Diablo visits Anthropologie in Blackhawk

Two Diablo style mavens visit the brand new, much anticipated store in Blackhawk Plaza

First Impression: There’s something about Anthropologie. As soon as I walk in, I know I'm there to stay. I’d actually be OK with them locking me in. The store reminds
me of an art gallery, with it’s meticulously styled displays of eclectic clothing, lingerie, housewares, and bedding. Even the scent of the store has
me hooked. It’s that addictive Anthropologie smell, or maybe it’s the bath products in the back. Whatever it is, it has the Danville community buzzing.

Anthropologie has opened at Blackhawk Plaza, and based on the pre-opening party and fundraiser I attended, it’s already a
big hit. Shoppers filled the store and dressing rooms to get their Anthropologie fix. Wine and hors d’ouevres from Draeger’s made it even more
difficult to leave, resulting in a line that wrapped around the store. The party benefited bay area charities, including Buena Vista Auxilary.

When you visit Anthropologie, make sure you have enough time to soak it all in. Find the perfect dress for your next party, or some funky knobs for your
kitchen cabinets. And make sure to bring a friend to remind you that you’re not crazy for wanting to stay forever. —Alisha Petro

 

Second Opinion: If Dr. Seuss gave your Grandmother a home makeover, the after pictures would look a lot like the recently opened Anthropologie retail store in Danville. Tucked inside the far Southeast corner of revamped Blackhawk Plaza lies a just opened jewel box of signature summer dresses and vintage inspired home goods.

You wouldn’t know a whimsical dichotomy of playful sophistication awaited inside the monstrous steel gray megalith exterior. There weren’t even any “Grand Opening” banners strung atop the doorway. There were no balloons or confetti on opening day, Friday, July 18—just business as usual.

Business as usual ran almost smoothly on Anthropologie’s first day open in Danville. I was not greeted on my way into the store, a signature touch found in most all other locations. The man in charge of stocking and heavy lifting was visible on the floor, a faux pas for the store’s high appearance standards.
 
What you’ll find once you enter the airy, carefree shop is an exhaustive sensory experience, surrounded by natural elements and updated old-fashioned traditions. Step into a fantasy world of earth greens, vintage oranges, and burnt reds. Glide atop pebble and wooden floors as you take in the 360 experience of inspiring lifestyle tools. Look up at the lamps made of torn out book pages and hangers and flatware dangling from the ceiling. Look around at the paper grocery bag planters. Cast yourself into the scene as your peer into the beachwood framed mirrors. Meditate on the Capri Blue Jar Candle ($28) scent wafting its way to your olfactory glands.  

Don’t hold your breath. Anthropologie’s long-time-coming finish is still coming. Painter’s tape remains on the wall next to the registers. Don’t assume the entire store mimics the first draft of Oh, The Places You’ll Go. Some decorative elements are meant to look unfinished. Half opened packing crates hang on the walls- packing straw still inside.

Updated 1950s inspired houseware dominates the Danville location. Anthropologies’s signature summer dresses and delicate sweaters take a backseat to shabby chic bedding and fun meal settings. A large window ushers sun into one kitchenware display room. Warm light pours over old-fashioned aprons for the modern chef ($28-$32). A display of playful drawer knobs reaches my shoulder in height. I recognized a few of the knobs as those that I pull on each day to open my newly refinished Union Jack drawers.

Besides the sunlight, here’s what’s hot: the “Green is Good” canvas tote ($28), Terrier doorstops ($34), and something your refrigerator should never go without- the All Out Of grocery list, complete with categorized goods (60 sheets for $7.50). Spell it out with Letterpress Monogram Cards (6 for $16), porcelain Monogram Mugs ($6), monogrammed wood-and-metal pedestals ($28), ceramic Alphabet Hooks ($12), and fabric Alphabet Letters ($12). Pick up “Vintage Fashion,” a picture book with fashion icon Twiggy gracing the cover and “How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life” for your coffee table.

My lowlights: a tiny jewelry section and only one denim display.

My highlight: hearing a cashier answer the phone, “Anthropologie, Danville.”  —Sarah Wetmore

Anthropologie, 3480 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, #118, Danville, (925) 648-4991, www.anthropologie.com

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