Vamp Jenn's Corner

Spotlight on Eclipsed Emporium: A Goth Fashion Boutique in Long Beach

November 18, 2022March 18, 2024by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments

Inside Eclipsed Emporium (Model: Angelina Sambrotto/ Photo credit: Anabel D'Flux) — Inside Eclipsed Emporium (Model: Angelina Sambrotto/ Photo credit: Anabel D’Flux)

As a goth resident of Long Beach, California, I was thrilled when I heard about the new boutique that opened up for the darkly inclined fashionista, Eclipsed Emporium. It’s nestled in the borough of Bixby Knolls and, when it comes to this part of town, is the only one of its kind and a veritable jewel. Outside of Los Angeles, the only other goth apparel and accessory shop I knew of was Ipso Facto in Orange County. Now there’s a spot in my neck of the woods, and I’m here to share it with you.

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Events, Lifestyle, spirituality

Celebrating El Día de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

November 11, 2022November 29, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez17 Comments

Vamp Jenn at the Dia de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery — Vamp Jenn at the Día de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Since 2000, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles has been home to the largest Día de los Muertos celebration outside of Mexico, and I attended for the first time this year. For 2022, the festivities centered on Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility and the agave plant. There were separate daytime and nighttime events happening, and I went to the latter, Noche de los Muertos. It was an evening filled with beautiful performances, rituals, altars, and so much more.

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Dining & Drink, entertainment, Events, Performing Arts

House of Spirits: The Legend of Vaughan Hall

November 3, 2022November 17, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments

Vamp Jenn at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree hosted at Casa Vertigo in Los Angeles

For the Halloween season, I returned to the House of Spirits, and this time to explore the legend of Vaughan Hall. I attended on October 15^th, its first evening being open to the public. For 2022, the event took place at an entirely different venue in Los Angeles called Casa Vertigo. It offered up new live acts, performances, characters, cocktails and dark secrets.

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Dining & Drink, Nightlife

Beetle House LA’s Third Reincarnation Is the Best Yet

October 26, 2022January 26, 2023by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments

They say the third time’s a charm and I believe it’s true when it comes to Beetle House LA. The Halloween-inspired establishment has moved a total of three times since first opening in Hollywood in 2017. Its newest home is definitely bigger and better, and I have details and photos to share.

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music

Spotlight On A Time of Shadows: A Journey Into Gothic Horror Music

October 21, 2022December 8, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments

Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I album cover by A Time of Shadows — *Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I* album cover by A Time of Shadows

For your listening pleasure, we’re going to step into the world of A Time of Shadows whose music embodies elements of gothic horror and fantasy. Paul is the mastermind behind the project, and although the first album released in 2021, he’s already produced five full-length recordings. Of course, I’ve heard each one, and they’re the perfect backdrop for a haunting atmosphere. The newest LP, Ravenson Mansion Dark Secrets: Volume I, is accompanied by a novella that tells a sinister tale.

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Events

In Memoriam: A Victorian Mourning Exhibit Presented by Haunted Orange County

October 7, 2022November 3, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez20 Comments

Haunted Orange County kicked off October in a very fitting way. They hosted In Memoriam: A Victorian Mourning Exhibit during the first weekend of the month. The event was held at the historic Howe-Waffle Mansion in Santa Ana, Calif., which is known to have a few spirits of its own. I am absolutely fascinated with the Victorian period and made it a focus of my studies when I was working toward my MA in English, so I had to attend this exhibition, and it did not disappoint.

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music

Spotlight on In Isolation: Uniting 80s New Wave & Dark Alternative Beats

September 30, 2022November 10, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments

Albums | Singles| Soundtracks by In Isolation — *Albums | Singles| Soundtracks* by In Isolation

How the band, In Isolation, has gone under my radar for so many years, is beyond me, but I’m thrilled to have been able to experience their music recently. It’s a fascinating blend of ‘80s New Wave and dark alternative sounds. They debuted their first single, “The Wrong Girl,” in 2007 and have gone on to produce a wealth of songs. This past June, the group released their latest project, Albums | Singles| Soundtracks, which delivers a retrospective of their past 15 years creating music.

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entertainment, Events

Inside Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood

September 23, 2022October 20, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez13 Comments

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Hollywood has been in full-blown Halloween mode since launching Horror Nights on September 8th, and I attended during its second weekend of being open. Now, normally I wait to do this event closer to my birthday, but prices during October for the express pass increased like crazy, so to save some money, I decided to go earlier. Was it any less exciting attending in September? Not at all! Here’s a recap of this year’s festivities and what you can look forward to if you’re planning to check it out.

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Literature

12 Unusual Facts About Mary Shelley

August 28, 2022October 10, 2024by Jennifer Vasquez25 Comments

Portrait of Mary Shelley by Richard Rothwell

In 1818, Mary Shelley published her first major work, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. More than 200 years later, the novel is still popular among gothic horror fans. Not only has it sparked numerous movie adaptations, but the monster of the narrative has been the inspiration behind Halloween costumes, haunts and a Frankenstein-themed bar in the UK. The author also continues to be a prominent literary figure today, inspiring countless contemporary horror writers. There’s even an annual holiday commemorating her birthday and notorious book, Frankenstein Day on August 30^th. To pay homage to the author, here are 12 interesting facts about Mary Shelley that may surprise you.

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Events

Midsummer Scream Thrills & Chills

August 12, 2022August 27, 2022by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments

Cross Roads Escape Games at Midsummer Scream

For the first time in three years, Midsummer Scream made its long-awaited return to Long Beach, CA! After having to cancel the event in 2020 and move to a smaller venue in 2021, the Halloween and horror convention had its homecoming in 2022. If you don’t know, the event spans across a three-day weekend, featuring discussion panels, celebrity interviews, haunts, vendors and other activities geared toward the spooky community. I’ve been looking forward to it for months and am here to share details of my experience.

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