misosouper, a shopping blog

Here’s the thing about J. Crew’s sales:  they’re pretty much always happening, so you never have to worry about missing one, a la Nordstrom’s semi-annual sell-offs; they’re usually accompanied by some sort of coupon, either for free shipping or an additional percentage off, which can be be tracked down at  J.Crew Aficionada; and the sale section of their website is guaranteed to behave badly, which means non-sale/kids/men’s items will be filtered in with the women’s sale stuff, and half of the sale stock will be, well, out of stock.

I shopped the sale for us today, and because of the overwhelming amount of merchandise, I limited my price range to under $100, which led me to my beloved Quinn Cami, Matchstick Cords, and even some stuff for the guys.  And although I made a big effort to select items that had at least two sizes in stock, things can change quickly (see above), so make your purchase fast.

Long story short:  it’s an ongoing, deeply discounted treasure hunt.  To the patient, nimble-fingered, and eagle-eyed go the spoils.

1.  Wool Jersey Rosette Tank; 2.  Beachcomber Tunic; 3.  Cashmere Tunic; 4.  Men’s Cashmere V-Neck Sweater; 5.  Claudia Crackle-Metallic Pumps (the only item over $100, though not by much…can you blame me?); 6.  Men’s Fleece Deck Jacket; 7.  Herringbone Fiona Jacket; 8.  Merino Lea Cardigan; 9.  Poplin Kasia Blouse; 10.  Men’s Secret Wash Point Collar Shirt; 11.  Silk Chiffon Abigail Dress; 12.  Solid Crawford Blouse; 13.  Stretch Vintage Matchstick Cord; 14.  Mod Herringbone Mini; 15.  Quinn Cami; 16.  Men’s Shearling Scuffs.

I first stumbled across the clothing brand Madras 641 on Twitter (seriously…is there anything those 140 characters can’t do?), and I was hooked.  Cofounded by friends Subu and Ina, their designs incorporate signature touches in each lovingly crafted garment, such as foil print, paisley flourishes, or an intricately detailed hem.  Their Fall/Winter ‘08 collection features a signature tunic rendered in–hello, gorgeous!–bronze studs, that would be perfect for layering over a long-sleeved tee and leggings, or wearing with heels after the kiddos are in bed.  (OK, so that’s what I would do.  If you don’t have kids, or can stiletto after toddlers, feel free to totter in the tunic at all times.)

What I love most about their line, besides its amazingly affordable prices, is the clothes’ fantastical details:   fabric tucked inside the pleats of a jumper, sequined paillettes bedecking a shoulder, and a subtle horizontal slit across the back of an oxfordy shirt.

I want all of it.  And I bet you will to0, which is why misosouper and Madras 641 are giving away two shirts to two lucky winners.  Choose from those featured above:  the Paisley Muse, a drop-waist tunic with a drawstring at the bottom; and the Rough Around the Edges, a button-down, bat sleeve top, both of which would look great layered over a three-quarter length top.  Leave a note in the comments indicating which shirt is your favorite, and we’ll randomly draw one winner for each garment.

And if you don’t win, Madras 641 is offering misosouper readers a 30% discount on both shirts; simply e-mail ina@madras641.com, mention the misosouper giveaway, and let her which top you’d like.  (They accept PayPal, as if you weren’t enticed enough.)

the fine print:

Comments will be closed and entries will not be accepted after 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, January 11, 2009.  The winner will be selected on Monday, January 12, 2009, and notified by e-mail.  Results of the giveaway will be announced on Monday, January 12, 2009.  Multiple entries will not be accepted, and previous giveaway winners are not eligible.  Misosouper, a shopping blog reserves the right to disqualify entries that are incomplete, or considered spam.

This pintucked tuxedo shirt with a surprise backdrop would be the perfect topper for your holiday hostess outfit.  For your guests’ sake, however, I’d probably style it with a pair of pants.