hammer of the witches

PRINCESS, MORTAL PRINCESS

2011-04-14T19:29:00.002-04:00

I fell out of the habit of checking personal style blogs a few months ago. Something about the nouveau-pop-Goth look--you know it, piles of rings, leggings, Jeffrey Campbell platforms, drapey layers, "esoteric" symbols, etc., etc.--becoming omnipresent and overly trendy... in the end, who cares? I'd rather see crazy-ass ladies working it out in whatever their hearts' desire, no need to consider if it's KVLT enough.

So with that in mind, you can imagine my amazement and instant full-blown love affair when I stumbled across this previously unknown-to-me style blogger. Everybody, here's Princess Paolina of Calur Villade.

My reaction upon seeing this gif? SKEET SKEET SKEET. Gimme those mescaline-gypsy robes, gurlfran. Wowza. Then there's this handmade "yarn web thing":

WHATTTTTT. I'm dying. FROM PREMATURE EJACULATIONS. Sorry, but this is too good.

Thank you for validating my lust for hair-as-accessories:

Thank you, from the bottom of my little black heart. This is kind of giving me new life. My blog is like a wizened old Nosferatu, slurpin' up some fresh young blood.... ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Liquid refreshment!

CYBER SNEAK

2011-04-10T14:23:00.003-04:00

Not sure of the provenance of this image (Tumblr, yo), but I couldn't let such blatant use of terrible, hulking, fantastical Millennial cyber-goth-candy-raver (a proud and noble community no doubt) footwear go unnoticed. I only hope these have little rollerskates that pop outta the bottom, of they can blast off into space under their own power, or something like that.

Rave on!

GAY YOUTH

2011-03-28T12:30:00.002-04:00

I just came across these incredible styles on the equally inspiring Chateau Thombeau.

Fluffy yeti pants just make sense for March weather, you know? And there is seriously no wrong time for matching your significant other in satin Poiret harem suits. And domino masks!

WEIRD SCIENCE

2011-02-22T17:25:00.003-05:00

Whoa! So right after hitting post on that last entry, I did a little Google image search on liquid crystals. I was intrigued when I read in Style.com's review that the Kanes were inspired to come up with 'a textile that's never been used' in their new collection. Turns out... they were totally scooped!

Check out this 2007 article on Cleveland-based technology firm AlphaMicron Inc. In addition to the hybrid sunglass/goggles with color-changing liquid crystal lenses, this dress with liquid-filled fringe is currently blowing my mind.

According to the article, they hadn't yet gone into production in 2007. I'm thinking that for A/W 2011, their time has finally come.

SQUISH

2011-02-22T17:17:00.002-05:00

photo from Vogue.com

Christopher & Tammy Kane really know a thing or two about liquid crystals.

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING

2011-02-20T16:25:00.003-05:00

...Yes, I'm still alive (as long as you count Dead Alive) and still deeply interested in horrible shoes.

If you need a more up-to-date-version of my interblogs complete with more terrible cyber footwear, check me out on my Tumblr.

MY PONY, RIDE IT

2010-08-02T12:15:00.003-04:00

These Opening Ceremony x Dr. Martens boots are giving me blue balls for Fall. Nnnnngh, I can't wait to wear real gear on my feet and not have them immediately melt off the ends of my legs!

FIRE WEATHER WARNING

2010-06-23T12:40:00.003-04:00

Guys! I hope you all had a good Solstice. I was too busy feeling bummed about my current relationship situation (read: troubling lack of diq) to do anything more mystic than my usual moon meditations, but I think this weekend my friend Dan and I are going to try to summon up some ritual spirit. You know, there's no need for 'fashion' when you're skyclad.

So dudes, I know I haven't posted anything in a loooooong time. Usually I don't have a good excuse for this type of slackery, but in my own defense, can I just say--bless me, it's summah! I haven't been that interested in style or fashion too much... my idea of summer dressing is basically just gigantically oversized t-shirts, the shortest cut-offs I can get away with, and billowy harem pants (gotta let my balls breathe). So I'm basically dressing like this Oak model 24/7:

(except I'm a lady) (love that Crowleian unicursal hexagram, though)

Anyway, if you want more evidence of my day-to-day magickal activities (not), feel free to check out my tumblr, Banji Realness. It's kind of more trashy-90s-hip-hop oriented than this blog (I guess this one's for the metal side of my brain), but there's some crossover when it comes to, uh, mystic crystal revelations and stuff. Oh, and Pokemon.

RAYON, SILK, OR MAYBE EVEN DENIM

2010-05-27T19:43:00.000-04:00

I had to put this classically cheesy jam on right after that last post... I guess I can't not post it.

AT LEAST TWO PAIRS

2010-05-27T17:54:00.004-04:00

Although I'm usually a silver person, since the beginning of summer I've been adding more gold to my jewelry regimen. So far I've invested in a few new pairs of earrings from the dollar and thrift stores down the block.

Not pictured are my classic bamboo bangers (all you 'round the way girls know the ones I mean) and a pair of simple gold hoops with little telephone charms. Although I'm pretty much satisfied with what can be scrounged up for $.99 apiece at the Family Dollar, I'm still tempted by the tacky vintage splendor of gaudy earrings past: these two are from Etsy store The Moon and the Sea...

And this vintage Kenneth Jay Lane pair--literal doorknockers!

I don't really wear rings, but I love seeing people with a handful of them on. This Kemetic style would be a knockout among some big turquoise stunners.

CLAP YOUR HANDS

2010-05-13T18:28:00.002-04:00

My Thursday is all about this video. Who are these people, all vigorously working Tadashi/Esprit realness? Check out that hot-pink crop top and matching Barbie shoes.

Not to mention this guy:

Now believe me when I say it's even better in motion. Sia, Diplo, and about fifty yards of stretch bandage material, together at last.

Thanks Christeric!

PULP HOPE

2010-04-30T11:47:00.002-04:00

There's been a lot of talk on blogs, websites and magazines about the 90s/millenial revival that's showing no signs of slowing down just yet. Amanda of Is Mental (possibly the best style blog... ever?) in particular has posted some great remembrances of things past recently. But for me, nothing brings back those sweet n' sticky summer memories of junior high quite like Paul Pope's comics.

Paul Pope draws the cutest girls ever--the kneesocks! the full lips! those skinny 90s eyebrows and chunky-soled shoes!--and not only are they gorgeous space-age cartoon cuties, they also fight the bureaucracy on Mars. You know, with robots. And also make-outs.

If you haven't already read THB, Heavy Liquid, P City Parade, Escapo et al, check them out immediately--and even if you're already a fan, I think it's time to reread some of these classic gems. And even better, get them right in time for Free Comic Book Day!

SUMMER BUMMER

2010-04-25T12:55:00.000-04:00

One more note about potential summer gear, as I continue to watch the rain run down my window... this neoprene bralette by Alexandra Cassaniti might be headed to the top of my wishlist. Love that Klein blue, the reversibility, and the way it'll totally protect you from any coral reef-related tit injuries. This is probably as versatile as a surf-inspired bra top can get.

SHEER MADNESS

2010-04-25T12:27:00.004-04:00

The weather here is still vacillating between days of genuine summer sun and intermittent thundershowers. Right now we're in the midst of another rain storm, of course! It's really put a damper (no pun intended?) on my search for spring/summer clothes--I'm still piling on the scarves and trench coat to keep warm, while attempting to scope out the ideal wedge sandal that'll last me all the way through September (a topic for another post, but right now I'm feeling these, these, and potentially these guys).

One of the great things about all the sheer/net pieces I'm seeing more and more of these days is their fantastic layering possibilities. Think of the options! On a hot day (and ugh, let's hope we get some of that high-summer hotness back soon), just throw them on over a black lace bra or tank and gooooooo. On a gross, rainy, cool day like yesterday and today (and the rest of this coming week... you can guess my feelings on the matter), pile them on together and put a leather jacket or sleeveless vest on top. Instant outfit! The best.

In that spirit, check out these great sheer pieces from Kimberly Taylor. The sheer pants might look a little crazy as-is but over the right tights (and with an incantation to ward off the static electricity), they'd kill.

And hey, if you're in the midst of preparing a summer wardrobe, you can pick some of these guys up for 10% off through May 1st! Enter the code WITCHFINDER at checkout, and enjoy your ventilated sheer-back dress. Compliments of the witch-finder general!

DROP TROU

2010-04-10T13:56:00.004-04:00

When these guys arrived in my mailbox, I was so psyched to finally get my hands on the floral drop-crotch monster pants of my dreams that I had to bust out my camera immediately!

Excuse my beauty/inability to take a full-length shot of myself. Here's what they look like on Pixie Market's website:

Made by the Australian geniuses behind My Pet Square, they're much more light-weight and soft than I was expecting--meaning I'll be wearing them alllll summer. As I said in a previous post, I'm really feeling these new pant silhouettes for spring... which means I'm now seriously considering investing in the black-and-white print version too.

SWEET TRANSVESTITE

2010-03-23T12:51:00.003-04:00

Kind of a bittersweet post, since these amazing earrings are already sold out at Pixie Market... but forget about the material, just check out the detail on that mini-talon clutching its pearls.

Nothing says 'Spring' like a dangling jewel stolen from a bird of prey.

Earrings from the difficult-to-Google Transvestite, which seems to come out of Japan (naturally enough).

ABSOLUTE PANTS

2010-03-06T21:05:00.005-05:00

Dai Fujiwara's new collection for Issey Miyake is hands-down my favorite so far this season. The silhouette that's being pushed in the majority of the shows I've seen is something I'm getting heartily sick of--it all starts to blend into one stretchy body-con mess after a while. Even some designers whose prints and other surface techniques I admire are just not looking as fresh when they put them on an unchanging rotation of slim-fit mini-skirts and shift dresses. Minis on all of these stick-thin legs are just not doing it for me at all anymore. So despite my longtime belief in the talismanic powers of the dress, I am setting my sights for the first time squarely on PANTS.

Seriously! I'm sort of bummed by the sheer lack of them this season. Every time I see the faintest hint of pant in a little thumbnail on Style.com, I click without fail... only to be rebuffed by leggings.

Fortunately, Fujiwara has totally delivered on my need for trews. Pants please!

(pics from Style)

How good are these? The printed ones are particularly sick, but I wouldn't say no to the ruched style either.

And I am completely feeling these awesome coats.

LOVE. I'm okay with this ovoid, shrouded, kind of butch-cum-batcave (maybe more Batcave than in the literal sense... the frayed-yarn pair of trousers there looks like a perfectly fresh interpretation of found-in-the-attic finery, in that slightly boyish shape) silhouette remaining unpopular for the time being. It's only a matter of seasons before everybody gets bored with the omnipresent Balmain look, after all...

ICE PRINCESS

2010-03-02T00:48:00.004-05:00

I haven't really been focusing much on the A/W shows. Should I be? A lot of them seem to be missing the point to me, and right now I'm more interested in thinking about Spring anyway. Spring! If only! Today it was actually a temperature somewhere around 'melting,' but I'm sure we can count on at least a few more weeks of icy conditions.

Scout just put up a bunch of new Diana Orving pieces, and they're truly thrilling me, especially the suspended ruffle-back jacket and ESPECIALLY the drop-crotch leggings...

Okay, who am I trying to kid; variations on the theme of drop-crotch leggings and big scarves have comprised my day-in-day-out wardrobe for at least the past few weeks. Like I said a few posts ago, all the mini lengths and Naugahyde faux-'70s detailing is turning the shows this season into a steady stream of impossible Designer Impostors. This looks like a reasonable alternative...

SO FAR SO GONE

2010-02-14T11:45:00.003-05:00

Out of everything at NYFW so far, I'm really feeling these big holey cut-ups from Cushnie et Ochs. The white shirt in the center is my favorite... and reminds me I want to add some white shirts to my repertoire this spring--and if this show is to be believed, they'll hold up through the fall as well.

NO D

2010-02-09T10:49:00.002-05:00

Guys, how great is this 3-D editorial from Archetype X?

From ONTD via Baldovino Barani--check out either source for way bigger images and get your paper glasses ready!

YO-LANDI

2010-02-03T13:27:00.003-05:00

Kinda really into...

Taxijam presents Die Antwoord from taxijam on Vimeo.

...this balls-out crazy Afrikaaner chick from Die Antwoord. All-new jams for spring!

MY NEIGHBOR SATAN

2010-01-30T18:25:00.005-05:00

Just spent a snowy afternoon browsing through silk blouses and electric banjos at Young Love, the new vintage clothing and record store down the block on Baltimore Ave. The best part was the extensive leather and suede selection, coupled with choice picks from Boris to Current 93 to '60s garage sludge.

I found a pretty great grey melange cropped Sonia Rykiel dolman sweater... perfect for extra layering to keep out the cold this weekend.

FURY OF THE NORSEMEN

2010-01-28T23:58:00.005-05:00

Of all the international fashion weeks, I think my anticipation for the Nordic cities runs most high. Copenhagen is coming up in just a couple of weeks, so I was checking out the schedule, looking up some designers' past collections, and generally psyching myself out over how awesome the Scandinavians always are. This year I'm particularly looking forward to Barbara i Gongini. For next season, I'm really feeling voluminous silhouettes, feminine but kind of rough and tumble at the same time, and from at glance at her past shows, she knows just how to deliver...

(photos from Le Be and Larapixie)

I'm planning to do a slightly more extensive post on her and other Copenhagen designers on Sang Bleu as the week draws near, so stay tuned!

I'M ALL YOURS

2010-01-22T13:23:00.001-05:00

Perennial favorite, decked out in the scantiest of Pavlo-Posad scarves.

SHINY DIAMONDS

2010-01-20T23:27:00.004-05:00

Guys! Once again I've disappeared from my blog for way too long. I just moved to a new apartment, and my internets were just recently turned on here. 2010 should see a new layout... and more frequent updates!

Holy Diver's been in my head since I woke up this morning. And the video! It's nuts! I remember seeing a video incorporating parts of Trent Harris' Rubin & Ed into this song when I was young and impressionable, so now listening to it brings to mind images of Crispin Glover in platform shoes mourning for his semi-frozen cat. Oh, Ronnie...

Meanwhile, you can check me out on Sang Bleu's blog! I have an interview with the amazing Zana Bayne posted up right here, and some other stuff too.

QUEUE ORDER

2009-12-22T20:26:00.007-05:00

My hair is finally growing out, and has officially (for good or for ill) entered the stage of awkward indeterminacy. I'm not too much into hair "styling" anymore (after some experimentation with self-inflicted crew cuts and lesbian mohawks went belly-up), but I can't keep letting it lie there in a pile on my head...

I'm a big fan of milkmaid braids, aptly demonstrated in these shots of Zebylon Winter from Contributor. Not sure if I've got the manual dexterity to perfect the topknot-cum-cornrows-cum-frontal-rattail there, though.

THE OLD NORTH

2009-12-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

My winter clothing preferences have basically solidified, just in time for the first heavy snowfall of the year. Black, grey, and red; boots for marching through the snow; warm, streamlined knits. So you can imagine how much I love the simplicity of Pip-Squeak Chapeau. The tight knit pants in the first shot are particularly good.

SUN BAKED SNOW CAVE

2009-12-20T22:54:00.002-05:00

(photo by Hanne Liden)

Still digging out of the blizzard!

FOREVER

2009-12-18T11:23:00.002-05:00

Interested in a few mega-cheap wardrobe additions before Hanukkah ends? Get on this free shipping from Forever 21, then!

The code is MISSYOU, and if you want to use it, you'd better act fast--it expires at midnight tonight.

My recommendation: bypass the sparkly tunics and go for these perfect, classic Oxfords.

Vinyl footwear never looked so good.

SHOT BY SHOT

2009-12-17T19:00:00.003-05:00

(pics from Egotastic)

Mila Kunis looking pretty good in Black Book.

BALL LIGHTNING

2009-12-09T00:27:00.003-05:00

I love these necklaces by Daniel Palillo and Lauri Johansson--particularly the fist.

And this axe of Perun makes a similarly appealing amulet... Hmm, good thing I've got a long neck!

RIPPED UP

2009-12-02T23:30:00.003-05:00

Have you guys all already seen this Rodarte rip at Forever 21? It's more of a take-off than a rip-off, partly because the Mulleavy sisters' intense craftsmanship is probably impossible to replicate on the F21 toxic Chinese factory scale (hence the sad failure of their Target line to be anything more interesting than a pair of shorts and a polyester chiffon prom dress), and partly because it's evocative of their style without being an explicit copy of any one authentic design. Either way, it definitely has a similar feel--dead doll in a decaying dress, dug up from the back garden...

SALEM'S LOT

2009-11-30T00:02:00.002-05:00

I'm really feeling the hand-tinted, Hipgnosis quality of these shots from the new i-D.

(via The Fashion Time)

HEXEN

2009-11-26T13:12:00.002-05:00

(pic from Naive)

RIGHT TO WORK, PT. II

2009-11-22T21:10:00.002-05:00

I'm still making up my mind about which boots to buy. After scrounging around on eBay for a million variations of the same general style ("Beatle boots," "mod boots," "ankle biker boots," "Cuban-heel boots," etc., etc.), these turned up tucked in the middle of a page:

Not even the fact that I never wear gold (I'm a silver person) has put much of a dent in my intense love for these shoes. But when I was browsing around aimlessly in Joann Shepp the other day, I found another killer pair of Robert Clergerie chelseas:

These I like more for the geta-ish sole than anything else. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and pick them up... on the website they're listed at $695, but in-store they're at least 20% off. Of course, even with that discount they're squarely out of my price range, but after a couple of complimentary glasses of champale anything is possible.

BACK ON THE RACK

2009-11-21T22:15:00.003-05:00

After suddenly becoming jaded with mini lengths (as I said in my last post), I've been spending a lot of time searching around on Etsy and eBay for more long, drapy swathes of fabric with which to festoon myself. Needless to say, YYStudio has provided me with hours of obsession--with this skirt in particular, I can already almost feel how awesome it would be to twirl around endlessly:

Picture that skirt teamed with a simple black top, a ton of silver necklaces, and a hooded wool cape atop everything else, and you've basically got my late fall dream outfit down pat.

WINDING SHEETS

2009-11-20T00:08:00.001-05:00

What's inspiring these days? I've been trying (and arguably succeeding) to spend less money on clothes, even though I still check Pixiemarket every damn day to see their new stock. But one thing that's been helping me stick to my cheap-assness is the extreme lack of variance in most clothing silhouettes. Virtually every dress and skirt is in a mini length. And I mean, I've got great legs but there are surely other interesting designs out there, right?

Not to mention, if the '80s must be endlessly resurrected, why gloss over the emergent thinkers of that period... '80s-era Comme des Garcons, Issey Miaki, Yohji Yamamoto are great sources for styling ideas using fuller and longer silhouettes. Of more recent vintage, I'm revisiting Limi Feu's epic S/S '09 collection:

I'm really feeling these calf-length skirts with ankle boots.

And S/S '10 is just as good--the Chelsea boots in particular (for men and women, finally), but the long, draped skirts and dresses are exactly what I'm into these days. Limi is either way ahead of or way behind the times--this long silhouette, somehow androgynous while still reading as classically femme, is so off the map today, it's impossible to find a high-street equivalent.

Limi Y. (daughter of Yohji) is one of my favorite designers at the moment--her clothes are modern takes on an aesthetic that Yohji Y. helped pioneer. Her most recent show is full of the kind of look that I would love to see more designers working with. No more bodycon! Yeah, I said it! It bums me out to see Penn sorority girls wearing paneled leather miniskirts and Iron Maiden t-shirts when they're not on a first-name relationship with Eddie... I saw an advertorial for black lipstick in Lucky magazine. Guys. For real.

I blame this on the spread of Balmain-alikes throughout Forever21 chains and Lookbook.nu. Not to knock the appeal of a simple neoprene dress or something--the thing is, it looks good(-ish, as long as it's not covered in sub-svarowski crystals/scattered with half-assed pyramid studs) but it's everywhere.

Maybe this is all just a long-winded way of saying, I wish Sunn 0))) would come out with their own line of floor-length robes. Now that's a celebrity label I could get behind.

RIGHT TO WORK

2009-11-06T17:52:00.002-05:00

I finally found a new job, and I'm planning to celebrate with a pair of chelsea boots for the winter. These are, in my mind, the canonical ankle boot--the combination of Cuban heel, pronounced pointed toe, slip-on-and-go beatnik style just slays me. Of course, they're also the hardest to find in women's sizes!

One of the pairs I was considering on eBay (he who hesitates is lost, somebody Bought This One Now) was by Tod's, with a slightly more rounded toe:

Surprisingly, Anthropologie has a pretty good selection of shoes right now. Sometimes they tend towards the Victorian child whore in terms of aesthetic, but there are some standouts:

These Acne-alikes in black suede with chelsea-style elastic gores are great. Too bad they're over $400, or I'd totally add them to my brooded-over list of chelsea boot contenders.

SWAN TATTOO

2009-11-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

I'm in love with this gorgeous magazine, Sang Bleu.

(spreads off ASVOF)

There's a lot of great pictures on the website, but I'd love to get a look at this mag in person. The excellent editorial combination (fashion/art/tattooing) is just a bonus!

FOR NEGLECTED MURDERESSES

2009-10-22T17:15:00.002-04:00

Just when I vowed not to spend any more money on fall clothes, I had to come across this eBay store...

Somehow I've gotten so into this Danish lesbian kindergarten teacher look--awkward calf-length skirts, portrait collars, fabrics like wool and leather--and pretty much everything at Time's Up nails it. Not to mention all the giant earrings! The perfect gray leather skirt is one thing, but styling it with those Acne wedges just puts it over the top for me. I love how they describe the skirts and dresses as "Amish"--kind of says it all, right? It's like what Ol' Widder Bates would wear for a night out on the town.

ICICLES WITHIN MY BRAIN

2009-10-13T18:20:00.003-04:00

Tonight it's supposed to get down to 39°. Man! Call me lily-livered if you must, but I am not prepared to be so cold yet. Although I did break my shopping ban on Sunday (desperately needed more print dresses, they were on sale, I am a fallible mortal after all), I'm still holding out against spending any more money than I absolutely have to on clothes. That said, I think I love this simple, modified cutaway jacket from Need Supply:

The best part is the removable knit collar. When I can't spend all day wrapped in my duvet, that sounds like a decent compromise.

BRIGHT SHADOW

2009-10-04T23:01:00.003-04:00

I got my wish! Rick Owens' collections are almost incapable of disappointing me--he continually hones his overall look (which by now has become something simultaneously sci-fi and stone-age, a little bit Black Queen from Barbarella and a lot hand-tanned woolly mammoth pelts) without capitulating to trends, but always looking timely without making dramatic leaps from season to season. I agree with Amanda that outerwear is his strongest suit, but I kind of love this dress for spring:

That said, it's really his diffusion lines, Rick Owens Lilies and Drkshdw, that get me going the most. The savage fur coats from his main collection give me heart palpitations of pleasure, no doubt, but what the man does with jersey and denim is truly amazing. There's a couple of new shots of his spring '10 Drkshdw men's line up on the website...

I do enjoy being a girl, but I wouldn't mind trading a few parts for the chance to fit into that jacket.

AUTUMN MISTS

2009-10-01T16:50:00.002-04:00

October 1st feels like the perfect day to take a peek at Gareth Pugh's new collection. Even though it's meant for spring, everything about it--the subtle grey shades, the enveloping yet sinister shapes--gives it his trademark Gothic/graveyard/ghoul-queen air. Naturally, I love it! Finally, a designer who took an already pretty great but heavily played-out idea (bandage dressing) and did something new, interesting and yet beautifully wearable with it. Unlike Pugh's earlier, more sci-fi creations, these dresses and sweeping cloak-jackets have a slightly more gentle, feminine feel, just right for the new season. Beautiful! What poison apple do I have to eat to get my hands on one of these?!

I didn't post any of the menswear pieces (although, if Style.com is to believed, it's all womenswear but modeled by some [okay pretty hot] guys), mainly because there was too much good stuff in this show to post it all. The fencing/armor-looking jackets--like this one:

--were particularly good, if obvious Rick Owens-alikes. Speaking of whom... can't wait for his show! Goths in Paris, you make lovin' fun.

Oh, and... the less said of the new Rochas collection, the better. Clearly, the bottom line does have to come first in the business of fashion, but it's disheartening to see this label go from Theyskens' (totally non-commercial) genius to Marco Zanini's trite paean to colonialism...

(pics from Style.com and ASVOF)

DON'T YOU EVER STOP BEING DANDY

2009-09-28T21:43:00.003-04:00

How is it that cheap Korean men's fashion is somehow so much better than most of the looks coming out of New York, London and Milan? Man. I haven't felt this "meh" about a fashion season in quite awhile. That said, I am completely feeling this dandy highwayman of a fall jacket... for only $46.66 (or best offer!), I can forgive that it only comes in men's sizes. From Buzirune232 on eBay.

TWISTED

2009-09-17T16:20:00.002-04:00

Okay, I wrote my last post without the benefit of seeing Proenza Schouler's new show. I have to kind of eat my words vis-a-vis New York fashion week being a washout this season, because P.S., as usual, totally nailed it:

Nothing new in the silhouette dept., but I'm totally sold on the great prints. And while I'd personally rather punch someone in the face than go skating (I don't know, I could just never get that into it), remove the heels and I'd believe these clothes could go straight from runway to skate park.

HOLY MOUNTAIN

2009-09-17T13:05:00.004-04:00

Guys! Once again I've let a century go by without updating. I feel like a lot of things have been happening, even though I'm still chronically jobless. The new (real) season is definitely here, which means I can finally blow-dry and straighten my hair again without it immediately snapping back the second I step outside into the wall of humidity that is summer; of secondary importance, the new (fashion) season is also here... I'm going to wait until London before completely panning it. I've seen some pretty cool shows pictured on other blogs (Odyn Vovk particularly springs to mind), but everything on Style.com is either a retread of the studs/bodycon look, or some sad pastel cocktail parade on Zoloft--with the shining exception of Rodarte, without which I swear I'd think NYFW was a total waste.

Anyway, the big news I wanted to post about has little to do with fash-unnn, unless you're really into long flowing robes (although, really, who isn't?). Sunn 0))) is playing West Philly on Sunday! Dudes, if you're in the area, mark your calendars and buy an extra pair of earplugs.

(Wow, 111 posts... I've finally reached my lucky number!)

KICKS AND PRICKS

2009-09-07T22:23:00.002-04:00

(pic from Refinery29)

I just came back inside from a quick evening stroll (keep forgetting to bring a pair of scissors in my bag when I go out to steal flowers from others' gardens... I need more bouquets)--it's starting to really feel like fall out. There's a real briskness in the wind, and I couldn't be more excited. This means more and more cups of pine-smoked Russian tea, plus making up my autumnal shopping list.

I'm trying to keep costs down for the next few months since I still haven't got a new job, but when I saw the hi-top zip sneakers from Richard Chai's collaboration with Keds, I felt my normally moribund pulse (high fashion + high prices + no income = DOA) perk up again. I'll have to make another post with pros and cons of all the boots I'm considering for fall/winter, but let me just say I am seriously hoping this line, nominally all for men, is produced in small sizes! The grey ones are especially presh. Weird because I've never really had a second thought about Chai before...

CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE

2009-09-05T01:39:00.006-04:00

This Undercover dress is up for grabs, courtesy of Mandie, along with some other clothes fit for swooping around in.

I'm still thinking about what kind of clothes I'm interested in for this season... it's still really warm out here, so I've mostly been just going around in the same knotted tanks and Frankenstein boots as ever. Pretty soon it's going to be time to break out the jackets and layers, though--and I'm pretty psyched. But can I also say I'm getting tired of every piece of clothing, whether it's from Alexander Wang, Urban Outfitters, or Forever 21, being cropped and bleached and Riot Grrled to death? It's just gotten kind of overblown. Some designers, like Jun Takahashi, don't have to work at being retro or faux-punky to be really startling and interesting. So in my opinion, this fall should be less pre-ripped jeans, more Mylar survival blanket-cum-jacket...

!!!

2009-08-30T22:53:00.002-04:00

(pic from models.com)

I'm so psyched... I just moved into my new place in Philadelphia today! Too exhausted to update further tonight, but I wanted some record of my kind of stunned elation at finally getting out of Tiny Town.

CASH FOR TRASH

2009-08-25T14:23:00.000-04:00

(pics by the Facehunter, Yvan Rodic)

There's nothing better than soaking up the days of late summer. I personally believe this is best done by visiting as many country fairs (deep-fried Twinkie on a stick and Awesome Blossom... pardon my fatness), demolition derbies, and isolated backwoods ice-cold rivers as possible. In the first two destinations, keep your eyes peeled for all the Budweiser tank dresses and scrawled-on tattoos. In the last one, no attention to detail needed, not even a swimsuit. You gotta love the country.

SUN LACE

2009-08-25T12:42:00.003-04:00

These shots of Kate Lanphear from Rackk and Ruin reminded me of this girl's swooping, asymmetric dress... awesome for late summer dramatic entrances & exits.

(pic from Hel Looks)

EX-VOTO

2009-08-17T00:26:00.003-04:00

pics from Wikipedia, imagesearch, artnet

CRUEL SUMMER

2009-08-10T00:10:00.001-04:00

Sundays are never good days for me... but somehow I feel they could be made slightly brighter with the right pair of studded gauntlets.

ELEGAUNT

2009-08-06T21:58:00.001-04:00

(pic from StockholmStreetStyle)

QUEEN OF AIR AND DARKNESS

2009-08-06T14:14:00.003-04:00

(pics from the BBC and Google Images)

I'm in a weird fashion mood at the moment--probably in a month or so I'll be completely wrapped up in finding cloaks and daggers and whatever for fall, but right now I'm more or less content to slink around in harem pants (they are COMFORTABLE, I know they're about the most fashion-victimy garment out there, okay?) and sandals (platforms please). To shake up this distressing turn of events, I need something sharp, pointy and EVIL. Servalan from Blake's 7 is just the kind of galactic empress I aspire to be: crafty, indefatigable, swathed in feathers and red lipstick.

And hey, 100 posts! When I started this blog I really didn't think I would ever make it this far. I'm looking forward to desecrating the internets with dozens more entries all about my obsessive love for cheap pentacle-bedecked jewelry and scowly cartoon characters...

SHE'S IN PARTIES

2009-08-02T14:28:00.000-04:00

Dudes, July was not a good blogging month for me, obviously! Somewhere in between searching for a place to live in a new city, suffering through intense summer humidity/thunderstorms, trying to get in as much (ahem) quality time with my boyfriend before I leave for said new city, etc., I got kind of burned out on updating my internets. I pretty much say this every month, but this time I promise to post more!

Anyway, so as I said, I'm moving to Philadelphia next month... so psyched! I hope to fill the next two weeks with some intensive hanging out with friends and hard liquors before I have to leave them behind and chill somewhere new, you know? Any recommendations of awesome local bands, places to go, homegrown designers/stores in Philly are heartily welcome, if you guys know of any. I would particularly enjoy a nice funeral cape like the one the lady above is sporting. Hopefully by the time I move, the weather will be slightly more agreeable to lace-swathing, rather than constant sweat-mopping.

THE ALCHEMIST

2009-07-11T20:29:00.006-04:00

This guy could be my Viennese twin, right down to the shakily hand-applied studs on the jacket and the single cross earring. Not to mention the (in my case slightly regrettable) haircut!

The other day at work I grabbed a two-year-old copy of (wait for it) newWitch magazine. Before you rush to judge me for my admittedly ooky mystic crystal revelations, let me just say that it brought me back into contact with a source for surprisingly kind of cool gothy junk I dimly remembered from my teen-goth days. Disregard the velour gowns and dragon pendants, and it turns out Ipso Facto has several pretty nice necklaces and pentacle/sigil pendants that I, at least, would not mind wearing. I'm really into the Baphomet and unicursal hexagrams, personally. And now I really want a Cagliostro cross (in the middle of the pic, the one incorporating the pentacles).

I definitely time-warped back to seventh grade when I saw Ipso Facto's ad. Fortunately, I managed to put down the Manic Panic just in time.

BLACK SUMMER

2009-07-09T21:16:00.007-04:00

One of the best things about working at a bookstore is getting advance reader copies of various unpublished books for free. Last week I picked up a truly fantastic summer read, Precious Metal, from the editors of Decibel magazine. I haven't listened to all of the albums it covers, but the anecdotes from various band members, memorializing their greatest metal achievements, range from illuminating--how the perfect fusion of chance, low-budget studio wizardry, and pure metal fury came together to create monuments to wintry pagan emotions--to hilarious. I particularly love this little off-hand mention of Varg Vikernes getting his fudgsicle on:

"I have a classic memory of Varg stopping by the studio in his chain mail and standing in the recording room enjoying a huge ice cream with a smirk on his face." --Samoth from Emperor

INTERNATIONAL BULLETPROOF TALENT

2009-07-04T14:31:00.003-04:00

I've been taking much more notice of menswear this year than I used to. Unfortunately (or sometimes fortunately, depending on the situation), I don't have a particularly androgynous figure... so if I try to wear these awesome, drapey, Japanese-gothic outfits it probably wouldn't be quite the same thing as seeing them on some gorgeous specimen at Dropsnap, for example. But I think we can all agree that Mihara Yashuhiro put together a really killer collection, yeah? Perfect combo of laid-back and formal, plus I love the leather/woven jacket. And whoever that model with the ginger-streaked hair is--he needs to meet me in the back room, stat.

The jewelry for the collection was made by Husam El Odeh, creator of this totally genius "watch," which would be perfect for more than I few people I can think of...

DEATH IN JUNE

2009-06-16T14:07:00.003-04:00

Okay guys, I know I haven't updated in forever. It's been chilly and raining nonstop here, and I've mostly been hanging out, listening to Current 93 and drinking wine. Even though I just caught the tail-end of a hailstorm, here's hoping July will be a little more inspiring...

HARD AS NAILS

2009-06-14T21:06:00.002-04:00

I'm so indebted to Refinery29 for posting some scans from the new issue of Dazed & Confused. Of all the UK magazines I don't already get in the mail, D&C is by far one of the absolute wickedest, and this editorial makes a really good case for just sucking it up and paying for the subscription.

WHEN MIDNIGHT COMES AROUND

2009-06-09T22:30:00.002-04:00

Vogue Italia, you never let me down. (pics from Caroline's Mode)

HOLIDAY IN CAMBODIA

2009-06-06T01:44:00.004-04:00

The whole idea of an entire fashion season dedicated to yachting, running away to Rio, pretending to live in a French Riviera fantasy, etc., really doesn't appeal to me at all. Maybe I've seen one too many sailor-striped maillot bathing suits, but I can't help but feel like a lot of designers just throw out a lot of forgettable pieces for Resort. These killer looks from Phi and Helmut Lang, though, are just about perfect, yacht or no yacht.

The question is, where would you most like to wear these looks from Resort '10? I want to have those buckle shoes by Phi on my feet immediately, right now, the fact that I'm just lying around in bed be damned. AND that slick cutaway coat, thank you.

(pics from Style)

$2 PISTOL

2009-06-04T00:17:00.001-04:00

Anja completely slays it in this month's Paris Vogue, courtesy of Caroline's Mode.

EXPRESSWAY TO YR SKULL

2009-06-01T19:03:00.006-04:00

How crazy awesome are these vintage Daryl K vinyl pants?! Add in the fact that they were previously worn by Kim Gordon, and all proceeds benefit people with autism, and the deal just becomes that much sweeter. I'm thinking pretty much all of these Urban Renewal selections are going to be quickly saved in my eBay watch list.

WET WITH VENOM

2009-05-23T18:40:00.003-04:00

Have any of you guys heard any of the new Sunn O))) album yet? I don't even remember the last new CD/record I got... I've definitely been spoiled by free tracks on last.fm and Youtube and whatever. But I can't pass this one up. Last month's Wire feature makes it sound super intense. It's on pre-order now... Perfect summer thunderstorm music.

"I think some of the best metal is some of the most avant garde music... Somehow, the threads between seemingly different genres or tags, they're very real and very interesting, but to limit yourself to a category when listening to music is one of the most foolish things you can do as a musician. Or even just as a listener. Certainly as a fan. I'm addicted to that exploration thing that we talked about. It's exciting.”
--Stephen O'Malley

From Altar:

IN THE DUST

2009-05-23T18:09:00.003-04:00

Right now I just want to get away from it all.

(pic from livejournal)

MOTHER'S MILK

2009-05-23T11:55:00.002-04:00

The weather in New England is notorious for its fickle nature--one day it's hot, sunny, and 85 degrees (yesterday, for example), and the very next it's cool, cloudy, and threatening to dip below 60 (today). Unfortunately for me, not only do I get sick every time the thermometer shifts, it also makes dressing up a little more difficult here than most other places. One good thing is, layering will save you most times (pack a cape if you decide to visit)... These leggings from Black Milk are another good thing. Totally slashed in the front, it's like air conditioning for your stems, but the solid side in the back keeps you at least 50% covered in case of thunderstorms.

(pics from KOS and Black Milk)

LOST WISDOM

2009-05-22T21:54:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the hiatus, I've been taking a summer class and hiking miles every day! So when I get home, I just want to have a drink and take a nap--plus my outfits have been predetermined by utility (no heels/must be insect-retardant) and weather (getting used to going outdoors sans stockings is a shock every year). The one wardrobe item I still really need for summer is a new pair of flat sandals! I wore my blue Docs on a hike the other day and my feet almost melted off, I swear. But I digress...

Okay, I was mainly jolted out of my blog inertia by some shocking news--did you guys know somebody's making a movie about Varg Vikernes?! Starring some "teen heartthrob" from Twilight?! Crazy. Not that I think burning down churches or, you know, murdering people is cool or anything, but Burzum were a pretty hard-core band.

IRON LADIES

2009-05-15T20:34:00.006-04:00

LOVE the giant sleeves on the dress... H&M is getting better and better. Check out Caroline's Mode for more from Fall/Winter.

WE'RE WORSE THAN QUEER

2009-05-14T22:55:00.003-04:00

Okay, I can't promise this will be my last Bikini Kill post, because I've gotten into the habit of listening exclusively to punk on my walk in to campus every morning (and yes, I am STILL in school, at least for the next two weeks, ugh). Seriously though, Kathleen Hanna & co. were working it like crazy back in 1994, don't kid yourself otherwise!

"It's by the Lacey Mall... that's where you'll find me, yeah!"

CONTRABAND

2009-05-10T14:11:00.003-04:00

Through the magic of a random (to me) blog, I unwittingly stumbled into a goldmine. This might shortly become my very favorite Etsy store ever: Black Market Baby, designed by Audrey Cantwell, features some wicked hand-crafted leather and beautiful draped velvet pieces--aka the staples of my ideal wardrobe.

SO VERY I DON'T CARE

2009-05-09T16:43:00.000-04:00

My Saturday jam.

TEAR US APART

2009-05-06T23:33:00.004-04:00

Oh MAN! I seriously thought the jacket and dress at least were Balenciaga at first, no lie. And the garter skirt! Crazy days... it's H&M Divided! Check out the deets at Carolines Mode.

GIRL YOU WANT

2009-05-04T22:59:00.002-04:00

Personal Icon:

We got Tank Girl Vol. One and Two in stock at the bookstore the other day. Check it out immediately if you haven't already!

I just watched the movie again too. I'm not mad at Lori Petty...

But of course the original version is, as usual, the best.

(pics from google & Bob Rosenberg's Tank Girl page)

HELL LOOKS

2009-04-27T13:19:00.002-04:00

My absolute favorite street style blog, without a doubt, is the always wicked/bizarre/strangely hair-metalish Hel-Looks. The Finns never fail to bring a dose of crazy to my local internets. Anyway, I was checking it out yesterday to see if it had been updated recently, and lo and behold, this representative specimen of top-notch sequin insanity had a little shout-out to a Finnish designer previously unknown to me... Rinne Niinikowski. Of course I had to go take a look at the goods.

Maaaaaan. It's like a Grimm's fairy tale version of last-season Rodarte, right? Love those flashes of orange. I think it's actually really reminiscent of that Fever Ray video that's been making the rounds too. Except this is from 2003. Finland... once again you are two steps ahead of the game.

IS IT MY BODY?

2009-04-21T23:01:00.005-04:00

I'm currently obsessed with snakeskin pants. The top ones (from Zara, pic from the excellent Too Many Tights) were a complete game-changer for me... I'm already well-stocked when it comes to black leather/pleather/vinyl pants and leggings, but this opens a whole new realm of animal hides for me to put on my body. I'm totally buying the second pair (from Ebay, $8.99!) immediately.

Even though it all makes me feel a little nostalgic for...

IRON ORE

2009-04-19T22:18:00.003-04:00

Man, I can't wait for August to come so I can check out these Rachel-Rachel Roy pieces from Macy's. Read more about R.R.'s new diffusion line here, along with photos of some of the clothing options... the studded black dress is my favorite, although the whole thing is a little Target-cheap looking in my opinion. But these earrings! I'm officially psyched for them.

A COMPASSIONATE VIRGIN

2009-04-12T20:17:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted anything in so long! Anxiety over the end of school/boys has made me lazy in regards to my poor neglected Hammer.

But I watched a truly amazing film the other day, and I found some good stills online that I wanted to share... check out Valerie and Her Week of Wonders immediately--it's so crazy and beautiful.

I love Czech cinema... somehow they seem to have made the best Surrealist movies, with some seriously killer cinematography going on.

IN THE MOON GARDEN

2009-04-02T20:42:00.002-04:00

Jamie Bochert is absolutely tearing it up in these shots from Numero! I don't know who the stylist is, but all the looks are totally insane... that Givenchy jacket with the spiked shoulder piece is amazing. Check out more pics at Women.

OUTLAW SAMURAI

2009-04-02T18:42:00.004-04:00

Cintra Wilson has the job I would most willingly kill for. The Critical Shopper column in the Times' Thursday Styles section always features some amazing store when she writes it, and this week is no exception. Amalga specializes in "Japanese brands that are exclusive in New York," according to their website, or...

"...exotic Goth-friendly Japanese designs by the luminous likes of L.G.B., Share Spirit and Christian Peau, redefining the old and wringing in the new... dangerously silky cashmeres and hand-woven cottons shaped into very persuasive, tentacled cardigans that practically reach into your wallet by themselves."

(pics from the New York Times)

BABALON

2009-03-28T18:43:00.003-04:00

Holy! I had no idea Terry Richardson shot this awesome editorial for Paris Vogue until I stumbled across it randomly on Google. It's from... 2007, I think?

(pics from Soul Jerky)

KNUCKLEBUSTERS

2009-03-27T00:16:00.000-04:00

How great are these? My favorites are the pyramid studs and diamond, and the gold crown (both by Cathy Waterman, $1,550 and $3,100 respectively).

(pic from the New York Times)

LOS MUERTOS

2009-03-25T00:24:00.003-04:00

This awesome image accompanied a good, hard-hitting opinion piece on the present political condition of Mexico in the Times. Is it wrong to look at it purely as an attractive sugar skull, though?

SASSY SAVED MY LIFE

2009-03-23T21:05:00.004-04:00

I was never much of a Nirvana fan--I was too young when they first blew up, and besides I preferred Bikini Kill and riot grrl (seriously) to grunge--but I did just coerce my roommate into buying a flannel shirt the other day. And even though it was about 35 degrees out today, I continue to brave the elements in a floral dress and thick tights (covered up by my lovely leather jacket, of course). When I saw the preview pics of Erin Wasson-styled Frida Pinto from April's Elle online, I was under-impressed, but the rest of Wasson's editorial is actually really good, even though it's been prompting me to leave the house in mini dresses despite the ridiculous cold and wind.

There is a line that must be drawn when it comes to belly shirts, though.

(pics from lamodelsblog.com, elle.com)

SHADY LADIES

2009-03-23T21:00:00.003-04:00

New front page at Oak.

POISON MIND

2009-03-22T22:22:00.003-04:00

Style.com has a pretty cool little "Beauty Icon" piece on Boy George today.

I'm not so much into his cloth-wrapped faux-dreads, but I do love porkpie hats!

They're even better the Sonia Rykiel way:

...and in fact I'm wearing mine right now, the same as almost every day...

This is actually from a few days ago. Same hat, same mutant head, different day.

4 A.M.

2009-03-22T14:38:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the total lapse in posts! I've been not exactly busy, but feeling stressed and kind of mentally on the fritz for the past few days... much improved now!

One thing I still haven't gotten a handle on yet is a good night's sleep. I keep getting to bed around 5 a.m., waking up at 11... unhealthy. Last night might have finally been worth it, though--Blade Runner/Blue Velvet double feature anyone? It was precipitated by hearing about a friend of mine's the new music project, Love Theme From Blade Runner and the music is indeed tender. I wish LA were really like this now, although I guess there's still about ten years to go before we're past due to be living in a filthy skinjob-ridden post-apocalyptic hellhole. But I for one can't wait!

I haven't made the plunge and bought those OctopusMe earrings yet (but I am going to as soon as I get the cash), but these are some other ear decorations I'm into right now. I actually already have the skeletons (full articulation! I love these things, in fact I'm wearing them right now), but the other ones, especially the linked ear cuff, are tempting me to pull out my wallet...

HBIC

2009-03-18T11:29:00.003-04:00

Head Bitch In Charge, Omahyra Mota. This pic of her modeling Jasmine diMilo last month reminded me just how fucking fierce she's always been:

Yeah!

(pics from iamfilthy, Style.com, Garance Dore)

VERSACE AND LINEN

2009-03-18T00:55:00.003-04:00

Man, it's almost spring and I'm getting a little excited! Sorry for the scarcity of posts recently, I've been too busy tramping around in fields and enjoying the all-too-brief (because of course it will probably snow at least once more before winter is really over with) moments of actual sun.

Anyway, while I've been wearing black pretty much nonstop every day, as is my wont, I'm kind of feeling the urge for color and pattern. These dresses from ASOS are all relatively cheap (under 70 bucks apiece) and would look pretty sweet layered under a leather jacket, at least until it's really warm enough to throw on the sleeveless denim or something. I'm kind of sad that the one on the far left is sold out in regular sizes (because I can't figure out if UK petites are measured), but if the weather continues in its current vein much longer I will almost certainly have to break my black habit and buy one of 'em.

But then there's this black dress from ASOS, much more fitting for my current wardrobe and with some nice zip detailing...

Decisions!

24 KARATS

2009-03-17T23:51:00.000-04:00

I forgot about this, but here are six things that I'm not mad at...

1. Alchemical symbols:

2. Lil' Kim

3. Wolves in the Throne Room

4. My awesome friends! Dan here shows you how it's done

5. Sterling silver... I'm in love with these earrings from OctopusMe

6. Staying up all night to catch some skin-on-skin. But right now I think I'm going to try to get some sleep, finally.

I was tagged by the genius Foxy Man, and I don't know who's interested in filling out these things, but... Dan & Whitney, Ragamala, The Search for Chic, Rackk and Ruin, if they haven't done it already. (And if you haven't been to any of these killer sites, check them out with a quickness!)

DESTRUCTION OF THE EMPTY SPACES

2009-03-15T00:08:00.004-04:00

A lot of people can design a decent leather jacket. As long as the materials are right, most of the battle is already won--you could pretty much take a good skin straight off the tanning rack, add a zip and I'd wear it, as long as whatever animal it was ripped off made sure to moisturize and wear sunscreen. As long as the leather itself is thick and sexy, most of the pleasure of wearing the jacket is in breaking it in and molding it to your shape, not any extra design-y features.

Maya Yogev, who designs the label Grai, apprenticed under Rick Owens, and it shows. Now Rick Owens is one of my favorite designers, not to mention a total killer, but I think his 'look' is kind of seeping its way into other people's clothing, and coming out kind of watered-down and half-assed in the process. Yogev was clearly influenced by her time working for the King Goth, but her designs are still nicely simply, the leather looks pleasingly supple, and although some of her pieces have a little unnecessary frippery (like hooks and eyes going down the backs of some jackets... no thanks), I would definitely wear the ones above, especially the leather vests... layering perfection!

Although I read on Stylefile that Grai was one of the lines showing at LA Fashion Week, I wasn't really that into it until I looked up Yogev and found out she designed a special jacket collection for Black Sabbath! Dude, way to catch my attention. I hope this becomes a trend... young designers making their names by putting together collections for, like, Electric Wizard. Plus, the jackets are pretty amazing in their own right. You can check out some pics of them here. How could you not feel a little inspired when you think of these beautiful guys, though...

BEHIND THE VEIL

2009-03-13T20:22:00.006-04:00

Happy Friday the 13th!

(pics from livejournal, Morbid Anatomy, google image)

THE FAST SHOW

2009-03-12T03:28:00.003-04:00

(click pic for awesome details)

Swinton is completely working these Mark Fast pieces! I think that's two dresses layered up into one outfit. The rest of the scans are here, check them out! I never get this magazine (sadly we don't carry it at my bookstore), but it looks impeccable.

(Another Magazine scans from ONTD)

LOVER, YOU SHOULD'VE COME OVER

2009-03-10T23:11:00.007-04:00

So my... not-boyfriend (you know how it goes) has been out of town for the past few days, and I am getting the itch. Which itch? Oh, I think you know.

You know when you're hooking up with someone you shouldn't be, and it's fucking obvious, but you just can't help yourself? Yeah... Maybe I should have a friend round my place for some coffee and relationship chat.

Not likely! Although I might possibly be going up to Montreal this weekend to hang out with a friend, but I kind of have my fingers crossed that if I do it's going to be more beers and listening to rap than teapots and girltalk.

(pics from iamfilthy.blogspot.com, weheartit, livejournal)

DIRTY BOOTS

2009-03-09T19:00:00.004-04:00

High, high, high heels are never going to be uncool, obviously. But I think the incredible Nina Ricci anti-gravity boots represent the absolute pinnacle. It will be interesting to see other designers trying to catch up with Olivier Theyskens, to cobble together some even crazier, more unearthly footwear, but to be honest I just don't know if I think it can be done! These shoes might just be IT.

Fortunately (or possibly unfortunately; my cred as a justifiably stylish lady-type person tends to fluctuate and not being able to wear heels doesn't really help), I am already prepared for the inevitable global heel shrinkage. Creepers might be gaining traction as one alternative to the regular cantilevered heel (which I am psyched about, to be honest, because not only am I still kind of emotionally a perpetual 7th-grade Goth with a penchant for stompy platform shoes, I also like clomping around without killing my arches), but I am currently kind of obsessed with shorty western boots, as the above photos show. Oh man I love them! I think Givenchy's spring show (aka the "Western Bondage" collection) might have flipped the switch in my brain a little bit.

I might have to keep the switch from getting flipped too much, though... lest I turn into a bad parody of the Ministry UK (who really deserve their own post ASAP--best Goth-themed western-wear creeps ever, in my opinion).

DESERT MOTHERS

2009-03-07T21:10:00.002-05:00

(pics from google image search, wantedcowgirls.com (?!))

Paula Romo, former go-go dancer, making her only known film appearance in Alejandro Jodorowsky's El Topo, one of the greatest movies of all time.

BLACK QUEEN

2009-03-05T00:33:00.002-05:00

(pics from ASVOF)

FUCK YES! Gareth Pugh makes me want to summon the elemental forces immediately. Like I needed another excuse to go cast some evil spells! This show is amazing, but THE FILM just makes it ten times more intense. So so so so so psychotically good!

CHAUVE-SOURIS DORÉ

2009-03-04T16:52:00.001-05:00

(pic from jak and jil)

I can't WAIT to see the new Gareth Pugh show, if this is any indication of its many-splendored glories.

DARK SHADOWS

2009-03-03T23:42:00.005-05:00

The Michel Berandi stuff I posted yesterday was unavoidably reminiscent of Rick Owens, so I've been looking up stuff on eBay. Even though there's a lot of great pieces for around $15, I can't afford to drop over a hundred bones on even the nicest demon streetwear... and anyway, what I'm really dying over are these mesh jackets from Browns:

I can't wait for the day when Rick Owens does a Target diffusion line. I mean, Alexander McQueen will be nice tomorrow, but I'm looking forward to my drapey jersey Go!International Drkshdw for $29 sometime in the distant future...