Step into my parlor…

Most people know me to be a bit of a coffee addict, however I managed to become quite the connaisseur of tea while living in New Orleans many years ago.  Instead of engaging in our usual afternoon cocktail hour, my friends and I would occasionally organize fabulous tea parties.  Inspired by the fine English tradition of afternoon tea, these little get-togethers were a way to relax with the simple pleasures of a fine beverage and good conversation.

Tea Time top and skirt

The “Tea Time” style group is dedicated to the diverse personalities that made up my little tea parties.  The top and skirt embrace the tradition of English plaid contrasted with London 1970’s punk style.  The matching pillbox hat has classic vintage allure with the spooky twist of a Kustom Voodoo skull flower.  The “Tea Time” necklace is a captivating piece comprised of a skeleton key pendant accentuated by a ruby red rosary style chain.

Tea Time hat and necklace

From my tea party to yours, wishing you all the best in 2014!

 

 

 

From Finland with love!

Several years ago I had the pleasure of visiting the enchanting country of Finland.  My intention was to eventually travel to Denmark and Sweden, yet that plan was derailed as I found myself inexplicably drawn to the city of Helsinki.

Menagerie

I had such an incredible time discovering all of the Helsinki’s nuances and was grateful for my dear friend Judi as she was an excellent tour guide!  Whether I was wandering the cobblestone streets or hiking through countryside, I was spellbound by everything Helsinki had to offer.

Uspenskin Katedraali

The “Helsinki Honey” dress is my tribute to the city that stole my heart.  I brought quite a few outfits with me to Finland, but there was one particular silhouette that transitioned best from daytime exploring to nighttime trouble making.  Offered in three vibrant colorways, “Helsinki Honey” makes a great accomplice on your next adventure!

Helsinki Honey Royal Skulls

I recently had the honor of appearing on the Hollywood Noir makeup website!  I have been a fan of Ashley’s work for quite some time and had a blast talking shop with her.  If you haven’t checked out the Hollywood Noir YouTube channel I highly recommend it as she posts some of the most articulate and creative tutorials I have stumbled upon!

Until next time…näkemiin!

♥Rebecca

Welcome to Storyville!

Introducing “Storyville”, the first one of a kind piece to ever appear on our official website!  Inspired by the years I spent living in New Orleans, this curve hugging black and white ensemble is a guaranteed show stopper.

When one is strolling down the weathered streets of the Big Easy, it’s hard not to imagine the decadent lifestyle of the notorious district formerly known as “Storyville”.  One of the first things that struck me upon visiting New Orleans for the first time was the beautiful architecture and history that seemed to live inside of every structure, lamp post, and weeping willow.  My first New Orleans apartment was located at the far end of the French Quarter and I used to spend hours on my balcony watching the people milling about below.  I would often imagine that I was somehow transported back in time, existing among the jazz enthusiasts, rowdy bar hoppers, and all others who were up to no good in the French Quarter.

I was somewhat obsessed with Victorian clothing while I was growing up and had this idea that everyone from that era was stuffy, refined, and unnaturally elegant.  It has become delightfully apparent to me that this was not always the case and Storyville successfully shatters the pervasive myth.  An area designed to contain illegal and debaucherous activity, this hot bed of bump and grind thrived for almost half a century before finally being shut down in 1917.

I believe that although the times may change, people really don’t.  Regardless of the rules, there are always those who live to break them.  We are the misfits, the instigators, the tricksters with contagious laughter who dance in the rain and have bourbon for breakfast.  A non-conformist by nature, I can’t imagine what else to do with my time except design sinister and seductive dresses for ridiculously beautiful women.  So let’s turn off the television, slip into something devious, and have a cocktail or two in the city that care forgot.