Lately, I’ve been in the mood for monochromatic outfits but I want to be more cheery and colorful.
On my last trip to the Century City Mall, I took some photos of the window displays of the Madewell store. (I’m on a shopping hiatus so no new purchases for a while.) Anyways, looking over the photos renewed my creative juices and it’s been easier to pull new looks to test out.
Orange and bright coral are going be huge for spring, but introducing these hues during the transition period wouldn’t hurt. I’m already on that path with my orange necklace from Martin + Osa, but I could do with a little more color.
Although I don’t have this particular color in my closet, I’ll make it work with reds, pinks, and magenta tones.
Not only is orange on trend, but stripes as well. Stripes are seasonless. Thick, skinny, uniform, or variable…you can’t go wrong. Layer it with solid neutrals for a nautical-inspired look. It’s a classic staple that provides visual interest to an otherwise color-blocked outfit.
Madewell is one of the few shops that really caters to my aesthetic or what I aspire to look like. The style is youthful, cool, and totally effortless. It’s not overly trendy but it’s not boring and basic. It makes simplicity look chic and relevant with an unusual color or a chunky accessory.
Tips for shopping at Madewell
- Most tops fit loosely for a boyfriend-style look
- Skinny jeans, leggings, and similar pants run slim and don’t stretch much over time
- Buckley Tailors and Wearmaster brands for outerwear and blazers run slightly smaller than average though the sleeves might be long
I’m not an expert on all that is Madewell, I’m just a happy customer that loves this brand. Others have Anthropologie, J.Crew, or LOFT, but I have Madewell.
My current picks: anorak-style jacket, sweatshirt jacket, checked shirt, silk top, embellished tank, skinny jeans, striped scarf
What do you think of Madewell and what stores or brands inspire you?
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the middle outfit of the last photo! One trend I’m not sure I would be able to rock is the colour orange. Hmm..
xx The Little Dust Princess
Classic looks are what I tend to favor, but I wouldn’t mind trying a new color. I think finding the right shade for your skin tone is always the trickest part but it takes more effort.
I tend to favor J.Crew over Madewell when I buy items, but Madewell is equally as good when they style outfits. I get so much inspiration! Do they have a catalog? I should sign up if they do.
I do enjoy the styling of both stores, J.Crew and Madewell. I don’t think they have a catalog, but they do have a mailing list and sometimes they have lookbook photos on their website that are equally inspiring. =)
The clothes they have look effortless – in the sense that it’s easy to mix and match and you won’t look like a fashion disaster! Aside from the stripes, the clothes look versatile and classic. One of my friends in LA shops here, so I’m tempted to go next time! Gah, LA traffic still scares me though ;/
I’ve given up on AT and LOFT, but it’s good to know that you’ve found tops and bottoms without the need for alterations. I need to avoid A&F kids and H&M as much as possible (but I’m so tempted by the prices…).
I literally just ordered a pair of shorts from Madewell, and its my first purchase from this brand. Very excited as they are a bright blue and perfect for Spring. So excited when I saw this post.
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~Giselle
http://www.machinewashwarm.blogspot.com
I’ve never tried Madewell, but I like their look! Much more casual than I usually go for, but much more true to what I normally end up wearing. Thanks for posting this! I’m going to have to check them out.
petitemom.blogspot.com
@Christina: I agree, clothes need to mix and match for various occasions so you get the best value and the most wear out of them. LA traffic isn’t too bad near Century City, I’m sure you’ll be fine getting there! As for AT/LOFT, I find a lot of tops are boxy when they’re supposed to be fitted, but at least at Madewell, it’s made to look loose on purpose…so it’s not as strange when it’s not as form-fitting.
@Giselle: I saw those blue shorts! I wanted them too and I hope they work out for you! =)
@Petite Mom: They definitely are a step more casual than J.Crew but you can dress up the pieces since they’re fairly versatile.
I haven’t ventured into Madewell yet but I really want to. They just opened the first store where I live. Orange is definitely the color for this coming Spring. I walked into BR the other day and all tables up front are filled with orange colored items.
I’ve never tried them out either but I’ve been hearing so much about them. I LOVE the colour orange so it makes me happy that it will be around in the coming months!
Oh, I love Madewell to bits. Some of their clothing have questionable quality but overall, I tend to shop there more than I do J.Crew.
@PetiteLittleGirl: You should check out the store! There’s so much more variety than what’s available online. =)
@Curls and Pearls: Madewell is gradually building up their visibility, so they’re not as well-known as J.Crew or BR. Still, I think it’s great that they keep things small because they can pump out more experimental items and have that freedom to do more interesting things.
@Amanda: I agree, not everything at Madewell is perfect, but that’s the same for any store. As long as people are mindful to inspect the quality themselves, they’ll soon discover what really goes into making something well-made. =)
I totally credit you for turning me onto Madewell! I love my blazer and actually wore it again this weekend to a bachelorette party. I’d probably wear it every day if I could!
I’m not sure about orange on me, but I am glad to see that pinks and reds are included. I think I can pull those off.
Oh and also! I totally agree with what you said in response above:
As for AT/LOFT, I find a lot of tops are boxy when they’re supposed to be fitted, but at least at Madewell, it’s made to look loose on purpose…so it’s not as strange when it’s not as form-fitting.
^ SO TRUE.
Aww, thanks! I’m glad you’re getting a lot of wear for your blazer, I know I’m wearing mine a lot too! It just works for so many occasions and it’s comfy too. =)
I love the mix of colors on the mannequins in the pic with the boots. I’m surprised you were able to take so many pics inside the store! I would actually be kind of embarrassed to, and wonder if I’m even allowed to lol. I usually go to the A&F kids store right next door, but haven’t tried Madewell yet since I’m not familiar with their sizing. Must stop by one of these days!
Oh I heart stripes! We don’t have a Madewell store here so I’ve never really perused the website – I like the looks you photographed though!
I wish the actual store was closer to me. I avoid LA at all cost!!!!! Is there one up in SF for you?
@PetiteXXS: I actually took the photos at night before heading to the movie theater so the store was already closed and empty. During the day, I only take photos of displays I really like and I’ve seen several stylists do the same so I don’t feel as awkward. Besides, it gives them free publicity, why not?
@SewPetiteGal: I agree, stripes are awesome! =)
@Aubrey: There are two stores in LA, so you can pick the one that’s less trafficky. I think the one in Glendale is less hectic, but it depends on the day I suppose. I hope they open more stores because there isn’t one in SF and browsing online isn’t enough for me since I like to see and feel the items up close.
Oh wonderful! Winter inspiration and just in time too. Such wonderful colors and everything else is so dreary right now. Wonderful post – thank you!
i’m loving the red and orange hues that are coming out in the spring. and i’ve started exploring my local Madewell now after having read your posts, but have yet to find something. hopefully i will soon.
@Callandra: I agree, in the winter, everything just looks so dull and lifeless that these bright colors give some much needed cheer!
@Kileen: That’s awesome that you’ve been checking out Madewell! I know it’s not everyone’s style or taste, but it’s a little different than the typical big box brands. =)
Love it! I am getting more into Madewell because of you!!
That’s exactly what I desperately need – colours and more colours in my closet and my life!
Stay Happy and Positive!
besos,
ML
20 YORK STREET
you always have lovely pictures!
I wish we had a Madewell here in Vancouver =( no we don’t have Anthropologie (but I heard it’s coming soon), J.Crew, and LOFT either!
OMG. I love Madwell. I would die (or my bank account would) if they had a physical location in my area.
@Elaine: LOL. Madewell is awesome!
@ML: I agree, more colors makes things seem cheerier. I need more too! =)
@Annie: Aww…but you have so many brands like Aritzia that I wish was more available in the States!
@Kristine: I was near one for so long and now it’s far away from me, I guess it’s good for my wallet! =P
I was going to attempt to tweet to you, but I’m sort of a newbie at Twitter so here I am on your blog. -__-
Anyhow, Madewell is currently having an extra 30% off on sales items. Thought you’d be interested in it,
Thanks Gracie for the heads up on the Madewell sale! =)