Halloween Guide: Dracula's Ball Philadelphia

So what are YOU doing for Halloween?  If you're looking for sexy, vampy fun, check out the Dracula Ball in Philadelphia.  The chic band Psyche Corporation and The Last Dance are headlining.  The organizers have wickedly themed parties every few months, but Halloween is their big one.  As you can see from past event photos, the dress code ranges from fetish, to Goth, to inventive costumes. 

Besides the performers, expect music ranging from 1980's to New Wave, metal to world music.  All genres of vampire are welcome (Bela Lugosi or True Blood?).  Costumes and Gothic garb is not required, but it just wouldn't be as fun!  

 People from all over the country and overseas make the journey to this event.  Philadelphia in general is a great city for wicked fun. If you want some good scares at one of the most spookiest places in the U.S. check out the (truly) haunted house held at the historic Eastern State Penitentiary.  Admire the wall of Dia de los Muertos dioramas with a strong margarita and great food at one of my Philly faves, El Vez.  

Are you ready? Get dressed and go!

(photos  by Dracula's Ball and Psyche Corporation)

Dark and Chic Down Under: Melbourne's Circa Nocturna

When one thinks of Australia, images of the epic Outback, the Sydney Opera House and handsome Hugh Jackman come to mind. Edgy, dark and alternative fashion do not spring to mind. However, a collaboration between a group of entertainers and designers came together last spring to produce the Circa Nocturna.

Held at the dramatic Fitzroy Town Hall, the Circa Nocturna was a grand fashion presentation featuring Gothic, fetish and all sorts of alternative style for artistic souls to network, share and educate. Photographers were able to show their work as well, newcomers were able to be inspired, and everyone else was able to party.

The designers ranged from the cute stylists who showed their love of the theme is simple ways to true masters of tailoring and corsetry. All seemed to appreciated and supported by their fellow creatives. A festival that I would love to see happen more all over the world

Maggie Gyllenhaal for Agent Provocateur

Seriously sexy, too-expensive-to-be-trashy designer lingerie line Agent Provocateur has a fabulous print campaign with some glorious vampy looks. Quirky, chic actress Maggie Gyllenhaal stars in the series of images, wearing some lust-worthy intimates of high-end lace and black satin. Ms. Gyllenhaal has some fetish cred from her fantastic turn as a BDSM-inclined administrative assistant in the indie film Secretary The campaign is shot as a series of stories, and she is portrayed as the character "Miss A.P." She is after my heart as a tempress seducing her victims to her web.