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

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).

Peri: Point taken
I think I'm just a bit ignorant about baby boomers.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

I hope retailers and designers pay attention to fashion forums and blogs.

Thanks for starting this thread, Lisa.

Ms. Maven said it so well. "There are so many fewer places I want to shop."

I used to enjoy shopping, but the drop in quality and the fact that everything looks exactly the same to me turns me off. 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. 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.

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.

Great discussion and article, Lisa! I'm in full agreement on the points made by Peri and Gaylene.

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.
Brie, Archaeology made me laugh, but I would suggest Architecture as their new major.

I will stick up for my buddy Anthro. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, Andrea! They do window displays and in store decor so well.

I didn't realize they were dog friendly until very recently. Lucy and I just made our first trip together a few weeks ago.

Interesting article Lisa. Thanks for sharing. Also I am enjoying this thread. I go into Anthro and J Crew and think I am going to find lots here I like. I come out with nothing. Nothing. I must be the pickiest shopper out there and then there are the fit issues. Boxy J Crew will never work for me. Because I am a civilized woman I don't throw a temper tantrum in the store but I have felt like it. I tried on a skirt at Anthro that Angie posted in her finds which worked except the fabric was very stiff and heavy. Not so great for summer. Sigh.
I didn't know Anthro was dog friendly. I will go back with Sophie. She will like that. Maybe she will find something nice for me.