I decided it was necessary to give my wardrobe an overhaul before my NYC trip. In a jewelry boutique, I found these Monchhichi pearl chokers made by Hong Kong company Atelier. The Japanese simian is adorned with Austrian crystals and - are you ready for this - also functions as a finger puppet! I squealed at the combo of big beads and a kawaii toy, but it was too much for my budget ($250 at the boutique and $102 online).
The solution: DIY. On a recent trip to Hong Kong, my mom brought back Nightmare Before Christmas plushies (which were probably meant to dangle from a car rearview mirror). Three undead heads - Jack Skellington and his fellow ghouls - cackle from each strand. I turned one into a hanging pendant and strung the other around my neck with black ribbon.
A fetching effect, especially when set against black. I wore the necklace when Count D and I had high tea at the ritzy Plaza Hotel (the haunt of Eloise). We sat in oversized velvet chairs and nibbled on miniature sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and desserts on a tiered tray. Heavenly!
The hotel lounge decor reminds me of the Baroque and Rococo furniture I featured during Interior Design Week. My bat-wing collar dress is also a new purchase: it's by French label Cop.Copine and was on sale for $74. I paired it with sheer red stirrup leggings.
My final splurge was a leather bat bracelet, which has dyed blue edges. It was $25 - a steal, considering that it was beautifully crafted by a Vancouver artisan, EGO Leather. I found it at Flaming Angels, the best Goth/punk clothing boutique in Vancouver, Canada that mostly carries local and handmade items. Visit if you're ever in our hometown!
What are some other classic spots for high tea? It's one of my favorite indulgences - especially when I'm with a witty, cultured, and devilishly handsome companion!
