13th Hour at the Last Rites Gallery

How can you stay away from an exibit called the "13th Hour" from a gallery named "Last Rites?"
This deliciously dark art series features artists like H.R. Giger, Michael Hussar, Kris Kuksi, John John Jesse, Chet Zar, Inky Dreadfuls, Anthony Pontius, Lithium Picnic, Carrie Anne Baade, Molly Crabapple and more. This show sets the perfect mood for All Hallows Eve, running from October 18th to November 23rd.
511 W33rd Street in New York City.

Eco-Friendly Gothic Chandelier Tote Bag

The Courtesan has cultivated a stable of talented artists and designers. In honor of enlightened Earth-friendly practices and Halloween glamour, one of the graphic designers has created this tote for this season. The bag is a 100% unbleached cotton, eco-friendly item. The graphic is an elegant chandelier of bats, 'blood' crystals and insects. Tres chic for All Hallows Eve or any other stylish occasion.

Halloween Dress-up - Tom Banwell Leather Masks

Forget the cheap, mass market costumes of your local discount store. Play dress-up with some sophisticated, wearable art. California artist Tom Banwell creates stunning handcrafted leather masks on his Etsy shop. There are beautiful leather filagree patterns, hand-painted butterfly and insects, intimidating steampunk masks, you name it. Each piece is one of a kind... and affordable! Get yours before other style-savvy ghouls get in your way...

Gothic: Dark Glamor Exihibit at the Museum at F.I.T.

Gothic fashion, obviously there is a huge fan base out there, though until a few years ago, the mainstream still considered it fringe or club-kid attire. The Museum at F.I.T. has organized a stunning exhibit documenting all sorts of dark style. You can view everything from historical mourning outfits to recent couture collections of top fashion designers. Pictured above is a Victorian mourning dress, a period of major inspiration for Gothic style. On the right, an outfit by Rodarte for Fall 2008 inspired by Japanese horror films, with the look of blood in the water. The show is set up like a labyrinthe, with themes like Night, Ruined Castle and the Dark Ages. There are public programs associated with the exhibit which include a Tim Burton film series as well as readings of Bram Stoker and Edgar Allen Poe.

Gothlicious Summer Recipe... Vampie (via Instructables.com)

Ah, what does a dark hostess serve on bright summer days? Instructables.com member "Girlwithacurl" created a wonderful strawberry-filled dessert called a "Vampie". Inspired by the sexy 'Twilight' book series by Stephanie Meyer, the pie is visually striking as it is delicious... Click here for the recipe and directions.

Fall Fashion to Die For...

Ah, it looks like the Courtesan is not the only lady who is seduced by dark fashion. Many of the upcoming fashion spreads for the Fall glossy mags have a deliciously moody tone as well. The models of Lanvin look like gorgeous vamps creeping their way through a cemetery, Linda Evangelista is a sexy mourning widow in Italian Vogue and hot new It-Girl Vika Kuropyatnikova is the chicest corpse on a slab for Dazed and Confused. I can't wait to go shopping

San Diego Comic-Con - Emily the Strange

This dark and strange little girl debuted in the 90's from the San Francisco Graphic arts community. She embodies intelligence, independence and an alternative view of the world. While her merchandise grew from cult following to huge fave with smart and artsy chicks, her big-time coming out is about to come.

If you fancy yourself any kind of alternative culture-seeker, you know all about the San Diego Comic-Con. Emily the Strange had a great presence there, being a favorite hangout of many dark-minded lady. They promised updates on a video game and news of the upcoming movie produced by Dark Horse/Hellboy 2 producer Mike Richardson.