009: Mr. Carson Knows Best
The Gift of Downton Abbey + Victorian Blouses + A Touch of Goth + Big Apple Love
Happy December, Fashion Lovers and Friends!
This is the time of year that makes me want to get fancy on repeat. The lights, the decorations, the festivities—it all feels like an invitation to celebrate and indulge a little. December gives us permission to put joy first, hence all the sparkles. ✨✨✨
I love the style that the holidays bring—not just the practical pieces (cute and cozy PJ’s and warm coats), but the ones that mark the magic (bring on the bling). December is a party. Between the holiday events and the lead-up to New Year’s Eve, this month offers the most opportunities to dress up, add a little shine, and fully embrace the enchantment of style. Sparkles feel like a necessity, not an indulgence. So this month, I wanted to celebrate that spirit.
I recently watched Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale—my goodness, what a beautiful film. The wardrobe is spectacular and refined, every detail considered. I’ve always loved the gifts fashion took from that era: long gloves, beaded velvet, headbands, fringe, lace… and the sheer effort people put into dressing. So polished, just like Mr. Carson—he always knows what’s up and always looks the part.
Naturally, that sent me down a rabbit hole: from the roots of flapper style, to Edwardian fashion before that, and Victorian style before that—which led me straight to Victorian blouses. They’re having a real moment, and I highlighted some of my current favorites. And of course, this path leads back to with Alexander McQueen. (Truly, it always comes back to McQueen.) He mastered the art of weaving historical fashion with modern fantasy, adding touches of goth and drama that continue to influence designers season after season.
That reminded me of a shoot I styled with Malcolm Tweedy for Canada’s Next Top Model many years ago, full of the very elements I’ve mentioned here: Victorian, Edwardian, Gothic, Drama. Fashion is funny like that—constantly morphing, constantly remixing eras into something new.
Below, you’ll see a twenties-inspired shoot I did with Eva from LA Models (we worked together last month as well). She brings such natural elegance to every project. Together, we explored looks that feel festive yet grounded in everyday wearability—1920’s-influenced but with a now-minded vibe. Each outfit was selected for its holiday charm and its potential to live well beyond December. I love showing how the right statement pieces can transform, rework, and reappear all year long.
Thanksgiving took us to New York City, which—as always—reminded me how much I love it. The energy, the pace, the hustle, the street style—it’s endlessly inspiring. Everything feels possible in the Big Apple when you dress for it. And the shopping… fashion is really good right now. I was struck by how pulled-together everyone looked, almost like walking through a 90’s Max Mara campaign. The coats help—there are so many good ones in fantastic hues. Throw on lipstick and sunglasses and who cares what’s underneath?!
But I also saw great sweaters, trousers, trainers, and loads of chunky gold jewelry—simple, flattering, unfussy. I included a few of my NYC outfits in Lulala. Most are familiar favorites I’ve worn before, restyled in new ways, with a few fresh additions sprinkled in. I’ve decided to stop calling out brands here because I’m more interested in inspiring people with vibes rather than labels, and you can always find your own versions at places you love.
For December’s Lu’s List, I curated holiday-party looks that can be deconstructed and worn all year long. Think lace, Victorian blouses, boots, capes—festive pieces that don’t lose their charm come January.
Thank you again for being here. I know how busy this time of year is, so I’m extra grateful you took the time to read. I hope you enjoy this issue, and more importantly, I hope you take full advantage of this festive month—the dinners, the gatherings, the excuses to dress up and get sparkly. Thank you for your continued support, and feel free to reach out anytime.
Wishing you the happiest holiday season,
Love and Style,
amyluxox
Downton Abbey Love
Credits: All Images ©Carnival/Comcast/NBC Universal.
My love affair with Downton Abbey started during the pandemic—like most series, I was late to the game—but oh, did it deliver the medicine I didn’t know I needed. It was pure chicken soup for my soul. The stunning countryside, the beautiful sets, the impeccable fashion—it all transported me to another time. The story begins around the turn of the century gracefully moves into the roaring twenties, capturing every bit of the glitz, glamour, and opulence those decades had to offer. There’s something so comforting about that world—the ritual, the polish, the attention to detail. Like all things beautifully executed in fashion, it radiates hope and optimism, reminding us that elegance can be a quiet form of resilience.
What’s interesting to me now is how that same energy is making its way back into fashion. You can feel the Victorian and twenties influences everywhere—structured blouses with high collars, lace-trimmed cuffs, rows of cloth-covered buttons, plush velvets, and a whisper of sparkle that feels celebratory rather than showy. A couple of weeks ago, I went to see the new Downton Abbey movie, and it was everything I hoped it would be—heartfelt, nostalgic, and so visually inspiring. The clothes alone made me want to plan a party (an excuse to dress up).
Then yesterday, as I wandered through the shops at The Grove, I saw beaded dresses, faux-fur caplets, Victorian-inspired jackets, and gloves in every color. There were long beaded velvet coats and soft chiffon blouses that could have been worn by Lady Mary herself. Yes, it’s December—holiday party dressing is everywhere—but I think this pull toward beauty and luxury goes deeper than the season. It feels like we’re all craving a lift—a way to romanticize our routines, to find meaning and magic in getting dressed again. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s optimism, or maybe it’s simply the human desire to surround ourselves with beauty when the world feels uncertain.
On that note, I think I’ll start the series again.
If I Had To Choose One: Victorian Blouses
Each month I highlight one item that encapsulates the trend the newsletter focusses on. When dressing personalities or styling stories for editorials it’s possible to curate several head to toes looks but that’s not always possible or desirable- we already have lots of clothes. Having said that, sometimes buying a signature piece of the trend is all you need- it’s enough to tick the box and feel current. For this issue, I chose Victorian inspired Blouses. They are everywhere right now, and are easy to assimilate into your existing wardrobe. Wear any of these with denim, dressy shorts and tights, or a full skirt. ✅ Here are a few of my favorites.
Credits (From top left):
Zimmerman Hypnotic Appliqué Bodice ($2100), available at zimmerman.com. This blouse is a work of art. The cream color has a touch of pink to it, making it flattering for most complexions. The sculptural appliqués are so intricate and interesting. The label offers a matching skirt too.
Sea Medina Long Sleeve Top ($395), available at sea-ny.com. The luxurious black velvet and antique cream lace create a romantic vibe. It would look beautiful with wide leg blue jeans or dressy black trousers.
Self Portrait White Lace Blouse ($450), available at self-portrait.com. This blouse is perfect for the holiday parties. The white ruffle bib and crystal and black bow detail even make it suitable for black tie events. The brand styled it with a plaid buclé miniskirt-cute. It’d work with any black bottom. I’d wear it with leather pants and patent pumps or slim fit tuxedo style dress pants.
Valentino Mossi Bow Detail Top ($2700), available at mytheresa.com. The white cotton islet fabric adds sweetness and the oversized contrasting bows add a bit of edge. The multiple bows are a bit over the top in a playful way, I think its a look that could be easily replicated with grosgrain hair bows stitched on a blouse.
Zara Embroidered Lace Blouse ($129), available at zara.com. This cotton blouse features embroidered and lace appliqué detail. The sleeves have a ruffle detail and the front buttons are cloth covered. I styled this one on Eva with a beaded vest in the shoot featured above. This is great for holiday dressing but will also come in handy for spring, with a long denim skirt or a tiered prairie skirt-both of which will be trending this spring.
Ulla Johnson Magdalena Silk Smocked Blouse ($550), available at ullajohnson.com. This sheer blouse is sexy, even with a slip underneath it. It’s definitely more cocktail hour and evening than the other blouses I have featured here. I love the idea of this with leather trousers or a skirt. It would also look beautiful with a high waisted skirt, maybe even a corset and voluminous skirt like the Dolce & Gabbana one I featured in Lu’s list.
Collage, @amyluxox.
A Little History
Blouses have a rich history as a cornerstone of women’s fashion, evolving from practical workwear to symbols of elegance and femininity. In the 19th century, the Victorian era in particular saw the blouse emerge as a distinct garment, often referred to as “shirtwaists,” which combined the tailored structure of men’s shirts with delicate fabrics and feminine detailing. These Victorian blouses frequently featured high necklines, puffed sleeves, lace trims, and intricate pleating—sometimes described as “bacon-style” for their structured, ribbed panels resembling the layered look of bacon. Worn tucked into long skirts, they became a key element of polished, respectable dress, allowing women a measure of freedom while maintaining the era’s strict standards of propriety and decorum. Victorian blouses were defined by their meticulous attention to detail and structured elegance. High collars, lace inserts, pin-tucks, and puffed or leg-of-mutton sleeves were signature features, often paired with fitted bodices that emphasized a narrow waist. Many of these design elements are on trend again and featured in the blouses featured above.
Credits (From Left to Right):
A Portrait of Queen Victoria (1882). She reigned as the Queen of the United Kingdom and Ireland from 1837-1901. Her 63 year reign was one of the longest in British history and is known as the Victorian Era.
Miss Lily Elsie, British Actress and Singer (circa 1930). She was one of the most photographed entertainers of the Edwardian Era. I included this image because I find that many of the victorian inspired trends that are so prominent right now, include some of features and embellishments that were popular during the Edwardian Era. It’s interesting to see how designers borrow and morph features and styles from different eras into their own contemporary version. (© Getty Images)
The Delineator Magazine (1900). The Delineator was a popular women’s magazine known for it’s fashion plates and dress patterns.This image depicts women’s fashion from the Edwardian Era in an article titled Effective Indoor Toilettes which refers to the appropriate outfits suggested for women to wear in their home while to receiving guests.
A Fashion Catalogue Page (1883). This Victorian Era Catalogue features illustrations of elaborate and ornate patterns popular at the time.
Bloomingdales Illustrated Fashion Catalogue Page (1890). This Catalogue features illustrations of Victorian style blouses and caplets. Notice the high necks and cuff shoulder details, along with the ruffles and lace.
A Fashion Catalogue Page (1908). This Edwardian Era Catalogue features illustrations of more modern blouses which still feature a high neck and puff sleeves. But are softer and less restrictive than the previous ones.
A Touch Of Goth
As a kid, my sister always called me “preppy”—and not in a loving way. More like, “you’re such a goodie two-shoes,” and honestly, she was right, particularly when it came to my style. I’ve always loved matching outfits, flattering and feminine dressing, and I’m a bit of a prude—I don’t gravitate toward naked dressing or in-your-face fashion, unless, of course, it looks pretty and flattering. The Zoë Kravitz image above is a perfect example: she looks spectacular, and the dress is incredibly flattering on her itsy-bitsy frame. I would probably layer a slip dress underneath and add black hosiery—but then again, I’m not Zoë Kravitz.
My point is, despite my love of cute, preppy style, I’ve always had a soft spot for just a touch of goth mixed in. I think this stems largely from my obsession with Alexander McQueen’s early work—he had this incredible ability to make dark, dramatic fashion approachable in a way no other designer has been able to replicate. A touch of lace, velvet, fishnets, a choker, black nail polish, or smudged eyeliner paired with bare, powdered skin…any one of these elements allows you to nod to gothic style without fully committing to the subculture. It’s that delicate balance between softness and edge that I find endlessly inspiring.
I was thinking about the shoots I have styled in this vein and was reminded of a shoot I styled for Canada’s Next Top Model a very long time ago… I found these images online (shot by Malcolm Tweedy). I still love the style.
Credits: Four Images On Left From Season One of Canada’s Next Top Model (2006), Styled by Amy Lu, Photographed by Malcolm Tweedy. Cutout figures on right: Alexander McQueen Tulle and lace dress from his F/W 2006 runway show (©firstVIEW), Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent 2024 (©Getty Images), Alexander McQueen lace gown from the labels F/W 2025 collection (©Getty Images); Collage, @amyluxox.
Victorian Influence
Romance and drama never really go out of style. For this month’s shoot, I focussed on Victorian influenced fashion and reimagined it in modern, wearable ways. Whenever I use historical genres for storyboards, I try and bring something current to the look, otherwise it doesn’t look right to me. I love the layered lace details, puffed sleeves, and embellished vests and jackets mixed with the patent heels and footless tights. It’s that contrast—between old-world elegance and modern ease—that keeps the Victorian influence feeling fresh and relevant.
Lu’s List: The December Edition
For this month’s lush list, I tapped into the romance and mystery that aligns with the Victorian era trend. I choose timeless pieces that exude specialness and style but you can find similar styles at a variety of price points by googling. These looks can be deconstructed and worn in many ways.
Credits From Left to Right:
L’AGENCE Aislin Lace Bralette ($150) and Makena Lace Pencil Skirt ($295), available at lagence.com. This heavenly set perfectly combines elegance and sophistication. The delicate lace is perfect for the sheer trend and the dark port hue creates the perfect contrast. For cool weather and holiday events, I’d style this over opaque black tights with boots. When the weather warms up, wear it over high-waisted/low-cut briefs.
Staud Wally Boot in Syrah Suede ($495), available at staud.clothing. Yay for heels you can walk in! Thank-you Staud for these beautiful suede boots! The kitten-heel gives lift but it’s low and wide enough to wear all day. These come in 12 different colors! I think this classic style will be offered up for years to come, it’s not always easy to find chic-style, comfort, heel rolled into one.
Victoria Beckham Single-breasted Blazer ($1650), available at mytheresa.com. Victoria Beckham’s designs are consistently chic, understated and versatile-the type of garments that will elevate your wardrobe instantly and stand the test of time. Love this classic cut and the maroon hue. The peaked lapel, shoulder pads and cropped hem give it some edge.
Zara Maxi Needle Flower Brooch ($35.90), available at zara.com. Zara is the absolute best place for affordable, trendy fashion that is heavily influenced by current designer items. The oversized Rose brooch is the perfect statement piece to add to your outwear this holiday season.
Calzedonia Burgundy Floral Lace Tights ($37), available at calzedonia.com. Textured or Lace tights bring looks to another level. It’s like adding a statement accessory. I love the idea of head-to-toe tone on tone so these ones are perfect for this ensemble. They also come in black and a light rose/nude hue.
Saint Laurent Silk Trimmed Lace Bodysuit ($4500), available at mytheresa.com.
Yes I know $4500, cray cray. However, I love the color of this delicate lace bodysuit and the exquisite high neck-it’s extraordinary. I suppose the brave would wear this solo tucked into trousers or leather mini skirt. I however would style it under a blazer, or as an underpinning like I have shown here.
Simone Rocha Draped Peplum Top ($810), available at simonerocha.com. Peplums are back and I’m not mad at it. They give, (or at the very least accentuate) peoples waist which is generally flattering on most figures. I love a structured top like this one because you could wear it with jeans and ballet flats or with a slim fit skirt and kitten heels. It reads luxury without effort. It also comes in black.
Jacques Wei Embroidered Lace Midi Skirt ($510), available at mytheresa.com. Sometimes color combinations are so beautiful, they instill a sense of magic. This ice blue silk and gold lace overlay does just that. In addition to styling it as I have here, I can see it with a pale blue cashmere turtle neck and tall beige boots or with a tailored crisp white button up shirt and nude slingback heels.
Alex Perry Lace Stockings ($550), available at fwrd.com. As I said earlier, I love lace leggings because they elevate an outfit more than fishnets. They have listed this color as khaki but it reads more gold to me. They also come in a mauve color.
Fendi Camelia Wool, Cashmere and Silk Poncho ($2050), available at fendi.com. Ponchos are great when the weather allows because they help you look chic and put together while actually hiding everything underneath. You could literally throw this belted one on over pajamas and head to Alfred’s for a latte (a pair of dark glasses might help too). The reverse side features a patterned logo print which would peak out while you walk. It also comes in a dark carmel hue.
Ellen Jeweled Brooch ($135), available at store.metmuseum.com. I love a good gift store for obscure finds, sometimes they offer fashion accessories or jewelry that is not widely available. This lovely brooch will add interest as well as a pop of color to your basics. It reminds me of Chanel actually but for a fraction of the price.
Jimmy Choo Alize 85 Suede Knee-High Boots ($1695), available at olivela.com. These suede boots are classic shape and color, versatile and timeless.
Khaite Severo Cape ($2600), available at khaite.com. I was walking through Neiman Marcus recently and saw this gem-it stopped me in my tracks. Luckily for me, they didn’t have my size so I just get to google and share my thoughts about it. This is one of those items that will serve a fashionista for a lifetime. The crepe fabric, satin-peak lapels, and raglan silhouette makes this standout next level sophistication. It would look incredible over a LBD with heels, or with jeans, a white tank top and black boots. I’m hoping Club Monaco or Rag & Bone does a version of it soon…
Celine Les Perles Gold and Ivory Brooch($820), available at celine.com.
So pretty.
Dior Black Knit Lace Top With Removable Collar ($3400), available at dior.com.
The delicate lace, structured cuffs and collar read couture, it looks like a blouse featured on 17th century royalty! Stunning.
Dolce & Gabbana Long Taffeta Circle Skirt ($3995), available at dolcegabbanna.com. This is similar to the one I used to style the gothic shoot for Canada’s Next Top Model shoot shared above. That one I rented from a costume rental house. This type of skirt looks perfect styled with black lac or white ruffles, but for a more modern take, I’d pair it with a racer back tank top and lace up heels or an open back chainmal top and pumps.
Loeffler Randall Marley Black Leather Tall Boots ($695), available at loefflerrandall.com. I won’t bore you with my Loeffler Randall fangirldom- but try a pair on if you get a chance, they are one of the few brands that makes heels comfortable. I love a boot that can be really dressed up or styled with denim. They also come in dark brown suede.
Lulala: November Style Notes
November started off slowly for me- I think I had a Halloween hangover, people in LA seem to celebrate it for a whole month! Chloe and I were both ecstatic when we walked into Whole Foods on November 1st and saw Christmas decor… yahoo for Christmas and all the cheer and good clothes that come with it!
This month I was in Palm Springs and it was warm, hence the photo of me in shorts and sandals. Then in LA it started to cool off a bit-yay for sweater weather! And finally I got to wear two coats for Thanksgiving in NY. I do miss layering while living here in California, it rarely gets cool enough to wear ‘winter clothes’ and I have a lot of good ones from living in Toronto for so long. (*Note: Must travel to cool weather spots more often, NYC will do nicely).
Apart from the fact that I often wear black, I did have Victorian fashion on my mind and included a few of my own Victorian inspired pieces in these looks too.
As I mentioned in the intro, I have decided to stop calling out brands that I wear because I don’t really think it’s relevant. My point is to inspire you with style- nothing else. So if you see a garment or look you like, you can find a version of it that suits you. I’m also always happy to answer your fashion questions if you want to know something specific about anything featured in my posts, just message me.
A Reminder…
Mr. Carson is the dignified, loyal butler of Downton Abbey: formal, traditional, and unwaveringly devoted to the Crawleys. Mr. Carson is, in many ways, the quintessential English butler—formal, loyal, compassionate, and always well dressed. In other words, the kind of person we should all aspire to be. Perhaps that’s why his words feel so poignant right now: he’s always right, and in his quiet quest to be good, he reminds us of the value of style. It does take effort and time—but what is life without effort? So keep going, keep showing up, and keep putting care into your style. The reward is simple yet profound: feeling good and just a little more like your best self. Have a wonderful month, and see you next year!