Anthropologie In New Orleans

Anthropologie New Orleans
Handsome stacked stone facade

We finally have an Anthropologie in New Orleans. I don't think it's a huge deal, because we have such great boutique shopping on Magazine Street. But still it's nice to have another fancy big box store within the city limits.

Witty displays abound at Anthropologie

I was invited to the grand opening party, a hoopla that filled the 9,000 square foot store (on two floors), that previously housed another big box mega store: Pottery Barn.

Cute line up of table height stools

But I went back after the party on a quiet Monday morning to really see the store. It is a lovely space, something you would expect to see done by someone with deep pockets.

The only suspension staircase in North America!
That's what the shop girl said!
The cables remind me of The Brooklyn Bridge

Charming still life at Anthropologie

There are several clever display ideas that might be translated for home use. I was told by a shop girl that the display team designed things on the spot especially for the space, that they didn't have any preconceptions, though I find that hard to believe. Anthropologie is an identifiable brand, and each store anywhere looks like an Anthropologie.

Clever use of fabric pieces cover a settee

I loved many of the displays, finding them more interesting than the merchandise. This store feels light on home furnishings. I was hoping with this massive amount of space to see some of the larger goods we only see in the Anthro catalog.

The spoon and faux food make this bowl Pop Art
I tried to buy it as is, but they wouldn't sell the bowl with the display
Also love the witty table runner made out of restaurant guest checks
We can do this!

There are plenty of clothes and table top items, and other smalls displayed.

Table runner made from restaurant guest checks

I asked the shop girl if I could get her email and contact her later about some of the merchandise and displays, but she got very jumpy, saying that Anthropologie is super protective of what it does. She is very proud to be part of the team, and told me about the Bravo TV show (duh) as we walked to the dressing room area where the Magpie Chandelier is displayed.

Anthropologie Magpie Chandelier

She thought it was so clever how the owners pick up odds and ends "from all over the world" that magically get turned into a chandelier. I demurred that the idea of a magpie chandelier has been done by many artists, and sure this one is cute but (not magic)....

I'm a sucker for typography so I bought a metal letter
The lace on the letters is a bit twee

Still I bought a couple of things, though most things are just too expensive and not that unique anymore.

If money were no object, I would love the Union Jack ottoman

We are happy to have Anthropologie in New Orleans. It's a nice fit. They have employed some New Orleans artists HERE

Jack on the Union Jack
We work at perch. together

Maybe my years and years of experience are showing, and maybe because I work in the best home furnishings shop on Magazine Street, I just was not bowled over by the store. In fairness I wasn't bowled over in New York either.

I might impulse buy one of these metal hooks

It's the kind of place I'll stop in if I'm early for a movie date (the shop is in the Canal Place mall where there is a cinema).

Beguiling dog plate at Anthropologie

And I'm sure to pick up some little thing, beguiled by the displays.



If money were no object, I would buy the Union Jack ottoman, or any number of other pieces of furniture.

I would not buy this chair

What about you guys? Last year the blogs were all a-gush with posts about Anthropologie. This year, I don't see as many. Are you still in love with Anthro?

I might try to make this display chandelier
It's made from plastic lids from take-out coffee cups

Or is it just the lousy economy putting a damper on shopping posts in general?

I like the way the art piece becomes a 3-D extension of the wallpaper
This would work in home decor

And I really love the way the piece of art crawls onto the ceiling!

This store display is made from folded tin can tops!
It is an amazing work of art

Instant cereal or instant Pop Art?
A plastic spoon and a piece of fabric
A little wooden block underneath holds it up

Anthropologie has some great books
And the right one displayed becomes an art object

Cute cement pots only $8.

Table top merchandise
Rope chandelier has been done by some of you

Tented
Use canvas painters drop cloths in your home