Any brand I deem worth it, can find loyalty in me. The inverse of this is also painstakingly true. So when l endorse something, I’m undoubtedly in.

Madewell, sister company to J. Crew and creative directed by unconventional “it-girl” Alexa Chung, has been my recent muse. Their designs are exceptionally modern, practical, and made well.

My first post to this blog a few months ago, highlighted my first Madewell purchase, 'boy jeans.' Since then, I’ve purchased four additional pieces, and currently eyeing another two. All, incredibly unique staples, and most, I’ve already worn countlessly and they're still in pristine condition.

When on a budget, it’s not always easy to justify a $100 pair of denim pants or a $50 skirt, however the quality of wear speaks for itself over time. When I find a design flattering, I reach for it constantly, so durability is a huge selling point. I am also a firm believer in buying less clothing worth more, so naturally, Madewell targets me. Designs are practical, yet unique enough to warrant appeal despite cost, i.e., value.

I am no official ambassador just yet, but I am a person who likes and buys their clothes. There’s never not a sale or an incredible curated display. They always find a way to both highlight the quality of their sourced material, and appeal to the diverse werabilty of any Madewell item.

Given the heat some massive companies may come under for labor law violations and unethical material sourcing, it would be nice for Madewell to openly disclose this information. However, I find their recent repurposed denim donation campaign, and frequent collaborations with young designers, to be an indirect answer to some of those concerns.

Madewell is a young company on the rise. So in supporting them, I feel as though I’m truly supporting a company that could easily surpass it predecessor (J Crew) in the coming years. Even more so, I’ve fallen in love with their origin story, a tell tale comeback narrative. Originally founded in England in 1937, and later dismantled, they were revamped in 2006 under the J Crew umbrella. They exist now as what feels like a love project, revamping the vision of what was first a mom and pop shop. Though ties to the founding family have since been severed, the Madewell brand is making new strides, in their own right. ©

On Madewell for the series, “Ethical Allure.”

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There's something about a good boyjean. It's an absolute essential. To think I spent the past seven months sans boy denim is a tragedy, but then again so is the world. Serious inquiry- has the boyfriend jean existed forever? Have people always had access to such a luxury? Luxury that is the removal of fear when wearing a skinny jean only to bend with an intensified chance for a butt crack slip or crotch rip? The question plagued me so I did some research.

“This cut originated from the first true blue jeans created in 1873.”

— Current Elliott

It's typically a challenge to land smoothly on your go-to denim brand. I'd heard a bit of rave about Madewell denim but historically Levi was my move of choice. I decided to switch it up this time so I began with Madewell, the brand championed by style-lovers fave Alexa Chung. Madewell is sister company to J Crew, though J Crew now finds itself on the marketing fritz, Madewell seems to fit the bill. #PrayforJennaLyons

I decided to switch it up this time so I began with Madewell, the brand championed by style-lovers fave Alexa Chung. Madewell is sister company to J Crew, though J Crew now finds itself on the marketing fritz, Madewell seems to fill the gap. #PrayforJennaLyons

After fitting my first pair of Madewell jeans a few weeks back, I was hesitant. My body is not made white, it is very much MadeBlack™. Despite this, I decided to give it a go on my second attempt when they had proper sizing options. If it didn't cost more than one big bill, I'd buy in, that was my rule. It didn’t, so I did. Plus the birthday discount was a sweet incentive.

I had to go up my normal size, and get a jean that had a bit more give. Though I would have probably went for the summer jean which reminded me of light wash mom jeans, I settled for a classic fit in a medium wash, though no regrets here. I have worn these jeans for the entire weekend and I am well pleased. I don’t know if this is prophetic, but I can almost already tell from the build quality that some of the issue I had prior (like the lack of a thigh gap) may be a thing of the past. Which means despite friction, the denim will stand. We will find out sooner or later.

I'm not sure how I got through the past few months boyjean less, but never the less, I am alive, young, thriving, and I am with jean though sans boyfriend. ©

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