Casual Cosplay: Sherlock Holmes - The Case of the Uninspired Wardrobe

Hello ladies and gents,

Never have I come home from the cinema and felt quite so compelled to write as after my recent trip to see Sherlock Holmes: A Game ofShadows but don’t worry, you won't be getting any analysis of plot or in-depth translational cinema discussion here.

The thing that inspired me: The Clothes

It is perhaps a strange choice (…or probably not given the context of my blog) after all there have been many more lavish or historically accurate costume dramas over the years but something about this movie really made me take notice. There is, however, the distinct possibility that this is because the lovely Robert Downey Jr reminds me and awful lot of my fiancé in this film (what with the scruffy stubble and shaggy hair) but I'd like to think there's a little more to it than that.

I have long had a love affair with Victoriana and Victorian fashion, its just so… inaccessible! It is a style that champions the hour glass figure as much as the 1950s and as a natural hourglass (a gift and a curse ladies) that instantly appeals to me.

Get Waisted! Marilyn Monroe and Rachel McAdams

I remember back in the day, early naughties if I remember rightly, that ‘Victoriana’ made an appearance in Topshop and other high street retailers. With ruffled corset tops, long skirts and even the velvet military jacket making being available as part of mainstream fashion. It was not to last however and fashion shifted in favour of something a little easier to wear, jeggings, and the Victorian inspiration disappeared into the same bargain bin as shoulder pads and those bracelets that you needed to slap on.

A favourite Victoriana staple for me however was the Victorian boot. This lace up classic seems to have never gone out of fashion, with adapted versions hanging around in shops (does anyone remember Jennifer Lopez’s combat version from Jenny From The Block?). One place that does always have a variation of the more classic Victorian Boot is Clarks - I’ve had a pair of theirs in my wardrobe for the last 10 years.

The two leading ladies were dressed to impress in this film, Rachel McAdams wore a beautiful hat/jacket/bustle combo in the opening scenes and Noomi Rapace inspired me to attempt a slightly gypsy look the next day (although I really needed a cropped jacket for this, but you make the best with what you have!). 

The flowing midi skirt boots and fitted jacket combo is very flattering for a lady with curves and well everyone loves a hat (but it does remind me of a Jennifer Lopez video again though?)

But perhaps the most important success of this film (outside being number one in the box office in several countries) was helping my lovely fiancé get inspiration for his wedding suit. There was a moment during the film where he turned to me and said ‘That is exactly what I want to wear for the wedding’. Who knew men could react in such a way. Needless to say, I was very pleased... I just need to work out where to find it! 

I'll let you 'detect' what it is :D

And lets not forget Holmes is right at home on Fancy Dresscapades as he’s a man that loves a good costume!

One final note before I retire for the evening, this was yet another movie of 2011 with a vintage wedding dress (I know its a period film, but still...) and a lovely one at that:

Perhaps if you've not seen it this will inspire you to do so? (I thought the plot wasn't half bad too!)

See you soon for more Dresscapades!