Madewell Reviews - Fall arrives and is beautiful

A few more of Madewell's latest offerings. My store hadn't marked anything down that was on sale online so always be sure to check and insist they offer the online promo! I did and got quite a deal on one of the dresses.

Boatneck Cableknit Sweater (XS)

I tried this on before in a S in the vanilla color. I didn't really notice much difference at all. I like this sweater for wearing over skinny jeans although something about the cut of the top makes me look a bit broad. The knit is really comfy and soft.

Pixelbloom Top (XS and S respectively)

I'm weirdly drawn to this print and just ordered the dress version to try from online. The top is sold out online but maybe because my store just opened they had plenty. It is a very simply little silk top but I find that I get a lot of wear out of items like this. Great way to "funkify" and dress up a boring old dress pant.

 Silk Shirtdress (size 0)

Ah! The size 0 (a size down in dresses for me usually) felt so much better. There's still the conundrum of how the top wants to fall - folded over or straight - but I really like the gentle pleating in the skirt portion. The elastic at the back of the waist means it's easy to size down on this one. The sleeves look a little "nurse-y" to me but overall I love the easy elegance of this piece.

 Gallerist Ponte Dress in Stripe (size 0)

Weirdly I liked the striped version of this better than the plain or colorblocked version. The stripes managed to slim on the whole and add a little bit of fun to an otherwise fairly plain dress. This was on promo for $98 online so after they honored the 30% and teacher discount it came to around $58 which I felt was a decent price. I'm going to try to jazz it up and wear it to an October wedding.

 Outbound Jacket (XS)

I've tried both this version and the all weather version. They are soooo cute! Love love. There is a little drawstring for slightly more waist definition. I liked the XS but I only had a dress under it. Don't know if I could fit a thicker sweater or anything underneath but I see this as a mostly fall jacket anyway. The untreated version is lighter than the weatherproofed one. I think they really got the shape and details on this one right!

Hopefully that's it for Madewell review for at least a week! My new local store is going to start doubting my sanity...

J. Crew Reviews: New Arrivals and some summer sale...

I've been off the Crewlade lately which is a refreshing change. I still never turn down an opportunity to check out what's the latest and greatest but I haven't seen much I have to have. Except maybe the Andie chino when they go on sale ... :)

Scalloped Cutout Silk Top in Octagonal Dot (size 2)

Cute. Not pee in your pants with excitement cute, but cute. I'm glad they put little buttons on the bottom of the sleeves instead of the usual simple hem. The scalloped detail is a cute way to add a little visual interest to your basic silk top. The fit was standard - skimming the body.

Vintage Cotton Floral Tee (size S)

I could have gotten away with my usual XS but it would have been snug. I found this t-shirt darling! The floral print is subtle and it elevated this tee to something I would wear to work with a nice cardigan or blazer over it. So cute. Wish I could find it on the website.

Keyhole Dress in Square Dot (size 2)

I somehow managed to find the most unflattering back angle ever. I think it needs a belt. it's cute and I like that J Crew is starting to experiment with different shapes. The pattern is not a love for me - the background color is a real, dark olive. The neckline with keyhole is really cute and flattering and I appreciate the extra room for a chest. The waist had some weird pleating that I didn't lay that well - I guess less like a pleat and more like a gather? TTS.

 Half-Placket Dress in Tossed Hearts (size 2)

This is practically a carbon copy of Madewell's Shirred Silk Dress  except I like Madewell's version better. This dress is very comfortable but looks sort of dumpy on. I liked it better in person than in these photos - the pattern looks overwhelmingly busy here. I will say that is an easy dress to wear - gain a few, lose a few, it's gonna fit.

 Cropped Matchstick Jean in White Denim (size 26)

These were $39.99 in store and I almost took them home with me except I think I've decided that tight pants are okay in dark colors but maybe not white. I was envisioning wearing them under my Camp Tunic Dress but I couldn't justify them for just that one use.

 Long Field Jacket (XS) in Mossy Brown

I thought this was the answer to my fall jacket conundrum! I love the longer length - fantastic! I think this runs big - I would definitely want to try on the XXS because this felt huge in the shoulder and top half. I think it looks decent in the photos but I definitely remember feeling like the top was out of proportion. It is super cute though. Love the idea.

 Toothpick Jean in White (size 27)

I don't know why but I sort of liked these white jeans better. The material was a bit softer so I think it gave around my curves better. Although - woah - look how tight those calves are! Again, feeling sheepish about tight and white. Tight and black, no problem.

Are you shopping the 30% sale?

Madewell Reviews: Tops and Sweaters!

More madewell reviews. I don't know if I should be embarrassed or excited that I have already been to our new Madewell store 3 times! First was for the launch party (yay fun drinks and desserts), the second time was to return something (and okay try on some stuff) and the third time was with my dear husband to look at potential dresses for an upcoming wedding. And the best thing is, if I want to try out something online, I don't have to worry about return shipping costs! Yahoo. I shall bask in the newfound glory or my local store. What a going back to school treat.

Just a disclaimer: The shopsense links for Madewell still don't seem to be working properly but hopefully they will be fixed soon


Linen Pocket Tank (XS) in Airy Willow
Metalcraft Necklace

I think these linen tanks are great but I just don't love them on my body type. I think I look sort of thick through the middle. If I was less busty I'd be scooping them up in all colors since they have that perfect effortless drape and are nice and cool in the heat. This necklace I picked up during a 20% off jewelry promo. That with my teacher discount brought it to a reasonable price. Glad I did it too because it is now sold out. I've basically been wearing it every day and love the different colors of metal. You can also wear it long if you'd like.

 Silk Peasant Blouse in Bamboo Leaf (XS)

I knew this shape wouldn't be right for me but it is a darling blouse. Bright and cheery and a fairly slim cut for a peasant blouse. It is also currently sold out but I'm sure it will pop back. Would be lovely tucked into a pencil skirt.

 Heathered Linen V-Neck Tee (XS)
Reade Pants (size 2) in Dusty Burgundy

I own one of these linen tees and love it. Beware of sizing because I have found a large discrepancy between same pieces in the same size. This XS fit okay but the one I have (in sort of a purply blue) fits perfectly (albeit slightly low cut).
I had high hopes for the Reade Pants - I was hoping for a more relaxed version of the Minnie. Alas they were too grabby in all the wrong places and the crotch area just did not lay right. The SA said this particularly seemed to be the case with the Burgundy color and that the black style did not have the same problem.

Perfect Textured Sweater (size S) in Heather Toffee

A great little soft slouchy sweater in a beautiful camel color. I think it feels and looks a bit cheap though. Notice how the hemline sort of ripples a bit? And the trim looks added on. I do appreciate the slightly longer hem of the back.

 Sleeveless Sweatshirt Peplum Top (XS) in Marled Pepper

This sweatshirt material (they also do a short-sleeved and sleeveless dress) is so comfy and soft. The XS was a little tight for my taste. All I see is breast. I tried this on later in a S and liked the fit much better. The peplum is incredibly slight which I appreciated. A good way to wear a dressier style with a more casual vibe.

 Linen Raglan Tee in Broadstripe (XS) in true black

I love this tee. Just the right fit. Don't love the stripes - too prisoner for me. Nice neckline.

Unknown Zip Cardigan Sweater (XS)

I was immediately drawn to this but didn't like the shape on. There are pockets on the side which is a charming touch but they added bulk. Maybe if I just wore it open?

Boatneck Cableknit Sweater (size S) in French Vanilla

I liked this a lot - so soft and cozy and looks awesome over skinny pants because the back hem just barely covers your bum. There is something about the top part that makes me feel like a linebacker but the overall concept is lovely. Also love that perfect cream color.

Believe it or not, there are a few more Madewell reviews coming... Trying to get them in now before work starts up again and I have no time!

Have you grabbed anything in Madewell's 30% sale?