Fashion Inspiration: Halloween Edition...Dracula!

Long before Bill Compton and Eric Northman ran Louisiana, well before Lestat and Louis creeped on New Orleans (man, vamps like them some Louisiana), centuries before Barnabas Collins cast dark shadows, there was one vampire who ran the show.

That vampire was Dracula. And today, my freaky fashion fanatics, we pay homage to him by biting (ahem) his style.

Enter...Dracula!

jacket by Balmain, vest by Mochino Cheap and Chic, jeans by C L O S E D,  earrings by MSGM, shoes by Valentino

Halloween Playlists

What are your plans this weekend? Are you ready to get into costume and host a Halloween rager? Or are you planning on lying low and saving your energy for next week’s festivities? Either way, we’ve got your music needs covered.

Image Sources: Billboard.com, Last.fm, and Fanpop.com

The moody playlist is great for those of you that like to soak in the dreary atmosphere of late October, contemplating your mortality. You know who you are. Some dark favorites (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Joy Division, The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees) are interspersed with haunting tracks from some of my favorite horror movies- Halloween, Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist, etc. This one also works for creeping out unsuspecting trick-or-treaters.

Image sources: Last.fm

The spooky dance party playlist is perfect for any planned or impromptu rug-cutting you might be doing in the next week or so. You can have a spooky dance party anytime! Even by yourself in the car or quietly at work when no one is looking. Movie soundtracks again contribute some standout tracks (like “Jump in the Line” for my Beetlejuice fans), intermixed with uptempo tracks from a scary variety of artists: Suicide, The Knife, Nine Inch Nails, and Gasp!, Britney Spears. There’s something for all the ghouls and boys on this one. Be careful not to dance yourselves to death. Seriously, don't.

Moody Halloween Playlist:

Spooky Dance Party Playlist:

Enjoy the playlists and your happy haunted weekend!

Fashion Inspiration: Halloween Edition...Wicked Witch!

Next up, my fashion ghoulies, we have the classic Wicked Witch to draw inspiration from. This was so fun for me. I mean, witches are so glamorous and sinister. Of course I had to bring some McQueen into the mix with this amazing gold belt!

Check out the McQueen heavy "A Queen Within" exhibit now at the World Chess Hall of Fame right here in St. Louis, MO!

Enter... Wicked Witch!

dress by Emilio Pucci, boots by Rag and Bone, hat by Karl Lagerfeld, belt by Alexander McQueen, 

cuff by Monique Pean

Fashion Inspiration: Halloween Edition...Frankenstein's Monster!

Halloween is almost here, and I am excited, as it is my favorite holiday. But I don't think it should only happen once a year. I think we should be able to dress up as whatever we want to be whenever we want. In fact, that's why I started this blog.

But alas, the public isn't ready for full blown costumes year round, and I'm not into cosplay (never say never), so I have to find a happy medium. For me that's being inspired by people and characters I love and turning those ideas into fashion forward ensembles everyone can love.

So in these next few days leading up to All Hallow's Eve, I'm going to take inspiration from classic Halloween characters and spin it into great looks for you. You are welcome.

Enter... Frankenstein's Monster!

jacket by Isabel Marant, top by Elizabeth and James, Pants by DNA, earrings by Adia Kibur, creepers by Underground.

A Haunted Feast

I’m sad to report that I have no Halloween plans, which is really too bad because I have a pretty solid costume idea (hint, hint guys). I’m tempted to just give up on it, as Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, and mid-week Halloweens are always less fun than weekend Halloweens, science has proven. Despite that, I’m been fantasizing about hosting a macabre Halloween dinner party after unearthing some freakishly charming Halloween decor items (many on sale). Here are a few of my favorites.

Clockwise: Raven Decals from Etsy; Crow Wreath from Williams-Sonoma; Skull and Vise from Z Gallerie; Skull candles from Crate&Barrel

From the moment your guests enter your home, set a mysterious mood. Are those trick-or-treaters at the door, or just a raven, crying, "Nevermore?" Only the hostess knows for sure. Skull candlelight flatters even the palest ghouls. A decorative vise delicately reminds visitors to mind their manners, or else!

Clockwise: Glasswear by West Elm;  Day of the Dead Corkscrew by Crate&Barrel; Shotglass by Amazon; Coasters by Williams-Sonoma

Your guests are likely parched from tirelessly stalking their prey, er, preparing their costumes. Sate their thirst in gothic style. Metallic ombre glassware lets any beverage shine, while a festive corkscrew encourages guests to help themselves. Shots from a crystal skull glass are guaranteed to go straight to your head. Eerie coasters protect your furniture from any scary water stains.

Plates, Napkins, and Place Card Holders by Williams-Sonoma; Condiment Set, Bone Spreaders, and Serving Hands by  Pottery Barn 

Plates and napkins embellished with Victorian-style emblems lend an air of dark romanticism to the proceedings. A cauldron condiment set prepares your guests for some culinary black magic. Everyone needs a little extra hand now and then when serving guests. Think "a head" and plan your seating arrangement with these skull place card holders.

I would be remiss if I didn't suggest a menu to serve in the same vein as these selections. Here are a few possibilities courtesy of Martha Stewart:

Cocktails:
Bleeding Heart Martini
Red Sangria

Appetizers:
Spinach Ricotta Skulls
Goblin Flatbreads 
Black Bat Wings 

Main Course:
Oven Roasted Ribs 
Slivered Scream Beans
Mashed Boo-Tatoes

Dessert:
Boston "Scream" Pie

See even more spooky ideas on our Halloween Pinterest board.