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I shared a photo on Instagram of a Lady Mary Crawley-inspired outfit the other day and I thought it might be fun to do a fashion post connected to my obsession with BBC costume dramas. It’s a real obsession–Christy and I devoted a whole podcast to shows about dresses. And the Downton Abbey season finale is on tomorrow, so the timing seemed perfect.
I’m convinced I was born in the wrong era because every time I binge-watch a BBC series, I daydream of strolling around in floor-length gowns and fantastic buttoned boots. I asked Daniel if I could just start dressing like Dorcas Lane from Larkrise to Candleford. He said he didn’t mind, but I haven’t seen much in the way of Victorian/Edwardian at Target recently, and since my experiment would be rather pricey, I think I’ll have to content myself with what’s already in my wardrobe. So get ready for my best attempt at BBC costume drama fashion from what’s in my closet!
These days I get all my clothes from Twice, the online consignment site, or Stitch Fix, the personal styling service that I love forever.
Blouse: Free People from Twice, Skirt: Kensie from Twice, Necklace: Vintage, gifted, Shoes: DSW
I don’t own many skirts (I think I have three?), but I’ve been looking for a flattering pencil skirt for ages and finally found this one. I plan to wear it for every fancy occasion ever.
I love Free People, but I can’t afford their clothes, so I was really excited to find this blouse super cheap from Twice.
The high neck and lace makes me think of early seasons of Downton. Lady Violet approves of high-necked blouses. And I would definitely want Lady Violet’s approval because I love her/am terrified of her.
Blouse: Tulle, Sweater: Stitch Fix
I can see one of the Grantham ladies wearing this shirt/sweater combo. But I think it might also work for Anne of Green Gables.
Cardigan: Stitch Fix, Pants: Stitch Fix, Shoes: Target
I keep almost getting rid of these shoes because I NEVER wear them, but every time I try I think about how much they remind me of Downton Abbey and then I’m paralyzed by my Downton love and convince myself that I’ll wear them more often. Which I don’t.
Lace sleeves are very Downton. They just are.
Blouse: Anthropologie from Twice, Jeans: c/o Golden Tote, Boots: Clarks
These ruffles are so Larkrise, amirite?! And I wear these boots pretty much every day because they remind me of Laura Ingalls Wilder who, although not in any BBC costume dramas, is just the best.
Coat: Tulle from Twice
Lady Mary would totally wear this green coat, right?
Now I’m ready to finish season 5 so that I can move on with my life and stop thinking: “This would all be a lot easier if I had a ladies maid and a cook.” Happy watching!
(And what do you think of Season 5 so far? I binge-watched most of it last week and I think I like it better than last season. Except why all the drama for Anna and Bates? Can’t they just have a happy story arch for once?! OK, rant over.)
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I totally ordered, tried on and returned that plaid ruffle shirt from Twice! (didn’t quite work on me when I tried it on postpartum) Kind of hilarious if was the exact same one lol. It looks awesome on you!
That is so funny, Rachel! I wonder if it’s the exact same one!
I so agree with you in Anna/Bates especially after what poor Anna’s been through. I really thought their luck couldn’t have gotten worse.
Love this post, I also have a pair of boots that can fit in almost any historical era but are also super comfy! And I’m inspired to incorporate more lace in my outfits
No kidding! Give them a break! The poor Bateses.
I just love boots. Too bad they’re only wearable for about 4 months in Florida. After that it’s flip flops! And yes! I love lace. It’s tricky with small kiddos because things get snagged all the time, but I’m just going with it.
For wonderful Victorian clothing and accessories go to http://www.victoriantradingcompany.com and for beautiful and very unique handmade jewelry go to Deirdre Dreams. I recently discovered your blog and just love it!
Lora
Thanks, Lora!
I see you ended up getting boots from Clarks! How are they? Aren’t they super comfortable?
Yes! I LOVE them!
I 100% agree about this season. It’s way better than last season, but come on, give Anna and Bates a break!
They deserve it! I don’t need anything else interesting from their story arch. Just cut to a scene of them holding hands and smiling once an episode and that would be just fine with me.
Agree – agree! The latest Bates drama felt so . . . contrived or fabricated. Very out of place in a show that usually makes everyone feel genuine.
Love it!!! That lace top is gorgeous, btw!!! You look so elegant.
Thanks so much, Michele! You’re so sweet!
This is such a fun post! I love the vintage necklace. So pretty! I love the look of a high neckline, but I always feel irritated when I wear one.
I have not started watching Downton Abbey yet. I don’t want to get sucked in because I know I will! Maybe I will start watching it this summer.
You will totally get sucked in, Erica! Be wary
I would agree with you- this season is much better than last.
1.) I like that they’re bringing Mary’s witchy side out again. I am done feeling sorry for her as because she’s a widdow. Here’s the Mary we all know and love/hate.
2.) Mr. and Mrs. Bates- please get it together and just run away to the Bahamas and stay out of trouble and get a nice tan.
3.) I have a theory that they killed off the dog, Isis simply because her name has negative political connections now. But that dog was super old. 84+ in dog years by my calculations.
4.) Branson- don’t leave you’re the only eye-candy left.
Yes. I’ve enjoyed Mary this season. I also love it whenever she and Carson have a moment.
I didn’t even think of that with the dog! On the other hand, was that a big story back when it was filmed?
Don’t leave, Branson! And speaking of Branson, I didn’t really like Ms. Bunting very much. I think it would have been more interesting to have someone politically similar to Branson without being so rude to everyone.
Haha, we thought the EXACT same thing about poor Isis, but apparently Hugh Bonneville thought it was all rubbish and posted about it on his personal website: http://www.hughbonneville.uk/media/by-hugh/downton-abbey-isis-clarification
I am itching to look for some lacy tops and high collars! They’re so modest without being frumpy. At 32 weeks pregnant, however, I am gonna try to hold off at least till fall or winter! Maybe I will ask for a mini shopping spree as a belated graduation present. Also, your hair looks adorable. Did you get it trimmed? I remember you mentioning a few posts back that you were trying to grow it out. That length looks great on you
So cute! I’m not a Downtoner, but I’ve been enjoying all these Downton fashion posts popping up all over blogland.
There’ve been quite a few lately!
The Starving Inspired
On the whole, I preferred last season. I liked that Mary had changed, because of her sin in season 1 and because of Matthew. I don’t like them making her mean again- and after season 1 sin don’t think the Tony Gilligham thing was that in character.
I’m totally over Anna and Bates and any related plot line.
I liked how much their was about modernizing the estate last season, as well as the friendship between Mary and Tom.
On the other hand, I enjoyed watching Mary flirt, Edith’s storyline, and Thomas becoming a tad less mean (which is somewhere in that facade- he cried when Sybil died!)
Sorry, didn’t mean to sound so negative! Just needed a Downtown-related outlet after my husband gave up partway through the season.
Love the fashion, wish I could figure out how to do the updos with my super thick hair!
I definitely started styling my hair in elaborate updos (with rhinestone pins) after discovering Downton Abbey after the first season released
It stuck–I still wear my hair up in elaborate updos (though since having another baby, I’ve put away the rhinestone pins).
Haley, do you ever shop Modcloth?