You be the judge: Cute or cheesy?
Oh, Anthropologie. I love you so. Just entering your downtown store is enough to set my heart aflutter. Felt fedoras. Poppy Ora Keily bags. Haute hippie jersey dresses that drape just so. Wooden tables that appear to be cut from the most stylish Redwoods in California. I could go on.
But we have a problem. Well, maybe it's more of an issue. Your sweaters are so cute, often with unexpected and colorful details — but when are the details just too much? Take the "Corsage" sweater jacket at left. At first blush, I was smitten by the oversize flowers and contrasting black and white stitching. It looks like something Carrie would wear in a more demure "Sex in the City" moment. (You know, like when the girls are at the pool or something.) But when I tried it on at the store this weekend, the flowers appeared comically large and awkward affixed to my shoulder. I looked a bit like a garish craft project.
Verdict: I didn't buy the sweater. But I still feel torn. I almost purchased it online as I wrote this post.
So Stylephilers, I want to know: How big is too big? How much is too much? Do you like large or intricate flowers, buttons, and details on your clothing? If you saw me wearing this sweater on the street, would you discreetly point and laugh? My closet thanks you for a prompt response.
Contributors
Hayley Kaufman is editor of the Style section.
Rachel Raczka (@rachelraczka) is the lifestyle producer for Boston.com.







