Downton Abbey Clothes The English Period Drama Starts A Hot New Fashion Trend

Downton Abbey is an English Period Drama made by the British ITV Network. It's Set in the Edwardian Period around 1910 and then continuing the story up until, and including, King George V. The story centres on the First World War, and features a cast of British actors including the great Maggie Smith. Since it has started it has picked up many awards and for this type of Genre it has proved a surprising success.

There have been many period drama's in the past, but for some reason this one has captured the publics imagination. In fact there has only been one more successful drama in this Genre since 1981, and that was the great Brideshead Revisited.

The offshoot of this is that the fabulous fashion costumes that the actors and actresses wear have suddenly developed a following of there own. It seems that the British public have a yearning for the elegance and beauty of this period in our History. In other words, the clothes are going down a storm. Orders have been selling out, and one of the most popular is the 'over the elbow' gloves. There is a real trend for these vintage but very desirable fashion gloves.

But that's not all. We suddenly want to look like the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Day. With silk Cravats and walking canes, Parasols and Granny boots, it seems that the majority of us are fed up with the same old Jeans and T shirts that seem to have taken over our lives.

Where is the elegance? Where is the style? Well, here it is, and believe me when I say, it's time to take back our femininity and beauty. And just imagine how handsome your partner will look wearing the wonderful clothes and fashions of Yester Year.

Downton Abbey is the fictional country house of the Earl and Countess of Grantham. It is an Upstairs, downstairs story of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. With love and tragedy, casualties of 1914-18 war, and having their household turned upside down to make room for the Military who need the Hall for the sick and wounded, the Crawley family have to learn to adapt.

The first series spanned the two years leading up to the sinking of the Titanic. The second series is now half way through, and brings intrigue to the House. Servants and Aristocrats find that their well ordered lives, and perfect structure of the Household, has been turned upside down. Love crosses the barriers, and secrets are revealed that horrify the Crawleys. Can they survive the upheaval? And most importantly, can they find love?

 Are you good with sewing? How about trying out this lovely dress pattern. Easy to make, and wonderful for the summer months.

A lovely Edwardian dress from the early 1900's. It has a high or low neckline that can be adjusted, princess lines, and a pleated or gathered skirt. Along the centre front panel, and side flanges, are a wonderful line of lacy detail. It can be made from cotton, silk, wool or any other fabric that you prefer. The advantage of making your own is that you can add color, or pearls, eyelets or ribbons. Lovely.

These Victorian Granny Boots are absolutely gorgeous. They have see through lace sides, which decorate the boots perfectly. With a 2 inch heel they are perfect for every day wear. The advantage of these is that they can be worn with Victorian styles, Saloon, or be a Southern Belle.

Edwardian and Victorian, overlap because the shoes were made to last. So I am not really cheating when I show you these! Evidently they are called Victorian because the style came out just before Edwardian days, but lasted well into the 1920s.

These are my favorite, they are delicious!

They come in Ivory, Gold, Pink and Black.

Sticking with the Ivory theme, these are the bigger version of the Ankle boots above. These really are lovely. With an interweaving pattern of lace down the sides, lace up tight fronts and perfect but small heels, these are perfect with everything you wear. Imagine going to that party in your Edwardian dress, and sweeping down the stairs, holding up your skirts for everyone to see. Wow! And the great thing about them is the fact that they are Ultra modern too! A mini skirt, pants or even a long evening gown will go together with these perfect boots.

And the one advantage that you have when wearing these type of Victoriana bombshells is that even if you have weak ankles like me, you would never trip or twist your ankle. I know. I wear these sort of boots every day. They sit snugly around your ankle, and because you can tie them as tight as you want, they support your feet and legs perfectly. How good is that?

 This beautiful hat is made over a taupe wool wide brimmed base, just 16 inches wide. The taupe satin and golden ornamentation is accented with a beaded trim. The feathers are beautiful ostrich dyed by hand and sit gracefully around the crown. This is a very elegant piece that would be perfect to wear at a wedding, or Church. Maybe even a Sunday afternoon stroll around the park. You would certainly turn heads wearing this wonderful hat.

Edwardian handbags were made to last. But not only that they were made to make a fashion statement. They showed class and wealth. The brighter the colors and the finer the material, would show the upper class that you had wealth and good taste. A lady would never be seen without her bag. It held the most important little bits and pieces that an Edwardian lady would need. Tissues, lipstick, smelling salts, yes I said smelling salts because ladies in those days were prone to fainting! Well, actually it was called 'glowing' when they got hot, and then if they passed out, it would be a touch of the 'vapours'! Women never perspired, they 'glowed' or blushed!

Of course the reason why they came over 'All Unnecessary' (fainted) is because they couldn't breath! Their Stays or corsets were so tight it would cut off the blood supply and restrict their breathing. That's why you see women dropping like flies back in the day. It wasn't because they were delicate as they called it, it was because of hypoxia! Hence the smelling salts.

Getting back to what a lady would have in her handbag, she would always carry a spare hair clip or scarf, and even one of those great big hat pins that came in handy when the lady was being pestered by a besotted man! En Garde' !

Occasionally she may even have money in there. Well, that's obvious, you may say, but no, actually you are wrong. Why would a Lady have money? Back in the day there was no 'going dutch' as they say these days. A Lady was treated as such. Therefore the man would always pay. Either her husband or her sweetheart would treat her. It was the thing to do. Please bring back those times! (sigh)

And last but not least, a lady would always have a spare set of gloves in her bag. You never went out in public without them, unless you were common. And of course you would need a spare pair just in case you lost one at the Theatre or Ballet.

And that's it! Or maybe I have missed something? Let me know! Anyway, talking about gloves, take a look at the fabulous designs on the right!

 I love the series of Downton Abbey. I have been hooked ever since series one. The second series proves that this show gets better and better. So when you are all sitting cosy by the fireside, drinking your hot chocolate and indulging in sweet fantasies of parasols, and long strolls in the park with your beau on your arm, just remember that you can indulge in some of these elegant costumes, and turn a few heads at the same time.

Sorry I can't provide the Beau. You'll have to do that yourself!