Alexa for Madewell - Finally!

 [images via Madewell]

Hype has been building around the Alexa Chung for Madewell collection for what seems like a lifetime, and it's finally here! Well, online. We'll have to wait until Saturday to see the collection in person.

Judging by Alexa's personal style, the collection is more or less what I expected: super on-trend with plenty of girly blouses and dresses, skinny denim, and ladylike coats. Overall, it's lovely, versatile and truly wearable. My picks after the jump...

[billie velvet shorts]

These shorts are beyond amazing, and they are by far my favorite piece in the collection. Such a great take on all the wool and leather winter shorts we are seeing this season. These will be mine!

[l to r: iris blouse, annie blouse]

I live in this type of blouse throughout fall and winter. Perfect for overheated office buildings, they look equally good tucked into trousers or skirts as they do hanging out over skinnies.

[betty tea dress]

This is what I picture when I think of Alexa Chung. I think I tend to look too precious in this type of dress, but it's adorable on someone like Alexa, no?

[aimee fisherman-knit sweater]

I admit that this sweater is all about the styling, and Madewell has done a damn fine job here! It would also look good over one of the above blouses (with the collar sticking out, of course), toughened up with some lace-up booties and chunky jewelry.

To me, there is only one true failure in the collection:

[striped polly coverall dress]

Cause there's nothing like an engineer-striped denim apron! The light and dark denim versions are slightly less offensive, but still... no.

So, what do you think? Does the collection live up to the hype?