Adding to the burgeoning collection of boutiques, department stores and other retailers like H&M and Forever 21, on October 6, 2011, Washington D.C’s Penn Quarter welcomed its latest addition, Anthropologie, with an opening reception party. A full house of customers came out, eager to get a first glimpse at some of the prized fall pieces such as classic knit sweaters and skirts, as well as the items from The Pendleton Collection, a recent addition to Anthro’s inventory.

D.C fashion mavens were treated to cider, white wine and sparkling water amidst of flurry of small appetizers floating around, balanced on the fingertips of sales associates dressed in dandy fashion. Bow ties, ruffles, colorful mixed prints and blouses with chiffon bow ties abound in the cozy space.

Ruffled cloth was streamed along the ceiling in a way that recalled a cloud.

As with everything concerning Anthropologie, in the details is where the magic lies. Ruffled cloth was streamed along the ceiling in a way that recalled a cloud. Wooden planks lined the borders of entry ways, and an unvarnished wooden floor further emphasized the charming, antique, vintage feel that Anthropologie is so renown for. Paper adornments dangled from the ceiling and sprouted over the cashiers counter and vintage armchairs upholstered in gigantic flower patterns were placed throughout. Felts fedoras in cream, mahogany, red, green and navy accompanied tables of tangerine-colored clutch bags.

The Penn Quarter location packs a fair amount of accessories, clothing, and home items into a relatively smaller space if one considers the square footage of other locations in Tysons Corner or Chevy Chase. This causes the space to feel a little more dense–cozy if you will–and few spots where you have to slip between tables and a rack of clothes in the middle of the floor could cause a bottleneck on busier days.

The sales staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable of the product, and easily engage with customers by offering up suggestions of some of their favorite items in the store. Get a glimpse of the latest Anthropologie for yourself at its new location inside the Atlantic Building at 9th and F Street NW.

Nicole Crowder is an AARP The Magazine photo editor, freelance photographer and author of ChestnutOrange.blogspot.com.