We just got back from a week in North Carolina. We started out with three days at the beach, which was awesome.
(I had crazy hair the entire time, but I just have to be at peace with that when I’m in humidity and wind.)
My boys have never been swimming in the ocean before.
They did some wading in Maine a couple of years ago, but it was way too cold to swim. It was so amazing for me, as their mom, to watch them rolling in the surf, laughing, jumping over the waves. We didn’t have the greatest weather, but we had just enough clear sky to build sand castles, collect shells, swim, stroll in the surf and just sit in some beach chairs with our toes in the sand.
When the weather wasn’t cooperating, we hung out at the pool inside the hotel and the boys loved that as well. We slept really well each night, that’s for sure!
After the beach, we visited my husband’s family in Raleigh. We enjoyed a lot of time at the pool, which was about all you could do in the stifling heat and humidity. The last day, though, my sister-in-law and I hit one of the local ritzy malls. We just don’t have shopping like that where I live. Our main target was Athleta, but we also went to Anthropologie, which was the highlight for me. I love that store and buy things online now and then, but it’s awesome to get to dig through the racks, try things on and view all of the displays in person.
Anthro hits the nail on the head for me. While some of it is a little over-the-top, I love the attention to detail, uniqueness and hand made quality in all of their wares. It’s such an inspiration for me, as a retailer. It is prettyy expensive, so I had to pick and choose what I bought carefully.
I have been looking for some ceramic berry baskets, so I bought two…
I eat a lot of berries, so I like these for rinsing and even storing them.
Plus, they are perfect for photo shoots.
I’m loving the blue scale I bought a couple of weeks ago. I was planning to sell it, but I may be keeping this one. At least for now.
I also bought these gorgeous knobs…
I don’t have a specific piece in mind to use them on, but the colors are perfect for my home, so I couldn’t pass them up.
And I did buy some clothes.
When we first walked in the store, both my SIL and I spotted a stunning tunic/shirt/dress. I don’t even know what to call it, but it was so beautiful. It had tight 3/4 sleeves with decorative cutouts. The fabric was patchwork with crochet ribbons dividing the different fabrics. It was bold, but it wasn’t crazy. I was smitten. It was $168, which took the wind out of my sails, but I decided to try it on. I thought, “If this is the best shirt I’ve ever put on in my life and I love it more than any other shirt ever, then I’ll splurge on it.” I put it on and it looked like a moo-moo on me. I really wanted it to look good, but it hung like a tent and just wasn’t flattering. Well, that just saved me having to explain a $168 shirt to Jeff, so it’s probably for the best.
Oh, here it is. It’s the Inez Swing Dress…
I guess $168 is better for a dress, but it was really short, so I would wear it more as a shirt. If it looked good on me. Which it didn’t. So, let’s move on.
What I ended up buying was a more modestly priced scarf…
…and a shirt with beautiful detail…
…and this headband…
I tried it on a whim and it looked really cute with my short hair. It had a 1920’s sort of vibe.
I also loved looking at their displays and presentation of the merchandise. Even their sales banners were beautiful.
And I’m definitely going to be sourcing some branded tape for when I do sales…
It was a nice way to charge the creative batteries.
While we were at the mall, we met up with someone I’ve worked with for a long time, but have never met and I came home with a beautiful gift. More on that in another post…
28 Responses
I’m sad I missed you I was in that anthro last Saturday. Also which beach did you guys go to? I’m partial to ocracoke but grew up near Atlantic!
I love the detail on your top too !! So cute..any details on the tag so I can look it up to buy ?, or possible to share the link ?..Thank you
Yep! Here it is. It comes in lots of colors and was very flattering… http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/4112265415804.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS#/
I’m giddy with excitement…Thanks for sharing !! 😉
I love BOTH of the tops (well top and dress). Off to surf at Anthro 🙂
Sue
Sounds like a great trip. Ocean, shopping, family. Can’t go wrong. Your boys are soo good looking!
I too just left Anthropologie in NYC but live in Raleigh & shop at the one you went to at Southpoint. I purchased the same knobs in the navy & coral and live them!!! With 5 kids shopping there is a true treat I usually only buy knobs for my painted furniture. Glad you enjoyed your trip please plan another girls day out at the Raleigh Flea market this fall we missed you last year❤️
Whoops…I ordered that same dress last week online and it’s in flying through yonder blue skies as I write. I also loved it but I’m not sure on this 5′ body of mine. Anthro rarely disappoints but I’ve had one other recently so I hope this isn’t just another fluke? My husband would also be happy because he thinks I spend waay too much at Anthro but I absolutely love that store…sorry for the promotion! I also feel the same about MissMustardSeed and would be more than happy to promote you any time which I have and still do and ALWAYS with a smile on my face 🙂 That’s even without getting your bed although the carrots are still awaiting!48
Hopefully, it fits you perfectly! It was so beautiful in the store and felt so quality when I tried it on. It just didn’t work on my shape, since I’m rather busty! I was probably hard on myself, but it definitely didn’t flatter.
I read your last e-mail about the bed. I have someone who wants to pick it up, but if that falls through, it’s yours! 🙂
Love those berry baskets ~ and Anthropologie often has great sales; one can snag a bargain or two of wonderful design. I buy some of the knobs and mix them with my classic ones in a footed glass fruit bowl. Glad your boys had an ocean adventure; the only thing good about Long Island where I live are the beaches.
Man I’m just glad you had some time off for some well-deserved family time! What you (and fam) have done with your brand is nothing short of phenomenal and you all deserve a vacation for sure.
I love your blue scale, too! Should you decide to sell it, it would thrill me to buy it! I actually stalked your shop the last time you posted items hoping to see it. 🙂
I love Anthropology! It is a bit pricey and I usually head to the sales area. I got some pretty knobs there too not long ago. Also some plates to add to those I’m collecting to do a plate grouping on a wall. I just love their window displays and wall treatments. The creativity amazes me. We don’t have one where I live (the Florida panhandle), but when I visit my friend in Jacksonville it’s definitely a stop on our shopping trip to St. Johns’ Town Center. After Pottery Barn of course. 🙂
I love Anthropologie. I don’t have one where I live, but my parents do, so I always stop in when I am at their house, OR when they offer free shipping!!!
So, I am DYING over the scale. I have been looking everywhere for one. My grandmother had a green one. Can you tell me where I might buy one? yours? I love the blue.
I do exactly the same thing — go to Anthro for creative inspiration. Even if I don’t buy anything I leave feeling happy. Luckily I live about 2 miles from one. (Or maybe I’m not so lucky, the SF Bay Area is so crowded and so expensive, I often dream of living somewhere more rural…I, too, covet that farm you guys are looking for!) Anyway, you got some good stuff. And being able to charge those batteries was FREE! 🙂
OH I love Anthro but usually have my guys tagging along as it is in our favorite mall…. an hour away! Yes you can imagine it… a 15 year old, an 18 year old, and a 44 year guy. thrilled would be an understatement, ha ha! Okay I must admit it is so funny watching them because they are pretty fascinated with all the mugs and cookware. 😉 Love my guys for humoring me!!
Oh the headband is gorgeous! So how do you wear it? I am still trying to figure that one out. I am dying to find out as I have short hair too… but more of a bob.
Have a great weekend and I’m so happy you had a wonderful vacation!!
Anthro has the best drawer knobs. They are whimsical and fun especially for vintage pieces. The store in Palm Desert, Ca. was the inspiration for a hutch I recently bought. Their furniture props are incredible and I suspect are way overpriced because they don’t want to part with their one of a kind vintage pieces. The sales associate told me they DO sell them but the hutch which is like the one you featured here on your blog a couple of weeks ago was $8000…I am glad you stuck to the drawer pulls like me…
I love, love, love Antro. We were in Mrytle Beach and the Market Common has such a lovely big store. I came home with some beautiful new shirts. I found a sweater that I love and could kick myself for not buying it because it’s not online. I also have seen it in the Maryland stores either. Ugh! Thankfully, they have items in all price ranges. So I can always find something affordable. Love their tees!
OH! What beach in NC? I live on the coast of NC about 8 minutes from Emerald Isle. It has been soooo hot and humid here lately and I only like to go to the beach at night. I also LOVE going to Raleigh to do some shopping. It is about a three hour drive from us. I was not aware there was an Anthropologie there though. I love that store and always stop at the one in Vegas when we go.
The first thing I thought of when you mentioned Anthropologie was…..the beautiful knobs! I eye them every time I’ve been in the store. I live in Cary, NC just about 20 minutes from Southpoint, but frankly I don’t shop in malls very much. Southpoint is very large and can be too much to get around, so I rarely go there. However, I love Anthropologie. I moved here from San Diego, where they had one I frequented. I agree, you really have to “pick and choose” what’s on sale. I’m happy you enjoyed our beaches. Ya’ll come down again! I, too love your blue scale. I had a red one years ago.
I am always inspired when I visit Anthropologie, too! We have even tried to change up our displays to mix home, fashion, gift and, of course, MMS Milk Paint together. It’s not as easy as they make it look, I have to say, but I like the way it changes up the store and the way it flows. Love your purchases!
Sounds like you guys had a great trip to NC and Raleigh has some great malls and shopping. I just wish that Williamsburg, VA would get a Pottery Barn outlet. I always love going into the Pottery Barn outlet in Lancaster, PA when I am in the area.
Just wondering if you had ever been to the AntiqueMarket Place in Lemoyne, PA off I-81 near Harrisburg? Its a huge place but I read the reviews and some had commented that the prices were very high so I was wondering if it was worth stopping at when we go up in August to visit family.
I had been coveting the berry baskets for years, but never wanted to part with the money. Last year sur la table had some for a much better price. I got several and love them, so if you are in the market for more baskets, you might want to check them out.
Oh Marian! I’m sorry I missed you! I live at Topsail in the summer where were you? I didn’t realize your hubs was from Raleigh, I went to college there!
Were you able to check our the North Carolina Flea Market? It’s open at the fairgrounds every Saturday and Sunday (there is an awesome fabric vendor there too! All his high-quality upholstery fabric is $6/yard). The booths, tables, and vendors have tons of vintage treasures 🙂 Definitely stop by the next time you’re back in Raleigh!
Oh, the berry baskets! I love them!
I definitely have to check if Antropologie Europe sells them on their site, here in Germany!
<3 Midsommarflicka
Heres a link to a company that makes the Anthropology tape 🙂
http://www.printedcustomtape.com/printed-masking-tape.html
Thanks! I haven’t had a chance to look into it, so you made it easy for me!