Dark Academia 2 - the conversation continues..

[highlandcoo]

Hello again to everyone from the last thread and welcome to anyone who enjoys talking about this aesthetic .. and if you have photos to share even better!

We've been discussing woollen jumpers, tweed skirts and jackets (with and without elbow patches), flannel trousers, fair isle tank tops, leather boots, culottes, berets and many other appealing garments, and more recently novels, poetry, libraries in general and even home decor with a DA vibe. Plus tortoiseshell spectacles and lorgnettes. I don't think we've touched on DA hairstyles yet although I've been giving that some thought ..

A DA quote I came across the other day: "I declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library." (P&P of course)

If curling up in a wing-backed armchair in front of a log fire, with candles flickering, sipping tea from a china mug while reading your Jane Austen or Bronte novel sounds appealing, this thread might be for you. Or if you just like the clothes - that works too.

Our first thread below:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4861009-dark-academia-anyone-who-loves-this-style?page=39&reply=129785046

I have always wanted a library ladder! Indeed with the installation of Billy bookcase extensions I now genuinely need one!

(And my paint-splattered white metal stepladder isn't really adding to the room...)

Jasper Fforde is lovely, I'd love a pet dodo! Maybe also the St Mary's time travel books as well?

Ooh, don't know those. Tell me more?

Also AS Byatt's Possession, of course. I assumed it had already been mentioned, but maybe not.

I know Jasper actually, will be seeing him next week. Will pass on the love.

Oh yes definitely.

😍😍😍

I'm actually speechless.

Do make up your own hyperbole to fill the gap!

Delurking. So enjoying your thread. But I thought it would be difficult to combine DA with dog walks, swimming and gardening, which is all I do. However, books I can help with. I suggest green penguins; British library classics;everything by Dorothy Sayers, but especially Gaudy Night, set in an Oxford womens college. Latest favourite is the County Guides series by Ian Sansome. These are all crime.
My clothes have also been influenced by this thread, all a bit more considered somehow. Today was Blundstones, Baleno olive green riding coat, mustard wool and silk socks (Falke), mustard cable cardi and long sleeved tshirt with a disappointing pair of grey joggers. There are some gorgeous cord trousers still available in the Brora sale. I want them, and obviously need them, but I had an expensive break in Paris last week so I’m spent up. Paris is definitely DA, all those mysterious double doors leading to hidden courtyards.

It’s kind of a fluke, I’ve known him since I was a kid. Sad occasion though.

Oh no. I'm sorry to hear that. Do take care of yourself.

Without giving much away, consider S/Ship of Theseus to be peak DA! My copy is one of my most precious possessions! Be warned, it may lead you down a few rabbit holes!

Gosh I adore Jasper Fforde’s books. I recommend them left, right and centre. Of the same ilk are the Rivers of London books by aaronovitch.

For me, other favourite books would be The Historian, anything by Kate Mosse, Jane Eyre (and in fact any of the classics of that period), Dickens…

Oh how could I have forgotten Carlos Ruiz Zafón's Shadow of the Wind. Set in a bookshop and the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.

I didn't get on with the second book, The Angel's Game, but for me Shadow of the Wind was proper hair-on-the-back-of-the-neck stuff.

I've recently finished The Historian, it was so, so good. I'm now desperate to visit Istanbul!

The Shadow of The Wind is a brilliant book. I have lots of other favourite books and authors but that book had a particular hold on me from the beginning. My uncle who was fluent in Spanish said his other books were better in Spanish but translations had somehow lost some of the charm. But we both agreed Shadow was the best.

Morning. So I just watched a video by stylist Allison Bornstein who was talking about “Library Core” which is apparently a term she’s invented. She advised the following

1. adding a white sock. ( let me re phrase… adding white socks) I quite liked the inspiration pictures and I’ve tried to make it work but I’m not sure it’s me. I did wear socks with blocky sandals the other night and loved it with cropped trousers so I think sometimes socks rather than tights is probably a bit edgier.
2. adding a shirt underneath a jumper..ok yep
3. Wearing a sweater over the shoulders. I did this recently with a grey sweatshirt over my oversized shirt. It can be quite a preppy American look which I don’t mind necessarily. Could be nice if it’s a rich colour cashmere over your tweeds or corduroy’s.

Anyway I thought I’d pass on her wisdom… she has a book coming out which I’ve already pre-ordered.

I have this. It is AMAZING.

@Divebar2021 I wear long black socks all the time but only when teamed with a long dress or skirt.

Off to investigate librarian core ...

I wear black opaque hold ups under skirts and dresses. Keeps my knees warm x

Hmmm, interesting. I don't think I'd be able to pull off white socks (figuratively speaking lol).

Hmmmmm, I'm not sure either @helenahandcart78 ? At my age you have to be careful with trying to look kooky because people might think you're just very confused and in need of help!

Ha ha. I know what you mean “ just escaped from the mental hospital “ look. I appreciate its not the norm but I did feel good in my non white socks the other night. Allison Bornstein developed the 3 word system for identifying your style which I’m interested in exploring ( and why i
ordered the book). She also developed the “wrong” shoe theory which tries to explain that sometimes the immediately obvious choice of shoe makes the overall outfit look a bit “meh” and suggests considering a slightly “wrong” shoe.

In addition to her I like Amy Smilovic who owns/ runs a fashion brand called Tibi. She is not DA but a woman of a certain age who doesn’t look stupid in a pair of white socks. She discusses having one set of clothes that are used for work and leisure and she layers a lot. (I’m interested in developing my style further hence my interest) I appreciate I’m a bit off-piste here. Sorry 😀

Have been down a Pinterest rabbit hole of library core and it's been great - lots of lovely pics of libraries and outfit ideas.
In the office tomorrow so that's the day to bring my DA game. But there's a storm coming so tweed blazers are out! I have a dark green parka from French Connection which will have to do...

@Divebar2021 the wrong shoe theory - there's definitely something in that. Same with going too matchy matchy. Being quite preppy, I find it hard to deliberately clash colours or step outside the obvious choices. I think it looks great on other people though.