Taking Inventory: Bright Young Things

As other retailers bow out of Newbury Street, J.Crew’s trendier little sister steps in.

By Rachel Baker

: Store photo by Lisa Richov. Product photo (below) by Hornick/Rivlin

WHAT'S SELLING BEST

Young customers are treating the different washes of denim, like the sun-bleached version ($125), as collect-them-all wardrobe staples.

COVETED BY THE SHOP CLERK

A slouchy tote in patent leather ($225) marries mature functionality with youthful pizzazz.

OUR FAVORITE ITEM

Bold tones give this cardigan ($125) a sophisticated yet decidedly funky confidence.

THE LOWDOWN

Teenyboppers rule at Madewell, despite a few pieces that would look perfectly cute on their fashion-forward moms. The girls' clothing chain, which began as a New Bedford workwear manufacturer and is now owned by J.Crew, recently opened its first store in Boston proper. (The Natick flagship launched in 2007.) Cut small, the signature denim, basic knits, and casual separates are high school appropriate, and the shop's youthful vibe feels legit, notwithstanding the ersatz love notes on the walls ("Confessions of a J. Brand addict—Your Rail Straight jeans are my new favorites! XO, Tracy"). Many price tags are higher than the average 16-year-old's allowance, however: Jeans run up to $200, and boots can hit $300.