Reviving the Victorian Era: The Unique Journey of Adelaide Beeman-White
Adelaide Beeman-White, a 27-year-old attorney from Oregon, is turning heads with her distinctive fashion sense that transports viewers back to the late 19th century. Often described as embodying a "Victorian-core" style, she sports hand-sewn long skirts, puffed sleeves, and feathered hats, alongside accessories like leather gloves and a chatelaine. Rather than conforming to contemporary attire, Beeman-White opts for pieces that reflect her love for the Victorian era, stating she feels "solidly stuck" between the years 1893 and 1898. Her commitment to this aesthetic has earned her attention on social media, where she shares her passion for vintage fashion and adorns her outfits with period-appropriate accessories, solidifying her identity as a modern-day time traveler.
However, when it comes to her professional life in the courtroom, Beeman-White must adopt a more conventional appearance for proceedings. Unlike her vibrant and elaborate outfits outside of work, she sports a plain black blazer from J. Crew in legal settings. This duality highlights how she balances her personal style with the demands of her profession, akin to a superhero who separates her dual identities. Her fashion choices and adherence to the Victorian aesthetic draw parallels to contemporary movements like Cottagecore, which romanticizes simpler, pastoral lifestyles, though her inspiration is distinctly rooted in the 1800s, capturing the imagination of those around her.
Yet far from merely donning costumes, Beeman-White embraces a lifestyle that embodies the essence of the Victorian era. She documents her experiences sewing and mending clothes from vintage fabrics on her YouTube channel, where she has gathered over 20,000 followers. Her devotion to authenticity is shared through her choice of lighting her home with oil lamps, offering a glimpse into her dedication to the era. Interestingly, she even communicated with the American Automobile Association using a dip pen and ink, showcasing her commitment to the old-fashioned lifestyle in every aspect of her existence.
Her fascination with the 19th century dates back to her sixth-grade years, when the rapid pace of modern life began to frustrate her. She traded in her jeans for longer skirts adorned with lace, a transition signaling her growing attachment to Victorian aesthetics. Beeman-White’s initial inspiration stemmed from a deep admiration for historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I, whom her mother described as an influential role model advocating for women’s empowerment. This early admiration solidified a passion for the past that continued to develop throughout her teenage years, ultimately transforming her into a local celebrity during high school, often compared to the beloved character Mary Poppins.
Beeman-White’s inclination for a life inspired by history is influenced by her perspective on the societal shifts occurring during the late 19th century. She notes that the advancements in technology and social reforms, particularly around women’s rights and labor movements, were groundbreaking developments of that time. However, she maintains a critical perspective on some of the period’s oppressive policies, emphasizing a nuanced understanding of history. Her admiration for the reforms, alongside a desire to live more slowly, reflects her conviction that the pace of modern life can be detrimental to mental health. She actively advocates for cultivating mindfulness and appreciating life’s simpler pleasures amid an increasingly fast-paced world.
Ultimately, Beeman-White’s journey illuminates the depths of her fascination with the Victorian era, motivated by both aesthetic and philosophical values. Through her commitment to a slower, more intentional way of life, she suggests that individuals can benefit from taking their time and enjoying the small moments. Her eclectic style and dedication to preserving the essence of the past remind us of the importance of balancing contemporary life with reflection on history, encouraging others to explore their interests in ways that enrich their experiences. In a world focused on speed and efficiency, Beeman-White’s Victorian lifestyle serves as an intriguing counterpoint, inviting a wider conversation about how the past can inform and enhance our present lives.
