Before Christmas I just nipped into the Cancer Research shop in Knowle whilst on an early evening trip to the greengrocers. There was a beautiful, purple velvet, bias-cut dress with beading around the neckline, in a size 14, for £20. I stroked it, and mentally reminded myself that I had no reason to buy it, and wasn’t even sure how I’d style it… and walked away.
Lady Mary looking very Pre-Raphaelite in an Edwardian design
Then, I received the Downton Abbey book for Christmas. And watched too much Downton Abbey OVER Christmas. And finished The Children’s Book, which covers a time period from the latter part of the Pre-Raphaelites to the end of WW1, including the Edwardian era. And generally fell in love, again, with Edwardian fashion.
I cursed myself for leaving that dress behind. That dress which would have looked so wonderful paired with evening gloves to the upper arm, and carefully styled hair. I hit ebay with a vengeance, watching dress after dress surpass my budget, some of which were velvet, granted, but not a one, purple. I was bereft.
And then, on Saturday morning, I nipped into the same charity shop, for the first time since Christmas. Rifling through the dress rail I found… the dress. Reduced, now to £10.
Now all I need is an Edwardian (or 30s – after the knee-jerk fashion rebellion of the flappers had subsided, the world fell straight back into pre-war-era style) themed evening to attend. And, granted to lose a few holiday pounds for a sleeker silhouette…
Ooh lovely!!!!
Oh. My. Goodness. This dress is stunning! I just watched Downton Abbey, too, and was OBSESSED with the costumes. I would love nothing more than to dress in those clothes all the time.
that is GORGEOUS