Style

Madewell’s Oakbrook Anniversary Event

We had macaroons and lavender-infused lemonade at the Oakbrook Madewell last Thursday, and spent the evening celebrating the store’s one-year anniversary. I was a special guest of the store, and I had a lot of fun dressing up the mannequins in my favorite looks.

Madewell Looks

Look #1: Dotted ScarfLinebreak DressEveryday Clutch • I restrained myself from adding this dotted umbrella to the mix
Look #2: Silk Drop-Waist DressJournal CardiganArrowstack NecklaceCamden Tote • Bug Scarf (in store)
Look #3: Heartdot BoyshirtSoftstripe SweaterDrifter ShadesSkinny Skinny Ankle-Zip JeansThe Kensington Satchel

Madewell Look #3

Madewell Details

Madewell Look #2

Oh, man. Dressing up those mannequins was fun. HEY… future style post opportunity! (Just kidding. I won’t do that to you.)

I also pulled a rack of my favorites. You know, what I wish would magically appear in my closet.

Nicole Balch's Madewell Favorites

And I have a new favorite pair of jeans! Skinny, ankle-length, without the low-rise fit, and super-flattering. YES. Madewell just redesigned all of their denim so that it doesn’t stretch out or bag, and the store let me choose a pair a couple of weeks ago to wear to the event. (Everything else you see me wearing was mine, except for the bag which I carried around the store with the tags on, like a weirdo.) I’ve been wearing those jeans a lot lately, and they still fit like new, so A+.

Nicole Balch

My outfit: Black and White Shirt (similar) • Leafstitch SweaterHigh Riser Skinny Skinny Ankle JeansFrankie Suede PumpMallory Glasses • Hexagon Earrings (similar, but smaller) • Braided Friendship Bracelet • On the Dot Scatter Bracelet (seen here) • Botanical Rose iPhone Case • Crossbody Bag (in store)

Thank you to Madewell for having me, and a big thank you to all who came out for the event!

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  • Robin Grey
    October 7, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    I’m crushing on your haircut so hard! Do you still love it? Did you take an inspiration image to your stylist to show them what to do? If so, which one? I’m dying!

    • Making it Lovely
      October 7, 2013 at 12:32 pm

      It’s my favorite haircut ever! And it’s so easy to take care of. I didn’t have any reference pictures — I told my hairstylist (Susan at Sparrow) that I wanted to chop off all of my hair, and I trusted her to do her thing.

  • Ally B
    October 7, 2013 at 12:37 pm

    I’ve been following you for a couple of years- since before you had babies and I just have to say you are looking amazing! How do you do it all? You have more creativity in you baby finger than I have in my whole being. Just saying. (I love the store display by the way. So fallish :)

    • Making it Lovely
      October 7, 2013 at 3:40 pm

      Well, I don’t know about ‘doing it all’ but you’re sweet!

  • Kathryn
    October 7, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    I think you now have to do a style post with those, at least for halloween. And I need Madewell to make larger sizes. My shrinking is not happening.

    • Making it Lovely
      October 7, 2013 at 3:42 pm

      There are a lot of stores that should be making larger sizes. I couldn’t shop at some of my favorites when I was just 15 pounds heavier, and I know I’m not alone in that.

  • Caroline
    October 7, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    I was reading this post as my two year old looked over my shoulder and shouted ‘Look there’s Mummy!’. I wish I was as chic as you but I was most delighted to have been mixed up with you:)

    • Making it Lovely
      October 7, 2013 at 3:48 pm

      Ha! When the kids were a little younger, they’d think any lady with brown hair was me.

  • Melissa @ HOUSEography
    October 7, 2013 at 1:24 pm

    Love, love, love those jeans on you. Fabulous. I’m planning a customer appreciation event at Madewell in Georgetown with my colleagues. So much fun!

  • jenn aka the picky girl
    October 7, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    Lately every single outfit I fall in love with is Madewell. Obviously I have good, albeit expensive, taste. :)

    And you look like you have lost a good bit of weight. You look amazing!

  • Laurie
    October 7, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    Jeans that don’t stretch out and bag? Those are worth their weight in GOLD!

    Also, I kind of wish we had a hook on our thigh for our purses. That could be really convenient.

  • Jessica @ Sunday Loves
    October 7, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Umm, Nicole, you look FANTASTIC! Seriously. Your hair, your outfit, you glow!

    What is the name of the fit of those jeans? I’ve been wearing Rock Stars from ON because I don’t want to invest a ton while I’m CrossFitting and changing body shape, but I hate how they bag out! Would love to try these if they actually fit a girl with a booty!

    • Making it Lovely
      October 7, 2013 at 3:52 pm

      I linked to them above — they’re the http://rstyle.me/~R9wS” target=”_blank”>”High Riser Skinny Skinny Ankle Jeans in Deep Blue Wash.” I’m definitely not a straight up and down body type, and these are fantastic.

  • Teri
    October 7, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    I love those jeans, too! I am apprehensive about them being called the skinny skinny jeans. I have serious thighs, but a small booty. I usually end up being stuck with boyfriend jeans. Do you think those could work on a girl like me?

    • Making it Lovely
      October 7, 2013 at 3:53 pm

      I’m not “skinny skinny” and I like them! I tried on all of the new Madewell styles, and these were by far the most flattering on me.

  • Priscilla
    October 7, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    Love the clothes and love the hair! :) You look super cute Nicole!

  • NP
    October 7, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    Nicole, did you try on the Linebreak dress? I hadn’t noticed it until this post, and I think I need it in my life, but I’m never sure how stuff runs at Madewell. Any notes on this dress?

  • Kate {domestikatedlife}
    October 7, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    I love that little arrow necklace — how sweet.

  • Alana
    October 8, 2013 at 12:02 am

    You look adorable! And your hair is rockin!

    How fun to get to do these events. I’m in love with the arrow stick necklace. Might have to put that on my “hey my birthday is in a few days, honey” list. :)

  • Natasya
    October 8, 2013 at 1:53 am

    Your hair is awesome!

  • Danielle
    October 8, 2013 at 8:53 am

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the looks you pulled together! I have to echo everyone else’s sentiment about your hair…it looks like impossible magazine hair, that’s how awesome it is!

  • Cassie
    October 8, 2013 at 9:27 am

    Love your look… like a living mood board!

  • kelsey williams
    October 8, 2013 at 9:29 am

    I just ordered that same iPhone case! hoping i love it!

  • Ali
    October 8, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    You look amazing! Fun hair, fun jeans! Yea Nicole! You are inspiring me to try again that line chart you said you used to loose weight! I did try it for about a month and lost. Need to make a new line chart! I was just as easy and you described and very practical feedback the next morning! I’m so noisy but, one of these days I’d love for you touch on how you eat! Meal pics or snacks! I’m loving your new home! Seems like you are enjoying life with your sweet family! Love your happy blog!

    ~ Ali

  • becca
    October 8, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    hi nicole. i’ve never commented, but i couldn’t help myself here. your hair is to die for in these pictures. i have super short hair myself but am having trouble getting the volume on the top like you show here. would you be willing to share what product you use? thanks! :)

  • Jen
    October 9, 2013 at 8:26 am

    Hi Nicole,
    I just wanted to let you know that none of the links on this post are working for me. The links in your more recent post (Eleanor’s room) work fine, whereas these links just open a blank tab with a really long weird URL. I am the least web-savvy person ever, so it’s entirely likely that this is somehow happening on my end. But I have run into this problem on your blog before, so I thought I should let you know.
    And I, also, adore your haircut. :)

  • Annie
    October 17, 2013 at 11:59 am

    Just had to share that I purchased a pair of the high riser jeans last night. I am rocking them today and am in love. They are tight, but not too tight and the color is great. Thanks for the recommendation!

  • Jennifer
    October 22, 2013 at 10:23 am

    You are looking fab, lady! Love the haircut.

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