We were searching Etsy for a high waisted skirt to feature in an outfit-themed entry we’re working on, and we came across Clever Nettle’s shop.  If you’re not familiar with Clever Nettle, they carry darling vintage clothing and…something too wonderful for words.  May we present, The Billuminati:

“The Billuminati is one of the most elusive of all secret societies, open only to the finest quality Bills and Williams that the world has to offer…”

“These portraits were discovered by infiltrating the organization and they reveal some of the most famous current members, from actors to presidents…”

“This project is a combination of secret fake history, humor and art.”

Vintage clothes: Awesome!  Billuminati: Total Genius.

Traditional color scheme meets ethereal whimsy for the handmade Spring/Summer bride.  Planning a wedding?  Get in on the action!  Here are some of our picks for a light, airy, and totally unique bridal experience.

Tiana Long beach golden wedding gown by For your Wedding.  Romantic touches of gold and feminine detailing.

Ethereal Innocence - hair clip set by Which Goose.  These remind us of the portrait of Empress Sissi.  Elegant whimsical.

Orchid Earrings with keishi pearls,  by The Jewelry Bar.  Nature girl goddess.  Also available with ruby.

Bottle of Bubbly invitation suite, Modern Museum.  Distinctive, whimsical glamour.

Customize your Pretty Pleats, Davie and Chiyo.   Totally custom, from frame to materials, natural meets refined.

The handmade wedding is easier than ever with these fabulous sellers!  Check them out and get planning for your special day!

Do you swoon over vintage garments? Sashay about in seductive satins and silks? Purr and prance in fluffy fur? If so, you’ll love Fab Gabs Vintage. Here are some fabulous frocks and tantalizing togs to entice you.

Harlow Romance, sheer pink chiffon gown.  So effortlessly feminine, delicious, and darling.

Vibrant bouquet, topper with veil.  Uber luxe color combinations–frothy and exciting.

Calling Joan Crawford, vintage fur coat.  Dramatic.  Diva.  Never one to be missed.

Juliet at Midnight, 1930s gown.  Liquid in dazzling satin and sumptuous velvet black.

Check out Fab Gabs Vintage for more getup that will knock’em senseless!  Ps…they even have garb for your favorite gent!

Green is the color of paradox–a color of lush growth and corrosive decay.  Of vigor and drunkenness.  Of health and toxin.  Here are our favorites in this delicious color.

Ring with two buttons by Quench Metalworks.

Queen Bee Perfume Oil by Poison Apple Apothecary.

Green Snake Skin Trinket Box by Fun Wall Art

Tahitian Jade crochet hook, R Parish Woodworks.

Feast of Fancy , Water Nymph

Black: It’s the color of mystery, restrained elegance, and comforting nightfall.  It’s definitely a major favorite of ours, and in honor of playing favorites (one of our pet pastimes), we’re taking an inspired trip into black Christmasland, encouraging you to indulge yourself and your chosen other with something fantastically black.

Black Roses by White Magic Shoppe.  Pretty candles set a memorable aura, and the rose shape is a definite win.

Down In The Underground by Totus Mel.  Tatted black mask, mysterious and peek-a-boo pretty.  Love the names, which come from Labyrinth, and a few styles are available to suit different damsels (or dudes–why not?).

Black Lace Neck Corset by Decadent Designs.  Who’s bringin’ the drama?  Gorgeous lace, corset detailing, and a slightly Victorian sensibility = awesome.

The Wolf black cuffs by Angelika Liv.  Delicate and beautiful, these make a gorgeous statement, highlighting the wrists and fingers.

Charles Baudelaire Glass Paperweight by Ephemerologie.   Oh, we love this!  Great either alone or with a copy of Paris Spleen or Les Fleurs du Mal.

Slip your lovelies something dark and dreamy…

Soap. It’s dead useful.  We reckon most people use it at least once daily, and we’ve noticed some people are a bit stingy with themselves when it comes to splurgin’ on soap: They stick to old familiar or el cheapo, potentially missing out on the fun of bathing and washing hands.  This is tragic and must be stopped.  The following soaps are unexpected stocking stuffers and are pretty enough to entice guests, if left in the guest bathroom.  We all win, if that’s the case…

Fight Club novelty soap by Paradise Body Shop.  This soap comes in peppermint, which is an invigorating shower experience. It really wakes one up and makes the skin feel tingly-clean.

Sensual Nag Champa soap by Solstice Scents.  Dragon detailing, and soft mysterious scent of Nag Champa–good for men or women; especially thoughtful for those born in the year of the Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000).

Coffee and Chocolate Beer Soap- Made With Stone Smoked Porter by The Beer Soap Co.  Coffee AND chocolate AND beer?  This is crazy-delicious sounding, and totally unisex.  We’ve heard coffee has a nice effect on skin, and that beer’s good for hair–chocolate’s plain good for the soul.

Black and Silver Soap - Gift Boxed by Soapy Chica.  Soapy Chica makes some incredibly gorgeous soaps–and this is just one example of the feminine high-relief detailing available.  Plus, we really like black and the idea of black soap is intriguing.

Gypsy Caravan Soap, by Scodioli. Pomegranate and Orange–sounds absolutely drool-worthy, and the fun packaging makes this a nice gift for lovers of the odd and unusual. Love the bearded lady logo.

Fun soap, manly soap, gorgeous soap–there’s a soap for every body.  Encourage the clean this holiday season!

In keeping with the ‘little things mean a lot’ theme, we’re focusing on things that are small enough for a stocking, but unusual enough to be remembered and enjoyed.  Below are some unexpected, funny, and useful stuffies to spread around.

Yes I Read Books About Teenage Vampires Button Pin Badge 1 1/2 inch by The Angry Robot, perfect for the Twilight enthusiast.

Alice in Wonderland - Scrabble Tile Pendant Necklace by Snappy Pendants,  suitable for fans of the book or various movies.

Glass Bended Straws - 2 by Straws by Carli.  Perfect for your eco-conscious friend, or the one who has everything.

Bag of Coal Soap, by Besem Natural Scents, perfect for the soap enthusiast, or as a hilarious gag gift for a favorite friend or enemy.

Angry Broccoli Magnet Set by Kill Taupe.  Comes with 4 swears so that Angry Magnet can express your finer emotions. Perfect for your potty mouthed homey, or you favorite broccoli aficionado.

Nothing says holiday cheer like a present slightly queer. Yeah, we went there.  You loved it.  Check out these shops for more giving inspiration!

We’ve been shopping online again and decided between now and X-Mas to focus on little things, the tiny beautiful, funny, inspiring things that we can give and receive to make this holiday season more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.    Here are some of the things we’ve found that you can slip your sweeties this holiday season.

Secret Poetry Necklace in Sterling by Delias Thompson.  This item can be customized up to 30 characters.

Wall Birds by JMR Ppottery.  Made from original molds by Julie Rowe.

Solid Natural Perfume Trio by Roxana Illuminated Perfume.  Your choice of three scents…one is bound to work!

Mini Chai tea kit, by purpose design, perfect for chai enthusiasts.

Check out the above shops for more goodies with taste and style.