The Charming Allure of Steampunk Jewelry

I think one of the most unique Etsy jewelry artists I have come across is thesteampunktrunk.etsy.com



You can really see the vision and love labored on each piece, eclectic and elegant Victorian jewelry- an ode to the era of gaslight and mechanical turbines.



Of course, a popular concern of any steampunk enthusiast would be the amount of radium dust found in such old parts, right?

Well steampunktrunk assures us that she has tested all materials and finished pieces with her handy dandy Geiger Counter. Okay with that out of the way, you can clear yourself of any irrational fears on radiation poisoning and don a Marie Curie inspired steampunk cuff.

Visit her blog http://thesteampunktrunk.blogspot.com/

Her shop thesteampunktrunk.etsy.com

Are you Brave Enough to Brave Quiapo on Holidays?

I took this foto last Christmas. I also experienced going to Wellmansons during the procession of the Black Nazarene (really not a good idea). So I didn't bother going last Holy Week.

Getting there is easy via LRT, its the crowds that really get to you. The possibility of a stampede happening is not far fetched, or getting robbed of your cellphone while helplessly being squished between vendors, devotees, kargadors with sweaty manpits. This can totally ruin the festive spirit of Quiapo for you.

So avoid Hidalgo Street on Holidays and take the C. Palanca Street instead that's the street behind SM Carriedo. ( See Map )

After going through the bead shops, you can get a bag load of veggies at the street market for P100.

One street vendor that's not hard to miss is the lady tranny who wears a divine corset-like bodice. The She-male of Quiapo dons green eyeshadow, Twiggy-inspired false lashes and a plastic tiara. He sells panties at 3 pieces for P100. I should have taken a snap, maybe next time when I'm brave enough to pull my cell phone out for shot :)

Goin' Gaga Over Memory Wire

Gradeschool kids just love memory wire. Just poke the beads through the wire and you're done! Well moms have to seal/knot the ends though.


I can make like thirty bracelets in one go. They're easy and fun to make! They remind me of slinkies.

Chanel goes Steam Punk!

No this is not Japan Fashion Week! This reverence to steampunk and nod to knits comes from the House of Chanel.


A tinge of the Victorian silhouette




Knitted hats and lace chokers




Pris-like tights from Bladerunner
and a stethoscope-like necklace



Gentlemen in fierce coats with ruffled cuffs

Oldtimer Karl Lagerfeld is responsible behind this fab collection.

Bib Necklaces from Paris Fashion Week Spring 2009

A bold statement piece from Christian Lacroix


Louis Vuitton Accessories, Paris Fashion Week Spring 2009

Lanvin glamour
These beautiful bib necklaces are the highlight of their Spring collection


Ornate damask patterns on muted mauve


Bring on the drama!

Dig the Beads

Transparent gemstones



Botanicals from Chanel



Gaga for Geometrics

I love the Burberry geometric bracelet!