Hidden Magnolias

When we think of the Edwardians, our minds immediately go to images portrayed in Downton Abbey or other images showing long skirts, heavy clothes, serving tea and having babies. Despite being corseted and all bundled up with what today we would consider very restrictive clothing, these women were quite active, especially the Edwardians, who began to eschew the corset. "Spencer-sisters" by Unknown - From the private collection of David Ball. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spencer-sisters.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Spencer-sisters.jpg So what did they do? They hiked... Flicker They boated... ohdalingdankeschoen They biked... Pinterest They picnicked... pintoresca They camped... Pinterest They rode horses...     They demanded that we vote...   And I, for one, am awfully glad they did. Pat

Have you seen Miss Fisher Murders Mysteries on PBS yet? It is a delightful series. She has great clothes, fantastic shoes, a clever wit, and a kind heart. (And a little golden gun that I have never seen her use.) But even better, she has the coolest house: The historic house “Wardlow” in Parkville, Victoria was used as the exterior of the Phryne’s house. I never thought about Melbourne, Australia having really neat houses, but they do -- plenty of them. The house above is "Labassa", owned by the National Trust. A 1890 French renaissance mansion significant for its richly decorated and finely executed interiors, including a grand staircase with a magnificent stained glass window and rare trompe l'oeil ceiling -- Ooh là là . Built in 1847, "Como House"  in South Yarra is an amalgamation of Australian Regency and Italianate architecture styles. The opulent property features sprawling lush gardens, a fountain, and even a croquet lawn....

Like everyone else, I am having Downton Abbey withdrawals.  Why do I love Downton Abbey so much? Well, besides, the house, I love the fashions. The Victorian and Edwardian era fashions will never be repeated as far as I can see. Besides, who would want to wear so many restricting clothes? Not me.  Despite the prim and proper feminine ideal of the day, fashions of the Victorian period created a mystical, romantic look. I love the one below. Her hair, her face and her clothes are perfect. A bridal party or perhaps a cotillion?  Definitely 1880's or before. Bustles were in. Love the enormous hats and large corsages and of course, the parasol. A young woman before age 18. At 18, they could "drop their hemlines." Edwardian fashion refers to the clothing worn in the early 20th century and features an simpler,   elegant, more tailored look for women. ...