Alexa Chung Talks Holiday Shopping and Her Top Madewell Gift Picks

If all girls had a pal like “it” girl Alexa Chung to celebrate the holidays with, the world would be a better-dressed place.
That’s what we think after reviewing the Madewell pieces that the VJ turned style icon turned Madewell guest designer feels are ideal for giving (or receiving) this holiday season. (Check out more tomorrow on Madewell.com.)
Chung highlights six items on her wish list: her own Madewell Sketchbook T-dress, which includes a charming bat illustration, a thick gray Cotswold cardigan, tuxedo-inspired Clerkenwell blouses, black suede Griffith satchel, flared Vintage Rocker jeans and a graphic pintuck tee.
“I can’t stop wearing flares at the moment. They’re so much comfier than skinny-legged jeans, and tuxedo shirts look ace with trousers for a masculine spin,” Chung tells StyleList of some of her picks, before doling out a little styling advice.
“Short skirts are great for a preppy look or under pinafores and dungarees, but approach with caution, as you don’t want to look like an overgrown child. Woolly cardigans are a must in winter, and the satchel is handy to sling over your body. Nobody likes getting mugged!” Tomorrow, Chung will also introduce her limited-edition bat tunic, which she designed for Madewell’s holiday season.
“I’m so happy that the tunic is now available,” she tells StyleList.
“I loved the bat tee, but was always rather fond of the longer version. I’d suggest wearing with tights and a granddad cardigan this winter or wear it to bed so you can look ace even as you sleep!” As for what Chung is looking to receive for the holidays, she advises her gifters to get creative and keep things personal.
“You often hear people say that giving is better than receiving, and although it does warm my cold, cold heart to see a loved one happily unwrapping something I’ve found for them, you can’t deny that getting something back is equally thrilling,” she tells us before launching into her personal wants.
“This Christmas, I’d like ‘A Single Man’ on DVD as a treat for my eyes, as well as this Pendleton bedspread,” she says. “And I love when people make things. Xmas-tree-shaped cookies are great and all, but why not switch it up and bake your pals some dino treats like these! It’s time to think outside that Xmas box.”
So, what do you think of Madewell collection? :)
Beside the fact that it’s a bit overpriced for an ‘affordable’ collection, I think it’s pretty nice. Are you going to buy anything? :)
As a bonus, with every Alexa for Madewell purchase you’ll receive a special ribbon pouch with a handwritten note from Chung featuring one of her three favorite quotes.
Alexa’s favorite quotes:
“Better than a poke in the eye”
“Hello, you look pretty!”
“Manners maketh man”

“Hoorayss, just received the first few items from my collection for Madewell. Bat tee = hell yeah!” Alexa Chung’s twitter.
A promo pic for Alexa’s line.
Vogue celebrates this year’s Age Issue.
Photographed by Mario Sorrenti, Mario Testino, Annie Leibovitz, and Bruce Weber.
“I love Alexa!” says Karl Lagerfeld of the London style bombshell and Madewell consultant. “If someone asks me who is a modern girl for me today, Alexa should be the one! The way she looks, the way she talks and acts. She does a lot of things at the same time; she is very talented and does it in a perfect way. She is beautiful and clever!”