Effortless Anthropologie: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

For anthro members, FREE SHIPPING is back at Anthropologie!

Free Shipping is back baby! If you're an anthro member and living in the USA, today is your lucky day. Anthropologie is slowly sending out emails that Free Shipping is back in effect for domestic orders of $150+ through July 15 for people who've linked their anthro cards to their online account.

The anthro card of course is that free little yellow card by the cash registers in stores. You can also sign up or link your existing anthro card online.

Many of us are not yet seeing the promo online -- try signing in and adding items totaling over $150 to your cart to see if the promo has kicked in for you. Hooray for Free Shipping!

Guest Post Vancouver's Turn to Shine by Michelle (aka. Miss Mimoko)

Note: there was no sale this morning. But FREE SHIPPING is back through 7/15 on orders of $150+!

Anthropologie recently opened its first Vancouver, BC outpost up in Canada. I'm beyond excited -- Vancouver is a winter destination I love (that I sadly haven't visited in a few years) and lately it seems to be where nearly all of my favorite TV shows are filmed. Now that Anthropologie is there it's another reason to get my behind in gear and go out there. Michelle, aka Miss Momoko, was kind enough to send along a fantastic writeup of the opening event with plenty of pictures. Interested in writing a guest post? Email me or click the "contact" link near the top of the blog. Take it away, Michelle!

In Vancouver, a day of bad luck usually comes in the form of grey clouds and heavy rain. However, this past Friday the 13th, of May, to be exact, brought the exact opposite to hundreds of excited women as this marked the highly anticipated Grand Opening of Vancouver’s first ever Anthropologie store.

The sky was clear, the sun was shining and there was not a rain cloud in sight. Despite the past weeks of rain and the future forecast of more rain, on this one day, Vancouver decided to shine. And why not? It marked a historic occasion for many Vancouver shoppers who, like me, bee line it to the nearest Anthro as soon as they cross the border to visit the neighbours to the South. And that usually means Seattle, the birthplace of many Vancouver local’s budding love affair with Anthropologie.

The buzz of Vancouver getting its own Anthropologie has been going on for years with dates and location speculations popping up in various chat forums and even through Anthro employee leaks. Leaks that all lead to disappointment, however, as Anthro spread its wings to Canada east in Ontario first, and then soon after a little more west to Alberta, opening 2 locations in each province since 2009. Lucky them.

So Vancouver let out its disappointing sigh, and continued to shop in C-town and online (thank goodness for receiving services).

But on Friday, it was a different story. Friday marked the first day Vancouverites start seeing belted torsos, colourful patterned tights, adorned tees and sweatshirts and a movement towards more things flowy. It will be the day that Vancouver became even prettier. How fitting that the grand opening would occur in Spring.

The 6,000 square foot store is a fitting addition to popular shopping destination, South Granville, nestled between smaller boutique shops and amongst the likes of Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and Restoration Hardware.

From the look on the outside, the exterior blends nicely with the already cool, modern look of South Granville, and the interior did not disappoint either. Inside the store was abuzz with early morning shoppers, moms with their strollers, ladies who took a day off work for this special day, and even ladies who didn't take the day off but were there anyway. The line ups for both the dressing room and the register were equally long but crowds were appeased by the pleasant surroundings of felted soaps, glittering accessories and pretty little tops and tees that hung about. Not to mention the basket-carrying staff members who visited the lines handing out little caramel candies and bottled water for us Anthro-starved shoppers. It was quite the treat.

From left: Nancy Wahl, Wendy Wurtzburger, Jennifer Paletta.

Anthro's big name magic makers were in attendance as well, stacking the racks and blending seamlessly into the well-dressed group of staffers, one would never have known the huge part they play in the making of that particular day. I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Paletta, Regional Director (San Francisco), Nancy Wahl, Regional Visual Director (Seattle) and (gasp!) Wendy Wurtzburger, Co-President of Anthropologie.

They were so warm, open and passionate about their work. It was so evident in the way they spoke about the store and their plans for future development that they loved their jobs. They chatted with me about introducing personal shopping, fit sessions, special events and even showcasing local talent for a more connected-to-the-community feel. As part of their pre-opening celebration event, Anthro partnered with Arts Umbrella, a Vancouver based not-for-profit society for visual and performing arts for children. And then invited local musicians, T.Nile and Nat Jay, to perform at the post-opening private event which raised money for relief efforts in Japan. Nice touch, Anthro!

After our exciting conversation of things to come, the lovely ladies took me on a little tour showing me their favourite pieces from Vancouver based artists delicately strewn about the store, from the vintage-y ceramic bud vases, the wood carved hand mirrors, to the eclectic and kitschy flower-bottomed sheep figurines, this store was all Anthropologie but quite uniquely Vancouver. I myself was thrilled to take home a beautifully handmade knit vest by local company, Pure Knit, and at such a low price point (only $88!), as Jennifer Palleta pointed out, how can you not love it?

So why did it take so long for Anthropologie to get to Vancouver? "We really wanted to understand what (the Vancouver) customer wanted," answered Nancy, stating that the Anthropologie shopper has "high expectations". And Jennifer, added, "The location has to be special and unique for her. And look at her.", she says, as she glanced around the room. And we all nodded in agreement, they waited, we waited and it got done right.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Playing the Sale Guessing Game

Hard to say what tomorrow will bring -- markdowns or no? Extra discounting or no? One thing is for sure. It's time to play the Sale Guessing Game!

This post is no guarantee that any of these items will actually be on sale come tomorrow. What are you hoping to see? What do you think will/won't go on sale? If you see an item on sale today please let us know so I can update the list. If you're looking for reviews of any of these items, use the "Search the Archives" box in the sidebar. If you have a report from your store be sure to share in the comments!

Home items that are tempting me.
Atelier Chesterfield, Bottle Green
Bright Morning Teacups
Copper Clad Nightstand
Corrigan Chair, Linen
Emeline Chair
From The Deep Dinnerware
Love Letters Sheet Set
Louisa Settee
Perpetual Blooms Towels
Spiny Lobster Rug
Stippled Tapestry Rug
Vernal Cusp Rug
Zarzis Towels

About due for a shuffle to sale.
Arid Hues Sweater ($78)
Back Porch Blouse ($98)
Epilogue Blouse ($88)
Fountain Of Youth Dress ($128)
Isabel Dress ($128)
Land of Springs Dress ($118)
Sangatte Slip Dress ($138)
Squeezebox Top ($48)
Take Action Dress ($168)
Who's-Got-The-Button Top ($58)

Second wave colors are disrupting my sale dance.
A-Bit-Unruly Top ($48)
Hermitage Top ($98)
The Gathering Tank ($48)
Look About Blouse ($98)
Of-The-Ages Pullover ($88)
Pulling It Together Sweater ($68)
Silk Blooms Eternal Top ($88)

Doing the sale dance for these.
Charcoal Terrace Dress ($158)
Gran Sabana Shirt Dress ($148)
Gathered Hemlock Dress ($158)
Ocean's Horizon Tank ($228)
Parading Hues Dress ($138)
San Pedro Pencil Skirt ($148)
Slouchy Stitch Pullover ($148)

Dear Anthropologie, my budget requires that the following go on sale.
Negative Space Wedges ($158)
Pirouette Flats ($128)

**IMPORTANT NOTE** At the moment, the 'subscribe' feature is not working consistently in the comments. It's only working for people with IntenseDebate accounts, and only sometimes. We are working on it!!

The Trade Market: Looking to Buy

Welcome to the Trade Market! This is Effortless Anthropologie's weekly buy posting. You are welcome to create classified-style listings in the comments or link to an outside auction service. Please note that resellers are not permitted. Please note this post is for buying only -- there is a separate selling/trade post below.

All transactions listed within are conducted independently of this blog and as such I have zero involvement. If you have a positive experience you're welcome to leave a comment stating such. If you have a negative experience please send me feedback directly via email to snapsparkchik (at) gmail.com. Please make sure to read The Trade Market Guidelines before posting. You can also view past Trade Market posts by clicking on the "trade market" button in the sidebar. Cheers to a wonderful community!

**IMPORTANT NOTE** At the moment, the 'subscribe' feature is not working consistently in the comments. It's only working for people with IntenseDebate accounts, and only sometimes. We are working on it!!

Guide to commenting with IntenseDebate.
How to add photos to your IntenseDebate comment.

The Trade Market: Looking to Sell/Trade

Welcome to the Trade Market! This is Effortless Anthropologie's weekly buy/sell/trade posting. You are welcome to create classified-style listings in the comments or link to an outside auction service. Please note that resellers are not permitted. Please note this post is for selling/trading -- there is a separate buying post above.

All transactions listed within are conducted independently of this blog and as such I have zero involvement. If you have a positive experience you're welcome to leave a comment stating such. If you have a negative experience please send me feedback directly via email to snapsparkchik (at) gmail.com. Please make sure to read The Trade Market Guidelines before posting. You can also view past Trade Market posts by clicking on the "trade market" button in the sidebar. Cheers to a wonderful community!

**IMPORTANT NOTE** At the moment, the 'subscribe' feature is not working consistently in the comments. It's only working for people with IntenseDebate accounts, and only sometimes. We are working on it!!

Guide to commenting with IntenseDebate.
How to add photos to your IntenseDebate comment.

Friday, May 27, 2011

The weekend in-store community post

Note: New posts run below this one.

I have noticed a lot of community members sharing in-store deals and spots in the comments of various posts. Inspired by the weekly Seek & Find posts started by the lovely Alexis over at J.Crew Aficionada, I think now is a good time to start a similar weekly post here.

This post is for community members to trade information. You can ask for help in finding an item, report back on what you saw in-store at your local Anthro, ask general questions, make a request, or just stop by to say hello. I love how helpful this community can be! Please note that items for sale belong in the Trade Market, as do 'looking to find' requests for past season items. Comments that erroneously get posted in this thread will be deleted.

Some FAQs....
- What does "sub" mean?It means that people are subscribing to the comment thread. You can do this by either clicking the small RSS icon at the top right of the comments section or by selecting either subscribe to "all new comments" or "replies" in the comment box in the comment form.
- Someone in the comments said they wanted to buy an item from me, but it's been x hours and I haven't heard squat. What should I do?I give people 24 hours for the benefit of the doubt. After that move on to the next person that contacted you.
- Someone said they returned an item at the store 20 minutes ago but I just called the store and it's gone. What gives?!?
A store associate might have taken a fancy to it or a customer might have grabbed it. Maybe it's just at the bottom of a big ol'pile. Unfortunately, you're out of luck.

Recommended reading:
Gigi's tips for a successful swap
Ways to find hidden inventory on Anthro's site
How do I find reviews for x item?
Ways to find style numbers on Anthro's site for sold-out items (it's right below the Lilac Ombre Heels photo)

Guide to commenting with IntenseDebate.
How to add photos to your IntenseDebate comment.

**IMPORTANT NOTE** At the moment, the 'subscribe' feature is not working consistently in the comments. It's only working for people with IntenseDebate accounts, and only sometimes.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Eye Candy: Anthropologie June 2011 Catalogue

On the left model: Trapeze Tunic ($78)

On the right model: Expanding Universe Tank ($58)
and Endless Ombre Skirt ($148)

The June 2011 catalogue preview is here! By far my favorite piece from the new slate is the architectural Expanding Universe Tank ($58) above. It's right up my alley. I like the theme for June, which seems to be ethereal emo garden party. Plenty more eye candy below -- what items are you adding to your wishlist?

Finding Roses Blouse ($78)

Sky Stories Dress ($168)

Microcosmic Necklace ($128)

On the left model: Fading Madras Blazer ($118).

On the right model: Artist's Rendering Dress ($188)

Tied & Tabbed Blouse ($88) & Tomato Picking Skirt ($138)

On the left model: Lunar Cycles Top ($88),
Level 99 High Waist Chambray Trousers ($118), Ornamented Skimmers ($118).

On the right model: Brilliant Chaos Shift ($198), Twine Around Wedges ($158).

On the left model: Smocked Gauze Dress ($118).

On the right model: Leaf Filigree Top ($78), Sailboat Skirt ($78)

Baubled Fan Pullover ($128) and Million Pleats Midi ($158)

Gathering Breeze Dress ($258)

Left: Jaunty Bow Heels ($378)

Band Over Band Heels ($158)

Right: Roped Cutout Heels ($138)

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Anthropologie's {Tag} SALE part 2 has begun!

Anthropologie's still holding out the most sought-after items in the community, but this morning's Tag Sale markdowns are much more fun for my wishlist than last week's sale items. Among the items I'm happy to see on sale are the Glanz Dress (now $80, review here), style #20643789; Shore House Shift (now $60, review coming this week), style #20750915; Lush Amalgam Tank (now $40), style #19937507; Influential Anorak (now $70, review here), style #20294989; and the Monarch Skirt (now $40, review here), style #20608055.

Plenty more below, plus a ton of swimwear went on sale too! Thanks for playing the Sale Guessing Game with me last night and a HUGE thanks to everyone who supplied customer service/store sale reports. Your detective skills are highly prized and much appreciated. Did you buy anything this morning? See any 2nd/3rd/etc cuts on your wishlist? Let us know in the comments. As always, Happy Hunting! Accept no imitations.

Dresses: