It's a pirate's life!

Hunt Slonem watercolor painting; Skull lamp from Blackman Cruz; DL & Co.'s Opium Poppy Candle, in a limited edition black glass floral design bowl signed by the artist, available through Unica Home.

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As the holiday frenzy dies down, and decorations are stowed, thoughts in Tampa quickly turn to the upcoming Gasparilla Invasion which officially begins on Jan. 19, with the big extraganza happening on Jan. 26.

Here at TopsyTurvy, we try not to focus on the nasty history of Jose Gaspar, the pirate who reportedly captured and burned at least 36 ships during his career. He did give the captive crews the option of joining his ranks or walking the plank; but the ladies didn't have much of a say in their destiny. (And, we'll leave it at that.)

From the late 18th century until 1821, the Spanish aristocrat-turned-pirate lived an adventurous life as an outlaw in the coastal waters off West Florida. In 1904, Tampa's leaders deemed that the legend of Gasparilla would be a fun theme for the city's first May celebration. Gaspar was adopted as the "patron rogue" of what has since become a huge annual carnival. What this means to most Tampans today is: parades, pirates, boats, concerts, and more parties than you can count.

Hunt Slonem watercolor painting; Armchair with hand painted fabric, from Serbian textile and furniture designer Draga Obradovic*; Emma Bracelet 3, Erickson Beamon black leather and crystal cuff bracelet, from Miami's Base Annex.**

*as seen on Poppytalk
** as seen in Florida InsideOut

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Of course, a pirate theme is so festive for any get-together. Skulls, which are still a chic theme in home decor and fashion, are the perfect way to accessorize your home. And you can still find great skull jewelry for a stylish but not too silly take on the revelry and merriment. We'd add some parrots too, for colorful and pretty accents to the maudlin mix.

For a house party, we'd have to have a painting or two by Hunt Slonem, our favorite avian artist (more on Mr. Slonem, his art and his homes in an upcoming TT feature.) We think that any of his watercolors of exotic birds would make a brilliant backdrop for some skull-duggery!

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More booty any swashbuckler or his lady would love to plunder...



Angel Charm skull earrings from Tampa's own Nicole Khristine,* 18k green and rose gold with black spinels and diamonds; Necklace from Terhi Tolvanen**, a seaworthy creation of wood, glass, silver, and textile.

* as seen in Tampa Bay Illustrated
**as seen on Ullabenulla.

Celtic Cross Bracelet, 14k gold with sandalwood beads, Base Annex; Key Gunmetal Necklace, Base Annex; Faith Ring from Nicole Khristine, 18k green gold and blackened silver with black onyx and rubies.

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