Look of the Day: A Victorian Summer


Wearing early 1900's inspired clothing can be tricky. You don't want to look to old fashioned to the point the ensemble looks like a freakin' costume. I think I finally nailed it in this look. One of my fashion goals was to dabble into late 1800's/early 1900's inspired pieces without looking like I'm an extra on the set of "A Little Princess" staring Shirley Temple.

The Victorian Era was from 1837 to 1901 during the reign of Queen Victoria. What inspired me to dress like Victorians was my adoration for the frilly, ruffled blouses and cameo brooches of the era and my research on Black Victorians. Obviously the Black Victorians lived during the time of the British queen. These folk were a mix of immigrants, natives, free, and enslaved. Once slavery ended in Great Britain, Blacks began to assimilate to the mainstream culture of the land and adopted the dress and ways of the era. Although racism (and other social ills like poor working conditions, pollution, and defective healthcare) was still prevalent in Great Britain's post-slavery society, some Black Britons achieved success and wealth during the era in reference to many Black Victorian photographs showcasing those dressed to the nines.

Daniel Murray Collection/Library of Congress
Daniel Murray Collection/Library of Congress
Alvan S. Harper Collection/State Archives of Florida
For my own Black Victorian influenced look, I added a modern to twist to the infamous era. My love for puff sleeve, white, floral laced blouses has grown tremendously! I styled a vintage Messages bowl collar blouse with some high waist Carriage Court khaki shorts, both from the 1980's with an antique vibe.





I accessorized this look as "Gilded Aged" as possible. Ditched my contacts for my Warby Parker "Louise" cat eye glasses, rocked a long pearl necklace, grey knee-high socks, vintage 80's Motion East belt, 80's pearl, gold plated earrings. 80's cream colored purse my bff got me, and a vintage pair of Massimo Baldi black leather heels adorned with a silver and gold plated geometric charm. I failed miserably at an attempt for a faux bang + bun style on my hair, so I curled my lil' bang to create an old fashioned pin curl look.

Instead of a simple nude lip to go with an already neutral face makeup, I added a pop of summertime color with Milani's "Violet Volt" lisptick.




I love how this look turned out. It may have a lot of pieces borrowed from the 1980's, but it really does compliment the late 19th century very well if I must say. 







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Photography: Warren Alexander Photography








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CONVERSATION

10 comments:

  1. Nice throwback with a modern twist. Love the vintage pics.

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  2. Sis you found so many pieces from the 80's that definitely remand me of that era. My favorites are your hair, the blouse, socks an the shoes set it off. Great job on this!

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  3. love your twist on this look, the shorts are cute! a lady always needs a strand of pearls.

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  4. I love Pearls because they can dress up any outfit.. love this throwback especially during black history month! Great look

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  5. You have a very unique style sense and you're making it work. I love the blouse but my favorite is that purse!!

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  6. This is a nice spin on an old school look. I have always loved shorts or skirts with knee socks. It reminds me of my childhood.

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  7. Oh my, this is such a fun outfit! Loving those shorts, i think i have a similar pair. Perhaps it's time to take them for a spin!

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  8. I love your interpretation and how you used your accessories like the long pearls and belt.

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  9. Now you are someone of true style. I love how you piece everything together you did it so well!

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  10. I love this look, and the clutch is such an elegant accent. I used to have a long strand of pearls, but it disappeared over the years. I need to get a new one.

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