Made So Well

I worked retail for a short period of time in high school. The idea of working at a boutique was glamorous and fascinating. The reality of working at a boutique (and I use the "boutique" in the broadest sense of the word... pickings are slim as far as fashion goes around here) was tedious and exhausting.

Regardless of my bitterness from lost hours spent folding and guiltiness from forcing store credit cards into the hands of innocent financially-unsavvy shoppers, I would absolutely leap at the opportunity if I was offered a job at Madewell.

I have had a love affair with Madewell since I first read about the concept in Women's Wear Daily years ago. My first visit to the store was epic, and each subsequent trip has been equally gratifying.



Oh how I love rugby stripes... or skinny stripes... or really, just any stripes in general. But this is an example of a really fantastic stripe. Also, love love love navy with bright kelly green. Have those Madewell designers been reading "The Preppy Handbook"?








This model inspires me to dig out my long-forgotten ribbon belts. Somehow, she makes it look adorable and flirty, as opposed to stuffy Muffy-goes-golfing.








This skinny braided belt is knotted in the best "I grabbed this outfit off my floor" kind of way.








Long, hip-dusting cardigans look fantastic over short shorts or mini skirts.









-tf