Lit-Fash Flash, Where Literature and Fashion Meet:: Spotlight on - Oscar Wilde

THE HARLOT'S HOUSE
by: Oscar Wilde

E caught the tread of dancing feet,

We loitered down the moonlit street,

And stopped beneath the harlot's house.

 

Inside, above the din and fray,

We heard the loud musicians play

The "Treues Liebes Herz" of Strauss.

 

Like strange mechanical grotesques,

Making fantastic arabesques,

The shadows raced across the blind.

 

We watched the ghostly dancers spin

To sound of horn and violin,

Like black leaves wheeling in the wind.

 

Like wire-pulled automatons,

Slim silhouetted skeletons

Went sidling through the slow quadrille.

 

The took each other by the hand,

And danced a stately saraband;

Their laughter echoed thin and shrill.

 

Sometimes a clockwork puppet pressed

A phantom lover to her breast,

Sometimes they seemed to try to sing.

 

Sometimes a horrible marionette

Came out, and smoked its cigarette

Upon the steps like a live thing.

 

Then, turning to my love, I said,

"The dead are dancing with the dead,

The dust is whirling with the dust."

 

But she--she heard the violin,

And left my side, and entered in:

Love passed into the house of lust.

 

Then suddenly the tune went false,

The dancers wearied of the waltz,

The shadows ceased to wheel and whirl.

 

And down the long and silent street,

The dawn, with silver-sandalled feet,

Crept like a frightened girl.

'The Harlot's House' was originally published in The Dramatic Review (April, 1885

Oscar Wilde: Witty playwright, scandalous author,  legendary raconteur, sartorial legend, and more. His words touched on the essence of sensuality, explored the hypocritical views of society, and inspired (as well as angered) oh-so-many of the late Nineteenth Century public. 
The protagonist (or antagonist, depending on how you look at it) in Wilde's only novel, the depraved, downward-spiraling, voluptuary Dorian Gray is emblematic, and hard not to find appealing in some ways: his possession of everlasting beauty unmarred by the ravages of time or excess, access to unlimited amounts of money, friends in both high and low places, and a hell-bent mission to live life to the fullest, regardless of the moral implications.  
Victorian mores of the time found Wilde's total disregard for propriety and eschewment of prevalent Christian values outrageous, unnatural, and ultimately, unacceptable; perceived homosexual undertones in his work and vocal disapproval of his so called debauched personal life led to one of the more memorable travesties of justice in English history and left a black mark on the face of Literature.  The price Wilde had to pay for his art and his lifestyle was sadly a very dear one.  In honour of Oscar's zest for life and search for the soul of art, we celebrate a modern take on the Victorian Decadent aesthetic; which in a ironic turn is now symbolic of  a faction of a contemporary Decadent (some say subversive) lifestyle, the Modern Gothic.  

So dance, dine, and drink a toast to the genius that is Oscar Wilde in one of these darkly delicious Victorian-inspired confections.  Cheers Oscar!

All
All clothing available at the FANTASTIC
 'Drac In A Box'

How to Survive: The Dreaded Job Interview

It's Springtime and a young girl's thoughts turn to....finding a job!  Whether you are a first time job hunter straight out of University, or a seasoned pro searching for a new home, in this economy the competition is fierce. You need to stand out and convince the powers that be you are the most fabulous person they have ever met, and no one else can do the job as well as you can.

It will be mere minutes before the interviewer has judged you, so obviously your appearance is paramount. Before you have a chance to even open your mouth, 50%  of the impression has already been formed. You need to make sure you look (and feel) fantastic!  Put your best foot forward, literally, and put as much thought and money into your outfit as possible.  A great suit or jacket and skirt will always be welcome in your closet, throughout your career and can work for nights out with a bit of creative manouvering; and yes, you can be fashion forward as long as it is done in a professional way!  It's best to stick with neutral colours and strong clean lines but there is nothing wrong with a sartorial twist, as long as you keep the rest of your outfit toned down.  When in an interview situation, never have more than one statement element to your ensemble (although that's not a bad basic tenet, remember Coco Chanel's advice!). If your suit is classic and low key, add a 'wow' piece: a funky coloured yet structured bag, a pretty scarf, a colourful shoe, or a fantastic necklace, bracelet or ring. Shoes must be polished, classic and not too high, mid heel  in a neutral colour, (unless they are your statement piece) are your best bet. Try to keep details to a minimum, an ankle strap or unobtrusive buckle is fine; just avoid hardware laden trendy styles.  Evaluate your look as a whole and remember to keep from going overboard. You want the person you are meeting with to remember you because you were an impressive conversationalist who looked great, not just that girl who was so distracting with her over the top look that they can not remember your name!

Here are some flix for inspiration: they may not be exactly in line with your budget, but it is easy to find high street versions of most collections or vintage pieces in your local charity or thrift shoppes.


Jackets

(Jackets by:  Anglomania by Vivianne Westwood, Hugo Boss, Westwood, Alexander McQueen. Available at Selfridges.)


Blouses:

(Blouses by: Anglomania by Vivianne Westwood, Givenchy, Temperley, Westwood. Available at Selfridges.)


Skirts:

(Skirts by:  Anglomania by Vivianne Westwood, Donna Karen, Westwood, Westwood. Available at Selfridges.)


Shoes:

(Shoes By: Christian Louboutin,  Vionnet, and Valentino: Available at Net-A-Porter)

(Bags: Mulberry 'Bayswater', DKNY Shopper and Chloe 'Elsie' Bowling Bag, Available at Net-A-Porter.)

Makeup should be clean, fresh, and light. A natural but even skin tone (a light foundation with a touch of powder and blush) and dependent on your colour scheme, you can never go wrong with a strong lipstick and polished nails! (And yes, while you don't have to match, it can be quite a striking look to have coordinated lips and fingertips.)  Keep you hair neat and polished, a professional appearance will instill confidence in your abilities.

(Two fantastic Red lippys: Mac's matte 'Russian Red' and L'Oreal's 'True Red)

(and the most fantastic nail polish I have ever encountered: Rescue Beauty Lounge's 'Chinoise' and 'Killa Red' available at Rescue Beauty)

The Interview Itself

Be calm, articulate and polite and ask the Universe for assistance and Luck. Ensure your CV is tailored to the position, free of spelling and punctuation mistakes and shows you to your best light (and a word on embellishment: we all do it, but keep it honest! you certainly do not want to win a job based on qualifications that do not exist. Research shows that employers do follow up and check references. It's not worth the risk. if you feel you are perfect for the role but lacking something they require, explain why you are able to perform the job regardless, it can't hurt and at least you will not need to live in fear of being caught out as a liar!) Take a moment to think about each question your interviewer poses you and answer thoughtfully, have at least one story to relate that highlights your personal strengths and try to avoid 'um' and 'er'-ing and never ever say 'like, ya know'!  Of course you will be nervous, but do try hard not to let it show, it may come across as weakness; you do not want the company to think you cannot handle stress.  Remember, your interviewer may be just as uncomfortable as you are; think of it as just a conversation with a stranger.  Relax, and be your best you!

Most of all, Good Luck! May your dream job be yours and the Gods of Employment bless you!

I'm To Be Queen of the May

May Day or Beltaine is an ancient pagan festival celebrating the arrival and fertility of Spring.  Symbolised by the 'flower Goddess' or as is more commonly known, the 'May Queen', it was traditionally a time when one acknowledged the end of the harsh winter, the bounty of spring and the coming fruits of summer. Beltaine is a festival of passion: bonfires were kindled to purify and bring good luck, spring was celebrated with flowers, ribbons, and dancing, and sex was definitely on the menu (but as an observance of nature, our existence, partnerships, and the renewal of life). So take inspiration from the ancients and celebrate life!

Be beautiful, sexy, and most importantly, happy! Blessings all!


Every fairy-tale queen or goddess needs to be beautiful, and have the traditional accoutrements of dress, tiara and magic slippers. Here are a few that are perfect for a modern May Queen!

Dresses by Ryu, Moon Collection, and Modcloth all available at Mod Retro Indie Clothing

Headwears by, left to right:  Zoe Sherwood, Jenifer Behr, Maison Michel, available at shopstyle.co.uk,   tiaras available at the amazing Parrish Relics handcrafted by Jen Parrish

Shoes and Boots by (L - R): Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Buffalo, Santiag Mexica, Dr. Martens, Fendi, Voelle