Twenties Long Neckalces

I doubt anyone who loves historic costume doesn't also love Downton Abbey, but for the uninitiated, the show is amazing! Sure its just a fancy soap opera at times, but once you're sucked in, its ever so hard to let go! Also, the costumes are amazingly drool worthy! As the fourth season has begun (oversees, it doesn't premiere in the USA until January) the twenties costumes have stuck to the excellent standard set by previous seasons.

I can't help but adore the new accessories the ladies of Downton have been sporting with their new twenties threads. I love long beaded necklaces and have simply had to make a few new ones to sedate my appetite for all things 20's, sparkling and languid. See the style modeled below by lady Edith (also admire her gorgeous hairstyle! swoon)

See my two newest versions of the long beaded necklace below! Both started with glass beads I found at a new-to-me bead shop that is conveniently on my way home from work. I say convenient but what I really mean is dangerous as they have amazing things and are very reasonably priced! I found both the red starburst and green leaves there by the strand and just love how these necklaces came together! I need to make a lovely 20's little black dress and book a ticket to a ballet or something to have a glamorous Downton style evening of my own!

For those of you who also like the style, but lack the time to invest in stringing tiny seed beads (because seriously these are so easy to make!) check out my store on etsy where I have a few of the extra necklaces I have made for sale. I so enjoy making these but could never keep them all to myself! Use coupon code DOWNTON for an extra 10% off on your order!

Cleopatra Progress

The Cleopatra costume *sigh* the costume that would have been if I were not so incessantly busy! I have actually started it, I took apart an old slip I never wear and made a sorta pattern out of it. I used this make-shift pattern to construct a vaguely 20's shaped bias cut under-dress in very shiny gold lame to wear as the base layer of this costume. Sadly due to time constraints I doubt this costume will be done by Halloween night, which isn't so bad since as I am not going anywhere anyways!

I do want to finish this costume because I feel like with a different under-dress (something like plain navy or green) this dress could still be an appropriate 1920's costume for any season. As Egyptian revival was such a huge trend in the twenties I feel like I could still get away with this dress year round. The over dress is going to be made out of a lovely navy blue poly chiffon with a golden outer finish. I found the fabric in London which makes the dress even more special to me! I am planning on hand painting and embellishing the drop-waist belt-ish portion. The little draped half cape thing will be pinned on as part of the costume and not worn when I wear it as myself not Cleopatra!

I also bought supplies to make an epic headdress to wear with this costume, but I have yet to start it of course! That is my goal for this evening, to start the headdress using millinery canvas as a base and building it up with layers of glitter, sequins, feathers and beads! Check back later this week to see how it comes out!

Time Travel : The Harry Potter Studio Tour (part 2)

Welcome to part 2 of my photos from my visit last year to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London! What better way to celebrate Halloween coming up than a trip back to Hogwarts?

Here's me at # 4 Privet Drive! crazy to think I'v been at the Dursely's doorstep!

There all still more photos to come next week!

Time Travel : The Harry potter Studio Tour London (part 1)

In honor of Halloween next week I thought I would flash back to last year when I got to visit a pretty magical place! The Harry Potter Studio Tour London in Watford England! I knew from the moment I confirmed my study abroad in London that I absolutely had to visit this place, the very sound-stages and sets where the films which played such a large role in my adolescence were filmed!

The experience was certainly all I hoped it would be and nothing can compare with walking into the actual great hall with all the thematic lighting making you feel right at Hogwarts! For a huge fan like myself it was just an amazing opportunity to see everything from my favorite universe up close and personal. I really wish I would have had more time and I will certainly go back the next time I make it to England. Until then I will have to browse through my photos from the day to relive all the magic again!

I took a million photos at the tour so this is just part 1 of three of this little Halloween inspired time travel!

Seasonal Desires

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Whats not to like about getting loads of candy and an excuse to dress up? As I have gotten older it has changed; I learned to make my own costumes and in high school held elaborate themed parties every year in my parent's basement. Though I am not yet sure how I am celebrating this year (I'm currently thinking spooky movie night with caramel apples and good friends!) I have been considering some seasonal shopping!

I never had a traditional goth phase in middle or high school, mostly because my mom wouldn't really let me. That said, as a now long time devotee of black and lace, I have never truly given up on my youthful desires for a more gothic themed wardrobe. My desire for black tutus then has evolved into an admiring of Rick Owens and Alexander McQueen now. I would perhaps still fancy a black ballerina skirt, though of a longer and more floatier style now though! Halloween appropriate clothing and accessories range from elegant and creepy to colorful and campy and when done right can transition into wardrobe staples fit for beyond the season. That's why I have been stalking these skull and bones styles of jewelry on etsy for weeks and am just about ready to place an order for something slightly spooky!

These real vertebrae earrings are to die for, get it? but in all seriousness I love these, so cool and the bonus factor of probably legitimately freaking people out. BoneJewelry on Etsy

This vial of animal teeth necklace is also from BoneJewelry

Spinal style earrings in shining or antiqued silver from Skeletos , perfectly quiet until you realize what they are

Crazy cool 3D printed ring in the form of a cat skull, what an amazing 'cocktail ring' this would be! from HiddenSeek for an amazingly affordable $13.93

The soon to be classic crow skull necklace, I have yet to invest but the options at this shop skullery all make me want to change that!

*as usual no recommendations in this post are sponsored, I just like to share my favorites from my online window shopping!