IHazABag’s Skulls Wine & Roses Kiss Lock Purse

image source ihazabag.etsy.com

This bag does it all. This bag can be casual or dressy, could fit for many looks from pinup to steampunk to Victorian, it can be spring with its floral print or winter with its muted tones, girly with its roses or tough with its skulls. This bag will blend nicely into your wardrobe and being black and grey tones, it will work with most any outfit. Purses by IHazABag always have great detailing, love the closure and the spider bow and chains on the side, too cute! (but sophisticated at the same time too).

The Skulls Wine & Roses Kiss Lock Purse is available for $70 at www.ihazabag.etsy.com.

- Jennifer

A is for Arsenic’s Black Chained Antler Necklace

image source aisforarsenic.com

Back in the summer when we interviewed Amelia Arsenic in our June/July 2011 Issue, she was already brewing up this collection. The long-awaited Taxidermia collection from A for Arsenic is finally out, described as, “a modern re-imagining of Victorian mourning jewellery and attire, a graphic world of dark Victoriana, memento mori, and macabre taxidermy.” The Black Chained Antler Necklace is a great statement necklace that can fit many different styles from Victorian and steampunk to latex and fetish to modern and hipster. And it’s from a collection that is beautifully executed with a look book featuring stunning styling and well designed features such as the gift box accompanying every necklace and the hand numbered and signed bee swing tag.

The Black Chained Antler Necklace is available online for £48 at www.aisforarsenic.com.

- Jennifer

Sinister Vanity’s Silver Filigree Bat Cameo Choker

image source sinistervanity.etsy.com

It’s hard to think that Thanksgiving is less than a week away and then it’s officially “holiday shopping time”. Beat the long lines and general shopping pandemonium by purchasing items from independent designers like Sinister Vanity on www.etsy.com. The Silver Filigree Bat Cameo Choker is enchantingly beautiful piece of jewelry with a gothic Victorian flare that would make a wonderful gift for a friend or a loved one. With a price tag of $25 for a handmade designer gift, it will spread some holiday cheer but will not break your bank.

The Silver Filigree Bat Cameo Choker by Sinister Vanity is available on at www.sinistervanity.etsy.com.

- Meagan

Captivating gowns that transcend this earthly plane.

featuring designs by Romantic Threads

photographer : Saryn Christina
models : Sarah Marie Hilker and Lacy Soto
location : El Mirage

view the full editorial in the October/November 2011 Issue

The inspiration for Betsey Johnson’s spring 2012 collection shown at New York fashion week was burlesque.  And while this might seem to say the show was about sexiness, aside from the peeking out push-ups bras throughout the collection to me it was nothing more sexy than norm for Johnson.  All of these pieces could be a bit more discreet when taken off the runway, with bra and breasts a bit more hidden (or who cares show them off!, I loved the look).  But my viewpoint might be that a bit of lingerie and burlesque influence doesn’t mean overtly sexy to me, and my focus was fully on the great pieces, bold colors, and fun looks.  I loved the mixing of 80s with the hair a fashion-conscious update of the side ponytail and glam rock lightening bolt earrings, with Victorian-esque styles, and some punk rock with studs, spikes, and skulls.

(more…)

Heavy Red’s Alice en déshabillé – Noir Alice In Wonderland Costume and Corset

image source heavyred.com

Heavy Red has been chasing the White Rabbit again with the Alice en déshabillé – Noir Alice In Wonderland Costume and Corset for Halloween 2011. Treat (or trick!) yourself to this limited edition costume that can be worn all year-long which includes a cream-colored Alice dress, dark blue faux leather corset, and harlequin stocking set. Take advantage of pre-ordering this beautiful costume from Heavy Red as they start shipping on October 1, 2011!

The  Alice en déshabillé – Noir Alice In Wonderland Costume and Corset is available online at www.heavyred.com.

- Meagan

Somnia Romantica’s Frances Black Lace Victorian Blouse

image source somniaromantica.etsy.com

Marjolein Turin is a Netherlands based designer and the seamstress behind her brand, Somnia Romantica. The Frances Black Lace Victorian Blouse is a handmade garment based on a 1867  Victorian pattern, which Marjolein used as a base for this beautiful and romantic garment. The delicate bows that decorate the bust line are my favorite detail, paired with the cascading rows of ruffles. I’m a romantic at heart and this blouse is tugging at all the right heart-strings.

The Frances Black Lace Victorian Blouse by Somnia Romantica is available online at www.somniaromantica.etsy.com.

- Meagan

Zoetica Ebb and Plastik Wrap’s GHST RDR Skirt

image source plastikwrap.com

The GHST RDR Skirt is a collaborative design by Zoetica Ebb and Plastik Wrap. If you’re not familiar with Zoetica Ebb, she is an artist, model, blogger, and co-founder of Coilhouse Magazine. It’s only fitting that this fantastic duo created such a dramatic, yet simple skirt. I like that the skirt drapes the body, and the back strap detail offers a nice structural element to the garment.

The GHST RDR Skirt by Zoetica Ebb and Plastik Wrap is available online at www.plastikarmy.com.

- Meagan

Ghostlove Jewelry’s Necromance Hair Combs

image source ghostlove.com

The lovely Necromance Hair Combs by Ghostlove Jewelry caught my eye, as I enjoy any accessory that reminds me of the Victorian era. Hair combs were found on Victorian ladies dressing tables, and were used as hair decor, and to keep their curled locks in place. For the modern woman, these hair combs can be worn to bring an added vintage flair to your wardrobe. Try twisting your hair into a loose French twist, placing the combs in victory rolls, or tucking them into a loose ponytail.

The Necromance Hair Combs by Ghostlove Jewelry are available online at www.ghostlove.com.

- Meagan

Sarah Burton, the new Creative Director of the Alexander McQueen line after McQueen’s passing, presented the fall 2011 McQueen collection at Paris fashion week.  The collection is, “The Ice Queen and Her Court”, and it is just that cold and courtly with “heritage silhouettes” but also feminane somewhat soft, full of textures, feathers, and fur.  Love the shoes and boots, the lacing seems very sexual in the shapes of bare skin it leaves.  I also enjoy the contrast of the matte pvc full length gloves and cropped pvc leggings (with that great front knee zipper detail) with all the textural dresses.  I’ve been intrigued by the look of an oversized fur trimmed hood after seeing Chris Corner’s parka in the new IAMX video, and more so now, seeing it here.  Wouldn’t have minded seeing more harness in this collection!  I’ve been dreaming of Ice Queen inspired coats and dresses since Tilda Swinton’s costumes in Narnia, I really love the whole aesthetic of this collection.

(more…)