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The latest Anthro perk email invites us to take a look at Anthropologie’s October new arrivals first — let me start with what I like. The Beaded Paisley Maxi Dress ($228, above and in detail below) is a throwback to designs of yore that I adore. Though paisley isn’t my favorite, I do love the foundation turquoise and the beadwork on the bodice.
It’s a lovely dress I’ll surely try on. The Farm Rio Marilla Maxi Dress ($228), meant to be the star of these new arrivals, is less appealing to me as it wanders too far into 70s territory. It looks like the kind of dress a fabulous far out grandma would wear on an 80s sitcom — and most real-life grandmas are far more fashionable than that! There is potential in the Autumnal Slip Dress ($168) and the Triana Floral Dress ($198), the latter being a shirtdress that can be worn on its own or over something else if the product photos are any indication.
I find myself surprised to say that I also like both the Ruffle-Hem Pants ($108) and the AG Stevie Mid-Rise Skinny Velvet Jeans ($188, above in grey). Either would look very cute with the Sam Edelman Raddie Flats ($118).
And then there is a whole lot of WTF as is the path of Anthro lately; a list which starts and might end with the Looped Cardigan ($168). No Anthro. Just no. The list for me also includes the possibly likeable Pleated Wide-Legs ($168) and the Quilted Velvet Puffer Coat ($188). It’s just a constant gut punch with items like this that are so far away from what Anthropologie does (did) well.
Below, check out everything from the pre-shop page. What are you liking? What are you hating?
I think the dresses and jumpsuits in this collection look too summery for October. As has been the case lately, the accessories are much better than the clothes. I like the green OTK boots and the chevron fabric patterned ones, although I probably won't get either pair. I tried on and liked the embroidered cadiz top, but will wait for promo or discount. It's cute, and the embroidery has nice fall colors. I like the beaded boater hat too. Also, not part of the preview; I bought these earrings with the 20% discount and love them. They are enormous and heavy, but so unique and cool: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/fanned-poppy-d…
It's a much better looking collection than they've been offering lately, but I still see more desirable pieces at other places, and other places is where my money has been going.
Author
Really cute earrings Anthropolitan! I agree that Anthro's accessories are killing it right now. The 20% off was enough to get me to look more closely at their stuff, but without it? Not as interested.
Too summery, no cohesion. A few nice things but no must-haves for me.
At this time of year I'm looking for crisp and autumnal. Will look elsewhere!
Author
It's a bit head-scratching to be sure. Elsewhere on their site I am seeing some cute new Fall arrivals!
Most models seemed dressed for some phantasmagorical party…. the patterns are too, too something. I understand velvet is very big for this upcoming season but I would hope to see it in autumnal tones (like the green boots) and there seems like little in this pre-shop is very autumnal at all. Some of the basics have potential and then I am back at the "well, I don't really shop at Anthro for very basic basics…." I look forward to seeing the fall roll out. Also, I cannot see a world in which I order OTK boots which are on-line only even though these are very appealing boots.
Author
Hee, a phantasmagorical party is right on!
I agree..there is just too much going on for me. It's like everything is super over the top. I can't explain it. There are few things that caught my eye but….
It's like they read the surveys about how everyone wants a bit of quirky like the old days but they went way the other way…on everything. lol 🙂
Author
PS klj1, my Pinafore Crossback Dress finally arrived! And I love it. Well-made, sits nicely on the body and is a bit shorter on me than the model (still below my knees). I'm so glad I ordered two sizes because this runs SMALL. I can just squeeze into the 12.
Thanks for getting back to me on this! Good to know! Do you like it with a shirt underneath and without?
Author
I prefer it with a shirt underneath because I feel there isn't total boob coverage for work without one.
I love that embroidered hat! I agree, all that's been working for me over the past year or so have been accessories and home decor. WTF Anthro?!
Author
Yes! With few exceptions, same.
I don't like clothes from October pre shop for the reason that they are not work appropriate or too bright colored or not my style. However I like some of the new arrivals items in general and even placed an order for 2 full priced items recently, Jayden top and swing cable cardigan. Now I'm really hoping the cardi won't be too slouchy on me. I also like wool colorblock pullover but waiting for a promo to buy. There still a lot of uglies there like Mara Hoffman Willa Quilted Coat (looks like a futon mattress to me) but in general I think selection has improved but I do not see dresses I must have or even want at the moment.
Author
Yesssssss Tanda, great points! Remember like 2 months ago when Anthro had that email/landing page featuring work-appropriate stuff (much of which was not actually work-appropriate?). I guess they've already forgotten about that effort.
Both your picks that you liked are very cute!
For others, here is the Jayden Embroidered Top:
<img src="https://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/4112211060002_040_b?$a15-pdp-detail-shot$&hei=900&fit=constrain">
And here is the Swing Cable Cardigan:
<img src="https://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/4114232790062_004_b?$a15-pdp-detail-shot$&hei=900&fit=constrain">
…and here's the futon-able Willa Quilted Coat:
<img src="https://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/4133219579843_009_b?$a15-pdp-detail-shot$&hei=900&fit=constrain">
Anthro, Stop trying to make "Looped Cardigans" happen, it's not going to happen!
hahahahaha, normally I'd agree with you, but I am really liking the Talah Eyelash Cardigan (except for the fact that it looks like it has shoulder pads).
Author
Yes, please, listen to Amelia Anthropologie! Except the Talah Eyelash Cardi that nedrey likes. 🙂
that one reminds me of my sons lambwool, haha.. probably pretty cozy!
If anyone manages to try on the interstellar tunic dress (the sequined t shirt dress) please review it here…I sort of like the simplicity paired with the sparkly and I'm thinking of giving it a try… Not sure how the sizing will work so I'm hoping for some reviews 🙂
Thanks!
As far as this pre shop goes, besides the sequin dress and the Cadiz top, nothing at all is catching my eye. I'd love to see some fall colored crushed velvet dresses, something in burnished copper or hunter green. Please no more cold shoulders. And it's about to get cold, Anthropologie, so more dresses with sleeves!!
Author
Ohhh Fall-colored crushed velvet dresses sound amazing!
I am waiting for a full price promo to "force" me to buy the following items
Floral Jacquard Skirt (eva franco)
Cara Pleated Skirt (orla kiely)
Zephyr Plaid Skirt (zero to sky) (although, it looks very narrow through the hips and butt area even on the model)
Logan Plaid Midi Skirt (c/meo collective)
Personally, I am sucker for velvet and sequins so, the Interstellar Tunic Dress (plum) and Triana Floral Dress are already on my fall must have list. I am planning on getting both the ruffled hem pants (black) and Knit Turtleneck Pullover at some point this week depending if they are available at my local store.
Author
I think you will get your wish in the next few weeks!
Hey Roxy,
During the spring:summer you posted your favorite shoes for that season. I loved that post. Every shoe was so right on. I bought it own almost all of them. Could you please post one for fall! Thanks!
Author
OK! Along those lines I did a work shoe post recently, but I will happily do a trend shoe piece too. https://effortlesslywithroxy.com/2017/08/the-work…
Yes! A trend post with all the must haves! Thanks!
Most of the "today" Anthro. is trendy. I miss the timeless designs I did like-purchase-wear and continue to wear….. sadly are aging ( well cared for), but without replacing items in my closet these on replay will too be gone. Trying to replace is just not happening at Anthro for me. My Birthday coupon/survey coupon not used this month. I am shopping elsewhere. I peek into the shoppe but not a destination shoppe as in the past. The sales area I used to find old favorites but now at the 2Anthro locations near me the hangers are unmovable the area is just too stuffed with junk. Seriously where did these designs come from? Thanks for the blog-miss the reader outfits… it created inspiration.
Author
Agreed Cindy! Like Aims2 I just pulled out two of my circa-2008 Anthropologie Fall dresses and people *still* ask me where I got them when I wear them. They both look like new and still fit so well. I don't get why Anthro is so resistant to going back to what people want them to do? It's not like they weren't growing or doing well….???
OT Free People Etienne Maxi dress popback in small – $150 plus 25% off. This dress fits TTS and I love it!!!!!: https://www.freepeople.com/wishlist/e01e1416-b80c…
Anthro – I keep coming back to you, but there is rarely anything you have that I want. It just makes me sad to think I scroll though pages of new arrivals and nothing makes it to my wish list except a few pairs of $$ jeans that I might bite on with a promo. I was in my local shop this past weekend and tried on a few things that kind of sparked my attention, but nothing really fit well. The Pilcro flare crops looked promising but they started the flare too high up near the knee and they just didn't work. Not sure I'll really be shopping Anthro too much with what's been offered lately. The only things that catch my attention are later found to be the pricey items like $250 sweaters which I will not buy.
Author
Carrie I hear you and I want you to know that I know Anthro reads this blog regularly (among with many other retailers!) so I know THEY hear you too. 🙂
Once again, this pre shop (and new arrivals) was a mish mashed line up with very little that is appealing. I STILL don't think they GET IT! Some of this looks like clown wear. I apologize if some of you are Mara Hoffman fans, but these styles look ridiculous to me. I also could care less about $600 Shoshanna dresses. What is killing me is, I will buy one great piece, like a pretty coat or a neat pair of shoes, but then I can't ever seem to be able to wear it/them because then I don't have anything else to tie it all in. If I want the dress, jewelry, shoes, coat, bag, I will be wearing an outfit that is about $800+ or so. I can't afford that, so then I get mad at myself for buying a single pretty Anthro piece that just sits in my closet. Can't we have some kind of continuity here that doesn't break the bank?! It becomes too frustrating to shop at Anthro. It didn't used to be this hard!
Author
YES! Outfits Anthropologie. Simple outfits with a twist. None of this over-the-top 85 pattern on pattern stuff with boxy and cropped or fluffy and voluminous Muppet-like stuff.
I don't see women around me… women I see on the roads in the streets of NYC or New Jersey, professionals, mothers, friends at evening parties, no one dresses in these exaggerated clothes Anthro is offering. And why SO many extra long dresses when summer is over!!! This is not maxi-dress season. And most pieces that are attractive do not fit. It seems like Anthro is going to die. I can't wait for another store to show up that exactly gets the past patterns at Anthropologie.
Author
I agree, in fact the only people I see wearing this stuff is other bloggers, and often they look very cute in their outfits but it's not real life. I doubt they are walking around day-to-day in these items. They're just not practical enough.
double agree!! I feel like Anthropologie has turned into a runway show, a very entertaining one(I'll give them that!), but simply not practical for ready-to-wear….
This Anna Sui dress would be the sheeeet if it wasn't for the weird ruffles…well,and the price too .. haha 🙂 https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/anna-sui-ruffl…
Author
Yes! I am delighted to see Anthro carrying Anna Sui again as I was really missing her stuff here, but that dress is too heavy-handed. I'm working on a new arrivals post and there is nothing from the brand at Anthro I want which is a shame because there is plenty from her Fall runway show that I adore!
I agree Klji. 🙂 Its far too much material than most people can wear.
Roxy- I would love if you could explain to me the velvet trend.. how to wear? I see it more as party or occasion wear than everyday wear. I see a lot of velvet dresses at Anthro and today I see one I really like. Its called the velvet burnout wrap dress. But, I have no idea where to wear it or how to style this. Would love your ideas about velvet in general. http://shopstyle.it/l/i02N
Author
<img src="https://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/4130277330015_041_b?$a15-pdp-detail-shot$&hei=900&fit=constrain">
It depends on what the item is. This dress I would treat like a fine wool or silk dress. You could wear it to work with a structured wool or cotton blazer over it. You could also wear an oversized cardigan or a long sleek cardigan that's just a bit shorter than the dress. I'd pair it with cute flats, suede pumps or leather kitten heels.
Although velvet is a luxe material, it's being interpreted in lots of casual ways for Fall. So don't think of it as a super dressy item, consider it the same way you would a nice tee shirt or jeans or a cute day dress. Make sense?
Thanks Roxy! That helps. I guess I will have to try it on and see how I feel in it, if its good for every day or will keep for special occasion.
OH wow that teal dress is calling my name. It's stunning and so one of a kind. Definitely need to head to Anthro for a try on session.