Earlier this week, Jennifer and I were honored to host a private shopping party at the new Madewell store at Scottsdale Fashion Square. It was loads of fun; we got to shop the store for our picks, and then share them with our friends who came to check out the new store. After being fans of the online store for years, we couldn’t be happier to have an actual store nearby. And I think it’s so cool to see a chain retailer embrace the local fashion/creative community the way Madewell has by hosting and participating in Phoenix-area events.

Thanks to the lovely ladies at Madewell Scottsdale Fashion Square for inviting us to host the party! Below are some pictures from the event, followed by this week’s Five for Friday, inspired by the great sale going on at Madewell, online and in stores.

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Spending time in the comfortable, stylish Madewell store surrounded by so many adorable looks gave great ideas for this week’s Five for Friday. They  just added some new styles to their sale, so I’ve picked five items you can scoop up online for a real bargain price (click the items in the pictures for details). I especially recommend the Spotshadow Panorama Shorts — Jennifer picked up a dress in that print at the shopping event and I brought the jacket with me to Africa. It’s just a fantastic print. And to sweeten the deal — although I don’t know how long it will be going on — sale items in the store were marked down an additional 50% off. So if you’re near the store, be sure to stop by.

Jennifer and I recently got the chance to go on our very first personal shopping expedition with our friend Carly, a fellow teacher and new mom. Carly was ready to ditch the post-pregnancy clothes and get a few fun pieces to update her wardrobe, but her busy schedule made it tough to find the time to shop (not to mention the fact that she admits to not being much of a shopping fan in general). Style Tutor to the rescue!

Carly was looking for jeans and a few tops that could work in our mild Arizona winters and then transition into spring. As it happened, Gap was offering 30% off all denim, so that’s where we began our search. As it happens, it’s also where we ended our search.

We found Carly a pair of dark-washed skinny jeans — her first pair — that fit her like a glove. And while nothing beats a great fitting pair of jeans, the 30% off was an awesome added bonus. And if we were smitten with the bright colors and stripes that make up most of Gap’s spring collection on the hanger, we were truly in love once Carly tried on a few pieces. She picked up a couple striped tees that can be dressed up or down, and a knockout bright green knit blazer that will add some spice to her wardrobe for seasons to come.

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