Have you heard of Madewell? It's a new concept store launched by the same folks that brought us J. Crew, and is, in fact, referred to in the media as "J. Crew's sister store". From what I gather, the prices are roughly 20-30% less than J. Crew.
What's the difference? Madewell is a very tightly edited collection of clothing that leans to bohemian, rather than preppy (the look J. Crew is so famous for). This tight editing makes it easy to shop (there's very little to weed through), and these forgiving bohemian silhouettes are perfect for camouflaging a multitude of post-baby body issues while remaining on-trend and hip. And the lower price point doesn't hurt, either.
While Madewell stores have been around in select cities, Madewell.com just launched. And I'm in love. I'm betting this online retailer will quickly become a favorite. It's
hard to resist items like a perfectly slouchy T in just the right shade of gray (pictured at left), worn with an insanely cute-yet-mom-friendly bracelet that manages to walk the line between tough and feminine (pictured at right).
And both pieces are each under $40. Not bad.
Need more convincing? How about....
...the world's most perfect jean shorts, the cutest yellow rainboots that I vow to make my own, a chunky necklace that will stand up to some serious toddler-tugging, a fringed bag that doubles as the hippest diaper bag ever, and a gorgeous boho top that camouflages post-baby bellies & large upper arms while just showing enough skin to be sexy. Ahhhh.... [a sigh of bliss]
Or for new moms and nursing moms...
...try a belly-hiding romper that you can easily nurse in (just layer it over M's fav nursing cami) or a gorgeous ruffled vest that easily dresses that same nursing cami up for a night out. I'm also loving a summer scarf in washed out watercolors (I used these for impromptu summer shading of the babe, or nursing in a pinch), and a pair of ultra-cool sweatpants I'd gladly wear out of the house (just add a swingy tank and some cool flat sandals).
This economic downtown certainly has an upside: gorgeous clothes with better prices. Nice.
xo,
S
did you say ultra cool sweatpants, now we are talking! ordered!
Posted by: jayme | June 10, 2010 at 06:31 PM
Yes. Yes I did, LOL! Pretty fantastic, right?
Posted by: Shana | June 10, 2010 at 09:03 PM
I do love, love, LOVE this stuff. This is right up my street. Thank you.
Posted by: Madeleine | June 12, 2010 at 06:57 PM
LOVE the necklace...how pretty!!
Posted by: Emily | June 14, 2010 at 02:11 PM
Everytime I look back at this post, I do a sigh of bliss. So glad you guys like it too. :)
Posted by: Shana | June 26, 2010 at 04:03 PM
Public Service Announcement! If you live near a Madewell store, they're having a WICKED summer sale right now. I just walked out with 2 of those awesome slouchy tees, a gorgeous boho scarf, a pair of slouchy skinny jeans, and a bracelet for under $45!!! Yes, you read that number right. Get thee to the store!
Posted by: Amy | July 08, 2010 at 01:18 PM
I LOVE Madewell, and trendy mom wear in general. Can't wait for fall sweaters, just around the corner! If you're looking for fabulous accessories to spice up those summer Gap tees, check out Stella & Dot. Chic, coveted, celebrity loved sytles!!!
www.stelladot.com/a2style
Posted by: Jen | July 21, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Awesome-perfect-comfy/baby friendly and look like a pulled together grown up!! where have you deen hiding this super cute stuff!
The sweater vest, amazing! the purse- so cool!
Posted by: EmmaKate | October 05, 2010 at 09:38 PM
EmmaKate - Isn't this stuff the best? I just wish a Madewell would open locally...sigh. But ordering online is good too.
Posted by: Shana | October 05, 2010 at 11:21 PM