Autumn Additions: The Black Ravens - Gothic Jewellery Review

Hey Bloggers!

Long time no speak. First off, let me start by saying you have permission to slap me on the wrist for the distinct lack of content lately. Since my last post, a tortoise could have crossed the finish line by now, haha! ;) The good news? After my recent hiatus, the time away has inspired me with lots of exciting new post ideas to share with you all in the coming months - so watch this space, guys and gals.

Now that we've caught up, let's get into the zone about today's post shall we? It's a doozy and involves reviewing some GORGEOUS Gothic jewellery which I've added to my #autumn collection. 

I've recently had the pleasure of getting acquainted with an emerging brand that has since become my go-to for all things goth, punk and alternative, and I'm particularly fond of their amazing accessories. 

Let's start by introducing their brand name - I mean how cool does The Black Ravens sound? Pretty damn cool by my reckoning. Whether you're looking for a few spooky additions ready for #Halloween or you're in need of some affordable fashion buys to darken up your Autumn/Winter '18 Edit, The Black Ravens are the holy grail of online alt. retailers.

So without further adieu, here are the jewellery pieces I'm raving about this season (see what I did there?)

Black Triangle Choker Necklace 

Somewhere between a necklace-choker hybrid, this statement edition would definitely be my 'desert island' necklace. If I could only bring one jewellery item with me, this would be the main attraction. Not only does it come with a striking gem-embellished design that guarantees to collect compliments day or night, it also has a strong black rope which serves as the chain. Since I've always been a fan of black coloured jewellery, this piece offers a comfortable fit, a look that's aesthetically pleasing for any occasion, AND a triangular pendant that's 100% unique. So in terms of statement accessories, The Black Ravens have ticked all the right boxes while appealing to my inner goth chic.

Rose Gold and Black Single Band Ring

Next on my autumnal list of must-haves is this two-tone men's ring. Let's just address the sheer frustration of shopping for anything fashion related when you're a curvy gal! The majority of today's high street accessory brands don't offer XL-sized rings, so this minimalist piece is definitely a conversation starter for me. Sure, this is technically a guy's ring, but with the elegant rose gold band, who can tell, right? I find there's bucket-loads more variety once you branch out into the unisex (or men's) departments. What I LOVE about this ring - apart from its alternative look - is the fact that it's crafted from an authentic + solid Tungsten metal that stays scratch-free and won't tarnish. Anyone who knows me will know I never leave home without a fistful of rings to show off, and this single band will forever be ranked among my fave middle finger rings. There's no stacking required either as it's attractive enough to rock without other rings to distract the eye. 

Rose Gold Plated + Diamond Skull Stud Earrings

Image Credit: The Black Ravens

Three is the magic number, and these adorable skull earrings make a glistening gift for Halloween or Christmas! If you're after a pair of studs that are A) Not too small and B) Have instant Gothic appeal while still remaining pretty, these rose gold gems belong in your collection. I'm not one to follow the crowd when it comes to style, but unless you've been living under a rock you'll have noticed rose gold is EVERYWHERE right now: On our Instagram feeds, on the street style blogger round-up, at this year's #FashionWeek, and of course - emerging in full force on the high street at every opportunity. Love it or hate it, I personally cannot get enough of everything rose gold, so naturally, these earrings offer a luxe finishing touch that's right up my street. They also make the perfect fuss-free choice for those windy 'out and about' days while hustling from A to B.  



So there you have it: 3 key pieces from The Black Ravens which I can personally vouch for in terms of unique Gothic design, quality craftsmanship and affordability. Check out their website for up and coming pieces, then go and bag an accessories haul for yourself - you won't be disappointed! 


Thanks for reading, lovelies. ^^

Until next time,

Dawn xx  
  

Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Tidbits - A/W '14

Hey Bloggers,

How are we all enjoying Autumn '14 so far?? Here is a selection of fashion, beauty and lifestyle snapshots taken over the past couple of months. As always, I like to document my musings, purchases and trips in visual form, especially as autumn is my all-time favourite season... that and I don't have an Instagram account! ;) Feel free to leave any comments below - which pictures do you like? Also, I would love to read your autumn related blogs, so you're more than welcome to share those too.

Scenery/Street Art

Beautiful Sunset - Docklands, Preston.

'The Butterfly Effect' - Serpentine Wood, Kendal.

Cute Bee Graffiti Art I spotted just around the corner from my sister's apartment - Manchester. :) 

Cafe

You can't beat a smooth Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream during the chillier months!

Flexing my photography skills in Starbucks ;)

Fashion

Killer heels, London Calling printed socks, tartan leggings and vintage pinstripe pencil skirt.

This tee has been worn to death - I LOVE its faded font and simplicity!

Nude stiletto pumps, black lace anklets, monochrome leggings and embellished pencil skirt.

Manicures

Orly pristine white manicure with leopard print nail decal detailing.

Orly green manicure worn with my 'go-to' black accessories. 

Autumn Beauty Essentials

Autumn wouldn't be autumn without a statement red lip!

Novelty lip balm with a fresh cucumber/mint scent - gift from my Twinny. :)

I always keep some Nivea lip care goodies in my travel make-up kit. I'm using the luscious watermelon balm at the mo - it has a natural pink sheen which acts as a good lipstick base, and the scent is out of this world!

From L-R: Lilac Hair Chalk, Rimmel 'Brit Manicure' Polish in Ivory Tower, Rimmel 'Velvet Matte' Polish in Sumptuous Red, Baby Pink Hair Chalk.

Scent

Shay & Blue 'Sicilian Limes' Perfume - officially my new favourite scent!

Note: All Images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Festive Spirit

Here are a selection of images I took during the last few days of 2013. As you can see I have treated myself to lots of niceties here ;)

Gothic-Glam

Green with Envy

Sparkly Crucifix bracelet I bought whilst on a hiking trip in Kendal

M&S Treats courtesy of my Xmas Gift Card (Love you sis!)

Adorable Momiji Perfume I found in M&S - love the quirky packaging!!

"She believed she could. So she did."

Parisian Chic 

Christmas Cheer

Music is Passion

Two of my Hand Bag Essentials: Solid White Musk Perfume from The Body Shop and a copy of the latest Glamour Mag

Cute little Bunny light-up night light

Kiss me Quick

Ear Candy!

Patriotic Novelty Earring assortment

Nude and Gold Rose Earrings with Diamontes

Stencil-effect Silver Heart Earrings

Genuine Sterling Silver Heart Earring set

Note: All images taken by Myself (Dawn)

Latest Fashion Buys!

Hey Bloggers!

I hope you've all had a great week and that you celebrated the first day of Summer (yesterday) in style. There's definitely hints to it being Summer what with the constant humid weather, coffee shops bringing out iced drinks and retailers stocking lots of different brightly coloured beachwear items! For me Summer is not my favourite season but it does have its advantages, such as; being able to get away with wearing less make-up, leaving the house without a jacket and generally feeling happier with the smile-inducing weather :) So whether you're off on your jollies soon or like me, looking to start a new career path, Summer is all about general merriment and enjoying all of those little pleasures in life.

Speaking of little pleasures, I had a little nose around a foreign food market that Preston had on earlier today which was nice as they don't come here very often. I sampled some of Italy's finest delicacies and they were out of this world! I also had a browse around Topshop where I spotted lots of yummy looking jewellery items in the sale - here's what I bought...

A Taste of Italian Culture - An Assortment of Cakes, Croissants and Biscuits that were rich in flavour and worth every penny ;)

...With a side of Caramel Costa Light ;)

Sales Finds: White Leather Bow Hair Accessory, Lime Fragrance Travel Wipes and Lilac-Glittery Ankle Socks.

Sale Finds: Floral Fabric Charm Bracelets, Metallic Skull Nail Ring, Metallic Studded Bangle and Gold Costume Cross Earrings.

Sale Finds: Earring and Ear Cuff Assortment, lots of cute little Mustache Earrings and 'D' Initial Earrings :)

Sale Find: Large Gold Cross Necklace.

My Favourite Purchase of today!

Obligatory Manicure Shot ;) Barry M 'Peach Melba' Nail Paint with Barry M 'Lychee' Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint. Rimmel 'Rock Your Colour' Glitter Top Coat in 'Gold Disco' painted over fourth nail.

Neon and White Leopard Print Shoes I bought a few weeks ago in the H&M sales, worn with Jonathan Aston Lace Anklets.

Note: All images are taken by Myself (Dawn).

Pretty in Punk! Vogue Editorial

I've always had a strong love affair with fashion editorials. Whether I find them in Vogue, Elle, Tank or Pop, the excitement of buying my favourite fashion magazines each month brings a feeling of joy and reminds me just how versatile trends really are.

Even when I used to plan and co-ordinate styling photo shoots whilst I was studying at uni, it was always a pleasure to see the progression of how an initial idea develops into a finished promotional campaign - I suppose this is how creative teams feel when they are out on location shooting for the world's leading fashion magazines.

In that spirit, whilst flicking through the glossy pages of last month's Vogue, I stumbled across an extremely creative editorial with a strong emphasis on PUNK. So naturally, as Punk is one of my all time favourite sub-cultures especially in terms of styling, I have included the full editorial spread from the last issue on my blog... enjoy!

Note: All images courtesy of Vogue May 2013 Issue.