This post about the best bets during the Anthro Weekend September 2019 promo contains affiliate links. Please read this blog’s disclosure post for more info.
I appreciate of the longtime readers of this blog! ? Some of you keep in touch with me via email or Instagram DMs, and it’s nice to chat about each other’s lives and where the last eleven years (!!!) have led us. Invariably the conversation always leads back to Anthropologie which was the original basis for this place. A recent conversation with such a bloggie friend is in part the basis for this post.
For me, Anthropologie feels like an ex-friend. That feeling is truly rare in my life — although some of my friendships have come to a natural end very few have had the connotations an ‘ex-friend’ has. There’s some aspect of breakup involved, of loss and mourning. In some respects it feels cruel and unwanted. It feels very strange to talk about a store this way but for a long time Anthropologie was an emotional anchor for me. It was a place that felt like a welcoming friend. I could go into the store on my lunch breaks and escape from the stresses of work, wander around for endless afternoons and give myself a small boost by buying something new that I felt good in.
Now Anthropologie feels like someone I used to know. She left me behind without telling me we weren’t friends anymore. It doesn’t seem like she cares about me or my longtime loyalty and hasn’t for a few years. And I’m feeling very whatever about it. She’s got a new circle of friends who are more cliquey and feel abrasive. You know, the type of people that use trendy words and buzzwords with an emptiness in their eyes that betrays the pain inside. Her style changed on a dime and now she wears stuff that looks kind of weird and doesn’t resonate with the person she said she was for so long. Sure, people (and stores!) grow and change and evolve. But evolution is usually organic, whereas Anthropologie’s changes have felt like a sad grab at a new generation in a way that just doesn’t interest me. Technically, I’m welcome to come see her whenever I want, but it’s A-W-K-W-A-R-D.
Every once in awhile, she’ll come at me with an email that seems to say, “Hey, remember when we were really good friends?? That was so fun…” But then she trails back off into zombie mode where she must wear belt bags, overly sisterwifey prints and flowing skirts with knee-high boots because her new friends say so. I mean, I like some of those trends too but in a way that feels natural to me. She’s doing it because the trends dictate she must. The eyes go dead again, and I’m left feeling very meh. I tell her this to her face (surveys, anyone?) and she fake smiles, says she knows and wants to be better, and then forgets we ever talked. I see there really isn’t a place for me in her life anymore and at this point it’s fine.
What a great way to start a shopping post, no??!? ? All of this is my way of saying that when people ask me when the next Anthropologie post is going to be, it’s kind of like when someone asks when you’re going to see your ex next. We don’t actively hate each other. We just have nothing in common anymore. You can only make so much polite conversation! Contrast this to my relationship with J.Crew, which we’ll touch upon in another post soon. But suffice to say I’ve always felt the love from J.Crew, even when that store was super duper lost in the fog.
That said, I love you guys so much and I know that Anthropologie posts make you happy. So let’s pretend for a post that I’m still a huge Anthro fan, and talk about best bets during the Anthro Weekend September 2019.
This weekend you can take 20% off your entire Anthropologie purchase if you’re an Anthro member (it’s free to sign up!). You’ll find this promotion both in-store and online. I’m very happy that this Anthro weekend applies to everything. Because a few weeks ago during the last Anthro weekend I wanted to buy several necklaces at the Rockefeller Center store (NYC) and after waiting on a 15 minute line so I could use this huge gift card I’ve been holding onto for like 2 years when I finally got to a register with a PERSON and not a self-checkout I discovered jewelry wasn’t included and abandoned the purchase. Boo.
So this weekend, maybe I’ll buy a nice dress. But not online, because after Anthro messed up an order of mine around last Christmas I got banned from buying Anthropologie online even though I did exactly what their customer service told me to do and I’m still too bitter to write their CEO an email about how messed up that is. (OK I swear that’s the end of the venting in this post!!)
So maybe I’ll buy a nice dress in the store. Perusing Anthro’s current dress assortment I see some options that could work well in my Fall closet. One of the best bets during the Anthro weekend might be the Mackenzie Mock Neck Tunic Dress (above). It’s available in three patterns, the most appealing of which is the leopard version. With my larger chest I don’t usually go for such high necklines unless it’s a turtleneck, but I recently found that mocknecks can be very flattering if the pattern is placed well.
I like how Anthropologie styled the dress with a leopard belt bag in a different size scale. They also suggest pairing the dress with the brilliant Marrakech Faravel Moto Jacket which I own and love in two colors. (See the jacket on me in black 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 and I’ll show the green on my liketoknow.it profile a couple of ways this weekend!) I think it’s a great idea for Fall!! I’d probably finish the outfit with a pair of Sorel wedge boots.
Another dress I’m hoping to find at one of the NYC Anthropologies is the Taleen Textured Midi Dress. This dress has excellent reviews and looks like an ideal layering piece! I can imagine layering a striped sweater or a black turtleneck under it (or over it with this turtleneck!).
I like the ankle boots shown with the dress. Although the dress comes with a belt, I might swap it out for something more visually interesting like this option or this one to keep things fun!
Here are some more dresses that feel like best bets during the Anthro Weekend September 2019.
Another area I’ll be sure to check the Anthropologie store is sweaters. We’ve had one chilly day in NYC already which has whetted my appetite for layering!! I’m enjoying the bell sleeve trend so I’d love to try on the Maggie Bell-Sleeved Sweater, seen in one of four colorways above. The proportions on this sweater look good and I like that Anthro showed it styled with both pants and skirts of different lengths. This is one of my best bets during the Anthro Weekend!!
I see a hint of old Anthropologie in the beautiful Fidela Abstract Sweater Coat. The embroidery is glorious! (Make sure you look at the back!!) Two other long cardigan options I wish to try on are the Valia Eyelash Cardigan and the Felicity Wool Sweater Coat.
Below, more sweaters I potentially have my eyes on.
Rounding out this post on my best bets during the Anthro Weekend, let’s take a look at all of my picks. There is also an extra 40% off Anthropologie sale right now! Have you had any recent wins at Anthropologie? If so, please share in the comments!!
Really nice outfits. I love this store but don't get to shop there often. I don't think there are any around me but I will have to search in my area to use the coupon.
Author
Hopefully you found one nearby!!
I feel the same way about anthro – I used to love them but lately they’ve been letting me down. You found some good finds right now tho, I may need to check em out again!
Author
Worth a shot if you want to take advantage of the promo!
HI Roxy- I completely understand your reasons for not writing Anthro. posts but that said I do miss them. Living so far away from a store as well as XLs often sold out before they hit the website…. it was helpful to see things on the blog I might want to order. I also have been holding onto gift cards hoping something appears I really want to purchase. I MISS THE OLD ANTHROPOLOGIE in every single department.
Author
Maybe there are some other influencers taking up the mantle? I can see how that would be difficult.
It drives me crazy that they don’t offer free shipping and that an ordinary dress can cost $150. I still love shopping there for gifts and especially when they have Antro weekend because i’m all about a discount! That leopard dress is so cute!
Author
Right? Who doesn't love a discount!!
I agree! I think that Anthro has left their loyal customers in the dust. Corporate seems to have forgotten about the original design concepts and customer service that built the business.I can buy much of what Anthro is selling for less almost anywhere else.
Author
Yup. I feel that way too.
Hi roxy thank you for the post! I’m feeling the same way! There is no way I can afford a 150.00 dress and a pair of pants there for 120.00! Thank you and yes I am your long time fan
Good luck with all the wedding arrangements
Author
Thank you Marilyn!! Alexander and I got married last month and the wedding was beautiful!! Perfect day and we're in newlywed bliss!! I will share photos on the blog in time.
The problem is I kinda want everything! I didn't realize there was a sale this weekend and I also need to get a gift for my cousin who is a huge ANTHRO fan, so this is perfect! Hopefully I don't break the bank…
Author
Hahaha I remember that feeling!!
Haha really clever opening! I'll be honest, I actually love Anthro, but I think their stuff is a little unnecessarily expensive. Seems like people buy it though! Pretty obsessed with all the pieces you picked out here!
Author
Thank you!!
Man I just want EVERYTHING in this list. Anthro is my absolute fav
Author
Ahhhh I remember those days! Isn't it fun to be so excited by clothing??
I absolutely love anthropologie! Their pieces are always so chic and cute. Loving the dresses and that cute bell sweater!!
Author
The bell sweater is adorable, I agree!
Love the dress finds for the fall! So classy and beautiful xoxo sarah
Author
Thanks Sarah!!
I don’t think I’ve ever actually shopped at Anthropologie but I like those platform leopard sneakers and white boots.
Author
Oh well I should warn you that it can quickly become an addiction, lol. But I do mean that in the best way possible.
Thank you, Roxy, for so clearly articulating the disenchantment that many of us feel with Anthro currently. I still find some cute things now and then, though, like this Cecilia Prado skirt: http://bit.ly/30EbfBu (feel free to change the link, Roxy). I went up one size so that it wouldn’t be so clingy in the hips.
Author
That skirt is so cute Christina! I did update your link, thank you. I suppose that finds like this are what keep the hope alive.
Awesome post! I'm in love with the Soshana dress. I find myself looking at the accessories more now!
Author
When I feel like my closet is full, I can always fit a few more accessories in there. 😉
Love the ex-friend metaphor, and it's so true. I came to the party late (2013), just before things really started to tank, but I still got a few good years out of it. I rarely shop there anymore – now that nothing is really special, it finally has registered with me how EXPENSIVE everything is/was. It somehow seemed worth it before. I haven't replaced Anthro with any one store – I just get one thing here and one thing there and actually buy the bulk of my clothing used because those are the only stores that are fun to shop in. It's still not the same thing, though. I miss the whole ritual and community aspect that Anthro used to have.
I read a while back that women my generation (GenX) and older (Boomers) are clamping their wallets shut to the apparel industry, mostly because we can remember that price should equal quality, and no one is providing quality. Hopefully someone at some point will start remembering we exist again. Until then, Poshmark…
Curious to hear where everyone else has been shopping these days.
Author
Yup. This is a good summation of the issues Anthropolitan. Personally I've been doing a lot of shopping at Amazon and Walmart, combined with Saks 5th Ave, Madewell, J.Crew and Nordstrom. I also just discovered a new store that reminds me of OLD Anthro, which I'll be posting about next week! (Or maybe later this week if I find time to write the post, but I'm not sure I will in time.)
So curious about which store this is???? Looking forward to your post on this topic.
Author
Monday! 🙂
I'm still a huge Anthro fan – I think my next big purchase is going to be the Plaid Jasper Coat to replace a plaid wool blend coat I bought at Mod Cloth about five years ago (as an aside, Mod Cloth has a great plaid wool blend coat on the website now but it doesn't have pockets! Who makes a winter coat without pockets????).
I'm waiting a few more weeks for the October new arrivals just to see if there's a coat I like more.
Author
It's always good to have different perspectives here, glad to hear you're still loving Anthro evb! I feel like they did right by you when they accidentally blacklisted a bunch of us around the holidays. But what an eye-rolling situation.
What a great post. I have never really been into Anthro, but it’s interesting to see the changes you noted. I really liked your writing and story telling about it too! 🙂
Author
Thanks Lisa!
I definitely have done some damage this weekend at Anthropologie. So many cute things for fall!
Author
Fall is such a fun season to shop for!
I love all the cheetah print!!! It's one of my favorites!
Author
One can never have too much cheetah print.
Cute picks! I love Anthro's style but unfortunately I can't shop too often since it's a bit pricey for me. I'll just have to stick to their clearance racks 😀
Author
You can find some amazing deals in their sales!!
So many fun finds all in one post!! It’s definitely too hard to pick a favorite!
I’ve only ever gotten their home stuff and my boyfriend loves their candles!
I always love this sale! I didn't shop it this year 0 but looks like there were great picks!
I love all these picks. So many cute styles to choose from.
Ah, Roxy. So good to see you posting about Anthro again. I too feel as if I have been "dropped" by an old friend. I don't even go in there anymore, even though I drive by the store quite a bit. I don't even care about the fact that I don't care, and I never thought that would happen. I was really upset when they changed styles/brands/fabrics/decor/styling, and I went into a tizzy for awhile, but now I have learned like you, that other stores have what I'm looking for. And it's so much better now. I still think they made big brand errors in many ways, and lost many longtime customers, but thankfully it's not my problem, it's their problem. Cheers!
Author
Hi Lou! Nice to see you too. 🙂 Your points are all excellent, I didn't even touch upon them abandoning their in-house brands to bring in more outside brands but yes that's a big part of the issue too.
Do you believe its a lost cause at this point Roxy? I feel like they have asked for customer's input (surveys) for so many years and it appears taken none of the feedback seriously because nothing has improved or changed…if anything its worse in terms of quality/selection in both clothing and housewares.
Is Anthro. still losing money in sales? I know you used to read the business report (incorrect term but cannot recall correct one)of how each division within the company was doing in terms of sales.
Author
I really haven't been paying close attention. But last I looked Anthropologie's sales were improving quarter to quarter, while staying well below previous highs.
I feel the same way! Its the in house brands that I miss so much. I would love to hear where you (and others) found comparable clothing – I am still looking for good stores and feel like I haven't found one yet. I am quite petite and that is the one thing I still go back to Anthro for – they still carry petite sizing so I can still occasionally find a few things, but its nothing like what it was before.
You hit the nail on the head with your feelings toward Anthro! I think a lot of us feel that way. I miss the days when your blog was all about sharing likes and dislikes at Anthro, suggestions, sales ,reader outfits, etc……I think the days of Anthro love and (bordering on) obsession are done. I still enjoy wearing Anthro items from 10 years ago! I don't expect them to ever get their act together….especially looking at the current prices and fabrics.
The only thing I still buy is boots and booties – a few pair each Fall. They are a bargain during sales, if a well-known brand.
Author
I'm still wearing old Anthro items too! I just wore my Ferrous Flower Sheath to work a few days ago and I just got the Inverness Trench out of storage for Fall and Winter. Oh how I miss the fun items from those days!
Is there any stores whether brick and mortar or on line that offer feminine, decent quality clothing that offers sizing that goes to (and really fits an XL? I f so, please share. I have no where to shop anymore since Anthro. has changed.
Author
I'll have a new post about one such store on Monday, but in the meantime have you seen this post?
https://effortlesslywithroxy.com/2018/09/where-to…
Hey Roxy!
I understand and support your stance on Anthro completely, they still owe you money and lots of apologies!
I unexpectedly transitioned into an Anthro Home shopper a year ago and that's how they still manage to get my business, lucky them!! That's the only department in which I find the original whimsical Anthro aesthetic. Meanwhile, I lean on Target for apparel needs but I'm looking forward to your JCrew post. I miss when JcCew had "the collection" section on their site and now I'm lost when I do want to purchase something.
Author
That sounds like a fun job Lindinha! A few years ago that would have been a dream for me!! I'm glad that you're liking it!! 🙂
J.Crew post, hopefully by Friday, I need to shoot some outfits for it and it's supposed to rain all this week in NYC, so it might take a little longer.