Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Notes from the Dressing Room- Ready for Fall in Madewell

Although I don't shop there very often, I have affection for J Crew's little sister, Madewell. The casual vibe is totally up my alley and I still get all of the fun color and pieces that will beg to be worn all the time from them. Since they now have online shopping (finally), I thought I would share some of their current fall pieces. I went to try on a pair of shorts that were on sale, but sadly they weren't available, but plenty of fall items were out on the floor. I'm getting ready!!

Borealis tee in Plum, $38, Shorts no longer available :(

Excuse the grandpa move with tucking this shirt in the shorts.

I came in the store to try on these silk shorts in a hot pink color. Sadly, they didn't have the color I wanted so I tried it on in this blue. They are comfy, slouchy silk shorts that I'm just not sure how I feel about them. I love the casual feel of the style, but I'm not crazy about the exposed zipper front and the non-practicality of silk shorts. I can only imagine the ickiness that would happen if it was seriously hot and sticky outside.

The tee on the other hand is so silky soft, I wanted to keep rubbing it, lol. I would have snatched this up if it wasn't the same color as a J Crew tee I have, but it does come in several other colors. I would definitely recommend this tee. It fits slightly big, so sizing down my work depending on how fitted you want your tee.


Twin-button cardigan in Carmine, $68



I love, love, love this cardigan. I have a slight sickness for buying cardigans, but I think they can be the perfect topper to an outfit. Madewell cardigans are usually on the thin side (as you can see my tee outlined underneath), but they do hold up pretty well and they come in a nice range of colors. The double-breasted style adds a unique touch and the color is nice and vibrant (this red is a bit on the orangey side, but only a little). It is a fitted style and runs true to size.


Silk Bromley Blouse in White Wash, $98



Back Zip Suede Leggings in True Black, $150





This silk shirt was featured in a Madewell e-mail and I love me a silk shirt so I definitely tried it on. The leggings on the other hand were an impulse pick up just to try on with the shirt.

The blouse is designed to be oversized and the bf thought it had an older lady vibe to it. I love the simplicity and feel of this blouse and think it would work with a cute pencil skirt or thrown on with some shorts like in the e-mail outfit. Although this blouse would make a great wardrobe piece for its versatility, I honestly feel like I could find something similar in a thrift store, especially with the 80's working woman blouse image I had in my head when trying this on.

The leggings are definitely not something that I would normally go for and given the panels on this pair, they seem to be designed for wearing as pants. I just can't wrap my head around leggings as pants, so this would not be making an appearance in my wardrobe. The knit is much more substantial than most leggings and I like the way they looked with a dressy shirt. The back zipper however, did not want to stay all the way at the top and has the potential for annoyance. They seem to fit true to size, but since I have some hips and butt, this is a teeny bit snug. It would probably work better on a slim modely type who likes to not wear pants outside. :)

Midnight Blazer in Heather Blacktop, $168



The next best thing to a cardi is a blazer and I grabbed this to try on in the hopes of building up my blazer selection. I love the shape and heather gray color of this blazer, but it is not without its issues. It runs big, the fabric is itchy even with a long-sleeve shirt underneath, and there is no lining so I can only imagine the wrinkles that will pop up on this. It made me feel like a college professor and I wished it would have worked, but it just wasn't love.

I didn't buy anything on this visit because I'm trying to hold off on new fall purchases until I clear out some of my wardrobe, but the first thing on my list is that cardigan. I'm still thinking about a few days later and that's always a sign of something special for me.

Have you made any fall purchases yet?

14 comments:

  1. I definitely think you should go back for that cardigan! ;) such a great color and great fall investment.

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  2. Thanks for the dressing room reviews. I think you look great in the longer pieces, cardi, silk top and blazer. Your BF probably prefer that you show off that booty and curves in general given he did not like the silk blouse. I thought that was the best of the bunch, but you're right it can be something thrifted or found for much cheaper. I might have to see about those leggings for myself.

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  3. I am loving that flowy on you
    xx
    Sahi
    www.barelyvogue.com

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  4. Love the leggings, and LOVE the red sweater.

    On the jessica simpson shoes, I have to admit my feet were DYING by the end of the day. Usually, I am sitting at my desk all day at work, but Friday I met up with friends for happy hour and that pretty much killed more feet! The things we do to look cute! LOL!

    xoxo,
    Eboni Ife'

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  5. Madewell has recently become one of my very favorite stores. I was really pumped when they launched their e-commerece site! I am looking forward to starting my fall shopping in the next couple of weeks. Is it ok to still back to school shop in your 20's? Even though I'm not in school? oops...

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  6. Madewell has really catch my attention lately. I cannot wait until they open the store in Georgetown!

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  7. I love that silk Bromley blouse, its fantastic.:)SarahD

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  8. you have an amazing smile
    the blouse is awesome

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  9. @ Rosa- Where have I been, I didn't know they were opening a store in Georgetown!!! That will be another reason to go shopping after work now.

    @ Alicia- That cardigan is at the top of my list for fall shopping. I will definitely be going back for that soon.

    @ Couture and Ife- You guys should definitely check out those leggings. If I wore leggings I would consider it, but I definitely like the extra detailing on them. Plus they kind of look like riding pants.
    Ife, sorry to hear that they weren't 8 hour shoes. I know all about the cute shoes that aren't too kind to the feet (that you insist on wearing anyway because they are too da** cute not to).

    @ Becca- If I am a few years older than you and still go back to school shopping, then you are perfectly safe. I might even buy a new pen and notebook too, lol.

    @ Ryder- thank you so much for the compliment. That is a nice, silky blouse and it comes in another color too.

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  10. i need the blouse and the black pants in my life asap!

    i've bought, a pair of tapered pants, a dark denim jacket and skinny jeans. it's less about fall and more abt my move to the bay area where tempertures are mild year 'round.

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  11. @ simplychic- Lucky you having mild temps all year round. That kind of thing makes me want to move out to the west coast.
    That's all the more reason for you to get the blouse and black leggings, they would work with your new tapered pants or the denim jacket or the skinny jeans. It's a win-win all around. :)

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  12. I'm happy w/the Bromwell in the mouse/taupe/pepper color. It doesn't look really exciting in white, but white doesn't always photograph well in a basic snapshot. Great photos. Too bad on the zippered silk shorts. They're so cute, but not w/the zipper.

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  13. @ simplychic- Lucky you having mild temps all year round. That kind of thing makes me want to move out to the west coast.
    That's all the more reason for you to get the blouse and black leggings, they would work with your new tapered pants or the denim jacket or the skinny jeans. It's a win-win all around. :)

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  14. I am loving that flowy on you
    xx
    Sahi
    www.barelyvogue.com

    ReplyDelete

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