Somehow, this season Anthropologie just haven't got it right.
I've always been a big fan of the chain... and as one of my favorite New York shops for both clothing and jewellery, I expected more from the Kings Road store. The layout is normally gorgeous, the ideas and styling always inspirational and the clothes always on trend with a vintage feel or twist.
No wonder I love it...
... and yet...
... suddenly its middle aged and dull... how on earth did that happen?!
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Stapled card display...
not their usual well presented window filler |
One of the things that I loved about Anthropologie was the way that they stocked small brands from independent makers; often selling handmade items that you would be unlikely to find anywhere else. Previously I found it to be a place to find one off pieces of hand crafted jewellery (it is still possible to find these) but most have been replaced with mass produced alternatives.
The clothes were even more disappointing, attempting too much of everything. Too much embroidery. Too much lace. Too many pastel colours. Too preppy... resulting in clothing that I personally would never wear.
The styling too lacked its usual lustre... with objects randomly place together with very little consideration. Plus the dire mistake of attempting to mix a classic British vintage with all manners of Asian knock-offs. But where was the beautifully stitched paper that the jewellery laid on? And the antique books piled high? When they first opened they used the old 'Antiquarius' building to full effect... but apparently no more.
However (moving on from the negative) there were some definite gems to be found...
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Polaroids...
both hand drawn and photographs. |
... antique cabinets...
... hand made hair slides...
... hand knitted woolly hats (yes I bought one)...
... crochet peas-in-a-pod...
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Some of the hand made jewellery...
I want more! |
... a cape...
... a fitted lace jacket...
... and some beautiful cushions made from vintage Indian fabrics.
