Madeleine left the UK to be near her parents, who have been living in Perrysburg for decades. Her style is influenced by her British roots, a short stint living in California, and her new Midwestern life. She favors proper, girlish florals and tailored coats, a bit of up-cycled hippie beachiness, and good old-fashioned basics. Whatever she’s wearing, it’s apparent that Madeleine’s enthusiasm for fashion guarantees she’s the one having the most fun in the room!
You mentioned that since moving back to Toledo, you’ve become more daring in your style. How so?
In England I was a pharmaceutical sales rep, and my uniform was strictly professional. I wore a lot of skirt-suits and heels. My new social group inspires me to be more creative with my clothes, and my new career at Yark BMW allows more personal expression. I love bright colors and bold prints, especially florals and floaty fabrics that reflect my personality, so I decided to embrace them.
Who are your style icons?
I ditched the Duchess of Cambridge as a suitable fashion role model, so I now look to British and Canadian plus-size models Jada Sezer and Joby Bach. They are both beautiful, curvy women who show that you don’t have to be a size 0 to be stylish. Jada Sezer is my inspiration for my new positive body image and is leading her own campaign “Swimsuits for All” which is designed to make sexy swimwear accessible to all shapes and sizes.
What is the biggest difference between American and British fashion?
I think fashion is pretty globalized now, but in the UK, style is more class-defining. For example, there are certain classic staples for any Kate Middleton-wannabe. Any conservative dresser can’t go wrong with a tweed blazer, dark-denim jeans and fitted blouse, paired with equestrian boots and accessorised by a scarf, some simple, understated jewelry and a Mulberry handbag. I feel that styles in the U.S. tend to be more relaxed, more comfort-oriented. American women are masters of wearing diamonds with their jogging suits.
What do you look forward to wearing most this fall?
It’s all about the jump-suit for me this autumn! I love how it cinches in to define my waist and gives me that relaxed and playful look. I have also indulged in some custom-made, high waisted jeans from Shape My Jeans. I’m bringing booty back to Toledo!
