TiC Surf: Victorian Inspiration
Ever wished that you lived during the olden times in England, batting your eyelashes shyly opposite James McAvoy in Becoming Jane? Or that you were a royal during the time of Anne Boleyn, despite her terrible downfall in The Other Boleyn Girl? If you have, you’re not alone.
It was the romantic ages when people carried parasols, hands received kisses at the drop of decadent hats, and people used the most beautiful longwinded sentences in real life (or so I would like to believe).
The movie industry is obsessed with movies set in old England and so are we, not just because of cuttingly witty dialogue such as Pride and Prejudice, or the dashing heroes atop horses in their handsome coats; but because of the excessive opulence that is Victorian style.
This attraction to Victorian style is seemingly mysterious as it is supremely impractical. Just take a peek into Kirsten Dunst’s wardrobe in Marie Antoinette! Corsets and frills, anyone? But like her favorite catchphrase “Let them eat cake” sums up so aptly, since when have females paid any attention to practical dressing?
Modern-day couture is a prime example of that, and methinks it bears close relations to Victorian dressing where intricate beading, delicate lace, frills and tiers reigned supreme and would not see the cruel beatings of a modern day washing machine.
Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette, which landed her a similarly styled Vogue cover. (I have to mention I was completely bowled over by the styling in this movie!)
Cate Blanchett In Elizabeth: The Golden Age. (Avant garde + Victorian = not for the faint hearted.)
Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johanssen in The Other Boleyn Girl.
Enter also Coco Rocha, who recently shot a stunning Romeo-and-Juliet themed photoshoot for Vogue.
All girls are princesses at heart, and what better way to find your Prince Charming than by being decked in Victorian attire?
Just joking! You don’t really want to completely re-create yourself as a Victorian heroine, because that would garner you a huge amount of unwanted attention. You can, however, incorporate elements of Victorian style into your daily outfit without being OTT.
Shirts should have frills, ruffles or bows down the front. Take it to a higher level with satin or chiffon.
Petites Teal Shirred Blouson, Miss Selfridge, £22.00
Teal Pussy Bow Blouse, Miss Selfridge, £30.00
Chiara Sleeveless Satin Top, Forever 21, $22.80
Red Gala Belle from The Shoplifters, RM39
Purple Pusee Bow from Hugs and Kisses, RM38
Believe it or not, the widely available puffed or cap sleeves embellished with lace are also a trickledown from Victorian tradition.
Sheer Lace Blouse, Forever 21, $19.80
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Scribble Lace Bolero Jacket, The Urban Collection.
The "bib" is also a guaranteed way to work bygone elegance into your outfit.
Victorian Darling from hi Betty, RM45
Tuxedo Ruffling Dress, from Nasty Gal Vintage
Online vintage stores are also good places to look for pretty and prim dresses.
For accessories, try some with embellishments like a velvet or jeweled headband in luxurious colours, or a cute brooch.
Left, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Right, Topshop Jeweled Mesh Headband
Scarlet Brooch, Forever 21, $6.80
Two tone flower brooch, Forever 21, $4.80
Jeweled Earrings from Uber Trendie, RM13
Do get some Victorian or vintage-themed jewelry for an English feminine touch.
English rose necklaces from Diary of a Miniature Enthusiast
Rose Stud earrings from Poppy Dreamz, RM8
Designers surprised us at SS 09 by sending out their models in Victorian inspired headgear.
Luella SS 09
Alexander McQueen SS 09
If you have deep pockets, pick up a feathered Phillip Treacy hat or two, they’re just amazing if you have the guts to wear them out and about.
If not, get the cheaper versions at Urban Outfitters.
Crystal Plumage Hairclip, $18.00
Cocktail Hairclip, $24.00
As for footwear, be subtly sexy and on trend by wearing some lacy shoes...
Lace Zip Ankle Boot, Pixie Market.
as well as some menswear inspired brogues, loafers and oxfords. Vintage stores are good places to hunt for this style, or you can splurge on...
Black patent loafer, Pixie Market
Mocha Loafer Heel, Pixie Market
For more tips on how to incorporate this look into everyday wear, just take a look at Project Runway darling Christian Siriano - there’s no better adjective than Victorian to describe his design aesthetic.
Another blogger that I feel admirably incorporates Victorian aesthetic into her every day where is Jane from Sea of Shoes, who favours the same full skirts, lacy garments and dark puffy silhouettes.
Other bloggers such as Rihannon and Ranna could give Jane a run for her money. Look to their blogs for inspiration to style your Victorian-inspired outfit.
Images courtesy of imagecache2.allposters.com, flickr.com, dailymail.co.uk, moviewallpapers.net, moviesonline.ca,
christianvsiriano.com, sassybella.com, seaofshoes.com， liebemarlene.blogspot.com, http://ambugaton.blogspot.com
