Where locals find "the dress"

OWN IT

If you own it, you gotta be there every day that store is open.”

Madeline Leake, owner The Colony Shop and Bridal Loft

FORT MADISON - The Colony Shop and Bridal Loft is a classy and welcoming boutique, selling unique clothing and jewelry, from bridal and formal to casual. Since it was established in 1972 by Madeline Leake, the charming boutique has sat snug in the heart of downtown on Avenue G. For generations, business has been bustling with a wide range of customers from future brides, to prom goers, and to women 35 and up for the casual wear.
“If you own it, you gotta be there every day that store is open.”
Leake still runs the shop daily, reflecting a strong belief in consistency being the catalyst for a successful business.
The front of the colony shop is white brick, with the shop’s name in white over a black background, and a bright red door inviting you in. Gorgeous bridal dresses and boutique clothing are styled on mannequins on each side of the windows. Inside awaits immediate assistance paired with a friendly smile from either Madeline or her employees. Unique jewelry is displayed in the middle of the warmly lit room, and the surrounding walls are lined with racks of dresses. The upstairs is easy to get lost in as there are four separate rooms with endless and unique styles, both formal and casual. There's a room dedicated to formal dresses and casual wear, and three other rooms with mostly casual clothing, purses, shoes, and a sale room.
“For bridal, we do bridal gowns, bridesmaids, mother’s dresses, shoes, jewelry, veils, headpieces, and tuxedos,” said Leake, who emphasized the importance for her shop to be size inclusive. The sizes range from extra small through size 28.
She also has a diverse collection of bridal dresses, from a ballgown style with adorning glitter to vintage styled silhouette dresses, with the pricing starting around $200 and capping around the $1,000 range.
“You have to have a little bit of everything,” she said.