Fashion and Film: Mr. Selfridge

I've been searching for a post-Downton Abbey costume drama pick me up and I found it in Mr. Selfridge.

The series follows the journey of Mr. Selfridge to build and run a fabulous department store and modernize the London shopping experience. This adventurous American gets into quite a few tight spots in the conservative London.


He and his wife must survive the drama of the British aristocracy to get the right supporters for the store.

Alas, he's a bit of a ladies man and attracts the romantic interest of several young ladies.

The show also follows the lives of some of his employees as they vie for promotions and deal with the rule that they'll lose their job if they marry.

Set in the early 1900s, it's a bit earlier that I really love but the costumes are fabulous. (And I'm pretty sure I spied one cross over costume from Downton Abbey.)

What I love best about the show is the complex character of Mr. Selfridge. Sometimes you'll love him and sometimes you'll hate him but he'll always turn around and surprise you.

Season 1 is currently available on Amazon Prime. With season 2 airing on PBS at the end of the month, you've just enough time to get caught up on this great show!