Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Who are you and what have you done with Anthropologie?

I received the most bizarre catalog in the mail today. The cover had some kind of abstract print design on it and so I didn't catch on right away what it was. On leafing through the pages it became obvious to me that I was looking at an Urban Outfitters catalog and not until I got to the home decor section did I start having doubts. What was I looking at? I didn't know Urban Outfitters sold the same furniture as Anthropologie. I went back to the cover and saw ANTROPOLOGIE spelled out in a rubbed off looking print at the bottom. What the he**? Did they start recycling clothes now between the two brands? I was under the impression that Anthopologie catered to a different age group? More financially secure and with better different taste. Granted, the Americana themed styling is very creative, but looks more like a cross between Urban Outfitters and the Sundance catalog.
The clothes too, have undergone some unwelcome changes. What happened to the well tailored, figure flattering styles I used to rely on Anthropologie for? Now everything is looking shapeless and dull. Did I mention ugly? Sorry Anthropologie, but it needed to be said.
Are the designers getting paid less due to the plunge in the economy?



The home decor section never disappoints...

12 comments:

Natalie said...

I agree I was dissappointed, except for the Clustered Petals Dress

jacquelyn said...

I agree as well. Though Anthro is still not sending me catalogues (even after me going through a level 2 CS rep), I check their site regularly and have to say I have been disappointed with their clothes.

Maybe their halcyon days have passed? I was looking at a catalogue from two holidays past and there were things in there I wish I had now! And there is not much lately I can say the same about.

Ragamuffin said...

I also agree about the clothes. And I second your comments about the home section...love the terrariums. I don't get the catalogs anymore either, and I've called customer service to no avail. Disappointing considering that I shop there fairly often.

Sofia Petar said...

I think they head you saying that you had enough of their Victorian stuff :)
I think they are trying to stay innovative and offer something different.. I am sure they will go back to the stuff we all love very soon..

Christina said...

I wish they would send me catalogs. Everytime I go into the stores at the beginning of the month, they are out. I even signed up for anthro the first week the program rolled out and called CS several times about getting on the mailing list to no avail.
Does anyone know who I can contact personally about this? Also, I've never gotten a birthday coupon in the mail like many other anthro members.

Love your blog!

Sophie said...

It should not be so difficult to receive catalogs from a company you regularly contribute to.
Sounds like Anthropologie is slipping. What a pity.

The clustered petal dress does have the authentic Anthropologie look. I wish it came in other colors.
I also like the Skirted Cardigan.

EmilyKate said...

I too was underwhelmed when I flipped through this catalog online recently. We don't have anthro stores in my country but I love to look at their website for inspiration.
I'm not underwhelmed by your blog, though! I just discovered it and am enjoying your previous posts :o)
Cheers, EmilyKate in Australia

Cupcake Stand said...

I agree completely. I thought it was an Urban catalogue as well. alas, our beloved anthro should return to its old ways soon...i hope!

http://cupcakestand.blogspot.com/

leigh miller said...

the first catalogue i havent saved of theirs.

Javelyn said...

Hi there! I'm a recent Anthro-aficionado and have been enjoying browsing the blogs, reading how other girls also get so excited over things pretty, and I saw this little post tonight.

I wasn't aware of the catalogs, but I do recognize my fair city of Austin, Texas as being the location for the photo shoots where several (and perhaps many?) of those pictures were taken. Since that is the case, it is my guess that they were trying to give this most recent catalog an "Austin" feel, which would consist of a more edgy, unpolished, gritty, "rock-a-billy" sort of vibe. This town is known for live music, piercings and tattoos, so I'm thinking this was Anthro's homage to that.

Everything will hopefully get back to normal by the next issue :)

trixi flair said...

thank god i've found other people who feel the same way i do. I used to regularly rely on anthro contributions to my wardrobe for sophisticated yet more unique flair. The last 2 years however, their offerings have been complete rubbish. I wondered if they were on the verge of going out of business quite frankly.

Miss Ophelia Rose said...

I was obsessed with Anthropologie....key word, WAS. They are so mass market. Since when did they ever feature so many pants and frumpy, shapeless clothing. When will that go back to their original focus? If rather pay full price for great quality and unique than a bunch of sale junk. Grrrrrr.....

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