Gothish

I realized that it's been a while since I've done a blog featuring Etsy favourites and picks. I like to spread the word of Etsy shops and the amazing wares that they make and sell, so once again I am going to try to do just that. I used to do these quite frequently, but I stopped, so... Bully for me. Kidding. But seriously. I'm trying to get back on the horse with this blog, especially since 12 Months of Alice feels like it's slowly counting down to the end (even though I still have over 100 days to go). 

Because of an admiration and adoration for goth-ish things that I am going to share some Etsy favourites that are gothic or gothic-inspired. Or maybe just macabre. Either way... Enjoy!

'Princess of Darkness' Babydoll Dress by MollyPop Vintage

'Creature Claws' finger armor by ghostlovejewelry

'There's Something In My Eye' print by caryndrexl

Macabre bird skull earrings with glass pearls by AlternateHistory

'Toothy Grin' necklace by ExtolloJewelry

Be sure to check out all of these shops, and their amazing items. Click the description beneath each item to go directly to the Etsy shop and that item. The items may not be for everyone... but they're definitely for people like me. And maybe you?

Outfit of the Day

The photos for this are less than satisfactory, because of the fact that it was raining and therefore painful to try to find a spot to sit my camera, in order to get a full body photograph. Nonetheless... perseverance! I've decided that I want to do more 'fashion' blogs, describing style and what I find to be a satisfactory way to dress. Also, it's about time that I post on this blog more often. I'm also thinking about doing a historical or oddity blog of the week or something. That is news for another day, though!

This outfit is from yesterday, but it pleased me because it's a bit more spring-y or summer-y than I normally wear. Even though it's usually between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius outside, I still manage to wear black, with heavy ex-uniform jackets and clothing that is not exactly suited to being in the sun. Yet, yesterday when it was pouring buckets (or at least sprinkling. Until it changed drastically and was sunny again, that is), I found that it suited me to dress in light colours and more feminine clothes. With as little black as possible (other than my bag, umbrella, scarf,and shoes. And eyeliner... And under-tank top... I swear, this is very little black for me!). I was mostly driven by wanting to layer, and wanting to wear a coat that I really like, but have never had the chance, nor weather, nor mood, to wear. Yesterday, though... That was the time and place. Again, I apologize for not having a full body photograph, with everything in the same image. I'm never gusty enough to makeshift a tripod. Especially when it's drizzling.

My spring time outfit (albeit the fact it's summer now... Isn't it?):

Dusty rose wool jacket, by Urban Behavior (gift from a family friend)

Mint green cardigan $10 from Stitches)

Black tank top (has been in my possession for ages)

White cut-back tank top with flowery rib cage design ($8...ish, from Stitches)

Jessica Simpson blue jeans ($35 on sale from The Bay)
Engraved necklace ($3 from Value Village)

Charm necklace (gift, odds and ends, had for years)

Black scarf with red and purple velvet details (gift from my Mum)

Flower headband ($8 from Claire's)

Black Oxford style runners ($50 from Aldo)

It occurs to me that a majority of the things that I mention are not really visible. Nonetheless, there you go. I bequeath upon you the knowledge of my clothes. The majority of which I have had for a really long time. 

Trespasser Ceramics

Today I received something beautiful in the mail.

Not too long ago, this artist from Calgary created an IndieGoGo project to save his eyesight. He was stricken with a serious issue that would cause him to go completely blind. Thus, the money raised would go towards the surgery to save one, if not both, of his eyes. As an artist, to lose eyesight is a terrible change. It is for anyone, but when your life depends on the ability to see... I can't even imagine. With the help of lots of supporters, he was able to raise enough money to save both of his eyes. As thank you's for support, he offered pieces of his beautiful ceramic work. As a birthday present, my mum backed the project, and allowed me to choose what piece I would like. I chose the 'All seeing steampunk eye' pendant, in brown. It is such a beautiful piece of art. It is a small pendant, made up of Celtic knots, an eye, and a little gear in lieu of a normal pupil. As you can see. Behold! As I explain in great detail, something that there is a photo of!

It was a really nice surprise to find in the mail, especially after such a long week (and one that isn't over yet!). As soon as I opened it, I found a piece of cord and tied it on as a choker. It's a nice weight and carries a bit of steampunk with me, even when I'm not full steam.

Also, for a fun bonus- I'll explain my silver necklace! Some people will see a pentacle and think "Gasp! Satanist!". However, I can assure you that this is not the case. This is what I call my charm necklace. I wear it almost every day, and it holds a lot of significance. The pentacle (five pointed star within a circle) is a Pagan symbol, and represents balance and the elements (the elements being human spirit, earth, air, fire, and water), and how all elements are interconnected (thus the fact that the pentacle is one continuous line). The anchor behind it is a symbol of stability and hope. Finally, there is my engagement ring, which speaks for itself. Except maybe 'Why is it on a necklace and not your finger?'. Well, I work with my hands a lot, and sometimes I need to wash my hands frequently.  It's just better than my ring doesn't get dirty, but I have it on my necklace because I feel lost without it. Fun fact- there is always a ghost ring on my ring finger. I can feel the ring, and I'll go to play with it, but alas- it will be on my necklace instead. 

Having a new and precious jewel to wear (even if it doesn't look like a jewel) is such a nice treat. Especially since the artist is local, and he's so talented! Be sure to check out his work at Trespasser Ceramics.