I don't know about you, but I don't shop at Anthropologie. Don't get me wrong...it's my favorite store. I have numerous goods throughout our house that are from Anthropologie, and a few articles of clothing (found on sale of course...and by sale, I mean like 97% off). And I've been known to drive over an hour out of my way to visit an Anthropologie I've never seen, just because I have to. But it's not to shop. It's never to shop.
It's for the experience.
During college, my mom and I would visit Anthropologie when we needed inspiration. She was always telling me, "This would be the coolest job for you...doing all these displays". Yeah, right. Dreaming. We'd both go in with our sketchbooks and make notes as we worked our way through the store..."yarn wrapped around nails as art on walls...coffee filter flowers...".
As I was about to graduate college, I applied for the Display Coordinator on a whim. I just filled out the online application, crossed my fingers (probably would have been better to pray...), and the forgot about it. Until they called. And then offered me the job.
Yep, back in 2005 I had my dream job...a Display Coordinator at Anthropologie. It lasted until I took my first teaching job the following year, and to be honest, I left because I couldn't pay my bills on the hourly wage I was earning. But, despite showing up there at 7 am everyday (sometimes 5 or 6 am), seeing the behind the scenes drama that can take place at a retail store, having a boss that scared the living day lights out of me, and slaving away at beautiful projects just to have to throw them away when the next season came around....Anthropologie is still a magical experience for me.
Brent laughs at me...he just lingers back behind me and watches me frolic through the store. Sometimes I practically run from one well merchandised shelf to the next, camera in hand. I want to buy everything...but that's not why I'm there. I'm there because it's the most visually inspiring store on planet earth. The displays are one thing...but the patterns, the textiles, the textures...I love it.
This past weekend, we made a trip to Charlottesville with Brent's mom and step-dad. I made sure we made it to Anthropologie...because what's more exciting than just any Anthro? An Anthro you've never been in before!
Camera in hand...I wandered aimlessly and joyfully throughout the store until finally they dragged me out.
Next time I'm going by myself. I might stay all day.
We're off on another adventure today. No Anthropologie in Crozet, Virigina...but we'll be exploring Viriginia's wine country (so Brent can write about it of course...).
Happy Wednesday friends!
"most visually inspiring store on planet earth" - that's a bit much (even for you).
Besides, have you been to every store on planet earth :)
Posted by: Chris | 08/15/2012 at 09:58 AM