8 things you should never buy at Anthropologie

These products may be beautiful, but they're best to be avoided. (Photo: Anthropologie)

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

My obsession with Anthropologie runs skin deep, and there are so many items I will buy time and time again (hello: Capri Blue Candle). But despite making some fabulous home decor and trendy clothing, I do have my fair share of regretful purchases. Some products, while boho-chic and adorable, just aren’t practical or particularly well-made. And you don’t want to wind up with something that you spend a lot of money on, but never actually wear or use.

To help you not make the same mistakes and spend your hard-earned cash more wisely, I dug into which products are actually not worth buying from Anthropologie (yes, it’s possible!). From my own personal experience and speaking with some former Anthropologie retail employees who dished some secrets, I found the 8 products you should never get at Anthropologie—and where you should shop for these products instead.

1. Measuring sets

These cups look pretty…impractical. (Photo: Anthropologie)

Anthropologie is filled with adorable measuring cups that would look gorgeous on a countertop or your next baking Instagram. The thing is: they’re not that practical. They’re oddly shaped, making it difficult to scoop out ingredients, and the stoneware material is more susceptible to breaking than a stainless steel set. And don’t get me started on how pricey they are ($38!!). Cut the cutesy and get this stainless steel set from Bellemain, which happens to have the best measuring cups we’ve ever tested.

Get the Bellemain Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set from Amazon for $18.95 instead

2. Pixi makeup

You can find this popular brand at other retailers for cheaper. (Photo: Anthropologie)

While there’s an extensive bougie makeup collection offered at Anthropologie, some brands are worth buying elsewhere, according to my insider information. Case in point: Pixi. You can typically find these makeup and skincare products for cheaper at big-box retailers like Target, especially when there’s a sale going on. You should still feel free to purchase Pixi makeup—just not at Anthropologie.

Shop for Pixi at Target instead

3. Cloth & Stone clothing

These clothes are cute, but are cheaper elsewhere. (Photo: Anthropologie)

Cloth & Stone is one of Anthropologie’s top-rated brands, but it tends to be on the pricier side. While you could wait for specific items to go on sale or a big Anthro Day sale to happen, you’re more likely to save even more on these items if you shop for them at T.J.Maxx or Marshall’s, where you can find the brand for up to 50% off. While I’m not saying you should never buy Cloth & Stone, you can definitely find it for a better price outside of Anthropologie.

Look for Cloth & Stone clothing at T.J.Maxx instead

4. Dishware that isn’t dishwasher safe

These hand-wash only plates are expensive and time-consuming. (Photo: Anthropologie)

A set of plates that features my favorite animal? Count me in. But if these plates aren’t dishwasher safe, you can count me out. While these adorable plates are a great conversation starter, the inconvenience of not being able to throw them in the dishwasher after a dinner party diminishes their value—especially at $16 a pop! If you do want plates from Anthro, opt for ones that are both dishwasher and microwave safe, which makes them a little more reasonable for the high price tag. You can even find some cheeky dog-themed ones to suit your whimsical needs.

Get the Matte Mavis Dinner Plates, Set of 4 at Anthropologie for $80 instead

5. Tech accessories

When it comes to tech, go for quality, not aesthetics. (Photo: Anthropologie)

While Anthropologie might try to entice you with gorgeously designed tech accessories like wireless chargers and portable charges, avoid them at all costs. They’re not highly rated and they’re way overpriced. For example, the Marquetry Wireless Charger may be pretty, but it costs a whopping $80. You’re better off getting this one from RavPower for less than $30, which also happens to be the best wireless charger we’ve ever tested because it was the fastest of the bunch.

Get the RavPower Wireless Charging Pad at Amazon for $27.99

6. Furniture

Read the reviewers before you order any furniture from Anthro. (Photo: Anthropologie)

Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy furniture from Anthropologie (I’ve been eyeing this velvet chair for years now), just read the reviews first. Like many things on this list, a lot of the pieces sold at Anthro are overpriced for their quality. Reviews on certain products say that while the furniture looks gorgeous, they don’t stand up to the test of time or aren’t actually that comfortable. There are even horror stories of termites ending up in some of the wooden furniture. Yikes. So just be careful out there. If you want inexpensive Instagramable furniture that might not hold up but is easily replaceable, check out the Wayfair Hashtag Home collection.

Shop the Wayfair Hashtag Home collection instead

7. Smeg appliances

Smeg appliances definitely aren't worth their high cost. (Photo: Anthropologie)

While Smeg kitchen gadgets have that vintage look that makes them completely Instagramable, they’re not as good as they look. Throughout our own testing of various cooking products, we’ve found that Smeg products simply aren’t worth it, especially with their high price tags. Anthro currently sells a Smeg blender for $320. For that price, you might as well splurge on a powerful Breville Super Q Blender that performs well and will last you for years to come—and it’s the best one we’ve ever tested.

Get the Breville Super Q Blender at Amazon for $499.95

8. Free People Movement collection

It's best to get this activewear from the OG site. (Photo: Anthropologie)

Free People and Anthropologie are like close cousins (they’re both owned by URBN), but that doesn’t mean you should shop the Free People Movement collection at Anthropologie. Although they’re priced identically at both retailers, you’re better off getting them straight from Free People. Anthropologie’s return policy on FP Movement states that returns must be made to the warehouse within 60 days for a refund and cannot be returned to stores unless it was originally purchased at one. So if you order online, it means you’re paying shipping to get the clothes and paying shipping to return them if they don’t fit. Quite frustrating, if you ask me. But Free People offers free returns for FP Movement items, so just shop the same items there instead.

Get the Free People Movement collection at Free People instead

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Source: Read Full Article