I first happened upon a Madewell store when we moved to Annapolis in 2009. The brand was born in 1937, but closed in the 80s and was bought, overhauled and reintroduced by J.Crew in 2006. Annapolis was one of their first stores.

Their focus is on denim — mainly skinny and super skinny jeans, lately — and the focal point of their stores is the denim bar.

  

Madewell jeans are nice, and more affordable than most designer denim, but since I am anti-jegging and most pants with the word “skinny” in the name are not very flattering on me, there aren’t a ton of options in the store for me. However, they always have fantastic dresses, tops, sweaters and jackets.

It’s kind of funny, because I wouldn’t really classify myself as a tomboy, and that tends to be their general aesthetic. But a significant portion of my work and weekend wardrobes are from Madewell, so I was very excited when I found out there was a store opening up in Carlsbad. Now I will be able to actually try things on instead of crossing my fingers as I click “add to bag.”

I wore a Madewell dress to the opening with my black blazer — which is also from Madewell — but I had to take the jacket off, because it was boiling in there. I left with a new dress (in red), a T-shirt and a cardigan. I have a problem. Plus, they were giving out 20% off coupons in honor of the opening.

 

They also had a DJ, a cocktail bar and delicious snacks. It was insanely packed in there, but still fun.

The signature drink was a bramble bush, which is lemon, simple syrup, blackberry and gin — served in a glass with crushed ice and a mint sprig.

 

Definitely a fun evening, though I think having a store so close is a blessing and a curse. Particularly since it’s across the street from an Anthropologie. And I’ve heard they may open a J. Crew there soon. Ruh roh.