Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Madewell Reviews: Some New Spring Arrivals

So far spring is not exciting me like it usually does. The latest arrivals at J Crew where basically a bust for me - everything odd on the fit or weird in the color. Madewell is looking a bit the same. Not as bad, but not as thrilling I had hoped! I can always find at least some basics at Madewell and I'm sure that will be true as I dig a little deeper...

Slub V-Neck Pocket Tee in Dusty Green (XS)
Ok. The shade of green is that perfect yummy military green. LOVE it. But, coupled with the very oversized nature of the shirt, I looked like I was in scrubs! This is a great t-shirt for when it is really hot and you don't want any material sticking to you. The vee is low but not scandalously so (although almost).

 Essential White Boyshirt (XS)
Love how basic and straightforward this is. Cute crisp cotton. The XS was really pulling across my chest - I usually have to size up in the boyshirts. Unfortunately, once I do I find that the body looks too big. If you have a normal sized chest, this will be an adorable shirt in your normal size.

 Back-Zip Sweatshirt (XS)
I know it sounds boring but this was my favorite thing I tried on all day! Madewell knows how to do a great basic with a little twist. Love the trim on the bottom and sleeves and the zipper down the back. Turns a boring sweatshirt into something funky, fun and modern. The knit is quite dense so I think this sweatshirt will really retain its shape.

 Silk Peplum Veranda Top in Scarborough Red (XS)
Truth be told, my cups runneth over these days so don't total;y judge this top by the way it is fitting me. Even if they were there normal voluptuous size, I still think I'd want to size up on this one. The red is bright but a pleasant cool shade of red. I think it's an adorable top. Madewell does peplums right. Not too much gathering, enough length to drape well.

 Mainsail Tee in Stripe (XS)
I was drawn to the colors in the stripes. Madewell's really been churning out this little ponte, zip back tops. It's fine but didn't really get my motor going. The fit is boxy but not overly so.

Silk Blouse???
For some reason I can't find this online. It reminds me of the previously released Silk Poet Blouse.  It's a little billowy from the side. The color is lovely and I've always been a fan of Madewell's silk.

 Silk Ivy Cutout Tee (XS)
Cute. Very cute. The length is weirdly short so this would be a hard one to tuck in which is a shame. I'm glad the neckline is a little more open. The cutouts are very eye-catching. Overall, I like this one. I think the sleeves could be a bit shorter.

 Modern Blazer (size 2)
This seemed like a new item to me but I think it was released earlier. My usual size 2 felt a bit snug. The material is really thick and holds its shape beautifully - love that in a blazer. Having no lapels is a bit strange but was virtually unnoticeable in black. Quite slimming I think but a bit manly overall for my taste.

 Skinny Skinny Ankle-Zip Cargos in Loden (size 26)
I was immediately drawn to these but the fit was totally off. The color and material are awesome - so soft. The crotch was crazy - all that wrinkling is not just because of my pose. The worst part, however, is the bum. I've never seen my bum look quite that bad. It turns it into a bumbox. Yikes. The SA said that these were sort of supposed to be more boyfriendy so you either have to size up to get some slouch or just go super super skinny so you don't get the creasing in the crotch. Hmmm, no thanks.

 Silk Paisley Tunic Dress (XS)
Some color, at last! This run very big. I'm into loose and laid-back but this felt like a sack. In the right hand picture, I am holding the back of the dress in to show you where my body is underneath. Good for hot weather and hiding food babies but otherwise not doing much for me.

Other things I saw and liked:
Washed Cotton Boyshirt - again with the perfect shade of green and the crisp cotton

Baseball Sweater - keeps selling out online. So cute.

Inlet Cardigan - cute, basic, nice length. Nuff said.

Linen Tee in Colorblock Mountains - obsessed with the colors on this one

Ponte Swivel Skirt - love a good ponte knit on a skirt. Nice bell shape.

D'orsay Flat in Spot Dot - There was an SA trying these on who said she couldn't get over how ponty they were. Clearly not a child of the 80's! I think I owned at least 5 pairs of Nine West pointy toe flats.

What are you liking from Madewell's most recent rollout?



6 comments:

  1. I love the silk paisley tunic dress as well. Would you recommend sizing down for it or keeping my same size?

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    1. I would say size down unless you like a really oversized look.

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  2. I like the print of the silk paisley, but it doesn't seem like a great piece all around- I imagine that white would get dingy and I bet the colour runs if it's hand washed! I'm actually so bummed that I missed noticing the lovely green silk shirtdress they had before Christmas- I totally missed out on that, darn it. I really need to keep a better eye on Madewell- I tend to only look at the sale items but by then it can be too late!

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    1. I didn't even think of that but you are absolutely right. As for the green shirtdress - you never know! I just managed to snag a dress that hadn't been on the website since probably summer. BUT... popbacks like that won't show up in the sale section. You have to search for them separately and click on the product page (sort of like Anthropologie).

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  3. I'm so bummed about the silk paisley dress now, seeing how big it is on you. I love the print, but since it doesn't come in xxs it looks like this won't work.

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    1. I know. It is a lovely print and color but it is so big! The SA said that's how it was supposed to fit but I think it makes it look like I'm wearing the wrong size. It is odd that they are not offering it in XXS since they often do that in the shift dresses they produce.

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