"Thanks!" to Marietta & Ketan, who let us know about Madewell's latest email. The email features the Aberdeen Two-Tone Boot (Item 29775; $198.00) which they describe as:Two styles in one: This traditional, hijacked-from-menswear staple comes with an adorable—and removable—fan of fringe. Italian vachetta leather upper. Leather lining. Hits at ankle. 1" stacked heel. Man-made sole. Made in Italy.The boots are super cute. The ability to remove the fringe is brilliant! I think the boots would look fabulous with the right pair of jeans. However, I am not sure about wearing them with shorts.
Madewell is also reminding us about their offer for free shipping on orders of $100+ with promo code BONUS. This offer will last for a limited time. (It's unclear when it expires.)
Wait, there is more! Madewell is running a sweepstakes with Lucky Magazine to win a $5,000 shopping spree. There is also a daily prize. Yey! To enter, click HERE. This sweepstakes ends 11/2/10. For official rules, click here.
What are your thoughts on the Aberdeen Boot? Do you like the style? Do you own or tried them on? If so, please share! :)
Do any of you fabulous JCAs have experience with Madewell footwear? I'm oogling their low Biker Boots and wonder whether the quality of their shoes is good? TIA!
ReplyDeleteThat pair doesn't particularly appeal to me, but I do love ankle boots.
ReplyDeleteI always like the style of madewell footwear, but always find their shoes too stiff, including these boots, the same style oxford, the biker boots last fall/winter etc, I don't know if they will get better after some time. I do have the sunset sandal and although I love the look very much, I can not say they are comfortable walking.
ReplyDeleteHijacked from what man - Robin Hood?
ReplyDelete"We had this made by an old friar in Italy who used to roam Sherwood Forest before legal troubles forced him to flee. We're obsessed with wearing them while robbing customers willing to empty their pockets for man-made soles. They look effortlessly chic with sequin pants and feather jackets."
LBH, on the nail as usual!
ReplyDeleteAs to the obsessive use of "obsession" and its word forms, can't they medicate for that?
Well, you have brightened my day as usual, and now back to work.
LBH, just wanna say thank goodness I've finished my coffee before reading your post. LOL.
ReplyDelete@WFF, JC, I mean Madewell, needs a new thesaurus.
I was looking and thinking about this boot. Sort of a cute mix with the fringe.
ReplyDeleteSeparately, has anyone tried the Crosstown Peeptoes heels? Are the top straps stretchy? I have a high instep and have to get a half size larger in boots because of it. If that strap is stretchy I won't need to go up and potentially have a loose shoe. Has anyone tried them?
I bought the patent leather oxford last season and love it. It fit tts, not small like JCrew shoes have run lately. It was very well made and comfortable. I suspect they use the same factories as JCrew.
ReplyDeletewait, just figured it out (v. slow this morning, I mean afternoon) -- "hijacked from menswear" must be an attempt to vary from "borrowed from the boys." Duhhhh.
ReplyDeleteHA--maybe they took some JCA advice and got out a Thesaurus.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder why JCAs post if they are no longer fans. The occasional funny comment has become a full on thrashing it seems and sort of a bummer for those that still like J. Crew. Perhaps it's not that J. Crew has gone younger as much as we can't stop age, it's natural, and at some point, maybe the brand is no longer "right" but AT and Talbots are? Just wondering...
ReplyDeleteJust musing: what kind of job does a 20-something have that she can wear gear to work that a 30-something can't? The lower you are on the totem pole, the more serious about your job you need to appear. I'm sure if I or a younger colleague showed up at a closing dinner or other work event in feathers, sequins and/or floppy boots, someone senior would wonder about my work commitment (and whether I even needed the job). And cleavage does not belong on the job. at. all.
ReplyDeleteI have considered J.Crew a friend and a career helpmate for quite some time, and if things are stagnating there in one department or another, whether copy, styling, or operations, well, I've spent enough there over time to have the right to say so. I guess you could say it's a benefit of being a silver card holder.
Elizabeth, thanks for putting voice to what I have wondered for a long time. I was sort of turned off when I first started reading and maybe I am getting jaded by now--I think you have to find amusement in it. we bloggers are windbags and whiners who love to opine and argue. Our little community contains cheery pollyannas, sister superior curmudgeons, frustrated comediennes, a mrs. norris or two, we seem to be all ages and sizes and tastes. I never seem to like what everyone else likes and they usually trash what I do like but I think everyone loves the brand.
ReplyDeletegem twin, thanks, that makes me feel better. The last few days, I've started really wondering since a few have repeatedly said how much they seem to dislike everything. Call me a cheery pollyanna!*
ReplyDelete*Unless they get my order wrong :)
On topic, Slastena reviewed some Madewell items, including shoes in her earlier post -
ReplyDeletehttp://jcrewchick.blogspot.com/2010/08/polyvore-to-real-life-madewell-saturday.html
Off topic alert ;)
Think we're all lovers here, not haters, of JC and all its triumphs and foibles.
And yes, count me as one of those frustrated comediennes.
I've been working in professional settings for almost 20 years, in 2 different fields. I have friends who are also of similar vintage, in other professional fields. None of us had gotten to where we are now by dressing overly trendy, young, or adventurous.
The old adage of "dressing for the job you want" still stands. One has to be aware of the corporate culture and dress accordingly. If I was in a creative field, then yes! I'm going to pull out all the stops and push the fashion envelope. Not saying sequins and ribbons don't have their place, just not where I work.
What I'm trying to say, and others have said before, is that this forum is a great place to share our loves, gripes, and a few chuckles of J. Crew, which seems to generate an (gulp) obsessive following of sorts that other retailers don't.
Still off topic, checked out the other post about Ann Taylor vs. JC. Interesting to read how AT has pushed the ATA's (Hah) buttons.
I don't care how J Crew styles their clothing online or in the shoots as I don't really look to them for outfit inspiration but there are some things worth bashing at least a little (ivy in a model's hair...really???. And I am ruffled and Jenna'ed out.
ReplyDeleteUnderneath the 19 layers in each outfit, I still find something I like. I probably see at least a couple things every role out that I love and that follow me home.
Elizabeth, I kind of agree with you as there is at least one person who consistantly states how much J Crew sucks while discussing the virtues of clothiers that I find kind of...well let's just say they aren't me.
I am a bit put off of the lack of quality right now having returned my double serge skirts from this year due to their poor construction and the Jenna cardi I ordered last week arrived with a huge snag across the back. Also, my beloved rose vine shirt from this spring is unraveling as we speak. I think these kind of things are fair game, but a lot of the other "complaints" are differences in taste.
I have been on the outs with other stores for months to years at a time as their offerings didn't fit me or my life. Somehow I didn't blame it as much on the store as current fashion trends or my shape in general. It never would have occurred to me to gripe about everything they made. I just moved on until either I or the retailer changed so we were back in sync...or not.
Still OT, but even professional dress has changed over the years. There was a time when everything was matchy, you didn't break up a suit, bows on the blouses, low heeled pumps, pantyhose, never an open toe, and all that seems like a replay of Melanie Griffith in Working Girl now.
ReplyDeleteI am in the middle workwise and love the ideas, no fan of AT or polyester but still have no place to wear shorts with tights.
For an offsite, I'm considering a black jacket with white shirt, chinos or cargos and heels. I just try to mix it up where I can.
Relating to the off-topic conversation: I am not going to add much, just agree with the comments already made. :) Like GemTwin mentioned, at the end of the day I believe we *all* have a deep affection and appreciation for the brand. Like Closet Crisis said, we love them with all their triumphs & foibles- and its great to have a forum to share those moments. I also agree with Kitsmommy, that I still manage to find a couple of things every role out that I love. :) And it's great that we all like different things from J.Crew! (Otherwise we would all be fighting over the same merchandise in the Final Sale section.) ;)
ReplyDeleteCouldn't we also all agree that J. Crew's mandate is larger than dressing the professional office worker? There are outdoor and creative professions, those that require uniforms, stay-at-home moms are certainly working and not in pencil skirts and what about fun? Sparkly pants and feathery jackets are perfect for clubbing (what little I remember of it) and according to research that bunch has more disposable cash to spend.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJust piping up to say, thank you, Elizabeth...another Pollyanna over here. (waves!)
ReplyDeleteRe: Madewell: I don't think I can really order anything from them until I am able to visit an actual store. I am under the impression their target audience ages a bit younger than the J Crew demographic so I am assuming the sizing may not match up. Need to try on and see some things IRL for fit and feel.
Off the topic.. but I don't know where else to post this question...
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen a xs mist-lavender forever cardigan somewhere? Regular store or outlet.
Thanks!!
i really like those boots :)
ReplyDeleteoh and just wanted to say i am so thankful that alexis has this blog so that we are allowed to voice our opinions - both good and bad!!!
PLEASE see edit
ReplyDeleteShould read "CAN'T be certain" regarding shoe sizing.
@Clicquot
I own 2 pairs of Madewell booties. They are both very well made with leather insoles/linings. One pair has a rugged rubber sole for esthetics and the other is leather bottomed.
They were slightly less expensive than J Crew's offerings, and much better made.
I sized down 1/2 size in each. I can't be certain that it's related to their sizing - I generally take a 1/2 size smaller in heels or perhaps it's a result of the foot strengthening exercises I've been doing.
Given the quality, interesting detailing and free shipping on anything over $100, I fully encourage you to give them a try.
I'm eager for Fall. Both pairs are Fall/Winter designs - but maybe that doesn't matter. Bermudas and Booties, anyone? ;)
elizabeth,
ReplyDeletenot everyone in their twenties is trend obsessed, into disposable fashion, or willing to pay for low-quality, over-priced merch.
i work in a creative field and can wear nearly anything i want to the studio, but c'mon, there's no way i'd roll up to work in 3" inseam dumpy butt sequin bloomers and a sweatshirt. there's no authority in a look like that. :P
Hi ! i'm a sz 8 and i'm looking to buy this boot! I used to work at Madewell and fell in love with it! now i cant find it anywhere :(
ReplyDeletethanks
Nancy