Thursday, December 10, 2009

Gift Guide #1: Edgy, Gothic, and Rock and Roll

Alrighty, it's time for gift guide #1. Get excited! For these gift guides I'm going to try to round up a nice variety of items, from clothes to jewelry to makeup to totally random things, and they're meant to be holiday presents so they won't all be that cheap, but I'm trying to keep it under $500 (and I'll be doing an under $25 gift guide later). This collection of gifts is for your slightly edgy, rock and roll, even gothic friend who loves True Blood, quirky accessories, and things with an off-beat twist, and has a dark sense of humor (yeah, this one's basically for me).

Haute Hippie Feather Necklace Tee, $52.50 down from $75 at shopbop.com, Jamison Zipper Motorcycle Sweater, $300 at shopbop.com, YARNZ Scallop Lace Scarf, $165 at shopbop.com: Christmas isn't a time for basic gifts, but I think this tee definitely qualifies as something special. The cut makes it really versatile, but the burnout feather faux-necklace print is a little twisted. There's something almost ferocious about it--it's a darker take on the necklace print trend, and it's pretty well-priced. I think the motorcycle jacket fits into the edgy/rock and roll category pretty obviously, but leather motorcycle jackets can be pretty pricey. I like this option because the wool/cashmere fabric is offbeat, all the zipper trims add even more edgy, and it's affordable but very fashion-forward. There's something so Victorian-Gothic about this trompe l'oeil scarf. Lace in itself is very feminine and dainty, but done as a black and white print it has a totally different vibe. A huge scarf is a chic and practical gift, and this would complement of variety of looks so well. In fact, I'd wear all three of these pieces together.


Giles & Brother Tiny Spider Stud Earrings, $78 at shopbop.com, Viv & Ingrid Pyramid Posts in Gold Vermeil, $65 at vivandingrid.com, Verameat Pintsize Cosmonaut, $100 in silver on an 18" chain at verameat.com: I love these earrings. I've posted them before, but I had to bring them back because they're so perfectly odd. I mean, they're small gold studs, which makes them seem sweet and conservative, but if you get really close you can see that they're actually tiny spiders, which is so offbeat and weird and yet totally amazing (and this coming from someone who hates spiders). The same goes for these pyramid studs. They look like just plain old gold squares, but up close you can see that they're really pyramid studs. It's a very polished way to do rock and roll, and would add an interesting edge to any outfit. This tiny astronaut necklace makes me so happy. It's such a weird thing to put on a necklace, which obviously makes it ideal for anyone with a quirky sense of humor. You could wear it alone with a plain white tee to make a serious statement, or pile it on with a bunch of other chain necklaces and just leave the little astronaut pendant poking out for an interesting surprise. And there's something so oddly endearing about--it's almost childish in a way (what little kid doesn't want to be an astronaut?) which makes it a very appropriate holiday gift.


Beetle and Flor Porcelain Beaver Skull, $110 at etsy.com, Matt and Nat Hendrix Clutch, $145 at revolveclothing.com, Pelle Moda Jaron Platform Sandals, $75 down from $180 at shopbop.com: Okay, I realize that this porcelain (not real!) beaver skull is weird. But it's weird in a really cool way. I'd use this as a paperweight or just leave it sitting on a table or a bookshelf. It's such a statement all on its own. The gold teeth make it look like this beaver was a little pirate--or maybe that's just me--and give this traditional, Gothic motif a very modern twist. It would definitely make for a memorable, unique gift. I know that chain-accented bag is a really ubiquitous choice, but I think this one is has an interesting twist. Here the chain strap is actually practical, because it takes this bag from a punky clutch to a party-ready shoulder bag, and it parallels the zipper-esque detailing on the edge of the envelope flap. I love taking a very classic shape, like the envelope clutch, and adding edgy, modern trims and details to it. Right off the bat this shoe isn't that exciting, but I think that's a good thing. Even the edgiest girl needs a versatile, go-to pair of pumps. Of course, they have to have a little twist to them, like the mixture of textures between the suede and snakeskin-embossed heel, the bondage straps, and the sizeable platform. Plus, using a dove gray as a neutral is definitely quirky and unexpected.


Lanvin Pilot Sunglasses, $350 at lagarconne.com, Thierry Mugler Alien Perfume, $105 for 2 oz. at sephora.com, Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Night Butterfly, $56 at sephora.com: These Lanvin sunglasses are so hardcore. The shape is a very '80s-inspired twist on the classic aviator style, but the taupe and gray color palette and stud accents make these shades very, very modern. These would add an interesting edge to any outfit, and they're actually a practical gift! (I try). I think everyone can tell just from looking at it that this perfume is quirky. I mean, it's called Alien for crying out loud. It's a really unique perfume. The notes are Solar Accord, Jasmine Sambac, Green Notes, Cashmere, Vanilla, and Transparent Amber. To me it's a very warm and inviting perfume, sweet and approachable without being foody or child-like. But once you get closer you realize that there's something just slightly off about it, something dark and seductive under that innocent exterior. It's not a heavy perfume, but it's long-lasting and definitely not girly. Plus, how awesome would that bottle look on anyone's night stand? Heavy black liner or shadow seems like the usual choice for a rock and roll eyeshadow look, but I think doing a smokey eye with hints of gray and purple is a much more interesting solution. It still says dark and sultry, but the purple and gray give it a mysterious twist, and are more flattering than just black. Plus, you could also pull together fab daytime looks with this palette, the palette itself is gorgeous, and Dior shadows are definitely worth the extra cash.


Image Sources:
Haute Hippie tee: shopbop.com, Jamison sweater: shopbop.com, YARNZ scarf: shopbop.com, Giles & Brother earrings: shopbop.com, Viv & Ingrid earrings: vivandingrid.com, Verameat necklace: verameat.com, Beetle and Flor skull: etsy.com, Matt and Nat clutch: revolveclothing.com, Pelle Moda heels: shopbop.com, Lanvin sunglasses: lagarconne.com, Thierry Mugler Alien: sephora.com, Dior palette: sephora.com.

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