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

6 by No 6 at Urban

Following in the path of others, No6 is doing a small line for Urban under the name "6 by No 6". The only dress in the collection is this cute all silk number available in red or black at the bargain price of $79. I am hoping my local Urban has it in stock so I can try it on. There are a few other nice items in the collaboration as well:
An interesting (although a little weird) lace bodysuit and some cute cutout oxfords.

no6 + Baggu

Today I decided to finally buy that reusable bag I've been wanting in the sailor stripe from Baggu (Don't worry I haven't been using plastic, just free promotional tote bags, which are getting kind of ratty). Well, what a nice surprise that the lovely No6 has apparently done a collaboration with Baggu and has a whole host of chic prints for me to choose from! Aren't they adorable? Now all I have to do is decide which one...

Available at Baggu.com.

jean jackets

I know these were supposed to be back last Spring but they never really caught on (except in LA where they never left to begin with). Urban Outfitters has this great Levi's jacket exclusive to them. and some really cute cut-off jean shorts, also from Levi's.

All at urbanoutfitters.com

only Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs and his boyfriend on the beach with their Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse towels. AMAZING! Only Marc could get away with this...

my christmas presents

my new stools. designer Konstantin Grcic for Magis. available at hivemodern.

my new backpack. from Altadena Works in collaboration with South Willard. available here.

my new shoes. Bass by Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony. available here.

down puffers by Crescent Down Works

I came across these great down jackets made by a small company out of Seattle called Crescent Down Works. The one above is part of a collaboration they did with APC for a simple down jacket but it is unfortunately available only in Japan. Then I found a men's store in LA called South Willard that is producing a line of jackets in collaboration with Crescent Down Works. If you have a spare $350, you should order one.

The quality is top-notch outerwear while the styling is very simple and pared-down, a true Pacific Northwest wilderness look. And they just got several of the better styles back in stock. Check it out on their website: South Willard. They also have a great blog too.