I'm definitely more of an online shopper. I love the ease of scrolling, adding everything to my cart, and having it arrive at my doorstep within days. But every so often, I get the urge to step away from the screen and shop the old-school way. I want to feel the fabrics, run my hands over the textures, try things on, and see how everything looks in person. I also love exploring new retail stores in the neighborhoods around me, taking in how the merchandise is arranged and how each space is designed.
So when I heard that Madewell had opened in Cobble Hill this week, I knew I had to stop by. And I did just that. I got dressed and took the F train downtown and out of Manhattan. As the brand's second Brooklyn location, it was the perfect excuse for an afternoon of in-person shopping.
The opening couldn't have been better timed: it coincided with the launch of Madewell's latest fall and winter collection. I'd already previewed the new pieces online, but seeing them in person made me love them even more because they look so expensive. The moment I walked through the door, I was pulling pieces from the racks and tables. Before I knew it, a sales associate came up to me and asked if I'd like to start a fitting room.
There were plenty of standout pieces, but the knitwear was especially good, with a range of sweaters in royal purple, one of fall's biggest color trends, alongside pretty patterns like Fair Isle. I also fell for the vintage-looking denim, particularly the '90s jeans, which came home with me. I pulled a few long coats, short jackets, and striped button-downs, too—because, if you know me, you know my closet is built around a good button-down. And I couldn't resist trying on corduroy pants, which I've been eyeing on celebrities like Laura Harrier, Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski. That's only part of what I found, though. Keep scrolling to see the elegant items I tried on and the ones that made it into my cold-weather wardrobe.
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)Inside the Brooklyn Cobble Hill Store:
Located in a former horse-drawn carriage factory in the heart of Cobble Hill, the new Madewell store honors the character and craftsmanship of one of Brooklyn's historic industrial buildings. Many of the space’s original architectural details remain, carefully preserved and highlighted so the building's past remains a defining feature.
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)The Pieces I Tried On:
(Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)Shop the look:
Madewell The Easy Shirt in 100% Cotton Poplin Madewell The Mercer Relaxed Blazer Madewell The '90s Jean (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)Shop the look:
Madewell High V-Neck Sweater in Wool Blend Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean in Airy Denim Madewell The Simone Cocoon Coat Madewell Chunky Fair Isle Sweater in 100% Wool (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)Shop the look:
Madewell Funnel-Neck Puffer Coat Madewell The '90s Jean Madewell The Signature Woven Tote in Suede (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)Shop the look:
Madewell The Simone Cocoon Coat Madewell The Signature Y-Neck Shirt in 100% Cotton Madewell The Low-Rise Loose Pant in Corduroy (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)Shop the look:
Madewell Chunky Fair Isle Sweater in 100% Wool Madewell The '90s Jean Madewell The Lexington Zip Shoulder Bag (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt)Shop the look:
Madewell Shrunken Denim Western Shirt Madewell The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean Madewell The Calli Ankle Boot