in which i’ve had this ready to go since the mary poppins one.

I’m back with another interpretation of a fictional character’s wardrobe! Exciting! Of course, as always, I shouldn’t even have to tell you people this, do you even listen?, all items are from the wonderful TOPSHOP.

Honesty time here: I saw the Disney film before reading Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. But to be fair, unless you were born a good few years before 1951 – when the film was released – I’d like to think you took this route as well. But here’s some more honesty: I might’ve even watched the Disney live-action television series, Adventures in Wonderland, before I read the book, too. Again, though, I was seven when it started! That was maybe, possibly, perhaps, too young to really grasp the greatness of the book? Was I still reading Richard Scarry books by then? Maybe. I learned to read early, but I kept my material light.

Regardless of the strange, roundabout way I got here, I am an Alice superfan. I’ve finally read the original book (obviously, and multiple-y) and, of course, I’m excited for Tim Burton’s upcoming retelling. Because the story is remade and retold and reimagined over and over, it’s safe to say my obsession is shared with good company. A little closer to home than Disney and Mr. Burton, I have my boyfriend’s cousin, author Brian James, who dedicated a post on his blog (two, actually) (ok, three) to his love of Alice and the love shared by authors and directors who’ve created new Wonderland worlds. (P.S. why haven’t I read those books yet? And what about those other movies?! Christmas pressies, obviously!) I’m not sure what exactly it is about the original that so captivates its loyal audience – for me, falling down a hole into a world where animals talk is enough to keep me enraptured – but the love doesn’t seem to waver. Fashion designers still look to it for inspiration, like in this Vogue spread from years ago that I still find myself returning to and pining over.

I’ve dreamt of ceremoniously capturing the essence of the book I hold so dear in a number of ways. Of course, I’ve gone as Alice for Halloween (only once so far!), and I’ve toyed with the idea of a tattoo or two (or sleeve), but I want more. And as I’ve typed this, I realize how badly I want to create my very own Alice house. High ceilings, tall playing cards, flamingos, crochet, big hats – and I am completely in love with clocks. I’m sure the running theme of time in the book started this. I have a pocketwatch. I had a ring watch. Whenever I see a clock of any kind, in any store, I want it. I have the times of several countries saved to my phone. I just love knowing what time it is.

But I’m usually late.