My mom was in town, saw that we had an Anthropologie, and made us stop what we were doing to go…read morethere. She had watched "Man Shops Globe" with the Keith Johnson (Anthropologie's buyer-at-large), which featured him traveling the world to find local artisans who made unique wares that could be sold in Anthropologie stores, and wanted to see what it was all about. As an artist herself, she felt a connection to the potters in particular.
I whined. I moaned. I groaned. I rolled my eyes. I dragged my heels. "I am not an Anthropologie Girl" I stated. "What does that even mean?," my mom asked me. The truth is that I don't actually know what it means, but I knew girls - girls who were FAR more fashionable, FAR prettier, FAR classier, (who appeared) FAR more cultured (despite the fact that I've lived abroad multiple times), FAR more mature, FAR more "with it" - who shopped there. And I knew I wasn't one of them. At least I didn't think I was. But Anthropologie is chic and bohemian and indie and artsy and creative and soulful... and, y'know what, I'm into those things in my own way so I should be an Anthropologie Girl!
I guess what I didn't realize is that Anthropologie is a lot more than just clothing (and I think THAT'S where my mental hiccup was with this place). Actually, the clothing - while beautiful and stylish and totally covetable - was too far out of my price range to even try on. There was one shirt that was totally "me", but not at a three digit price tag. What I like my Anthropologie is everything else: the jewelry (which is still too expensive) and other accessories, the candles, the perfumes, and mostly the home decor items. If I could refurnish my whole home in just Anthropologie wares, I would. As it is, I think I can start incorporating new pieces and fun items here and there (like whale shaped measuring spoons, for example) as they prices on the home decor stuff were actually insanely reasonably priced.
My first visit I bought a teal and gold glass blown votive candle (for $8) that I've been drinking red wine out of it. Probably not what it was meant for, but it's like a statement piece and... red wine looks pretty in it. I should have bought three more.
My current want list includes: the sea salt perfume (because it'll help me get one step closer to being a mermaid), a headband (I'm not sure I can pull off, but I might try), and some minimalist earrings that make me smile (like crawling vines).
Is the staff perfect? No. But my interaction with them each time I go is so limited that I'm unfazed. The store is spacious, clean, smells good, and is all around inviting and warm. The location is fabulous, and what they sell is fun to just look at, touch, and smell even if you can't afford it.
So, yeah, I'm an "Anthro" (as the cool kids say) convert.