How to Justify an Anthropologie Shopping Spree

 

In the business of design one has to look, well, stylish.   If  I met new clients dressed like a shlump, they may have a difficult time taking my recommendations for updating their home seriously.  This is what I told myself when I decided to go try on some clothes at Anthropologie a couple of weeks ago.

 

I love Anthropologie.  I love the way they stage their merchandise.  I love the way they stacked the books on this table!

 

 

 

Oh, and I love their clothes.  But, I’ve never bought anything to wear from there.  Never even tried anything on.  You see, I’m a frugal gal and Anthropologie isn’t my idea of cheap.

 

I usually just stroll around to soak up some funky inspiration, but that day I was feeling a little crazy.  I decided I would take some money I’d been saving up for some new clothes and head to the back of the store – the sale room!  Well, I wasn’t feeling crazy enough to actually pay full price!  Here’s me in the dressing room.

 

I tried on about a dozen shirts and dresses.  Loved them all!  But they didn’t all fit me, of course.  I am long-waisted, which makes it difficult for me to find clothing that doesn’t have me flashing my belly button.   That was cool in the early 90’s, but not so much anymore . . .

 

I left the store with an Anthropologie bag filled with 6 clothing items – I felt so trendy, so cool, so upscale-funky.  Of course, I got home and tried everything on again.   The heady glow of the Anthropologie dressing room was gone, and reality sunk in.  3 of the shirts were too short, of course.  I took back the 3 shirts, but I did end up with one cute dress for a mere $29.99, an awesome sweater, and a groovy cardigan.  They look pretty cool mixed in with my regular Target/TJ Maxx wardrobe and my vintage jewelry collection.   Here’s a snapshot of the new dress.  I’m trying to pull off the cardigan-over-silk-dress look that the fashionista over at You Look Fab taught me – what do ya think?

13 Comments

  1. Naturally Carol

    A personal opinion only ~ I absolutely love the dress, but the brown with it, not sure. I would rather see it dressed up with a pair of black patent leather shoes or dark brown dress shoes with a heel! That dress was a bargain for sure.

    Reply
  2. Dianne Tant

    I LOVE the outfit…you do look FAB….love the flower on the sweater

    Reply
  3. Marian Parker

    Love it!!! Love Anthropologie- I have to excersise some major impulse control in there!!!

    Reply
  4. Amy

    Here’s an idea for a great service: personal shopping sprees. Take me to TJ Maxx and show me how to shop there! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Julie

    Love it! Love the red flower pin on the cardigan that pulls it all together…and the boots pull the cardigan in great. The tights continue the long, lean look and don’t cut you in half. I love the mixing of textures and the layering! Very bohemian and Nashville…adorable! You did great! x, Julie

    Reply
  6. Chelle

    I think you are beautiful and the outfit is pretty cool! Way to go on you purchase!

    Reply
  7. joy

    I like the combination except the boots… what’s the original ‘cardigan-over-silk-dress look that the fashionista over at You Look Fab’ suggested? just curious…

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Joy, I posted the link to “You Look Fab” in the post. Just click on it and you can see the blog – it’s a really cool fashion blog that teaches everyday women how to put together the latest looks. Cowboy boots with silk dresses are also quite “in,” but obviously it might not appeal to everyone! 🙂

      Reply
  8. a ferrell

    A wonderful price for that punchy mod dress. I just love it. I would do a more slouchy boot, not metallic-ish (maybe suede-ish material), or even an ankle boot/booties. Maybe a soft camel color? You did well, for sure!

    One must enjoy all of Anthropologie, wipe away the drool, and then head straight to the sale room for purchases — the regular merchandise is just too expensive. My favorite store!

    Reply
  9. Allyson

    I TOO love Anthropologie — the vintage items and how they stage them. I rarely buy clothes except off the sale rack so can totally identify with you. I do routinely buy their drawer pulls which constitute the most varied collection of good-design and fun that I’ve ever seen.

    Reply

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