In mythology, the owl is a fierce creature, wise and omniscient. In best-selling fiction, it's Harry Potter's trusted pet and intelligence agent. And the bird's swooping into fashion.

These nocturnal birds of prey are of a more subtle, stylized nature than the grotesque skulls of trends past.

For a sweeter take, there's Eleanor Grosch's skimmer shoes by Keds. The graphic artist, who's garnered a rep for her whimsical rock posters, peppered her sneaks with rows of owls.

Or what about the retro-styled "wise owl" bank? Urban Outfitters' cornflower-blue ceramic makes it look like you've been saving for decades.

In fact, much of the jewelry, like Anthropologie's charm necklace or Kris Nations' hand-carved ring, looks as if it's been pilfered from mom's forgotten cache.