Alexa Chung for Madewell

It's that time again! The newest collaboration with Alexa Chung and Madewell has finally made its way online and to stores today. I'm trying to be good and resist all of the buzzy exciting shopping temptations lately (I did skip the Missoni for Target thing), but I keep pausing at this collection. I feel like all of the pieces could integrate into my wardrobe seamlessly.

Here are my favorite pieces! Click on the piece to shop it. Some of my favorite pieces are already sold out--I definitely want to investigate that palm tree dress in person. And that last outfit? Going into my inspiration archives.

I have an evening class tonight, so I'll have to skip the party at my local Madewell. Does anything catch your eye? Did anyone grab those fun leopard boots before they went away??

Annie Blouse: The Debut

Outfit details:

Alexa Chung x Madewell Annie Blouse (get a similar one here or here)
Idra (Anthropologie) leather jacket (very hot options here and here)
Madewell High Riser jeans (my current faves!!)
Gap leather ballet flats (more Parisian chic versions here, here, or here)
Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag in Taupe 

After holding onto this since, oh you know, August, I decided it was finally the right time to bust out this blouse. The velvet dots made me want to rub my arms all day, and a camisole underneath the sheer material made it much more work appropriate. 

Also from Madewell, these jeans immediately became my new favorite when I got a pair. Call me a prude if you will, but all my low rise pants are just too darn low lately. I don't know if I magically got taller or what, but suddenly most pants plus top combinations result in my midriff showing!  This is the perfect sartorial solution. High rise plus skinny jeans plus a super dark wash makes them my new favorites!

And while I have your attention, I'd like to introduce you to the newest addition to my Rebecca Minkoff collection. Since I already have casual day bags and going out at night bags, I thought this would be the perfect shade to go in between for business events or where I want to look more polished.

Multitasking

Outfit details:
H&M Ruffle sleeve tee (similar here, here, and here)
Anthro Circle the Globe skirt (similar here and here)
Jeffrey Campbell flats (similar here and here)
Mulberry Alexa bag (similar here and here)

I originally had these grand plans of saving up for Anthropologie's Time Gone By dress, and how I would wear it Spring through Fall styled in different ways. And then I got caught up in one of my busy periods at work and school and it disappeared. So failing that, I opted for the Look for Less version. For $12.95 and a similar look, I could swallow that disappointment.


Speaking of disappointments, I've been on the tippy tip of being sick and not sick all week. Staying hydrated has me feeling like Regina George post-Kalteen bars. (These sweatpants are all that fits me right now.) My Circle the Globe skirts have been my equivalent of sweatpants this week, and I am extremely grateful that my comfy elastic waisted clothes are not velour or have anything emblazoned across my booty.


I'm also glad that no one has told me I can't sit at their lunch table because of this...

Alexa Chung for Madewell: It's Finally Here!!

Alexa Chung is definitely one of my style icons, and when I heard that one of my very favorite stores would be featuring her designs this fall, I knew it was the perfect match. Now that the time is finally here, I'm more excited than ever! All of the pieces are laidback and scream effortless style. The only problem I have now is deciding what I will actually pick up...

The collection actually launched online earlier today. Night owl that I am, I caught it sometime around midnight. But I couldn't decide (too many choices!), and by the time I got home from work this evening with an itemized shopping list, all of my favorites had flown off the website.

Luckily, the brick and mortar stores will be rolling out the collection this Saturday, September 11th. I plan to get there bright and early so I won't miss out a second time! Here are my picks from the collection with a few Madewell goodies thrown in the mix.

Clockwise, from top left:

1. The Aberdeen two-tone oxford, $178. I'm extremely pleased with my Madewell shoe purchase from this summer. The quality and styling of these oxfords is just as impeccable, and they are the perfect match with preppy knee socks for this collection and fall in general.
2. Sketchbook tee in Hello Bat print, $48. This is the thing to buy from this collection, if anything at all. Madewell's tees are expertly cut and fit to flatter. The cute patootie print is just icing on the cake.
3. Tennessee velvet dress, $168. And this is the dress from the collection. I love how it is girly without being too frou frou. I can't wait to wear this to class on chilly nights, and on casual evening strolls as my own take on the LBD.
4. Reverie crest pins, prices vary. This is such a charming infusion of military and prep school! I just want them all. Check your local store for these perfect little additions to your new Alexa/Madewell blazer. Or try Alison's e-commerce shop.
5. Betty tea dress, $188. This dress is the piece that felt the most me in this collection. I love the vintage vibe and flirty flip of the skirt.
6. Christian skinny jeans in pebble wash, $115. After seeing the everstylish Erin of calivintage romp around in her perfectly cut high waisted skinny jeans this summer, I wanted a pair to call my own. My Madewell jeans are easily my favorite and most flattering, so I can't wait to snap these up.
7. Annie blouse, $128. This is such a simple and sophisticated blouse. I think it can pull double duty from the office with a sweeping trouser pant to drinks with a pair of jeans.