Born in the wrong decade.

Oh, how I long for the days of yore. Times were simpler, but the fashion was NOT. I wish I had a time machine just so I could wear some of the things I've seen in movies or read about in my favorite genre, historical fiction. Corsets and petticoats and gowns, oh my! The time and energy women put into their clothes back in the day. As time went on, fashion evolved (up until about 1970, when things took a dive...).  
My love for past fashions stems as far back as the 18th century. French fashion a la Marie Antionette in the 1700's, I die.

 Sofia Coppola's Marie Antionette film contains some of the most beautiful costumes I've seen. Although I'm not a huge Kirsten Dunst fan, she wore them well. The gowns are simply beautiful. Handcrafted and embroidered, these gowns must have taken months to create in the 1700's, and the workmanship shows.

Fashion evolved slowly as time went on, and the dresses got progressively smaller and less extraordinary. Still, what I wouldn't give to don a garment from the 19th century as well, such as this beautiful 1890's gown (right).

 






The beginning of the 20th century saw people test the limits of society, shortening hemlines (gasp! ankles? how dare you!) and trimming in dresses close to the hips. Fabrics became simpler, less embroidery and decoration. Use of lace and patterned fabric came to replace the hand-decorated masterpieces. Of course, with a new tea dress you need an overcoat of matching fabric! This early 1900's gown (left) gives you an example of what I'm speaking of. God, what I wouldn't give to stroll through the park wearing a dress like that, twirling my parasol. Ugh!

Using another great movie as an example, Titanic had some wonderful costume designers. Everything Kate Winslet's Rose wore was impeccably put together. From the moment she exited a streetcar in her massive hat and wonderful white skirt-suit(below), my attention was captured by her clothes. 

Okay, okay, I'm rambling. Moving on to quite 
 possibly my favorite decade of fashion, the 1920's! (Think: Chicago). Flapper dresses, bejeweled garter belts, dropped waists. Just oh so fabulous. The jazz age was one of the best. I envision myself in a smoky room, with some red lipstick and satin shoes, and fabulous company, as above a still from Boardwalk Empire. 

Anyways, on to my point, I suppose. The days of complicated fashion seem to be over. Women have gotten lazy with their jeans and t-shirt wardrobes. I would kill for a chance to engage in the drama of wearing something just so fabulous! If only I didn't care what others think of me, but oh the looks one would get wearing any of these outfits walking down the street. Although, with the revival of the '80's and '90's fashion, a girl can dream, no?