Outfit Collection: Victorian Autumn

I wonder what it is that draws us to certain things instead of others, why some people form an obsession where others barely notice.  I don't have answers, of course, but I do have obsessions of my own of which I often ponder over their beginnings.  One such devotion belongs to all things Victorian/Edwardian.

Over the years I have amassed a collection of tops, skirts, dresses, petticoats, and bloomers that all portray my love of this most special of style eras.  From the newer brands like Free People's blouses to Belle Poque's skirts and Tambukiki's steampunk blazers, and all the way to actual antique frocks, I have run the gambit and emerged as in love with this style as ever.

Without further ado, I present the Victorian Autumn collection:

New Year Nostalgia

The new year has begun and while most people look forward, there is something about mid-winter that always has me a little nostalgic.  Maybe it's because every single Victorian novel I adore always seems to take place in the winter, but whatever the case, January has me reaching for longer skirts, lacy tops, and lots of layers.

Since vintage styles are on my mind, I was excited to collaborate with Belle Poque and you get to benefit from our collab too by using code BPLB to get 20% off at Bellepoque.com  I chose this outfit from my collaboration with Belle Poque as a little homage to my winter/Victorian nostalgia and also because it is ever so lovely.  With just a hint of Victorian/Edwardian flare, and some serious vintage vibes, this Plaid Skirt and Hounds Tooth Vest are checking all the right style boxes for me.

When I first saw this skirt and vest I knew they had to go together and I love the outcome of that pairing, but I also see some cottage core vibes in the skirt if paired with a pinafore apron and some serious 1940s if the vest were paired with a pussy bow top and some high waist trousers, so the versatility is there and I can't wait to try out some more looks with these two pieces.  There are two more outfits from my collab with Belle Poque on the way, so I'll see you right back here on Thursday for the next look.

Shopping Info:  Vintage Fans Look of Plaided Swing Elastic Waist Ruffled Hem A-Line Skirt-$33.99, Vintage Double Breasted Vest Deep V-Neck Handkerchief Hem Vest Coat-$33.99 from BellePoque.com

Scarlet Darkness on the Windswept Moors

Another day on the windswept moors or rather the mountain top.  The first day of the new year brought us freezing temperatures and a nice dusting of snow.  The winter woods were beautiful but as soon as it all melted away, the fields looked grayer and bleaker than ever.

Everything is sleeping now under heavy gray winter blankets, but I'm still awake and walking in the stillness.  I miss all the busy rustlings and scurryings of the living things and the bright colors of the woods and sky.  And when the wind howls and grieves it's only saying what I'm thinking.

So, a somber skirt feels more appropriate for today.  A little tip of my cap to Ms. Jane Eyre with the help of Scarlet Darkness for providing this lovely Victorian High Waist A Line Skirt. (keep reading for a promo code!)  I'm wearing an authentic antique chemise and petticoat underneath to keep me warm on this mid winter day.

I love these skirts in any season, but in the winter they are a little nearer and dearer to my heart.  I love the length and the elastic back with the adjustable corset ties so that I can layer up or go without and always be comfortable.

And, of course, they're just perfect for a day like today.  I don't rush toward labeling things, but if I had to put a label on this style, I'd call this one a Dark Cottage Core.  Jane Austen's heroines would wear the blue stripes (you can see that post here), but this skirt is all for the Bronte sisters.

This skirt has a side zipper too and is so comfortable that it's now a staple in my winter wardrove with a nice lace blouse, high collar of course!, and a sweater to keep warm.  I love the style and the comfort. 

Shopping Info:  Scarlet Darkness Women Victorian Maxi Skirt Vintage High Waist A Line Skirt-$39.99 Plus you can save an extra 10% + 3USD with promo code 101LAYPV  This code is good now through January 8th, 2022.

Mid Winter & Scarlet Darkness

This time of year more than any other puts me in mind of all my favorite gothic novels.  From the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights, to the gloomy mansions of Jane Eyre, if ever I feel my Victorian vibes, it's never more so than in this time Christmastide and midwinter.

That's why I am so excited for another collaboration with Scarlet Darkness.  (You can see my previous collab with them here.)  I find inspiration for styling these pieces in the wild woods all around me.

When it comes to Victorian styles, Scarlett Darkness offers Victorian and Gothic styles with modern flare at very affordable prices.  These pieces do make wonderful costumes, but they are also perfect for daily wear should you feel yourself in need of a little Gibson Girl Elegance to break you out of your winter blues.

With so many core aesthetics it may be difficult to find your way to any one style that you prefer and feel describes you.  That's perfectly ok, even better than ok, I think it's silly to choose just one style. Some days I wear head to toe vintage.  Some days it's all about Boho, and some days nothing but Victorian will do.

Today I'm wearing Scarlet Darkness Women Victorian Maxi Skirt Vintage High Waist A Line Skirt-$39.99 in light blue with this lovely stripe pattern and ivory lace and cording.  

This skirt is lightweight, unlined, and has a side zipper for easy dressing and also features an elastic back and corset laced back for adjustable fit.  Pair it with your favorite puff-sleeved top for a classically Victorian style.  

Shopping Info: Scarlet Darkness Women Victorian Maxi Skirt Vintage High Waist A Line Skirt-$39.99

The Belle Époque with Scarlet Darkness

The Belle Epoque was the era from the late 1880s to the early 1900s when Sandra Bernhardt was gracing the stage and Jenny Lind was touring the world stealing hearts with her nightingale voice.  European lifestyle and culture were flourishing.  It was a time of scientific progress and artistic experimentation.  It was, to translate its name, the beautiful era.

Is it any wonder that we still admire those styles created during the years of the Belle Epoque.  From Alphonse Mucha's organic illustrations to Charles Dana Gibson's iconic models and hairstyles of the Gibson Girl, it was an era of unparalleled creativity.

Belle Poque's brand Scarlet Darkness has kept alive the styles of the beautiful era like this Scarlet Darkness Victorian Maxi Skirt.   With its high waist, front decorations, and smocked corset back this skirt has all of the style and elegance of a Gibson Girl illustration.  I am so pleased to be able to collaborate with them on this post.

I thought it only fitting that I try to recreate that Gibson Girl hair, with its beyond believable dimension and incomparable femininity, it was no small feat to accomplish this.

In addition to it corset back this Victorian Maxi skirt features a side zipper  which made it all the easier for me to put in since  I opted to wear an authentic Edwardian era full slip dress to add fullness to the skirt and to add an extra layer beneath the blouse.

The back of the skirt has elastic smocking and a corset tie for a really customized fit.  I find that it runs true to size and is excellent quality.  I also love the dark lace border around the hem, such a lovely extra detail.

I am so glad that I have found Scarlet Darkness to update my Victorian and Steam Punk costume pieces.  The quality is wonderful and the prices are so reasonable.  This skirt comes in six different colors and five sizes from Small to XXL.  

In my next collaboration post with Belle Poque I hope to showcase something from another favorite style era, the 1950s-60s.

Shopping Info:SCARLET DARKNESS Women Victorian Maxi Skirt Vintage High Waist A Line Skirt from ScarletDarkness or Scarlet Darkness.com, Roselind Blouse from FP One