LADY MARMALADE // MOULIN ROUGE

Photo credit (clockwise from upper left): Agent Provocateur // Vintage Everyday // Refinery 29 // German Vogue // Josephine Baker // Vintage Venus // BuzzFeed // Vintage Venus // Little Pawz

Illustrations by Madalyn Manzeck. 2017. 

Moda Magazine, an online magazine in Madison, reached out to me a couple of weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in participating in their annual UW Fashion Week finale fashion show. I was a part of Moda for most of my college career and was thrilled at the opportunity to participate and give back to an organization that was so generous to me during my time there. 

I agreed to participate in the show under two conditions...

1. I would show my collection last and close the show.

2. I would create an entirely new collection specifically for the finale fashion show. 

I was absolutely thrilled to hear yes and yes! I showed one of my evening gown collections at the finale show three years ago so it will be so fun to come back and debut a brand new lingerie collection! 

As shown above, I just finished creating my mood board and fashion illustrations for the new collection. I am still sourcing and ordering materials and cannot wait to get started this next week! I have always been drawn to lingerie, 1920's glamour, and Paris and finally realized that the Moulin Rouge combined all three sources of inspiration. Truly the best of all three worlds! 

I am planning to have the models strut down the catwalk to "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" by Taylor Swift ft. Zayn from the new film 50 Shades Darker. I want the collection to have a very Victoria's Secret Fashion Show feel to it with the models walking with high energy and a sexy strut. 

Since I will be busy working on creating a brand new collection, I will be posting more about the collection process and behind the scenes (aka behind the seams) shots so you all can see the design process from start to finish. I am sharing the very first sneak peek below of the final look of the collection. What do you think so far!? 

Draping the final look of the collection that Nicole Petrie will be modeling to close the show!

Sassy and lacy back detail! 

Also, I just got a brand new studio space so once I am all moved in I will be sharing photos of the space. I want it to have lots of color and pattern and just be a happy, bright environment where I want to work everyday. I also want my friends, family, and clients to all want to visit and feel comfortable and happy there. 

Sourcing fabrics and collecting swatches with a little Devil Wears Prada fun!

I am really loving my new studio space! I like to share my day to day details on my Instagram stories and Snapchat. :) #BehindTheSeams

There are lots of new and exciting things happening just in time for spring to be on its way with lots of sunshine and warmer days! I look forward to sharing my lingerie collection design process with you all!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

ELSEWHERE MAGAZINE

I am so happy and thrilled to be collaborating with the ever fabulous Emma Leuman of Elsewhere Magazine! We met through Moda Magazine when we were both studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and connected through our mutual love of fashion. Now we both are enjoying post grad life and continuing to pursue fashion through blogging. Emma reached out to me a couple of weeks back to collaborate and, of course, I said YES right away! 

Emma is such a girl boss and goes after what she wants. I love her fashionably moody aesthetic on Instagram and I definitely love reading Elsewhere Magazine to stay up to date on the fashion industry's news and happenings. It is great because she highlights the main points so you can stay up to date even when you're on the go! Emma and I both shared a bit about ourselves on each other's blogs and chatted about how we got involved in fashion, what our niches are, our blogging process, and why collaborating with fellow girl bosses is SO important.

Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy getting to know Emma and all things Elsewhere Magazine! 

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

Hi! My name is Emma Leuman and I am the creator of Elsewhere Magazine, a digital publication designed to provide fashion-obsessed outsiders a place to discuss the fashion industry and find community. As an outsider myself (born in raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin - maybe one of the least fashionable cities in America), I wanted to give people a place to be a part of the world that they had a passion for, without feeling judged by so-called fashion insiders. Fashion has an incredible community, and we should all be able to be a part of it! This is the basis behind this collaboration with Styled by Madalyn Joy - to open our audiences to new perspectives on the industry that we both love. Thanks again for inviting me to contribute, Madalyn!

What first drew you to the fashion industry?

My first experiences with fashion came through magazines. I would spend hours flipping through their glossy pages, studying the ads as much as the editorials to see which trends were arising that season and which models I could identify from previous issues. I loved the way that reporters could accurately and succinctly describe clothing in a way that made couture collections feel like poetry.

How did you first get involved in the fashion industry?

My first point of access to getting more involved in fashion was through my university’s fashion and lifestyle magazine. I was able to learn from more experienced members of the magazine about what the industry was like, how to write for a fashion publication and how a publication is run. I was also able to discover what I truly enjoyed writing about! I was drawn to pieces that examined fashion as a business, as well as feature-length pieces about the cultural implications of fashion.

My next step toward ingratiating myself into the fashion world was to start a blog. What began as a lifestyle blog quickly transitioned into the fashion-focused publication that Elsewhere Magazine is today! I have been writing for my blog-turned-magazine for over two years now and don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. I believe that adding new and unique voices to a conversation that is all-too-often dominated by “insiders” is important and necessary!

What is your specific niche/voice in the fashion industry?

I believe that my specific voice can be defined as that of an outsider. I have never been invited to a New York Fashion Week show, nor have I written for a renowned publication or attended a major industry event. I have, however, developed an intense passion for fashion through years of research and observation - and I think that makes me as qualified as anyone is to have an opinion on clothing, trends, models and fashion as a business. My voice is a welcoming one, one that that encourages everyone (regardless of status and experience) to develop their own outlook on fashion. After all, as consumers ourselves we have the ultimate say in what trends become profitable and which flop at the department store!

What does your blogging process look like?

My blogging process has varied over the course of developing Elsewhere Magazine, but in this moment it is a mix between having a plan and keeping up with current events. I am constantly keeping up with outlets such as Fashionista and The Business of Fashion in order to see what is happening in the industry. As an outsider that does not yet receive press releases from major brands (someday!), it is difficult to be a “news-breaking” outlet. I see Elsewhere Magazine more as a source of analysis of current events, as well as a place where they can be discussed.

Why is collaborating important to you?

Collaboration is the key to progressing in any facet of life. For example, as an athlete it is difficult to improve beyond a certain point of ability without collaborating with a coach. As an artist or entrepreneur, you look for mentors to help take you to the next level. In this case, collaborating allows us to be exposed to other audiences, as well as provide support and express our admiration for other fashion-obsessed creatives! I am so thrilled that Madalyn has allowed me to contribute to her incredible blog. I admire her ability to take all of her dreams to the next level and am overjoyed to be a part of it all.

Emma Leuman, Madalyn Manzeck, and Courtney Pelot photographed at the "Party Like Gatsby" WUD banquet back in 2014. We all look like babies! haha

Make sure to visit Elsewhere Magazine (here!) and follow along on Instagram (@elsewheremag)!

DENIM + DRESSES // 3 WAYS

Lauren Engelke photographed on Lake Mendota in Madison, WI. 2017. Wearing Madalyn Joy Designs and denim and shoes from her own collection. 

Collaboration and community are two very important C words to me... the third being couture. ;) Building a supportive community and network of fellow creatives allows everyone involved to grow and work together which eventually leads to collaboration. It is so easy to scroll through social media and immediately view everyone as competition; however, I try to immediately replace competition with collaboration. Instead of knocking one another down, we should be building one another up and what better way to do that than collaborating and working together!? 

Lauren and I met about two years ago when I was organizing Moda's Couture and Cocktails event and she was featuring her designs. I just remembered her being so sweet and talented that when she reached out to me a couple months ago to collaborate, it was an immediate yes! We didn't quite know what we necessarily wanted to do but we knew it would be fun to work together to create something outside of both of our comfort zones. 

Eventually we decided on styling some of my designs in a new way inspired by New York Fashion Week street style. I like to describe my style and design aesthetic as classic with a twist so I was all for styling my designs in a new and fresh way. Lauren's inspirational images really honed in on the trend of pairing dresses with denim. It was something fun that I had never thought to try!

We shot the looks on the frozen Lake Mendota in Madison back in January and I think we both just loved how the shots turned out in addition to the cool, fresh styling. I just absolutely love the mix of the velvet gown with the denim and the sneakers! Such an unexpected yet amazing combination! 

I loved collaborating with Lauren because it was just so fun and easy going. I just think it is so beneficial to collaborate because each person brings a unique perspective to the table. Thank you Lauren for reaching out and wanting to collaborate! You totally rocked the looks!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

SEVEN YEARS OF LOVE

Ben Rennicke and Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Port Washington, WI. 2017. Both are wearing looks from their own personal collections. 

Valentine's Day may get a bad rap for its "cheesy" reputation; however, it is a wonderful opportunity to hit the pause button and take a moment to share your love and appreciation for family, friends, and significant others. 

I love putting together little gifts for my girlfriends just to remind them how much I value our friendship and to show how proud I am of all their amazing accomplishments. I enjoy getting little sweet treats for my family members because we all really love our dessert! I also love getting a card and enjoying a nice dinner together with Ben on Valentine's Day. We typically keep it pretty casual but it is a nice reminder to be thankful and appreciative of one another. 

In an effort to truly keep it short and sweet, Ben and I wanted to share our top 10 favorite things we love about each other. We've known each other for 10 years (dated for 7) so it is only fitting we share our top ten! :) 

10 Things Ben Loves About Madalyn

1. She is super creative. She is constantly creating and coming up with new and exciting ideas!

2. She is funny. She makes me laugh all the time with her witty comments and sense of humor.

3. Her style. She is always the best dressed and tries to coax me always to dress nicer and more stylish than sweatpants.

4. Her smile. There is nothing better in the world than seeing her smile.

5. Her faces. She makes the best facial impressions and they always make me laugh.

6. Her thoughtfulness. She always has the nicest cards and gifts for everyone. She gets the best presents because they have meaning behind them.

7. Her work ethic. She is the hardest and most dedicated worker. She knows what she wants and finds ways to achieve them.

8. She is a dreamer. The goals she sets are incredible and it's fun being able to be a part of each one she accomplishes.

9. She shares Taco Bell with me. We have an obsession with our Taco Bell and love having date nights there.

10. How much she loves me. She loves me unconditionally and I don't think there is anyone else out there who could put up with my quirks.

10 Things Madalyn Loves About Ben

1. Ben knows me better than I know myself. I call him a Madalyn mind reader!

2. He surprises me at the airport with flowers. 

3. He brings me soup and takes care of me when I am sick in bed. 

4. Ben spoils me with presents! 

5. He makes me laugh every. single. day!

6. He is extremely supportive and encourages me in all things I do.

7. We balance each other out perfectly! He is the yin to my yang, the realist to my dreamer, and the left brain to my right brain. 

8. He is the hardest worker and makes me so very proud! 

9. Ben is the most grounded supportive, caring, and loving person and will make the best husband and father some day.

10. He loves me unconditionally. <3

Enjoy your Valentine's Day with your significant other, family, and friends!
 

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

TURNING 23 // FEELING SWEET

Madalyn Manzeck photographed by Cassie Sterwald in Coca Lena located in Port Washington, WI. 2017. 

Skirt (Oscar de la Renta print fabric from Mood) Madalyn Joy Designs | Off The Shoulder Sweater Cable & Gauge | Bow Flats M. Gemi | Earrings Kate Spade | Necklace BaubleBar 

I have always loved birthdays for as long as I can remember! Whether it be celebrating my own or a friend's, birthdays are a magical time where you get to dress up and enjoy presents and eat way too many sweets including funfetti cake. I love curating fun gifts for my family and friends' birthdays. I don't usually spend too much time in the kitchen except when it comes to baking sweet treat for birthdays and holidays. I think it is important to celebrate the little things in life because as you get older, you truly realize how fast time flies! 

However, this year has been different because I have been having reservations about turning 23. Yes, I know I should be counting my blessings that I am 23 years young and am in good health. Trust me, I am beyond thankful and grateful, but there just is something about 23 that hasn't been sitting right with me. Have any of you felt this way about turning a specific age!? 

I think why I'm having reservations about turning 23 is because 22 was such a great year! I debuted my lingerie line at the SoHE Threads Fashion Show, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, finished having to do a long distance relationship, traveled to NYC twice, dressed Miss Wisconsin for the Miss America parade, stood up in one of my best friend's wedding, started a blog, pursued my career dreams of working on my own designs, traveled to Florida to visit family, and spent valuable time with my boyfriend, family, and friends. 22 was pretty darn good to me! I'm sad to let it go! 

So in an effort to get excited and embrace the tender age of 23, I took a little trip with Cassie to the adorable candy shop, Coca Lena, located in downtown Port Washington. If candy and chocolate can't make a girl feel better, what can!? (Actually, wine. Wine always makes a girl feel better!) I seriously could not believe I had never stopped in Coca Lena until a couple weeks ago. It is like a little slice of magical candy heaven!! At any point you are just waiting for a unicorn to prance right on by! 

My personal favorite candy is anything sour and gummy so, of course, I went straight for the gummy bears and sugar fruit slices. Cassie opted for a chocolate covered Oreo coated in mini M&M's and said it was to die for! Essentially, if you are ever in downtown Port Washington you MUST visit Coca Lena! I definitely consider myself to be a candy connoisseur and I give Coca Lena two thumbs up!

I'll be spending my weekend binge eating sweets, spending time with family and friends, and trying my very best to warm up to the idea of 23! Maybe the years you look the least forward to turn out to actually be filled with the most surprises! I'll keep an open heart and mind. ;)

xoxo

Madalyn Joy

SELF LOVE // LINGERIE STYLE

Adorable pineapple wine opener by Greenville Society. 2017. 

The beautiful Maya McDonald of Charmingly Styled photographed by the talented Aimée Mazzenga in Chicago, IL. 2017. 

How absolutely gorgeous and stunning does Miss Maya look lounging in her champagne satin robe with a glass of white wine in hand!? She is giving us major treat yo self vibes! #goals

Maya McDonald of Charmingly Styled shared a very uplifting and inspiring post yesterday all about self love and the importance of taking time for yourself. It is such an amazing reminder to truly take the time to rest, relax, and restore whether that be with a mani/pedi, massage, nap, or glass of wine. I mean how can you say nay to a little Chardonnay!? 

It was such a treat to design this bespoke champagne satin robe for Maya! We have been brainstorming and collaborating on this project since October and it is so exciting to finally see it all come together, just in time for Valentine's Day! Whether you'll be spending the day with your significant other or just hanging with the girls, treating yourself with some lingerie is always a good idea! What better way to give yourself a little self love than with a silky robe, sassy slip, or lacy little panties? To me, lingerie is one of the best, yet subtle, forms of self love. 

I somehow convinced my long time boyfriend, Ben, to collaborate on a Valentine's Day post that I will be sharing next Tuesday but in the mean time, share some love with blogger Maya of Charmingly Styled and photographer Aimée of Aimée Mazzenga. They both are such talented and inspiring ladies! 

xoxo

Madalyn Joy 

DIOR'S NEW LOOK PART II

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

Coat Dress Madalyn Joy Designs | Bow Flats M. Gemi | Earrings J. Crew | Hair Bow J. Crew

This coat holds a very special place in my heart because it was the first coat I had ever designed and made entirely by myself. I knew from the very beginning I wanted to design a dress coat that drew its silhouette inspiration from Dior's New Look and its embellishment inspiration from the Chrysler Building. It still remains one of my favorite pieces to date!

Cassie and I ventured to The American Club to photograph this elegant look with the sparkling chandeliers and grand piano in the background. It is such an enchanting and magical space! I always daydream that the entire resort is my home. Hey, a girl can dream, right!? 

In all my designs I try to create juxtapositions whether it be strong and soft, feminine and masculine, geometric and ethereal, or dramatic and understated. With this look I really wanted to emphasize the femininity of the silhouette demonstrated in Dior's New Look and the masculinity of the geometric shapes demonstrated in the Chrysler Building. I think they both work harmoniously together!

xoxo

Madalyn Joy 

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