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!

Sasha Wears Les Tout Petits from Madison and Friends - Deerfield

What a wonderful week this has been. I'm sure we were all glued to our TVs, laptops, Blackberries, watching the inauguration!
We noticed little Sasha Obama stole the show (as usual) at the Kids Inaugural Ball in her super cute Les Tout Petits dress. It's no secret that the Obama girls have worn some of our faves from Madison and Friends but we're so excited they haven't forgotten about their shopping roots in Chicago.
Here's a link to the video featuring a very excited designer and owner of Let Tout Petits, check it out.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=6619784

Also, check out our current collection of Let Tout Petits and more to come this spring.

Think Fun in '09.

Happy New Year!

Here are a few things to get you going for '09.
Think bright fun colors, look forward to an afternoon at the beach and for those expecting pick something terribly cute for your little one that will have every one saying "aaawww"!

And don't forget to check out our sale for some AMAZING deals. Seriously, can you believe Ella Moss for you and your little fashionista at 65% off?

Snuggle Up!

One can never have enough blankets. Don't be afraid to give them as gifts or simply ad to your little one's collection. We just got in some more Little Giraffe blankets in soft warm colors and we also keep great stock of the old favorite Barefoot Dreams blankets. If you're shopping for Barefoot Dreams do check out the amazing adult throw they offer...it will keep the whole family cozy this winter. While we're on the subject of keeping warm I have to mention Trumpette, the cutest line of tiny socks.