Vintage Look- 1900's Blouse and some Faux Victorian

When I was in school I wore Victorian style clothing quite often. And it wasn't unusual for me to incorporate actual vintage clothing passed down in my family at the same time. The year I was in 8th grade, the movie "Out of Africa" was released. I was inspired to wear nothing but tan, white, and cream Victorian inspired clothing for more than a year. Some might think that would look odd in the winter, but I drew inspiration from Emily Dickinson. During a time when winter demanded darker colors, and when society banned whites and fair colors to ones of a certain age, Emily wore white whenever she chose. Take that fashion police of all time periods!!

 This is me at my Grandma Tommy's house, playing dress-up in family clothes. I was nine or ten. Even the hair is eerily similar!

This blouse happens to not be one of my family heirlooms. This particular one was a gift from a friend, Ms. Jane. Moma brought it home to me, and I was skeptical that it would ever fit. When I told Ms. Jane the next day that it fitted me perfectly, she looked surprised. "I know," I said, "it's incredible that an amazing bosom like mine could fit in such a shirt." She might have had a rather good laugh at that. Still trying to figure out why... ;)

The shirt is absolutely gorgeous. Even the cuffs of the sleeves have embroidery.

The front is embellished with embroidery, but they didn't stop there. The throat has my favorite form of needlework, drawn-work, which is also called pulled-thread. They literally snip of tiny section of fabric, and pull out individual threads. The remaining threads are drawn together and sewn in place to create a pattern. So much work, and so much beauty! If you look at the old picture of me as a child, the skirt is done in rows of drawn-work.

I paired the shirt with a long skirt from Catos, and some high laced boots. At Goodwill I found this amazing burgundy velvet jacket that looks much like a riding jacket. I also paired it with some very goofy expressions...sigh.

Here is the jacket closed. It fastens with a million (give or take) hooks and eyes, which is also very accurate. I'm wearing it with a pin that moma gave me that makes me think of Aesop's fables for some reason. I know it was the Fox and the Grapes, but this still makes me think of the stories. I have so much wonderful vintage jewelry and I have been negligent in wearing it. I am determined to get it out and enjoy it this year, whether it is a brooch, necklace, or earrings. If you see an outfit with no jewelry in sight- scold me!

This outfit is in a style a bit further back than would qualify as vintage, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Why be limited to a certain time period when you can dress from any of them? What is your favorite period of clothing, Dear Reader? Do you wear items from that time? Would you like to?