Erstwilder All Hallows Eve

 I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

The leaves are changing, it's the perfect time for reading under a cosy blanket, and Erstwilder's Halloween collection is finally here.

This year, they've released a fantastic throwback collection called All Hallows Eve based on the primitive Halloween characters from the turn of the 21st century, following a patchwork and hand-stitched style that was popular at the time. There are skeletons in bowler hats, cats and dogs dressed in sheets, pumpkin-headed witches, and frightful creatures galore.

I only bought one piece from the collection, because, y'know, cost of living and all that, but holy Jason Momoa, did I chose a good one.

Part pumpkin, part witch, I introduce to you The Stitched Witch; quite possibly one of my favourite brooch designs to date. With her black buckled hat and white-collared gown, she makes me think she's a pilgrim pumpkin witch, come to life to curse her pious accusers from the witch trials for stitching her mouth shut and sending her to her death. But maybe I'm just away with the fairies...

I love the textured resins used for this piece. The broom handle looks like it's made of wood, the pumpkin looks almost realistic, and the marbling in the gown gives the impression of flowing fabric. The stitched patch is a cute little addition, too. It's an all-round awesome design, and I'm obsessed with it. I can't stop wearing it.

My only disappointment with this brooch is that the one I received wasn't up to their usual standard of quality. It has at least seven little pin prick marks in the resin, and a raised notch of resin at the bottom of the gown where something must've gone wrong in the production process. (You can't see them clearly in these photos, but they're there). It should clearly have only been sold as a second, and I'm not sure how it slipped through quality control unnoticed. I would never have paid full price for it if I had seen its flaws.

I got in touch with the stockist I purchased it from- Daisy Park- who replied almost straight away and helped resolve the issue quickly, despite being away on holiday. They offered to refund me, but as the brooch was sold out from all the UK stockists and they couldn't offer a replacement, I decided to keep it anyway as I still wanted it in my collection. They kindly offered me a partial refund instead, which was back in my account just moments later. I was really impressed with their level of customer service; it's not something you get too often.

I'm not put off by the lapse in quality; it's the first time I've had an issue with Erstwilder's jewellery in the five or six years I've been collecting them. Mistakes happen, and hopefully it was just a one-off. I've come to live with the brooch's imperfections, just like I've learnt to live with my own. They add character. I don't think they're too noticeable, especially when I'm wearing it- and I've already worn her a lot- except for the notch of resin at the bottom, which I'm trying to pretend is just a crease in her gown from her foot. It kinda looks like one, if you squint.

There are still many pieces available from the All Hallows Eve collection, and they're definitely worth checking out. The Stitched Witch brooch is sadly sold out from all the UK stockists I'm aware of, but it's still available direct from Erstwilder in Australia here, so snap her up while you can. 

Did you buy anything from the All Hallow's Eve collection?

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Wednesday Wish List: Halloween Fashion

There's only a few days left until All Hallow's Eve, but there's still time to pick up some Halloween clothes or accessories to wear to get in to the festive spirit... even if all you're doing is spending the night at home watching scary movies with a share size bag of sweets all to yourself this year. (Which is basically what I intend to do! Haha!) It's not like we can go anywhere or do anything exciting to celebrate with this virus around, but that doesn't mean we can't still look the part.

I've been coveting lots of amazing Halloween-themed fashion online recently, so today, I'm going to share a wish list showcasing some of my favourites that I think you'll love as much as I do.

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Little Moose has released the cutest collection of laser-cut perspex jewellery for Halloween 2020. I'm crazy about the long-eared bat pieces. especially that spectacular statement necklace.

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Erstwilder's popular Bone Brigade collection has returned again this year, and includes a brand new set of Bone Brigade enamel pins for the very first time. There are fifteen skeleton animal pins to choose from, with designs from all Bones Brigade collections, past and present. I bought a few of the pins when they launched last month (which I'll be showing you on the blog in the next few days), and I love them so much I want to collect more of the designs, like the bear, mouse, and wolf.

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La Vidriola's acrylic jewellery designs never fail to amaze me, and their selection of statement Halloween pieces this year is incredible. These are just some of my favourites. I particularly want to get my hands on the ghost dog brooch- I mean, seriously, how cute is he?!

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Tatty Devine also has some funky Halloween accessories to choose from at the moment. I think my favourite is the vampire pumpkin necklace, but the black heart brooch is also pretty darn awesome. There are also a few spider web pieces, but as an arachnophobe, I just couldn't bring myself to add them to the collage. Even fake spiders freak me out.

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If you want to dress up for Halloween but don't want to go down the costume route this year, Lady Vintage has some awesome Halloween-print swing, tea, and shirt dresses still in stock, and there's 50% off their Halloween shop with the code SPOOK50 today! 

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Lady Vintage also has a selection of Halloween face coverings to match their dresses, and help keep you safe during your Halloween activities. 

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And Kitschy Witch has some fantastic vintage-inspired Halloween accessories still available, including tote bags, enamel pins, and scarves. I'm dying to get my hands on the Patch Batch pin set. They'd go perfectly with a brooch I picked up from the Erstwilder x Kitschy Witch collaboration in September. The tote bags would be perfect for shopping, or even using as trick-or-treat bags when this pandemic is over.

For more Halloween fashion inspiration, check out my Halloween board on Pinterest. 

Do you enjoy wearing Halloween-themed outfits? What will you be wearing this Halloween?