Unconditional
Anthropologie Unconditional Osier Dress, Oxer Coat, Banded Together Belt, Camper Mary Janes, Met Museum Imperial Magnifier
Yay, thank you everyone for the very warm welcome back! I was so touched by all the kind words :)
So, there are a bunch of things I wanted to start writing about, but I figure, first things first, since my blog sort of inadvertantly gets categorized as an “Anthropologie blog,” I’d describe my thoughts on the brand lately a little. I’ve been pretty patient with all of Anthro’s design shifts and shenanigans over the past year or so, but sadly, February and March have marked the first months where I have wanted a grand total of zero things from the monthly catalog. Absolutely nothing. Even when the overall design direction has been pretty foreign to me over the last couple of months, I have usually found at least one thing that its least piqued my interest a little among the catalog shots, but not now. Which is super crazy, considering four years ago I remember pouring over catalogs and trying to decide what I didn’t want to buy! I’m still watching and waiting, but I guess I just feel like Anthro is designing for a different woman than me now, and despite all the talk of course corrections, they seem to be straying farther and farther from my personal aesthetic. And you know, hey, if that works for them, that’s great, but it just means that personally I’m finding other places to shop (and overall, it’s been getting easier and easier to maintain my shopping budget).
That’s not to say that my Anthropologie wishlist is completely empty — I still like and want certain items from the brand, but at this point they are all older items that have been on the site for a little bit already, and I’m just patiently waiting for them to go on sale. (I’ll share my full wishlist in a bit…) Unfortunately Anthro seems to know this and has held most of these particular pieces sale-hostage for far longer than the usual three month full-price period. This dress is one of them items that finnnnaallly made it to the sale section after a lot of patient waiting (5 months!) and nail-biting since it sold out online at full-price fairly quickly. It’s frustrating because by the time it went on sale I had half-decided it wasn’t even the most flattering dress and I should just live without it, but at the same time, I still loved the material (the burnout velvet is so pretty against the netting!), and gosh darn it, I waited since *September* for this to go on sale, so if it was actually around in my store come sale day, I practically *had* to get it. Compounding that, Anthro played some sort of dirty sale trick, and instead of it going on sale for $90, as per their usual pricing scheme would dictate, they put it on sale for $120. They just knew it was popular enough that they could do that. It was just a $30 difference, and I *had* considered buying the dress at full price, but recognizing that ploy just left a dirty taste in my mouth. Harumph. Despite all that, I just decided, what the heck, get it — I had a gift card that would cover most of it, and I didn’t want to spend time and stress tracking the dress down at a second cut or on eBay later. So it came home with me, and I admit, despite it being shorter than my tastes and delicate as all-get-out, I have actually enjoyed wearing it quite a bit since. It’s a bit tricky to style, but I’ll try to capture some of the ways I’ve figured out how to wear it, and I would love if any of you who also have the dress shared your styling ideas as well!
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I totally am on the same boat with you. Especially with this latest catalog. NOTHING. Literally not a thing I like. It’s all ugly to me. I’m sad, but yet, NOT because my wallet is sad right now. lol
And like you I have a wishlist of things I like (SMALL wishlist, which is unusual) but they’re all still full priced items.
Comment by Jenny March 5, 2012 @ 11:01 amIsn’t it so crazy? I didn’t bother to go into too many details since I feel like others have expounded upon this at length, but I feel like I’m browsing an Urban Outfitters catalog with all the blousy, boho cuts, sheerness, drop-waists, etc. I miss all the things that used to make Anthro Anthro! Some gems here and there, but yes, my wishlist is small like yours, and the items are taking foreeeever to hit sale.
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 12:12 pmOh man I was nodding with agreement when I read what you wrote about the more recent catalogs and my own lack of enthusiasm for their current selections. I barely even check my wishlist these days because the items on it are so old that it seems fruitless. I too suppose I get categorized as an Anthroblog but if you scroll through my recent outfits there has been very few posts including even my more treasured older anthro pieces. I wonder if my lack of excitement about their current offerings has influenced my subconscious in assembling ensembles?
I love your outfit so much! Although I do love this dress I let it pass me by because of the halfhearted discount Anthro offered. I do adore the color and the fabric of the outer shell and I still might try to find one at some point. In the meanwhile, I love the way you combined some neutrals and nearly-neutrals. I also love your long beautiful braid!
Comment by jesspgh March 5, 2012 @ 11:12 am“Halfhearted” is the perfect word for that sale price :) Thanks for the nice words! And I love your amazing collection of printed dresses (Tibi, DVF, MBMJ…these are the things I remember you wearing when I first started reading your blog!) and have been enjoying seeing some more of them lately :)
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 12:14 pmah, yes, the age old dilemma: ‘do I buy it now while I’m here or risk the stress of trying to track it down later’. I certainly tend toward the former, since I hate the hassle, and hey- this piece hasn’t gotten a second cut even! I’m glad I invested in the layered column dress actually, which doesn’t look like it will ever go on sale (8 months now?)
The bright blue velvet leaves are so gorgeous- it’s really a special piece, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your styling ideas!
I`m with you on the ennui too- there are a couple of pretty pieces, but nothing I’m dying to have, and hardly any dress love (gasp!). The last couple of dresses I thought looked beautiful (the Inwood and Otta) both have major cut and design issues (but great fabrics! sigh…)
Comment by thatdamngreendress March 5, 2012 @ 11:35 amThe Layered Column is sure taking its own sweet time! I didn’t realize it had been 8 months, yeesh! I think it was good that you bought it since it’s so flattering and have been able to enjoy it instead of waiting on tenterhooks for a sale. I actually bought a full price piece as well in January (the Scalloped Clouds Blouse) which is pretty rare for me, but I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly so far!
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 12:17 pmFirst off….I’m so happy you’re back to blogging! I missed your thoughtful voice and kind words:)
I’m with you on the lack of Anthro offerings! It’s good for my budget but I do miss the old Anthro style. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had a lot of time to shop but etsy and all of the lovely vintage frocks have been calling my name more and more:)
Comment by Courtnee March 5, 2012 @ 11:51 amAw, thanks Courtnee :) I looove browsing etsy’s vintage section, although sadly I’m way too big for most of the pieces I really love, but sigh. I end up saving lots of them to my inspiration folder. I used to like Anthro because they used to make a lot of dresses inspired directly by similar ’40s and ’50s styles, but they’ve been few and far between lately, hrmph.
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 12:18 pmI’m totally with you on anthropologie’s offerings as of late. Out of curiosity, what are some of the other places you’ve been shopping at?
Comment by Kim March 5, 2012 @ 12:05 pmSure Kim! I’ve been drowning my Anthro sorrows out in Kate Spade, J.Crew, Madewell, and strangely, Modcloth. (Used to be really disappointed in Modcloth, but they’ve totally stepped up their game. Bought three dresses there in the last month!) I’ve also been reallocating some funds to chasing down old Anthro pieces on eBay that I missed out on last year (Nostalgic Asterisks, Strappy Dandelion, Sky Whisped Skirt…)
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 12:22 pmAh, good to know! I haven’t shopped modcloth in a long time. I’ll have to check it out. Thank you!
Comment by Kim March 7, 2012 @ 11:47 amI was just thinking that the other day! It’s amazing how similar Anthro is getting to UO. I mean, I know they’re owned by the same company but they could at least try to maintain some of the originality of the Anthropologie brand… Could you give me some links to some other blog posts talking about this? I don’t really follow that many “Anthroblogs” aside from yours.
(the Honeybee dress is possibly the only newish product that seems like something they’d sell)
Comment by Gaelle March 5, 2012 @ 1:21 pmsorry, I meant the “Honeyed Life” dress…
Comment by Gaelle March 5, 2012 @ 1:23 pmHi Gaelle! There have been a bunch of scattered blog posts from various sources over the past few years, but one recent one that comes to mind is Roxy’s dissection of this from the other week over at Effortless Anthropologie. You can read it here — http://effortlessanthropologie.blogspot.com/2012/02/catharsis-winding-road-of-anthropologie.html. The comments have lots of good thoughts and discussions in there as well!
And yes, the Honeyed Life dress is super cute and vintage Anthro for sure! Unfortunately, I found the color a little too pale and unflattering on my skintone, and the fit was awful on my body shape…snug and gaping a little at the bust, but somehow slack and puffing out with extra material in the back. Bad news!
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 2:14 pmAgain, so glad to have you back. :)
I totally agree regarding the lack of enthusiasm for Anthro’s recent offerings. I’ve been dying for the pink Draped Snail tank to hit sale for *ages*, but besides that, it’s been slim pickings. I do like the Scattered Wing Romper, despite being polyester (don’t have much purple in my wardrobe), and the Inwood dress (though the bodice looks like it’d hate my boobs).
Sadly, I’m beginning to feel a bit bored with much of Kate Spade as well. I think they’re doing too much and stretching a little thin because of it. They just previewed next Fall’s line and I don’t think I’m interested in any of the pieces, compared to their Fall 2009 clothing launch where I wanted *everything* (and have miraculously managed to track down many pieces of it via eBay). I do still love a few things here and there, but it’s just not the same.
All in all, at least my bank account has been happier. I’ve been trying to take advantage of this fashion lull to save up for a new coat…
Comment by zyzzyva March 5, 2012 @ 2:46 pmThe pattern and rich, saturated texture of the Draped Snail tank is so pretty :) (I simply do not know how to wear a tank with a back like that though, sigh.) And I do think the Inwood Dress is super pretty as well! The Scattered Wing (skirt or romper) would be on my radar because I love the pattern and color, but I just the think the asymmetric cut of the skirt and the very idea of a romper are a few years out of date, I’m not sure why Anthro is selling them now.
My Kate Spade love has waned a little (not loving all the neon lately), but I still have a healthy wishlist somehow. And our opinions don’t usually differ, but haha, I kind of LOVED the Fall 2012 preview. I’ll have to share my favorites later this month!
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 3:46 pmI find rompers very comfy, so I just can’t give them up even if I do look out of touch. Can’t help it! ;) It’s like a mini dress that allows me to not “show-cha my chocha.”
There was a lot to like about Fall 2012, just nothing that made me scream “I MUST HAVE IT NOWWW!!!” Although maybe I admit some pangs for these bags:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6853537449_e913b16204_b.jpg
http://thatssorue.tumblr.com/post/18079474591/sparklesandpretending-kate-spade-fall-2012
Comment by zyzzyva March 6, 2012 @ 4:55 pmDitto on the newest catalogs. I feel like Anthro is like a very close, old friend that has broken up with me. I had a hint here, a clue there, and now she doesn’t call me anymore. There are a couple of older things I am waiting to go on sale, but nothing I am in love with anymore. I bought the Unconditional Osier dress at full price and haven’t regretted it. I wore it twice to go to dinner at Santana Row recently (I mention the place, because you probably know it, living so close) and it was so warm I didn’t need a cardigan. The first time, I wore it with the Fair lady trench, and the next time I used a green coat made by Trovata, I think it was named Noble trench?, again purchased from Anthro this last winter. Oh, and I purchased a cardigan from Target of all places that is a floral design with yellow/purple/green/blue colors that I think will go really well with the dress.
Comment by Mary March 5, 2012 @ 2:58 pmIt’s nice to have you back, I cannot wait for your wishlist especially from other stores. I have been somewhat in a rut since my ex favorite store stopped designing for me :(
Oh, what a great metaphor Mary, that’s it exactly! I keep hoping Anthro will “call” me sometime, and in the meantime I’m hanging out with other friends!
And oh, of course I do know Santana Row, and both those coats you mentioned, which are lovely! I’m super envious of your Fair Lady Trench. Both are great accompaniments to the dress :)
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 3:52 pmLove your blog hun. What brand of tights do you regularly wear? And will you ever try to match white ones?
Comment by Karen Swanski March 5, 2012 @ 3:11 pmHi! The solid tights I wear are usually DKNY. White tights make me look like a ghost though, so I don’t go there ;)
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 3:52 pmGlad to have you back! :)
I also bought the Unconditional Osier dress (in the same colorway) with my bday discount + gift card and i was kind of peeved at the “sale” price. But, I’ve been pining for it and didn’t want to buy it fp so i waited many months for it.
Comment by Shannon March 5, 2012 @ 3:32 pmI have a lot of fun styling this dress. It can be paired with coral, yellow, teal, mint green, magenta, etc. i love to pair it with my elodie lily cardigan as well. i’ve been following your blog as a lurker and i remember you have those kate spade karolina heels and cardigans in those colors! I also love to accent the waist with a gold/mint green belt. hth!
Oh, what a lot of good ideas! I’ve worn it with a gold belt before, and some gray, but haven’t really left the neutral family. I think I’m going to take inspiration from you and pair it with magenta next!
Comment by goldenmeans March 5, 2012 @ 3:54 pmSo so happy to see you back Anjali and you absolutely rock this dress! I’m glad you decided to get it, well, I also say that because I own it in the same colorway ;)
Comment by the dea diaries March 5, 2012 @ 4:25 pmI’m right along with you on being so disappointed with Anthro’s offerings as of late. It’s actually been good though, because it’s taken away that pressure of expecting one store to get everything right. This way, my wardrobe has become more diverse, as I peruse through J Crew, Madewell, and Nordstrom.
You look lovely in this dress Dea! I admit your post about buying this one back in January almost sent me over the edge at getting it at full price too! :) And I’ve been shopping more at J.Crew and Madewell too as of late…they’re really stepping up their game!
Comment by goldenmeans March 7, 2012 @ 10:59 amAnjali, I love that dress! i have a blue shirt in the exact lace material! I got it at target… http://www.target.com/p/Xhilaration-Juniors-Lace-Top-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13938419
and then i saw the same material at Gap and then BCBGeneration makes a beautiful blazer in cream http://www.kendieveryday.com/2012/02/saturday-nights-and-sock-buns.html
so then i researched and found that they sold the material on mood fabrics! if only i knew how to sew.
anyways, i digress. Glad to see you are back!!
Comment by jennnn March 5, 2012 @ 5:27 pmOh wow, I had no idea that Anthro sourced the fabric externally and it was available in different forms from other retailers! I’m with you on wishing I knew how to sew! :) This dress isn’t cut perfectly for my body (a little shorter than I’d like, the waist is a little off) — I could have corrected some of those flaws myself! Anyway, thanks for letting me know!
Comment by goldenmeans March 7, 2012 @ 11:01 amSo happy that you are back :)
Comment by Sieun March 5, 2012 @ 6:15 pmWhy thank you Sieun :)
Comment by goldenmeans March 7, 2012 @ 11:02 amYou look so lovely in the Unconditional Osier dress, Anjali! I agree with you that Anthro doesn’t seem to be the same store anymore. It’s not speaking to me at all. I used to go to Anthro to find that special dress and there would be dozens to choose from. Now, my wishlist of dresses literally consists of 1 lonely dress, the Sincerely Paris Halter dress, which I haven’t tried on in person yet. None of the other dresses really jump out at me. I see some fun prints (sunsoaked shift, windblown anemone maxi), but the designs are so shapeless and would be a nightmare on my petite frame! I’m looking forward to seeing what items are currently on your wishlist!
Comment by Adeline March 5, 2012 @ 6:24 pmThe postcard-stamp pattern on the Sincerely Paris halter is *adorable*. Sadly the straight cut is just not meant for my body, otherwise it would be on my wishlist as well! And yes, there are a lot of prints I love lately actually on the site, but the cuts, fits and lengths are totally off on me as well, hrmph.
Comment by goldenmeans March 7, 2012 @ 11:03 amWelcome back! I stopped shopping at Anthro and un-followed most of the Anthro-related blogs, but I kept you on my list because I like your aesthetic and your thoughtful point of view. Hope you’ll continue to inspire us with your pretty finds. :)
Comment by laura March 5, 2012 @ 8:53 pmAw, what a compliment. Thank you Laura for still reading :)
Comment by goldenmeans March 7, 2012 @ 11:03 amyou made me smile, because I actually have your blog in a folder on google reader called “anthropologie blogs.” lol. But I agree with you, I haven’t been intrigued by any of the anthro offerings lately. Just went through the March catalog last night, and perused the online dresses (for an upcoming wedding) and nothing…. zilch… excited me :(
Lorispeak
Comment by lori March 6, 2012 @ 10:55 amI’m in a similar boat Lori — need a bridesmaid dress for this summer, and Anthro is usually so good for that! Couldn’t find one appropriate piece though this year, boo.
Comment by goldenmeans March 7, 2012 @ 11:05 amI’ve not commented before, but just wanted to leave a note saying that I am so glad you are posting again. I really adore your style (and your writing), and was getting sad that I didn’t get to enjoy new posts from you (also, I think your photography is simply fabulous). Thank you for being back!!!!!!! This should really go after your previous post, but I’ve been dreaming about the MbMJ Metal-to-the-petal style bags for months now – I love the look of the Sasha bag!!!!
Comment by Mar March 6, 2012 @ 11:00 amOh goodness. I meant ‘petal-to-the-metal’ of course. Sheesh.
Comment by Mar March 6, 2012 @ 11:03 amOh, thank you Mar! That’s very sweet of you :) And the Petal-to-the-Metal is such an adorable line of bags! I wanted one for years before I found a good price on the Sasha on eBay (discontinued style unfortunately). I wear mine every day! Highly recommended.
Comment by goldenmeans March 7, 2012 @ 11:06 amMissed you Anjali! So glad to see you are posting again. The Unconditional Osier turned out to be one of my few full price Anthropologie buys…I started getting panicky when my size started to disappear from the website, and I also knew that I only wanted to order it online-the delicacy of the fabric dictated that there was no way I was going to chance getting stuck with a shopworn/snagged/pilled version once the dress hit sale and I had to cold-call stores in search of it…(yes the whole scenario played out in my head just like that…lol!) So…I ordered it online back in late November. Wore it twice through the holiday season. I have worn it once to work too with black tights and my black J Crew ethereal ruffle cardi. I love the way you’ve dressed it down here..It inspires me to give it a try with brown leather accessories too. And it’s really the only thing I truly loved at Anthro all winter long, and even now….there’s really nothing that’s calling to me from the current offerings, and now I even have a birthday discount lingering….my most recent trip to Anthro resulted in the purchase of a few bowls and towels only-not a single article of clothing! It could be that I am maxed out in that department…but it could also be that they really don’t have anything to offer right now. And I’ve actually purchased some older things that I missed out on on ebay…so…there you are.
Comment by Sharon March 6, 2012 @ 5:38 pmAw, thank you Sharon! Haha, I’ve had the exact same anxiety about dresses selling out and my having to call a long list of stores searching for a charge-send! I was afraid that was going to happen with this dress too, but thankfully, my store somehow had one in stock the morning of the sale and I snatched it up! (Pretty sure my relief was what helped tide over the insulting discount quite a bit.) Sounds like you’ve gotten to wear it quite a bit, which is great! This would have been wonderful at holiday parties, now I wish I had bought it a bit sooner as well :)
Oh, and I’m in the same boat as you…spending most of my Anthro budget not buying from the store itself but tracking down older pieces on eBay!
Comment by goldenmeans March 7, 2012 @ 11:11 amI have to agree with you. I am not interested in ONE thing right now in the March catalogue. Sad because my birthday is next week and I am afraid i won’t want to even use my discount. I find myself buying classic anthro from ebay or blogs even. It’s kinda my new way to shop. I think Anthro is starting to get a big head and think they can sway their loyal customers to dress this way but it’s only making me want to save my money for something super special that comes up. Maybe April will be less disappointing.
Comment by Ashley March 7, 2012 @ 11:58 am