Have you ever compared your favorite store with handmade or vintage items from Etsy? The results might surprise you!
I took a few moments to compare items from one of the coolest stores, Anthropologie, with similar items being sold by some Etsy sellers with a lot of style!
Do you think handmade or vintage items come with a big price tag?
Well, let me show you what I found…
This cool beaded bracelet from Anthropologie is $220!
Well, let’s just say that’s out of my price range at the moment so I’ll have to do without this fun bracelet.
A little searching on Etsy and I found this…
An awesome bracelet from chickadee studios for only $30!!!!
Wow! Is the first one really worth THAT much more? Not to me!
This little Summer Dress from Anthropologie is $118. It’s pretty, but I thought I could find a better deal.
How about this strapless dress on Etsy for only $29 from Aloha Summer? It’s perfect for the beach and I wouldn’t have to worry about spilling my fruity frozen cocktail on it!
You tell me…are these from Etsy or Anthropologie?
The first pair of flats can be found on Etsy from Hydra Heart …handmade for $50!
The Anthropologie Ossetra Flats will cost you $158!
I even like the pair from Hydra Heart better…yay for handmade!
For all of you that might like a silver snake ring…
Vintage sterling silver ring on Etsy for $65 or Eternal Ardor Band at Anthropologie for $198.
I didn’t share the photos because I don’t like snakes…ha!
Well, these are some serious designer sunglasses from Anthropologie with a price tag to show it…$450! WHAT???
I’d have to go with these vintage {from the 80s – oh my gosh I can’t believe that’s all vintage stuff now!} white sunglasses – $12.99! That’s a deal!
I’m not sure if anyone would really pay $1450 for this terrarium found on Anthropologie, but you never know I guess!
This is more my speed…
A glass globe terrarium kit on Etsy for $25! That works!
Take a look around Etsy before you run out to your favorite store, you might find something even better for less!!
What kind of fun things have you purchased on Etsy?
~Kim
I like ALL the Etsy finds better! Great picks, Kim!
all the etsy are so much nicer, I’d rather support handmade than a chain store with such crazy mark-ups. Those etsy flats are stunning.
Wow!!! What great comparisons! Thank you for the post.
I’m pretty sure that dress is a from a reseller. Do your research as a customer; if it looks like a screaming deal, and they have only been open a short time with an amazingly large inventory available in all sizes: it’s probably a reseller, not handmade.
Great point, Tori! It looked handmade to me since I made one that looked so much like it last summer. It only took me a couple hours! Research and reading the reviews is always suggested when you’re uncertain. 🙂
~Kim
i keep hearing about this anthropologie store, but i must be living under a rock since id actually never seen anything they offer. wow- though. i love buying handmade and supporting artisans on etsy and most of the time your going to get something thats actually one of a kind or limited quantities- you wont be running into someone wearing the same thing often.
I have to say although Anthro is one of my fave stores, I don’t really buy anything there b/c it’s too expensive, but I will say that if I find something I like I’ll look on Etsy and always find a better one.
I recently had a similar experience, but would go one step further. Quality. I am a maker of aprons and theirs were fun but you could tell they were made to look handmade. And though the same price as mine ( how can you compete with that?) were lacking in quality.
Well…with Antropolagie I supposed you have to pay the middle person too. If you buy on etsy, you’d buy straight from the artists. That’s why you get so much better deals which I think is a win win situation except for the middle man 😉
Yay for handmade!
Lovely to see that handmade can not only compete with big stores but also win on price. :o)
This is a great story angle! Love it. Amazing the difference. I guess it’s all in the brand and name. But that’s not important to me. Having more money in my wallet is though!
I {heart} etsy!!! Plus you can be happy knowing that you are supporting someone’s dream when you make a purchase from an etsy seller:)
Great post!!
Genius post, Kim!
Great part of Etsy vs. Anthropologie = NO MALL!
What a fabulous bonus.
Funny because I love all the Etsy items more than the Anthropologie ones! Great finds Kim! I always enjoy looking around at
Anthropologie and have found some amazing sales (which is the only way I can shop there).
I like Anthropology, but since their stuff is only made to look handmade or vintage, I’d much rather support true handmade artisans & designers or actual vintage sellers. Thank you for pointing out how truly reasonable most Etsy prices are, when compared to the manufactured goods we buy every day!
Great sleuthing!
It just goes to show it pays to shop around.
Etsy rules, hands down. Nice work.
etsy anytime! anthropologie is the inspiration board.
With Anthro, They really know how to sell their name more than anything. If you look, some of their loveliest clothes are simple with minimal details. Not all though. I agree, that dress is actually really easy to make, you can also go to some fabric stores and they have pre-made shirred fabric.
Great post! When I find something that I want, whether it’s jewelry or something for my home, I always check Etsy to see if I can find something similar. I also love buying from individuals on Etsy and helping to support them.
Fabulous comparisons,Kim,great eye!
yay for you! those anthropologie stores are awesome, i live near two of them, and they never fail to delight. and yes, i have noticed the fabulous stuff on etsy that is similar to anthro and i have even used their catalogues for color inspiration, thank you for sharing such good information.
Great finds!! I love those sleeveless pull up dresses! lol <3