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Killstar Clothing at Museum of Anthropology! Moat House sunglasses, SVNTY wood iPhone case.

killstar fashion blogger, outfit post

Space witch disco! One of my current favorite designers, Killstar, sent me some dark fashion to model.

I paired it with two gifts made from wood: cat-eye sunglasses from Moat House, and a carved iPhone case by SVNTY.

Take a walk on the witchy side… and find out where you can see powerful masks and totems, up close.

dollskill model killstar co

My outfit of the day had a spooky-spiritual vibe, so I wanted a location that reflects this: the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. The stark exterior, designed by famous architect Arthur Erickson, created the perfect lighting and backdrop. I felt like a sorceress, arriving in an alien land.

killstar la luna crop top

Nearby, there was an outdoor exhibit of longhouses and Pacific Northwest totem poles. Some of the carvings symbolize the moon, much like my Killstar La Luna crop top.

killstar clothing, coffin purse

I paired it with Killstar’s Occult maxi skirt. The fabric is stretchy and comfortable, and the long length gives a dramatic impact. This original print, featuring stars and symbols, is also found on Killstar’s Midi Cat Dress.

sulfur alchemy symbol, killstar blogger

I can’t get enough of this coffin purse, branded with the alchemy symbol for sulfur. With a handle and chain strap, the coffin bag is large enough for your necessities, and fastens with a secure silver clasp.

Such a fan of Killstar’s many products, especially this long dress with an Egyptian cat print.

blue hair, cat eye sunglasses

I’ve been all over Moat House Eyewear ever since they reached out to me on Instagram. This British company hand-makes stylish sunglasses — out of wood! Because of the natural materials (ebony, oak, walnut) and handmade process, their sunglasses have a special vibe, much like the totem art behind me.

My ebony cat-eyes have a faint and lovely wood smell, and don’t worry, there aren’t any splinters. (Scroll to the end of this post for photos of my kitty posing with them!)

custom wood iphone case

I guess I’m on a wood kick these days, since that’s also the material used for my SVNTY iPhone case. My old plastic one fell apart, so SVNTY stepped in and sent me one of their artisanal cases, engraved from wood. I think the spooky totem-face behind me wants to join the selfie!

killstar occult maxi skirt

Unlike the usual plastic or rubber phone cases, these ones feel sturdy and natural, yet are still light-weight. Once again, this is something you won’t find in typical stores. SVNTY’s Etsy selection includes original carvings of a geisha, moon, King Tut and Marilyn Monroe. The cases fit a variety of mobiles including iPhones and Samsungs.

I’m taking a photo of the powerful totem poles on display at the Museum of Anthropology. These spiritual sculptures date back to the late 1800s, and were carved from large trees by the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest.

easter island pink floyd phone case

These mysterious figures remind me of the Easter Island stone statues (moai). I’m rather obsessed with visiting this island (Rapa Nui), so I chose the Easter Island / Pink Floyd “Division Bell” image for my case (get it here).

witch moon black tshirt

Especially in the summer, it feels nice to be wearing materials like cotton and wood. The sunglasses and phone case never feel sticky.

space witch gothic fashion

My gold hair jewel is actually a necklace from Israeli friend Shelly Dahari, made from a shekel coin. Remember when I visited her Tel Aviv jewelry store?

coffin handbag killstar

I travel so much that I rarely do posts about my hometown, Vancouver. In fact, there are a lot of fascinating places to visit here, such as the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. The immense collection of ethnographic objects, especially by tribes in this region, make it well worth the $17 entry (or $9 on Tuesday evenings).

museum of anthropology haida bear statue

The most outstanding works are the towering sculptures and totem poles, made by BC First Nations artists. Bill Reid is celebrated for his carvings such as this Haida bear.

british columbia totem poles

The imagery is forceful, and tied to aboriginal legends. I’m always in awe at how the artists envisioned these figures, which seem to come from another world.

cedar man, museum anthropology statues

Totem poles and house posts usually depicted supernatural “crest animals,” which symbolized a clan or family’s history. These stylized forms were usually carved out of red cedar, and might include images of the Thunderbird, raven, wolf, eagle and salmon.

witchcraft print skirt, svnty etsy

On the other side of the world, the people of Easter Island made art with similar aims in mind (or so we think… there’s still so much that we don’t know!)

modern aboriginal indigenous art

The UBC Museum of Anthropology (MOA) also had extensive displays of modern First Nations art. One gallery showcased works by youths, in media like poems and photographs. I liked seeing the cute Japanese manga influence in this one.

native canadian masks

In the back, glass cases hold thousands of artifacts from tribes in Canada and worldwide. The British Columbian masks stand out from the rest, with their captivating patterns and expressions.

vancouver museum of anthropology masks

Walking through this room, you can feel the spiritual power of these objects. I noticed unique design elements, like a beak curled up to form a second face inside.

kwakwaka'wakw masks

These are by the Kwakwaka’wakw — try saying that three times fast. Doesn’t the mask with the flopped-hair look like an emo boy?

thunderbird costume vancouver

The MOA lets you compare indigenous art from all around world: Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Korea, China. These ranged from intricate costumes to… sticks.

bill reid ubc statue, raven and first men

Don’t miss this iconic sculpture by Bill Reid: The Raven and The First Men. It depicts the Haida creation story, where Raven opens a cockle shell and releases humans into the world.

university of british columbia anthro museum

Not a bad way to spend a summer day in Vancouver. Simply drive to the University of BC, and you’ll see signs pointing to the Museum of Anthropology. You can also explore the nearby beaches and Japanese garden. Then, you can get lunch near the waterfront, at Granville Island or on West 4th.

unique wood sunglasses, moathouse

All photos by Joey Wong, except the cat and iPhone snaps by La Carmina.

kill star model, fashion blogger

What do you think of my spooky Kill Star outfit of the day? I hope you enjoy these posts that combine fashion with something cultural and travel-related.

carved bc canadian art

Are you familiar with Pacific Northwest native art? Aren’t these forms impressive?

la carmina cat

Let’s turn the post over to my Scottish Fold cat. Basil Farrow wanted to take selfies with me, so I obliged.

svnty wood carved mobile cases

His flat-face is a bit like the Easter Island figures. Basil enjoyed sniffing the wood phone case.

division bell pink floyd cell case

When you order a case from SVNTY, you can request a custom name engraving. Mine is marked with La Carmina & The Pirates, in our logo font. There are several types of wood to choose from — including cherry, rosewood and maple — and the matte plastic border creates a snug fit.

cat with cat-eye shape sunglasses

It’s funny that this Moat House sunglasses shape is called “cat eye”… when my Scottish Fold is round all over. I suppose he’s more of an owl than a maoo.

moat house wooden eyewear

Moat House has glasses for both men and women, in a variety of modern designs. Check out their full collection and order from their site.

british sunglasses

Love supporting independent brands, and handmade local goods.

round fat face cat

Basil can’t wear sunglasses because he doesn’t have a nose or ears… but he insists on suntanning anyway.

vancouver buildings ocean reflection

I leave you with some of Joey Wong’s images of Vancouver. He says (and I agree): “Vancouver has to be one of the most underrated and undiscovered cities I’ve been to.”

“No doubt the geographical setting is one of the best in the world with the downtown core being enclosed by beach, sea, and mountains. The scenic beauty is stunning, the food is plentiful and fresh, multiculturalism is real, and I know very few other places where you can be hiking in the mountains and then 30 minutes later be chilling at the beach. It has the contradictions that keep things interesting: small city vibe + cosmopolitan flair, copious amount of wealth + Downtown Eastside, an old European history + a new Asian influence.”

vancouver beach at night, moonlight

“I am disappointed when people overlook Vancouver. It’s not that cold, and it definitely isn’t that wet. Just go. Actually, better yet, don’t. Keep the city a secret.”

So give it some thought. Perhaps you’ll run into me, shooting outfit photos!

43 Comments

  1. Grant
    Posted August 21, 2014 at 9:04 pm | Permalink

    Killstar!!! Jealous

  2. Lala
    Posted August 21, 2014 at 9:04 pm | Permalink

    Fabulous hair

  3. Panya
    Posted August 21, 2014 at 9:04 pm | Permalink

    I heard about the museum. I still have not got a chance to go but I want to.

  4. Gale
    Posted August 21, 2014 at 11:39 pm | Permalink

    Yes that is spot on, Vancouver is over-looked, I thought so too when I came to here in 2010. xxx

  5. zz
    Posted August 21, 2014 at 11:44 pm | Permalink

    fabulousssssssssssss

  6. Evil Katie
    Posted August 22, 2014 at 1:38 am | Permalink

    Love this!

  7. Anne
    Posted August 22, 2014 at 1:38 am | Permalink

    ! Love to be there

  8. Wei
    Posted August 22, 2014 at 3:43 pm | Permalink

    Cutie. That’s rad the wood Phone and glasses.

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 23, 2014 at 9:38 pm | Permalink

      natural living :)

    • Veronica
      Posted March 20, 2015 at 1:55 am | Permalink

      I think I found something similar on glassesonweb… And you can find more there… They have pretties :D

  9. Anais
    Posted August 22, 2014 at 8:12 pm | Permalink

    lovely skirt, great picture

  10. Ezz
    Posted August 22, 2014 at 8:14 pm | Permalink

    lovely !

  11. Hattie
    Posted August 22, 2014 at 8:25 pm | Permalink

    stunning

  12. Ekikabe
    Posted August 22, 2014 at 8:25 pm | Permalink

    夜分おそくにうるさくってごめんねっ♪

  13. Christopher
    Posted August 23, 2014 at 1:22 am | Permalink

    I love that brand.

  14. Reileen
    Posted August 23, 2014 at 9:30 pm | Permalink

    I’m totally digging the coffin purse and the skirt!

  15. Coralynn
    Posted August 23, 2014 at 9:30 pm | Permalink

    You’re so pretty!!! X3

  16. Lu-It
    Posted August 23, 2014 at 9:31 pm | Permalink

    <3

  17. Josephine
    Posted August 23, 2014 at 9:31 pm | Permalink

    I love your hair color!

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 23, 2014 at 9:39 pm | Permalink

      thanks! I guess I’ll keep it like this for a while!

  18. Kevin
    Posted August 23, 2014 at 9:31 pm | Permalink

    Basil!
    Basil!
    Basil!
    And, oh yeah, Basil!

  19. ISHI
    Posted August 24, 2014 at 1:12 am | Permalink

    I love your skirt! :)

  20. j.t.
    Posted August 24, 2014 at 1:12 am | Permalink

    U’re amazing <333

  21. Alma
    Posted August 24, 2014 at 1:12 am | Permalink

    Great look and perfect hair !

  22. Valeria
    Posted August 24, 2014 at 1:13 am | Permalink

    Just perfect!

  23. queen h
    Posted August 24, 2014 at 1:13 am | Permalink

    love your bag

  24. ABDRAHIM V.
    Posted August 24, 2014 at 1:13 am | Permalink

    Amazing !

  25. MelissaR
    Posted August 24, 2014 at 8:58 pm | Permalink

    Love this piece! Still have to take the hubby to see the Museum of Anthropology the next time we’re in Vancouver!!

  26. anni
    Posted August 25, 2014 at 6:20 pm | Permalink

    AMAZINGGGGGGGGG

  27. Aleci
    Posted August 26, 2014 at 12:05 am | Permalink

    Love those sideways paws and the round head!

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