Tag Archives: Madewell

Dream Combo: Denim & Sequins

November 5, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

denim and sequins combo

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m kind of boring.  I don’t add sugar to my tea, I’d rather be perusing through blogs than hittin’ up da clubz, and I definitely don’t wear sequined vests to the supermarket.  But when I saw this photo of Jessica Szohr, decked out in denim AND sequins, on Garance’s blog

[Image via Garance Dore]

…I knew that I needed to add some pizzazz (in the form of sequins) into my life STAT.  I love the way that Jessica Szohr (whom, on an unrelated note, is the most boring character on Gossip Girl…jeez Vanessa, get a life!) jazzes up a simple, button down denim shirt by pairing it with a fun, sparkly sequin skirt.  The opposing textures mesh perfectly together, making it just as wearable during the daytime as at night.  I love a versatile combo!  It’s retro yet modern, classy yet jazzy.  Business in the front, party in the back.

Fact: I do not own a single sequined item.  But that’s going to change!  I’m quite partial to this Young Fabulous & Broke Bijou Miniskirt, pictured above with a Madewell campfire cargo shirt.  And then, who knows, maybe I’ll start adding sugar to my tea.

Check out my other dream combos here and here.

Fall Bedazzling

October 6, 2010

Filed Under : BEAUTY - STYLE

Fall 2010 Accessories

…and by “bedazzling” I don’t mean rhinestoning my favorite jean jacket (been there, done that).  I want to spruce up my fall wardrobe with some new, snazzy accents!

During the chillier months, I tend to stick to a neutral palette of nudes, grays, and blacks, intermingling them with a small splash of color and excitement.  These accessories are perfect examples of said splash.  You know, just a little something to get through the dreary months ahead.

  1. Leopard print scarf: I love scarves in all shapes, colors, and sizes but this Madewell City Camo Scarf ($49.50) is not only on-trend for fall, but super fun and dramatic as well.
  2. Desert boots: These Madewell Suede Sandstorm Boots ($188) are equal parts rugged and chic.  I can imagine myself wearing them with skinny jeans or wool skirts or silk dresses – they would seriously pair well with anything!
  3. Berry lips: I really love the idea of a darker lip for fall but I just can’t pull it off.  Luckily, I have this sheer version, Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment ($22.50), that gives just a subtle berry hue.
  4. Red belt: One of my favorite ways to break up an all black ensemble (my wardrobe all winter) is with a punchy colored belt like this red Topshop Bow Detail Skinny Belt ($30).
  5. Stackable rings: These Lucky Brand Stackable Rings ($32) are adorable.  It’s just that plain and simple.
  6. Metallic nail polish: I literally hyperventilate with pure elation when I see a new nail polish color, like this NARS Vintage Nail Polish in Mash ($16).  It’s like a metallic army green with specks of gold, SWOON!
  7. Arm warmers: Ever since I first noticed the phenomenon that is arm warmers (here),  I’ve been totally smitten with them.  And because I’ve been waiting patiently for their arrival since February, you can only imagine my excitement when I spotted these J. Crew Ribbed Glovettes ($22.50).
  8. Structured handbag: A small structured handbag like this ASOS Leather Croc Lock Across Body Bag ($84.25) will help me bring out my lady-like side.  Oh wait, do I have that side?

xo, Alexa

September 13, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Alexa Chung for Madewell

I’ve been waiting ever so patiently (8 months to be exact) for Alexa Chung’s Madewell collection to arrive and when it did, I was positively giddy.  Though it launched online September 9th, it didn’t actually hit stores until the 11th and I made sure to be at Madewell’s Century City location exactly when it opened (ok, 5 mins late).  Unlike my usual experiences with collaborations (ahem, Target and H&M), Madewell was FULLY stocked and well prepared for the influx of Alexa-lovers, including yours truly.

Every piece in the collection looks like it actually came from Alexa’s closet.  The fabrics and colors embody that ladylike and graceful charm from decades past.  Silks and velvets.  Polka dots and peter pan collars.  High-waisted jeans and flowing skirts.

I told myself I could buy only ONE thing.  That’s all I could afford, thanks a lot Alexa.  So I chose the Annie Blouse.  But then a certain special someone (who not only drove me to Madewell at 8:30am but then sat patiently while I tried on 3 dozen pieces of clothing) bought me the Betty Tea Dress!  He makes me smile.  And now my life is complete.

P.S. I also got a FREE (!) Alexa Chung for Madewell pencil pouch, ribbon, and handwritten (ok, photocopied) note from Alexa!  Best day ever.

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Dream Combo: Gamine Girl

September 8, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Boots and over-the-knee socks

I love combining the ultra-feminine with the ultra-masculine and what better way to showcase this love than in my “Dream Combo” series (oh did I mention I’m sharing my dream combos on the regular?).

These Madewell Aberdeen Two-Toned Boots are like Wall Street meets sexy British rocker (swoon).   Sophisticated yet totally cool.  Menswear at it’s finest.  On the other hand, these Madewell Over-the-Knee socks exude that girly, school uniform vibe that’s become an essential fall trend this year (hello pleated skirts and button-up blouses).

Together, the two are the definition of gamine – a girl with boyish charm.  Ahh, I love! I would pair them with fitted wool shorts and a loose-fitting blouse.  Maybe even a belted shirtdress.  Heart you, Madewell.

[Images via Madewell]

My Madewell.com Picks

June 10, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

If there’s one thing you should know about me by now (besides my unhealthy need for anything dipped in chocolate), it’s that I have an undying love for Madewell.  There’s just something about it’s chic-meets-comfy style that drives me wild…and depletes my bank account.

About a week ago, Madewell finally launched e-commerce!  …meaning they now have an ONLINE STORE!!!!  …meaning goodbye life savings.  Of course, there are 2 Madewell stores fairly close to me but the idea of being able to order some of my favorite things at the click of a mouse is soooo very enticing.

Since it launched, I’ve scoured every inch of the website and selected all the items I had to have, compiling a list of my favorites.  And though Madewell is adding new items just about daily, these are some of the things that I absolutely love right now…

My Madewell.com Picks:

  1. Panama Hat, $58
  2. Raffia Herringbone Belt, $49.50
  3. Scholar Cardigan, $62
  4. Lizzie Fortunato For Madewell Bouquet Necklace, $118
  5. Button-down Boyshirt, $68
  6. The Canyon Mini-Bag, $98
  7. Clambake Jumpsuit, $118
  8. Floaty Floral Dress, $158
  9. Gouache Cami, $88
  10. Hazy Days Tank, $88
  11. Sunset Sandal, $148
  12. Ropey Soles Simple Espadrilles, $48
  13. Wanderlust Sumatra Shirtdress, $88

[Images via madewell.com]