That Old Black Magic

Halloween is nearly here! It puts this Birdy in a spellbound Mood, thinking of gothic looks and dramatic statement accessories. Witches and spellcraft seems to be the supernatural trend these days, so I thought, what would a stylish, modern day gal who dabbles in the Black Arts wear? Only the best, of course.

BOO! Early Halloween wishes from the Magpie!! The Birdy is flying the coop Halloween week for a family visit/birthday bash gathering, but I couldn't let the most fantastic of holidays go without a proper Macabre Magpie Mood post!

There are so many incredible jewelry artists out there. And regardless of the All Hallow's Eve season, these pieces are perennial beauties with an edgy, cool vibe. These pieces were chosen for their sense of character as well as wearable elegance. Granted, they're not for the style-timid, but really, aren't we all warriors at heart, as we battle the challenges of each day? We should wear our fashion fierceness like ancient talismans, bestowed with the strength of those stylish souls who came before us. If nothing else, you'll be sure to get some compliments and "oh wow!" comments by wearing any of these bold pieces.

Conjured from the Magpie's crystal ball of ghoul-ery jewelry: {1} Silver and Bronze Perfume Amulettes by Talon, {2} Wicked Tentacle Ring by OctopusME! Designs from the Abyss, {3} Hunting Man gold pendant by Gisele Ganne, {4} Rose Gold Tarsier Necklace by Violet Darkling, {5} Sharks Tooth Bangle by Beau and Arrow, {6} Tooth and Bone Ring Set by Species by the Thousands, {7} Nail Triangle Ring from GWAAN


Jaunty Fine Print: items from shops listed above - Happy Halloween!

Halloween is just around the corner and it got this Birdy's imagination going... what if vampires were real? No, not the kids who wear white face paint, wear long cloaks and lace corsets and moan about the tragedy of human existence -- Goths, not to burst your gothy-bubble, but no, you're not really a member of the undead legion. I'm talking if a vampire really did exist, and more specifically, if the vampire were a female, how would she style herself in these hyper-modern times? I sort of imagined her wardrobe to be a mix of classic pieces with a little modern, gothic touches. In accessories and makeup, that's where a touch of the sublime would live, a decaying sense of time wrapped (or trapped) in something beautiful. No crystal-studded skulls, overt symbols of vampire lore, not even a black cape. Instead, this modern day vampire style queen would glide through the evenings, through candlelit restaurants and late night lounges, dressed in finery that's understated, but with hints of a bold, reckless past. A little rockstar, old world vintage, and a sense of an empire long gone. Something about the Witching Hour that puts this Magpie in a vampy Mood...

Selected pieces include: {1} Pinstripe Floral Tight at Urban Outfitters, {2} Gunmetal Emerald Cocktail  Ring by Kenneth Jay Lane, at Thomas Lane, {3} Satin Streamer Dress by Alexander Wang, at Neiman Marcus, {4} Bow-Back Over-the-Knee boot by Valentino, at Bergdorf Goodman, {5} Cape Sleeve Velvet Dress by Giorgio Armani, at Bergdorf Goodman, {6} Peacock Eyelashes by PAPERSELF at Sephora, {7} The Black Palatte by Urban Decay at Sephora, {8} Purple with a Purpose from Opi, {9} Painted Love lipstick by Kat Von D for Sephora, {10} Rhinestone Bib Necklace from Neiman Marcus, {11} Mesh and Suede Platform Bootie by Jimmy Choo, at Neiman Marcus


Jaunty Fine Print:  photos taken from shops listed above

This Bird is taking a couple of weeks to fly, fly away and spend some time with family. Since I'll be off on this Jaunty Jaunt for a bit, wanted to wish everyone a happy and sugar-coated Halloween. May there be more treats than tricks! Even though I'll be gone, I still wanted to dress up Mr. and Ms. Magpie's nest with holiday decor. We've got bats in our belfry, to be sure -- a family of the little guys are danging in front of our living room window, and a few have taken roost in a big metal cage for our gothy fall dining room centerpiece. Meanwhile, the little jack-o-lanterns stare with open mouths and blank stares...

See you all soon, and please visit all the friends of the Jaunty Magpie -- their sites never cease to inspire this Bird!


Jaunty Fine Print: photos by Denise Sakaki

 

BOO! Did the Magpie scare you? No..? Well, let me pull out my junior high photos with mall bangs and head-to-toe acid wash and then let me ask the question again. Oh for heaven's sake. There's no need to cower in the corner in a fetal position.

Sparing the good, decent public from an acid-washed fate, this Bird wanted to share some photos taken during the Halloween/Autumnal decoration of the Jaunty Household. A strand of silk leaf garland here, a scattering of styrofoam headstones for ghoulish flair, and a few yards of black lace for good measure -- voila, a Halloween wonderland! And a final flourish of a maribou bat headband to torment the fuzzy head of the household, Miss Indy. Happy Halloween, you style vamps!

Halloween on a Saturday is like your psyche going to Vegas for the weekend, so remember to let your freak flag fly! While this Bird is still recovering from a vacation hangover, her imagination is running wild, finding lots of spooky things to rev up her Halloween Mood. Not the typical jack-o-lanterns or candy corn crafts, these ghoulish lovelies are reminders to think beyond parlor tricks and saccharine treats. Let this Birdie know what you'll be for Halloween! {1} Dracula and Lucy illustration by Edward Gorey {2} Roi d'Osumilie pendant by Dior {3} Nocturnal Flight of the Time Key Artful Hardware Pendant by COGnitive Creations {4} Intarsia Noah Skull Breton sweater by Sibling {5} Gold Baby Vamp Rings by Bittersweets {6} Kabuki bottle openers at Paper Source {7} Fashion Artifacts by Una Burke, featured on MaFrangine {8} Louis Vuitton pumpkin by Paul Lowe, photographed by Colin Cooke, featured on Sweet Paul

October has arrived, and it's putting a bit of an All Hallow's Eve feeling into this bird's Mood. Not to get all Goth Talk, but the Victorian era has always put a spring in this chicky's step. The detailed dresses with the corset-pinched waists, long dramatic coats, a ruffle here and there... so much decorative attention on what one wore, to express what couldn't be verbalized in polite society. Unlike now where we are surrounded by celebrities who absent-mindedly forgot underwear. Le sigh.

At least I'm not the only one dreaming of the past -- several creative minds are taking fashionable cues from this era. We have so many lovely objects to choose from to make our own statements: {1} Ivory ruffled silk Carina bolero by Bonzie {2} velvet shawl collar suit, piquet shirt and ascot tie with hat and leather boots by Z Zegna autumn/winter 2009 collection {3} Victorian Vintage Typewriter Floating Shift Key Pendant and Necklace by QA Create {4} ornate puff sleeve jacket by Bebe {5} Steampunk bracelet - copper brass and chrysoprase by Catherinette Rings {6} Peep Show by Nanette Lepore {7} eyelet denim jacket from TopShop US {8} braided tweed double-breasted blazer jacket with felt lapels by Chanel, fall/winter collection 2009/10.