It's Halloween time

With October 31 only a few days away, Halloween preparations must be well underway, be it planning a get together, choosing your outfit, creating inspired cakes and food or just doing some pumpkin carving.

All Hallows' Eve also known as Halloween has traditionally included activities such as trick-or-treating, bonfires, dressing up in costumes and carving jack-o-lanterns from pumpkins.

Records indicate we began to celebrate this holiday in the nineteenth century, stemming from the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain where the ancient pagans would prepare for the winter, gathering supplies followed by a celebration at the end of the harvest season.

Our ancestors believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped and the deceased would come back to life and wreck havoc in the living world, so masks and costumes were worn in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or appease them.

So if you looking for a way to embrace this evolving tradition then take a look at these inspiring collections of facial masks, costumes and delicious Halloween inspired treats.

We have just brought in some intricate Venetian Metal face masks to add to your Goth collection:

Or if its clothing you are after we have selected a few favourites to create Vampire, Witches or Skeletons for Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations:

Take a look at these spectacular Ghost, Broomstick and Voodoo doll Cake Pops creations which almost too good to eat From Rosies Kitchen

While the super cute Halloween cupcakes have got our mouths watering here at The Gothic Shop HQ were made by the talented Coco Cakes

For more ideas take a look at www.the-gothic-shop.co.uk

**Additional Information from:
Halloween History http://www.halloweenhistory.org/
From Rosies Kitchen https://www.facebook.com/fromrosieskitchen
Coco Cakes https://www.facebook.com/CocoCakesUK

Halloween Prize Draw

We have some lovely items to give away this Halloween!  To enter, simply like our facebook page and like and comment on this image on the facebook page.

Prizes:
1. Mephisto Men's Shirt and Trousers by Necessary Evil (facebook).
2. A Sinistra Choker by Dark Elegance Designs (facebook). You can choose the colour: red, purple, black, green or blue.
3. A Dragon's Lure Earring by Alchemy (facebook).  You can choose left, right or black.
4. A pair of tights (your choice of style) by Pamella Mann (facebook) 

The competition closes midnight Friday 1 November 2013.  The winner will be chosen at random and announced on facebook Sunday 3 November 2013.  GOOD LUCK!!

Top shoes at the Gothic shop

Getting the shoes right is all important when planning ones outfit- that's a given. But finding the right darkly decadent Gothic shoe is not always an easy task. The traditional black shoe can come practically in any guise: from the humble black court shoe with kitten heel to the dangerously razor sharp heeled pair. Then there is everything inbetween! The right pair of shoe in terms of Gothic can be about the finer details on the shoe. The small but effective aspects that will make your shoes stand out and be noticed. There is never a better time to pick out that truly awesome pair of shoes! Here are just a few that are more than worth considering at The Gothic Shop:

Isabella D' Este Black Suede Gothic Shoes by Hades 

A stunning example of a shoe design is the Isabella D' Este Black Suede shoe by Hades. Suede had a delicate as well as elegant feel about it, there's nothing like the velvet feel against ones fingertips. It is luxurious in nature. So no decadent shoe would be complete without this soft textured surface. Studs are scattered about the front toe of the shoe along with a subtle trim along the edge. But just take a look at the gorgeous jewelled heel! Not only is the shape an very eloquent one but it is also made up of a series of cut out metal links to make it precious. But that's not all: The ankle is secured with a laced up suede cuff, this shoe is truly that Victorian Gothic style at it's best!

Black Crow Gothic shoes with Spinal heels by Hades 

The high shine finish on these shoes make them unique. The patent leather of the shoe is combined with the chrome finish of the heel and sole of the shoe. The design of which is a one off! A moulding that you will simply not find on any other pair of shoes. The shoe is kept firmly in place with a sturdy 'X' ankle strap so your shoes can literally be put through their paces each and every day! Everything from the eyelets to the flames on the buckle bring details to this shoe. Note that there is also extended back support at the top of the heel too.
 

Triton Black Gothic shoes with spine heel by Hades 

For a tough Gothic style, look no further than the Triton shoe from Hades. At first glance everything about this shoe is dangerous but in the best most stylish way! The gun metal grey of the out sole and the 5 inch heel make this even more so. But again like in the Isabella D' Este design, this shoe is all about the fine detailing. The slim heel boasts an alluring spine-like metallic design. Then there are the filigree patterns on the buckle of the ankle strap. Most of all the platform part of the shoe has a series of bullet-like spikes that make this design stand tall! It's sleek and very sexy- a must have for any wardrobe!

Build Your Gothic Wardrobe

Looking for a Goth outfit that you won't want to hide in the shadows, get creative and mix different textures, styles and colours with black, roses, chains and heels for a wearable, comfortable and chic look. 

We have put together a few key pieces you can add to your wardrobe to inspire your artistic flair:

Cover up and keep warm with the Mille Grey Double breasted frock coat featuring black buttons etched with anchors down the double breasted front and a fabric belt with buckle to cinch the waist before you reveal your style masterpiece.

Work this Lace Up Dress with Chains  with black lace overlay, the dress bodice is lightly boned and the seams trimmed with black brocade plus straps are detachable to create two different looks,  paired with  Zip Tights and head turning Spine Heel shoes which are 5 inches of pure sex appeal and sophistication will suit any social occasion or for a little Halloween fun try on this sassy Purple Print Skeleton Dress.

Throw on some accessories like this intricate gem and antique styled Vivian Bracelet and stash your handbag essentials in this beautiful Brocade Clutch and you are ready to go.

For more fashion inspiration visit www.the-gothic-shop.co.uk.