1980s Murder Mystery Costume

A short while back I posted about creating a costume for a Murder Mystery party that was set in the 1980s.  The game was amazing fun - some innocent playtime for grownups. The character I was given was super easy, a teen pop star who was launching her new perfume. Just as well as in the end I had to throw my costume together. 

The best bit was concocting a sample of the perfume which I brought in a spray bottle to spritz on paper samples as I mingled. With sickly sweet 80s scents in my head I had mixed some Spanish lavender cologne that was sitting in my bathroom forever (don't ask) with several drops of essential oils and a little too much precious vanilla essence from the kitchen cupboard. Lets just say the result was very heady...but worth the laugh and a good ice breaker at the start of the party.

As for the costume, there was a shocking pink, long, grandfather style shirt lurking in the top of my wardrobe (again, don't ask). I cinched it with a wide, black leather belt. I rolled up the ends of my jeans to mid calf and put on matching cerise socks reaching under the jeans, to look like I had on bright pink tights. Then I slipped into a pair of stilettos. 

After backcombing my hair, I tied a half ponytail on the top of my head. Pink eyeshadow with plenty of underbrow highlighter, a stripe of matching blusher, khol eyeliner and rosy lipstick completed my trip back in time.

I had hoped to make myself some 80s bling. Just as the cobblers kids have no shoes, I rarely do have time to make anything for myself. The knotted necklace you see is actually a strip of silver Christmas tree beading! The pearl 'bracelets' are a necklace that was the not quite the right length to look 80s.

 

I really would have loved to make big hoop earrings but I simply had too many other things to do that weekend. So I decided to retire these danglies from my Etsy shop, Handmade by Amo'r, as they are not my usual style at all and the listing was about to  expire. They were perfect for the 80s look.

 I have now decided to dismantle them and use the bottom half for a new pair of simpler earrings. It does mean cutting through the silver flowers however, but I have an alternative idea in mind ...tbc...

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Click here to see 1960s Murder Mystery Game costume
Click here to see 1940s Murder Mystery Game costume
Click here to see Bloomsday (1910) costume

Great Gatsby Inspired Jewellery; Pearls (June Birthstone)

Pearls are the birthstone for June, although this gem is not a stone at all , but an organic mass that is formed within the shell of a mollusk. With the remake of The Great Gatsby movie, white pearls are a hot trend for 2013. I'm not talking your Granny's sedate & ladylike string of pearls either, but something with a bit more pzazz; reflecting the decadence and flamboyance of the roaring twenties themselves.

Great Gatsby Inspired, white pearl earrings

I finally got to see the movie this month and I don't know which was more distracting, DiCaprio's smouldering gaze or the stunning costumes and jewellery.

I've been inspired to make something very different to my usual style using white pearls and crystal beads. I love art deco furniture and architecture, but it's not a style I generally dabble with in jewellery.  My designs are usually either modern and streamlined or inspired by my Celtic heritage.  Oftentimes I marry both concepts.

 I made these big earrings for fun, allowing myself to experiment and to show a little versatility.

The Gatsby style earrings are just the thing for a summer bride or a graduation ball. The hammered silver flowers are lightweight so the earrings will not drag you down. 'Summer Bloom' earrings are strictly for up-dos and short hair. You will want to show them off!

'The Roaring Twenties' pearl earrings

If you'd prefer something a little less ornate,  how about the simpler lines of 'The Roaring Twenties'  oval hoop earrings?  They are suitable for hair that is worn down, but you wont want to hide them away either!

 

 

Perhaps you have a flower girl or young bridesmaid who would love this pearl bracelet with moonstone charm. I can make a longer bracelet to suit an adult upon request. Please do ask me what charms I currently have available or can make. I can be contacted privately for such requests by hitting the contact button on my Etsy Store.

 Need something blue? This silver plate purse charm is made with mother of pearl discs and indigo freshwater pearls. After the wedding it can serve as daily reminder of your special day - hang it on the rear view mirror of the car!

For information on how to clean pearls please click HERE