Some of us are watching the clock here because soon Anthropologie will open it's first shop in Europe on October 23rd -- in London! How exciting for Anthro and those who love them on this side of the pond! I think their brand is smart and creative and will go over well though I must admit that there are so many gorgeous stores that have that "anthro-vibe" already that they'll have to be uber creative to stand out as unique. I mean, whenever I shopped them back home I always felt like I was at a European market which was the appeal for me. Going to Anthro in my local mall was like spending the afternoon in London or Paris. With them taking a giant step into the European market I can only wonder how the average shopper will view them over here - because someone from Europe may not welcome that European flea market vibe as being fresh and new since it's so common here to find beautiful things everywhere, including well, flea markets!

What I'm saying is that I wonder what their approach will be and how they'll win the interest of their new customers. Some tend to be quite skeptical of American companies and brands moving in... so we shall see but I'm hopeful! I want them to be a smashing success because then whenever I'm homesick, I can fly to London in an hour and visit their store for my Anthro-fix. Who knows, perhaps it will go over well and they'll bring one to northern Germany (they have an Urban Outfitters in Hamburg, so perhaps an Anthro is next?)We shall see...

So! Will you hit Anthropologie in London's West End for a little visit? It opens October 23 at 158 Regent Street. I've heard it will have a garden inside and be quite unique and beautiful. I also heard that they're focusing on featuring more European designers. I imagine that's a good idea - giving designers here more of an outlet for marketing their brand and getting it in front of a broader audience. Yay!

Some anthro things for fall that I'm smitten by: a. sweater clock, b. felt tulip pendant, c. photo finish bathmat, d. crochet collage tablecloths, and f. felted panels throw, and e. thousand tiers dress.

P.S. If you're in Europe and want to jump on their mailing list, please do so here. They plan to roll out a second London store early next year and also a new way for us here to shop online instead of going through the U.S. site with the huge VAT tax and shipping fees. So sign up for their email updates so you'll be in the know.

Are you excited about them opening in London? What do you think about how they'll be received on this side of the pond? Your thoughts overall?

(images: anthropologie)