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.

Cosy cardigans at The Gothic Shop

Halloween season is creeping up upon us as we speak! The days are getting darker and the cold is setting in. This might sound like the opening lines to a spooky story but it is in fact true. This is our favourite time of year, mostly because we can start to pull out all those stylish bits of knitwear that have been stashed away for the summer.

What do you love about your cardigans or sweaters? Do you love them to fit you in all the right places as they keep you warm? Are you a fan of frills and the finer details on them? Perhaps fun and quirky motifs are your thing when it comes to winter woollies? For fashionable flair as well as warmth look no further than The Gothic Shop. Here are just a selection of the decadent day and evening knitwear pieces to be found in our new arrivals!  

Paloma Green Cardigan by Hell Bunny 

Style meets the practical with this vibrant green cardigan. A world away from those funky Christmas jumpers that granny knitted for us way back when, but there are no Santa's in sight here thank goodness! It's stunning when worn as it hugs all those curves. It's no surprise as it is made from a combination of Rayon, Nylon and Spandex. Deeper block colours are just so fabulous for the darker months- The Paloma Green cardigan is the perfect way to dress up any outfit! This design is available in a sharp pillar box red and a sultry black too.

Vampire and Bats cardigan by Hell Bunny

Sticking with the theme of 'figure flattering' and we have the Vampire and Bats cardigan from Hell Bunny. You just can't get sleeker than this, all black with some chic motifs added for good measure. Like above this cardigan too is made from a variety of comfortable and flattering fabrics. But with this top it's the sweet but scary details that count. Take a peek at the bats on the sleeves as well as the vampiress applique design that's set right over your heart! All this is finished off with the cute shiny crimson red buttons that could be droplets of blood!  

Doomed Green Skeleton Hand Cardigan by Hell Bunny

He's behind you! Even if you are too scared to look round no doubt there will be plenty of admirers giving you a second glace in this sexy little number! The darkest black is highlighted with bright green buttons at the front. It's 'less is more' with this design, two distinctively skeletal hands grab your shoulders tightly! Take a look at the sleeves too, and in true Hell Bunny style we see the cutest winged eyeball motifs. The only way to wrap up this winter if zombie green and creepy cool is your thing!   

Take a look at the rest of the Hell Bunny cardigan collection as well as the huge range of bolero's and long sleeved tops ready to keep you warm during autumn and winter at The Gothic Shop.

Handbags, Backpacks, Satchels and Purses

With a new season on the cards, the call for a special treat to update our wardrobe is strong . So why not give your Goth handbag collection a boost with a few of our latest items:

Top of our wishlist is this dead gorgeous Bandana Skull Bag,  printed and embossed bandana skull design. This bag has a Loungefly plaque to the front and aged square studs below the straps.

Sneak in colour to your black wardrobe with this Blue Skull handbag detailed with buckle, o-ring and studs

This versatile Grey Candy Skull  handbag is ideal for work and play; it fits work documents with ease, but also doubles as a great shopping bag for the trip to the high street.  The bag is detailed with applique grey skull and loads of black flowers and gold, red and green embroidery. 

Looking to add a bit of 'punk' then this Purple Tartan handbag with detachable purse are great for everyday use and add instant interest to dark looks.

We've fallen head-over-heels for the Tropical Skulls Clutch,  can be worn  on your wrist or used as a clutch too,  as it features 2 removeable straps, a smaller wrist strap and a longer adjustable shoulder strap.

Take a look at our extensive bag collection at The Gothic Shop

Cats and Bats at The Gothic Shop

There is something so fabulous about these little wild creatures. Both bats and cats can be found wandering the streets and forests at night. You can find bats nesting in woodlands, while those slinky black kitties are out on the prowl. In the past both of these creatures have had a really bad press- mainly being related to witchcraft as well as Nosferatu. Not forgetting the whole Ozzy Osbourne thing with the bat head!

But we love bats and cats!  They are actually some of the cutest creatures around. We love them so much that we have some great lines of clothing and accessories dedicated solely to these little beasties. Where would we be without our cats and bats at The Gothic Shop?  Here are some of our pieces that your furry dark animal friends will love!

Bat Cat Ladies top with mesh gloves

This top with gloves is absolutely perfect for the coming autumn. You still have the lightness of the t-shirt as well as a mesh covering as sleeves for all those cool fall evenings. Then there is of course that amazing cat bat motif against the moonlight. Deep and dark but also sumptuously cute too!

Mystical Moonlight Black Cat Longsleeve Top

Black cats and moonlight just look lovely together, both are mystical and have an elegance about them that work well. Amalgamate your Gothic with a super practical item of clothing. The long sleeves make this top a great one for the autumn time. The low neck means that it is an ultra flattering one too! This lovely blue eyed kitty with it's flying bats and moon will be an awesome addition to your wardrobe.

Bat Gothic Hairclip with red glass gem by restyle 

You can make your bat style an elegant one with this scintillating hair clip by Restyle. It's silver tone colour is simple and stylish to do, it's set off with a bright red glass stone. Each of the facets on the blood red stone make the piece a glimmering one. The piece looks amazing with long hair, even for those with shorter locks, pin your hairpiece to a bun or even to a lapel of a coat.    

Gothic Bat Pendant by Alchemy Gothic 

What better statement piece to be wearing this spooky season than a stretched out bat pendant? This highly detailed piece is the perfect necklace for the autumn. One really gets to see the true beauty of this night creature in it's full glory! The design is canny too as it sits in the most flattering place in the decolletage. It looks amazing with black but the silver colour will make it one that will work with almost every outfit in your wardrobe!

Jet Girl Batty Peepers eyeball bat dress by Sourpuss

What could be better than bats on a dress? Bats on a dress with eyeballs! Freakishly glamorous, this dress fits the figure beautifully. With an empire line waist and sexy neckline, this strappy dress is a must have for the coming season! Work it in the winter with some thicker glitter tights for a sensually seasonal twist to your Peepers eyeball dress. 

Whether it is cats, bats or both The Gothic Shop have a vast range of cute animal styled clothing!