I like to think I’m ahead of the curve on certain trends. I liked vampires before they were cool, listened to Journey before Glee made them famous, and I’ve been rocking vintage clothing much longer than its been a “trend”. But Downton Abbey I came to a bit late. After hearing murmurings about the amazing stories and beautiful costumes, I decided to watch the first two series in their entirety a few months ago and – wow! The time period, the confusing era encompassing Titanic and WWI, is one of my favorites, and the amazing depth of the multi-status characters really pulled me in. I watched the whole thing in about a week, which is huge for me because I am a notoriously slow TV-watcher, and I was seriously bummed when it ended. Luckily, it is coming back for a third series in January (set in the roaring ‘20s!) – so this little fashion roundup will have to keep you satisfied until then!

Upstairs

Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville)

As the fair and good-natured head of the esteemed Crawley family, the Earl of Grantham’s position is a difficult one. Yet, he finds a balance between the old tradition and the modern advances, especially balancing 3 headstrong daughters, an American wife, and a mother quite stuck in her ways. Like his general demeanor, his look is one of reverence with a casual grace. Typically in black and white formalwear or a military uniform, his effortless likability is always on display.

Shop It: 1900′s Antique Black Waistcoat

Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern)

Much like her husband, Cora is stuck between the old and the new. She is much more aligned with the thoughts and ideals of her daughters, yet she believes in upholding tradition in the strictest sense. Likewise, her fashion choices bounce from upright and incredibly accessorized to sleek and fashion-forward. It remains to be seen which path she will really choose.

Shop It: Edwardian Silk Lace Top

Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery)

Probably the character that has changed the most since the beginning of the show, Mary is a complex and emotional character pulled in two distinctly different directions. As the oldest Crawley daughter she feels that her reputation is always on the line, yet she dares to live her life the way she chooses. Here’s hoping that the Series 2 finale finally settled her mind! Her fashions are the most glamorous, stylish and stunning on the show, with sequins, adorable adornments, and long elbow-gloves for every occasion!

Shop It: 1900′s Edwardian LBD

Edith Crawley (Laura Carmichael)

Poor, poor Edith. The middle Crawley sister and indisputably the most pathetic is both incredibly kind-hearted and incredibly vindictive. Jealous of and competitive with Mary, she will always live in the shadow of her siblings and her parents, often forgotten and patronized. Her fashions, dowdy and too old for her, reflect her awkwardness in society compared to Mary’s elegance and sophistication.

Shop It: 1900′s Edwardian Lawn Dress

Sybil Crawley (Jessica Brown Findlay)

The most progressive member of the Crawley family, Sybil is, from the beginning, a character that follows her own rules and has her own mind. This has led to a split and eventual reconciliation with her traditional father, but he no doubt respects her more for it. Her early foray into fashion was outrageous, with her picking voluminous bloomers as her first “society dress”. This rejection of traditional female apparel will be quite interesting as we move into the Twenties.

Shop It: 1920′s Black Sheer Palazzo Pants

Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith)

The doyenne of the Crawley clan and arguably the most popular character on the show, Violet is an old lady stuck in her opinions of the world, yet she has a surprising depth and intelligence behind her outlandish statements. She is unexpected in her affections and disapprovals, but one thing that never changes is her plumed style, full of concealing velvet and heavy draping. I don’t think the 1920’s will have any affect on her whatsoever.

Shop it: Edwardian Wide-Brimmed Straw Hat

Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens)

Initially unimpressed and out-of-place in the Crawley family, the heir to the estate has grown into a much more confident, and beloved, character. Stints in WWI and (spoiler!) in a wheelchair have left him humble and honest, but no less idealistic than when the show began. His clothing has always appeared shabbier than the rest of the Crawley’s, perhaps to hint at his middle-class upbringing or at his outsider status. Beginning next season, however, this status – and maybe his fashion choices – will definitely have changed!

Shop It: Men’s Edwardian Gabardine Coat

Downstairs

Anna Smith (Joanne Froggatt)

If you haven’t watched the show yet, I won’t ruin it except to say that Anna is the most moral character on the show – perhaps on any show. The Crawley housemaid will defend the ones she loves, both upstairs and down, and she is never one to give up on someone. While her fashion choices are frumpy and plain, it is her inner goodness that always makes her a shining character.

Shop It: Edwardian Embroidered Couture Hat

Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier)

And now we move on to the least moral character on the show. Thomas is lovely to look at but there is darkness in his heart that is not to be believed. My personal theory, which was fleshed out much more in Series 2, is that he is just a scared little boy playing with the rules to see how far he can go. Can’t wait to see where it ends! His look is much more dapper than a footman or manservant’s typically is, mostly because Thomas fancies himself above the position and his employers in general.

Shop It: 1900′s Tuxedo Vest

Daisy Robinson (Sophie McShera)

To prove that the romantic drama is not only for the Crawleys, Daisy has a fair share of her own in the kitchen. Stricken with guilt at being the love of someone’s life who she doesn’t fancy, Daisy is often complaining and/or whining about it to anyone who will listen. Much like Edith, her sense of style is neither fashionable nor modern, but she is a character with a lot of room for growth!

Shop It: Edwardian White Eyelet Camisole

Johnny Cash, moving from the weald to the stage with an unstoppable voracity, has a mixture of boyish innocence and devious sex appeal to his look. He starts out in plaids and bowling shirts, married to a young, unassuming woman before he gets his big break. Yet, as fame and his growing obsession with June take over, his sartorial choices go through some changes. There is a soul-searching beatnik-esque period, characterized by corduroy and dark sunglasses, and then finally the “man in black”. By the end of the ‘60s, Johnny had given up on any kind of wholesome image and he decided to give in to his prison-sentenced fans once and for all.

June, on the other hand, tried to maintain her innocent façade all the way through. From a good Christian family, the June at the beginning of the movie, with her high ponytail and cardigans is still the same June we see at the end, albeit with a bit more glamorous of a persona. Never wanting to disappoint her family or her fans, she resists Johnny’s charms for most of the movie until finally giving in and becoming a lot more fashionable in the process. Slightly teased hair, glitzy minidresses, and amazing printed coats all can’t change the good little June Carter who made Johnny Cash fall in love.

Shop the Look:

• 1950′s Pendleton Mod Swing Coat
• 1960′s Lilly Pulitzer Tulips Dress
• 1950′s Cream Lambswool & Angora Sweater
• 1960′s Rhinestone Heel Satin Sandals
• 1950′s Black Hammonton Park Wool Men’s Suit

• The Reunion: Iconic ’70s rock band Queen is set to do a Queen Extravaganza tour with several young singers and 2 original bandmates. And no, there will be no hologram of Freddie Mercury.
• The Icons: This month, I am loving all of the attention that female fashion designers are getting. Because of this year’s Met Gala theme, everyone seems to be talking about Coco, Miuccia, Stella, and Diane!
• The Accessory: A huge trend for spring and summer is statement earrings, harkening back to the ’60s and ’70s when dramatic danglers were all the rage. Pair with a sexy updo for a classic look.
• The Archive: As a corresponding piece to last year’s documentary film on George Harrison, Living in the Material World, there is now an ebook with an exclusive look into the life of the “Quiet Beatle”. Beach read, anyone?
• The Dedication: This month, we lost a true icon of vintage fashion. Vidal Sassoon changed the way that women viewed their hair, and he created some of the most memorable looks of the ’60s and ’70s. R.I.P.
• The Designers: After reading a story about the design team behind Boardwalk Empire, I am even more convinced that working with vintage clothing all day is a dream job.

Judy Garland & Liza Minelli

The shining Hollywood icon of the ‘30s through the ‘60s, Judy Garland had both dark and light sides to her personality, and a wicked talent that wouldn’t quit. When Liza was born in 1946, she was immediately destined for talent and fame like her mother. Performing from age 3, she often appeared with her mother as the Queen and Princess of Hollywood.

Janet Leigh & Jamie Lee Curtis

It is not often that two generations of women become famous for the exact same thing, but about 15 years apart, both mother and daughter became reigning Scream Queens. From her iconic shower scene in Psycho, Janet Leigh became a household name and continued her trajectory to becoming a well-respected actress. In 1978, daughter Jamie Lee would have a similar burst of fame from her starring role in Halloween. Guess the apple doesn’t scream far from the tree.

Tippi Hedren & Melanie Griffith

Speaking of famous Hitchcock moms, Tippi Hedren became an iconic “Hitchcock blonde” with her roles in The Birds and Marnie in the early ‘60s. Yet, as her career started to wane, her daughter Melanie’s was on the rise, as the beautiful and strong girl-next-door type in the Eighties, most notably in 1988’s Working Girl. Mom and daughter have appeared onscreen and produced together several times, proving that blonde bombshells are eternal.

Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher

From an adorable MGM star in Singin’ in the Rain to the victim of the scandalous Elizabeth Taylor-Eddie Fisher marriage, Debbie Reynolds had her share of ups and downs in Hollywood. Years later, her daughter Carrie Fisher would have similar highs and lows. As the tough and sexy Princess Leia in the iconic Star Wars trilogy, Carrie had almost too much fame to know what to do with. She resorted to drugs, but like her mother, she confronted everything head-on with a sense of humor. You really can’t keep these talented women down.

Nosferatu (1922)

The first film portrayal of Dracula, by Max Schreck, actually did not refer to the title character by its proper name due to disputes with Bram Stoker’s estate. Instead, it was Count Orlok that had audiences shrieking with terror. Back in the Twenties, Count Orlok was dressed in all black with a monstrously pale complexion and no physical attractiveness of any kind.

Dracula (1931)

By the Thirties, as talkies started to take the place of eerie silent films, Bela Lugosi took on the iconic role and completely revolutionized the genre. Equal parts spooky and magnetic, Lugosi’s Count Dracula was a wealthy and handsome man in a tuxedo who had a deep darkness, thus leading the way for today’s “sexy” vampires.

Dark Shadows (1966-1971)

The first supernatural soap opera of its kind, the story of the Collins family became a cult hit in the Sixties. Eerie, melodramatic, and surprising, this was the show that led the way for the various vampire television shows that came after it. The haunting opening sequence and music, combined with the dark-yet-innocent ‘60s minidresses, created an atmosphere that is now synonymous with vampire folklore.

Blacula (1972)

To take a truly Seventies spin on the genre, this film started a wave of African American-centered horror films. As a prodigy of the Count Dracula, this African vampire, Prince Mamuwalde, was billed as being “Deadlier than Dracula” in a completely campy ‘70s way. The fashions were pretty groovy, what with the undead having a wicked afro and his victims in jazzy disco ensembles.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

One of my personal favorite movies, this haunting take on the classic story had a killer Gary Oldman as the Count. Yet, unlike previous versions, Dracula had two very different personas; one as the old and deeply creepy vampire and the other as the young and handsome Count, beautifully in love with his deceased wife’s reincarnation. By creating an actual love story, the persona was complete, and there have been nothing but “romantic” vampires ever since.

1. The Beatles – “Day Tripper” (Multicolor Reversible Maxi Skirt)
2. Fleetwood Mac – “The Chain” (1970′s Gold Chain Cat Necklace)
3. Heart – “White Lightning & Wine” (White YSL Le Smoking Tuxedo Jacket)
4. The Beach Boys – “California Girls” (1970′s Terry Cloth Bathing Shirt)
5. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – “Crimson & Clover” (1980′s Red Silk Dress)
6. The Doors – “The Crystal Ship” (Gold, Silver & Black Tone Beaded Cuff)
7. Maria from West Side Story – “I Feel Pretty” (1960′s Rhinestone Earrings)
8. The Commodores – “Three Times a Lady” (Quadrille Marigold Couture Skirt)
9. Elton John – “Razor Face” (1970′s Chrome & Lucite Stiletto Heels)

Year: 1908

Make: Ford Model T

Model: Typically known as the first consumer automobile, Henry Ford made it possible for middle-class Americans to participate in the sport of driving. Much like the fashion from the early 20^th century, function took precedence over form, and it wasn’t until a few years later that the design became more streamlined and attractive.

Driving Gear: Edwardian Black Bodice

Year: 1922

Make: Austin 7

Model: Produced by British manufacturer Austin Motor Company, this car served as the influence for early BMW’s and Nissan’s. It was much smaller than previous automobiles and had a two-tone color scheme. Just like the fun flapper fashions, there was a definite and fun “style” to this car, which is what made it such a hit internationally.

Driving Gear: Crepe & Lace Cocktail Dress

Year: 1936

Make: Rolls-Royce Phantom III

Model: As far as pre-WWII engineering went, this car was at the top of its game. The body was sleek and shiny, like the Hollywood-tinged fashions of the Thirties. It was large and bulky, but in a way that showed its power, rather than its clunkiness. The larger-than-life feeling of architecture and entertainment during this time was clearly an influence.

Driving Gear: Champagne Silky Satin Slip Dress

Year: 1961

Make: Jaguar E-type

Model: After the war, cars began to become sleeker and more stylish. By the 1960’s, good looks became as important as high performance, and this car had both. A long front made sure that the car was noticeable from miles away, just like the funky and mod clothing coming from the Brits in the Sixties.

Driving Gear: Raw Silk Dress with Inverted Pleat Skirt

Year: 1983

Make: Chrysler Minivan

Model: In between the station wagon and the SUV, there was the minivan. Bulky and ostentatious, matching the fashion of the Eighties, this car went back to the time when function preceded form. Much like shoulder pads replaced miniskirts, carting the entire yuppie family around to their many activities was more important than the latest Bond-esque sports car.

Driving Gear: Albert Nipon Square Print Dress

Okay, shameless self-promotion is over.

• A Woman Like Me: Can I Get Some Aztec Please?
• A’s Fashion Files: April Wedding Showers
• Aspiring New Moms: A Pop of Color {Yellow}
• Barefoot Duchess: Low Budget Bridal Spring 2012
• Broke with Designer Taste: Dare to be Daring
• Closet Fix: My Style Fix
• Dress Code: High Fashion: White for All Occasions S/S 12
• Easy Petite Looks: 5 Q’s to Ask Before Every Fashion Purchase
• elle bow room: Handmade Blues
• Elle Yeah: It’s Like (Rose Gold) Dust
• The Fashion Firecracker: Outfit of the Day: Colorful Courage
• Globetrotting in Heels: Style Q&A: Go Long
• Hailes Hearts Fashion: Top Tips from Bloggers’ Lips
• Haley Cakes: That’s When I Know You’re Alone
• My Berlin Fashion: Pastel
• Shrimp Salad Circus: The Pants and Stripes. I Wore It.
• Something Old, Something New: Sunshine and Blues
• Sweet Escape: Summer Essential: Maxi Dress
• Where Can I Find The…?: The Fringe Effect
• Woodstock Wardrobe: Fashion School is Now in Session
• 40+ Style: Putting it all in one outfit

SPONSOR:

Shorts at Shopbop: Something Else, Free People Shorts, A+O Shorts, Textile, Vince Denim, L.A.M.B., Siwy Cutoffs, Bermudas, MiH, 7′s Shorts, ALC, Wildfox Tees & Maison Scotch shorts

Edwardian (1901-1915)

Setting: A time of sumptuous elegance, between the turn of the century and the beginning of WWI. Fashion was becoming a signal of wealth, more so than ever, and people cherished their ability to display this wealth through glittering jewels.

Brilliance: Platinum, diamonds, and pearls all reigned with their simple yet opulent appearances. Wreaths, garlands, and other decorative elements showed themselves in pendants and brooches, adding to the lavish display.

Display Case: Diamond & Topaz Engagement Ring

Art Deco (1920-1935)

Setting: A fun and decadent time, women reasserted themselves in ways that had never really been seen before. Both flappers and suffragettes were trying to find a new feminine identity, which led to new trends in fashion as well.

Brilliance: To balance out the short hair and drop-waists that had become en vogue, jewelry became long and bountiful. Women often combined long pearls, several precious stones at once, and geometric shaped-jewels.

Display Case: Sterling Silver Abalone Inlay Ring

Retro (1935-1950)

Setting: Between the Depression and WWII, people everywhere in the world were looking to escape from their day-to-day troubles. This escape led to the success of Hollywood, and a romance with the sparkle of the silver screen.

Brilliance: Yellow gold, colored gemstones, and romantic motifs characterize retro jewelry. Large embellishments and proportions began to take over for slim, long silhouettes, most likely a result of larger-than-life entertainment (aka movies).

Display Case: Carved Wooden Flower Necklace

Snow White (1937)

This year is definitely the year of Snow. Two movies and a television show are focused on the beauty with lips like a red, red rose and her evil queen stepmother who is trying to grapple with aging and the loss of beauty. This was the first Disney movie, and it spawned a princess with wicked primary color style, perfect for the Technicolor Thirties.

Pinocchio (1940)

Perhaps a precursor to WWII, this movie is all about the loss of innocence and what makes a human different from a machine (or puppet). The addition of the fashionable blue fairy brings a bit of Hollywood glam into the parable which otherwise sticks to the same red, blue and yellow color palette as before.

Cinderella (1950)

A woman stuck doing chores while her fairy tale life awaits; women in the Fifties could definitely relate. The movie became an overnight success, and its style of off-the-shoulder ball gowns and elegant updos perfectly mimicked the era into which it was born.

101 Dalmatians (1961)

The Sixties moved Disney to chic and swanky London where love, puppies, and Cruella De Vil are all at large. The aforementioned Cruella is definitely the most fashionable Disney villain, with her fur coat, long cigarette holder, and two-toned hair before it was popular. She might be evil, but she looked pretty swingin’.

The AristoCats (1970)

The last Walt-approved Disney picture is set in Paris in 1910, but it has all the snazziness and jazziness of the Seventies. The human characters favor sumptuous gowns and formalwear, while the titular cats are stylish in their golden and bow-tied collars, with all of the glamour of aristocratic Disco-ers.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

She might have lived under the sea, but Ariel had some pretty bitchin’ ‘80s style! Her big red hair, voluminous sea-shell accessories, and poufy “land” outfit fit right into the decade, but her hope for a better life with the man of her dreams was classic Disney magic.

Beauty & The Beast (1991)

Belle was a modern ‘90s woman, even if the movie was set in the 1890’s. Her minimalist daytime look soon gives way to opulent eveningwear as she falls in love with the enigmatic and mysterious Beast. The only Oscar-nominated Disney classic, it is an undisputed classic with references to the past, much like the Nineties were.