Madewell reviews

Last week on my visit to the mall, I stopped at Madewell again and tried on a few things, mostly for this blog. I have had a pretty good luck with Madewell.  The few items I bought there became my favorites this spring, like the best mate belt or the Academy blazer, which I have been wearing non stop.

I was curious about this skirt ever since we saw it in the spring Lookbook several months ago. 

 

silk dotty passenger skirt

 

Size Medium

It is an interesting skirt, because although it has a pencil shape, it is a pull on, silk skirt with elastic waist and notched hem.  I took size Medium and it was very comfortable, although I could have probably sized down for less gathering at the waist.  I liked the easy fit for the summer, it is less formal and less restricting than say a No2 pencil skirt.

As you can see, it is shorter on me that it is on the model.  Don't let the CS tell you that it is because she has it pulled lower on the hips. If you count the number of dots going down, you will see that the number  of rows is 15 on the model and 13 on me. Yes, I am anal-retentive, I am first to admit, but it is a part of my job description.  I count number of stripes and rows of dots all the time. And I can tell you that a lot of sample items that the J.Crew models are wearing are longer that the retail versions, which annoys me a lot. I'd much rather account for the heigth of the models, I know they are taller than me and the clothes look different on them. Or, just hire the catalog models, which are shorter and closer to average woman height.  OK, end of rant.

Striped pocket t-shirt

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This t-shirt is pretty basic and nothing special, but I liked the colors and oversized, slouchy fit. The cotton is more substantial and less clingy than on most J.Crew tees. This is size Medium. I took a Small with me as well, but it must have benn mislabeled, because it was even bigger. I would probably get a Medium anyway, since I think it is not meant to be fitted. For now, I decided it was not worth the $29.99 sale price.  About $20 or less is what I am willing to pay for a basic t-shirt.  

Flower print square scarf

This is one thing Madewell does really well, their scarves are beutiful, interesting and worth the money, even at full price. I have too many scarves as it is,  but I was seriously tempted to get this one.

silk dotty sunshade top

I was intrigued by this cami and it is indeed pretty, similar in fit to Natasha top at J.Crew.  I actually like the front placket and neckline better, but I was never a fan of Natasha's fit.  I was not sure about this color on me, but the mint one seemed too girly. This was a Medium again, and a correct size for how I think it should fit.  Not worth the FP of $98 imo, but maybe on sale?

Gauzy boho tunic top

Size Medium

Again, I cannot find it on website and it is hard to see the detail in black but it is made of gauzy cotton, sort of boho peasant tunic style with the embroidery and tie at the neck. I liked it but all those boho tops have a tendency to sit in my closet, this is a fantasy self buying for me. 

shrunken dropdot shirt

This shirt was just really meh on me. I think for button downs I would stick to J.Crew. They offer better selection, better fit(at least on me) and more interesting fabrics.

Basic slub cotton tee

Size Medium

I actually walked out with the t-shirt above.  It was $9.99 and they had it in several other pretty colors. Red shirt was on my list and the price was right. I like the slouchy fit and the weigth of cotton.  I already have this t-shirt in blue/turquiose color and I like it a lot, great for wearing with jeans and comouflaging the muffin top.  I was tempted to get a few more but I reminded myself that I don't need more t-shirts and only red and yellow were on the list. Sigh.

Btw, it is definitely an orange red but it reads more red than orange irl.

  Charade blazer

Blazer Size 4

I have already tried on the Charade blazer, last time it was size 8.  The one above is size 4 and I really need a 6, which was not available, both times.  I actually almost caught it on the popback last Friday. I put the 6 in my cart but I didn't want to pay for the shipping and by the time I found something to add to my cart, it disappeared :(

I should have just grabbed whatever just to go over $100, but I wanted to find something interesting to do a review. I guessed it was not meant to be...

But I was quite bummed about it,  I really like this blazer.

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That's all folks!

Have you bought anything from Madewell recently?

Is there any category of items you think they do well?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!