Perk Alert! Take a look at the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop

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Perk Alert! Take a look at the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop :: Effortlessly with Roxy
Among the items in this photo: 

Anthro should have quit while it was ahead. Were the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop just devoted to its very cute shoot somewhere on a glacier (Alaska?) this post would have a different tone. It would say that although there are a few WTF items I see a lot of items that make me excited to try Anthropologie in November for myself and gifts!

But no, Anthro couldn’t help themselves. The preshop takes us from a glacier to Tuscon, AZ (???) for an off-putting shoot and then to Paris (?????) for a could-have-been-anywhere shoot. OK. >>Shrug.<<

I don’t get it but then again I don’t get much about Anthropologie these days at all. Some items in the Anthropologie November 2018 pre-shop are delightful and others have me near tears. Do we really need a metallic polyester jumpsuit? Or a denim jumpsuit? Bleh. Quelle est cette merde, Anthropologie??

While I get my thoughts together, here are some of the adorable shots from the glacier portion of the pre-shop.

Perk Alert! Take a look at the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop :: Effortlessly with Roxy
Among the items in this photo: Snow Day Turtleneck Sweater ($158)

 

Perk Alert! Take a look at the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop :: Effortlessly with Roxy
Among the items in this photo: Flounced Yukon Skirt ($98) | Marled Sherpa Sweatercoat ($168)

 

Perk Alert! Take a look at the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop :: Effortlessly with Roxy
Among the items in this photo: Farm Rio Boldly Striped Sweater Dress ($198)

 

Perk Alert! Take a look at the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop :: Effortlessly with Roxy
Among the items in this photo: Pilcro Denim Jumpsuit ($158)
God, why??? 

 

Perk Alert! Take a look at the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop :: Effortlessly with Roxy
Among the items in this photo: Floreat Silky Sleep Top ($88) | Pants ($78)

Of all the items in the Anthropologie November 2018 preshop, I find the sleepwear in the photo above to be the most appealing and unique. The lounge pants are very cute! There’s also promise in some of the sweaters like the Mixed-Yarn Sweater Jacket ($258), the Snowdrift Reversible Coat ($228) and the Alaskan Half-Zip Sweater ($178).

Then there are items like the Brenta Cowl Neck Pullover ($98). It’s fine — don’t get me wrong, but there’s nothing special or unique about it. Why is it $98 at Anthro when other stores have similar takes for $35,  $60 (highly recommend this, it is so flattering on!) or $90 for a version that at least has some Merino wool in it?? The Anthropologie sweater is rayon, spandex, and nylon. That’s code for won’t last more than 2 seasons at best. Much closer in quality to the $35 sweater I linked.

THIS is the biggest problem Anthropologie has right now. And it extends from their sweaters to their party items. I’m glad Anthro is at least doing a bit of partywear this year, but it hardly competes with the likes of Zara which has fantastic partywear for mostly $100 and under.

Anthropologie has a lot more competition than it used to. They’re not doing a great job of remembering what made them special in the first place. I see hints of it here and there. They have more competition now at better price points.

I’m not saying Anthro has to beat others on price, but if they’re going to charge $798 for an embellished leather jacket for instance, it’d better be the best quality and nicest design $800 can buy. Is it? I don’t think so.

To wrap this post up on a positive note, I am very likely going to buy the Alaskan Half-Zip Sweater ($178) if it feels and looks good on. Ditto the Anthropologie Scalloped Velvet Heels ($128) in the new forest green color. I find the Flounced Yukon Skirt ($98) super cute, and think the Marrakech Mirabeau Coat ($228) is a good take on the Leopard Coat trend.

You can shop the entire Anthropologie November 2018 preshop. Below are my picks, both for being good and for being bad. Et tu, communitie?

44 Comments

  1. Anthropolitan
    October 30, 2018 / 7:21 pm

    Honestly I thought it was awful. Not one covetable item in the lot. That mixed yarn sweater jacket is $300 and it's over 50% acrylic. Why did Moth get so expensive all of a sudden?

    The last time I was in the store I could see evidence they were trying, but the quality and fit were still not where they should be, The sweaters were the most disappointing, as nearly every one of them felt awful and cheap. Anthro used to make the best sweaters! I'm actually having trouble finding good quality sweaters anywhere this year, so it's not just them.

    This isn't in the preview, but I do love these shoes – they come in boots too: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/neosens-cynthi

    • October 31, 2018 / 6:20 am

      It's almost like Anthro is charging a premium for the in-store lines they know we're looking for.

    • kelly
      October 31, 2018 / 10:45 am

      Agreed; the prices on the in-house brands seem to be creeping higher and higher, and with no corresponding improvement in fit or quality. I like the look of this velvet Maeve dress (not part of the preview), but $168!? I feel like a year ago this would have been $138.
      https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/velvet-shirtdr

      The clothes are mostly bad, but even when something is cute and fits decently, it's not unique or special enough to command the high prices they want to charge.

  2. Stefanie
    October 30, 2018 / 8:02 pm

    Most of the stuff is meh at best
    Even the “ flannel” pj pants…. saw them in-store last week and they are so thin they are basically just cotton. Nothing compared to the flannel sleep pants of yore.
    I do like that sequined tank…and the farm rio striped dress but no way in heck I’m paying full price for either.
    I got an amazing rust colored poncho this afternoon at target by A New Day. It’s got some acrylic but for 24.99 it’s amazing! Honestly I could see Anthro carrying it and trying to pawn it off for like $148.
    It’s like you said…. the offerings better be amazing for the cost. And they aren’t.

    • October 31, 2018 / 6:21 am

      That's a bummer to hear about the flannel pants, Stefanie! You know who has really nice, thick flannel this year? Old Navy.

      • Sara
        November 1, 2018 / 2:08 am

        I found nice flannel pj pants today at aerie! And they were 30% off. They might not last for years, but since I only paid $25 I’m not going to worry like I might with the $50 pair from Anthro.

        • November 1, 2018 / 6:47 am

          Yesssss Sara! I included those in my AE post last week, they're nice for the price.

  3. Denise
    October 30, 2018 / 11:05 pm

    Hmmm… where are the holiday party dresses?? Aren’t they usually released in early November? By the time I find one, order, find the fit to be off (too baggy, short, scratchy, adorned with some weird embellishments not visible in the online views), re-order different size, have it still not fit right, re-order a different size and have it be sold out. Decide on different dress have it be on backorder until after the New Year, give up on party dress decide on party skirt and fun top, can’t find the right shoes.

    What I’m saying is, I need more than the month of December to get my party look together Anthro. Bring me dress options now!!

    • October 31, 2018 / 6:22 am

      I suppose they still have a week or two til it's early November. 🙂 That said, I'm not sure that they'll have the kind of party collection that they used to. Free People has a huge party section already! http://bit.ly/2CRBLz3

  4. Melodie
    October 31, 2018 / 9:05 am

    One word – HORRIBLE! They can keep their acrylic blended junk. The poor fabrics (I think that they've gotten worse), along with the high shipping charges and stingy 15 or 20% discounts is a big turn off. I am not paying for any shipping. Even Target has free shipping for the holiday season.

    • October 31, 2018 / 10:27 am

      Yes to all of your points.

  5. Kasey
    October 31, 2018 / 9:14 am

    In the first photo, the models look like they’re holding an EU flag, so I’m guessing they’re in Europe.

    I’ve bought a dress and a jacket by Aldomartins at Anthro that Are pretty. The quality seems better than the in-store lines.

  6. Kasey
    October 31, 2018 / 9:16 am

    Actually, it could be the Alaska flag… they both have yellow stars on navy backgrounds.

    • October 31, 2018 / 10:27 am

      I was thinking Alaska too, but I'm not 100% sure.

      • Pandora
        October 31, 2018 / 2:31 pm

        It's definitely Alaska. I suspected as much from the bush plane (which meant my second guess would have been far northern Canada), but I knew when I saw the first photograph on the main page, where the models are standing in a parking lot with a building labeled with Talkeetna Air Service off in the background. I wouldn't be surprised if they were in the actual town of Talkeentna, AK.

        Oh, and then I noticed the end of the word Alaska on the sign on the log building next to them, but I didn't really need more proof at that point.

        • Guest
          October 31, 2018 / 3:11 pm

          It is Talkeetna Alaska. If you look on the anthro home page https://www.anthropologie.com/ – there is a picture that says Talkeetna in the background.

          • November 1, 2018 / 6:47 am

            Mystery solved!

  7. Soleil
    October 31, 2018 / 9:37 am

    Their quality control–non-existent. I ordered the Vivienne Wrap Top (the beautiful velvet Moulinette Soeurs wrap top) during the 20% off sale a few weeks ago. I haven't received it yet, but now all the reviews are pouring in–with photos–and the colour Anthropologie represented on the site isn't even close. I thought I was ordering a Sienna-coloured velvet top. It's banana yellow. Just from a business perspective, how is an error this egregious possible? Anthropologie should be responding to every single review on the product page with an apology and an offer of a gift card.

    Now that that's off my chest: this pre-shop was, per usual, a head scratcher. Totally agree with your assessment–lots of potential up front, then just a lot of huh? Also, I'm a huge fan of 70s retro style, but this is too 70s, even for me.

    • October 31, 2018 / 10:27 am

      Oh no that's so horrible Soleil! I can't even find the top now on Anthro's site, maybe they pulled it? If you have a link feel free to share it here.

        • October 31, 2018 / 10:48 am

          It does, yes! Oh lord, those reviews!

          • Soleil
            October 31, 2018 / 2:26 pm

            Such a shame because the one they're advertising is soooo pretty….and was not a crazy price (especially with discount). Should've known it was too good to be true!

  8. evb
    October 31, 2018 / 11:30 am

    I would LOVE this if it was a dress, but a jumpsuit? With cropped wide legs? Who the heck looks good in that? http://bit.ly/2P32Pmj

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:52 am

      Yup that is exactly what I'm saying!!

  9. Laura
    October 31, 2018 / 11:47 am

    I had to laugh at this "collection" of clothing. Dreadful all around. I will say, the Christmas ornaments and decor is cute as always. I bought the mustard yellow ribbon cardigan (can't remember the name of it) and loved it. I wore it on a flight the other day and multiple people asked where I got it, which made me happy that other people thought it was special, too. It's one of the few things I've purchased and kept. Lately, I return the majority of what i take a chance on online, and that makes me sad. The materials are weird, the sizing is off (lately everything seems fitted in all the wrong places), the styling isn't quite right, etc. Once again, Anthro: all we want is quirky, pretty clothing that is flattering across multiple body types and personalities. It really shouldn't be that complicated.

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:52 am

      That's it, now will Anthro hear us?

  10. Barbara
    October 31, 2018 / 1:10 pm

    Oh my, so disappointing! It feels to me like they are trying to be the old Anthro but just missing the mark so badly! There is nothing in this pre shop I would buy. The sweaters are so ugly and remind me of bag lady wear. I just don't get these people running the show! Please, Anthro, get rid of who is in charge of bringing us this ridiculously expensive ugly stuff and get someone in there who finally gets it!!!

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:53 am

      It's too extreme. No cohesion, as we've being saying for months now.

  11. Guest
    October 31, 2018 / 1:21 pm

    They're trying to do the festive look but it doesn't work. Everything is far too basic or far too gaudy. Then the rest of the year everything is simply too basic again.

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:53 am

      Right. It's not special or unique in appealing way with good quality.

  12. Beth
    October 31, 2018 / 2:38 pm

    Anyone want my birthday code? Expires today. N83dkskpape

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:53 am

      That is so generous of you to offer, Beth!

  13. Tanda
    October 31, 2018 / 3:31 pm

    Hiking booties is the only item that appeals to me out of the whole pre-shop. Disappointing. I'll be getting my sweaters from Boden this year and perhaps from JCrew, I've seen some promising fair isle sweaters on kristymayn insta, if it's not acrylic I'm in. Not sure where to get dresses for Christmas and New Year's. I'm going to Mexican resort over holidays and need something tropical. I've gained weight and dresses I already own do not fit me well. I need to get new ones for this holiday season.

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:54 am

      Boden has some beautiful sweaters!! I wish they'd made it into Nordstrom so I could try some of them on first.

  14. evb
    October 31, 2018 / 7:03 pm

    Hey, did you see the Anthro post on Instagram where they are apologizing to a ceramicist for stealing her idea? Lots of vitriol there.

    • Barbara
      November 1, 2018 / 1:00 am

      I did see that! Wonder why they decided to do this now. I believe similar instances have happened in the past and they didn’t make a big deal out of it at all. I thought they were apologizing for their clothes at first. ?

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:54 am

      Eek! But no offer of compensation…

    • Bronzi
      November 1, 2018 / 9:30 pm

      Yup. Saw that. Apparently not the first time it’s happened. Sadly no offer of compensation. Hope she can sue them for IP property theft.

  15. luvlucytoo
    October 31, 2018 / 9:20 pm

    Speaking of the total lack of quality control……I ordered the Velvet Buttondown, and received it today. The fabric nap should be upside-down from what it is. The nap is going the wrong way. It doesn't even look shiny. When I look at it downward, it is totally dull. When I look at it upside-down, it's shiny and pretty. Who would have done this?? Ugh. I am so done. Now I have to go to the trouble of sending it back and losing the shipping fee. I am Anthro-fatigued when it comes to clothing. I thought I'd give it one more try….lesson learned!

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:56 am

      Oh my goodness. Didn't that happen last year too, on a jacket maybe?? You're so right, Anthropologie clearly has ZERO quality control. I can remember when I used to purchase Anthro items and there'd at least be one of those little 'inspected by: such and such a number' sticker in the clothing, and sometimes even a nice little note from the quality assurance specialist!

      Now? Nothing.

  16. Pandora
    November 1, 2018 / 12:49 am

    I have to admit that I like–as in, like enough to purchase–the Snowflurry Skirt. Acrylic/polyester blend with a little wool thrown in and all. Luckily, I can’t afford it just now, and if I do actually get it, I can only justify that if it is on sale with an additional 25% off.

    Then there’s this garment: http://bit.ly/2OZLElD. As I gazed upon the pictures, and noted how it fits the model with all the grace of an oversized paper bag, I wondered–Is it just me? Do I just lack the sufficient spirit of sartorial adventure? Then I decided I didn’t care. The sweater is still ugly, and I prefer the old trend of pretty being pretty. It’s also comprised entirely of acrylic and nylon, which amuses me when you consider the label is Cupcakes and Cashmere.

    Then there’s those jumpsuits. The style is too 70s for me, and I own a lot of 70s clothes, but: if I were into them, I’m sure I could find an authentic vintage jumpsuit from the actual 70s on Etsy, and it would cost noticeably less too.

    • Barbara
      November 1, 2018 / 1:03 am

      Haha that sweater! Good lord!

    • November 1, 2018 / 6:57 am

      LOL. I do like the sleeves on that sweater (I have a dress with similar) but it became a no for me the moment I looked at the last product shot and saw how sheer it is from the front!!

      Take that in. A sweater. That's sheer.

    • Soleil
      November 1, 2018 / 8:32 am

      Even the model's not buying it…cocked eyebrow says "really, Anthro?"


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