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Hidden among the ever growing vast sea of products on Anthropologie’s website, this post is devoted to the new arrivals that I like or intrigue me. (We’ll end with a must-skip list, because I can’t resist.) The sheer amount of products is slightly terrifying and so finding the good stuff becomes ever more difficult — but it’s there, hiding between murdered Muppets and deep v-neck jumpsuits.
I must further qualify that ‘good’ and ‘intriguing’ don’t always mean wearable at Anthropologie, as is the case with the Michael Stars Halter Knit Dress ($88, above). This brand is Made in the USA (yay!) and tends to do one size fits all items…which in truth end up fitting a 4/6. Anthropologie somehow gets them to make sized items, but they tend to run very small as is the case with this dress. So it’s very cute but if you wear larger than a 6, forget it. The dress is shown above with the Michael Stars Long Ribbed Cardigan ($168).
Luckily, a little bit of a deeper look gets us to dresses that are both cute and wearable. Topping my October wishlist so far is the lovely Greta V-Neck Jacquard Dress ($300, above), an Orla Kiely beauty that has what looks like abstract ginkgo leaves all over it. This dress checks nearly all the boxes: it’s a fit-and-flare, it’s knee-length…and it misses the material boat by being polyester rather than silk, though in truth poly is often better as it’s washable and doesn’t make me perspire as much.
Other dresses topping my October wishlist are the very work-friendly Velvet Burnout Wrap Dress ($158), the cute and visually appealing Structured Knitwork Dress ($148) and the beautifully boho Tupelo Floral Dress ($148) which has gotten the community stamp of approval!
I’m slowly warming up to the embellished jean trend. As a 5-year-old nothing was more fun than wearing jeans with rhinestones on the pockets, a flower embroidered on the back pockets or white trellises running up the legs. As an adult I’m getting used to the idea of doing the same. These Pilcro Mid-Rise Slim Boyfriend Jeans ($158, above, with this jacket) are part of what’s convincing me. Just a touch of embellishment in bright and fun colors. This kick-flare version of the same jean cut also has me tempted, and I can’t really decide if it’s crazy or cute. Both is also an acceptable answer!
The other pair of embellished jeans on my wishlist is this grey camo jean, which seems very city wearable — though I still debate whether camo has a place in a non-military wardrobe. What do you think? You can see Anthro’s full gamut of embellished jeans here.
Embellishments are everywhere in Anthropologie’s assortment right now. Over in skirts I am loving Eva Franco’s Floral Jacquard Skirt ($158, above), one of several fanciful items from the brand. The Ruffled Burnout Skirt ($128) is another great option in a soft blue and the highly-rated Printed Pencil Skirt ($68) looks great for work.
It’s not new, but I so adore the Citizens of Humanity Liya Cutoff Denim Skirt ($248) — it looks cute in every outfit I see it in on Anthro’s site. I have last Spring’s version which has a button fly but the new version has a zipper fly, which is even better. It runs very small around the waist — I took a 32 in the skirt. It’s shown here with the Jes Boat Neck Top ($78), the Corra Tapestry Ankle Boots ($158) and the Silverton Engineer Hat ($58).
In the tops section, Anthro keeps on throwing a bunch of items at the wall like spaghetti to see what sticks. So far, not much for me. One top I’m interested in is the Gingham Embroidered Tie-Front Top ($118, above) which has the potential to be either awesome or terrible. For work, the Woven Pocketed Buttondown ($78) looks like a good casual office option, though I’m getting quite tired of these dual-pattern shirts Anthro’s been putting out for years. Remember the beautiful poplin or cotton work tops they used to make, with slightly princess sleeves and darts for a spectacular fit? The top that comes the closest to even being related to that is the Stella Silk Cami ($278) which is very pretty…but that price is yikes!
On the texture front Anthropologie does deliver, especially in their pants section. Their cord jeans are pretty great and they’ve got two options in the Stevie Mid-Rise Skinny Velvet Jeans ($188) and the Pilcro Corduroy High-Rise Skinny Jeans ($88, above). I’m equally delighted by both and love the saturated hues they come in. I’ve got a few more textured jean picks in my boutique at the bottom of the post.
Over in accessories, there is plenty to highlight! It remains the brightest spot in Anthropologie’s selection right now. I saw the Floral Cashmere Scarf ($245, above with the AG Mya Denim Jacket) in a local store and it’s so very soft and gorgeous! It’s one of several scarfs I could see in my Fall wardrobe, a list that also includes the greyscale Dots & Stripes Infinity Scarf ($68), the pink, greens and blues of the Rosy Plaid Wool Scarf ($138) and the stripes of the Preppy Striped Scarf ($68) which does look pretty and preppy.
I didn’t buy them at Anthropologie, but Dolce Vita’s Tay Ankle Booties ($128, above) are so incredibly gorgeous! Very comfy and velvety in several different colors (the full range is available here), I got them in a steely grey-blue called charcoal. This rose gold color shown above is darker in real life. Anthro’s got another velvet shoe on my must-have list, the Chelsea Crew Lola Velvet Heels ($88) which have a wonderful vintage feel you could easily modernize with a pair of tailored jeans. More shoe picks in the boutique below.
Don’t let your scroll through Anthro’s latest goodies be complete without a look in their bags section — you’ll find plenty of pretties and surprisingly afforable prices on many. Seems like they are taking a cue from sister store Free People, which offers many beautiful bags for under $70.
At Anthropologie, I think the Stitched Circular Crossbody Bag ($58, above in beautiful blue) has to be my favorite, for the look, the color and the price! It also comes in a very versatile tan.
And then…there are those things at Anthropologie that are not so versatile. Not very wearable. Highly questionable, mostly head-scratchable. Below, my must-skip pieces from Anthropologie. What are they thinking?
Let’s wrap up this post with the goodies I do like from Anthro’s latest. Later today, we’ll talk Anthropologie sale, where there were fresh cuts this morning.
Lots of new markdowns at Anthro this morning!
Author
Yup! Some great stuff too, huh Denise?
I'll have a post up for the new sale markdowns later today, but if anyone wants to shop it now here's an affiliate link: http://bit.ly/2wtLTb9
Everything that I like lately seems to not be offered in petite sizing. Funny because it seems like the petite sizes sell out more quickly than regular.
Author
That would annoy the heck out of me! Conversely I feel like some of the things I like most are petite-only.
That whole Mara Hoffman collection has to go. It’s clownish and just the worst of the 80s. And I’m not even going to get into those ruffled ballet flats (yes I am. They look like they have a fungus growing on them. GROSS.)
I do have some things on my wishlist – Like this gorgeous Anna Sui dress that is miles out of my budget:
http://shopstyle.it/l/jcAO
and this sweater, which I can’t decide whether I love or hate:
http://shopstyle.it/l/jcCy
I’ve tried on the Sita tulle skirt (runs small) and I really like it:
http://shopstyle.it/l/jcCL
as well as so many boots – like these (and just added the pink velvet to my list)
http://shopstyle.it/l/jcBH
A few things that I like hit sale, but as often happens this time of year, I’ve already seen new things that I like and have captured my attention (and my wallet). Losing the extra % off didn’t help my motivation levels any either. I do have and can recommend the Vintage Modern tank – it’s soft and comfy, well made and washes well. Perfect basic.
Totally agree on Mara Hoffman. That $425 two-tone jumpsuit (I call it "Victor/Victoria") is ridiculous.
In fact, there are 48 "fall rompers & jumpsuits" in Anthro's New Arrivals section…that's about 44 too many in my book :^)
I do like a handful of the other new items, including the ones you and Roxy list. I am really liking the Anthropologie shoe line as well. Nice designs and reasonable pricing.
Author
Yeah I normally love Mara Hoffman but I'm very bummed out by this collection. Not at all what I want.
I'll be updating your comment with photos and affiliate links!
I agree the Mara Hoffman boob tie collection is awful.
The skirt is beautiful! I don't know where I'd wear it though.
After weeks of % off sale items, it is ridiculous that Anthro took it off with this new batch. Why would you want to get something on sale and then have it go a % off after a few days? Seriously keep the % off until either it is all gone or remove all sale from the store and "start over". They are painting themselves in a corner that they'll never get out of. With holiday right around the corner, the sale rooms in my Anthro home store are overflowing (as they are at the new Anthro at Ground Zero). I cannot imagine what Rock Center or Chelsea locations are like now.
Great points made, and thank you for slogging through all those pages; I don't always even bother any more. Thinking how much easier it wold be if all those jumpsuits were made as matching separates….
Oh why isn't that Michael Stars long cardigan in blue online? Oh, well. Did add the black to my wishlist.
Love, love, love the Mara Hoffman May turtleneck in pure alpaca. A perfect basic, but the color is all wrong for me. Why do they call it red when the Mara Hoffman site calls it rust?
As for silk versus polyester: I find it matters hugely how the silk is woven, and the weight. A quality crepe de chine or georgette is very airy and easiest to wash. Even a charmeuse with the matte side out can be comfy on warm and even humid days. On the other hand, a dense satin, brocade, or other tight weaves doesn't breathe well. I love my old Leifsdottir Scattered Wing Romper, but the polyester gets so hot in summer unless I'm over the water or in California.
Author
I don't understand why the cardigan isn't available in blue online, and neither is the dress from what I can tell? I don't know if those colors are coming or if the photo is just so color-adjusted from a color that actually is available?
Very good point about silk. I too love crepe de chine and georgette, and am less likely to sweat in those. I guess you're right, it all comes down to the makeup of the material!
I like the cardigan as well. The black is also wish listed!
I really need some sweaters this season so I’m looking into those mostly and everything that is affordable is acrylic. I feel like Anthro is trying to fool me into thinking that their sweaters are made of natural materials. For example description of this sweater says ‘Using only sustainable fabrics..’ I looks at the fabric content and see that it is acrylic.
http://shopstyle.it/l/jcCs
The other sweater description talks about heirlooms, luxe pieces and a vintage-inflected sensibility when content is “Acrylic, polyamide” –
http://shopstyle.it/l/jcEk
Author
Groan…does Anthro really think we'll be fooled by that? How annoying. I added photos to your comment and updated with affiliate links — happy to switch them to non-affiliate links if you prefer.
This sounds crazy but I have been finding cotton sweaters at Old Navy. Gap has some cotton blends but some are over 50% cotton. I have sweaters in my closet made from all kinds of fabrics but the ones I love & wear over & over are cotton. Wish they were easier to find.
Author
It doesn't sound crazy to me! Gap and Old Navy have some pretty cute stuff if you don't mind digging.
Loved that pompom sweater UNTIL I saw the fabric content. Then I sighed and hit backspace.
I like some of your picks above. particularly Gingham Embroidered Tie-Front Top and Woven Pocketed Buttondown. If you get a chance to try them on please share your thoughts on the fit/quality.
Author
I will!
I have the Ruffled Burnout Skirt, but it runs very small in the waist. I'm usually a 10, and 12 (which is the largest size it comes in) barely fits. I'm trying to decide if i should return it or if I can make it work. It will only work if I can find a good top to wear with it that doesn't need to be tucked in. I was hoping to wear it to work, so the model photo top won't work. Any ideas?
Author
Hi Karen! You haven't mentioned what kind of top (work, casual, etc) so let me throw several ideas at you and let me know if any of these sound good or if you have something else in mind.
My personal pick would be this sweatshirt in pink, because it would be easy to dress up or down with the skirt depending on what shoes/necklace/bag you pair with it. Size down in this.
Now, if you want something more fitted than I think long sleeve fitted cotton tee is the way to go, and you could literally pick any of the available colors and make it work! I'd add a nice big jeweled necklace with this one, or a long pendant and then a cute pair of black flats.
On the dressier side, this silk tank would also be a lovely option! It has a gorgeous v-neck that would contrast the shape of the skirt nicely, and it hits at high hip. I'm partial towards the olive color to go with the skirt but as I see it's nearly sold out, any of the three available colors would work. In a similar vein, this ruffled cami would also be beautiful…unless you feel that's ruffle overload!
Turning to a new store now, here's a simple yet elegant top that would work wonderfully with the skirt, and just so happens to be 50% off today! Another 50% off top option is this soft velvet shell. Those two have short sleeves and no sleeves, so if you want long sleeves I'd say go with this option which has proportions that will balance out the skirt perfectly.
Thanks, Roxy!! Sorry to be unclear – specifically, I'm looking for an outfit for work. I'd be uncomfortable wearing a cami to work, but all of the other suggestions are very helpful! They also got me thinking about a couple of tops I already own but hadn't considered. Specifically, the Twisted High-neck Tank at Anthro, https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/twisted-high-n… which I own in red. And also this sweater I bought yesterday from Talbots in maroon https://www.talbots.com/online/m/bow-cuff-sweater…
Thanks again for all of the ideas! I really appreciate it!
Author
Perfect! Glad I could help. ?
I agree that Anthro is churning out a lot of cute unwearable stuff, but I actually don't think the Michael Stars dress qualifies. The same number of sizes are available, it's just shifted downwards… so people who are smaller than me aren't sized out, at the same time that people like you unfortunately are sized out. That to me is just the reality of limited retail sizing today 🙁
I just came back from China, where I wear a size Small in tops. These days, that translates to a size 0 at J.Crew and a size 00 at Anthro :/ So what are my smaller friends–of which I can think of several, I'm 5'3" and 118 lbs which is really not that tiny–going to wear? (My main problem with tops is the opposite of yours — loose and flowy means that everything is cut with positive ease in the chest, and I don't have the boobs to fill anything out.)
Author
Yes I completely agree with you! There are way too many people sized out at either end. I guess my point would be better made by saying that it's endlessly frustrating that there is no longer a standard for women's clothing sizes in the USA, so a 'medium' in one item may fit completely differently than a 'medium' in another brand. When retailers complain about the amount of returns in this online shopping age, that's the first thought that comes to mind.
Size fiction is worldwide these days, isn't it?
How about a cm measurement set instead? bust-waist-hips?
I have some of your items on my wishlist like the velvet wrap dress and Sherpa jacket.
I am liking the stitched circular bag you posted, I can't believe the low price!
I feel kinda meh about Michael stars, I always see his stuff at TJ Maxx so it doesn't feel very special to me
That bag is on backorder until late December ☹️
Author
Oh no! I see that now. Well, it will be a great Hanukkah or Christmas present in that case.
We should acknowledge that this bag and others with such low price points are made of what is apparently now called "vegan leather" in other words, not leather. That is a FP specialty (along with lots of leather) and now Anthro has more of the faux leather bags and accessories.
Author
Yes, true! Pleather given a brilliant new name by the marketing department.
Ugh is all I have to say! I looked at this morning's new arrivals and there is NOTHING going in the right direction as we have begged Anthro to fix! It is all just strange and a mish mash of oversized, not even close to special pieces like they used to be in the good old days. I really think what they need to do is flush out the people who are calling the shots at Anthro and replace them with people WHO GET IT! Please roll some heads and figure it out before Anthro goes down the tubes!! I already dissed the Mara Hoffman line up in the last Anthro post, so you guys took the words out of mouth. I don't care about Michael Stars and Shoshanna and this runway looking designer crap that you can get elsewhere! I want Anthropologie exclusive designs that are unique! Where ARE they???!!!
Author
I don't know but we are all waiting for those beautiful designs you're wishing for too.
Thanks for wading through all this fluff!
I’ve added a couple of things to my wishlist from your list.
I did buy the Pinafore dress by Seen Worn Kept this weekend even though it feels a bit late in the season. I had to size up to an 8 from my usual 4 or 6 at Anthropologie as the waist/bust band was tight.
I tried and liked the Gemma Pleated Skirt too (adding affiliate links 100% great w/me) The sapphire color was fantastic for the coming winter season. It really popped with a furry white sweater 🙂 I think the elastic waist band cheapened it a bit and I didn’t buy as it’s handwash only…with a zillion pleats, it would a LONG time sitting in my ironing basket…
Author
We are Pinafore Cross-Back Dress twins, Ann! I intend to wear it all winter with cardigans over it and long-sleeve shirts under it. Thank you for the mini-review! LOL @ the Gemma sitting in your ironing basket for a long time, I totally hear you on that one. (I usually pay the dry cleaner to wash those type of fussy items.)
Thanks for the permission to switch to affiliate links, updating your comment now.
Aha! Yes, it turned out to be a sneaky hit. Online it looks quite plain, but after trying it on it seemed like a funky minimalist sort of option. Heavier fabric too than I expected from the pictures.
Thanks for the styling input!
Now, I detest polyester but that skirt really caught my eye! I made a visit to the store looking for a Tracy Reese dress (that I didn't see sigh).
Author
Ah boo! Even the NYC stores which normally carry Tracy Reese have been light on it this year. Sad.
I find that I am doing a lot of "shopping" by looking at Anthro stores and Personal Shopper Instagram feed vs the new arrival section (I feel I see the same thing over and over and never anything new). Most of the time, they are wearing the same skirt, but for me it is all about the "I like this skirt, but what goes with it", and they have everyone put their own spin on it. One of the best ones to follow (if you haven't already) is the Anthro Walnut Creek. They seem to be carrying a designer/ brand that is NOT on the website or in any of the other stores. Her name is Samantha Sung and the dresses the store carries are great. BUT be warned, they are very expensive (400.00). I took the plunge and ordered two dresses so we'll see how they work out. The same is for the Anthro PS Instagram, they have (obviously) been putting together amazing outfits. My only frustration is that they rarely put the item name in the description so it makes it difficult to find the name to search on….
Author
Yes!! Good call. I have been neglecting Instagram lately but I did a few roundup posts with styling done by the various Anthro store/PS accounts. I will see about starting that up again! It's a little sad that they condensed many individual stores into regional accounts.
Just for laughs…if anyone was interested in the interstellar sequin t dress (I was….) there is one review and it made me laugh out loud:
"I bought this in the plum color and it's really lovely in person and I was looking forward to wearing it for the fall. It fits TTS.
However, after taking it off I looked at the floor and SO MANY sequins had fallen off that it looked like a murder scene for a purple fairy."
Hahaha….I was laughing my head off…
I'm going to wait for some more reviews because I really love it but I don't want to be bending down and cleaning a thousand sequins off my bedroom floor every time I wear it….
If anyone else has tried this one and found that the sequins are secure, please share!
Thanks!!
Author
Eek! And sadly not surprising. ?