Fashion
12 Jane Austen Etsy Finds That Every Fan Needs (Yes, We NEED These Things)
In 1890, American novelist and critic W.D. Howells wrote, “The readers of Jane Austen are hardly ever less than her adorers: she is a passion and a creed, if not quite a religion.” More than a century later, Austen still engenders a passionate devotion among her readers. Being a Jane Austen fan, for many, is more than simply a matter of enjoying a good book: It’s a way of life, an identifying marker, something we (for I count myself among them) use to define ourselves as we go through our daily lives. Not content to simply read Austen’s novels over and over, we want to show our Austen-love in every way we can, through what we wear, what we do, what we watch, and how we decorate our homes. Luckily, there are a legion of like-minded, crafty people on Etsy doing the important work of taking our money and giving us charming Austen-themed merchandise in exchange. Read on for twelve of the coolest, most Austen-y things Etsy has to offer Janeites.
Image: Wikimedia
'Pride and Prejudice' Tights
These tights have quotes from Pride and Prejudice on them, including “Angry people are not always wise.” TRUTH.
Etsy, $24.90
'Sense and Sensibility' Cookies
The detail on these cookies is amazing. I love the nod here to Willoughby’s status as a heartbreaker.
Etsy , $30.75
'Persuasion' Purse
How cute is this pink Persuasion purse? (And how many times in a row can you say “Pink Persuasion Purse” without stumbling?)
Etsy, $58
Austen Cross Stitch Pattern
This downloadable pattern is perfect for those of us who, like many an Austen heroine, like to embroider in our spare time. (If you haven’t tried cross stitching before, trust me, it’s really easy and fun).
Etsy, $5.99
'Emma' Earrings
I love that these Emma earrings are asymmetrical. The rest of the quote is on the backside of the earring, so the whole thing reads, ”Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way.”
Etsy, $18
'Pride and Prejudice' Duvet Cover
If you want to make clear to all your future lovers that Jane Austen is your one true soulmate, invest in this Pride and Prejudice duvet cover.
Etsy , $89.99 and up
Dewey Decimal System Ring
This ring is perfect for the true book nerds out there: 823.7 is the number assigned to early nineteenth-century English fiction by the Dewey Decimal System. Thus, the number includes all of Austen’s novels, as well as the work of contemporary writers like Mary Shelley and Sir Walter Scott.
Etsy, $16
Austen Cookie Cutters
Make baking even more awesome by adding a little Austen to the recipe.
Etsy, $5.99
'Pride and Prejudice' Cuff
This substantial cuff is printed with Darcy’s first disastrous proposal speech, along with Lizzy’s response. If you every get bored waiting in line, you’ll always have something on you to read.
Etsy, $40
"Stupid" Mug
Coffee mugs may not be the most exciting things ever, but this quote from Northanger Abbey is the best: “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” PREACH.
Etsy, $15
Regency Costume
Forget all of these Austen-ish accessories. Sometimes I just want to be Elizabeth Bennet. Doesn’t everyone? What better way than with your very own Regency costume?
Etsy, $195
