Bloomsbury Group Style inspiration

[GwennyWen]

I am thinking of fluid, more draped styles, longer tops and knits that aren't chunky or square.
I don't like pattern much, which somewhat defies the spirit of Bloomsbury, but I love the quiet 'afternoon tea' grace and ease of this look. I think I ought to have lived in the more progressive 1920's...

I am thinking of how Dora Carrington might have dressed, cross with more contemporary Japanses lines.

I can't source this type of style anywhere, although a few links on the Monty Don thread were interesting, although a tad more potato farmer than Vanessa Bell's painting studio

There was a site called 'follyology', or something, which was interesting, but I would love to know if anyone else loves this look and how they adapt it to winter.
Must add here that I am not overly keen on Lagenlook styles, even though some of the concepts do overlap. Toast is too chunky but I don't care for outright glam either.
I have also scoured Margaret Howell, but again this is a tad too utilitarian in feel, and I don't like enormous elastic waistbands either, so in today's market....difficult!

Can anyone share any ideas or shops? Museum Selection are nice but the florals are overwhelming to me.
I love 'Handworked' but there is so little ever in stock..

I don't think I'm into the same style - e.g. I like the Margaret Howell utilitarian vibe. But I always enjoy these kinds of threads so to help keep it going, (even if I get it wrong) is Brora anywhere close to what you like? There are still lots of patterns but they're not all floral, e.g. also ginghams, spots and plaids. dresses here

Probably not much help, but it's an interesting read

www.nytimes.com/2023/09/15/arts/design/bloomsbury-group-fashion-bring-no-clothes.html

It's a difficult one to recreate at the moment for sure. I have several '90s Monsoon & St Michael/M&S things via eBay that sort of fit this - silk mix jumpers, long-ish quilted velvet jacket, drapey velvet skirts & dresses, long wool coats. Where would I get such things new...tricky. I spotted long wool (blend) coats in John Lewis the other day, and I have a fine v-neck merino jumper from Uniqlo that has a lovely slouchyness. Men's M&S lambswool jumpers and cardigans also a favourite. Finally, I know Seasalt is often mocked here, but there's the odd thing that's good - especially via the outlet store I like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314770770680

@Floisme Me too, I loved the monty don thread and those of a similar ilk! I occasionally see something decent at Brora but find they seem to be moving towards a more cutesy aesthetic this past few years - blouses with huge frilly collars, colour blocking their knits...nooooo!

@Mercurial123 I'm sure I read a review of this in the Guardian a few weeks ago. There's a great book called 'The Bloomsbury Look' which also focuses on the interiors and art, worth a gander if it's your kind of thing.

@thedevilinablackdress I don't mind Seasalt but never suit their colours, which is a shame. I am very fair and what might be called a light summer complexion and tend to suit pale, neutral shades like what you might see at Poetry.
I loved the more drapey, velvet styles of the 90's too.

I wonder if anyone has seen the BBC supernatural drama 'Requiem'? I really liked Tara Fitzgerald's look in that.

Ooh could someone please link to the Monty Don thread?

thank you

Here it is!
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4281220-If-Monty-Don-was-a-woman

The skirt from Poetry
The shirt from Plumo
Cardi from Celtic & Co
The extra layer ,because the 20's lacked heating

I'd also go on M&S and search tea dresses, there are a lot around at the moment.

Velvet short and long will eat your budget.

Have you scoured Poetry and Wrap?

@Itisyourturntowashthebath we have been ogling the same shops! I love the floaty velvet, especially if it was midnight blue. I fear skirts from Poetry would be too long for me at 5'4.

I do love this outfit from Oska, more voluminous than Bloomsbury, but great for winter with some thick tights underneath..

I thought "ooh yes!" when I saw this thread title. Although it sounds like we might like slightly different things and definitely different colours.

Have a look at Justine Tabak for dresses (spendy but made in London). Other brands possibly worth looking at are Thought Clothing and East. I also love the knitwear and coats at Izzy Lane (along with the ethics - all the sheep are rescues) although haven't bought anything yet. And maybe Oubas, a small UK based knitwear brand.

I have just been eyeing up this season's Justine Tabak. I've never bought a dress from there as they're so expensive but I think I might save up for the tartan one.
Do you think they go with Grenson style brogues?

Oh @caramond I love those Izzy Lane coats!

I have one of her linen dresses (a lucky sample sale buy) and it's really beautiful quality as expected. I think they'd look great with Grenson brogues.

I've been in love with the dark red Saltaire dress for ages but just can't decide if it would look a bit much for everyday wear so it'd be expensive if I only wore it for special occasions. So beautiful though!

www.justinetabak.co.uk/collections/dresses/products/merlot-corduroy-saltaire-shirt-dress-1

That dress is a beautiful colour.

Yes! I am fat, so aim for matronly ample flowing curves, and tend to look for tulip-shaped dresses and cardigans.

Thank you @GwennyWen

Ooh this is so funny, I keep a photo on my phone from the BBC miniseries Life in Squares for wardrobe inspiration.
Have you seen the One Hundred Stars Rachel dresses?

For the Justine Tabak fans, there are a few things on Vinted at different price points.

Ahh no, will check that out!
I love Life in Squares, have it downloaded from Amazon, I absolutely loved the wardrobe dept and wish I could live in it

I like the idea of the clothes but the Bloomsbury Group has always struck me as a bunch of irritating narcissists. Virginia Woolf I think was deeply unpleasant.

The coats are really, really good quality. I've been shopping there for a long time and I highly recommend.

Hello everyone - really enjoying this thread. Have always wanted to dress like the Bloomsbury group but in reality am a short, curvy blonde so never can seem to pull it off!

was wondering if anyone could give guidance on the fit of Justine Tabak - do they run large or small does anyone know? ( I know they have measurements but good to hear from people who own them as well!)

I've never tried Justine Tabak, sorry Reepicheepy

If anyone wants to be really authentic and can sew or knows of a good seamstress, you can still buy 1920s sewing patterns. Etsy sell them. this one is just a random example -in fact I've just noticed it's in French so probably not the best one to pick, but there are plenty more.

Just letting you know - Justine Tabak has a great SALE right now - excellent bargains! I'm wearing this linen tartan dress from her today and loving it .
https://www.justinetabak.co.uk/collections/january-sale-2024?page=2