T-minus one day…

Have you heard? We’re taking our denim on the road and bringing it straight to you. Our nationwide party on wheels starts tomorrow in NYC—skip over to our Facebook page to see where we’re going, when and everything else that’s in store. (Hint: It involves jeans, jeans and more jeans.)

Garden City, here we come!

Hey, Long Island—Your new Madewell opens today at Roosevelt Field Mall. Much like, say, Joe Namath, Susan Lucci and John Tesh, we couldn’t be happier to call Garden City home. Swing by and say hi.

So many reasons to love April

Our latest calendar is alive and kicking at madewell.com and we highly suggest you check it out. (I mean, how else are you gonna know that it’s National Pecan Month?)

P.S. Did you notice the Bad Joke of the Day on the 11th? Well, you lucky blog followers get to watch it in action—as told by Madewell visual duo The Melissas.

Band Obsession: Tennis

by Fiorella Valdesolo (Brooklyn)

Photo credit: Charlotte Zoller

We’ve been pretty smitten with Denver-based trio Tennis since first hearing the track “Marathon,” a little finger-snapping wonder with a sunny, girl-group vibe off their debut album, Cape Dory. Their just-released second effort, Young & Old, has much of the same carefree appeal (see especially “Petition,” a cool groove that feels like the perfect spring anthem). So of course we were psyched to catch up with lead singer Alaina to talk tunes, clothes and karaoke favorites. See what this stylish songstress had to say below.

How did Tennis come to be?

If I were to single out one thing, it would be the sailing trip that Patrick and I spent years planning and seven months manifesting. We completely abandoned our lives, our possessions and our friends for that experience. We came home changed and found that the best way to convey an ineffable experience was through music. A year later, we had written our first record (Cape Dory).

We are always fond of your on-stage style. How would you describe it?

I try to channel a mixture of Patti Smith and Katharine Hepburn. On stage, I want to feel powerful, and for some reason, that usually means wearing pants and flats—never heels. Also because my voice is so feminine, I like to temper it by dressing more androgynously. It’s a process that I am still sorting through, but it’s one of the most enjoyable aspects of performing.

Digging anything at Madewell now?

Yes, the Attic and Barn® Kuredo Dress, Spotted Matinee Blouse, Belle by Sigerson Morrison® Verena Flats, Le Mont St. Michel® Striped Top and Pinstriper Silk Pants.

Who are some of your own musical heroes?

Right now, I am fascinated by Patti Smith. I read her book Just Kids during this tour and downloaded her entire musical catalog. Her faithful pursuit of love and art is one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever read. She makes the life of an artist seem like a higher calling. I don’t think that’s always the case, but I found this idea moving.

Do you have a signature karaoke or guilty pleasure song/artist?

“Weak” by SWV is my karaoke favorite. But I don’t believe in guilty pleasure music. I think if music makes you happy, you should feel no guilt!

What are some of your favorite spots to hit up when you are back in your hometown of Denver?

1. Obviously, The Hi Dive is on the list.
2. The Museum of Contemporary Art downtown is exquisite; a very tranquil place to spend a day.
3. Crema on the northern end of downtown is a favorite coffee shop of mine.
4. Great Divide is my favorite brewery.
5. Common Era is a great little boutique owned by an incredible woman named Debra Mazur. I worked for her during the formative months of our band. Being able to work in a creative environment for a woman who encourages you to pursue your dreams is amazing. I send every girl I know in her direction.

Any summer or vacation plans you are excited about?

We won’t be touring during festival season, so Patrick and I are planning on turning our van into an RV of sorts and driving to the Grand Canyon. Neither of us has ever seen it, and I love the idea of spending a week in a quiet place in the middle of nowhere.

Transforming a wardrobe misfit: part three

You know that one piece in your closet that you’ve had for years but never wear? Our genius stylist, Lisa, calls them wardrobe misfits—and she’s on a mission to get them out of hibernation and into regular rotation. Her third sartorial challenge? Our resident wordsmith Kendall’s hand-me-down red-tipped navy blazer.

“This is a vintage hand-me-down from my sister. Well, she didn’t really hand it to me—I begged her to let me have it. And yet, I’ve kept it hidden in my closet for about 15 years. (Sorry, sis!) I always want to bust it out, but I’m afraid of looking too preppy. Help!”

“I think the way Kendall remembers her cool big sister wearing this jacket in high school might have stunted its growth into her current working wardrobe. It’s cute but kind of dated. To update this preppy ’80s relic, we took the little-miss-perfect out of it and added some attitude with leopard flats and slouchy shorts.”

To get this wardrobe misfit to behave, Lisa styled it with the Party Favor Tee, Chimala® Utility Shorts, Farmland Pendant, Arrowstamp Skinny Belt and The Leopard-Print Sidewalk Skimmer.

We have a feeling Kendall’s sister may soon be demanding this blazer back once she gets a glimpse of this transformation…

Do you have a wardrobe misfit in your closet? Shoot us an email at musings@madewell.com and we’ll style our favorites.

A label we love: Chimala®

Here’s why you’ll want to splurge on an undeniably cool piece from this cult denim label: Every style is expertly made in Japan using amazing high-quality fabrics that just get better over time.


Designer Noriko on the Denim Coverall Jacket she’s sporting: “It always takes a long time to get the worn-in wash just right.”

We caught up with Chimala® designer Noriko Machida and got the full scoop on her label and lifelong denim love. Check out what she had to say below.

Where does the name Chimala come from?

It’s the name of an imaginary mountain in the Himalayas, and it also means “beauty” in Native American.

How long does it take to develop your washes?

It really never ends! Every season, I come up with new washes and, each time, my factory has to make three to four changes until I give the OK.

How often do you wear denim on denim?

All the time—usually layered with striped tanks and chambray shirts.

What’s on heavy rotation at the Chimala studio?

Japanese pop singers or Brazilian bossa nova.

And there’s more where that came from. Get your Chimala^® fix over at madewell.com.

Sneak preview: Madewell Fall 2012

See a pattern? We hosted a preview this morning of our Fall 2012 collection—and, as you can see, we didn’t hold back with the prints and vivid textures. Stay tuned to our blog for even more sneak peeks of what’s to come this autumn at Madewell.

Let the countdown begin…

Yup, you read that right: We’re hitting the road and bringing our denim straight to you. Our cross-country party on wheels starts April 12th—but in the meantime, head over to our Facebook page so you don’t miss a beat.