Imagine you are wearing a pair of jeans so well fitting, it’s as if they were made just for you. They move with you, slim the less slim spots, make curves in the places you want them, and don’t dig in at the waist. Then, you top off the jeans with the perfect, soft, not-too-long, not-too-short v-neck t-shirt in a nice color that you can’t find at most other stores. These are the items you’ll find at Madewell, and this is why their loyal customers love the store so much.
Madewell is like the casual sister to J.Crew. The style is classic, and the clothing is all women’s basics – but basics done really well. Like, they are made really well. Oh wait – I get it… 😉
In all seriousness though, Madewell really lives up to its name.
If you need a really great quality layering piece for your wardrobe, from business casual blazers, to solid cardigans, the perfect fitting pair of jeans or simple yet elegant layering necklaces in gold, silver or rose-gold tones – Madewell is likely to be your new favorite place.
If you are used to purchasing most of your clothing somewhere that is very cost-conscious like Target or Forever 21 – Madewell’s prices may be a bit of a tough adjustment. I want to be up front in explaining that they are not a bargain clothing company – however, their pieces stand the test of time – they don’t fade or pill easily, their fabrics are preshrunk, and the attention paid to details like quality, well-sewn buttons, decorative stitching and reinforced seams make each garment a worthwhile investment that you’ll be able to enjoy for years, not just a season.
As I get older, I find more value in having a few articles of clothing that I really love that last, and can mix and match with a number of items in my wardrobe, vs. having a large number of pieces that I kind of like, and are of a lower quality.
I was able to stop by Madewell on their grand opening night, and enjoyed their reception complete with free champagne, handmade ice cream from Ampersand and tasty appetizers. I’d purchased several of their v-neck, one-pocket “whisper” t-shirts in the past (ordered online), and they are my favorite weekend wear and layering tees. I think I have them in five colors now, and I just love how flattering they are and how they never fade, shrink or lose shape.
During the grand opening, I decided to try on some other items, including a few pairs of jeans (Madewell is known for making really flattering denim in a variety of styles and lengths). I’m not sure if it was the glass of champagne clouding my reality or just the clothes being that good – but I have to admit, I liked every item I tried on and walked out with a few more than I’d intended to. I have noticed however, that I’ve been gravitating toward wearing each of them very frequently (as in, to the point that I have to mentally tell myself “no – wear something ELSE today”) so I’d say it was money well spent.
The Fig Garden store is well laid out and makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. The long “Denim Bar” section offers lots of jeans in different washes and cuts. The jewelry is on-trend yet not too trendy, you’ll definitely be able to enjoy each piece well beyond this season – and one of the things I love most about the necklace selection is that Madewell has two little slide adjusters on their longer chains, making it super easy to customize their necklaces to your ideal length in a second flat. Everyone working in the store was friendly, helpful and there were no high-pressure pitches to purchase more or apply for store credit cards. (No judgement to those who work in retail and that’s a part of your job – I totally get it and respect that it comes with the territory.)
If you’ve never been to a Madewell before, but you like classic, well-fitting basics and are willing to spend a little more to get an item you’ll love and that will last, I think you’ll really enjoy shopping at Madewell in Figarden Village. Check it out, and if you do – come back and let me know what you found! (And, um… tell me if it was on sale, in case I need to go get it too!)
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