{a night with the cast of Downton Abbey!}

{my friend Mel, me & Carson & Lady Edith!!}

I never thought I'd label a blog post with this title, but it's true!
On Tuesday night I met some of the cast of Downton Abbey, at a charity event, for Tomorrow's People.
I'm sorry I missed quotable thursdays yesterday, but in light of that, I'm making up for it with a quote from Carson:

{indeed, Carson!}

I'm happy to say that I made eye contact with Branson a few times throughout the evening, brushed shoulders with Julian Fellowes, and chatted with Carson & Lady Edith!
The evening began with songs sung by the Salvation Army Choir, followed by festive  seasonal readings with members of the cast of Downton Abbey: Penelope Wilton (Isobel Crawley), Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith), Jim Carter (Carson), Allen Leech (Tom Branson) and Julian Fellowes (series writer).
Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera, so had to do with fuzzy pics on my phone:

{Julian Fellowes}

{Branson read some James Joyce}

{Lady Edith}

The cast then were available for a Q&A:

The Countess of Wessex was also in attendance and selected the tickets for the raffle (which I unfortunately didn't win!)

{picture not mine, from Hello Magazine}

We drank wine, mingled with the other guests, and hung out with Carson & Lady Edith!

{I love this photo--it looks like I'm telling the paparazzi to get lost!}

For more pictures & details, you can check out Hello Magazine. Also, more photos here.
You might remember, I visited Highclere Castle a few years ago (blog here): It now seems my Downton experience is complete--unless I'm proposed to by Lord Gillingham!

What fun!!!
Certainly a night I won't forget, and probably not one to be replicated again!
Best wishes,
Lady Leah 

{downton fever}

Are you loving Season 3 of Downton Abbey as much as I am? I can't get enough. As you may know, I visited Highclere Castle (the home of the fictional Downton Abbey) in the spring, and having experienced walking through those rooms--oohing and ahhing at the grand entry hall with its neo-gothic design & grand staircase, the lovely library, & the dining room with van Dyck originals...it brings the telly series ever more to life.
But this season has really gone off with a big bang. I'm dying for Sunday's airing of episode 3. Here are some of my favourite parts so far of season 3 & some inspiration from it:

{the hairdos}

& some Downton inspired images:

{via wedding bee}

{simply stunning  French dress, c. 1935 from the Met}

{another simlpy gorgeous gown}

& who can resist this gorgeous detail on Lady Mary's dress?:

{via zsazsa bellagio}

*loved the simple decorations of white bunting around the town:

{white bunting}

{english country wedding invites}

The interiors are stunning too: 

{love the colours, the fireplace & frames}

some Downton inspired interiors: 

{via zsazsa bellagio}

{great mix of objets d'art}

{via d*s}

What awaits us tomorrow???
xo, 

L

{upstairs, downstairs}

Well, I'm certainly in Downton Abbey withdrawal, so I've been watching Upstairs, Downstairs. Originally a telly series in the 1970s, a new edition has come out, and is available on pbs here in the US.

{via behind the curtain}

So, actually not a copy of Downton Abbey,but a precursor... It's pretty good, but I'm finding that it skips between episodes a bit--so that you feel like you've missed something from episode to episode. The fashion & interiors are exceptionally good though...

{via the guardian}

{lovely exterior, typical of a  London home via the tattler}

{via little Augury}

{via austen prose}

{I can't stand her character, but I do love her hair}

{this & the one above, from austen prose}

{elegant drinks}

{via the guardian}

So some upstairs, downstairs inspiration: 

{via my modern met}

{elegant dining}

{via zsa zsa bellagio}

{light green walls}

{martinis & drinks are often being consumed on the show}

{via d*s}

{long silhouettes}

{some glitter}

{shimmer}

{& glamour}

{via zsazsa bellagio}

{downton-inspired hair}

I love the hairstyles on Downton Abbey. I love the elegance & the way the hair is pulled up to show off the bone structure of a face.
Here are some Downton-inspired hairstyles...

{gorgeous via zsa zsa bellagio}

{via terrier & lobster}

{via terrier & lobster}

{huge fan of this hair via zsa zsa bellagio}

{My work version of the hair}

{me at Downton Abbey/Highclere castle in a subdued version of the hair}

{via terrier & lobster}

{via terrier & lobster}

I watched Upstairs, Downstairs last night on pbs. Equally charming are the hairstyles & clothing. I'm thinking this Hallowe'en might call for a Downton-inspired dress?
Happy Monday!
L