With a background in retail design among my other tracks, I love to follow what’s happening in the industry. When I shop, I’m looking as much at the design and display as I am at merchandise.

A leader in women’s fashion retailing, Anthropology continues to be a trending force. They helped to create and put the vintage look on the map, and their clothing and home fashions are always fun and a bit surprising. Vintage continues to be a hot trend despite that I thought it would not hold. I especially love the creativity driving their visual merchandising and presentations. Their display design is the inspiration for this post. A hand drawn look on the colorful wall… as if a work in progress… Rustic rigging and netting across the back wall create almost a nautical feel!

This looks almost like paper mâché and is installed as a flowing botanical vine “growing” to the ceiling. A beautiful complement to the merchandise.

An Asian inspired arched presentation shelf reminds me of it’s miniature cousins for bonsai display.

A “tree branch” style farm table, grid wall for pot holders, tiered table, and vintage wall cabinet make a nice backdrop  for kitchen wares and books. Notice the porcelain egg crates. I use them for earrings!

Vintage posters are an instant recall to times gone by… and a great foil for rain wear!

Furniture finds are another offering that makes shopping at Anthropology so much fun. Great place to get decorating ideas too. The rustic wall backdrop offers a fun contrast of old and new.

On a personal note, I used to think I couldn’t wear any of the clothing at Anthropology as I am a petite size with short everything. I happily found out that was not so. Happy shopping!

Anthropology, Stoney Point- Richmond, VA. Photos taken in March, 2012.