A Sherlockian Vignette
Sometimes, after I’ve just finished a really amazing book or watched a fantastic episode of one of my favorite shows, I like to daydream about how much fun it could be to theme a living space around what I’ve just read or watched! This week, for example, I’ve been re-watching one of my absolute favorite BBC shows, Sherlock, from start to finish. Having been an avid reader of the original stories as a kid (and a bit of a librarian at heart), I started daydreaming about what my life would look like with a little more Sherlock style, and it only took a few seconds to deduce that I had to start by finding myself a good library.
Photo Courtesy of (http://www.olsonkundigarchitects.com/Projects/46/The-Brain#)
This beautiful space, designed by architect Tom Kundig and finished in 2002, is aptly named “The Brain” and serves as a private studio and workspace for a Seattle filmmaker. I tend to go a little weak at the knees when I see a beautifully designed loft, and so many little touches within “The Brain” betray that thoughtful design perfectly.
My favorite bits are the lightbulbs on a pulley system, the stunning baby grand piano for those necessary musical interludes (an entirely acceptable substitute for Sherlock’s customary violin), and the fireman’s pole offering a quicker route to the ground than the staircase behind the bookshelves. When you combine all of this with a stunning home library, I honestly can’t think of a better space for a Sherlockian to ponder puzzles. To solve great mysteries, though, you’ve got to have more than just an inspirational space for brainstorming – you’ve also got to dress the part.
Photo Courtesy of (http://eyris.blogspot.com/)
There have been a lot of different interpretations of Sherlockian style over the many appearances the great detective has made in literature, film, and television, but one thing they all agree on is that Sherlock is pure class. Lots of tweed jackets, deerstalker or top hats, scarves, sweeping coats, and, in the case of Robert Downey Junior, plenty of striped waistcoats. Sherlock style is relatively easy to follow for guys, but what about us ladies? As it turns out, we’ve got a few options:
Photo Courtesy of (https://svpply.com/item/1601141/Junya_Watanabe_Womens_Double_Breasted)
The most important piece of any Lady Sherlock ensemble is, of course, the trenchcoat. I stumbled across this one on Svpply.com, and thought it looked absolutely perfect for an aspiring detective. Feminine and dignified, yet dark and mysterious. Seriously coveting it right now.
Image Courtesy of (http://sherlock-style.tumblr.com/)
While regular black pumps might be the instinctive choice, I think they’re a little too Irene Adler. These Christian Dior oxford pumps, however, are the perfect compliment to the trenchcoat. They take a style that normally looks a bit stodgy and formal, and add the perfect amount of sass with a stiletto heel. Just the thing for an aspiring consulting detective.
Image Courtesy of (http://fashiondiva1984.blogspot.com/2011/04/29-days-of-kate-middleton-day-12.html)
I thought long and hard about what I’d want my Sherlock outfit to look like, but when I saw this amazing Amanda Wakeley suit (modeled by Kate Middleton), I was sold immediately. The jacket comes off conservative at first glance, but the almost corset-like stitching combined with the hooked clasps give it some intelligence and intrigue. And I am always a fan of the ever-flattering pencil skirt.
If you’re looking to incorporate a little more Sherlock style into your life, I hope these ideas helped inspire some daydreams of your own!
