Bridal Bliss

I know they say June is for brides, so I'm going to write a post to show all of you my favorite gowns from this past year. In addition to it being June 1st, it was also our sample sale at Madeleine's Daughter today and it was so much fun seeing brides leaving with their bargain-price bridal gowns. The sale is one of my favorite events of the year because with prices at 40-70% off, it's possible for a bride to wear her dream gown on the cheap.

Anyway, enjoy these photos of some of my all-time favorite bridal gowns:

Chelsea by Amsale

The sweetest gown on the planet. 

Mimosa by Jenny Packham

Jenny does beadwork like no other. 

RK359 by Romona Keveza 

If ever there was a breathtakingly stunning ballgown, this would be it. 

Darling by Monique Lhullier (you can't tell in the photo, but this gown is the palest blush!)

Memory by Monique Lhullier

I have one word: ahhhh!!!

Principessa by Jenny Packham

Ophelia by Christos

Greenwich by Amsale

Unfortunately, this gown never made it to production. Isn't that sad? 

I am sure you can tell from these photos that there are many different textiles and silhouettes that I love. If I ever get married, choosing a gown will be no easy task. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed drooling over these lovelies as much as I have. I haven't seen the Romona Keveza gown in person, but I have a feeling it would make my heart stop if I did, so it's probably for the best. And as for "Principessa" by Jenny Packham, I'm confident that would be a charming exit dress, or maybe even rehearsal dinner dress (we are talking about my non-existent wedding, of course). 

Have a great day, everyone! And as always, thanks for reading! 

TV Inspiration: Downton Abbey

Yesterday, I posted a blog inspired by the fashion of the leading ladies in Mad Men. Today, I'm taking you back a few more decades to the 20's and 30's styles of Downton Abbey. For anyone who hasn't seen this show, do yourself a favor and go watch the first season. You'll be hooked immediately. Even if the melodrama of uppity British aristocracy wasn't enough, the clothes on this show are absolutely to die for! Beaded sheaths, stunning jackets, fascinators and hats galore- it's a fashion dream!

My favorite part of getting dressed every day is accessorizing, so let's look at some stunning Downton Abbey-inspired accessories to make every outfit just a little more glamorous:

Acacia Bracelet, Jenny Packham

Can't you see this bracelet with  fabulous party dress? Something completely luxurious, of course. 

Style My Sunshine Hat, Modcloth

It's hard to picture yourself strolling through the grounds of a British estate on a warm, sunny, spring day, but this hat certainly helps me imagine it. 

Natasha Couture Multistrand Necklace, Nordstrom

I love how the ladies of Downton layer long beaded necklaces over their stunning beaded dinner dresses. Watching the show, you can hear the sound they make when the beads bump against each other. No matter what crisis is being discussed, I'm always distracted by that sound. 

Nina Ricci Leather Gloves, Barney's

What Downton Abbey-inspired post would be complete without a stunning pair of long, elegant gloves? This show makes me want to wear gloves all the time. It also makes me want to wear evening wear to dinner every night, but that's another issue.... 

Speaking of evening gowns... 

Downton Abbey Inspired by rtboo featuring a slip dress

Do you have a TV show that inspires you? Whether it's for the fashion, the scenic design, the music- leave a comment and tell me what you love about it! 

I Need More Jenny Packham In My Life

One of the most obvious perks of my new job is the fact that I get to see and touch some incredibly beautiful, often over-the-top-gorgeous gowns on a daily basis. Designs by Monique L'Huillier, Kenneth Pool, Sassi Holford and others are hanging amongst the collection of samples at Madeleine's Daughter. But it doesn't end there. Just about every month for the first half of the year, the shop hosts a trunk show with a different bridal gown designer. This month is Jenny Packham. You may think you're not familiar with her work, but the truth is that her designs adorn many a red carpet celebrity including:

Miley Cyrus

Sandra Bullock

Eva Longoria Parker

Ashley Tisdale

Jayma Mays

Jenny Packham's designs are ultra-feminine and stunningly beautiful, but what these pictures can never convey is the quality of the materials used. I've touched some of these gowns and I can say first hand that they are light as air and silky soft. My favorites are the ones that channel that "old Hollywood" vibe and not in a cliche sense, but in a truly timeless, elegant, stunning way. Slinky silk charmueses, ethereal chiffons and beadwork that sparkles like the top of the Chrysler building are each signature elements of these designs and it's so exciting to see them up close and in person. Pictures, even runway videos will never do them justice. But even so, I still encourage you to click on over to the official Jenny Packham site and view not only the bridal collections, but the ready-to-wear as well. 

And if you're wondering which gown that is currently in our shop is my favorite? It's this one: 

"Ceres"