very much felt a sense of ‘island time’ where there’s no rush to do anything, including shop.
One thing that truly tickled me while walking around was seeing and hearing a lot of Japanese and Australian tourists who were clearly shopping inside an Anthro for the first time, and watching how delighted they were by everything! It reminded me of being a teenager and discovering Anthro for the first time…and though I could not afford anything back then it was still so much fun to come to the store, wander around and be captivated, and perhaps find something on the sale rack within my price range.
Lots more island decor abounded around the store.
The store mainly has maxi dresses, beach cover-ups, light and breezy tops, and of course, swim! The largest selection of swim I’ve ever seen in a store actually. There’s furniture, a plethora of outdoor stuff and a room devoted to petite sizes.
And then of course there were the store mannequins, complete with their pretty outfits…
The fitting rooms inside the store are great! They’re large, bright and make use of beautiful wide-plank wood. I took just a few things with me to try on….
Note: For reference I am currently sitting at 34-29-38, size 6/M in sweaters, 6 in dresses, 8 in skirts and 29/30 in pants, 34D. I am 5’8″.
I completely loved this tank and I’m so glad it’s on sale now — especially with the extra 20% off sale code SUNNYSKIES now in effect!! I picked it up in 4 colors. The neckline has a beautiful twist detail and the pocket is also nice. I love the looser drapey fit and the low scoop neckline. Although it’s rayon jersey it’s also pretty much summer perfection.
I’m in a small here and yes there’s some belly showing but in my defense I totally pigged out after my triathlon. I enjoyed every second of it too! Sorry not sorry.
If you have a need for casual summer tanks (or even something to wear under a blazer to work on super hot days like today) this is the top. Get it. Seriously. You will not be disappointed.
This chambray tank was also a hit with me! I’m in a small here but the back was bunching up some so I’d stick with my usual size medium to buy. Like the tank reviewed above, this one has a low scoop neck. It also has a side split and an ombre effect to the chambray, which is cool. And polka dots!
I felt very comfortable in this top and would wear it as a casual piece or tucked into a pencil skirt for a Casual Friday look with a big, chunky necklace.
Now that it’s on sale with an extra 20% off, this one’s ready to come home to me.
I was delighted to find this dress in the Honolulu Anthropologie — I wondered if chambray was too heavy for Hawaii but I guess not! This dress is pleasantly lightweight and has a nice drape to it, though my usual size medium you see on me here was much too big. I’d go down to a small to buy.
The v-neck comes down to a nearly perfect spot, and this dress is just aching for a fun belt! I can see myself throwing a super-long cardigan over it once fall hits so this dress has multiseason potential. But, I will probably wait for it to go on sale.
Wishlisted!
Have you visited the Honolulu Anthropologie yet? What did you think of it? Should Maui or another island be home to Anthropologie too? (My answer: of course!)
