Cozy Scarves and Pinchable Cheeks

Today I'm posting a "seen and admired" simply because I think it's adorable! Boho-chic women's wear brand Anthropologie,  has figured a way to include charming children in their imagery even though they don't sell children's product.

"Our coziest gifts for Grown Ups modeled by out cutest Little Ones."
Oh man, don't you just want to snuggle that scarf and pinch those cheeks? Way more appealing than another tall, skinny girl in a scarf! 

Well played, Anthropologie, well played.

Earning my Full Attention

Once again, a seemingly standard and unimpressive catalog from Anthropologie has blown my mind when given a second look. 

Last summer, I traveled to Spain where I was struck by the complex tilework at the Alhambra and the striking designs of Antoni Gaudí. 

When October's Anthropologie's catalog arrived, my only slightly impressed thought was, that looks like Alhambra-inspired tiles. Today I realized the entire catalog was a tribute to Gaudí using his mind-bending work and beloved city of Barcelona as a backdrop, including the sites of Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Sagrada Familia. 

I love the manner in which Gaudí's organic forms fit so naturally with the Anthropologie collection. The fabric textures, layered on top of the tile patterns create a beautiful combination of color and culture. They've (rightly) dubbed the effect "wearable works of art". 

Lesson learned, never flip so carelessly through the Antropologie catalog. It has proven that it deserves to be absorbed and admired. 

Upper East Anthro

Before I left NYC yesterday, I made it to the Anthropologie on the Upper East Side. Despite it's location, it's a very unassuming place. The window displays didn't look quite as fresh, but what it lacked in outside flare, it made up for inside. The space was... spacious, and made for a pleasant shopping experience.

I headed off to the airport after this shopping jaunt, so I'll need to make a special trip and hit the 3 additional Anthro locations I missed this trip!

1 Down, 4 to Go

I've been in NYC for 6 days now and it just dawned on me that I should have spent my week hunting down the city's five Anthropologies! What was I thinking!

That's right. Greedy ol' NYC has five glorious Anthro stores: SOHO, Chelsea, 5th Ave, Upper East Side and Rockefeller Center. I got to admire the windows at Rockefeller in person today. Now i haven't received an Anthro catalog recently (for shame Anthropologie!) so the visuals were new for me.

I found them to be a pleasantly whimsical transition into a new season.

To the Upper East Side first thing in the morning! Think the windows will be different?

The Not So Grand Opening

Good news everyone—Anthropologie at Breton Village Mall has opened!

Bad news... I found it surprisingly underwhelming.

Up till now, the only Anthropologie I'd been to was off 5th Ave in NYC, so my expectations were, you know, ... high.

I realize this is "only" Grand Rapids but after a year of anticipation I was ready to see the pages of the catalog come to life. The product and presentation simply fell a little flat for me.

So, in conclusion, I think I'd like to petition to have a ModCloth open a store in GR. :)

Reflective Shopping

It's time for my monthly Anthropologie plug! I received a beauiful email today featuring dinnerware set in artful patterns.

It actually reminded me of a Kraft ad that I was seeing all over the web last fall. This ad was animated and used veggies and food to create moving kaleidoscope images.

This leads me to wonder... is Kaleidoscope imagery a formulating trend? I'm officially on the lookout... perhaps in 6 months I'll be saying you heard it here first!

And sense I've already mentioned Anthropologie.... they are currently featuring decorated nooks. I love seeing small spaces used well!

Happy shopping! Happy cooking! Happy decorating of confined spaces!

Path to Delight

I stopped by Anthropologie.com today (surprise, surprise) and I was delighted by the little vignettes they have posted on their homepage. Take the scenic route, and explore all their accessories. These videos are beautiful and cute!

Spicy Color

I can't believe I'm talking about catalogs again—you're going to think I'm obsessed with Antropologie. Really, I'm just a catalog admirer.

But seriously! Check out the art direction on these photos for the home section for the October catalog. LOVE. On the website they are saying "Quick hits of color to spice up your space." And you know I'm all about spicy color.


I'm basically gaga over these images that paint around the objects. Though did have one friend that once painted around his sofa when painting his living room versus moving the piece of furniture. It didn't have quite the same effect, and I don't necessarily advise it!

I don't have much else to say, except, check out the lamp on the top right! Reminds me of the Artworks pieces (shown below) at UICA during ArtPrize!

Gold Star: Anthropologie Gift Card Holders

Good packaging can make a huge impact. I'm giving Anthropologie major props for these carriers, which come with the message:
"This is teefs and zips. They were pleased to carry the Anthropologie gift card in their bellies"