5 Tips to Saving at Madewell

top (just marked down to $14.99!) // jeans // sandals // purse // sunglasses

We can all agree I do my fair share of shopping at Madewell. So often I hear comments about the clothes being cute, but out of budget. And I totally get it. It can get pricey, but I'm hear to say there are ways to save. You just have to shop strategically. It's taken me sometime to figure out all these tips, so here are my tips to getting your Madewell and keeping your bank happy.

1. Join the Madewell Insider program

This might be obvious, but it's their loyalty program that comes with plenty of benefits. Not only do get sent emails letting you know about sales, but there are exclusive discounts for being apart of it. Even if you don't shop here that much, it's worth it alone for the birthday discount alone. They give you $25 off anything to use once in your birthday month (umm, YESS!). There are special gifts, early access to collections, and free expedited shipping.

2. Keep you eye on the sale section

Whenever I head to their website, I click straight to the sale section. You just never know when they might have added that cute top you've been stalking! They frequently do add items to the sale section and you want to be the first to scoop it up-things can go fast! The key is to check the whole section, not just the first or second page. They actually have started to mix the order of new sale pieces and older sale pieces. 

3. Never miss Sale on Sale

You want to save the most, ever? It's always going to be during sale on sale. TRUST! Oh, and this is when you just have to add to cart and check out. I've done the whole browsing in the morning, adding to basket, and come back later to find things sold out. It's not a good feeling and the chances are the prices aren't going to go much lower. Stock up now because tops can go to $15-$25, dresses $35-$50. 

4. Check Nordstrom

Good ol' Nordstrom has carries the brand and also a great backup. Not only do they price match, but increases your chances of getting something that sold out in your size. If you're a more frequent shopper with Nordstrom, then it also might be wiser to take advantage of their rewards program and rack up some points. There triple points days would be a key time to stock up.

5. Stock Nordstrom Rack

I can't believe I'm barely discovering this, but Nordstrom Rack has a great selection of Madewell. We're talking jeans, leather bags, and everything you could want from the brand. Personally, I know the selection is best online for this. Their inventory can change from day-to-day, so this one calls for stocking. They even have items that are from current collections-crazzzy good! The best part is you still can get the great customer service as Nordstrom and build up points if you have their rewards program. 

Hope these tips help you save some money! 

Madewell Try-On: Early Fall

overalls // jean jacket // stripe tee // jeans

Who else is counting down to Fall? Let's just start with saying the best way to prepare is with some fall fashion, right? Right. And if you can't tell, I started my fall shopping at Madewell. It's a season that they master year after year. All the oversized sweaters, cardigans, and layering possibilities are synonymous with why they are so good! The best part is this try-on has a mix of everything to get your fall wardrobe going.

 KENT COLORBLOCK CARDIGAN $98 (take 25% off) // SIZE XXS

A true classic piece Madewell makes each year and for Fall, it's done in this updated colorblock neutral edition. The tan and grey are my two favorite neutrals, so this is amazing. It does run large and went with my smaller size. It is meant to be oversized, but I would still go down a size. There is plenty of room to layer under. It might be a little pricey, but it is so soft to the touch and one that will get so much wear.

CROSS-FRONT MINI-DRESS IN GARDEN PARTY $118 // SIZE 00

While most days I'm reaching for a tee and jeans, I do crave a dress here and there. Madewell tends to deliver a dress or two each season that are unexpectedly amazing. Guess what? It's this one. It doesn't look like much on the hanger or in pictures, but when you put it on it feels and looks great. It does have a wrap front along the bust, which is much more comfortable than previous cuts. The darker floral is one I can get behind to be seasonless. The only warning is it being low cut. If your bust is small (hiii), then go with your smaller size. For date night, it would be fine without a cami. But you probably won't get away with that for work. Definitely can see this working with a cardi and some boots for cooler temperatures. 

WRAP-FRONT PULLOVER SWEATER $79.50 // SIZE XS

Another sweater that was a hit from last Fall is back! Truth be told, I actually passed even trying this on last year. This color is one that got me, though. As far as fit, I would stick to your normal size. It's not oversized. What I do love about it being a good staple, is the wrap is made so your stomach won't get exposed. It is a little low, so depending on where you're wearing this you could need a cami. 

9" HIGH RISE SKINNY JEANS IN BERKELEY BLACK: BUTTON-THROUGH EDITION $135 // SIZE 26

These jeans are for all my short-torso ladies! Most of their jeans are 10" and when they make a pair in 9" it's perfect for my short waist still wanting to wear high-rise jeans. Crazy how that inch can make a big difference from feeling like your pants are under your boobs to just wear your belly button is! These do have a lot of stretch and have a frayed pant hem, both details I'm into. While I have normally worn a 25 in their jeans, I knew from picking up a size 25 that I better take a size 26 too. My eyes didn't lie because I needed the 26. I'm 5'4 and have longer legs, but they hit perfectly at my lower ankle. And don't they pair well with the wrap-front sweater? 

CROFTON STRIPED PULLOVER SWEATER $88 // SIZE XXS

Well I'm not one to say no to stripes, and Madewell isn't either. This has an oversized fit and would go with your smaller size, but if you want an even more oversized fit go with your normal size. It is really soft and cozy and well very cheery. 

SPENCER SWEATER-COAT $150 (take 25% off) // SIZE XXS

This was yet another hit from last year and finally trying it on this year. Just when you though cardigans were the best thing, this out does it. It's thicker and more structured, but less bulky than a jacket. It's so well made and something this LA girl can use on the regular during our less than harsh winters. I would highly recommend sizing down. It's very oversized with plenty of room to layer. 

Hopefully this try-on helped with fit and sizing! Let me know if you have any questions. Have you started shopping for fall yet?

Spa Day at Mr. C Hotel

While I can attest I'm not one to regularly schedule me-time pampering, I easily realized from just this one opportunity to go get a massage at The Sand Spa inside Mr. C Hotel that it's something I need to do more. Mr. C Hotel in Beverly Hills is a new-to-me luxury hotel that opens up it's private spa to those who aren't guests of the hotel. But I mean this is their lobby and just from that couch I wouldn't mind a staycation there.

Their spa is run by The Sand Spa, which is nicely tucked away on another level of the hotel. The privacy was an appealing element that added to the whole experience. If you saw on Stories, then you know I was with Jessica and they gave us the whole spa to ourselves. SO BLISSFUL! There are only two private rooms, so as you can imagine it really heightened the privacy I didn't realize I would love. Our masseuse was also managing our entire experience from check-in to the massage. She was a complete dream! She thought of every detail and hands down gave me an incredible massage.

During the time Jessica was getting her massage, our masseuse made sure I would be comfortable. Truthfully, I had no idea what I was going to do for an hour. She proceeded to show me all the amenities-a shower steamer in my room, the tray of treats and tea, and their peaceful relaxation room at the end of the hallway. Let's just say I took advantage of everything and my hour to myself was underestimated luxury.

 Do you frequently get massages or go to the spa? It was a treat for me, but one I can see me doing more than every few years. 

An InLinkz Link-up

Weekend Trip to Palm Springs

top (on sale) // jeans // sandals // purse // sunglasses

There's no question that California has a lot to offer-great weather, mountains, beaches, deserts. I really could go on and one about my home state. But with so much to see and do, it's true that I haven't made it to some of the most visited spots. One of those was Palm Springs. I've spent plenty of time in the desert in Arizona in the past, but somehow never found a reason to make a trip to the very Instagrammable Palm Springs. A few months back my girlfriends and I got exciting news about one of them telling us she was pregnant! MY FIRST GOOD FRIEND IS MAKING A HUMAN! So we decided to celebrate with a girl's trip in August to Palm Springs. Did I mention Palm Springs is a desert and it's Summer still? Clearly, we were overcome by the baby announcement. Life lesson: don't start booking things after your friend tells you she's pregnant. The chances are no one is thinking straight.

Because I was mostly hopping from AC to car to hotel to car to food (aka I was not ready for that heat) I'm listing this out for you. Possible tips:

-Palm Springs is good for those who enjoy lounging by the pool with a drink or book in hand.

-Don't go in the middle of the Summer if you're not into sweating much

-Whatever you do, make sure your rental car has tinted windows because hot desert heat and no shaded parking.

-Do go to the Moorten Botanical Garden! And don't be scared off by their less up-to-date looking website. In person, it's a beautiful cacti and succulent dream. Not very big, but nice in the morning before it's too hot.

-Most of the hotel pools you see on Instagram are either for guests or some are possible to pay a fee to use.

-The downtown strip does have it all, but unless you do your research of where to eat you can easily fall into mediocre spots.

-You can forget about trying to take your picture in front of that house with the pink door. The owners have put up signs prohibiting photos.

-So many of the good bars and restaurants that were recommended were closed for vacation. Another reason not to go the end of August.

-Do NOT order a margarita at The Parker. That's $17 for a margarita that I'm sure was premixed. It will go down as the most unsatisfying and overpriced drink of all times.

While I learned a thing or two of mainly what not to do in Palm Springs, we had plenty of laughs at our decision on the timing of this trip. Would we do it again? Yes! Will it be in August again? Not a chance! But there's already talk you'll see us visit early Spring or Fall (with a baby!)

Have you visited Palm Springs?