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From the shadowed beauty of New Orleans, one of the most haunted cities in the world, artist Monique Lula unveils a breathtaking piece from her Gothic Jewelry Collection — a bat necklace with a glowing purple opal cross centerpiece. This hauntingly elegant creation merges Victorian romance with modern craftsmanship, inspired by the city’s ancient cemeteries, ornate tombs, and timeless air of mystery.
The necklace in the image below can be found here: Bat Necklace
Each necklace is handmade in Monique’s New Orleans studio, where every element is chosen for its symbolism and style. The bat — a classic gothic motif — spreads its wings above a luminescent purple opal cross that glows in the dark, capturing the supernatural beauty of twilight and moonlight on marble crypts. The bat has an aurora borealis style metallic finish on the parts and chains.The design pays homage to Victorian mourning jewelry, yet its sleek lines and modern materials make it perfect for today’s gothic fashion lovers.
The Gothic Bat Necklace embodies everything that defines Monique Lula’s artistry: a fusion of elegance, mystery, bats, and a touch of the paranormal. Every glow and flicker of the opal reflects her devotion to craftsmanship and her deep connection to New Orleans’ ghostly charm.
Today I visited the resting place of one of New Orleans’ most beloved and legendary gothic authors — Anne Rice.
The cool autumn air whispered through the oak trees of Metairie Cemetery as I walked among marble angels, weeping willows, and shadowed tombs. The sun broke softly through the clouds, and it felt like the perfect All Souls’ Day — a moment suspended between worlds, just as Anne would have written it.
Fans brought flowers, her novels,pumpkins and other mementos , while some wrote letters to her and this was the first photograph I took upon arrival.
The Queen of Gothic Literature
Anne Rice (1941–2021) forever changed the landscape of gothic fiction with Interview with the Vampire, her groundbreaking 1976 novel that introduced the world to Louis, Lestat, and the immortal melancholy of New Orleans’ darkly romantic underworld. The novel — later adapted into a film and TV series — became the cornerstone of The Vampire Chronicles, a sweeping saga that fused philosophy, sensuality, and the supernatural.
Her stories weren’t merely about vampires — they were meditations on love, grief, faith, and immortality. She brought New Orleans to life as a character itself: humid, haunted, and heartbreakingly beautiful. Beyond her vampires, she also wrote about witches, ghosts, and angels, always exploring the sacred and the profane with her signature elegance and empathy.
The Tomb in Metairie Cemetery
After decades of literary fame and a life spent in devotion to her art, Rice returned to her beloved New Orleans in eternal rest. Her family tomb, built before her death, stands in Metairie Cemetery — a grand white stone mausoleum bearing the name RICE in bold letters above its doors. It is both solemn and majestic, a fitting final home for the woman who gave the city its modern gothic soul.
Inside rest Anne Rice herself, her husband Stan Rice, and their daughter Michele, who passed away tragically at the age of five. Michele was the inspiration for the haunting child vampire Claudia in Interview with the Vampire. After Anne’s passing, her daughter’s remains were moved from California to New Orleans, reunited at last with her parents in the tomb Anne designed.
If you look through the glass doors of her tomb you can see a lovely stained glass window illuminating their resting place with the beautiful phrase: “May perpetual light shine upon them O Lord.”
Stan Rice: The Poet Beside Her
Stan Rice (1942–2002) was not only Anne’s husband but an accomplished poet and painter in his own right. He served as a professor at San Francisco State University and published several volumes of poetry, often exploring the same themes of death and transcendence that Anne wove into her novels. His words — powerful, raw, and deeply human — are engraved on the side of the family tomb, a lasting testament to the love and creative bond they shared.
Standing before their tomb, I could feel the intertwining legacies of their lives — two artists whose work reflected beauty in darkness, and whose love story was as eternal as their characters.
A Gothic All Souls’ Day
My visit today felt like a pilgrimage. The gentle breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves and flowers left by admirers. The marble glowed softly in the afternoon light as crows circled lazily above the ancient oaks. It was peaceful, reverent, and hauntingly beautiful — everything one might expect from a visit to the resting place of New Orleans’ gothic queen.
As I filmed and took photos among the tombs, I couldn’t help but think that Anne Rice would have loved this day — the quiet reverence, the artistry of decay, and the endless inspiration found in the Crescent City’s cemeteries.
In death, as in life, Anne Rice continues to remind us that beauty and darkness are never far apart — and in New Orleans, they dance together forever beneath the shade of the live oaks. 🌙🖤
— by Monique Lula, All Souls’ Day in New Orleans 2025
If your idea of perfect bathroom decor includes a touch of humor, a hint of darkness, and a lot of gothic charm, then you’ll love my “Ghost on Toilet” wall print — a cute yet spooky artwork of a little ghost sitting peacefully on the toilet, reading a book titled Scary Stories. It’s gothic, funny, and oddly relaxing — the kind of art that makes guests smile and fits perfectly into a dark romantic bathroom aesthetic.
🕯️ A Touch of Gothic Whimsy
This print captures what I love most about gothic art — the balance between darkness and charm. It’s not gruesome or grim; it’s cozy and mysterious, like something you’d find hanging in a haunted cottage with good taste. The black-and-white tones make it blend beautifully with moody bathrooms, vintage powder rooms, or even modern spaces that need a little personality.
Each piece is printed on museum-quality paper with rich ink contrast, so the details — the folds of the ghost’s little book, the shadows of the bathroom wall — all pop beautifully.
You can find this design and other spooky-chic home decor pieces in my shop, LulasBoutique.com
🖤 Why Every Gothic Bathroom Needs a Ghost
Bathrooms are sacred spaces for self-care and solitude — so why not make them magical? A small piece of art like this brings personality and laughter to a place that’s often overlooked in home decor. The ghost embodies that playful gothic spirit: hauntingly adorable, a little mischievous, and unapologetically weird.
🕸️ Complete the Look
If you’re decorating a gothic bathroom and want to turn your everyday space into something straight out of a dark fairytale, be sure to check out my full guide:
It’s filled with ideas for gothic mirrors, floor mats, lace curtains, and more — all with easy links to shop the look.
Pair it with black lace curtains, black candles, and you’ve got a bathroom that’s part spa, part séance.
💀 Final Thoughts
The “Ghost on Toilet” wall print is more than bathroom humor — it’s gothic art with personality. It reminds us that even spooky souls enjoy a little downtime with a good book. Hang it above your toilet, near your vanity, or next to a candlelit bathtub, and watch how it transforms your space from ordinary to eerily enchanting.
There was a time when black Christmas trees were considered rebellious—something only the boldest souls dared to display. But thanks to the haunting beauty of The Nightmare Before Christmas and the unforgettable charm of Jack Skellington, what was once “spooky season only” has become a year-round aesthetic for gothic hearts. The generation that fell in love with Tim Burton’s eerie wonderland in the 1990s has grown up—and we’ve brought that shadowy magic into our homes, where dark meets twinkle, and the holidays finally feel like us.
Today, the black Christmas tree has gone mainstream. It’s no longer a novelty—it’s a statement. A symbol that says: Christmas can be elegant, dramatic, and delightfully dark. Whether you’re decorating a cozy apartment or a grand Victorian home, your black tree can shimmer with red, green, silver, and even black ornaments for that perfectly balanced gothic glow.
Let’s build one together.
🖤 1. The Black Tree
Your foundation is the black tree itself. You can find artificial black trees in a variety of sizes—from tabletop minis to towering 7-foot centerpieces. Look for one with full, lush branches that can handle heavier ornaments and lights. Matte black gives a true Victorian mourning aesthetic, while glossy black branches reflect light beautifully and create depth in photos.
What You’ll Need:
Black artificial Christmas tree (matte or glossy finish)
Tree stand or base
Optional: artificial snow spray for frosted gothic vibes
Lighting transforms your tree from dark to dazzling. For a gothic-glam look, try red or warm white LED strands. If you’re going full Tim Burton, alternate between green and purple bulbs for a hauntingly festive effect. Wrap lights from the base upward, weaving them deep into the branches for an inner glow that radiates outward.
What You’ll Need:
2–3 strands of LED Christmas lights (red, green, purple, or warm white)
Extra batteries or extension cords
Optional: color-changing LED bulbs for a dynamic look
This is where your creativity shines. Mix traditional Christmas colors—red and green—with silver and black ornaments for dimension and contrast. Think shimmering glass balls, matte black spheres, red velvet ribbons, and even skull or bat accents. You can even DIY some with metallic paint or glitter glue for a custom, witchy touch. Monique Lula makes some glow in the dark ornaments.
Your topper sets the tone for the entire tree. A classic star works, but if you’re leaning into the dark holiday aesthetic, try something unique: a silver crescent moon, a black glittered bat, or a small Jack Skellington head. For a witchy vibe, a raven or bat makes a hauntingly perfect statement.
What You’ll Need:
Either Traditional or Gothic Topper (bat, raven, star, or custom DIY piece)
The finishing touch grounds your entire look. A black velvet or lace tree skirt adds elegance and frames your decor like a dark stage curtain. If you want something more whimsical, use a red satin or faux fur skirt for a pop of contrast—or even layers of black tulle for drama.
What You’ll Need:
Black, red, or silver tree skirt
Optional: fabric roses or fairy lights around the base
What started as a fringe aesthetic has now become part of the modern holiday tradition. The 1990s generation grew up surrounded by Burtonesque wonder—Jack and Sally dancing under snowflakes, proving that darkness and joy can coexist. Now, those same kids have families, and they’re teaching their children that Christmas doesn’t have to be all red and green—it can be mysterious, romantic, and deeply personal.
Every black Christmas tree tells a story. It’s about embracing who you are, celebrating in your own way, and adding a bit of moonlight to the season. Whether you top yours with a bat or a star, one thing is certain: the gothic Christmas tree is here to stay—and it’s never looked more beautiful.
Final Touch: Play “This Is Halloween” softly while decorating, sip a cup of peppermint mocha in a black mug, and watch your tree come alive. After all, in the world of Gothic Darling, every night can be a little bit Christmas—and every Christmas, a little bit Halloween.
Your gothic bedroom needs a black vanity. It’s more than just a spot to do your makeup; it sets a mood and shows off your unique style. Whether you find an old one at a thrift store and paint it black or get a brand-new one online, you will cherish and love it for many years.
🕸️ Finding the Forgotten
If you are the crafty type you can find any old vanity and paint it black and restore it, but that is not for everyone. Every goth girl knows the thrill of spotting something forgotten and unloved. Finding a chipped vintage vanity tucked away in a corner of an antique store in New Orleans, waiting for someone who sees its potential. And with a little sanding, a fresh coat of matte black paint, you can turn an antique piece into something beautiful.
Or do like most of us and just order it online LOL
🖤 Modern Black Vanity Magic
Of course, not everyone wants to spend their weekend covered in paint, and that’s okay — the modern black vanity scene is full of stunning options. Some have built-in lights that cast that perfect moody glow, ideal for perfecting your eyeliner or just admiring your reflection while listening to The Cure.
Whichever way you go a black vanity is the correct choice.
💀 Details of the Dark
No gothic vanity is complete without the right accessories. A coffin-shaped makeup brush holder is the perfect touch, I used my 3D printer to make one, but you can get them online! Add a skull-shaped brush jar for your eyeliners and glosses, if you have a 3d printer, print one… and you’ve got your setup balanced between beauty and the macabre.
Scatter a few candles, some black roses, and suddenly your vanity looks like it belongs in a haunted mansion.
💀🕯️ Dark Beauty Essentials: Coffin & Skull Makeup Brush Holders for Your Black Vanity 🖤
These are the two coolest things I could find when looking for gifts for my friends and myself… A black vanity by itself is stunning, but when you add the right accessories like a coffin-shaped makeup brush holder or a skull-shaped brush jar it just looks awesome.
⚰️ The Coffin Brush Holder
There’s something oddly satisfying about keeping your brushes in a tiny coffin. It looks so cool. Whether it’s made on a 3d printer or wood, the coffin brush holder it just the right thing you need.
It’s not just about looks — it’s about atmosphere. The shape itself feels symbolic, like a playful nod to mortality wrapped in beauty. It’s the kind of thing Morticia Addams would casually place beside her mirror, probably while sipping black coffee and humming along to Bauhaus.
💀 The Skull Brush Holder
If the coffin is subtle and sleek, the skull brush holder is pure attitude. It’s dramatic, defiant, and endlessly cool. Each skull-shaped jar feels like a work of gothic art — part sculpture, part utility. When filled with makeup brushes, it gives the illusion that creativity is literally spilling out of the mind.
Placed next to a coffin holder, the two create the perfect pairing — life and death, beauty and decay.
🕯️ Final Thoughts
A black vanity is more than a piece of furniture — it’s a reflection of who you are. Whether you’ve transformed an antique or fallen in love with a modern one, it becomes your personal stage, your mirror, your muse. Add a few skulls, a coffin brush holder, and a touch of candlelight, and suddenly the ordinary becomes extraordinary — beauty born from the dark.
Black lipstick has long been one of the most recognizable symbols of gothic beauty. From the early days of 1980s goth subculture to today’s modern dark fashion icons, this bold shade continues to represent confidence, rebellion, and mystery. It’s more than just makeup—it’s an attitude.
Wearing black lipstick instantly transforms your look, adding depth and drama with a single swipe. The key to pulling it off flawlessly?
Start by exfoliating your lips and applying a thin layer of balm or primer to create a smooth canvas. Use a lip liner to define your shape and prevent smudging, then apply your favorite black lipstick—matte for a classic vampire vibe, or glossy for a modern, enchanted twist.
Whether you’re heading to a concert, a photoshoot in a haunted cemetery, or just want to channel your inner dark queen, black lipstick never goes out of style. It’s the finishing touch that says: I’m not afraid of the dark—I wear it proudly. 🖤
Black is lipstick is so goth. It’s one of the most recognizable elements of goth makeup, symbolizing mystery, confidence, and a love for the darker aesthetic. It’s been worn by goth icons since the 1980s, from Siouxsie Sioux to modern influencers, and it pairs beautifully with dark clothing, lace, leather, or even Victorian-inspired looks.
That said, it’s not only for goths — anyone can wear black lipstick as a bold fashion statement, for Halloween, a night out, or just self-expression.
Ready, set, go! Give your ride a wicked upgrade with skull head gear shift knobs! 💀🔥 Whether you’re cruising at night or parked under the streetlights, these skull shifters catch every eye with their spooky cool style. Each one has that perfect mix of spooky and cool. It’s not just a shift knob… it’s a statement. 🖤
From chrome silver skulls to glowing neon colors, there’s a design for every kind of dark soul on the road. Some even have LED eyes that light up as you drive! 😈✨
You can match them with your car’s color interior, theme or mix it up with red, purple, or black.
With a skull gear shift knob, your car becomes an extension of your personality — mysterious, bold, and totally unique. 🚗💀 So go ahead, shift in style, and let your dark side ride with you wherever the road takes you.
Use black bats fluttering across your walls. Let candlelight flickering against deep velvet fabrics, and art prints bring mystery and romance to your personal spaces. This will be perfect for those who find comfort in the shadows and elegance in the night. 🌙
From hauntingly beautiful wall art to glow-in-the-dark gothic décor, each piece is handmade in New Orleans by artist Monique Lula, the original creator of Glowies. ✨
Her creations capture that dreamy vibe. The glow, is a little romantic, and entirely enchanting when combined with goth decor.
Imagine bats, and a glow moon that softly illuminate your bedroom when the lights go out, giving your space a warm, supernatural glow.
Great for the bedroom Monique’s pieces bring a artistic touch of handmade artistry and Crescent City soul to your bedroom. 💜🕯️
Each design carries the spirit of New Orleans — mysterious, magical, and timeless. Surround yourself with gothic beauty that glows, and let your room come alive after dark.
From elegant black bat wall art to enchanting glow-in-the-dark decor handmade in New Orleans by Monique Lula, every piece adds a touch of dark romance and mystery. Imagine your room bathed in soft LED light, reflecting off midnight-black sheets and skull pillows — the perfect balance of spooky and cozy. It’s where beauty meets the macabre…🌙✨
You can find everything you need to bring your gothic bedroom to life. Each handmade creation carries that authentic New Orleans vibe. Whether you’re drawn to Victorian vampire vibes or modern witch charm, this decor makes your personal space ooh so Goth.. 🔮
Perfect for lovers of Halloween, spooky aesthetics, and elegant darkness all year long. 💀🕯️
Turn your old bedroom into a new gothic haven glowing with enchantment.
When I got my house I couldn’t wait to begin decorating it for Halloween year-round!
Yes, I have skull lights in my yard all the time. There’s something so hauntingly beautiful about skull-shaped yard lights glowing along my walkway at night. 💀✨
These gothic path lights turn any patio into a mysterious place to relax, like something straight out of a haunted mansion in New Orleans. The warm, eerie glow casts the perfect shadows across the ground, lighting your way with a touch of dark magic. Whether it’s Halloween night or just another moonlit evening, these skull lights keep the spooky season alive year-round. 🌙🕯️
Each skull is a little work of art and detailed, they are durable, and weather-resistant for years of use. Line them up along your walkway, on the porch…. circle them around your garden, or place them by your front steps for a spooky welcome. They’re perfect for those who believe Halloween isn’t just a holiday, its a way of life!👻
Here in New Orleans, I keep mine glowing all year long. Between the flicker of gas lamps and the charm of old oak trees, these skull lights fit right in. 🖤🌒
Whether you’re decorating for Halloween or embracing your spooky soul daily, these lights look great in any yard at night.
Gothic toddler dresses that light up with LEDs are the ultimate mix of spooky and adorable! Imagine your little one twirling around in a glowing dress that shimmers in Halloween hues like eerie green, haunting purple, fiery orange, and blood-red. These dresses are not only eye-catching but also a fun and safe way for kids to shine during trick-or-treating, fall festivals, or spooky photoshoots. Each one feels like it came straight out of a fairytale haunted castle — a tiny vampire princess moment that every goth mommy will love. 🦇✨
Perfect as a Halloween gift or a “just because” surprise, these dresses bring dark elegance to the next generation of spooky fashion lovers. The LED lights softly illuminate the tulle, lace, and velvet layers, creating a magical glow that’s both whimsical and witchy. Picture bats embroidered on the skirt, a tiny satin bow at the collar, or a spiderweb pattern that lights up when she walks — every detail adds to the gothic charm while keeping things comfy and child-friendly.
For goth moms who adore unique, handmade style, this is the dream dress for their little vampire or bat queen. It’s not just clothing — it’s wearable magic that celebrates creativity, individuality, and the fun of standing out. Whether for Halloween night, a costume party, or a moonlit family photo shoot, these light-up gothic toddler dresses make every child sparkle with mysterious, otherworldly beauty. 🖤🌙
