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It’s a new year and I am hoping, with continually shrinking faith, that Anthropologie is finally turning the corner back into the goodness this blog began to celebrate and that this community was originally built on. Looking through the January 2018 new arrivals so far I guess any celebration will have to wait. I feel terrible in-store when some of my few remaining favorite SAs that I’ve known for years encourage me with sayings like, “I think they’ve really got it this time!”
I don’t blame them. Even me, the eternal optimist, can’t keep up the facade any longer. Anthro’s stuff these last three years has really beaten me down. I’m a shadow of my former dog-earring, budget-busting self at my former favorite store. Yet I can’t quite quit them either — and I hear that the latest round of Home Office changes might finally yield some of the good stuff we so long for.
So, it is with that fleeting hope in mind that I want to talk about the newest new stuff. To begin, let’s talk about what kind of clothing I’m normally shopping for this time of year.
Bateau necks and boat necks, long sturdy skirts and thick block heels that won’t make me fall in cold weather. Sleeves that actually reach my wrists and tops that actually skim my body. Fisherman’s sweaters, warm comfy robes, soft and/or flannel button-downs, and huge comfy scarfs that can be looked or draped for extra warmth. Thick socks and tights; tiers of lacy shells and camisoles that I can layer beneath other tops for indoors. Rugby stripes and Parisian stripes, corduroy pants and velvet dresses. Long layering cardigans and chunky oversized cardigans and sweaters. Slouchy hats and warm gloves. Fair isle sweaters and faux leather leggings. Cute sneakers, practical and classic weather boots, and flats that aren’t too flat for my arches. Delicate jewelry like small dangle earrings and simple yet elegant necklaces.
Now. Guess how much of that stuff I can find at Anthropologie? If you answered maybe one or two of those things, ding ding ding! This is hardly an Anthro-only problem but it’s especially frustrating from the store that’s supposed to be the trend-bucking, wanderer-pleasing showcase of constant delight. It’s really no wonder that I’m turning to Amazon more and more for my clothing, because if everyone is going to make crap I’m at least going to save as much money as I can buying it. I have no interest in paying $300 for a poorly sewn dress that sits like a sack and will fall apart on its third washer-dryer cycle.
Even stuff that might fit the bill of beauty, like the Burnham Lace Top ($98), shown above with the Pilcro Mid-Rise Embroidered Boyfriend Shorts ($98), comes with qualifiers. In the case of the lace top it’s the length — you can see on the product shot how the top just barely clears the top of the model’s jeans, and when I tried the top on I found similar length issues. I’ll probably buy it anyway with my birthday discount because I so long for a great lace top (this and this are other options) that I’ll settle for nearly great temporarily. Oh, and NONE of these tops come with a lining cami. Not a single. Dang. One. How that’s OK in Anthro’s world I don’t know. The tops basically become $108 tops, because the cheapest I can find a decent layering cami is about $10. (If you’re looking, I recommend this scoop neck cami and this v-neck cami.)
Other tops are too loose to really embrace, like the Riley Embroidered Buttondown ($98) which has pink and embroidery going for it but is so HUGEMONGOUS. Why? I do not know.
And Pilcro. Remember when Pilcro was affordable? What encouraged me to give it a shot in the first place was that I could get a pair for $58 or $68. Now? You won’t find a single full-length pair under $98 until it hits sale. The fit also seems to have changed; pairs like the cute floral Pilcro Mid-Rise Skinny Ankle Jeans ($118, above) come in a skinny cut that is not at all curve-friendly, leaving more than half the female population in the dust.
So rawrrrr, urgh, ugh, I’m moderately angry with all the crap retailers are spewing at us and then wondering why sales and profits are down. The holiday season by and large seems to have gone well for retail — but not without heavy promotional discounting, and returns certainly haven’t been taken into account yet. But, rant (mostly) over, let’s look at some of the other new arrivals catching my eye.
I’m delighted to see that Anthropologie continues carrying Bailey44’s many column dresses. The latest, the Striped Column Dress ($158, above) is beautiful in blue, grey and black. I want it! And I feel there’s a good chance we’ll get another full price promo sometime this month, hopefully in time for me to snag this for my birthday on January 22. I think it’ll look great with Serefina’s lovely Saphira Hooped Post Earrings ($38) in navy.
There are some other really pretty dresses in Anthro’s new stuff but the problem is I have no idea where I’d wear the likes of the Rosa Lace Dress ($228) or the length-iffy Velvet Swing Dress ($138). Options like the Twinkling Wrap Dress ($128) or the Hailey Embroidered Dress ($158) hold promise but aren’t special enough for my vacations, so I wouldn’t wear them for months. And then there are dresses like the Embroidered Peasant Dress ($158) that looks great in the model shot but then you realize via the reviews that it’s just a sack with shiny embroidery and a thin piece of rope masquerading as a belt, and will look awful on most of the female population.
There’s entirely too much resort and not enough structured work or casual pieces. And not nearly enough cold-weather pieces! It’s only January for cripes’ sake!!
Anthropologie’s skirts section seems to be taking some steps in the right direction. I like several right now. But again, I have no idea where I’d wear the Cordoba Tulle Skirt ($148) or the Champagne Pleated Skirt ($158) right now. Though man I really want that tulle skirt! The Addora Velvet Skirt ($198) is fun but has a lot going on, a problem that also kinda plagues the Naples Flounced Skirt ($168) above which has a weird bumpy texture to it. (Shown with this ridiculous sold-out sweater.)
On the more practical yet stylish side, I am liking the Level 99 Button-Front Pencil Skirt ($105) and the Mother Frayed Denim Skirt ($208) with no complaints. I even kinda like the sweaters shown with each!
Anthro’s coat selection has been meh for me this winter, but I did end liking and wanting the Sherpa Moto Vest (now $100 + 40% off, sold out online) very much, so when I couldn’t find it via Anthropologie I ordered it direct from Greylin. I’ve got a few styling ideas for it on my “Street Style” Pinterest board. I also really like the look of the Sherpa Collared Jacket ($158), which is no surprise as it’s basically just a sherpa’d version of the Faravel Moto Jacket ($148) that I own and adore in two colors. I wish both of these coats were an inch or two longer.
I’ve got some of my new arrival favorites below, including stuff I truly love in the accessories sections. What’s your impression of Anthro’s new stuff so far this month?
In general, I really like all of the Eva Franco pieces Anthro has been carrying. I also like the look of the Eryn Embroidered Blazer which reminds me of the old Anthropologie. https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/eryn-embroider…
On the complaint side: why are all the new arrival t-shirts in the $100 range??? I appreciate that they are made in the USA, but $100 for a t-shirt? Come on!
Author
Ohhh I like that blazer in grey! I don't think I'd noticed it before, very pretty. Thanks for pointing it out Karen!
Anything above $38 for a tee shirt should be illegal.
Happy New Year, Roxy and everyone else here.
I just saw I haven't bought anything from Anthro since early September, and it was a pair of wide leg Fall trousers. I did find some gorgeous older Anthro items in silk via resale and online, so I'm very happy there. My closet has more than enough resort and summer wear, and the Anthro party items I ordered didn't work at all (and the fabric descriptions were wrong too – like calling viscose silk).
All the points you make about what you are looking for are the same I have. I'm seeing the same trends in the new arrivals as over the last year, but I'll keep checking in.
For anyone ordering from other countries, keep an eye on the totals. I know when to expect an extra bill from US customs, but not everyone does and it can be a shocking surprise (which Canadian Anthro shoppers know only too well).
Author
Yes I bought a bunch of Christmas gifts at Anthro, but nearly nothing for myself over the last 6 months.
I think the Pilcro Tweed Trucker Jacket is very cute. A few days ago there was only one size available in petites (maybe XL?) and currently there are no petite sizes available. That's pretty much all that caught my eye.
Author
You're right! Pilcro's jackets tend to be great, I love their denim jacket for instance. I'm just sad the price point has nearly doubled in the last two years on the brand.
I bought it with a promo discount and really love it
I think my lack of excitement for the latest offerings is that I can afford to wait for something I really love and that ticks all the right boxes. I still have some tiny alterations done for fit, but I'm not willing to spend money on something close-but-not-quite-right.
Author
I feel you, and yet I just bought a bunch of stuff at Old Navy and American Eagle. Nice basics, hard to beat prices, good quality. Not particularly special things though.
Karen, in the sale section there is an "embroidered dove cardigan". I bought it a while ago. It is classic Anthro in my eyes–a very basic, classic cardigan but with the quirk of the embroidery.
Yes, I've seen that and I agree with you.
Author
It does have a lovely print! I wish it came in other color combos.
Hey you have the same Birthday as my Mom! <3
I honestly can't remember when I last bought clothes at Anthro. I got Christmas gifts there this year but that was from their cool gifts section.
Author
Well then your Mom must be one seriously cool lady!!
I like the Bailey 44 column dress and really like the Beckley Blazier. Will likely purchase that next time there is a % off.
Author
Which hopefully will be soon!
fingers crossed!
Happy New year!
Everything I like at Anthro at the moment is designer item and too pricey for me. To be honest I do not like much at JCrew either. I do not remember when I liked something at BR last time and I barely like anything at Boden due to ugly prints. Perhaps something is wrong with me and not the retailers? There is a whole army of people working in those designs and they ?like what they are designing. Boden S/S preview if somebody missed that http://www.bodenpreview.com/en-us/ 🙁
Author
Happy New Year! I am liking a bunch of Banana's sweaters right now.
I just bought this thick one in charcoal: http://bit.ly/2CGeLB8
And this one in the oatmeal heather, it's been so hard to find a cuffed sweater this year! http://bit.ly/2CIHNA8
To be honest I stopped checking BR about a year ago. The sweaters that you got are fine but do not strike me like something I have to have.
Author
I hear you.
When you are 5’2 all of your sweaters are cuffed LOL
I was eyeing the Burnham Lace top earlier, thinking I'd finally identified the top that is paired with the Perennial Lace-Hem Pants in the pants' product shot, but alas not. I'm holding out for that one (anyone know what it is?)
The only other item I'm eyeing in the new arrivals is the Sol Angeles Vie en Rose t-shirt. I saw it in my store last week and am kicking myself for not using the $25 off coupon on it when I had the chance (instead, I let it expire).
The one recent arrival (not exactly new) I really love is the Applique Peplum Top by Atsu. I snatched it up during one of the recent 30% off promotions and it is seriously gorgeous. VERY old Anthropologie. The only other thing I've really loved is the Glencoe sweater coat, which I also happily purchased on promotion from my local store.
Other recent buys have had quality issues – Long sleeve Lace tee by Wilt – pretty and oh so soft but see through, which is astounding given the price tag. And the Layered Arabesque Dress (looks pretty, but materials are clearly subpar and unnatural. And SO ITCHY. I returned it.
Author
Hmm I just did a search and that lace top isn't coming up, but Anthro has a bunch more new stuff to roll out yet so it could be available in the coming days!
Thanks for having a look! Hopefully that means I didn't miss it. I know that the vie en rose tee only appeared today.
Happy New Year everyone!!!!!
I am not impressed with the new offerings. Right now I'm eyeing cashmere sweaters (got some cute ones at Talbots of all places), tall boots, warm socks/tights and scarves. I am NOT even thinking about linen, shorts, swimwear and the color white. Not until late March at least.
Author
Cashmere! I just got two amazing cashmere sweaters from J. Crew Factory. My 2008 J. Crew retail Cashmere V-Neck finally died a couple of months ago, and I hate the new retail cashmere, but these Factory sweaters are amazing!
I got this crewneck cashmere sweater in the blue, same color as my old retail v-neck: http://shopstyle.it/l/sF7p
And this one in the "topaz" which is actually a beautiful light olive with gold flecks in real life: http://shopstyle.it/l/sF4X
Unfortunately J.Crew Factory excludes cashmere from its promos, but $78 each is still a really good deal!
OOh – I like the v neck one!
I got these from Talbots – https://www.talbots.com/online/cashmere-sabrina-p… https://www.talbots.com/online/ribbed-cashmere-pe… wearing the tunic now with skinnies and these boots that I just got from the Free People 40% off sale sale. They are seriously the most amazing pair of boots I have ever owned – the leather is silky soft and they feel like they were custom made for my feet!: https://www.freepeople.com/shop/carl-over-the-kne…
Author
LOVE those boots! And I like the sweater with them too.
LOL, I wrote about A.S. 98 without seeing your new comment. Their boots are amazing and so durable! Even my husband cannot destroy his pair in 1 season. I have a pair for 5th year now and I went hiking in them a few times and they are still like new.
I'm also (always) craving boots and hoping for some nice discounts in January or February. I am a big fan of A.S.98 boots and love a few models this season. Also I'm hoping to get new la canadienne boots .
Tanda, I've never heard of this brand before I got these. Where do you usually get them?
Love this velvet pair too: https://as98.net/shop/women/boots/suffield
I got my first pair from Free People 5 years ago but now I shop company web-site https://www.as98-shop.com/it/women/winter.html I've seen some nice discounts there but sizes often gone. This year I like many models they have and I'm sure once 30% off starts I still will find something I love. Last year I didn't like their offerings as much so got nothing for myself or husband.
Hi Tanda! I just checked out the AS98 website & fell in love with several pairs of boots. When does 30% off start? Is it an annual sale? Thanks to you (& Anthropoitan!) for bringing this brand to my attention!
Actually the first time I learned about this brand was in 5+ years in Barcelona. I walked into a small boutique and there was a wall of A.S 98 boots. I loved them all and tried on at least 10 pairs but didn't buy any due to limited suitcase space and hefty price tags. Once back home I did a quick search on online sellers and found that FP carries them. I bought a pair and them more and more and more…..
LOL, I can see wanting lots of pairs of these. I've never had a boot that felt so nice on – not even Fryes or Old Gringos.
I bought an Eva Franco top that is gorgeous and garners compliments every time I wear it. https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/tara-embroider…
But that's about it from the Anthro clothing selection this winter. It wasn't for lack of trying. I actually need some new work wear, but have been so frustrated trying to find outfits. Not just random pieces. Ugh!!!
I did buy many home items and stocked up on candles during the holiday promotions. I even splurged on a beautiful rug – the Wicklow Rug.
But have been sadly missing clothing. Today, I'm wearing a Sleeping on Snow moto sweater from 5 or so years ago. Black and white, merino so so soft wool. There hasn't been a single sweater this season that came home with me. All too shapeless. Or dull colors. Or itchy. I tried on every sweater and didn't find one I wanted. Sigh. Here's to hoping for 2018!!!
Author
Cute top! I like that pattern a lot.
I too have been enjoying my old Anthro — my Filamentous Cardigan gets worn often. 🙂
Can we just talk about those AS 98 boots at free people-the Bec Wrap Boot??????
Head. Over. Heels. In. Love.
Too bad they are out of my price range. ?
Love that james coviello top in yellow and will Prob purchase unless it’s too short.
Wishlist those boots anyway. You never know what kind of deal you might get in time. I just got a $520 pair for $240!!
Oh they are in my cart ?
I am not impressed with what Anthro is currently featuring at all. I am not interested in resort wear as I do not take vacations like that. I work this time of year and it's COLD where I live. Anthro always has us living in some fantasy California storybook where you can wear white jeans and tops, heeled sandals and sundresses. Year round. In January no less. I am not interested in designer clothes' prices nor the fact that you can simply order them somewhere else. For less. Anthro needs to capitalize on its own brands and things that are exclusive to Anthro. And not put all their eggs in one basket like Maeve and Erie and Allie or whatever it is. Remember the excitement they used to generate with products like that Rabbit tote and crazy prices on the secondary market?! They need some of that hysteria back with special products like they used to have. They need to create a buzz again! Will the magic EVER be there again or did they make themselves so corporate there is no return? I wish they would use some of us as consultants! We could really help them out. I am only very slightly joking about that! I would be happy to be paid in clothes. But good clothes, like the ones we would tell them to make! 🙂
Author
Totally agree!
I actually DO live in California; it was 50F and raining all day, not exactly sandals and dresses weather.
I placed an order in a hurry last night for a popback item and forgot to use my birthday discount. Does anyone know is SA’s can apply them retroactively? Thanks!
Yes, I think if you ask, they will probably apply it. It is one time use, I believe, so just be sure there is nothing else you would rather use it on. I have had good luck with email CS lately. Best wishes!
Roxy-take a look at Sundance lace tops-I got their catalog yesterday and there were some beautiful lace tops and the quality is likely better. As for Anthropologie, I did not buy any clothing there this year, just some cute home stuff. I have bought some beautiful older anthro items on eBay this year including Bailey44's Ines Columns Dress-a dream on curvy me and most recently Sparrow's Abstract Forest Sweater skirt perfect for work on this cold day. I agree on American Eagle-cannot believe the quality of the flannel plaid (called cabin something) I got their for $25 in the past week-it is exactly what I had been seeking for 2+ years!
Author
Thank you soulrebel! I'm currently browsing Sundance's site and ??! Will need to make a post on their new stuff.
Thanks for pointing out the Sparrow skirt. I just ordered it on eBay.
There are always a few nice things I can convince myself I need. But only when I can find them in store, which is rare, or when some other schmo ordered online and made a return. (I have to say, there must be someone in Montreal with similar taste to mine because I frequently find online-only things in the sale section in my size- thank you mystery returner!)
Saw a lovely grid top in store and had to buy it- the Epstein Structured Top is really nice and substantial and *only* 78 CAD (68 US). It's just what I've been looking for, and it`s neither shapeless, oversized, or cropped!
There's a lovely dress that seems to have sold out very quickly online- the knit turtleneck midi dress. I hope that means they`ll restock and actually ship it to Canadian stores!
<img src="https://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/4130572312342_001_b">
I love that turtleneck dress too and was also wondering why they aren't stocking Canadian stores with stuff like this that's weather-appropriate.
Author
Wow that is pretty cute! Maybe a little long for my taste. No wonder it sold out quickly.
I'm trying to really cut down on consumption this year, and unfortunately Anthro will be easy to avoid if they continue their protracted identity crisis.
Having said that, I did put some Boxing Day dollars into a pair of Rag+Bone jeans marked down from $240 to $60 at Saks Off 5th. :^)
*fortunately, not unfortunately
Author
Nice score Soleil! I got a beautiful 10 Crosby Derek Lam top on super sale at Saks. And though I didn't buy it, one of my favorite Chloe bags was marked down by over $1,000!!
Tried the yellow burn ham lace top this afternoon-waaaaay too short. I do have a long torso though so it may work for others.
So does anyone else see all the crazy marked down hats gloves and scarves ending in .97 on the site? They are still only 50% off in stores. I bought the troubadour hat and scarf last week in store at 50% off and the store would not give me a PA today honoring the web price ( which is now a difference of $38 :()
Annoyed again, anthro
I did try on the suzie lace top and loved it. Long enough, not itchy, love the belled out sleeve. But it’s like 1 degree in PA right now and I have nowhere to wear a short sleeve shirt.
Author
Yeah that was my conclusion too. I could see it working with high-waisted pants.
This new purple eyelet top is kinda cute: http://bit.ly/2CnfLZV
Edited to add: it comes in a white print too: http://bit.ly/2CPKEY6
Has anyone else noticed that there are suddenly about 15 new lace tops on Anthro's site? Too much.
Two dresses I have liked are the Cozy Corseted Dress https://www.anthropologie.com/search?q=cozy+corse… which is super comfortable and warm for this time of year in Maine and the Velvet Swing Dress which you mentioned above. I work in a specialty retail shop and wear the velvet dress with ankle boots and people love the look. I am finding huge quality control issues with Anthro in terms of sizing, The velvet dress I ordered two in the same size and one was 2 inches wider in the waist. I would not have kept it in the much larger waist so I am glad I reordered. But what a pain!!
I also ordered the Kaley Swing Dress https://www.anthropologie.com/search?q=Kaley+Swin… and the embroidery on it is reminiscent of some older Anthro pieces. It is cute with leggings and because of the flow of the material not as tent-like as some swing dresses.
Thank goodness for the free shipping as so often my items have to be returned to the shop as the quality of the material or the sizing is so off.
Author
Lots of new sale items this morning at Anthropologie this morning, still 40% off and free ship today too: http://bit.ly/2CSWZux
Also, new markdowns at Madewell, now also 40% off: http://bit.ly/2CqbSU2
I'll see if I can squeeze in a post on my lunch break at work! Stay warm and safe everyone.
Also like the Bailey 44 Crochet waisted dress. Looks like a cute work dress with a jacket for summer!