{via J Crew}
I am smitten by the pretty bijoux at J Crew and Anthropologie right now -- the necklaces in particular! They have a 1800's French feel about them. I imagine one catching me eye in a shop window as I stroll about the Paris Arcades in my swooshing gown...
The talented and imaginative jewelry designers behind Digby and Iona have kindly offered Nothing Elegant readers 20% off their purchase from now until New Years. Just enter the word "holiday" in the promo section when checking out {this even includes their new collection}. My favorite pieces are the spyglass necklace and the porcelain and gold skulls! Happy shopping!
For the Sweet Tooth :: Red Velvet Cookies by Indulging Sweets :: Homemade Maple Syrup Marshmallows by Whimsy and Spice.
For the Avant Gardist :: Plum Organza Sequin Collar by Mary Not Martha ::Fabric Totem Neck Piece by Squillinan.
For the Manly Man ::Custom leather beer holster by Etrelles :: Whiskey Eau de Toilette from Portland General Store.
For the Eccentric Historian ::Roman Bust silk-screened pillow by Utilitarian Franchise ::Belgian WWII Gas Mask from Vintage Army-Navy.
Being closer to Christina Ricci's age, I worshipped her as Wednesday Addams. I lopped off my Barbie's head, trained myself to sleep with my arms folded over my chest like the dead and wore my raven hair in two braids for months. As the princess of doom and gloom she's often been the inspiration to weird girls and artists alike. She is rendered here in a portrait by the amazing David Stoupakis:
Ricci's turn as blonde and witchy Katrina Van Tassel allowed her to work her magick on steampunk clad Johnny Depp/Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow. One of my favorite details of the movie was the bird and cage optical illusion that Ichabod gives Katrina:
{Optical illusion spinner birdcage by The Social Cellar}
Although I didn't quite understand the full emotional depths of Dracula when I first saw it as a kid, it was the first time I remember being aware of Winona Ryder, who plays fated bride Mina Harker. At the heart of all the blood and vampire-hunting is a chilling love story. The exquisite costumes featured on the entire cast capture the detail and drama of Victorian life and elegance.
The decadence of Victorian style has been re-created in these lovely handmade hats by Etsy seller Topsy Turvy Design.
Bettlejuice is one of those films that has lingered and spilled over into several creative facets of my life. The dramatic and gloomy Lydia Deetz has a permanent rain cloud over her head until she meets a pair of unlikely ghosts. Even the cartoon series was great! Part of my wardrobe is inspired by the stripped patterns in the movie, which are easy to find in the vintage section of Etsy...
{Romper from Find MeVintage / Blouse from Etsy seller Marion kc}
What leading lady do you relate to most?
Happy Halloween!
x/x, jl schnabel x blood milk
::P.S. Please visit Bloodmilk to enter my October giveaway here!
::A grey sheath dress that can transition from work & teaching to a nice dinner {I really want to try the monochromatic look: grey dress, grey tights, and grey pumps!}.
::A cozy sweater coat {the one I've had for years is covered in holes and finally ready to be retired}.
::Black knit skinny pants {a great alternative to leggings this season, and thicker for the winter months}.
::A beaded bib necklace {nothing too pricey, just something fun to play with}.
::A pair of colorful suede pumps {to perk-up my typically neutral work outfits}.
Also on the list:
::Burgundy tights
::Faux Fur Stole
::Cashmere blend pullover sweater
::Tall, brown lace-up boots
As per my list of goals a few weeks ago, I cleaned out my closet and took inventory of the items I have and what I still needed/wanted for Fall. One thing I realized is that often I will put something on my wishlist and end up not buying it, because I make excuses about the high price {for example, the leather jacket I've been wanting for ages}.
The problem is, in the meantime I buy a hundred little things here and there that I don't really need. Then, when the next season rolls around, I realize that the same item that I wanted to begin with is still on my list. Luckily, I received a leather jacket for my birthday a few weeks ago, so that can finally be crossed off!
But, this got me thinking that I should be more conscientious about my lists, and try to pay attention to what I actually really desire, and stop giving in so much to my spur-of-the-moment impulses. Nine times out of ten, the items I want most are those much-lauded "classics" that I can wear for years to come. So, maybe you can help me stick to my list this season!?
::Personalized Handmade Silk Passport Holder by Bridget Davies
