Store Spotlight: Madewell

We have all made the awkward transition from silver monogrammed chains and pearl earrings to gold hoops and studs stacked so high up they’re almost impossible to count. Personally, I started my college career with only two studs on each lobe and a simple lightning bolt hugging the middle of my left ear, but have since then added four more piercings (don’t tell my mom). Based on all of this, I think it’s fair to validate my expertise in this particular field.  With up to nine earrings in at any given time, trying to find pieces that not only work together, but don’t leave me with green lobes due to rust has been quite the journey.  Not to mention the fact that in college, buying real gold products is not necessarily the most realistic option.  So, here I am to share with you a brand that will save you the years of trials and tribulations I had to endure in order to find a gold ensemble that won’t irritate your skin, or your wallet either. 

Madewell, a brand acquired by the better-known company, J. Crew, has formed the basis of my extensive jewelry collection for quite some time now.  Due to the brand’s main selling point is their high-quality denim, I had no clue their jewelry was of the same grade.  Fast forward a few years and every piece of jewelry I own bears the signature vintage gold finish of this all-inclusive brand.  

Chunky gold hoops are a staple in any wardrobe, regardless of age.  Big enough to make a statement, but small enough that they don’t overwhelm an outfit, the Chunky Small Hoops from Madewell are my everyday go-to.  Going out with the girls and want a little something extra to complete your look?  Try the Chunky Large Hoop Earrings.  These hollow hoops have sterling silver posts to prevent irritation and at only $24, you’re guaranteed to make an entrance everywhere you go.

For second and third holes, I recommend something daintier.  These Paperclip Chain Earrings (only $22!) have occupied my second holes for weeks now and are perfectly in-line with the latest fall trends.  For a more classic look that’ll never go out of style, try the Ball Stud Earrings, part of Madewell’s delicate collection.  Feel free to mix and match these in order to create a classy, cohesive look.

As the mismatched, asymmetrical look rises in popularity, Madewell continues to step up to the plate.  Two of my favorites recently have been the Pearl Mix-and-Match Earring Set and the Zigzag Earring Set.  Each set comes with four single earrings, all different, in order to allow for creativity and a constant switch-up to your look.  What’s the fun in fashion if you can’t change things up every once in a while?  These sets are perfect for cartilage piercing addicts like myself who need to fill a lot of piercings with not a lot of money.  

You may still be wondering: what makes Madewell so special?  Madwell’s quality is unmatched for the price.  My Madewell earrings continue to survive countless steaming-hot showers, trips to the beach, and sweaty gym sessions. These earrings still maintain the shiny gold finish that they had the day I purchased them.  So, the next time your $5 hoops from Claire’s magically transform from gold into silver, consider investing your money elsewhere (and be sure to thank me later ;)).

–Jo Kuziak