Did anyone else have a ganders at this on Sunday? The Beeb's new period drama, set in 1934 and based on novel by Winifred Holtby (who died shortly after finishing the novel, so it was published posthumously).
I have to say I rather liked it... a good main story line and lots of sub plots to get my teeth into, plus some fabulous "real" costumes... I love a good costume drama that portrays real life. Don't get me wrong... a good swoon over a glitzy frock and perfectly coiffed tresses is enjoyable too. But watching South Riding made vintage dressing suddenly seem far more accessible and made me feel like I was doing it right in an every day way... For instance, my hair... It does not stay pristine and curled like Lady Percy's in Upstairs Downstairs (but oh how I wish it did)
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| Hair crush |
But, when curled and post a dose of blustery wind it does end up looking somewhat like this...
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| Headmistress Sarah Burton, played by Anna Maxwell Martin |
OOO and look at that coat! the collar the colour (and a rather smashing little two piece beneath too!)! I loved all of Anna's wardrobe and am now hunting out replicas.. especially a little green blouse she wore with a pointed hem so it looked a bit like a waistcoat.... she teamed it with a fitted and flared navy blue skirt... oh my it looked the biz, and perfect for everyday wear. I've been having a hunt to no avail... but am thinking as a first sewing project if making such a blouse would be fairly simple? How about a calf length 30s skirt too? Seamstresses... please give me your thoughts!
Another drool worthy outfit was her suit she wore in the opening scene...
The same waistcoat hem feature on the top, and a lovely length skirt. So chic but rather real and normal. I loved the use of colour too. Throughout the programme muted hues were mainly used for costume... so this dramatic red and white splash when you first see Miss Burton really created an impact.
Can't wait till Sunday now!
Gem x
18 comments:
Thank you for reminding us of this in Sunday afternoon, l really enjoyed it. I also agree that thw outfits were to die for! I rather liked her hair too. Of course it must have been wins swept and messy at times, but photos like that from the thirties were likely kept under wraps!
I'm glad someone else saw this - I thought the vintage bloggers would have been all over this but it's been very quiet! I also have costume envy and I loved the red outfit you picked out especially. I'm just upset that it's on at the same time as Being Human! Thank god for iPlayer!
I've not watched it yet, but it is in our box waiting for viewing. Might save it for a lazy Friday night x
Oow, I loved it too- yet I was disappointed with her hair (though I understand your views)- it was a bit too wayward for me- but then again is represents her character well. I thought most of the pupils had more authentic hair (only my opinion!) What about the woolly swimsuit- I sure want that! And I do like her waistcoat/tuxedo blouses too- been swooning over all her costumes to be honest, like her pale blue hat too... tupsx
I forgot to watch it, I must do so!
In my opinion if you've never sewed before then a skirt would probably be easiest first, it's basically 2 bits of material, darts then a 3rd but for a waistband, blouses are slightly more complicated but don't be put off, they're easy too, skirts are just easier!
I L-O-V-E-D loved this!!! I watched it on Tues and was a little apprehensious as I had read a tainted review (thats a shitty metro for ya!) - but I thought it was fantastic!
I LOVE Miss Burton. I love the fact that is it presented in the interwar year - WW1 a healing wound - WW2 on the horizon to open it up again. I love the fashion. FAB FAB FAB!
I also concur on the non-perfectness of hair. This is something that I cling to when I have dropped curls and cannot be arsed with rolls. Women didn't do it everyday in the 40s - why should I??! (this is what I tell myself)
Never heard of this, thanks for drawing my attention to it. Period drama rocks.x
Thanks for this! I missed it, but will deffo catch up now. The stills you've posted are wonderful, and I have adored Anna MM since Bleak House.
First of all I have to say that I've now read your blog from the beginning and I LOVE it!! Your apartment is wonderful and the history behind it is amazing. And you've managed to find yourself a fab wardrobe.
As for this TV show, I'll have to watch for it when it comes to Canada. I love this kind of show and watch them as often as I can so I'll have my eye out for it.
Jackie
http://windsor--rose.blogspot.com
Thank you for all your advice on sewing... I've found a skirt pattern so think I shall start with theat. Jackie, thank you so much for taking a look at my blog from the top... that must have been a tasking read! Thanks for swinging by :) xx
Another one who enjoyed it here! That red and white outfit was just stunning. It's the one that stayed in my mind the next day.
Hello Gemma.
I've just found your lovely blog and am so pleased I have! Am now "following"!
Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Gemma xx
We're still waiting in the U.S. South Riding won't be on until May, I believe. I can't wait, though! I'm trying to decide if I want to cut my hair more, because when it's bob-length and pincurled it can look like the first picture. Right now, my hair is almost to shoulder-length and I keep wavering on what to do about it!
Just discovered your lovely blog. So glad somebody else saw South Riding, I began to think it was just me! My favourite outfit was also the pointy bottomed green blouse and navy skirt. The angel sleeved top she had one when she was teaching poetry was also swoonsome. Jane x
It looks like there are some amazing costumes to be seen!!
http://inthehammockvintage.blogspot.com
I didn't watch it, but I do like the look of that red suit!
Hi there,
I have just watched the first episode on i player on the basis of that wonderful red outfit and have thoroughly enjoyed it! She IS super slim tho isn't she? Can't see myself in one of those long slim skirts!
Did anyone else notice the green cardigan in the last episode? I wonder if the pattern is available anywhere - I'd love to make that.
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