A Gothic Christmas: Lilactwist Designs

Looking for alternative Christmas cards that are a million miles away from the same old twee efforts churned out by the container load every year? Have a look at Lilactwist Designs gloriously Gothic Christmas cards. All handmade and original designs -- and they now have a selection of gorgeous Gothic Christmas wrapping paper and tags.

Bah Humbug Christmas Card -- supplied with matching black envelope (£1.95). Matching gift tag 95p

Fairy Wishes Christmas Card -- supplied with matching black envelope (£1.95). Matching gift tag 95p

Chrstmas Grunge Gift Tags (£2.25 for pack of 5) -- we love the idea of these tags, which are stained for an aged look and baked with a combination of natural scents to make them smell delightfully Christmassy!

'No Peeking 'Til Christmas' Wrapping Paper (£1.95 per sheet)

Steampunk Fashion -- ParaNoire

For all you lovers of Steampunk or Neo-Victorian fashion -- have a look at what Eva Wenig at ParaNoire is doing.

Dorette: beautiful corset top ($150.00) -- made to measure.

Elegant Victorian ball gown ($650.00) -- made to measure.

Victorianesque capelet with ruffles & pleated shoulders ($100.00) -- made to measure.

Retro & Vintage homewares at Retro Redheads

My retro mood continues and I've just been looking at some retro and vintage homewares at the wonderfully kitsch Retro Redheads.


Reproduction 1930's Porcelain Art Deco Kitchen Clock ($68.00). The clock is new -- not vintage, but it's still just perfect for a retro-style kitchen.


Rare Vintage Art Deco Nymph Tray ($38.00)


Whimsical Vintage American Bisque (ungemach) candy Baby Cookie Jar ($140.00).

Birdy Num Num

Ladylike, 100% nappa leather handbags from Birdy Num Num


Bette Soft Upright Frame Bag (£67.00)


Veronica Box Clutch (£47.00). This clutch has a pull-out chain to convert it to a handbag; a chain is a definite plus point for this bag, as far as I'm concerned -- I like the idea of a clutch but at some point during the evening they start to drive me nuts ( I know -- it's a relatively short journey...).

Antique and Vintage Jewelley: Laurelle Limited

Laurelle Limited specialise in antique jewellery from the Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods. Many of the items for sale on the site are beautiful and some of them stupendously gorgeous -- I especially love the mourning jewellery (no big surprise, if you've been reading the rest of this blog). In addition to the jewellery, there's some boxes and other objects which would make unique gifts.

Georgian 19th Century 18ct Gold & Pearl Mourning Ring (£495.00)

Victorian Silver Cherub Large Card Case (£375.00)

Art Nouveau Siver First Tooth/Pill Box (£125.00)

Lucky Scent

I've just come across a site called Lucky Scent -- a treasure trove of exclusive and little-known scents, body products and candles. I love the detailed, evocative descriptions of the fragrances and the fact you can buy individual samples for as little as $3.00.

There's a particular perfume oil I'm especially drawn to just now -- The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (title based on the *book of the same name). $125.00 for 7ml and $6 for the sample.

It's probably not such a good idea to buy a scent because you like the name or the description: ' .. despair and blackness, anger and absolution. This is a rebel fragrance that will tug at your soul' -- but it suits my dark(ish) mood just now.

* interesting story relating to the book and the fact the the 'author' JT Leroy was not quite what he/she seemed...

Cha Cha -- Handcrafted Bags

I've just noticed that many of the products I've featured here recently are from Etsy designers; I'm not being lazy -- it's just that the quality at Etsy just seems to be getting better and better and I've always had a bit of a soft spot for indie designers. Take these bags from Cha Cha -- I've not got my hands on one of these yet but the craftsmanship seems to be excellent and I especially like the fact that they look to be substantial and built to last.


'Dani' ($175.00) hand-dyed, hand-printed canvas bag


Lady Bird Tote ($125.00)

By the way, I came across Cha Cha from a post on Miss Malaprop -- a great blog to visit if your heart belongs to all things indie.

Artghost

Artghost features the work of Seattle-based independent designers, Liz Wong and Eric Adler. These cute limited-edition bags are designed and handcrafted by Liz and you can also buy paintings, drawings and cards on the Artghost site.

'Hey DJ!' (striped) Handmade Purse ($58.00)

'Heh DJ' Purse ($52.00)

Seattle to New York Handmade Purse ($40.00)

Unusual Hats -- Boring Sidney

If you're looking for an unusual or 'alternative' hat -- then check out the beauties available at Boring Sidney (I've always insisted that I'm not a 'hat person' but I think I've just changed my mind...).

Phantom in the Top Hat ($85.00)

Consumption Hat ($130.00) -- from the Disease series

FannyMae flapper hat ($85.00)

Reversible Mantilla ($45.00)

Abney Park

Abney Park -- Stigmata Martyr

Bobby Dean Vintage Clothes

If I wasn't trying really hard to cut down on my vintage handbag collection, I think I'd be seriously tempted to buy this unique-looking handbag from Bobby Dean's Vintage Clothes. I don't know that I'd even use the bag -- I'd probably just think of it as an interesting part of history and look at it as little piece of art.

Victorian, embossed leather bag, decorated with birds, turtles, flowers, frogs and butterflies ($75)

1950's cocktail/evening dress ($175.00)

Vintage Black Silk Parasol ($145.00)

By the way -- if you're looking for a black parasol and not too bothered whether it is vintage or not -- have a look at the little Gothic Lolita Parasol we have on the Larkin & Catcher Alternative Clothing Store

Black Gothic Lolita Parasol (£16.00)

Leanimal

Gloriously original and really beautiful handmade designs (with more than a touch of steampunk) from Leanimal's Etsy store. Definitely one to watch.


Wesley Dress ($168.00)


Bella Coat ($278.00)


Collection Dress -- size xs now on sale for $112 (!!)

A new Etsy Designer

I've just posted about this new Etsy designer on my other Larkin & Catcher blog -- but I can only get relatively small images on there, so I thought I'd feature them here too. I've not much information yet on The Void Above but I really like what this Etsy seller is doing.


Crane ($180.00) Limited-edition shirt, made from organic cotton

Black Bird Skirt ($90.00)

Pixie ($115.00) Original handmade knitwear

Fred Flare -- revisited

I've already declared my love for The Epitome of Cute --Fred Flare. No surprise then, that I paid them another little visit. 'Fred' never disappoints, so -- of course -- I found yet more lovely 'wantables'.

I was particularly taken with this novel-looking Pony Tote -- not for everyone, I agree -- but winsomely different.

Pony Tote (now $34.99 from £48.00)

And yet more goodies...

Purple Weave Pattern Purse ($40)

Paul Frank Gignham Alligator Pouch (now $12.99 from $20)

Cath Kidston Stationery Box ($14.95)

Anatomy Organic

Sadly, when it comes to fashion, I very rarely get the chance to use the phrase 'cutting edge' in the same sentence as 'eco-friendly' -- but the Anatomy Fashion collection makes this a happy exception.

Black Peg Pencil Skirt (£99.00) -- front and back view

Silk Satin Tulip Skirt (£145.00)

Square Neck Bow Trim Top (£90.00)

Rockabilly Bags

In keeping with our recent retro/1950's obsession, I thought I'd draw your attention to the drop-dead gorgeous, retro-inspired rockabilly bags and the adorable pocketbook that we've recently added to the Larkin & Catcher store. All three are from those delightfully naughty gals at Hell's Belles Finishing School for Girls.

Back Seat Handbag (£35.00). Available at the Larkin & Catcher alternative clothing store


Black Mambo Bag (£35.00). Available at the Larkin & Catcher alternative clothing store.

Leopard Pocketbook (£20.00). Available at the Larkin & Catcher alternative clothing store.