'90s flashback: The Sleeveless Button-down

I am not sure how I feel about this. I remember when this shirt was the core of my summer wardrobe. It feels so....dated and not in a great way. I do respect that this girl looks very cute in her Madewell sleeveless chambray tee. I am just not sure I can do this again.

And I did try it out. Steven Alan finally (FINALLY) opened a store in Portland and of course I was there opening day to check it out. I instantly gravitated toward a cobalt blue silk top that I honestly did not realize was a sleeveless button-down till it stared back at me in the fitting room mirror. I took it off pretty quickly right after. (Similar shirt, pictured below).

I also quite acutely remember the pit stains that can appear on this type of shirt on a hot summer day. Now that's a negative memory, if ever there was one.  I do believe this shirt "back in the day" existed almost exclusively in white in a breezy, cotton lawn fabric. I think I have to keep mulling this over.  Portland is hip, but I think I might feel a little bit too old to being going back in time...I don't know.  Might have to wait and find out what Kim France thinks.

PS - update on Sweden trip and shopping to come shortly.

Madewell - the Jessie sandal

On Madewell's facebook today, they had this photo showing a new skirt, but when I looked at it, I was much more interested in the shoes she is wearing! One quick search on Madewell's site and I found the Jessie sandal. They come in black and brown and are only $128.  Sort of a gladiator sandal crossed with a Mary Jane, and a touch of Birkenstock. I love that they can be casual with shorts or jeans or dressed up with a skirt or dress. Also, even better is that they don't have buckles - much, much easier to get on and off, which is kind of an important functional part of any shoe.

Madewell Birdslife print

Spring is here in Portland. I know other parts of the country are still getting snow. But here we had three straight days of sunshine (unheard of). And I woke up this morning after setting the clocks forward yesterday to birds chirping away and pink blossoms of Daphne filling the air with its wonderful scent.

Which has inspired me to write about Birdslife, a very spring-y print from Madewell's spring collection that I have been admiring for several weeks now. It really looks like something from Rachel Comey or No.6 and is now on sale and they are even running an extra 20% off sale promotion.

The romper is my favorite and it sold out right away. However, many thanks to Mickey Drexler and his wonderful assistants who so nicely tracked one down for me and had it sent express shipping (Gotta love their customer service, truly impressive.) Although all of a sudden, there are a couple sizes in the romper available online again.

The dress is great too although more expensive. And it has also been spotted on Reese Witherspoon.

Lastly there was a camisole tank but it has now sold out. If you are near a Madewell store, unlike me, I would suggest scouring the store for this one.

Madewell's Fall Lookbook

Madewell just released their Fall 2012 lookbook and it's chock full of goodies. Refinery29 joked that the styling looked so mish-mashed that one might have to get dressed in the dark to create such a look, which is what they liked about it! Top items on my wish list are the leopard flats, the bright blue print dress, the black striped coat with leather sleeves, the long sleeve striped black and white dress and skirt and the color block burgundy sweater. Head over to Refinery29 to see all the looks.

what I'm keeping - Alexa Chung for Madewell

Ugly Cardigan - probably my favorite piece

The word on the street is that Madewell will be re-launching some of the topsellers from the Alexa Chung collection on November 11th. So if you missed out the first time, here's your opportunity.

Shrimp Coat - my 2nd favorite piece, not in my original order but picked up in-store. get several compliments on it every time I wear it.

Penny Dress -  a casual everyday dress which is hard to come by

Hamish Wrap Scarf - super soft, sure to be a go-to item in winter

Amelia tee - a new twist on the classic striped boatneck, I got it in the navy stripe

Cassie Crewneck Sweater - I ordered this is a medium because that's all that was available and ending up loving it as an oversize sweater. I think most of the sweaters ran small, because I sent back the Aimee Fisherman Knit in an XS when it looked like a cropped sweater on me.

Patrice Top in white - this is one of those that you have to see in person. I was very on the fence about it when I ordered it and it IS a specific piece that necessitates a specific outfit. That said, it is very cute.

Thora Cords in rust - these I also picked up in the store, as they were sold out online immediately. They are a great fit: high waist, fitted leg, ankle length. I got a size 27 so they would be a little loose for a more boyish look.

Alexa Chung for Madewell - my order

So after the Madewell site crashed Wednesday night, I thought I'd skip the latest Alexa Chung collaboration but then I reconsidered the following morning when I spied the "ugly" cardigan and the hamish tartan wrap. I might end up returning quite a bit of it but thought some items were too cute to pass up. I'm still considering the Carine dress but at $265, I'd rather try it on when I'm in Seattle next week.

Betty Tea Dress

Penny Dress

Cassie Crewneck Sweater

the "Ugly" cardigan - I love this one!

gold Patrice top - on the fence about this one

Amelia crewneck tee in navy

Grandma skirt in black

Hamish wrap - also loved this one

Carine dress

madewell

So on my recent shopping trip to NYC, I scored at J.Crew's less ruffle-y sister brand, Madewell. My bounty included: perfect-fitting tight black ankle jeans, loose cuffed boyfriend jeans, two great striped tops, a cute plaid button-up and these awesome cropped black leggings with a gold zipper detail at the bottom. And my total was amazingly under $500. At Barneys, it wouldn't have even been under the $1000 mark.

Well I have been a little forlorn wearing any of these great items since there is no Madewell store here in Portland and none of the stuff has been available online (with the exception of a smattering at shopbop). ... Until now! what a nice surprise that Madewell's online store has just opened!

Check it out here: Madewell. And don't be put off by the kind of cheesy black&white photos. I think they are still working out the kinks on their image. Trust me, the clothes are good, both the fit and quality, and not a million dollars.

Here are a couple of my scores:

Zip Leggings (only $35!)

skinny black ankle jeans

boyish but sexy plaid shirt

basic black&white striped tee

another striped tee but I bought it in red

And I love these shorts too. Might have to place a "small" summer order.