DIOR'S NEW LOOK PART I

Christian Dior's New Look, 1947

Catherine Heigl, Harper's Bazaar, June 2010

Carmen Dell'Orefice in Paris, 1950s, Photographed by Richard Avedon

Renée, The New Look of Dior, Place de la Concorde, Paris, August 1947 | Photograph: Richard Avedon © The Richard Avedon Foundation

Perhaps my second greatest source of inspiration (behind movies) would be Dior's New Look. I continually look to it for inspiration and it was, in fact, the inspiration behind this week's look which was the very first coat I ever made. Too soon for vintage Madalyn Joy!? Five years is definitely a long time! ;)

For those of you who are not familiar with Dior's New Look, it was a very controversial look for 1947. World War II had just ended two years earlier and everyone was still in the mindset of uniforms (military and civilian) and fabric restrictions and shortages. Dior's New Look was controversial in the way that it had a completely feminine look with a very full skirt, a cinched waist, and rounded shoulders. The skirt alone used 25 yards of fabric which was something completely unheard of at this time!

Dior wanted to move on from the war times and look to bigger and brighter things in the future. Dior's New Look has been the source of inspiration for many designers and continues to be influential even decades later. 

Can't wait to share my Dior's New Look inspired dress coat on Friday!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

MISS WISCONSIN PARADE LOOK PART II

Courtney Pelot photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Cedarburg, WI, 2016. 

I am so happy to finally be sharing this look! Since Courtney was one of the last ones to go in the parade (parade order is alphabetical), most the photos taken were a bit too dark and windy. Thankfully we were able to capture this look during one of the last warm days back in November!

Courtney and I both loved how this look came together and turned out. It is the epitome of Courtney, UW-Madison, and Marchesa which was everything we were trying to go for! Courtney already had the  red embellished two piece set so we decided to make use of it and incorporate it into the look. I enjoyed created the skirt with the flower 'W' on it and the sassy and, quite literally, charming heels. 

Miss Wisconsin will be wearing her parade look this Saturday during the Miss Green Bay Area pageant. Make sure to see it in person if you're free!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy 

MISS WISCONSIN PARADE LOOK PART I

Photography by The Studio On Main in LaCrosse, WI. 2016. 

Illustrations by Madalyn Manzeck. 2016. 

I distinctly remember the warm June evening that I was driving home from my cousin's engagement party and I received one of the most exciting phone calls with the best news from Courtney Pelot. She was calling to tell me she had a new title... Miss Wisconsin 2016! I think I screamed and definitely lost my cool for a couple of minutes. It was truly such exciting news because I knew how hard Courtney had worked to earn this well deserved title. 

Courtney wasted no time and cut straight to business! She told me that there was a parade at Miss America where each contestant wore an outfit inspired by their home state and she wanted me to design her look. Needless to say, I was completely humbled and honored.

We chatted inspiration over rosé and arugula and prosciutto pizza at Il Ritrovo a week or so after she was crowned. It became very clear to both of us that UW-Madison would be our main source of inspiration especially since we were recent grads. The red "W" flower bed on University Avenue was always one of mine and Courtney's favorite features about the campus and decided to recreate it on her skirt and shoes. 

Marchesa had always been one of Courtney's favorite designers so I wanted to incorporate their ruched, flowery fabric technique to emulate the texture of the flower bed. She opted for the heel design with the ruched fabric and straps that had Wisconsin themed charms dangling from them. We had so much fun working on this project together to create an outfit that not only was dazzling for Miss America but also was an homage to our alma mater. We both really loved how the completed outfit turned out and I truly cannot wait to share Miss Wisconsin's parade look with you all on Friday!
 

xoxo

Madalyn Joy 

J. CREW OXFORD CHECK COAT

Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald at The American Club in Kohler, WI in 2017. 

Coat J. Crew | Jeans Zara | Flats M. Gemi | Handbag Ted Baker | Hat Francesa's | Earrings Kate Spade | Hair Bow J. Crew 

I had my eye on this coat for THE longest time but I just couldn't justify buying another coat when I already had a closet full of them at home. I continued to admire it from a far and double tapped all the bloggers' Instagram posts of them wearing it.

I had dragged Ben along to try the coat on with me in the store one time and he sneakily told his aunt (who works at J. Crew) who then told his mom that I had my eye on this coat and it was going on sale. So after months and months of lusting after this coat, the Rennicke family so graciously surprised me with it for Christmas! I just could not believe it and was so happy and thankful.

I seriously have not taken it off since. Everything about the coat from the fabric to the fit is absolutely perfect! Thank you Rennicke family for my beautiful new coat!
 

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

OLD HOLLYWOOD PART II

Courtney Pelot and Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Cedarburg, WI in 2016. Courtney and Madalyn are both wearing custom and original Madalyn Joy Designs. 

Happy Friday! I am so excited to watch the red carpet and Golden Globes this Sunday evening! I probably will be keeping it low key and be staying at home to watch it with my mom. It's my favorite way to watch it because her hidden talent is picking the nominee that will win. I love challenging her and trying to cause an upset!

This photo shoot was one of my absolute favorites and it was all made possible by Karalyn Jagow. She is a close family friend and works at the Rivoli Theater. She came and opened it up for us one Friday morning at 9am so we could sneak in and take a couple of pictures in the empty theater. Thank you so much Karalyn! 

As I mentioned in the previous post, I find a lot of my design inspiration from Old Hollywood and wanted to photograph a couple of my designs in a movie theater. I also thought it would be even more fun if a friend came along so I am so happy Courtney was able to join me for the shoot! 

Do you have any fun and exciting plans to watch the Golden Globes this weekend? What are your predictions for winners? Do you prefer watching the red carpet or awards ceremony!? Drop a comment below! I would love to hear your thoughts!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

OLD HOLLYWOOD PART I

In honor of the 74th Golden Globes this Sunday evening, I wanted to put together a post that paid homage to the world of cinema and Old Hollywood. I find a lot of my design inspiration from films and would definitely consider myself to be a cinephile. There is just something so magical about Old Hollywood that I find myself always using that as the starting point for my design inspiration. It all started when I used Old Hollywood glamour as the source of my inspiration to design my red satin mermaid gown for Junior prom in high school. I've been inspired ever since!

I wanted to create a gown for Courtney inspired by Nicole Kidman's red bow gown at the 2007 Academy Awards. It has always been one of my favorite gowns and I decided it was finally time to bring it to life for a special friend. So Courtney and I headed to the Rivoli Theater in downtown Cedarburg to bring our red evening gowns to life with the magic of cinema. I cannot wait for you all to see the looks revealed on Friday!

Until then, what are some of your favorite red carpet looks? What about favorite films or Old Hollywood stars? Any plans to host a Golden Globes viewing party? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Cedarburg, WI in 2016. 

Gold Velvet Gown Madalyn Joy Designs | Glitter Heels Christian Louboutin | Sequin Ball Earrings Vintage | Red Matte Lipstick Stila 

Happy New Year! I cannot wait to celebrate tomorrow evening and ring in the New Year with my family, friends, and boyfriend. It is crazy to think that this is my very last post of 2016! Granted I did start Styled By Madalyn Joy on November 1, 2016; however, time sure does fly when you're having fun. I really wanted to do something fun for this New Year's post so instead of photographing it outside somewhere, we opted to play dress up in one of my favorite vintage boutiques, Dime A Dance, located in Cedarburg. The owner let us try on coats and accessories and shoot all around the store. It was a truly perfect way to say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017!

I really enjoy making New Year's Resolutions but to be honest, I have a difficult time completing all of them because they tend to be too broad or unrealistic. I think the one I have had on my list the longest is to get a body like a Victoria's Secret Angel. Yeah that goes great until I see sour gummies and cinnamon rolls and pretty much just food in general and decide a moment on the lips is worth it for a life time on the hips. I am hoping to find more balance in diet and exercise this year! Haha

I wanted to share a couple of my New Year's Resolutions below but I truly would love to hear some of yours in return! I love reading your comments! <3 

1. Find a full time job!

2. Read the news more. 

3. Design some really fun and amazing pieces for the blog!

4. Take a trip to Paris.

5. Find balance in my diet and exercise regimes. 

Finally, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has joined me on this exciting, new journey and I am eternally grateful for all of your love and support. Thank you to the talented Cassie Sterwald who photographs every post because without you I simply wouldn't have a blog. Thank you to Ben Rennicke for your motivational speeches and for always encouraging me to keep posting even when I ask, "Does anyone even read the blog? What's the point of this!?" Thank you to my parents for providing me with your support and believing in me even though I still may be an unemployed college graduate living at home with my parents. I am pursuing my dreams because of you both! Thank you to all my friends for persuading me to start a blog and thank you to everyone who has simply stopped by to check it out. I couldn't have done it without you all!

Cheers to 2017! 

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

WHITE CHRISTMAS PART II

Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Cedarburg, WI in 2016. 

Red tulle skirt Madalyn Joy Designs | Black turtleneck sweater French Connection | Black bow heels Aldo | Red heart flats Christian Louboutin | Vintage black sequin earrings | Red matte lipstick Stila

This has definitely been my favorite post so far because Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year! I love all the decorations, presents, and yummy treats. There is just a magical feel in the air wherever you go during the holiday season! 

My favorite Christmas movie of all time is White Christmas mainly because I adore Bing Crosby, Vera Ellen, and Edith Head's amazing costume designs for the film. Every year I dream of having a white Christmas and I am so happy to say that we got one this year! Unfortunately the snow is not pictured above because I wanted to shoot this look before the temperature became a balmy 0 degrees plus wind chill. The snow will most definitely be featured in the next photo shoot since it would kind of be difficult to edit it all out granted how much of it there is! 

I plan on wearing this festive look to church on Christmas Eve. The red tulle skirt was a little tedious to make but it was worth it because it is so much fun to wear! I plan to find every excuse to wear it during this holiday season. 

What are you planning to wear for Christmas this year!? Maybe a decadent velvet gown or a fun and flirty tulle skirt? Whatever it may be, I hope you have a fabulous Christmas surrounded with family and friends!

God's richest and warmest blessings,

Madalyn Joy 

WHITE CHRISTMAS PART I

The Christmas tree at The Palace Hotel in NYC. 

Inspiration board photos courtesy of (from upper left clockwise) Atlantic Pacific, Home and Cottage, Almost Makes Perfect, Harper's Bazaar, Atlantic Pacific, Homesteading, The Real Catwalk, Selina Lake, Atlantic Pacific. 2016.

My gorgeous cousin, Ailie, and her handsome fiance, Ben, are definitely couple's style goals! 

My mom's beautiful Christmas tree!

Photo courtesy of Courtney Pelot. 

Ben and Ailie's engagement photos are so dreamy and magical! I just loved the twirling shots of Ailie's tulle skirt! 

A detail shot of my mom's beautiful Christmas tree. 

Courtney and I had a festive sleepover viewing party for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

High tea at The Wisconsin Room at The American Club in Kohler, WI. Photo courtesy of The American Club. 

Illustration by Madalyn Manzeck. 2016. 

Illustration by Madalyn Manzeck. 2016. 

The holiday season of Christmas and New Years is my absolute favorite time of year! All of the decorations are so festive and everything is just so magical! I wanted to share a couple of my favorite things about Christmas and I hope you share some of yours as well too!

A few of my favorite Christmas things: 

Outdoor Activity: Downhill skiing

Indoor Activity: Snuggling into a pile of fuzzy blankets in front of the fireplace and watching a Christmas movie

Christmas Song: "There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays" by Perry Como and "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby

Christmas Movie: White Christmas

Cookie: Pecan Nougat

Outfit: I always enjoyed wearing matching dresses with my sister when we were little! 

Tradition: My family always eats enchiladas for dinner on Christmas Eve! We can't really remember how or why it started but we all love it and always look forward to it. 

Ornament: The angel topper I made in preschool from a paper plate and some glitter. I still use it on top of my mini gold tree! 

Present: The mini Ski Doo snowmobile my dad got for my brother, sister, and I to share when we were growing up in elementary school. We would hook up a sled behind it and pull each other around! 

Favorite Christmas: The Christmas of 2005 because my family lived in Lake Tahoe, California for the month of December and it was so magical with the gigantic trees and mounds of snow. I enjoyed watching the skiers at Heavenly Mountain Resort and staying cozy at Starbucks while sipping on a peppermint mocha and eating a cranberry bliss bar. It was a truly magical Christmas! 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions!? I would love to hear! 

God's richest and warmest blessings,

Madalyn Joy

#23inNYC

Enjoy a little recap video of our trip below! 

Courtney posing in front of the decadent 5th Ave store front decorations

Twinkling garland lights make the Ralph's sign extra festive for the holiday season

A hot Earl Grey tea to hit the spot

The gorgeous tree in Rockefeller Plaza

Courtney posing in between the lions at the New York Public Library

Madalyn in her happy place shopping at Henri Bendel

The pretty pink decorations at Serendipity III

Sipping on the infamous frozen hot chocolate

The absolutely gorgeous interior at Aquazurra 

Breathtaking decorations at Sak's Fifth Ave

Afternoon tea and treats at Laduree

The tree at the Plaza Hotel

A Mansur Gavriel pop up shop in SoHo

Posing in front of The Palace Hotel's Christmas tree... Has anyone seen Serena? 

We were on the Today Show and appeared on live national television! 

This trip was a truly magical and memorable once in a life time trip! I don't want to talk too much about it because I am a firm believer that a picture (and a video!) are worth a thousand words. Courtney and I were in awe of the decadent Christmas decorations in NYC and would recommend to anyone to visit the city during this time of year. Please enjoy a peek into our girls trip and savor the magic the city has to offer this time of year! Again, Happy 23rd Birthday, Courtney! So glad we got to celebrate in the Big Apple together!

Trip Favorites...

Courtney

Restaurant: The Smith

Sweet Treat: Laduree

Warm Drink: Maman Black Tea

Most Festive Decorations: The Palace Tree

Favorite Purchase: Rebecca Minkoff Black Leather Tote Bag

Cocktail: The Imperial Plaza at The Champagne Bar at The Plaza Hotel

Neighborhood: SoHo

Mode of Transportation: Cab because we did so much walking!

Trip in One Word: Christmas-y

Favorite New Experience: Glossier Showroom

Madalyn

Restaurant: Serendipity III

Sweet Treat: Sockerbit Sour Gummies

Warm Drink: Ralph's Earl Grey Tea

Most Festive Decorations: Sak's Fifth Ave Night Light Show

Favorite Purchase: M. Gemi Black Bow Flats

Cocktail: French 75 at The Champagne Bar at The Plaza Hotel

Neighborhood: Upper East Side

Mode of Transportation: Surprisingly the subway since I feel more comfortable and know how to use it

Trip in One Word: Magical

Favorite New Experience: The Empire Hotel rooftop and The Champagne Bar at The Plaza because both were fun times with friends!

DYNAMIC DUO PART II

Courtney Pelot + Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Cedarburg, WI in 2016. 

Slips + Black Coat Madalyn Joy Designs | Feather Coat Line + Dot | Madalyn's Black Heels Nine West | Courtney's Black Heels Call It Spring

Here we are! The dynamic duo of Court + Mads back at it again! Courtney and I spent the summer of 2014 living in Madison and created a column for Moda Magazine called Summer and the City. We photographed our favorite things to do and see in Madison during the summer so it felt so good to be reunited and do this photo shoot TOGETHER again! Feel free to take a peek at the Summer and the City series here and see Courtney and I look like little babies. Two and a half years can make a huge difference! 

Courtney and I both truly love getting dressed up with each other and sometimes for no reason at all! For this shoot, we really wanted to incorporate the street style trend of combining lingerie slips with outerwear. The look creates a clever juxtaposition between the silky satins and lace of the slips and the embellished wool and feathers of the outwear. It creates an overall effortless and fun look and I think that definitely came through in the photos. 

Also, all of these amazing photos would not be possible without the work of the talented Cassie Sterwald. She always knows the look and vision I am going for with each shoot and just is a magician when it comes to capturing the shot. Cassie, Courtney, and I are all good friends which made the photo shoot so much fun! We joked and laughed and enjoyed pretending like we were at New York Fashion Week when in reality we were strutting our stuff on the sidewalks of Cedarburg in front of their public library. Hey, fake it until you make it! 

Lastly, I had mentioned in my previous post that I wanted to feature another stylish dynamic duo in this post today. Ashley Mackens and her good friend Morgan are featured below and just exude the boho chic vibes that all of us envy with our style. Take a short scroll down to see their photo and read what Ashley had to say about her dynamic duo's personal style!

Since Courtney and I will be in NYC all next week, I will only be sharing one blog post on Friday, December 16th (Courtney's birthday!) so make sure to follow along on Instagram for behind the scenes snaps of our trip!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

**FEATURED DYNAMIC DUO**

"Morgan and I love fashion. Clothing is just one thing we bond over. Sometimes she is a little bit more preppy, and I am little bit more rocker, but we both love dressing in the boho fashions of Free People. The link below will bring you to an Instagram of the two of us in beautiful, light weight dresses. The out of focus shot resembles the dream like quality of Free People's clothing. As the first snow sets in and finals loom around the corner, I wish we could go back to this carefree summer day." -Ashley Mackens

DYNAMIC DUO PART I

Photo courtesy of Vogue. 

Photo courtesy of Madalyn Manzeck. 

Photo courtesy of Stockholm Street Style. 

Photo courtesy of Madalyn Manzeck. 

Photo courtesy of Madalyn Manzeck. 

Photo courtesy of Vogue. 

Photo courtesy of Madalyn Manzeck. 

One of the very first times I met Courtney, I was wearing a workout outfit (leggings, wind breaker jacket, tennis shoes, and all) since I was on my way to a cycling class after our student org meeting. To this day, Courtney and I still laugh about it because I do not think I have gone to a cycling class nor worn a workout outfit with her since. It is rather ironic how our dynamic duo style began three years ago because now we always make sure to have a dress code so we can coordinate looks with the other person. 

The inspiration for this photo shoot and blog post was derived from my friendship with Courtney. We met when we were nineteen years old and Sophomores in the Textile and Apparel Design program. We both were in the same student org and we clicked right away. Our friendship bloomed over Snapchat and quickly turned into weekly Taco Tuesday dates after class. We bonded over everything from fashion to social media to politics to sassy boyfriends to Sex and the City (Courtney is Carrie and I am Charlotte and we both have a touch of Samantha) and most importantly, our love of wine and champagne. We created our own column for Moda Magazine the summer of 2014, we both interned in NYC the summer of 2015, we both recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2016, and we both have tremendously enjoyed living a short car ride away from each other for the past 6 months. To say the least, we have kind of been inseparable. 

One of the things I have really enjoyed about our friendship is how our personal styles have evolved together. Courtney has always encouraged me to try mixing in fun, exciting pieces to my classic wardrobe and I have inspired her to pare down her wardrobe and really help pinpoint her personal style. We both LOVE getting dressed up with each other and always find an excuse to throw on a LBD, head to dinner, and sip on wine while we chat about life. 

I designed the silky slips for this shoot and the black pearl embellished coat I wore but I really wanted Courtney to wear her infamous feather coat to complete the look. Every time Courtney wears this jacket, she leaves a trail of a million little feathers wherever she goes! Yes, it is just as magical as it sounds except when you are cleaning your apartment and find Courtney's feathers MONTHS later hiding in the corners of your room. I think they are fun little reminders of memorable nights so I don't mind the feathers one bit! 

I think it is so important to have close girlfriends and I really wanted to showcase that with this post. It is so fun to have a style partner in crime and even more fun to look back at how our style has evolved over the past three years. Fashion is fun and Courtney and I always try to implement that into our daily dressing. We both are so very excited to be jet setting off to NYC in exactly one week from today and cannot wait to share our adventure with all of you! 

**In honor of BFF fashion, I thought it would be fun to do a little dynamic duo style competition. Leave a comment and photo of you and your best friend showing off your personal styles and I will include one dynamic duo in the post along side Courtney and myself this Wednesday! 

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

CLOUD NINE PART II

Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in downtown Cedarburg in 2016. 

Dress Dezzal // Handbag Michael Kors (in black) // Shoes Aldo // Earrings Kate Spade // Lipstick Stila

The title of this post definitely speaks for itself because I feel like I am on cloud nine when I am wearing this Swiss dot, white tulle, tiered mini cocktail dress. I first saw this dress when Margo & Me flaunted it for a Halloween gala a few weeks back and I just knew I had to have it the moment I saw it! 

I wanted to style this dreamy dress with sparkly details and pops of red to kickoff the holiday season look book. Trust me, there will be numerous pops of red this month since red truly is the epitome of Christmas! As I had previously mentioned, I did NOT design or construct this dress but I thought it was just too magical of a dress not to share. 

My favorite things about the holiday season are all of the gorgeous decorations, the twinkling outdoor Christmas lights, crackling fires, listening to Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, and spending quality time with close family and friends. This year I am very excited because in two short weeks I will be jet setting off to NYC with my gal pal and partner in crime, Courtney Pelot. We both have always wanted to see NYC during the holiday season so we decided to go this year to celebrate Courtney's birthday. We have dubbed it #23inNYC! I even decided to dedicated a special post to our trip that will be released on Courtney's official birthday, December 16th!

Here is our #23inNYC bucket list:

1. Gazing at the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows

2. Watching the ice skaters at Wollman Rink and Rockefeller Center

3. Drinking frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity III

4. Sipping on bubbly at the Plaza's Champagne Bar

5. Staying warm while enjoying some hot tea and delicious macarons at Laduree in SoHo

6. Shopping like Blair Waldorf at Henri Bendel

7. Taking a break from 5th Ave shopping and sipping on a latte at Ralph's 

8. Binge eating the most delicious doughnuts from Dough

9. Trying an Apple Betty (almond milk cappuccino with house made apple syrup and spices) from Toby's Estate Coffee

10. Strolling through the Bryant Park winter village

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

CLOUD NINE PART I

Mood board and illustration by Madalyn Manzeck. 2016. 

If there ever was a dress that was a physical manifestation of a dreamy cloud, this would be it!  I did NOT design and construct this dress but I still wanted to create a mood board and illustration. I am trying to create more physical mood boards in my sketchbook so I can have a physical portfolio of my process in addition to a digital one.

I personally have always had a difficult time documenting my design process. It is not because it does not happen nor that I do not like it, but I have always struggled with allowing myself to share thoughts, ideas, designs, drawings, etc. that are still "in the works." I have always thought once it is finished, then I will share it which is a completely silly mindset to possess. So I am trying my very best to show more of the process. I mean that was the whole idea of this blog space in the first place! 

Even for garments I do not make, I still will include sketches, drawings, and mood boards. Essentially designing backwards which is an amazing design challenge in and of itself. 

This is one of my favorite dresses that I have ever owned simply because it is so unique and a combination of many of my favorite things: tulle, Swiss dots, tiered layers, fun sleeves, illusion neckline, and a bow tie around the neck. I simply cannot wait to share the entire look with you all on Wednesday but for not I will leave you with the mood board and sketch. Enjoy!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

PONCHO PLAY PART II

Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in her backyard on Lake Michigan in 2016. 

Poncho Madalyn Joy Designs // Turtleneck Sweater (similar) Ralph Lauren // Faux Fur Stole (similar) Anthropologie // Jeans (similar) Zara // Heels (similar) Madden Girl // Earrings Kate Spade // Shoulder Bag Forever 21 // Nail Colour Taken By Storm Atlantic Pacific x Formula X

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! It truly is hard to believe that it is Thanksgiving Day tomorrow. These past couple of months have flown by! I personally am enjoying the cooler temperatures and more wintry weather. Thanksgiving means that Christmas is right around the corner and the entire holiday season is my favorite time of the year. There is just so much to celebrate and give thanks for this time of year! 

I am excited to finally reveal the woven poncho look today! I thought it would be the perfect Thanksgiving look and hopefully provide a bit of Turkey Day outfit inspiration. The poncho look is perfect for concealing your food baby needs post sweet potato and pumpkin pie binge eating. I always try to wear something with a little extra room. ;)

Like I had mentioned in Poncho Play Part I, I hand wove this poncho on a floor loom. This poncho is very special to me because it did take several weeks of hard work to weave. If I ever had to sell it, it would come with a pretty hefty price tag since it is a one of kind piece. I wanted to create a subtle plaid by mixing yarns with various textures in both the warp and the weft, and of course, the tassel fringe made for the perfect finishing touch. 

I styled the look down for a more casual approach. I really love the concept of taking a bespoke, one of a kind, expensive piece and styling it with a pair of jeans. It makes the unique piece feel more approachable and wearable. I added a pair of nude heels, a fur stole, and some sunnies and I was good to go! 

Now that I have some outfit inspiration, I am all set to focus on Thanksgiving traditions. I love to re-watch the Gossip Girl Thanksgiving episodes, watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and run in the Turkey Trot with my family in the morning. It makes me feel like I earned my Thanksgiving feast! 

What are some of your Thanksgiving Day traditions? Do you always bake a pie with your dad like Blair Waldorf or do you prefer a more unconventional diner meal complete with French fries like the Van Der Woodsen family? 

Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy