If I were to bottle up the feelings that went through my body as I stepped food into Anthropologie and sell them… well, I’d be rich. Errr… Idunno if people would actually buy them, but if they did– or if Madonna did and then told everyone how awesome it was… then I would be rich. (Please don’t ask why I chose Madonna. I have no good reason, nor do I idolize her)… moving onwards. (ps I feel that I should start using some terms my teachers used to use in class, being that this is fall, aka, new backpack and pencil box time, aka, back to school time.) Open your books to page 42. (ahhh!)… what?

As I was saying, Anthropologie. aaaaah yes. As I park my car, my heart is literally beating as though I am about to — idunno, do something really exciting, fun and special. I walk into the store and literally stand there, smiling, taking in deep, hearty breaths. I can’t even calm down enough to figure out where to start. My first round around the store is usually somewhat chaotic. Products? No. I am not even looking at the products yet. First time around is dedicated to a study of all of the displays, decor, visual goodness that grace the walls and pour out on to the floor and across the sky of the utopia that Anthropologie is. Cupcake wrappers fashioned into swirls of design on the wall, pages of old, yellowed books turned into a life-sized bees’ nests, paper towel rolls replicating familiar objects, marshmallows hanging freely from the ceiling like the season’s first snow fall, chandeliers dropping from the sky in all different shapes and sizes.

Once I calm down I will start methodically noting every single item, inhaling every single candle as though it has the power to heal any ailment I have ever had or will have– I bring it up to my nose and breathe in all of its goodness, slowly and peacefully. Employees stare at me oddly. Then I head over to the knob aka hardware section. You Anthropologie die hards know just what I am talking about. I spin around the upright turning shelf apparatus probably close to 75 times as I imagine each and every knob on each and every door in my home. Every time an image passes through my head it is answered either with a nod of approval and small smirk, or an abrupt shake of the head and a secret happiness that I have eliminated one more choice, which, in the long run will make my decision that much of a percent easier.

By the time I work my way over to the bath mats I am practically in tears, just noting the beauty of the colors- last season it was a Tiffany blue bath mat with white embellishments that brought out these indescribable emotions from me. Plush and chic, yet perfectly vintage, but also clean and crisp, that bath mat and I had a really deep connection (pathetic, but when someone tells you their feelings, don’t make fun. yeah you)

Can I take a moment to side note here– I do realize that there are other spots just as romantically adorable and touching as Anthro, but I think that if I were to spread my wings and frequent them, that I might actually explode. So, in commenting, please do share your thoughts and indulge me in the names of your favorite Anthro-like stores, but do not be offended if I just cannot handle it. Mikaela. That was specifically for you. (A dear friend, and basically relative that constantly shares the names of stores and products that will not only make my home and me smell unforgettably amazing, but also break my bank and quite possibly make me explode due to their sheer and utter amazingness). Like, if I were to go into ABC Home and Carpet I think I would literally die from over stimulation and excitement– I would just die… Fall flat and die on a pile of breathtaking Persian rugs underneath this chandelier that I want… really badly. That would be embarrassing!

And as I continue to write I have this idea. And perhaps this whole post was a plot of the subconscious “Madds, find a way to come up with a real, working excuse to go to Anthropologie” … but, I am thinking that when one writes a post about something that one should be able to do adequate research. And to be honest, I have not. I have yet to visit Anthropologie since their fall line flooded the store. Perhaps that will be my job for today so I can report back to you all with truth and honest information. Good point, no?

I will be back. Off to the gym, home to pamper and dress in some sweet, fall outfit (I have something in mind already) and then off to Anthro. Ohhh the excitement. Ohhhhhh the joy.

Well… I’m back I’m back I”m back!!!! More importantly, I’m back and I didn’t buy anything stupid! I am so proud of myself! The feelings, as always, were magical, and I tried a few things on from the sale rack, but nothing was outstanding. It was more the housewares section that gave me butterflies in the stomach. I escaped with minimal credit card damage… Forty bucks got me two HUGE candles and these UH-mazing lion doorknobs… BA-nanas in the words of Rachel Zoe. Ugh i love her and her show Rachel Zoe Project, and can’t pretend I’m not painfully jealous of the clothing and shoes in her possession.

Back to Anthropologie… All of the new fall clothing, well 85% of it was really fun and sweet and I loved it and wanted it. The Fall housewares were more simple than I am used to and the new furniture is undeniably Mad Men-esque (but, honestly, does this surprise us? no), which they refer to as Untraditional Tradition. The displays in the store were just as yummy as usual, and YES I still want to buy that enormous bottle of Lollia foaming bath bubble (not like you already knew I wanted it, not sure what I put that big bold YES in there…)… but on a serious note, I do wanna meet and get to know the super cool gal who has the … whatever it takes… to purchases it… unless she’s super dirty– which is why she decided to get it).

So, before I interrupt myself again, I just want to finish saying that my Anthro experience was just as magical as ever! The people who work there are also totally rad and friendly and they commented on my vintage belt, which made me feel cool and special. The only sad thing about my visit today was that I had to leave two headbands behind that I absolutely LOVED. Why, you may ask?… They were $19.99 each. grrr. I wore them around the store, at the same time, to make sure I loved them deeply, and I did… But I just couldn’t justify spending that much on head wear. (Jordan are you reading this… see how responsible I am!? I should get them as a reward, no?)… Well, I think what that means is that I’m gunna have to do a post on designing fun headbands. don’t you think!? I think it would be fun!

OK. well, if you couldn’t tell, I am really tired and talking gibberish. My exciting afternoon tired me out. Now, I must dive into my crafty closet and see if I have headband making gear. Ciao!

I will leave you on a beautiful arm candy note (the Anthropologie Fall ’09 accessories), because I am sure it will make you smile 🙂  how sweet …