City Pulse

CP Style Police: Madewell 1937 – An Oasis in SoHo

By Susan Romero

Madewell is not just a store, it’s an experience. The new sister store of J.Crew hit New York City on February 20th, and is housed on two floors of a landmark 1882 building in SoHo. Madewell targets a younger shopper than J. Crew enticing them with a vintage DJ booth on the second floor and a Denim Bar where experts help fit customers in the perfect jeans.

Source: Racked.com

The store, named after a 1937 workwear company, is a cozy, casual oasis that feels like a beach house. The wood floors, painted white brick walls and wooden stairwell exude a carefree, natural lifestyle. The clothes and accessories complement the laid back atmosphere.

There are stacks of bright colored jeans on the first floor as well as original denim in a variety of styles. The second floor has solid t-shirts in bold colors along with hand dyed tops, scarves, rubber flip-flops and hair accessories. Although the store is appealing and the clothes aesthetically pleasing, I found the quality of fabric, particularly on the t-shirts and other tops, inferior to J.Crew. The prices are also less expensive than most J.Crew items.

Source: Racked.com

Despite the lesser quality apparel, the best feature of Madewell is its Denim Bar with its vast denim selection. If you decide to give Madewell a try be sure to head there on a Saturday afternoon when the female DJs perform. Also, don’t forget to pick up the store newspaper, “Madewell Musings,” and use the coupon inside to get $25 off any purchase of $100 or more between now and March 31, 2008.

Visit Madewell at 486 Broadway at Broome Street or check out the online store at www.Madewell1937.com where you can purchase items beginning in May 2008.

Originally published March 2008

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