Fashion Inspiration: Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland”

As a fan of all things Alice (and all things Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, for that matter), I’ve been experiencing months of kid-like excitement for the March release of Alice in Wonderland. This, of course, can be attributed to a fascination with the Lewis Carroll fairytale that began in my days of OshKosh and pigtails.

As a little girl, I was enamored of the idea of escaping into a bizarre fantasy world. All of that shrinking and growing, giving in to the lure of “Drink Me” potions and “Eat Me” cakes, the clinking of china at a mad tea party and painting the roses red—well, they make for a forever kind of fancy. And, judging by the buzz surrounding Tim Burton’s take on the classic tale, I’m not the only one still under Alice’s spell.

With little to go on but a few trailers and some striking stills from the movie, I’ve been growing curiouser and curiouser about the glorious weirdness that Burton’s version will hold. And, while I know that I certainly won’t be late for that very important date at the theater on March 5, I’m growing a bit antsy.

So, seeing as how I have Alice in Wonderland on the brain, I thought I would go on my own little trip to pluck some Wonderland-inspired curiosities from the Web. As always, with its quirky selection of vintage and retro clothing and accessories, ModCloth did not disappoint. I hope these pieces will help you slip into your own peculiar daydream.

1. The Red Queen: One glimpse at the crimson heart painted on Helena Bonham Carter’s pout, and we were smitten with Burton’s vision of The Red Queen. This hard plastic cuff—so pop-art fantastic!—is just as bold as the queen herself. Slip it on your wrist and channel The Red Queen’s signature sass when you hit the theater for Alice in Wonderland. That noisy couple who just won’t hush up during previews? Off with their heads! Heartbeats Cuff, ModCloth.com.

2. Late for a Very Important Date: The White Rabbit had his pocket watch, and you have this ornate Victorian-inspired necklace. Much like the classic black-and-white timpiece our favorite panicked hare carried, this version is perfect for punctual types. Time for Romance Necklace, ModCloth.com.

3. Fit for a Mad Hatter: Add a bit of whimsy (and just a smidge of lunacy) to your look with this very Mad Hatter-esque bowtie necklace. Let the checkered graphics subtly pop against an otherwise subdued LBD. Or channel Johnny Depp’s character and go completely stomp-on-the-table-and-rattle-the-tea-set mad by pairing it with Technicolor tights and look-at-me patterns. Floutingly Formal Necklace, ModCloth.com.

4. All About Alice: Nothing to wear to your next tea party? Go ask Alice for a bit of fashion advice. Surely she’d direct you to a dreamy-yet-formal number, much like this seafoam blue confection. With its ruffles and soft shimmer, this dress is perfect for your descent down the rabbit hole. Earth Angel Dress, ModCloth.com.

5. Wrap the White Rabbit Around Your Finger: Yes, he’s a little (okay, a lot) type A. And he’s quite uptight about his schedule. But the White Rabbit does have his moments. So show him what it’s really like to let down your hare, er, hair, when you don this delicate gold ring. Wear this bauble, which has all of the appeal of a secondhand oddity, to a cocktail party where you can show Mr. Rabbit how a queen really shuts it down. Peter Golden Tail Ring, ModCloth.com.

6. Painting the Roses Red: The Red Queen couldn’t stand the sight of a white rose. Maybe she was onto something. After all, every lady looks good in red. Channel the queen’s royal bravado and turn heads (rather than chopping them off) in this waist-cinching scarlet belt. Never Waist a Rose Belt in Scarlet, ModCloth.com.

(Image: Elizabeth Ulrich for Extrabux)