Thursday, September 2, 2010

OOTD, Sale madness & Why it's bad to live near so many stores

Good evening, everyone! You know what psycho got up at 3am to check the status of the Anthro Sale?!

Me.

AND...I was pleased/horrified that quite a few items from my wishlist were suddenly on sale (except for the damn High Tea Blouse...the only Floreat blouse that fits me). Determined to grab my prizes in person, I went back to bed. I live within 2o miles of 5 stores, so there was a good chance I could get what I wanted. Yeah, that's right...5 stores. FIVE.

Because I had the day off, I could actually wear a little Anthro on my multi-store sale mission! Normally, I wear a work uniform. It's 94 degrees today, so a stay-cool outfit was necessary.


Top: Anthro - Raccoon Rumpus Blouse $49 (sold-out online, still kicking around in stores)
Shorts: Anthro - Black Forrest Trail Shorts $29.99 (also sold out online, but I have seen a pair or two in the sale room)
Wedges: Payless

I live in Boston, but have not been to the Burlington Anthropologie. So, I thought this was the perfect morning to check it out. I find that suburban stores always have some secret treasures kicking around in the sale room. I went to the Dedham store a couple of weeks ago and scored my Botanical Stroll dress! I have one unfortunate observation about both the Dedham and Burlington stores which I will share in a few. First off, when I arrived at the Burlington Store, it was about 30 minutes after they had opened. I was greeted at the door by a salesperson who said hello, but nothing more. There were a few intense ladies in the sale room (you know the kind...aggressively sorting through the racks. They look like they will cut you.) and a few other folks there. I was surprised to discover that NOTHING had been markdown and all of the newest sale items were still floating around the store. I did see ONE Two-Wheeler Shirtdress in a size 6 there. It made me feel weird. No one talked to me. No one acknowledged me. Nubbins. I walked around for at least 10 minutes with a dress in my hand. Shame.

Here's my deal...I don't get this as much in the Boston store (which I love!) and the Chestnut Hill store (but SOMETIMES I do). What's with the attitude the SA's are sporting?? Maybe I'm biased because I work in a retail environment where everyone is expected to be extremely friendly, well-versed and helpful, but would it be totally insane to have your sales staff be a tiny bit more friendly? Even at the register, I feel like I'm bothering people. "Hi, I'd like to give you lots of my hard-earned money for these pretty things. The money for the things goes to the company that signs your paychecks. How 'bout a smile, sweetie?" *steps off soapbox*

Needless to say, I got completely turned off and headed toward my favorite store in Chestnut Hill. It's a big store and they had already marked down everything and moved it to the sale area. Fabulous! I grabbed a Soft Scallops Cardi (number 1 on my wishlist) and Split Decision Cardigan which, I have to say did NOTHING for me on the website or on reviews. But when I saw it in person, I was pleasantly surprised at how adorable and cozy it looked! I was looking for a neutral-color cardi and this was it! I found it to be very comfy and cozy and perfect, so for $39.99, I snapped it up. I also grabbed a lilac version of the Tiny Windows Dress. I already own the pink and I found the lilac to be equally flattering. I'm such a sucker, but how could I pass at $29.99!?

I walked out. Happy.

Stupidly, I got on the T and somehow, bizarrely ended up on Boylston Street in Back Bay. Oh look! An Anthropologie! Lets's see what's going on in there!

I did and I walked out with three more items: A Chopsticks Cardigan ($39.99 second cut price)


...A Dreamy Drape Dress (aka: Speckled Ink Dress)($79.99) and a Clusters of Light Tank ($59.99). This tank has been on my radar for a while and I was pleasantly surprised (and again also horrified) to see it on the sale rack. It's just gorgeous...I'm afraid to touch it, but it's beautiful and I can't wait to wear it...very...carefully. This is not the kind of top you can let your husband try and take off of you after date night. No...you tell him to back off from the Tabitha Frock.


I'm really on the fence about the Chopsticks Cardigan. It's really cute...but I'm a legit musician and I don't know if it's too "theme-y" or kitchy for me to be sporting. People pay me to sing and I don't know if this is too over-the-top. I couldn't resist at $40...it may go back. We'll see.

So there you have it. I spent more than my allotted Anthro sale savings and I feel kinda high guilty. I may have to enforce a month-long 2 week-long moratorium on Shopping. But fear not! I will still review pretty fall frocks for those keeping score at home! What's everyone blowing their cash on today?

5 comments:

  1. Ugh, I can't believe those SAs weren't friendlier towards you at the first store. I'd be miffed about that too!

    Very cute outfit today! You look ready to shop! I especially love the Raccoon Rumpus Blouse!

    As for the Chopsticks Cardigan, it's super cute. You're completely right not wanting to wear it to a paid gig, but it'd be so fun to wear if you teach lessons (I'm pretty sure you mentioned that) or most any other time, I'd think! :)

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  2. Kay,

    You are killing. I'm in agony. It's not fair that some have 5 stores, while others have to drive to hours to LA to find a store.

    How wierd about that store. Do you think it was because you were not a regular?

    I have been to 3 Anthro's in the last 2 years. The SA's were falling all over themselves trying to help me. The sad thing is, I have gotten so used to shopping online, that I can't find anything in a store. Isn't that strange?

    So happy you got some great sale stuff.

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  3. Ooh, I keep going back and forth on the Clusters of Light tank! On one hand it is gorgeous, and somehow already on sale...on the other hand, I've never tried it, and it's still not exactly free (sadly). I laughed at your assessment of it as something you don't let your husband and try to take off -- I felt the same way about my beaded Lightworks Tank from last year! :) I also laughed at your description of the aggressive sale shoppers who look like they're going to cut you -- spot on! I know exactly the ladies you speak of.

    Sorry that the sales assistants at that one store were so distant and non-friendly, boo. But at least you have *four* other stores to choose from -- I can't tell you how envious I am :)

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  4. Mandy - I don't know what is with some stores. There are two stores around where I live where the associates are not as happy. Granted...I've only had ONE experience at each, so I can't really say it's a fair assessment. I am leaning towards keeping the Chopsticks Cardi for now...it IS cute. I can certainly get away with it on teaching nights :)

    Laura - I don't know what it was about that store. Maybe because they had opened and hadn't done any of the markdowns that they were all freaking out or something. It's a little weird how the stores are spread, but they must do some sort of demographic research. They JUST opened one in Harvard Square. I dunno. I ordered online once, but really don't need to.

    Goldenmeans - Thanks for reading! I love YOUR blog :) The Clusters of Light tank is just so gorgeous, it beckoned me every time I walked into the store. It does appear rather delicate and it worries me a bit, but it's just such a showstopper! I TOTALLY was shocked when I saw it on sale. Like a moth to a flame...LOL

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  5. Kay,

    You are killing. I'm in agony. It's not fair that some have 5 stores, while others have to drive to hours to LA to find a store.

    How wierd about that store. Do you think it was because you were not a regular?

    I have been to 3 Anthro's in the last 2 years. The SA's were falling all over themselves trying to help me. The sad thing is, I have gotten so used to shopping online, that I can't find anything in a store. Isn't that strange?

    So happy you got some great sale stuff.

    ReplyDelete