Painting: The Girl with the Dog

Dogs have always been an important part of our lives as you can see in this lovely painting. Especially the gentry seemed preoccupied with taking them hunting, on walks and to public functions.

I just adore her dress and the flowers in her hair.

Gorgeous Regency Re-enactor Dress

I actually find it hard to believe that this dress was made by an amateur and wouldn't be surprised if a professional was behind it. Everything right down to her accessories is perfection!

I will certainly be of the party again this year at the Jane Austen Festival. I would love to wear one of my regency dresses and attend the ball this time! Perhaps I can convince my own (reluctant) Mr. Darcy to join me.

Steampunk embroidered coat

Now this is a steampunk coat I would gladly wear! Especially the one in white. Black is too depressing a colour for me. The embroidery is exquisite!

 

Edwardian Dress

I am a big fan of the Edwardian period and their fashion was gorgeous and more understated than previous era's. I especially love the beads and detail. It reminds me of a fairy dress. Very elegant.

Painting: Russian winter scene

Considering it just started snowing outside, a painting of a Russian snowy day seems pretty appropriate.

Painting: A lover's kiss

I can feel the romance in this lovely painting from 1768.

Fabulous lady

It is steampunk meets flamenco and baroque. Slightly eccentric with all those bows but daring and original.

Antique chair

I am very fond of antique furniture and I stumbled across these lovely chairs the other day that would look divine behind a regency writing desk.

 

Regency Detail: Blue coat

I grew up on a healthy diet of Jane Austen and BBC so I have long admired regency dress and customs, not least as a regency re-enactor. As I am now writing a regency novel, I am always on the lookout for inspiring costumes and accessories. Close-ups are imperative in giving you that all-important feel for the period. That's what my Regency Detail blogs will be for.

A Portrait of Winter

Another chilly day in England. Winter has long outstayed its welcome and its children, Snow and Freeze, torture us daily with their relentless presence. It is beautiful to behold in a painting, film or photograph. But to live in its world is to slowly lose your bloom.

My dream dining room

My flat isn't even big enough for a proper dining room. But if it was, I would have this one. It has an elegant, Downton Abbey quality to it while not being too old-fashioned for a modern home.

White Beauty

I have mixed feelings about Sundays. In some ways, I love them because I can have a lay-in and snuggle in bed. But it is also the dreaded day before going back to work. That realization poisons my Sunday evenings and makes it hard to enjoy it fully.

I surround myself with beautiful things to cheer myself up and it also a source of inspiration.

Beautiful regency sewing box

Now, I don't even sew but this is just beautiful craftmanship!

20th and 19th century hats

I love Friday evenings. You have the promise of the weekend, a nice lay-in and some me time. My me time usually occurs on Sunday evenings and consists of watching some silly TV series while sipping tea. Then again, I do that most weekdays as well. Lucky me!

With period drama, the focus usually lies on the dresses but for today, I would like to let the hats enjoy some much deserved attention. Victorian hats especially as shown in the first picture are a great favourite of mine. They ooze sophistication. 

Steampunk Corset

I've never worn a steampunk corset but they always seem a bit tight and uncomfortable to me haha.

Must be my 21st century self talking. They do have a habit of looking fabulous and sexy though so perhaps it's worth a try. This particular one is rather feminine, though I could do without the bow. Love the necklace combo as well.

Painting: Spring

Today is supposedly the first day of spring. Unfortunately, someone forgot to notify the Weather Gods, who are still at war with one another. In this grey, rainy part of southern England, it has been a long and harsh winter. That is why I have decided to spread the digital spring and then just maybe, the world will follow.

Furniture: Regency Romance

Today I would like to share some beautiful antique furniture with you all. They are elegant and could easily be perceived as art as far as I'm concerned. 

A fun and original way to store your shoes!

Shoe Candy

These shoes belong to Cinderella, I am sure of it. And I hate her for it. They are soooo pwetty!

Steampunk Hollywood: Van Helsing

Let's have some steampunkery to brighten up this dull Wednesday. Only two days till the weekend!

Kate Beckinsale's costumes were easily the best thing about Van Helsing. 

Painting: Victorian Ball

I always feel as if I am there when I look at these paintings. Attending a ball as a debutante, hoping to impress all the right people. This painting is close to perfection. Gorgeous dresses, beautiful women but old, unattractive gentlemen. 

Steampunk Couture

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a tomboy. This might explain why I love steampunk. It is feminine in a quite understated way (though some prefer the bustle and cleavage variety) and makes you look unique and different.

 I really adore this red tailcoat over at Pirates Cave. I'm a big fan of red and this particular cut has a very military look that appeals to me. It also has great detailing in the buttons and gold trim.

My new fantasy home

I love all things old-fashioned and vintage. I own a few antique furnishings that I treasure and as such, I would love to live here. Very classy and lots of atmosphere.

Fushia necklace

I saw this gorgeous necklace and although I'm not the kind of girl to wear a lot of jewellery, I can just imagine wearing this on my fairytale evening at the ball. For which I am yet to receive my invitation unfortunately.

Lovely red jacket by McQueen

McQueen. Fierce and expensive I'm sad to say. This is something I would wear every day. I am more airship than petticoat. :)

Painting: Victorian Lady

I love her expression and sophisticated up do.

Whenever I see Victorian paintings I feel as though I was born in the wrong century. Thank the petticoats for period drama!