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They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but what about pyrite...quartz...chinese crystal? Or how about reclaimed vintage materials? If I had my choice, I'd pick precious gemstones and unique vintage detailing over carats! This is one of the reasons I love Hibou Accessories so much; they add a luxe touch to any outfit without breaking the bank and are always conversation-pieces. I met Hibou designer Amarina Norris years ago and we've had an amazing friendship heavily rooted in our mutual love for vintage clothing, kitty cats, unique style, nostalgia, dance parties and lady-stuff. So when I was ready to open up Girl on the Wing I couldn't wait to ask her for some of her beautiful jewelry to sell! 

Each piece is carefully handcrafted by Amarina herself at her Toronto east-end studio and feature vintage materials mixed with high-quality gems and metals. I would describe her pieces as simple, yet interesting. Classic, yet trendy. Feminine, yet strong. 

Like most designers, Amarina has an impressive background and resume that have prepared her for total fashion industry takeover! Trained in Fashion Design, Amarina specialized in plus-size fashion and while working for years in retail she decided she wanted to dedicate her energy to improving the attitudes towards plus-size shopping. As an inspiring advocate for real-not-ideal beauty standards and positive body image, Amarina first made waves with her fashion blog that showcased her own style and confidence. After gaining an impressive following, she decided to take many of her passions and put them together into one business. In July 2013, Amarina opened Ursa Major, an online vintage plus-size clothing shop. Her pieces are all amazing, affordable, unique and sizes 14 and up. She also uses the site to sell her handmade jewelry. 

We're so happy to have her work in the shop, not only because it's beautiful and well-made, but because Amarina is a successful and inspiring female entrepreneur. Check out some of her pieces we have in shop and be sure to come by and see them in person! We are loving her recent move into hand-embroidered necklaces and her ever-evolving gem collections.

With the fall season upon us and the spooky times just beginning, I've been craving some hocus pocus in my life. I've always loved witchy style and black magic fashion and love this time of year for trying out some darker looks.

At the shop we're feeling very inspired and longing for layers of black in different textures, big brimmed hats and cozy tights with little ankle booties.

On a pop culture note, the new season of American Horror Story has started and this time it's all about witches. Best moment so far was when the "Supreme" witch Jessica Lange tells them all to put on something black and they all emerge with floppy black hats, shades and the moodiest outfits.

Check out some visual inspirations here and keep an eye out for our Witchy window display, which will be unveiled for our Fall Launch party this Friday. 

P.S. Need a halloween costume? Be a high-fashion witch! No need for a fake nose or green makeup...just deck yourself out in black, get some dark lipstick and cast moody glances at everyone all night long.