Solutions For Resolutions

Why is it that New Year's resolutions so often have a hard time sticking? It seems that each year, we continually rededicate ourselves to the exact same resolutions, over and over again (I will start going to the gym, I will stop smoking, etc.), seemingly to no avail. Things don't seem to stick. So I have concocted a list of guidelines that may help you in actually adhering to your resolutions this time around.

Remember past attempts. The only way to be successful this time is not to make the same mistakes twice. Isn't doing the exact same thing over and over again with the expectation of different results the definition of insanity?

Expect nothing less than success. The minute doubt or temptation creeps in, all may very well be lost.

Stick to your guns. Once committed, go through with it. Isn't stopping failure?

Omit negativity. Whether it comes from yourself or someone else, anti-resolution emotions hinder success more than any other obstacles can.

Live life better. Don't you feel more alive?

Validate how far you've come. Step back and take a look at your progress. It is extremely rewarding to realize your results.

Enjoy. You are a new you! And nothing could be finer.


My resolution? NOT to stop shopping. Aaah. I feel better already.


If your resolution is the same as mine, click here to get a jump start on commitment.

The Best Time Of Year

Merry Christmas (yesterday) to all! Though the day after Christmas could technically be a downer, what with feeling bloated from too much food and having no more gifts to open, you could also look at it optimistically: stores are rampant with sales and you probably have newly-gained cash sitting in your pocket. How much merrier could it be to be getting twice as much for your money? Happy Holidays indeed!!

Click Here to get more for your money.

Slick As The Pavement

Work Custom "Slick Black Viper Jean"
Buy it Here

Black ice is a common winter occurrence. Slick, black, and impossible to see while driving, it sneaks up on you and takes you out. Similarly, these jeans are black and slick. And they have the ability to stop traffic.

Comfy And Cozy Are We...

Free People Flannel Shirt - On Sale For $64
Buy it Here

Just A Cheap Shirt Flannel Shirt - $64
Buy it Here

Nothing says "comfort" like flannel does. Soft almost to a fault, warm and thick, tailored so as not to look the least bit sloppy - flannel really does do it all for us when we need it most in the winter. The best additions to this cold weather fabric are: hot chocolate (or coffee for those who don't even really need it, like me), a roaring fire, and a window that separates you from the cold, so as to look at but not feel the beautiful (sometimes) snowy weather.

Don't spend another minute in unfashionable discomfort. Flannel up.

The Perfect Present

AG Men's "Explore Geffen Slouchy-Slim Jean"
Buy it Here

There is a reason why we all wear jeans so much - they carry us through each day, from work (for some of us at least) through dinner. Appropriate for so many occasions, jeans always seem to hit the mark. So if you still have people to shop for this holiday season and feel totally stumped, keep in mind that (almost) everyone loves jeans. Seriously. And men can be so hard to shop for that it is the one thing you know that they will use rather than putting it in a remote corner of the garage, never to be seen again until moving day.

AG jeans are people's standby favorites for a good reason - they are fresh without trying too hard. Not only do they come off looking completely natural, but the jeans just fit well. And they only get better with age...exactly the same thing the person wearing them is trying to achieve!

Never give a bad gift again. Give them what they want...

Just Like A Bag Of Chips

Shashi "Rocker Double Row Stud Bracelet"
Buy it Here

Shashi "Futuristic Double Row Bracelet"
Buy it Here

Shashi "Gold Nugget Clusters Bracelet"
Buy it Here

Or more like a can. "Pringles" potato chips used to use the slogan, "Once You Pop, You Can't Stop" and that was quite possibly one of the best little catch phrases ever. I feel the exact same way about Shashi bracelets right now. Though they look just right on their own, it really becomes difficult to stop at wearing only one. The more you add together on one wrist, the more you want to keep on adding! Having five or six looks so good, with the contrast in all of the metals and threads, that you generally don't take them all off for anything. They are cool enough even to wear out with a dress and heels at night, never mind that they are absolutely PERFECT with a t-shirt and jeans during the day.

Checking Out

Deux Lux "Decker" Duffle Bag

The whole month of December almost seems a wash as far as productivity in the workplace goes. Even in retail, when this is the busiest (and technically most productive time of year!), one's mind can wander to far off places, filled with days off, gifts, family, and the unbuttoning of a few notches in the jeans after too much food for too many days in a row. Also, it is the time of year when traveling is at its peak. Someone's going, someone's coming...bags are always packed, either mentally or physically. On that note, when I begin my packing (literally - going away for New Year's) I am totally into using this Deux Lux bag. Bottega Veneta-esque, it is not huge but is quite capable of carrying the necessities or at least acting as an accompaniment to a larger suitcase. The removable shoulder strap means you can cram as many pairs of shoes as will fit inside and still carry it with (relative) comfort. Plus, its vegan!

Mentally, I am already unproductive. Soon enough, I will physically be leaving, bag in hand, as well.

Currently Showing

Image Courtesy of Flixster

Most of us fondly remember Gwyneth Paltrow for some of her period pieces, like Emma and Shakespeare in Love. Though her wardrobe in both movies was stunning, none of it would exactly fit in with today's street chic aesthetic. Thankfully we found out that she does not sport ballgowns on a day-to-day basis and, in fact, not only dresses well but is a pretty rad mom too. She stopped by Madison & Friends yesterday and hooked her kids up with plenty of Joe's Jeans, True Religions and the like! Not that we thought she would dress Moses in little tights and a tunic and cape or anything but...one never knows.

Welcome Back

It is so nice to be a part of Madison & Friends family again! Perhaps you may know me as Nikki, the one-time manager of the Roscoe Village location? Or maybe you don't know me at all! But we will get to know one another quite well, as I have kindly been asked to step in as a blogger for the store. Having plenty of experience in the adult world of fashion (owned my own critically acclaimed store upon leaving Chicago), I will mostly be focusing on Denim Lounge material, posting on just about anything that I come across that you need to know about. Though I refuse to neglect its younger counterpart and will definitely add in a good measure of Madison & Friends references!

Perhaps the first thing you should know about me? No matter what new things come into the world of denim and fashion, I will ALWAYS have a place in my heart for J Brand. Nothing will ever fit me so well or make me look and feel so good. So doesn't it make me happy that the DL carries this line? Yes! Will I write about it every second of every day? No, I promise.

Looking forward to knowing you all.

Happy Holidays!
Nikki

Great Gift Ideas

Is it just us or does it feel like a summer of babies! Stop by Madison and Friends for great gifts for the new little one in your life. Morf's t-shirts are one of the many great gift items that are flying off our shelves. These handmade unique tee's feature your favorite Sesame Street characters including; Elmo, Oscar and Cookie Monster. Throw in a Lots to Say baby pacifier which have sayings such as "Snooze Button" "No Comment" and "Too Cute" for a laugh. Or add a set of Trumpette socks which will keep their tootsies cozy. No matter your price point we are here to help you find a creative gift! Please stop by our stores or feel free to give us a call so we can assist. And the gift wrapping is on us!