It has become my habit, when visiting a city with an Anthropologie store, to make certain that I get by there to get a gander at the displays. This new habit, while so inspiring and providing so much fodder for blog posts, has not been kind to my pocketbook. Once there - once in the store - I am compelled to shop the entire space, all in the name of research, of course. Never know what hidden jewel of a display might be around that next space divider.
My sister and I visited the Fashion Valley Anthropologie last week which is conveniently located next to a Restoration Hardware store. Two luscious sources of eye-candy. I did score a "magalog" at RH - the fall source book which is filled with leather, linen, iron and wood in all sorts of fantastic renditions.
But, back to Anthro. Because I already posted a Tumblr full of RH photos. You can find that here.
What I find infinitely interesting about Anthropologie is the dedication to design and the freedom each store is given in exploring the materials for the displays. These are thick paper plates - dipped in dye? - and strung like beads. This is ordinary stuff, people! Not expensive, not hard to find, not out of anyone's ability to recreate. Planning a party, a temporary living space, a guest room, or a wedding? What is not to like about this idea? Or the strips of torn fabric a couple of months ago? or the cheerful plastic soda bottle flowers of a year ago?
Personally, I love it. It reeks of individuality, not off the rack. And of course, I've had a sip of the Kool-Aid.
These strings of paper plates are inside displays too - with more color. I might just pay a visit to my local Smart and Final during my wedding decor shopping and pick up a smaller version of these plates (I'm sure they have to be the paper kind) and dye them in shades of blue to gray. What a production that will be. I'm going to need a hot day and a lot of space for drying.
I know it isn't everyone's style but isn't that the great thing about going to events - you have a chance to experience someone's style. Sometimes it is home-grown and funky, sometimes it is polished and professional. And I like to figure out just what it is that I like or dislike about a certain "look" and then either let it go or recreate it in my own palette and venue.
Another area of the store will be completely different, and Anthro incorporates so many "found" materials into displays. Next time I'm wandering around an urban thrift store I'm going to be watching for the designer that must be shopping for the next season.
I have truly never thought of painting a non-functioning but vintage camera....but why not? I suppose some photographers would gasp in horror but here it works as a pop of color and an unexpected design element. And look at these shelves - these are just cheap pine nailed together. I saw a wall - or maybe it was RH - prepped for a new coat of paint but still with the spackle patches from filling the holes. It is a good lesson for me in change. It's just paint and it is just plaster.... hang it, fill it, paint it.
Alrighty, these aren't found objects, these are merchandise displays... but look at this great array of bedding. I could never do this with JC and the dogs and the cat... but I can dream!
Last, but not least, is this amazing use of multi-colored Post-its behind the register. Ruffled, textured, curvy, mountainous.... how do they do this? Anthro - will you please start blogging about process?
I did some wedding-decor shopping down south and that will be the next post... but I am inspired to buy less and make more out of ordinary materials. It will be finding the time that will be the challenge.
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