The fandom clothing of my dreams: Black Milk

I love clothes with subtle hint of the fandoms I adore. I love dark blue dresses with a hint of Ravenclaw magic or light fabric with patterns of stars and galaxies. I love anything that isn't too obvious or too loud; little signs that only fellow witches and wizards will recognise.

And that's why I adore Black Milk Clothing; an Australian clothing company specialising in fandom clothing, often with Gothic undertones. Their designs are beautiful – a little pricey definitely, but well worth their costs and I've been loving adding a few pieces to my wardrobe. They're actually among my most treasured possessions.

Take for instance this kimono, this dress – or this perfectly contemporary Ravenclaw suspender dress they recently released. Everything's so beautiful and well-thought out. And I'm always dreaming of more of their items to add to my wardrobe ... 

If you're considering ordering from them, be aware though: They ship from Australia, and in Denmark at least, that equals a pretty substantial import duty. I always use my country's official guidelines to figure out what the fee will be and try to take it into consideration before ordering. That way there's no ugly surprises.

Unboxing: LitJoy Magical Edition Year 6!

This is a review/unboxing of LitJoy's Magical Edition year 6; an amazing subscription box based on the Harry Potter series. This one revolves around Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Beware: spoilers ahead!

I've never known what to think about subscription boxes. While I've never been able to resist the pull of a magic surprise, I've also been hesistant. Worried that a subscription box with items I haven't chosen for myself wouldn't measure up to the money spent; and worried that I'd be taking part of creating unnessecary waste, buying items I don't really need.

But after watching earlier unboxings of LitJoy's Magical Editions, my hesitance disappeared. Their boxes are beautifully curated, filled to the brim with wonders and enchantments. They're worth their price. 

My box arrived at the end of last week. And it didn't disappoint at all. 

The attention to detail in every item is incredible. This is clearly a box made for fans by other fans. Not only is this Slytherin locket perfectly book accurate; it also came with a tiny note by R.A.B. I absolutely adored it.

Like many items in this book, the locket is a LitJoy exclusive. 

When I opened the box I was met by a tiny flicker of pink. Packed in a gorgeous box was a fluffy pygmy puff in a pink cage. It looked exactly like something from the bright shelves of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes; and it even came with a colourful certificate of adoption. And while I do already own a pygmy puff, this is nothing alike. I'm happy to adopt yet another pink fluffball! The pygmy puff is a LitJoy exclusive. 

The box also contained another pink item. Something that scented the air with notes of roses and orange blossoms; an Amortentia candle made by Say Anything Studio. I love the fact that it isn't just a  decorative potion bottle, but an useful item. With a gorgeous smell at that. 

Carefully wrapped in an anonymous brown box, I found this item. A tiny music box with carefully carved illustrations of soaring phoenixes and a lid with an unforgettable quote. I turned the silvery handle and heard a tune that almost made me cry; the soft sound of nostalgia and iconic movie moments. It was so beautifully done. And perhaps my favourite item of them all.

Beautifully carved art by Maggie Rose.

Every subscription box comes with pins; and I have no idea of what to do with them. I'm not a pin collector though there's quite a few wonderful ones. In this box there was a Pensive pin by Dust & Pages. Though I consider it a bit useless, it's very beautiful. The middle spins and everything!

LitJoy also delighted their subscribers with a phone stand in the shape of Gaunt's ring with the resurrection stone glinting in the middle. This is such a creative and fun idea, though I almost can't bring myself to use it ... The phone stand is a LitJoy exclusive.

I giggled when I opened yet another brown box and saw this tiny shot glass. Designed in the shape of a butterbeer mug and with a very cute engraving of Aragog, this is such a fun item. A perfect way to remember the great spider by. The shotglas is designed by Catarina Book Designs.

Another item I fell absolutely in love with is this book sleve. With a detailed, purple-toned illustration of the Room of Requirement, it was an instant favourite – and my first book sleeve too. Now I have the perfect way to protect my books. The book sleeve is designed by Yessi Draws.

Ever since I was a child I've wanted an overflowing bookcase that opens up to a hidden room; empty book covers hiding old mysteries, and secret notes stuck in-between pages. There's something oddly poetic about using other people's stories to cover up your own ... 

And so, I gasped when I saw this hollow book designed by Holly Dunn. And when I opened the book up I was greeted by the unmistaken glimmer of Felix Felicis. Or, at least an interpretation of it. The idea is simple, but the presentation is stunning. Especially as the potion bottle comes with a stand for display purposes. 

The potion bottle and stand are LitJoy exclusives. 

Just when I thought the box was empty, more items showed up. Including this silver envelope with an invitation to Slughorn's Christmas Party! It's one of my absolute favourite items and looks like something straight out of the books. I almost feel like framing it. 

The Christmas Party invitation is a  LitJoy exclusive. 

On the photo beneath you can see a beautiful collection of trading cards. They're always included in LitJoy boxes, and while they may not be strictly useful they're certainly beautiful. I especially adore  Gabriella Bujdosó's untraditional take on Slughorn.

The box also contained a wooden bookmark designed by Nan Fe; an oddly alluring depiction of Bellatrix Lestrange. It's art on a bookmark.

One can never get too many tote bags, right? This colourful tote bag shows off products from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes on one side and Fred and George on another side. It's so detailed and in a lovely leathery material. It's designed by Melody Howe.

As seen on the photo below, there were more bookmarks in the books. These three are magnetic bookmarks and they're LitJoy exclusives. I absolutely adore the Slughorn one – and I love that Lavender Brown is represented as well. 

Lastly, the box contained a beautiful print by Rob Bruno. It's a portrait of Dumbledore; looking strangely peaceful and completely accurate. I love this milder depiction of Dumbledore, showing his gentleness instead of the movie's fierceness. 

The spoiler card is quite photogenic and is presented as a security folder on how to avoid Death Eaters. Could it be any more magical? 

Owl post #4: My latest Etsy-Finds

Obviously I love Harry Potter merchandise. I love searching for particular items and owning a piece of the magic. However, the thing I love the most is handmade merchandise made by fans for fans. Talented people who use their love for the Harry Potter series to bring joy to others.

Etsy is such a treasure vault of talented creators who sell unique handmade items. I love exploring Etsy, often spending more than I had intended but gaining such wonderful items in return. Here's some of my latest Etsy-Finds; 

When I randomly tried to search for "Ravenclaw necklace" on Etsy, I had not expected to find anything extraordinary. But I did. Because I discovered the magician that is DarklingBeloved. She specialises in jewelry, selling otherworldly creations fit for elves, witches and vampires. 

I particular fell in love with this Ravenclaw necklace. Its blue colour is just perfect and so, so deep. The perfect accessory for proud Ravenclaws – and she sells Slytherin versions too!

Find the Etsy store here and their Instagram here.

I've been following Jana and her store Worn Keys Emporium for a long time. She is one of the most talented creators I've ever stumbled upon; crafting the cutest pygmy puffs, selling art and dolls, and of course winged keys. I've wanted one of her winged keys for a while and finally settled on this Ravenclaw key. When it arrived I was amazed by its many details and shine. The photo definitely doesn't do it justice.

You can visit Jana's Etsy store here or see her creations on Instagram here. She recently took commissions through her Instagram so definitely keep an eye out.

Do let me know: Which Harry Potter items have you found on Etsy recently? I'd love to discover more magical stores!

Owl Post #3: Something sparkly

Owls have found their way to my apartment; bearing heavy packages filled with magic and wonders. Recently I ordered something sparkling from QVC and I thought I'd show you as these items already have brought me so much joy.

I was almost blinded when I opened this package and removed the wrapping paper; what felt like a million little sequins shone back at me in the shape of this raven handbag. I tend to use cross-body bags on most occasions and this one was too beautiful to pass up. 

Not only does Danielle Nicole design the most unique and fun handbags; she adds such an impressing amount of detail too. From the Hogwarts crest zipper to the glinting raven eye, this handbag is just enchanting. The size is perfect too – so roomy and easy to fit all my essentials in. I'm completely in love with this bag!

I've been eyeing Alex & Ani's beautiful range of Harry Potter jewelry for quite some time. Their playful universe of elegantly understated necklaces, bracelets and earrings is so alluring. Sadly I haven't found their full jewelry range anywhere than American sites and custom charges is such a nightmare for me when ordering outside of the European borders.

That's why I didn't hesitate when I saw this silvery necklace on sale. It's a long chain with a incredibly detailed Hogwarts crest; silver mixed with a little gold. I'm completely in love with it; it's subtle enough for everyday wear with the perfect amount of magic.

Now, if only this necklace could be available in Europe in the future ... 

Primark bargains!

During Easter I was lucky enough to go to Dublin. It was my first time in Ireland, and I immediately fell in love with the bustling city with musicians on every street corner, crowded pubs and the lights around the lovely river of Liffey during the night. It is such a beautiful city and experiencing it was a true delight.

One of the advantages of visiting Dublin was that I finally was able to revisit Primark, or Penney's as it is called in Ireland. Primark has such a great range of Harry Potter clothing. Their designs are lovely and the prices are cheap. It's almost irresistible. 

In any case, I wasn't able to resist. I bought a nice little stack of tops and socks – and I would have bought a lot more, if my suitcase could hold it. Here's what I bought home to Denmark: 

... These socks! The Honeydukes-themed ones came in a pack of three, all with lovely pastel designs. The acceptance letter ones were on sale and they're made in the softest fabric imaginable. They were a bargain too. 

... These tops are so lovely! I had been eyeing the Ravenclaw Quidditch jumper for quite some time, so it was lovely to find it in the store. It's quite comfy and I just love the Quidditch design. The other top was really an impulse buy, but I think it will be perfect for summer.

One thing I love about Primark's Harry Potter range is how detailed it is. Just look at those quite clothing tags! It couldn't be more magical.

... Another thing I had had my eye on for a while was this Ravenclaw night shirt. I just love the design of it; it's perfectly loose and comfy, and it has so many lovely Ravenclaw details – such as the crest, the raven and the C. Chang name tag in the back. And it reminds me of something the Hogwarts students would actually sleep in and wear around their dorm. I'm so happy that it was in stock when I visited!

In reality, I could have bought so much more, but I had to restrain myself as I only traveled with carry on luggage. Visiting a Primark store is such a rare treat for someone who lives in a country where Primark items only can be bought at overprice through eBay. I feel so grateful that I was able to purchase the items I had been dreaming of. It seems the stock changes as quickly as the wind.

Owl Post #2: Wizarding essentials!

I recently ordered from The Warner Brothers Studio Tour webshop (what a horribly long name), and got some wizarding essentials delivered by owl post, directly to my doorstep. The shipping was surprisingly fast – it took the owl less than a week to cross the ocean. 

I thought I'd share my purchases with you. So here's what I ordered, straight from Diagon Alley: 

This gorgeous Ravenclaw sweatshirt was actually the reason why I placed an order in the first place. I've been regretting not buying it ever since I went to the studio tour in October, so I decided it was finally time to rectify it. And it was the best decision. This sweatshirt is incredibly soft and comfy; perfect for a cosy day at home. I ordered it in a size M, and it has a comfortably loose fit. Just how I like it, honestly!

And speaking of comfiness: I ordered some knee-high Ravenclaw socks as well. I love knee-highs when wandering around at home, so I'm sure these will bring me joy.

"Anything from the trolley, dears?" Yes please! I can never resist the bright colours and the fun names of the wizarding treats. The packaging alone is reason enough to spent some hard-earned Galleons. This time I ordered Exploding Bonbons, Fudge Flies, Sherbet Lemons and of course, Peppermint Toads, my favourite.