Item of the Week: Madewell Clothing

My current obsession may be unhealthy- unhealthy for my wallet that is. The clothing company
Madewell launched a few years ago and has been a shopping destination for cool girls everywhere since.
 
 Owned by J.Crew, Madewell features clothing with a hip, downtown edge to them. Think floral dresses worn with a studded belt and baggy, oversize sweater; or skinny jeans with a lace tee, tons of
jewelry, and McAllister boots; and lots of denim and chambray. The brand is based around quality denim, with each store featuring a denim bar, filled with every style and fit of jeans you could want, from white skinny jeans, to high-waisted flares. Current “looks they love” include pale pink chinos rolled up at the ankles, paired with a striped tee, chunky belt, and fabulous espadrilles; a printed dress worn with a thick belt and fedora; and belted denim shorts, with a
silk button up, and striped oversized cardigan. I die for their dresses, in florals, patterns, and solids, which make the perfect outfit in warmer months, or with tights in the winter.
 
Madewell also does many designer collaborations, and sells other brands in its stores, like Hunter boots, Ray-Bans, Linea Pelle jewelry, and Wanderlust. Uber-cool it girl Alexa Chung designed a collection for the store last year, which sold out almost immediately. She is set to collaborate on another collection, hitting stores next fall.
 

Unfortunately for us Mainers, there are no Madewell stores near us. With only 21 stores across the country, the brand almost has an exclusive feel. The good news is that a number of new stores are set to open in 2011! The closest stores are in Natick, Massachusetts, on Newbury Street in Boston, and in Farmington, Connecticut. If you can’t make it to those locations, visit http://www.madewell.com. The stores host events too, like “Denim After Dark,” with a DJ, refreshments, and lots of stylists to help you pick out a great pair of jeans. Want another reason to shop at Madewell, besides the amazing clothes? Bring in your Maine Card, or school ID, and get 15 percent off your purchase!
 
Images from Madewell