
I never celebrate my birthday, which was on August 17th. (I was born in an Orwellian year; you can do the math.) In my universe, the most important date on the calendar is Halloween. Nonetheless, Count D surprised me with a present... and it knocked my striped socks off. I wouldn't trade it for the most decadent Goth Loli dress!
It's not just the inside that counts, but the whole package - and this one was 100% tailored to my J-Goth aesthetic. The card is black on black with velvety Rococo swirls, and so is the takeout container that holds the gift. Everything is sealed with dripping red wax reminiscent of blood.

Today's birthday greetings are served via e-card or Facebook. What a rare treat to receive something handwritten... in cursive... with a fountain pen! I felt like Queen Victoria reading a letter from Prince Albert.

I broke the wax seal on the takeout container. Inside, wrapped in bright red tissue paper, was a T-shirt. Could it be from Super Lovers or Sexy Dynamite London? No, it was something far better; something you can't find in any store. The dazzling graphic is a PAINTING that Count D made of yours truly. It's inspired by the photo he took on the right. (Maybe this is too much information about our nocturnal proclivities...)

I love the artistic license he took with the horns and devil tail.

Here's how I incorporated the shirt into a fun, casual outfit. The bowler hat was a terrific suggestion from reader Gothic Summer!

I accessorized with glittery stick-ons: a rose on my left forearm, a heart and crucifix under my eye, and a star over my jugular. These awesomely-titled "Lame Body Stickers" are from the Japanese discount mart, Daiso. Do they mean lamé? That's still not the right word...
Count D deserves a giant bite on the neck for this! What's the most thoughtful and wickedly creative gift you've ever received, from a gentleman or otherwise?







