(Lily James in character as Lady Rose, photo via Contactmusic.)
One of my favorite parts of Downton Abbey is the fashion, and I find it so inspiring. Like I wrote yesterday, Edith is definitely a style icon this season, and Lady Rose is also a breath of fresh air in that dark old house. After watching the first two episodes, I find myself drawn to classic, feminine touches in my own daily dressing, with hints of lace on a camisole, more delicate pieces of jewelry, and pretty details on my shoes.
(My new blue flats.)
I ordered these new flats by Easy Spirit recently, and they remind me so much of the outfit Lady Rose is wearing above, as she makes a secret trip to the post office. Even though they aren’t really similar to her own shoes, I’ve noticed that I’m wearing a lot of navy these days, and I will get so much wear from this pair, too. I’m still in the breaking-in stage, which is always a little painful on my heels, but then I think they will feel really comfortable, and flats are my preferred shoes all year.
And while I’m in the mood for vintage-style pieces, I have my eye on these lovely watches by Olivia Burton and these delicate necklaces by Oh My Clumsy Heart, both based in the United Kingdom. I can’t decide which watch I love best, and I am not in need of another for a long time, but it’s fun to peruse her site. And this Ramona necklace is so unusual that I’m hoping it is back in stock very soon. Maybe in time for Valentine’s Day.
I guess I have Britain on my mind these days, and it’s fun to daydream a little with these pretty details.
(Edith Crawley, 20th century woman. Photo by Nick Briggs via Carnival Films.)
Well, I’m two episodes into this season’s Downton Abbey, and this year, I’m watching it via Amazon on Monday nights. I felt guilty paying for it, especially since I’m fairly sure the show has jumped the shark. But Ryan says it’s all about convenience, and I’m making full use of the pause button to fold laundry and finish other chores while the Crawleys muddle into the twentieth century. I am also greatly enjoying Edith this season, and wow, that girl has blossomed.
Edith was always the “ugly” sister, and now that poor Sybil is gone and Mary’s in mourning (looking as miserable as ever), Laura Carmichael is stealing the show with her portrayal of the middle Crawley girl who has finally, finally taken control of her own life. Lady Edith is writing, going to London, visiting nightclubs, and even has a boyfriend who is married to a Madwoman in the Attic! It’s all very scandalous and so much fun, especially since everyone else is still stuck in that drafty, old house that’s more like a crypt than a mansion.
The show has reached a stalemate, I think, and literally exploded beyond the creators’ imaginations, so now they are grasping at straws. Mary has lost not one, but two men (remember poor Mr. Pamuk?), and her character is beyond boring these days. She needs to seize control of the estate from the hands of her incompetent father, and spend her time tending to accounts. Either that, or move abroad and spend her family’s money on frivolous things. And Anna and Bates can’t have a baby and live happily ever after, because then she’d have to quit her job, so instead, she is viciously attacked and tries to hide it. Nothing about this makes any sense.
(Edith Crawley, via ITV.)
So Edith gets to have all the fun and cause a few scandals, too. And good for her, since it’s her turn! I love Edith’s wardrobe this season, and she wears such stunning pieces and gorgeous colors in every scene, which are a welcome contrast to Mary’s purple and black. It’s not hard to run across the season’s spoilers, and a few major events are in the works for Edith, but I’m rooting for her, and I can’t wait to see what she’s wearing in each episode.
I never thought I’d say this, since she was so dour and downright evil in the first season, but Edith has become a true style icon for the early twentieth century and just might be a beloved character by the show’s end.
(Edith looking lovely and stylish, photo via Carnival Films.)
And on a completely different note, I really enjoyed the conversation between Branson and the old countess, as they danced to the gramophone. She asked where in Ireland he was from, and he replied Bray, in County Wicklow. My ears perked up at his response, because that’s where Powerscourt, the most beautiful estate, is located! And then the countess asked if Branson knew the Powerscourt family, and I almost fainted! On our honeymoon, Ryan and I spent a wonderful day wandering the incredible gardens and public rooms of the mansion, and I have dreamed of going back ever since. It’s much more charming than the old abbey, but the Crawleys are so much fun to discuss.
Are you watching?
We’re still playing around with the light box and trying to find the right bulbs, and I’ve been practicing my natural light photography, too. I adore Jo Malone’s innovative scents, and my mom gave me the Nectarine and Honey Cologne and Body Crème for Christmas. They smell just like you’d imagine if you combined the two delicious ingredients together, a bit citrus-y with some sweetness thrown in for good measure. I like to use the crème in the morning after my shower and again before bed, and a little goes a long, long way.
I spent some time over the weekend taking too many photographs of these delightful products in their pretty packaging, and I still haven’t got it quite right. My house isn’t ideal for natural light photography, with its screens and divided windows, and I sometimes work on the front porch. It was also really cloudy both days, too, so I tried to take advantage of the sun when it poked its way through. The photo above is from inside my bathroom, which gets a lot of light during the day, though the picture is still quite dark.
(Jo Malone products in full sun.)
And the picture above was taken on my front porch, so the products are crystal-clear, but also in shadow. I’m still learning to adjust the different settings on my camera, and it’s something I will always work at, I think. Plus, I hate using a tripod, which I realize you need for product photos on cloudy days. But I wanted to share a little Jo Malone with you in the process, and I promise I smell really good while I’m making all of these mistakes.
