Twigs.

 Fine, whatever, I admit it.

I was intimidated by Twigs.

 

Top to bottom: cuff: Anna Beck, bag: Milly, necklace: Alexis Bittar

 Not only does this inspiringly-decorated boutique [located just past Trader Joe's on Monroe Street] have the most incredible brands of bags, jewelry and clothing, but the employees are dressed head to toe in intimidatingly classy ensembles.

 That being said, just two minutes into my visit, I was already giggling and chatting up a storm - completely taken by how much the store's owner, Jen, emphasizes that fashion doesn't have to be haughty. 

She really believes in its ability to bring a little bit of excitement to everyday life. 

bag: Marc Jacobs

tee: Splendid, jacket: Smythe

clutch: Clare Vivier

Everything she sells in her boutique is hand-chosen, specifically intended for anyone living in Madison who wants a little something extra to get excited about in the morning.

(You know, to kick-start that elusive and oh-so-romantic, "I-have-a-new-shirt-so-I-don't-fully-want-to-kill-myself-right-now-shut-up-stupid-alarm-clock" feeling).

blouse: Adriano Goldschmied, jeans: Citizens of Humanity, bracelet: Ben-Amun

necklace: Jenny Bird

Yes, Twigs does sell some pricey stuff. And I'm not going to pretend that when I had to put this $1,100 Montcler trench back on the hanger, a little piece of my soul didn't go back with it. 

But what I really loved about the store [and what I honestly didn't expect] is how practical it is for a girl like me to find something that will suit my sense of style, my day-to-day demands, and ultimately, my budget. 

The jeans alone are worth a visit. MIH, Citizens of Humanity, DL 1961, Rag & Bone, Genetic, etc etc.

clutch: Marc Jacobs

  I grew up admiring blue ribbons on beefy cows and demon-sized rabbits at the state fair, so I tend to get a bit intimidated by big names and designer tags. 

But ten minutes into roaming around, and I was already pulling pieces off the goody-filled racks like a pro. And even better? 

They worked with what I was already wearing. A practicality factor my poor dear mother, who already suffers a Gabby-debit-card-balance-induced anxiety attack per day, would endorse.

The store is filled with items to give the perfect amount of pop to my often overly-dreary Midwestern wardrobe.

Never seen such beautiful jewelry. leaf earrings: Gorjana, other great brands: Alexis Bittar, Viv & Ingrid, Ben-Amun, Pyrrha, AV max ... swoon-worthy.

The real cherry-on-top, though, was the staff. Talk about pros. These ladies know their stuff, but in a totally unpretentious way. 

Remember, that's me talking. And I'm allergic to snobbery.

That's me being allergic to something.

Anyhow, I haven't seen anything else like it. Twigs has something for everyone - but something you can rest-assured you won't find elsewhere while shopping in Madison. Whether that be a pair of small drool-worthy leaf earrings, a sheer neon top fit for spring, or a $1,100 trench coat (30% off!) that may or may not find its way into my dreams tonight.

So check it out, girl scout.

(Or cubs, if you're in need of gift). (For me.)

http://www.shoptwigs.com/ 

1925 Monroe St

Madison, WI 53711

[[just past Trader Joe's & lululemon]]

Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm

Sun 10 am - 5 pm

Special thanks to store owner Jen Van Wart for being so wildly accommodating.

And extra special thanks to my friend Bre Ellsworth, who agreed to be photographed for this post. How gorgeous is she?? 

Cheerio.