https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:24:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627957 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 15:52:55 +0000 Style Fan 1627957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting article Lisa.&nbsp; Thanks for sharing.&nbsp; Also I am enjoying this thread.&nbsp; I go into Anthro and J Crew and think I am going to find lots here I like.&nbsp; I come out with nothing.&nbsp; Nothing.&nbsp; I must be the pickiest shopper out there and then there are the fit issues.&nbsp; Boxy J Crew will never work for me.&nbsp; Because I am a civilized woman I don't throw a temper tantrum in the store but I have felt like it.&nbsp; I tried on a skirt at&nbsp;Anthro that Angie posted in her finds which worked except the fabric was very stiff and heavy.&nbsp; Not so great for summer.&nbsp; Sigh.&nbsp;<br />I didn't know Anthro was dog friendly.&nbsp; I will go back with Sophie.&nbsp; She will like that.&nbsp; Maybe she will find something nice for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627909 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 14:35:06 +0000 Kari 1627909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Andrea! They do window displays and in store decor so well. </p> <p>I didn't realize they were dog friendly until very recently. Lucy and I just made our first trip together a few weeks ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627839 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 06:58:58 +0000 RandomThoughts (Andrea) 1627839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a long time Anthro fan but find that I agree with Diane. I like the style and have bought many things there but over the past year I find myself having purchased little to nothing. Often it's the "interest" doesn't match the price. I love their quirky style but have not been finding new, interesting pieces worth what they are asking. I don't think I have purchased anything at all in 2015, come to think of it. And I find myself waiting for things to go on sale and then just losing interest. Boden has been much higher on the hit parade for me lately.</p> <p>That said I just recently saw (and want to try on) a dress on their website that I am adoring. We have one right near my place of business and I am over there frequently with my "Campers" (I train young puppies) so tend to wander around in their store with a dog in tow. I always find their window displays fun.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627836 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 06:34:05 +0000 Gigi 1627836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will stick up for my buddy Anthro. &nbsp;I have to say that I am so pleased with all my Anthro purchases. If it weren't for Anthro, I wouldn't have much of a wardrobe. They are one of the few places that makes *interesting* clothing in very small and petite sizes. I am so tired of the usual, boring petite offerings. Anthro actually lets me have style in my petite wardobe. I almost always get compliments on my outfit when I have an Anthro piece on.</p> <p>I also have a boho element to my style, and so much boho stuff is oversized and voluminous, which drowns me in fabric. Anthro allows me to get boho-style pieces on a reduced-size scale.</p> <p>I do think it is time for them to offer free shipping, however. Having to pay for shipping is ridiculous, considering the prices. I am willing to pay more at Anthro because their clothes are interesting, but paying for shipping is really irritating. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627808 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 04:30:44 +0000 Jaime 1627808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting discussion. I also saw that article somewhere (Jezebel?) and soon after read how Zara's sales are booming. I would certainly be studying that if I were working at Anthropologie. I have only been there a handful of times in New York and Florida and it never really got me or vice versa. My grown (in their 30s) nieces used to love it. I think I will ask what they are thinking now.&nbsp;<br />Brie, Archaeology made me laugh, but I would suggest Architecture as their new major. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627801 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 04:05:15 +0000 Anonymous 1627801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion and article, Lisa! I'm in full agreement on the points made by Peri and Gaylene. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627778 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 03:04:09 +0000 Colette 1627778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing the article Lisa. I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments. I have to confess, I never shopped at Anthro or JCrew before last fall and I've only purchased a pair of jeans from Anthro, nothing from JCrew. Which is odd because in theory JCrew seems to be by right up my style alley. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627741 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 01:55:20 +0000 Anonymous 1627741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ms. Maven</b> said it so well. &nbsp;"There are so many fewer places I want to shop." &nbsp;</p> <p>I used to enjoy shopping, but the drop in quality and the fact that everything looks exactly the same to me turns me off. &nbsp;I'm not sure where I will shop in the future, but I doubt I will waste my time on any of my old standbys. &nbsp;They are not doing themselves any favors because it is much easier/cheaper to retain a customer than it is to try and get someone new through the door. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627683 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 23:59:49 +0000 MsMaven 1627683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating thread. The two Anthropology stores in my area aren't in a convenient location and parking is somewhat of a problem, so unless I am in the area for another reason--usually a restaurant--I don't go there. I do look online and have seen some interesting dresses, but haven't gone so far as to order one.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am one who is also appalled by the drop in quality and the oversized, boring styles in old reliable BR or JCrew. There are fewer places where I want to shop. I spend as much money as I ever did (and I am a pre-boomer) but in fewer places. I used to like to shop in person, but lately I've done just as well shopping online, where I can quickly eliminate stuff by searching by size, skirt length, price, and so forth.</p> <p>It's been years since I bought anything at Anthro. One item was a cardigan in a beautiful rose color with a crocheted edge. I had a hard time wearing it until I realized it reminded me of something my Mom would wear in her 80s. My Mom always tried to be well dressed, but I don't aspire to her style at all. Neither does any other woman I know of in my age group.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hope retailers and designers pay attention to fashion forums and blogs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for starting this thread, Lisa. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627673 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 23:17:01 +0000 Janet 1627673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, for one point in defense of Anthro, I have to say that they have become one of my more reliable sources for pants in the last year or so. That's more than I can say for JCrew -- I can't find anything there that fits me properly lately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627672 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 23:14:47 +0000 Jenn 1627672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought I'd come back and post the three things I've bought from Anthro recently, because they really have been great in my wardrobe and are all either natural fibers or a blend with the natural fiber predominant. The good stuff is there!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627671 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 23:10:55 +0000 Anonymous 1627671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri: Point taken :)<br /> I think I'm just a bit ignorant about baby boomers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627659 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 22:40:43 +0000 Muffin 1627659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting, thank you for sharing and I've enjoyed everyone's responses. I used to love the idea of Anthropologie but it was never really me, definitely more of a J. Crew girl. But like others I'm tired of paying for poor quality, sheer fabrics, and bad design. I love hearing our positive shopping stories and so appreciate Angie's finds- they really help to filter out all the junk. I love clothes and I don't see my interest waning as I age, but I certainly don't buy as much as I used to even though I can afford to (unlike my earlier years). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew/page/2#post-1627658 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 22:37:28 +0000 Brooklyn 1627658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do like their adopt a shelter dog drive they have every year. Kudos to them for that. If they were here I would go into their store every day during that </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627655 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 22:31:14 +0000 unfrumped 1627655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find Anthro "frustratingly tempting". There are nuggets there for me, but only a small % of time. I did get <u>three</u> pairs of pants in past 12 mos due to the current "jogger" and pleated styles.</p> <p>I get some tops occasionally because I'll take rayon (will dryclean) if the style is a particular "feminine-tailored" style I like, because of the great drape of rayon blouses and long sleeves are not too sweaty in variable weather, and the colors and prints are very interesting. </p> <p>So much of their stuff is just....too..... weird and sometimes don't even notice until you try it on and whooaaa, there's no back! Or the back is made of lace! <br />Almost nothing is really "refined" enough but very occasionally. <br />Fabrics are more <u>interesting</u> than <u>good</u>.<br />If casual wear were a much higher % of my life, I would probably have more success.<br />Dresses kill me because they have a lot with sleeves, and waist fit, but almost all are still too short.<br />Still, some of my favorite things have been from there. And the point is, there are a lot of different makers.<br />Also echo Rachylou and Firecracker--I feel as if going blind in there, and all the "collections" make no sense. I have to learn to ask a SA if I'm really looking for an item I saw online (usually just say,&nbsp; I'm browsing!), because I've gone home only to discover via online "find it&nbsp; now" that it was in the store all along and I could not see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627654 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 22:30:55 +0000 Brooklyn 1627654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting. I used to think Anthro was unique and that they would do well here (they have no B&amp;M presence in Australia) but I think Zara, H&amp;M and Topshop have stolen a march on them here. Plenty of interesting stuff in Zara and it's cheaper. And I have never understood why Anthro delivery is so much more expensive than everyone else (including free people and UO, even though they are all in the same stable). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627653 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 22:18:03 +0000 Classically Casual 1627653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I seldom buy anything, I enjoy visiting Anthro. My store produces amazing displays. Last year there were paper mache elephants as tall as the ceiling. I actually took photos. And the SA's are a very pleasant hard working group in my experience. A couple of times I've gone to check out specific items. After no luck in my own search, I turn it over to a SA who needs to use the computer to track it down. My biggest complaint is that they seldom offer free shipping, or free shipping to the store. That means I either find it in the store in my size or go without. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627647 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 22:01:27 +0000 Anonymous 1627647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LisaP. &nbsp;Thank you so much for sharing this. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627571 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 19:18:13 +0000 Keix 1627571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have loved Anthro for years, starting from high school when I could barely afford a $30 tank on sale from the store. But I am buying less these days, despite higher income--I'm sized out of many tops in-store (petites and XXS are online only) and the quality isn't really up to par with the prices.</p> <p>I do think the selection is slowly coming back to its roots--see for example the dress I've attached in Finds below. I haven't tried it on but the quirky print and feminine cut are very Anthro. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627559 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:58:08 +0000 Ginger 1627559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never been an Anthro customer. I first saw some things mentioned on blogs, visited the site, was appalled by the prices, and didn't go back. Nowadays I'm willing to spent slightly more, so I'm more open... and I still don't find anything.</p> <p>I really agree with <b>Diana</b>. "Ironically, I think part of the problem is that the Anthro aesthetic went mainstream/trendy and they haven't made as much of an effort to remain new and different and unique."&nbsp; Anthro was really the only seller providing that blend of boho/hipster/indie everything. Now the hipster thing is totally mainstream, and boho is more a matter of personal style. Anthro feels unchanged. There's now a local store I've been in a few times (and able to try on the single dress that really appealed), but I've not been seriously tempted on anything. Granted, I'm picky, but I find most things very specific to their style and not even very fresh in that style.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627552 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:43:06 +0000 Peri 1627552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, um, what????! As you age you might have less interest in clothes? You didn't mean that!</p> <p>Us aging boomers have tons of interest in clothes. The board is full of us. If retailers would notice our needs a little more we could probably pull a lot of stores out of their slump. The struggling stores do cater to a younger crowd and the designers should wake up. I'm with Viva...we definitely need "our own hip, fashionable, mass market retailer". (Yeah, we had Chico's and CCC, but lets underline that hip, fashionable again!) And no, I for one don't expect it all to be cheap. I'd pay big bucks for clothes that I loved.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think a lot of people in charge are just really out of touch. Even Angie (sorry, sorry!) made the assumption a few days ago that spring clothes could work through summer in the south because everyone would be in air-conditioning. She was easily persuaded but I think designers are a lot too ivory tower these days. Stores are struggling because they aren't giving customers what we need. Everyone is voting with their dollars and stores are blaming the weather?!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627547 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:40:02 +0000 Gaylene 1627547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"When the market analysts clearly state that these retailers - GAP, JCrew, BR and now Anthro are not giving the consumer what she wants, why do the stylists, designers, creative directors and buyers get to keep their jobs? It's a difficult job for sure, but it also isn't rocket science."</p> <p>Hmm, maybe it IS rocket science, trying to unlock the wallet of a baby boomer consumer who gets her fashion fix and inspiration from a global array of online sources. </p> <p>I mean, just because I have the world at my fingertips and my own ideas about what I want can change weekly, why should it be so hard for a buyer or designer to know what will entice, or bore, me this September? And--message to designers and retailers--my cohort isn't interested in dressing like an "old person" despite our advancing years, so toss out those "classic", but boring, looks. But, on the other hand, please remember my shape has changed, so put an elastic waistband in that pair of leather pants and design that pair of kicka$$ shoes to fit a granny foot with its bunions and fallen arches. </p> <p>Those are my "simple" demands, but can I add I also want a consistent sizing across brands, of course based on MY particular shape (a skinny-hipped, long-torsoed, short-legged IT with broad shoulders--what is that screaming I hear in the wings?) Oh, and please remember my budget, because I'll not enter your store if I can buy a similar item at 1/3 the cost down the street from H&amp;M or Old Navy. I know the quality might not be there, but, at these stores, I don't expect it. From you, though, as a "mid-range" store, I want silk and cashmere for only a few dollars more--but, please, keep those shipping charges down, give me unlimited refunds, and frequent sales. </p> <p>It's not rocket science, you know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627530 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:09:32 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1627530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting article and discussion. Thanks for bringing it up, Lisa. I, too, feel a little validated by the article, as I have been less taken with Anthropologie in recent years than I once was. And to Rachylou's point, I find the store confusing now when I try to shop there. I go in and don't know where to find, say, the Pilcro Stet pants I saw online and wanted to check out in real life. I don't "get" the layout at all. IT seems they want to encourage browsing, but it just makes me frustrated that I can't shop efficiently--LOL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627518 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:53:29 +0000 Anonymous 1627518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rachy - you've articulated my feelings about Anthro better than I could and did. Exactly. &nbsp; And I also agree with expectations from a department store.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627512 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:48:13 +0000 rachylou 1627512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy latte bowls at Anthro. I haven't bought an item of clothing there in years. My feeling has been the prices have gotten very high in comparison to what you get and what I see is uninspiring. More than that, I admit I have a vision problem. How a store presents its clothing really effects how I see things. I go because a retailer sells an overall look and I trust them to sell the right things to attain that look. But I find Anthro's presentation unfocused these days. I walk in and I don't get any of it. Except the latte bowls... which actually have gotten cheap and brittle.</p> <p>Funny tho, I experience department stores like Nordies a little different. I don't really expect them to sell me a style. I expect a certain neutrality and they seem to deliver on that. Although, I remember when Macy's tanked, at least in my area, in terms of offerings. It was all one big field of polyester wrap dresses. Easier to go the weird store with stuff that 'fell off' a Chinese tanker for those. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627490 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:07:19 +0000 BrieN 1627490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have told my daughters for a few years now that we needed another sister-store to Anthropologie for women 40+ &nbsp;and that they could call it Archeology. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627489 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:07:04 +0000 Karen L 1627489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok.. i love Anthro. BUT....my issue is about a month into wearing, the knits very often get a hole or start pilling. I realize I bought for the style, and the quality of the fabric. grrrrrrr. &nbsp;Still, I'm seduced every time I walk in to one of their stores!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627487 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:00:56 +0000 Beth Ann 1627487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use Anthropologie (both B&amp;M and online) as an inspirational source only. &nbsp;The price point is generally too high for my budget, and, while they play to a certain aesthetic, they show a complete disregard for fit, construction and fabric quality. &nbsp;</p> <p>Prices are going up, which is inevitable, but wages aren't rising alongside them. &nbsp;That means shoppers, including me, will be more particular. &nbsp;That said, there's a great opportunity on the table, for anyone who picks up on the mood of the buyer and fills the need! &nbsp;I'm watching! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627482 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:52:50 +0000 Isabel 1627482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW, how interesting. What the heck is going on ? Everything from JCPenny to Antrhopolgie seems to be teetering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/beware-anthropologie-you-could-be-the-next-j-crew#post-1627478 Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:48:24 +0000 Diana 1627478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anthropologie used to be my favorite store.&nbsp; I still like it, but don't shop there nearly as much any more.&nbsp; I think part of this is because it used to be really unique.&nbsp; There was nobody else selling stuff like they were, except some very expensive designers.&nbsp; Now, I can find similar stuff at lots of different retailers, including much cheaper options like H&amp;M.&nbsp; Ironically, I think part of the problem is that the Anthro aesthetic went mainstream/trendy and they haven't made as much of an effort to remain new and different and unique.&nbsp; (I feel the same way about Allsaints; I loved them when they were really off the map with the Victorian/steampunk/postapocalyptic aesthetic, but the love has cooled a bit now that they have gone more mainstream).</p> <p>They also used to have higher quality fabrics/workmanship and that's definitely gone downhill (but this is true of almost all mid-range brands, like Gap, BR, J Crew, etc, in my opinion).&nbsp; I haven't found that they have any more fit issues than anyone else that carries a range of brands.</p> <p>Admittedly, another big factor is that I discovered Anthro in college (late 90's) and in the years since I have taken up knitting my own sweaters, which has satisfied some of the desire for that particular type of clothing.&nbsp; </p> <p> </p>