Keds Shoes Start March With Strong Buzz

Keds and Pro-Keds have both been busy over the past week, releasing a few things that their fans and consumers can look forward to.

Last month, Keds announced a limited spring 2012 capsule collection of its Champion shoe, produced in collaboration with Madewell. Featuring multicolored stripes and polka dots, the design of the shoes were inspired by art-deco elements from the Madewell spring 2012 collection.

Also, in late February, Pro-Keds released its spring lookbook in a more visual form. The video is extremely simple, as it follows two friends who take a trip through New York City. Set to a slow-paced hip hop beat with almost no dialogue, the video effectively showcases the spring launch.

Finally, in the spirit of saving the best for last, Keds has released its fall 2012 lookbook on the heels of its collaboration with Opening Ceremony last season. Varsity cardigans and crewnecks, lightweight trenches, cropped print pants, and sixties-inspired dresses make up the collection.

With such a powerful showing in February, Keds  is off to a steady start as we enter the first full week of March. Feel free to check out the Pro-Keds video lookbook after the jump.

A Sneak Peek at Madewell’s Spring Catalog

Meet your new "prints charming." A preview of what Madewell has to offer this spring has been released, and let’s just say the looks won’t stay on this J.Crew spin-off’s shelves too long. The lookbook’s appropriately named “Mix Master” section featured polka dots, stripes, and florals on everything from signature scarves to playful socks, which were cheekily shown with flats and heels. This season, Madewell took a twist on classic patterns by toying with scale, as shown in the pointilized to oversized polka dots on the dress pictured above. We’re dying to get our hands on their dizzying take on a pinstripe pant, which looks like a delightful a bar code.

These pieces will be available both in-store and online on Tuesday, March 6, but you can start plotting which printed pieces you’d like to mix and match now. Hey, it’s okay to break that cardinal rule about mixing stripes with polka dots. After all, you have Jenna Lyons' permission.

Text Kara Solarz
Images Lucky Magazine

Dainty Rings Make a Statement

While we have all gravitated towards statement jewelry because of its large size and stylistically bold appearance, more delicate pieces are beginning to take over and make just as big of a fashion statement! Hopefully you are all familiar with the cocktail ring, which typically features a rather substantial piece of hardware, big enough for anyone to spot from miles away. But, as the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new. It is time for this once-trending accessory to step aside and make way for a variety of more charming and delicate baubles just in time for the spring 2012 season.

Jacquie Aiche offers a fabulous Shell Prong Waif Ring, which costs $315 and features five exquisite shells placed delicately in a 14-karat gold setting. For a less-expensive alternative, try Madewell's Foxtrot Ring, which costs only $15 and features a brass-plated fox head in a vintage gold color.

Chic, charming, and conveniently versatile, feel free to stack these dainty rings for a more eye-catching appearance, or wear one on its own for a slightly more subdued look. Whatever way you choose to wear this delicate accessory, you will surely be making a statement for the fast-approaching spring season.

Text Jasmine Song
Image and Source Who What Wear

Keep With the Holiday Spirit and Donate Your Denim

Hopefully you cleaned up in the gift department this Christmas, so why not clean out your closet while you’re at it. After all, you’ll have to make room for all your new swag, and the folks at Madewell are giving you a little more incentive. The store has teamed up with the International Child Art Foundation for a holiday denim drive. So those rumpled old jeans that you won’t ever be wearing again (admit it) can be put to use in children’s art projects. And there’s an even bigger reward for you than that warm-and-fuzzy feeling: As a thanks for your donation, Madewell will give you 20 percent off of a brand new pair of jeans (like the rail-straight pair featured above) in the new year.

Don’t wait ‘til spring to do some cleaning. Stop by your closest Madewell store between now and December 31 to make your donation and receive your discount. After all, giving doesn’t have to end with the holiday season!

Text Kara Solarz
Image Madewell

Flattering Snuggie Alternative

Whether you're looking to dress up or down, to go out on the town or spend the night indoors, the sweater dress's versatile look makes it a ready-to-wear staple for your closet this winter.

If you're looking for a warm yet chic dress that will accentuate your waistline, try a belted style from Fendi. The thigh-length number has three-quarter sleeves and a skintight elasticity, making it a body-lovin' number that will keep you feeling warm and looking hot this winter. For a much less expensive and more reserved alternative, try Madewell's ankle-length and full-sleeved dress that's to be paired with oxfords.

Rag & Bone offers a freeing, baggy sweater dress, known as the Putney Dress, that's gray with skinny horizontal stripes. This look can be worn for a casual night out or a cozy night in, depending on what you pair it with. How versatile! This option is definitely a favorite, just for the fact that it can be worn for a variety of occasions.

Can you pick a favorite?

Text Brittney Schering
Image Fashionologie 

Don’t Sweat It

You’ve got three days to relax and lick your Black Friday wounds until the work week begins again. But before you whip out your old-school Juicy tracksuit, consider adding another loungewear item to your wardrobe (preferably one not made out of velour). Swap out your sweats for a stylish yet cozy pant, like this elastic-waist pair from Iro Lea. The best part about this pick? The ruching around the waist will mask your post-Thanksgiving, er, “bloat,” while the tapered skinny leg adds a chic (and flattering) touch so you can laze about in style―and yes, they’re dressy enough to wear on the job tomorrow.

Wouldn’t dare part with terrycloth? Madewell also tried its hand at dressing up the sweatpant, with a sexy/slouchy pair in space-dye charcoal. This pant comes equipped with designer details, like zippers at the ankles that you can adjust over your slippers, so you can tuck in some more Tryptophan-filled foods and hit the couch, or even throw on a button-down and venture out. (Who knows? You might run out of ice cream.) And don’t toss out that tracksuit just yet―it may come in handy next Halloween (think: throwback J. Lo!).

Text Kara Solarz
Image and Source Curve

In-Between Coats for Fall/Winter

It's the time of year when you can't really reach for a puffy down coat, but your blazer isn't doing the job, either. An in-between coat can keep you warm from October to December, depending on where you live.

Here's what to look for:
1. A classic wool trench or a nubby tweed will look good for years to come.
2. As for color, stick with something neutral or a bright jewel tone, such as red, emerald, or royal blue.
3. A cream colored coat is beautiful; keeping it clean is not.
4. Be sure that the coat is roomy enough to layer a chunky sweater underneath.
5. No matter how cute the coat is, make sure that it has plenty of pocket space for your keys, phone, or freezing cold hands.

Text and Graphic Rebecca Baust
Image Madewell