I have been a die-hard Anthro fan for over a decade at this point and it used to be that I'd only be able to step into a real live store if I ventured out of my RI bubble and visited Boston or New York. Not any more!! And it's in Garden City, which is such a calm, classy shopping experience in contrast with the malls and their food court/movie theater/herds of young girls going to Forever 21 crowds.
::deep breath::
EXPENSIVE but let me just say that when I make a mental inventory of the most gorgeous, unique, and well-made items in my wardrobe, they are all from here. The best part is their DRESS SELECTION. Sososo gorgeous. The kind of dresses you will feel cute/beautiful/sexy in, always receive compliments on, and wear for years and years. Worth it!
This store is spacious, arranged nicely into distinct sections, and very easy to scope out and find what you're looking for. There's a sale room tucked into the back, so don't miss that! It's never been too crowded whenever I've gone and there's usually parking right out front.
Be sure to hit up the housewares section...yeah, you might not want to spend $35 on the hedgehog measuring cups, but they have a good mix of items under $10 like mugs or glasses that make unique, cute gifts. I also love their collection of loose door knobs and cabinet/drawer handles. I fantasize about finding a vintage bureau on the side of the road that I refinish and then adorn with mismatched hardware from those fabulous bins. If I didn't live with a man who has a modern minimalist style, I would fill my home with all the dishes, glasses, tea pots, utensils, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, throws, rugs, and ottomans from this company that I could possibly fit! Who gives a damn if the patterns clash?!?
Might I just add how much I enjoy the comedic relief the catalog and this store also provide? Check this out:
http://jezebel.com/5960779/anthropologie-holiday-shopping-for-the-people-you-hate
Yeah, there are always a few outrageously priced pieces of crap that make you pause and go, "wait...is this for real?" But that's cool, because there are plenty of other gems that balance this out.
Also, I got my first-ever, real adult hair style when I was 15...and I brought along a copy of the latest Anthropologie catalog to show my stylist the waify model with the exact 'do I wanted to sport.
I love you, Anthropologie!! read more