Last week, when I went to the mall, I decided to check out Madewell. I have seen many bloggers buying their skimmer flats and I was intrigued. I was in the store previously, couple of times, and I perused some items on the website, but I have never bought or ordered anything. I always had an impression that I am not their target demographic and that they want to appeal to a younger, hippier crowd.
Well, that maybe so, and maybe I am just going through mid-life crisis or whatever, but I liked the clothes maybe even better than J.Crew. I have been complaining recently of everything at J.Crew being in the same colors and about certain cuts being repeated and multiplied. Combine that with declining quality and sometimes false website/catalog presentation, I was experiencing a J.Crew fatigue.
This should actually make me happy, or least make my wallet happy, but as you know, nothing can stay in vacuum for too long. I started looking at other retailers more, revisiting some old flames (BR), and exploring some new ones, one of them Madewell.
Trolley-Stripe Sweater
This is actually nice price for thicker 100% merino, on-trend sweater, I was quite impressed with quality.
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| Size Medium |
It fits TTS, I took Medium, which is bigger of my two sweater sizes. It is boxy, but I like the look of it and I like the colors. Thumbs up for this one.
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| $72, 100% Merino |
I loved this tee! First of all, it is thicker cotton, not this tissue weight, prone-to-holes, see-through J.Crew variety. This one is almost sweatshirt weight, I like it for a change. I also like the colors, I love the olive tones but they don;t love me back and I have trouble wearing it next to my face. Here, they are separated with black and white stripes, so it totally works.
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| Size Medium, $49.50, 100% cotton |
$49.50 is not cheap, but the quality seems so much better that J.Crew t-shirts, that sell at the same price.
If you've read my Friday's post you know that I bought it and this is how I already wore it:
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| Thursday's outfit |
Academy Blazer
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| Size 6, $168, 95% wool, 5%spandex |
Again, this is less classic and a little more trendy, but I like the fit better than schoolboy, it is more nipped in the waist but it accommodates my chest and the shoulders are not too wide. It is also more suitable for weekend wear, it does not have that office-only vibe. This is great for me, because my dress code is flexible, but I think it would be OK in more formal environment, if you wear a button down and/or pencil skirt with it.
rouge dot skirt
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| Size Small, $84.99, 100% silk |
I also liked this skirt better than J.Crew Jardin or crinkle chiffon. It is longer and the dots are subtle, but add some interest. The price is actually good (now on sale), especially that it is 100% silk and similar skirts from more upscale retailers sell for much more, even in polyester. This is a true midi with longer length. As much as I like the concept, I've been having trouble styling it, but I really liked this skirt and I think I could work it!
Charade Blazer
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| Size 8, $138, Poly/rayon/spandex blend |
Again, I liked this blazer too. It is a poly blend, but it felt soft and comfortable, more like a knit. It drapes nicely and I like the two button closure. It did not look too bad when open, which is always a challenge with double breasted jackets. The color is beautiful, somewhere between coral pink and orange, it looks soft and I think it would be flattering on most skin tones. They did not have a 6 but an 8 was a good fit, while a little oversized especially in the shoulders. I think I could get away with a bigger size, because it still has a waist definition and more room means more comfort. If this goes on sale (or promo), I would consider it, but at appears to be almost sold out on the website.
Roseblossom Skirt
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| 100% silk, $84.99, 29.5" long |
This skirt is similar to rouge dot skirt, but I liked the other one better. This one is a little shapeless, and sligthly bulky at the waist. If you have completely flat stomach it would look better I think. I liked the print but the shape was definitely reminding me of something I wore in the 90s. Pass.
Unidentified Polka Dot tee
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| Purple with red/orange dots |
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| $45, 100% rayon |
I cannot find this polka dot tee on the website, I don't know if it is new/sold out or store-only. Anyway it is pretty cute but narrow in the hips. I kind of liked how it drapes though. The colors were cheerful and flattering. It is 100% rayon, so I don't know about that, but it also isn't too expensive, so with some percentage off, it may be worth it.
Unidentified Dress
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| Size 6 |
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| $118 100% cotton |
It would be great vacation/weekend dress, very ligth and feels good on. It is definitely NOT see through which is great! I am actually wearing a black bra under it and it doesn't show, amazing!
The fit is TTS and you can cinch it in the waist with the drawstring.
It has long sleeves, but they look better rolled up, I forgot to take a picture with unrolled sleeves.
Midnight drop pendant necklace
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| $48 |
Madewell also sells some cool jewelry at no exorbitant prices. This necklace is a good example. For $48 it is pretty distinct and it adds a lot to the outfit. I do love those type of necklaces a LOT, and I wear them all the time, so I am biased. Come to think of it I don't think I have something like that in blue... Guess what I am thinking?
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I walked out very impressed. The quality seemed better than J.Crew. The vibe seemed more trendy and more fashion forward but not too young. I could easily wear many of the pieces above. My favorites were the academy blazer, merci striped tee, rouge dot skirt and the midnight drop necklace.
What do you think?
Do you like any of Madewell items?
Would you wear them?
