tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33749407375274685992024-03-13T10:21:24.384-07:005th Avenue Gotha dark fashion, gothic style blog5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-82662220914394574922020-05-24T20:11:00.000-07:002020-05-24T20:11:08.876-07:00Trend: Chain Necklaces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5X4GrAXnDe8/XryTKcY7utI/AAAAAAAA3Bw/kJQxpCyi3E0ggCIJJhw8GhINHgQzXbYJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_20200513-194106.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1419" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5X4GrAXnDe8/XryTKcY7utI/AAAAAAAA3Bw/kJQxpCyi3E0ggCIJJhw8GhINHgQzXbYJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot_20200513-194106.png" width="561" /></a></div>
<br />
You know what I haven't worn in over 20 years? Chain necklaces. I don't mean dainty chains--I mean the industrial ones you would get at a hardware store. When worn with a spiked collar (like in the above Widow photo), it was a pretty badass look in the late 90s, early 00s. I'm liking it with the updated hair and makeup in the photo above. Though I won't hate it with the choppy highlights and panda eyes of the 00s.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksSfcfc4Tl8/Xryg2u-bcJI/AAAAAAAA3EA/P5ONzSfZos00ZfBGvw_KAvNt7ZQjx4ktACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/chaindollskill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="445" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksSfcfc4Tl8/Xryg2u-bcJI/AAAAAAAA3EA/P5ONzSfZos00ZfBGvw_KAvNt7ZQjx4ktACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/chaindollskill.JPG" width="441" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollskill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All styles incorporated them: punk, grunge, goth, industrial, hip hop, skater (remember that was a thing?), metal, biker--basically if you were even a little bit off the mainstream, you wore them...until you didn't. This was how I typically wore mine:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLo_rTLt87Q/XrynV06u8MI/AAAAAAAA3EU/4-wfOlVW_kgdFihA_nQgiFIzWWmOQaqNgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_20200513_205502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLo_rTLt87Q/XrynV06u8MI/AAAAAAAA3EU/4-wfOlVW_kgdFihA_nQgiFIzWWmOQaqNgCPcBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_20200513_205502.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical of how I wore chains back in early 2000s, with period-appropriate hair lol. Chain is actually a wallet chain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Why did they go out of style? I personally stopped wearing them when I got into more romantic goth styles and steampunk-inspired looks and then ditched it entirely for the minimalist/nugoth looks of late 2000s and 2010. I've never seen anyone wearing any chains--necklaces, bracelets, wallet chains--in Chicago or New York City until about two years ago, when I noticed people wearing wallet chains on the train, which was bizarre. Then more strangeness--<a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2016/11/trend-nu-metal-t-shirts.html">a Korn shirt at Topshop</a>, Jnco coming back, <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2016/03/dark-fashion-runway-fall-2016.html">a few runway shows</a> that were clearly inspired by 00s fashion--and suddenly chains were popping up at retail stores.<br />
<br />
At least, at retail stores in the before-time. I haven't been in a retail store on Fifth Avenue since February. Who knows what is going on right now. New York is a dead city.<br />
<br />
Online, I'm seeing a number of influencers wear them:<br />
<span id="goog_1065605736"></span><span id="goog_1065605737"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgodgwQ3-wY/Xsh3IiJNkNI/AAAAAAAA3Vo/H0Wv7Br56J0LPEfaBAdQMIo6M4-B3R_RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_20200519-095309%257E2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgodgwQ3-wY/Xsh3IiJNkNI/AAAAAAAA3Vo/H0Wv7Br56J0LPEfaBAdQMIo6M4-B3R_RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_20200519-095309%257E2.png" width="572" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
xknifeplay is going for a 90s look here that almost looks DIY (it isn't--everything is from <br />Dollskill, I believe). I personally went to the hardware store and DIYed chain necklaces and wallet chains--it was very easy to do. Just have the employee cut to size and then put a key ring or ring and you are good to go. Paired with 90s "bed head" you've got a pretty authentic (minus the makeup) 90s alternative look, like you're a gutterpunk living on the streets, cobbling together jewelry from the shit you find. Maybe you'll use 'em like a weapon like you're in a biker gang 'cause you're scrappy and improvise like that.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nIs59xxbIg/Xsh3KcC6n4I/AAAAAAAA3Vs/pbsiGBHSum4mmJOy3j8VGTyM5JqhoMskQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_20200514-210225%257E2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1080" height="626" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nIs59xxbIg/Xsh3KcC6n4I/AAAAAAAA3Vs/pbsiGBHSum4mmJOy3j8VGTyM5JqhoMskQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot_20200514-210225%257E2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Obsidiankerttu, if you haven't noticed with all the smoothing going on, is going for a sleeker look here, which is a more modern interpretation. From the streets, but make it fashion. There are some cyber influences as well. I remember trying to make chains work with cybergoth in the past and I ultimately cut them from my look because they're too grungy to work with sleek. It doesn't really fit the story of the look--in what situation would Spaceship Cyborg come across chains you'd find in the street? The styles are too conflicting, IMO. Between Knife and Obsidian, I'd say Knifeplay looks more like an authentic person with a story and Obsidian looks more like styling for fashion shoot. (I'm aware they are both styling for a fashion shoot.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I got the below chain necklace from NYC-based Bitch Fist on a lark (one of many, many quarantine purchases lol) and I'm styling it with some more modern makeup and a plain black T-shirt. I went for a more casual/grungy look, which I think is more fitting for looking like a badass. I also paired it with a Maya Jewelry's Pamela style in white brass (the barbed wire hoop earrings). Go big or go home :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxPm4-fGe7g/XsiEpoYQK0I/AAAAAAAA3WU/tg7XcLAFE6Uj0yJhQjzF1G-awx0EriPngCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/00100sPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200512180815591_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxPm4-fGe7g/XsiEpoYQK0I/AAAAAAAA3WU/tg7XcLAFE6Uj0yJhQjzF1G-awx0EriPngCPcBGAsYHg/s640/00100sPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200512180815591_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do chains fit your aesthetic?<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-13458450681477397622020-05-17T14:03:00.000-07:002020-05-17T14:03:02.079-07:00When you're tired of all your clothesIf you've ever looked at your closet and thought, "I have nothing to wear!" or if you find yourself hating how you look, that you don't have a sense of style anymore, that you lost your passion for fashion, or you just hate everything new coming out and wonder what's wrong with you, this post is for you.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSQ6CU2sAwY/TjzLiT-3f-I/AAAAAAAAB-s/O-L-e0bnk9YOA8NDR6yOaxVCEbAjzzLqACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/birthdaysmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="554" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSQ6CU2sAwY/TjzLiT-3f-I/AAAAAAAAB-s/O-L-e0bnk9YOA8NDR6yOaxVCEbAjzzLqACPcBGAYYCw/s400/birthdaysmall.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would never wear this again--I sold or donated everything</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<h3>
1. Get rid of or store anything you haven't worn. </h3>
<div>
Some of your clothing is out of date, or out of date for you. If you aren't wearing it, or don't plan on wearing it in the next few months give it or store it. For me, it's button-up shirts--for whatever reason, I woke up hating them one day and thought I was ugly every time I wore one. I hid them all away and now I won't wear something that makes me feel ugly. The other thing is that you might be tired of your clothes because you keep staring at them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
2. Sometimes it's not you. Sometimes the trends suck and you're going to seem out of date and forced to wear old stuff you're tired of.</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_hP8AAK-04/Xpyt3XMfUfI/AAAAAAAA2To/rr3PB1SY8HImY7l0_556U25I1HCk5JnEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Zara4192020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1164" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_hP8AAK-04/Xpyt3XMfUfI/AAAAAAAA2To/rr3PB1SY8HImY7l0_556U25I1HCk5JnEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Zara4192020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trendy fast-fashion garbage from zara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The usual advice when you've lost your style is to go shopping, find something new that speaks to you. But brands copy each other and there will be a time when everything in the store just isn't right for your body type, skin color, etc. You're not going crazy. Sometimes trends just suck. But that won't stop people from buying them, making you feel more out of date. I suggest looking for brands that aren't following trends or wearing classic styles that never go out of style. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
3. Get a new haircut/hair color</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pe9HsVv9_Mw/Wea0QNNaGXI/AAAAAAAAi6U/ohl9JADftjkZJnj1iY047jIQc6x7BXMIgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/00003IMG_00003_BURST20170813114514_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pe9HsVv9_Mw/Wea0QNNaGXI/AAAAAAAAi6U/ohl9JADftjkZJnj1iY047jIQc6x7BXMIgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/00003IMG_00003_BURST20170813114514_COVER.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">long blond hair...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmf8_uZzjBU/VnmhWINGenI/AAAAAAAAbe4/sx_XDSKSrIQpOnzvHXvRkCAjoIbsrR5GgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20141109_160537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmf8_uZzjBU/VnmhWINGenI/AAAAAAAAbe4/sx_XDSKSrIQpOnzvHXvRkCAjoIbsrR5GgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20141109_160537.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">short black hair...I look like different people</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The easiest way to be inspired by the clothes you're bored of is to change something you have to wear every day: your hair. The more drastic the change, the more different your clothing will seem. Sometimes it's really that simple. A new pair of glasses or earrings or something else you wear every day will do the same. </div>
<br />
<h3>
4. Dress up, rather than down</h3>
Clothing won't fix the emotional problems we deal with every day. But while you are dealing, I know it's hard, but try dressing up instead of down. This is kind of like the psychological trick of how a smile can physically make you slightly happier. Wear more formal, classic, stuffy clothing. People <i>will</i> treat you with respect and you'll be surprised by the fancy person in the mirror. At worst, you will remain feeling terrible, but you'll gain the respect of others. At best, the level of respect you've shown yourself in your clothing will effect you emotionally and you'll feel better about yourself.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXUmvvU70ks/Xpy2zuhpnDI/AAAAAAAA2UE/S3QqxB9PsoAXY2wST3TJ_FI0c1MLLtwbwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/00100sPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200402191156449_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXUmvvU70ks/Xpy2zuhpnDI/AAAAAAAA2UE/S3QqxB9PsoAXY2wST3TJ_FI0c1MLLtwbwCPcBGAsYHg/s640/00100sPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200402191156449_COVER.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dead inside, but still professional</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
True story--I had this ugly sweatshirt I wore when I was depressed and EVERYONE treated me like garbage in it because it was in really bad shape. That didn't help my emotional state at all. Wear the same thing over and over again to ease the emotional labor of thinking of new outfits--wear your fancy thing with the same thoughtless ease as your ugly sweatshirt.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
5. Play dress-up</h3>
<div>
Cosplay with your wardrobe, make silly outfits, put together a outfit for an event real or imagined. Associate your wardrobe with something fun instead of just getting dressed for your day-to-day activities. Give your looks names.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RSbaKvw5yM/Ty7Eu1uo0oI/AAAAAAAACFc/ZGhbVKjdDxY0YnD6PAqh3gRypF4QmBmugCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/jrleader2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RSbaKvw5yM/Ty7Eu1uo0oI/AAAAAAAACFc/ZGhbVKjdDxY0YnD6PAqh3gRypF4QmBmugCPcBGAYYCw/s640/jrleader2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vampire Cheerleader</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
How do you get out of a style funk?</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-58187319377061152072020-05-10T18:11:00.000-07:002020-05-10T18:11:24.145-07:00Pantone Color of the Year: Classic Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2y9E7zht_JY/Xp0A0JrmcMI/AAAAAAAA2Uk/Kv8fFffk4m8KiNPlEH8FO79zH46zq71OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Blue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1166" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2y9E7zht_JY/Xp0A0JrmcMI/AAAAAAAA2Uk/Kv8fFffk4m8KiNPlEH8FO79zH46zq71OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Blue.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">It's (sort of) that time of year again! Sorry I'm a little late this year! The color company (yes, that's a thing) Pantone releases its annual Color of the Year, and each year I try to translate this color to something a dark fashion wearer would enjoy, since mainstream fashion stores, makeup companies, and others will be releasing items in this color. Last year, the color of the year, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2019/03/2019-pantone-color-of-year-living-coral.html">Living Coral</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">, was a color that grew on me. I colored my hair this color and loved it.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> This year, it is my least favorite color ever, Classic Blue</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">, a color that is "elegant" and "thought-provoking" and "stable." For dark fashion, I feel like this is a color that's better suited for makeup and hair:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCZ4mYLh5WQ/XqofCt6lC9I/AAAAAAAA2g4/slcmDA50Sp4v09_3V9DtzlojeAYP2PXxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bluehair2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="724" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCZ4mYLh5WQ/XqofCt6lC9I/AAAAAAAA2g4/slcmDA50Sp4v09_3V9DtzlojeAYP2PXxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bluehair2.JPG" width="580" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_u_HVJauHfw/XqofERt17DI/AAAAAAAA2hM/ZYKqqUQkw5Yd2i774ic4opVKacHQKE23wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rhiannalipstick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="709" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_u_HVJauHfw/XqofERt17DI/AAAAAAAA2hM/ZYKqqUQkw5Yd2i774ic4opVKacHQKE23wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/rhiannalipstick.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fenty Beauty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Blue hair and lipstick are a good alternative to black. It's icy and cold. But for outfits, it looks too much like denim to be effective as dark fashion. In my cybergoth years, I've tried every color under the sun, and blue always, always failed hard. I've never seen anyone pull it off. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKQr8rJrY5Q/XqoglpdBbaI/AAAAAAAA2hs/x0VmiNyaa2ga3ICUCNbrbepbtFwrWkDTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/outfit5dollskilltripp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="448" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKQr8rJrY5Q/XqoglpdBbaI/AAAAAAAA2hs/x0VmiNyaa2ga3ICUCNbrbepbtFwrWkDTACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/outfit5dollskilltripp.JPG" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tripp--denim blue plus reflective strips--you look like a utility worker. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">This color of blue will always remind people of blue jeans, no matter what the fabric is. Even if it's vinyl. Even if it's just decorative details, like this very early-00s Dollskill outfit I could have worn to a Limp Bizkit show:</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMKlZUpVYYU/XqofCqtpCHI/AAAAAAAA2hY/ZFVLhdTvg0MebqJNnN3otk4zLn3Q3_DGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/blueoutfit1dollskill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="506" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMKlZUpVYYU/XqofCqtpCHI/AAAAAAAA2hY/ZFVLhdTvg0MebqJNnN3otk4zLn3Q3_DGgCEwYBhgL/s640/blueoutfit1dollskill.JPG" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparel-wise, I think the Color of the Year should just be worn by the obvious: denim. How to make blue jeans dark fashion is a question for another day, but personally I feel you can't goth up a color that instantly reminds people of the pair of jeans they have in their closet. On the plus side, it is a good casual look:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wb1Xj5lO7Oo/XqofDJPzpeI/AAAAAAAA2hg/J04Mv_x6x_UnXf9NoECAHTS81ve77w9UQCEwYBhgL/s1600/dollskilloutfit2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="452" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wb1Xj5lO7Oo/XqofDJPzpeI/AAAAAAAA2hg/J04Mv_x6x_UnXf9NoECAHTS81ve77w9UQCEwYBhgL/s640/dollskilloutfit2.JPG" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollskill--I like the glasses and boots--the kind of grunge and cyberpunk mix i'm very nostalgic for atm. She looks like she's going to phreak a payphone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJPT1y1YLlQ/XqofDlpAuEI/AAAAAAAA2hY/gOpp_oGRIhAhp6dK08nxRNO3AbYZoNlbACEwYBhgL/s1600/dollskilloutfit3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="447" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJPT1y1YLlQ/XqofDlpAuEI/AAAAAAAA2hY/gOpp_oGRIhAhp6dK08nxRNO3AbYZoNlbACEwYBhgL/s640/dollskilloutfit3.JPG" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levi's, from Dollskill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrwlYgl7Udg/XqofD0WgJeI/AAAAAAAA2hc/aRzxPzadeBwDTsE16Ds5fxQ2BDaHmwhfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/dollskilloutfit4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="452" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrwlYgl7Udg/XqofD0WgJeI/AAAAAAAA2hc/aRzxPzadeBwDTsE16Ds5fxQ2BDaHmwhfwCEwYBhgL/s640/dollskilloutfit4.JPG" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like the slipknot S on her sleeve. I don't know why Dollskill wants the 00s to return so bad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you wear anything blue? How would you wear the Color of the Year?</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-66437490144217120102020-05-03T17:21:00.001-07:002020-05-06T10:25:25.385-07:00Wearable Cyberpunk I am DYING for Cyberpunk 2077 to come out and with day 60+ of wearing masks and having digital dance parties, I mean, the cyberpunk apocalypse is upon us. I mean, I thought I'd be wearing light-up masks and not an n95 I bought at the hardware store.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_YPJMTua4w/Xq8LXbN4NJI/AAAAAAAA2m8/ojvQBNseEWEd3JC--3Pvd1p3Bw-cVdCtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cyberdogmask.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="907" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_YPJMTua4w/Xq8LXbN4NJI/AAAAAAAA2m8/ojvQBNseEWEd3JC--3Pvd1p3Bw-cVdCtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cyberdogmask.JPG" width="538" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cyberdog--also don't wear this mask for Covid--look at those holes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5_HKc0Z1KA/VMCG7fdfkvI/AAAAAAAAXn0/hI6-McXzIk4IyZ_tmXBgcFTG1BNhCpa8ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/dreads752k3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="257" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5_HKc0Z1KA/VMCG7fdfkvI/AAAAAAAAXn0/hI6-McXzIk4IyZ_tmXBgcFTG1BNhCpa8ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/dreads752k3a.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from my Geocities days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
In the 2000s cyperpunk fashion was my jam. Dreadfalls, accessories from Home Depot (wires, chains etc), New Rocks every day. With current events and the game coming out, and my being tired with my look today, I'm being very nostalgic for those old looks. But I'm not going to bust out the leg warmers and goggles. My life has changed dramatically since 2000 and I don't have the space or use for anything I can't wear to work or on the subway. When I wear cyber-inspired outfits today, they are from non-goth brands, like this dress by RVN.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsPcDdk8fqE/Xq8aMw58LkI/AAAAAAAA2nI/IQQNHR5EMeMY8pPOncGOgNgPn_-MwICXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rvndress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="891" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsPcDdk8fqE/Xq8aMw58LkI/AAAAAAAA2nI/IQQNHR5EMeMY8pPOncGOgNgPn_-MwICXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/rvndress.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My RVN dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But goth brands are a lot more fun to shop, and I don't want the toned-down version. I want something costumey this time around. So join me while I make what will hopefully be a wearable outfit from (mostly) goth brands.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Step 1: Shoes</h2>
<div>
The most important item in a cyberpunk's wardrobe is shoes. Choose your fighter: the lowdown street urchin or the battlebot. For the former, I would recommend a Balenciaga dupe sock shoe, like this one from Shein. The sock shoe didn't really exist in 2000, so it isn't part of the cybergoth canon, but I'd say the sleekness of it fits with the aesthetic. The only downside is that it's so casual and mainstream that you might look more <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2015/02/dark-workout.html">athletic goth</a> than cyber.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxBgmJx162U/Xq8e69wvVzI/AAAAAAAA2nU/rra9_T_3tqM_eQFhK9a5ckwjC_1RpjOkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SheinShoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="654" height="345" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxBgmJx162U/Xq8e69wvVzI/AAAAAAAA2nU/rra9_T_3tqM_eQFhK9a5ckwjC_1RpjOkACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SheinShoes.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shein</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">But so comfortable...FYI these are going to replace Crocs for geriatric footwear lol. Update: I just googled it and yeah: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16A3F9rcNqY/Xq8mDKMQyKI/AAAAAAAA2no/woS3USvDN8AE279AHozTtDPEo0KlVJSmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lol.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="857" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16A3F9rcNqY/Xq8mDKMQyKI/AAAAAAAA2no/woS3USvDN8AE279AHozTtDPEo0KlVJSmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/lol.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For a less casual shoe and one that is more costumey but still work-appropriate, I suggest something like this New Rock boot, which I'm wondering if I should get or not--I bought the ones below in 2020 and they've definitely seen better days. I love them so hard, but they no longer fit my lifestyle. My 2000 New Rocks have way too much embellishment and the top one still has the military and futuristic details that traditional cyberpunk embodies (and is probably lighter as well.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPv1Rm5y-nY/Xq8f-LRT1DI/AAAAAAAA2nc/sq9YqspS63cPTCeS2pNrhtOFZLugK-JYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/newrock1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="537" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPv1Rm5y-nY/Xq8f-LRT1DI/AAAAAAAA2nc/sq9YqspS63cPTCeS2pNrhtOFZLugK-JYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/newrock1.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Accept no substitutes for the quality of New Rocks, like this Azalea Wang boot, which is totally due for a lawsuit, lol. I doubt this one will last 20 years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQgC3rsCGt0/Xq8qrAKd_bI/AAAAAAAA2oA/7BNblhDOa9wB1anUj9Sn-J_eYUCbvWNTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/newrockdupe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQgC3rsCGt0/Xq8qrAKd_bI/AAAAAAAA2oA/7BNblhDOa9wB1anUj9Sn-J_eYUCbvWNTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/newrockdupe.JPG" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recommend that you stay away from too many embellishments (even with the <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2017/12/2018-trend-predictions.html">maximillism</a> trend):</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-O6qh5S19M/U9u9IGQHU5I/AAAAAAAAB_M/3AMUX5P4uTolitCHIPl5-lEzMVAgbY97ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-O6qh5S19M/U9u9IGQHU5I/AAAAAAAAB_M/3AMUX5P4uTolitCHIPl5-lEzMVAgbY97ACPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_3434.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also stay away from neon and high heels. The former is too much for everyday and the brands currently doing this look like "clubbing" brands, meant to be worn a few nights a year, not every day. Looks very cool though. If this wasn't made of foam, cardboard, and plastic, I'd definitely buy these. High heels look way too much like clubbing shoes, and I would argue that high heels aren't traditionally cyberpunk, which is a more masculine aesthetic--I realize I've never done a post on what the traditional aesthetic is...a post for another day. The closest I've gone is this post you're reading and this <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2017/01/mirrorshadescyberpunk.html">one on mirrorshades</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZySLvl9g5k/Xq8oHHauG-I/AAAAAAAA2n0/4pT69j5fgsMY_Pn6QQ4Zw9WdbrpJFfOMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/noNeon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="445" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZySLvl9g5k/Xq8oHHauG-I/AAAAAAAA2n0/4pT69j5fgsMY_Pn6QQ4Zw9WdbrpJFfOMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/noNeon.JPG" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">club ex, from dollskill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
Step 2: Pants</h2>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Leggings are an obvious choice. Ones with black and shiny details that make you look like a cyborg are a good bet and if you're wearing it with a dress, tunic, or skirt, noncontroversial for any job you have.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A98dK5TxeDM/Xq8xk92WCBI/AAAAAAAA2oo/BBsQe5d3w60amy2Z4SmlyB354HU_eEoNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/leggingskillstar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="375" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A98dK5TxeDM/Xq8xk92WCBI/AAAAAAAA2oo/BBsQe5d3w60amy2Z4SmlyB354HU_eEoNACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/leggingskillstar.JPG" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Killstar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Or just plain black leggings or nylons are fine tbh. Traditionally, the focus of the outfit was on the shoes or hair, so if you are already wearing interesting shoes, it will be too much to wear cyber pants. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But there are cyber pants that I like, like these from Punk Rave, being sold at Dark In Closet. So you're basically dressing like an action figure, and action figures have a lot of pockets. These are also pants that will tuck into boots--biggest problem in the 2000s was how all pants were wide-legged or bell bottoms, so you were out of luck if you wanted to show off your killer boots and still wanted to wear pants. Not anymore...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_-SeJDLV28/Xq8u3uOuafI/AAAAAAAA2oQ/7F5cu_jfOVgX4U33zXKu-vUpxJNUFSABgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DarkinClosetpunkrave1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="401" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_-SeJDLV28/Xq8u3uOuafI/AAAAAAAA2oQ/7F5cu_jfOVgX4U33zXKu-vUpxJNUFSABgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DarkinClosetpunkrave1.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2bLnLosRUA/Xq8u3sX1c2I/AAAAAAAA2oU/XvqSpwwZUbchdIvrw2RD9VcKG50oNrmGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DarkinClosetpunkrave3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="419" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2bLnLosRUA/Xq8u3sX1c2I/AAAAAAAA2oU/XvqSpwwZUbchdIvrw2RD9VcKG50oNrmGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DarkinClosetpunkrave3.JPG" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxDS4CBpuQ8/Xq8u3rCikuI/AAAAAAAA2oM/O6aPsWiAGZ4TOIwSRvSI4yAbSOwk1hEQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DarkinClosetpunkrave2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="304" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxDS4CBpuQ8/Xq8u3rCikuI/AAAAAAAA2oM/O6aPsWiAGZ4TOIwSRvSI4yAbSOwk1hEQACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DarkinClosetpunkrave2.JPG" width="324" /></a></div>
<div>
These are definitely a more athletic look than leggings, but they've got buckles and pockets and a military look. I would style them exactly as they did in the above. With a sock shoe, it will probably be too casual/athletic since these basically look like sweatpants.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would recommend that you not wear anything with bondage straps or neon or wild designs--that's more photoshoot territory than something you'd wear every day.</div>
<h2>
Step 3: Tops</h2>
<div>
For tops, there just aren't a lot of fashionable ones that fit the criteria. A lot of it looks like clubwear or is Mad Max cosplay. The goth brands that popped up in the last decade just don't get the cyberpunk aesthetic IMO. But there's a cyber brand that's still around from the old days. Cyberdog was one of those brands--I remember it being prohibitively expensive when I dressed in the style, and a lot of the outfits aren't wearable outside of club--and even then it's pushing it. Some of it is downright Jetsons. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVN_oVOhZx4/Xq9TNiXNwzI/AAAAAAAA2pw/xMWq55OnjOMHd08fLmSt_vlxUXVrr8QsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cyberdog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="588" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVN_oVOhZx4/Xq9TNiXNwzI/AAAAAAAA2pw/xMWq55OnjOMHd08fLmSt_vlxUXVrr8QsACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cyberdog.JPG" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cyberdog: btw I bought this top. lol I'll let you know if I can make it everyday wear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I did find one top that could pass for everyday, albeit high fashion. It's not worn on a model, so who knows what it looks like--I also got this top. I'll let you know. Past me is thrilled that I finally have something from this brand, but is also pretty judgy that I didn't DIY it. Oh well!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-xy3t4L8To/Xq9UY7RqUPI/AAAAAAAA2p4/9HOYmv9KMcgg0eUZaVz8pNxgLoo9rY-twCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cyberdog2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="887" height="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-xy3t4L8To/Xq9UY7RqUPI/AAAAAAAA2p4/9HOYmv9KMcgg0eUZaVz8pNxgLoo9rY-twCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cyberdog2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like the above two tops because there are some very non-watered-down cyber elements that fit the aesthetic but it doesn't look like a costume (well maybe not so much Trinity from the Matrix up there). Most of my cybergoth outfits in the early 2000s were either classic unadorned T's or tops with geometric necklines. Maybe a biohazard symbol here and there, usually DIY. I don't think you can go wrong with a minimalist top, but I do suggest you stay away from the following. Popular brands are pictured here, but this can be applied to indie brands as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Clubwear:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IKg5vOXU-E/Xq9RB0njD_I/AAAAAAAA2pc/ImblIBcF9s0Ar2mwXvFTpN2bMLj5MvOVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Killstartop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="557" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IKg5vOXU-E/Xq9RB0njD_I/AAAAAAAA2pc/ImblIBcF9s0Ar2mwXvFTpN2bMLj5MvOVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Killstartop.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">killstar: any corsetlike looks are clubwear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Mad Max/Vintage Military/and other Cosplay shit, even if it's a tiny bit inspired:</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwIZvezLyS8/Xq9R8D2xE4I/AAAAAAAA2pk/JOXVL2BGO9kS3sjqr23ZnKPKp8YLsxKSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/punkrave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="552" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LwIZvezLyS8/Xq9R8D2xE4I/AAAAAAAA2pk/JOXVL2BGO9kS3sjqr23ZnKPKp8YLsxKSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/punkrave.JPG" width="498" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mad max stuff from Punk Rave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Too many embellishments:</b><br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtSyx6lAkU8/Xq9d3cNqtjI/AAAAAAAA2qE/J2anrzbOASYRkJFiDbdNw_dJBmGVgFDxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/killstar2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="441" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtSyx6lAkU8/Xq9d3cNqtjI/AAAAAAAA2qE/J2anrzbOASYRkJFiDbdNw_dJBmGVgFDxACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/killstar2.JPG" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Killstar of course. I don't know what is going on over there. Terrible. Someone take the keys away from them. Btw if you want 5% off use this link lol: https://prz.io/QVo3epf6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
How would you make cyberpunk work for everyday?</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-79505655915632266772020-04-26T20:56:00.000-07:002020-04-26T20:56:03.475-07:00The Biggest Balloon Sleeve<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not buying anything online due to the virus, but one day, when this is all over....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Currently, I am on the hunt for the biggest balloon sleeve (I've also seen them called "bishop sleeves"). They've come in and out of style the last few years, but all of the ones I've seen in stores (during the before time) are wimpy and itsy-bitsy. What I'm basically looking for is two skirts on my arms. This is a beautiful dress but the sleeves are not big enough:</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vM9M7ioskMI/XqD5fUjrmKI/AAAAAAAA2X8/GP1B7BB202g4kkO2Sr-nYiM33cODTsexQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/vampireswifedress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="487" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vM9M7ioskMI/XqD5fUjrmKI/AAAAAAAA2X8/GP1B7BB202g4kkO2Sr-nYiM33cODTsexQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/vampireswifedress.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous dress by Vampire's Wife, knocked off by goth brands in 3...2...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This blouse at Nasty Gal is almost big enough, but I hate this fabric. I can feel how scratchy this is just by looking at it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNfI3kgobEs/XqD5dBM6dMI/AAAAAAAA2YE/cHf5AyWweWEtyNGBaPgjGN4RpxUCK4ePACEwYBhgL/s1600/NastyGalBalloonOrganza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="472" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNfI3kgobEs/XqD5dBM6dMI/AAAAAAAA2YE/cHf5AyWweWEtyNGBaPgjGN4RpxUCK4ePACEwYBhgL/s640/NastyGalBalloonOrganza.JPG" width="448" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My perfect top will also have big cuffs. I hate the thin elastic a lot of styles have around big balloon sleeves--it is the absolute minimum you need to make a bell sleeve into a balloon sleeve. So this is the silhouette I'd like, but at the forearm, not the elbow. This is a mutton leg sleeve, btw:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-is7YEHcH248/XqD5eXVsWuI/AAAAAAAA2YM/lXrAH1rgGKgsucbXfeNZdwyZ0DqLBsFywCEwYBhgL/s1600/totemevignola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="509" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-is7YEHcH248/XqD5eXVsWuI/AAAAAAAA2YM/lXrAH1rgGKgsucbXfeNZdwyZ0DqLBsFywCEwYBhgL/s640/totemevignola.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">toteme vignola</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not a fan of the buttons and collar of this River Island top, but the sleeves look good. I'd love to go bigger than this though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-728O4ulxvmk/XqD5dxlm8-I/AAAAAAAA2YM/kAG-A1PpBskReo-FBz3yK4oyZ583sM8YwCEwYBhgL/s1600/riverisland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="373" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-728O4ulxvmk/XqD5dxlm8-I/AAAAAAAA2YM/kAG-A1PpBskReo-FBz3yK4oyZ583sM8YwCEwYBhgL/s640/riverisland.JPG" width="354" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since lolita doesn't do things halfway, I took a look at a few brands, and this top by Devil Inspired is a good size, though I'd go even bigger. Like, I'm not joking when I say I just want two skirts on my arms.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRSdYXmUQC0/XqEJoQ0UTeI/AAAAAAAA2YU/7QrvDg64aK4_aoEGHq-hL-Y-o3BtsFslgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/devilinspired.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="621" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRSdYXmUQC0/XqEJoQ0UTeI/AAAAAAAA2YU/7QrvDg64aK4_aoEGHq-hL-Y-o3BtsFslgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/devilinspired.JPG" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil Inspired</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd basically never, ever wear satin, but wow does it look great with these sleeves:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3zjYcmyuls/XqD5dBLbcfI/AAAAAAAA2YA/U1CcHSlyJLw_8aMwf7_aukK3kXcAV3aUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/alexandrevauthier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="519" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3zjYcmyuls/XqD5dBLbcfI/AAAAAAAA2YA/U1CcHSlyJLw_8aMwf7_aukK3kXcAV3aUgCEwYBhgL/s640/alexandrevauthier.JPG" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">alex and revauthier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Goth brands are very behind the times and aren't offering good dupes...maybe in another year or so. The best I saw was this punkrave turtleneck, which has sad sleeves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2YCb4pngt4/XqEL04zkebI/AAAAAAAA2Yg/P_IjqPwmvWc229xAZwXZsQFW63_MODoSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/punkrave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="867" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2YCb4pngt4/XqEL04zkebI/AAAAAAAA2Yg/P_IjqPwmvWc229xAZwXZsQFW63_MODoSACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/punkrave.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If someone would like to knock off this Vampire's Wife $500 top, I'd be interested:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U17BGGAhGM4/XqD5exPpCXI/AAAAAAAA2YM/QkgZVkJSkpUn034lh-efsDvCJMsb_6_DgCEwYBhgL/s1600/vampireswife.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="1163" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U17BGGAhGM4/XqD5exPpCXI/AAAAAAAA2YM/QkgZVkJSkpUn034lh-efsDvCJMsb_6_DgCEwYBhgL/s640/vampireswife.JPG" width="598" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cruising further back is this 2008 dress by Ossie Clark. Would love it if this had a cuff. But it's definitely a big sleeve.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwGFwpXtApo/XqEPEh_UqsI/AAAAAAAA2Ys/rtXkTwe4J9M4ac0inLPfyqsooh9v7wb4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ossieclark2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="643" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwGFwpXtApo/XqEPEh_UqsI/AAAAAAAA2Ys/rtXkTwe4J9M4ac0inLPfyqsooh9v7wb4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ossieclark2008.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alas, I still have to wait for the big balloon sleeves of my dreams, or sew cuffs onto two skirts and attach those to my sleeves. </div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-68137734867288891762020-04-18T20:27:00.000-07:002020-04-18T20:27:06.054-07:00Don't Buy Satanic T-Shirts from Goth BrandsYou've seen the T-shirts of Baphomet, inverted pentagram, and other Satanic imagery on T-shirts. Sure, they are cool. But it's more fashionable to support the <a href="https://thesatanictemple.com/collections/frontpage">Satanic Temple</a>, an activist religious organization (and, yes, it is a real religion) based out of Salem, MA. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the US, the Christian Right is successfully limiting the reproductive rights of women and fighting back against LGBT groups, and all religious groups that are not Christian, including nonreligious groups. The only effective group fighting back against the Christian Right is the Satanic Temple. Read about their progressive campaigns <a href="https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/campaigns">here</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're an atheist like I am, this religious group is the only one fighting for your right to be free from religion, so support the cause instead lining some gothic fashion brand's pockets. I've got a few of the Satanic Temple T-shirts and they are great quality, plus the illustrations from <a href="https://nedelealuciana753.wixsite.com/luciana-nedelea-art">Luciana Nedelea</a> are stunning. Get the shirts from the <a href="https://thesatanictemple.com/collections/frontpage">official shop</a>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzQU3kqqnlQ/XpvElbGWlUI/AAAAAAAA2TQ/eVhbnZYuK4QsN634BQv6e3MZtmyEmpykwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SatanicTempl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzQU3kqqnlQ/XpvElbGWlUI/AAAAAAAA2TQ/eVhbnZYuK4QsN634BQv6e3MZtmyEmpykwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/SatanicTempl1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdF7Du33p2E/XpvEluUBpKI/AAAAAAAA2TU/z2STPBSa6A4zyfsG2kJtPozySaWSNPmqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SatanicTempl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdF7Du33p2E/XpvEluUBpKI/AAAAAAAA2TU/z2STPBSa6A4zyfsG2kJtPozySaWSNPmqACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/SatanicTempl2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw8nf6XHnUE/XpvEluyXPkI/AAAAAAAA2TY/pGH--pSFAUEtxR22rGVkLuW6XXcOpxUgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SatanicTempl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tw8nf6XHnUE/XpvEluyXPkI/AAAAAAAA2TY/pGH--pSFAUEtxR22rGVkLuW6XXcOpxUgACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/SatanicTempl3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-25496773643857227752019-04-14T11:10:00.001-07:002019-06-02T09:16:58.313-07:00Trend: Bike Shorts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5fojwmHbjw/XLNvqjnLrII/AAAAAAAAwSg/7MJ5uEWMRXoJCuP_54zsbqqmpGX2jvkLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5fojwmHbjw/XLNvqjnLrII/AAAAAAAAwSg/7MJ5uEWMRXoJCuP_54zsbqqmpGX2jvkLwCLcBGAs/s640/Picture5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2019/01/comme-des-garcons-mens-fall-winter-2019.html">https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2019/01/comme-des-garcons-mens-fall-winter-2019.html</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From the runways to fast-fashion stores, bike shorts are making a comeback. What is a bike short? Typically it's a spandex short that hits about mid-thigh, though for the purpose of this post, I'm also going to include shorts of this length that are not just made of spandex, since for dark fashion, more common fabrics are denim and vinyl and leather.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llWR-L9Ztao/XLNvrsbNOXI/AAAAAAAAwS0/GD7EhJkhatw1le89-nhYkRDbnQF5-JtEQCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llWR-L9Ztao/XLNvrsbNOXI/AAAAAAAAwS0/GD7EhJkhatw1le89-nhYkRDbnQF5-JtEQCLcBGAs/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Personally, I hate short shorts, which have been popular for the last decade. I find them uncomfortable and unflattering. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffzXetrsZn4/XLNyqGrKmzI/AAAAAAAAwTM/LGb-ixJEiCMaydQzzV0Z1EbTXFJVFMjQACLcBGAs/s1600/shortshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="447" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffzXetrsZn4/XLNyqGrKmzI/AAAAAAAAwTM/LGb-ixJEiCMaydQzzV0Z1EbTXFJVFMjQACLcBGAs/s400/shortshorts.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the longest time, if you wanted your own pair of mid-thigh shorts, you'd have to make them yourself, but thankfully, longer shorts are now in style--and not just in jersey spandex. There are denim and leather versions as well so that you can stay cool this summer no matter what your body type is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nH8pz3fGLo/XLNvq832kNI/AAAAAAAAwTE/M50rbPJrZAwNZrlSOmaSN4RkEaDkdd25wCEwYBhgL/s1600/bikeshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nH8pz3fGLo/XLNvq832kNI/AAAAAAAAwTE/M50rbPJrZAwNZrlSOmaSN4RkEaDkdd25wCEwYBhgL/s640/bikeshorts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Obviously, this look originates from athletic wear, so athletic goth styles are obviously a good choice. I would pair it with a sock sneaker and a baggy top that either covers or hits at the waist, depending on how much of your figure you want to show or is flattering on you. Another great way to wear it is underneath all of the sheer skirts or skirts with high slits that have been trending recently.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFKeQSLdJeg/XLNvrFwpDjI/AAAAAAAAwS8/gbVKnMGmj6cp4dekMVfZ3Yk1jFF96qXhACEwYBhgL/s1600/bikeshorts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1261" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFKeQSLdJeg/XLNvrFwpDjI/AAAAAAAAwS8/gbVKnMGmj6cp4dekMVfZ3Yk1jFF96qXhACEwYBhgL/s640/bikeshorts1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though my favorite way to wear this trend is using the 90s industrial influences, as seen in the Comme Des Garcon men's line (as in the first photo in this post): with fishnets and big boots.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or if you want to go full retro:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI8J8h6qb_Y/XLN2zXdMamI/AAAAAAAAwTY/NkE-C_mwWYEXZ6fsU1kbkcH431UfgBAMgCLcBGAs/s1600/1b4033b396473f194c20ca4528ef4447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI8J8h6qb_Y/XLN2zXdMamI/AAAAAAAAwTY/NkE-C_mwWYEXZ6fsU1kbkcH431UfgBAMgCLcBGAs/s640/1b4033b396473f194c20ca4528ef4447.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Would you wear longer shorts? How would you style them?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fnevmhd9Imo/XPP2a5Xmf6I/AAAAAAAAw_k/mEzg6q-XK0kbRIn9Y3kLicOKMlujtbjQwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190528_130011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fnevmhd9Imo/XPP2a5Xmf6I/AAAAAAAAw_k/mEzg6q-XK0kbRIn9Y3kLicOKMlujtbjQwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190528_130011.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-60211589411103621552019-03-07T00:00:00.000-08:002019-03-07T00:00:01.616-08:002019 Pantone Color of the Year: Living Coral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEccZl8H0Yk/XHgu4ziwDQI/AAAAAAAAvso/H63ikQP6DGY_d4QXE6ujRExwzc1P-9_7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEccZl8H0Yk/XHgu4ziwDQI/AAAAAAAAvso/H63ikQP6DGY_d4QXE6ujRExwzc1P-9_7gCLcBGAs/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's (sort of) that time of year again! Sorry I'm a little late this year! The color company (yes, that's a thing) Pantone releases its annual Color of the Year, and each year I try to translate this color to something a dark fashion wearer would enjoy, since mainstream fashion stores, makeup companies, and others will be releasing items in this color. Last year, the color of the year, <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2018/01/pantones-2018-color-of-year-ultra-violet.html">Ultra Violet</a>, was a common color for most traditional and romantic goths (especially in room decor). This year, it is <span style="color: #e06666;">Living Coral</span>, a color that is "animating and life-affirming" and "optimistic" and "sociable." Here's the press release:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMe6xaIuFEI/XHgu4xMB_KI/AAAAAAAAvss/YqGmG0u7OIoBKjVOww9Bb45dOTgztpuZQCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMe6xaIuFEI/XHgu4xMB_KI/AAAAAAAAvss/YqGmG0u7OIoBKjVOww9Bb45dOTgztpuZQCLcBGAs/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So these are the opposite of a lot of concepts of dark fashion. Dark fashion is more antisocial than social, more death and macabre-focused than life-affirming, and though I wouldn't call it pessimistic, I wouldn't say it was optimistic. It is not an easy color to style with dark fashion.<br />
<br />
Coming to terms with this, you can find ways of playing with life/death contrasts by incorporating coral, if you choose to. <b>Pastel goth</b> looks do this--that's kind of the entire aesthetic of the look. I've noticed that most pastel goth looks use cool-toned pastels. This is a great warm-toned pastel that may be more flattering on some groups of people.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMj8sDITzsk/XHgu44IbtFI/AAAAAAAAvsw/o8JGO3SWH-ICcolPAQTWbeAKrJe6-yi_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMj8sDITzsk/XHgu44IbtFI/AAAAAAAAvsw/o8JGO3SWH-ICcolPAQTWbeAKrJe6-yi_ACLcBGAs/s640/Slide5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I also think that <b>Feminine</b> styles also work well with this color, especially lace, which I am seeing everywhere at the moment. Whether it's just coral lace or black lace over coral, I think this is a more mature and modern alternative to the color pink. If pink doesn't look right on you and you want to go for a feminine look, coral might work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7kKqgFhXcI/XHhnXhdmuAI/AAAAAAAAvtY/pyw5PPVmtwIcm01OvvDOeuHkaYwV_vsNgCLcBGAs/s1600/lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1434" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7kKqgFhXcI/XHhnXhdmuAI/AAAAAAAAvtY/pyw5PPVmtwIcm01OvvDOeuHkaYwV_vsNgCLcBGAs/s640/lace.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
Also since <b>Romantic and Victorian </b>looks are making a comeback in both mainstream and dark fashion brands, coral will be a modern way to update those looks. If you shop at mainstream stores, you'll probably be seeing this color everywhere. Since we already covered lace--and I think there will be a lot of coral lace--I think another way to interpret this color is in aristocratic-style jewelry, since there is some history. Please don't buy the real thing, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1omckg5TM-w/XHgu5l063SI/AAAAAAAAvs4/ktvuvazI6FgnYV_QYZJPaU1dU17q6QT5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1omckg5TM-w/XHgu5l063SI/AAAAAAAAvs4/ktvuvazI6FgnYV_QYZJPaU1dU17q6QT5ACLcBGAs/s640/Slide7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
My final tips for wearing this color this year is to wear it with more historical styles. If pink is too girly for you and you want to wear something feminine, this is another option. Personally I think Romantic and historical goths will get some wear out of this style, as well as pastel goths, and maybe some nu-goths as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAFUVSqaI6M/XHhnLhDS4cI/AAAAAAAAvtU/hcJuNms84lExl52eCJEOb_O8_nswK409wCLcBGAs/s1600/coral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1103" height="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAFUVSqaI6M/XHhnLhDS4cI/AAAAAAAAvtU/hcJuNms84lExl52eCJEOb_O8_nswK409wCLcBGAs/s640/coral.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Do you agree with Pantone's choice for color of the year? How would you wear this? Let me know in the comments!5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-32265882305642849402019-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:002019-02-28T00:00:00.258-08:00Dark Fashion NYC: Dos and Don'ts<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are like me, you like to dress like a local whenever you visit a new place. If you are planning to visit New York City, where I live, you should just come with an empty suitcase, because the shopping here is pretty awesome. But seriously, here are my Dos and Don'ts for wearing dark fashion in NYC.</div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
DO: Wear black, and only black</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It kind of sucks wearing dark fashion in NYC, because literally the entire city wears black all the time. If not all black, then neutrals. If I see anyone in color, it's usually a tourist. The city is dirty and anything that isn't black turns black soon lol.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tk1BPmqO5Rk/VOozFfH-tMI/AAAAAAAAZAk/XS717tBtsB8exhewED8HYwkW2KeLg1bZACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/taw-winter-ja05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tk1BPmqO5Rk/VOozFfH-tMI/AAAAAAAAZAk/XS717tBtsB8exhewED8HYwkW2KeLg1bZACPcBGAYYCw/s640/taw-winter-ja05.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a name='more'></a>DON'T: Wear "goth brands"</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In general, the outfits are classic and European. Most people dress up--you'll see more pants and skirts than jeans and sweatshirts. People who wear anything else are suburban kids here for the weekend or tourists. You do not want to appear like these people. Dark fashion people in NYC shop at the same stores as everyone else, and actual designer runway fashion is easy to come by if you know where to go and when to shop. You can buy the original Rick Owens that Killstar knocked off for almost the same price. Your jacket will look like it costs $3000 instead of $10, and you will still be paying the same $100. That's why we look awesome here. Wear your black H&M clothes with some goth accessories, and you'll be good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gor47VImjsg/VnmnuN1zhlI/AAAAAAAAbgU/YJsCYA-gcUQ9_0w-TXDq1YnirCAHo_CpwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20151222_143825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gor47VImjsg/VnmnuN1zhlI/AAAAAAAAbgU/YJsCYA-gcUQ9_0w-TXDq1YnirCAHo_CpwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20151222_143825.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick Owens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
DO: Wear shoes that will protect you from rain/garbage water</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It rains a lot here, and the garbage piles and terrible drainage will damage your shoes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgY8VS7JVak/VyY0qW3rHbI/AAAAAAAAcHo/6NKnFEZxpbky6Rs0eKclvVZNfm6fImB0gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20160501_124807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1077" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgY8VS7JVak/VyY0qW3rHbI/AAAAAAAAcHo/6NKnFEZxpbky6Rs0eKclvVZNfm6fImB0gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20160501_124807.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
DON'T: Wear shoes you can't walk in</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know how else I can tell who is a tourist? They can't walk. This is the thing about NYC--we walk very very fast here. If you can't keep up with the stampede, you will have a miserable time. If you don't have shoes you can run in, you should not come to NYC.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8S1YkpnuHM/WFsZCJVXExI/AAAAAAAAdQM/NLCLrs595ucCaWPKq6kz4hGcXS6M_tDQQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20161221_184710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1028" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8S1YkpnuHM/WFsZCJVXExI/AAAAAAAAdQM/NLCLrs595ucCaWPKq6kz4hGcXS6M_tDQQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20161221_184710.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
DO: Be original</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The best thing about living in NYC is being able to wear your strangest pieces and try out different style "concepts." If you don't fit a mold, you'll actually fit in. That's why all the weirdos love it here! If you look too stereotypically anything, even if you look ON POINT, you'll get the tourist eyeroll from me and everyone. Sorry, Black Friday and Victoria Lovelace and the other stereotypical goths. You guys look awesome, but won't impress any NYers. We are in the consumer capital of the world and are literally not impressed by anything except originality. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ac1ofS8Vo/WA5gN43yQ1I/AAAAAAAAc-8/3n4UnAeuBdADdvmCfCWqRwvKUodgHw_ZQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20161024_152107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="860" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ac1ofS8Vo/WA5gN43yQ1I/AAAAAAAAc-8/3n4UnAeuBdADdvmCfCWqRwvKUodgHw_ZQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20161024_152107.jpg" width="344" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
DON'T: Have fancy hair and makeup</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other thing about locals in New York: we don't have money. We can't afford to go to a hairstylist every month for upkeep. No one has on-point hair. There are a few basic cuts and a few basic colors. When I see foiled highlights and a trendy haircut, I know that person is a tourist from the Midwest or South, where the hairdressers are better and don't cost $70-$500, depending on the cut or color. Makeup is another thing: most people don't wear heavy makeup unless they are going to a special party. I can't tell you why. Maybe people don't have the space or money for this, or don't want to be catcalled.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2T1rctsqnJ4/VeUBkve10pI/AAAAAAAAbEI/hbGNYSZMfcEXJx1BpgobiaLcK_jbWD5ewCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20150827_141444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1183" height="319" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2T1rctsqnJ4/VeUBkve10pI/AAAAAAAAbEI/hbGNYSZMfcEXJx1BpgobiaLcK_jbWD5ewCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20150827_141444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How should a dark fashion person dress in your city?</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-58067407730292018862019-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:002019-02-21T00:00:03.303-08:00My tips for dressing for a corporate interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hooray! I just got hired. The past ten years I've worked at the Big 5 book publishers, which is a bit on the conservative side style-wise. There's over a hundred years of tradition at these companies and they were every stereotype of Old New York book publishing. It's not that I couldn't dress goth at my job, but I did have to be more couture than punk rock, if you know what I mean. I wrote a<a href="http://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2013/02/hi-ho-its-off-to-work-we-go.html"> good post</a> on dressing this way some time ago, if you are in a similar work situation and don't want to go full corporate (I never will): </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0lKkKDYqPY/XGmSh99z3LI/AAAAAAAAvg0/sTh4rQgXCZAB58tkTEgfEplyYNJk4amvQCLcBGAs/s1600/f9fa3db2d8d4e4655b7f522eadee4e8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0lKkKDYqPY/XGmSh99z3LI/AAAAAAAAvg0/sTh4rQgXCZAB58tkTEgfEplyYNJk4amvQCLcBGAs/s640/f9fa3db2d8d4e4655b7f522eadee4e8b.jpg" width="610" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>My NEW company is a Silicon Valley company, and I have no idea what they wear. The stereotype is California athleisure, but I guess I'll see. I'm heading off to California next week!<br />
<br />
That being said, I've changed jobs so many times that I think I have a good sense of what to wear for these interviews. The outfits that I was hired with all had some similar characteristics and if you are someone who dresses in dark fashion and want to represent yourself accurately at an interview, you might find this useful.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>1. Never wear black (or almost black) head-to-toe</b></h2>
Those outfit ideas I posted above? OK for everyday. I'd wager that most people wear black to the office. But do not wear all black to an interview. I've only been hired once with an all-black outfit, and it was leather pants with a suit and I had green hair at the time--this was at an indie publisher geared for edgy teens, for an internship. For a while the below was my interview outfit: an almost-black dark red button Ben Sherman shirt and this silk Brooks Brothers circle skirt. You would think it's a good interview outfit, just dark fashiony--and I'll tell you that I <i>was never </i>hired with it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7x9pTqldeo/U3-lIW1WRjI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/5X4x5BQotqkm3S62iIekBDMOZG4SLWA9QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7x9pTqldeo/U3-lIW1WRjI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/5X4x5BQotqkm3S62iIekBDMOZG4SLWA9QCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_3163.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DO NOT WEAR THIS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But when I replaced the button-up with the exact same cut, just in pastel green, I was hired. I can't tell you why, but I think you look too boring and not memorable in all black.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. If you know what your interviewer wears, start there</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Obviously you will not always know this. But aside from not wearing black, I've noticed that the "luckiest" outfits somehow matched the interviewer's personal style. The pastel green button-up shirt I mentioned before? Turns out my interviewer always wore pastels. My sister did some research for a company she applied for, learned that she'd be the only one under 60 years old, and dressed like a grandma. She got the job. I know how people dress at the Big 5 publishers, so I know I should <i>never </i>wear a suit--way too stuffy and formal. You will look clueless. My new job is at a Silicon Valley company, based in California but the office is in NYC, so would my interviewer be laid-back Cali sunshine or a no-nonsense pushy New Yorker? I dressed for both...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Go for "eccentric" rather than "spooky"</h2>
<div>
If you don't want to misrepresent yourself and want to skip the "easing into your style" phase of a new workplace, I suggest wearing something a little more funky and bold to the interview so you can let them know immediately that, hey, you don't dress like the other normies. This was what I wore to the most recent interview:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXbNAreAMIU/XGxb7lTAr2I/AAAAAAAAvkc/CUhiPWMusFcmYZxgJlW33KyDgXhQ_bwWgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190130_150911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXbNAreAMIU/XGxb7lTAr2I/AAAAAAAAvkc/CUhiPWMusFcmYZxgJlW33KyDgXhQ_bwWgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190130_150911.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Bold color blocking, a big in-your-face necklace, and very vivid red lips (washed out in the photo...this is fire-engine-red lips). If you're intense in a socially acceptable way, I've found you can pretty much wear what you want on day two.<br />
<br />
Other ideas: Bold prints, colors, textures<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJUCNDk_wc8/VnmoTpSC8rI/AAAAAAAAbgk/Xuz-Jlr_y_kce9eOG84O5KXXBgKJUVWFwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20151213_145424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NJUCNDk_wc8/VnmoTpSC8rI/AAAAAAAAbgk/Xuz-Jlr_y_kce9eOG84O5KXXBgKJUVWFwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20151213_145424.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMbcxdY8bco/UaAHfkEit-I/AAAAAAAAA_c/RKU4IdlcvPg_QAs4x4WLEM_IBL2ykoZwwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1060" height="484" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMbcxdY8bco/UaAHfkEit-I/AAAAAAAAA_c/RKU4IdlcvPg_QAs4x4WLEM_IBL2ykoZwwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
4. A note on body mods</h2>
<div>
Earrings and nose rings are mainstream, though in the stuffiest office I worked at I heard one very stuffy executive wonder about hiring someone because she wore a nose ring. I've <i>never </i>taken mine out. Gauged ears are hit-or-miss--I think it's safer not to wear tunnels, since I have heard coworkers say that it "grosses" them out when they can see through your ear. I didn't wear anything when I interviewed at this place, but I did wear tunnels with hoops through them in my last successful interview, and I was interviewed by a conservative man: </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XsfPo5eCgg/WNMvwhPaiMI/AAAAAAAAeD0/Wj04ys6eO4YHNJQzUfLUXcZzy0qy7WSKgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170322_221250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="1027" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1XsfPo5eCgg/WNMvwhPaiMI/AAAAAAAAeD0/Wj04ys6eO4YHNJQzUfLUXcZzy0qy7WSKgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20170322_221250.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
If you do not want to hide your piercings, I suggest matching all your metals/materials as per usual and to wear your most beautiful pieces. If you have something more extreme that you can't hide, all the more reason to dress eccentric. Bold prints, etc blend face tattoos, bold hair colors etc into a more balanced look. Something seems strange and dishonest about a person with extreme mods if they show up in a normal work "costume" for an interview. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVwQ37ykOyY/XG2pD5CHP8I/AAAAAAAAvmA/jjmEIAPgazwX2_gDwgvrf4dlKUSkzF69ACKgBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20190220-141655.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVwQ37ykOyY/XG2pD5CHP8I/AAAAAAAAvmA/jjmEIAPgazwX2_gDwgvrf4dlKUSkzF69ACKgBGAs/s640/Screenshot_20190220-141655.png" width="475" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What do you wear to an interview?<br /></div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-66783373263180859712019-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:002019-02-14T00:00:12.449-08:00Shop With Me: Killstar Vampire Looks<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Valentines Day! I'd wanted to upload this post sooner, but I had to get that Nazi bs out of the way and reschedule this post for today.<br />
<br />
My Shop With Me series continues in video format this time! I've been uploading YouTube videos for some time, but while some things work well in blog format (most things), other content is suited better for video. Hanging out with me while I scroll through a website is one of those things!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlYYAT8xK_E/XFM1iMBooCI/AAAAAAAAu04/2CzqLcmVCkQk6995RFSE3HZFbOGSziedgCLcBGAs/s1600/shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlYYAT8xK_E/XFM1iMBooCI/AAAAAAAAu04/2CzqLcmVCkQk6995RFSE3HZFbOGSziedgCLcBGAs/s640/shop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>This collection is a nu-goth take on "vampire" looks, with lots of dark red velvet and kinda-sorta-Romantic-Victorian ruffles, lace-up, and lace. They make smart use of one design, using it for dresses, bags, shower curtains, and EVEN WALLPAPER. Honestly, it's all too fussy and costumey for me to wear, and a lot of it is overdesigned. It's mostly all "special occasion" stuff, which is kind of sad since they used to make really wearable clothing. I have to do a post on actually making a wearable vampire-goth look for everyday, cause this ain't it! My favorite look was a chiffon high low "maxi shirt" that looked ultra vampire with a high collar and ruffles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's the video!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O8QduKWDg6g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O8QduKWDg6g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What do you think of these styles?</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-42642940178374709242019-02-05T10:17:00.000-08:002019-02-05T10:25:23.424-08:00Don't dress like a fascist WTF WHAT ARE YOU DOING, GOTH BRANDS???<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zge_bLi-Qx0/XFnGvW0GSFI/AAAAAAAAu3k/W7pXyCbfYY05SVYMNpZ2ES4QllEW8WJWgCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zge_bLi-Qx0/XFnGvW0GSFI/AAAAAAAAu3k/W7pXyCbfYY05SVYMNpZ2ES4QllEW8WJWgCLcBGAs/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Killstar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div>
Now, I know the brands are being heavily inspired by the early 00s/late 90s. I think right now all they are doing is digging up old Lip Service catalogs. Nazi chic was a unfortunate style that came from the fetish scene and the naive summer children who did not know the recession and the rise of fascism. Seriously, with everything going on in the world, THIS IS NOT A LOOK we should be exploring. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Killstar's newest campaign is especially cringy. I honestly feel like this was conceived by clueless people. What's with the "come as you are" makeup, a lyric from Nirvana? Who's "revolt"ing? Is it the Fascists against democratic norms? Cause that's what's happening where I live. I'm sure it's not a dog whistle--honestly I think they are just trying to make it "punk rock," which doesn't make any sense. I don't usually like to hit my readers over the head with knowing the history of the subcultures dark fashion is influenced by, but in this case, seriously....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16qjsoApV_Y/XFnGrp1-7CI/AAAAAAAAu3o/YRFvy7Qonm46OPlJq9_oAFzkTdY2lsCrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1597" height="398" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16qjsoApV_Y/XFnGrp1-7CI/AAAAAAAAu3o/YRFvy7Qonm46OPlJq9_oAFzkTdY2lsCrgCEwYBhgL/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Killstar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"But you will die in ours"? WHAT THE FUCK? What the fuck are you doing? Who wrote this copy? I feel so sorry for this model. If you're going to sell this shit, don't write anything. Below is Punk Rave, who I'm not so angry at because they are based in China and their version of fascist chic doesn't look like ours (I'm assuming). I still don't like it, but this...doesn't have any mention of genocide. With a certain style like steampunk or whatever, this may look more fantasy roleplay than fascist chic.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VTCWzmeLws/XFnKIgfj7BI/AAAAAAAAu30/X1bUiu4_iIk-4uCdFyJstOObR3a5Z6t9ACLcBGAs/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="715" height="317" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VTCWzmeLws/XFnKIgfj7BI/AAAAAAAAu30/X1bUiu4_iIk-4uCdFyJstOObR3a5Z6t9ACLcBGAs/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Even Dollskill, which is usually clueless, sells these products in the space it belongs: the fetish community. Whatever you want to roleplay is your business. I won't judge. If Killstar had done their entire campaign as a sex thing, I honestly wouldn't care. If everyone's fascist fantasies were restricted to the bedroom, the world would be a better place. "Captain Kink" is a good product description.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBRkQxzhvSI/XFnMwrGzccI/AAAAAAAAu4A/kun5MNUPsrkUl_nM8CCMYF-rSuOfOxiugCLcBGAs/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBRkQxzhvSI/XFnMwrGzccI/AAAAAAAAu4A/kun5MNUPsrkUl_nM8CCMYF-rSuOfOxiugCLcBGAs/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollskill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My favorite use of this Nazi fetish look is Contrapoints's alt-right character, below. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx4BVGPkdzk&t=593s">This</a> is a great video on identifying fascist rhetoric and I recommend that everyone watch it.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0F92infsEes/XFnNW8ur2cI/AAAAAAAAu4I/vGvUdcp_niMUqTZFjmht8OhzmddjfiTkACLcBGAs/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="822" height="344" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0F92infsEes/XFnNW8ur2cI/AAAAAAAAu4I/vGvUdcp_niMUqTZFjmht8OhzmddjfiTkACLcBGAs/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">contrapoints</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I personally saw fascist chic looks often in the industrial scene. There were a few skinheads in the scene, but there were others wearing military-inspired looks because it looked cool. I didn't wear anything Nazi, but I<a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2014/06/theme-military-inspired.html"> did have a bullet belt </a>and military fatigues. I would NEVER wear this today because of the political situation in the US. I would look nationalistic.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Like I mentioned before, this look is coming back because of the 90s/00s looks coming back. It was worn then as both club fashion and fetish. I would argue that this look, today, does not belong anywhere except the bedroom. No festivals, no clubs, definitely not everyday. You may think you're Captain Kink, but in these times you're normalizing fascism. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqeo3AMfexw/XFnQTrUpD3I/AAAAAAAAu4U/p6QyZRgsiLoJAWWdy5eFapdAs8DEAYX0wCLcBGAs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1010" height="446" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqeo3AMfexw/XFnQTrUpD3I/AAAAAAAAu4U/p6QyZRgsiLoJAWWdy5eFapdAs8DEAYX0wCLcBGAs/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lip service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS7TVelTqtg/XFnQj6Q91eI/AAAAAAAAu4c/Vc5Aw3N6GmU3wuuAcsB_QX1XaClAyBZsgCLcBGAs/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1003" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RS7TVelTqtg/XFnQj6Q91eI/AAAAAAAAu4c/Vc5Aw3N6GmU3wuuAcsB_QX1XaClAyBZsgCLcBGAs/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marilyn Manson, in a 2001 video</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Do not wear this look. If you weren't around in the at the turn of the millennium and think it's cool and edgy, it's not. The kids will think you're alt-right, and the olds have already seen this before. I'm shitting on Killstar because of their clueless campaign and the fact that they market themselves as more of an "everyday" goth brand instead of a festival/club brand (though that's kind of changing lately). They also are pretty influential. Whether you wear goth brands or not, please, DO NOT BRING THIS LOOK BACK.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWV7AXeEXYE/XFnR_VJtKUI/AAAAAAAAu4o/mo25Nsirewsn7eMvrLhJ3-BfA6tao8L3gCLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWV7AXeEXYE/XFnR_VJtKUI/AAAAAAAAu4o/mo25Nsirewsn7eMvrLhJ3-BfA6tao8L3gCLcBGAs/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-20504546472286930222019-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:002019-01-31T00:00:04.171-08:00Coffin Backpacks Are Stupid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qShxKP5X2eE/XE9POtTIV0I/AAAAAAAAuyY/QOBKVzHMWGMvxmirbFB6ezlvhlduYHdywCLcBGAs/s1600/coffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qShxKP5X2eE/XE9POtTIV0I/AAAAAAAAuyY/QOBKVzHMWGMvxmirbFB6ezlvhlduYHdywCLcBGAs/s640/coffin.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a name='more'></a>Before I go into why I hate this bag, I admit that there are style aesthetics where this backpack works: perky, creepy-cute, kawaii, cartoony looks. "Cute" dark looks put unexpected symbols in unexpected places--silly cartoon prints, ungoth things like unicorns and whatever, plus macabre things like coffins and razors and that sort of thing. I think it's an aesthetic that's supposed to be laughing at the dark side of life. As someone who does not feel joy and never laughs, this aesthetic irritates me, but from this spawneth the coffin bag. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Outfit coherency problems</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It either came from this aesthetic or it came from people looking at a regular backpack and panicking. "Not goth enough..,people will think I'm a poser. Goth is a lifestyle...I can't have an ungoth backpack!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can. It's ok. And that's the main reason why I hate this bag. Not every item you own has to "be scene." And if you don't dress in that cute aesthetic, having an LOL COFFIN on your back is instantly going to make you look like you don't know what you are doing. Coffins are spooky, yes, but in that Halloween way. Coffins don't look that way except in cartoons. If you are wearing a serious look, do you really want this complicated postmodern "macabre/cute" accessory mucking up your outfit? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Was the choice intentional or did you just need to wear a bag, any bag? If you just need a bag, may I suggest my<a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2013/10/purses-that-i-love.html"> Purses I Love</a> post.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's also like this weird peer pressure to own this bag that makes me hate it even more. Like, everyone owns this bag, even if it doesn't fit their aesthetic. When I screen-capped the above photo on Hot Topic, there was a pop-up saying 10 people bought it in the past day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Structural problems</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But what if you need a backpack? It's also a shitty backpack. Backpacks are a utilitarian tool that are used by parents, students, travelers, people carrying bulky items like books and board games to gaming night, hikers, and the like. The shape of the coffin bag isn't useful for anything rectangular, which many things are. If a book or board game fits in this bag, it will no doubt deform this bag. It's also narrow at the bottom and wide at the top, so you basically can't utilize the full size of the bag unless you have things that will fit this exact shape--a water bottle and a sweater wrapped around the bottle? Good luck getting your keys from the bottom of the bag. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other thing is that no self-respecting quality brand will make this stupid bag, so you will have to get it from a "goth brand," which will always ALWAYS be made of shitty material and shoddily made. They will be made of plastic, which will not look better with age and use the way canvas or leather will. They will cut corners on structural support and hardware, so you'll probably get a bag that's basically cardboard with glued fabric on it. This will make you look like a teenager. I personally would never spend serious cash on a quality leather purse--I'm fine with my either free or $10 canvas bags. You know what? My bags never look cheap and are good for adulting all the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I need to do a dedicated post on how shitty goth brand purses are...I've never owned one, but the YouTube reviews confirm what I suspect just from the product photos)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>In conclusion...</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not every item you own has to be goth. A functional item like a backpack doesn't need to be goth. If you want to look put-together, don't wear a style staple from an aesthetic that you aren't dressing in. Perky goth items are so overbearing that even one of them will infuse your outfit with humor and joy. If that's what you want...do you, lol. I'll be staring at this dark void instead:<span style="background-color: black;"> <span style="color: #444444;">Sadness. Despair. Sensible canvas bags that fit all your things and go with every outfit. Nihilism. </span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-31372690217840266992019-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:002019-01-24T00:00:03.846-08:00Comme Des Garcons Men's Fall Winter 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
For all of you who like masculine fashion, I'd love to share the newest collection from Comme Des Garcons, which has some great dark fashion looks that I feel are classic. Normally men's runway fashion is unwearable, but this collection was inspiring. It's kind of the nu-goth update to old-school industrial styles that I've been waiting for.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmtombrdWgE/XEi6Wrn86SI/AAAAAAAAuuY/_7gUjDbRc3YRW2iMFmSILyepdC3VPSF9ACLcBGAs/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmtombrdWgE/XEi6Wrn86SI/AAAAAAAAuuY/_7gUjDbRc3YRW2iMFmSILyepdC3VPSF9ACLcBGAs/s640/Picture1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
The look is easy to replicate. It mostly consists of classic old-school staples like something black and shiny, fishnets, and leather accessories including boot belts and harnesses:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLSq8XYir8E/XEi5p5_b2_I/AAAAAAAAuuA/B8ZPzLlX_-ADOu-65nAt7YM4ZIv6-FovgCLcBGAs/s1600/CommeDeGarcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLSq8XYir8E/XEi5p5_b2_I/AAAAAAAAuuA/B8ZPzLlX_-ADOu-65nAt7YM4ZIv6-FovgCLcBGAs/s640/CommeDeGarcon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes long, slim, graceful silhouettes are favored. (I would not recommend doing this if you have short tiny legs like me)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZAI5WV011A/XEi5pw_ynHI/AAAAAAAAuuE/WWCaBaeTbD8LpX21yQVG3d-ks9P4Ld7NQCEwYBhgL/s1600/CommeDeGarcon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZAI5WV011A/XEi5pw_ynHI/AAAAAAAAuuE/WWCaBaeTbD8LpX21yQVG3d-ks9P4Ld7NQCEwYBhgL/s640/CommeDeGarcon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes, texture like tassels or something furry was also added. As for makeup and hair, I'm glad they went with something more grungy/industrial. I've always preferred sloppy hair and makeup for masculine looks, like you just finished kicking ass or fighting in the apocalypse. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uizPnw0aq9U/XEi5p_VPr-I/AAAAAAAAuuI/Q9gd4n6f6zYOkLA1FgApiVWu6LnAUjBLwCEwYBhgL/s1600/CommeDeGarcon3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uizPnw0aq9U/XEi5p_VPr-I/AAAAAAAAuuI/Q9gd4n6f6zYOkLA1FgApiVWu6LnAUjBLwCEwYBhgL/s640/CommeDeGarcon3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Favorite Looks</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BePTkJMJ2NE/XEi6WlQZdCI/AAAAAAAAuuk/bauKtxLscIA_6enxvK-835f2w_2-NK7RACEwYBhgL/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BePTkJMJ2NE/XEi6WlQZdCI/AAAAAAAAuuk/bauKtxLscIA_6enxvK-835f2w_2-NK7RACEwYBhgL/s640/Picture3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The overall look reminds me of when metalheads dress goth, and I always think that's a great masculine look: the cut of a long sleeve shirt and slim pants (and his hair) make me think metal, and the studs, fishnets, and makeup are definitely dark fashion.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAu9Jvh2Df0/XEi6XTukSeI/AAAAAAAAuuw/FlvPQ95Ow-85w5Y_HXNEEg5ccXLPb0D0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Picture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAu9Jvh2Df0/XEi6XTukSeI/AAAAAAAAuuw/FlvPQ95Ow-85w5Y_HXNEEg5ccXLPb0D0QCEwYBhgL/s640/Picture4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This next look is a great example of a nu-goth update to industrial fashion: fishnets, clean lines, statement accessories, metal hardware, and a shapeless black thing </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ITfYFgxX6A/XEi8krYHlQI/AAAAAAAAuu8/mrGr2H02Ih4tJ0v4ZCy6RjvSogWGkvv1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ITfYFgxX6A/XEi8krYHlQI/AAAAAAAAuu8/mrGr2H02Ih4tJ0v4ZCy6RjvSogWGkvv1QCLcBGAs/s640/Picture6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back in the day, I also used to wear high socks to give the illusion of boots, but sometimes it looks a bit boyish, depending on the rest of your outfit. My favorite thing about this look is whatever that braided scarf thing is. I'm going to find a way to make that...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmtombrdWgE/XEi6Wrn86SI/AAAAAAAAuus/yzckOR-CfFsv9WBUf0Or8kyBfnudTbrfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmtombrdWgE/XEi6Wrn86SI/AAAAAAAAuus/yzckOR-CfFsv9WBUf0Or8kyBfnudTbrfwCEwYBhgL/s640/Picture1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who knew fringe could look so masculine! That's because with the rest of the outfit, it kind of gives a distressed texture to an otherwise clean look. I love the easy and comfortable nu-goth style of this works so perfectly with the boots, socks, fishnet, and ankle belts industrial staples. I'm not a fan of suit jackets in general, but it makes an otherwise effeminate tunic look butch.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy5c-IN20GE/XEi6XtSZaLI/AAAAAAAAuu0/WzrPeI-ik-wMOQ2yOcoSV__zBjsCOITOACEwYBhgL/s1600/Picture5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy5c-IN20GE/XEi6XtSZaLI/AAAAAAAAuu0/WzrPeI-ik-wMOQ2yOcoSV__zBjsCOITOACEwYBhgL/s640/Picture5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mainstream men's fashion has shortened men's shorts in general, and this is flattering for most people, unless you have exceptionally long legs. I love how this shows off the fishnets and embellished boots, which is always the focal point when you wear clothing in these proportions. Industrial fashion was a very boots-heavy look, and wearing a pair of bad-ass boots automatically makes you a badass, no matter what else you are wearing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dislikes</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dislikes in the collection illustrate the reasons why any dark fashion look might fail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJghcLlVvQo/XEjMo2UFtYI/AAAAAAAAuvM/sr58Ph0-O0g3L__qXZOZxzCJkjDWflWoACLcBGAs/s1600/Picture7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJghcLlVvQo/XEjMo2UFtYI/AAAAAAAAuvM/sr58Ph0-O0g3L__qXZOZxzCJkjDWflWoACLcBGAs/s640/Picture7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here we have conflicting tones, as in we have items that might work individually, but together tell a mixed message. The romantic brocade jacket, the kick-ass boots, and modern gothic tunic all look like they should be worn by three separate individuals and not one person at the same time. That's why you get an unintentionally humerous look of Postapocalyptic Vampire Ninja.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vmXUdEp9CQQ/XEjMp8k2kaI/AAAAAAAAuvU/6PjesN6wICU5ZIfd5N-9zCWCRPJ8DUaPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vmXUdEp9CQQ/XEjMp8k2kaI/AAAAAAAAuvU/6PjesN6wICU5ZIfd5N-9zCWCRPJ8DUaPgCLcBGAs/s640/Picture8.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Like the last look, but a lot more "runway." Here we have Mafioso Leather Daddy. Honestly the collection just loses it when it strays from solid black and starts adding patterns. You have to <b>really</b> know what you are doing when you mix fishnets with any other pattern.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQvGxf7kzaM/XEjMqM3-weI/AAAAAAAAuvY/chvy78pubJEVx_8TQw2Vge4pe9yRdDcbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQvGxf7kzaM/XEjMqM3-weI/AAAAAAAAuvY/chvy78pubJEVx_8TQw2Vge4pe9yRdDcbwCLcBGAs/s640/Picture9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The collection also falls apart when it starts adding color. Just as with mainstream fashion, adding pops of color to a masculine look immediately makes it fun and playful, and when you want to be the darkness everyone fears, a splash of green and a checked pattern may look like you don't know what you're doing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8huslYMOUA/XEjMo68kR1I/AAAAAAAAuvQ/0yCFGLAxQLQ3xeC0LVnxBBs0uH7cItUVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8huslYMOUA/XEjMo68kR1I/AAAAAAAAuvQ/0yCFGLAxQLQ3xeC0LVnxBBs0uH7cItUVgCLcBGAs/s640/Picture10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If I ever do a "don'ts" for dark fashion, I'd put fishnets head-to-toe for an everyday look as a big don't. The fishnets well never match, so you will never look put-together, and even if that's the intent it just makes you look either fetish or a bag of oranges at the grocery store.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What were your likes/dislikes on the collection?</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-61009569253822816472019-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:002019-01-17T00:00:02.545-08:00Online Goth Communities: Reddit (and "gatekeeping goth")Reddit, for me, has always been the somehow even less user-friendly 4chan. It's an ugly site not conducive to sharing outfit posts and ideas, and so I've avoided it for fashion-related stuff. Today I decided to join and interact with Reddit's /goth and /gothstyle.<br />
<br />
My first post was replying to a user's "I've been in the scene for 5 years and I've only just joined Reddit!" post with "I just joined Reddit too, and I've been in the scene for 20 years!" to which someone immediately replied with:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--Rr8tYtje--/c_fit,f_auto,fl_progressive,q_80,w_320/izdsvvvsrsw6ul9omrwm.jpg" style="user-select: none;" width="250" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;">
Dude. I'm only in my 30s. People jumped to my defense and "downvoted" the comment, but I think that was a good introduction to the world of Reddit--a place that looks and feels like the world of 90s listservs, but with exactly ONE asshole lurking, giving everyone a hard time. The one jock in Goth High, pushing everyone into lockers.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Gothic style, the main section I'm interested in (and the main focus of this blog) was a ghost town. 6.4k subscribers, 3 of whom were online. This was the front page, with the highest voted stuff, which were topics for people who never heard of Google:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iuqYds7FhM/XDe17QhtUaI/AAAAAAAAugY/CTJ_dCwjSk01mL87ptIhFEg7TuL1J0FfQCLcBGAs/s1600/redditstyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1122" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iuqYds7FhM/XDe17QhtUaI/AAAAAAAAugY/CTJ_dCwjSk01mL87ptIhFEg7TuL1J0FfQCLcBGAs/s640/redditstyle.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The /goth subreddit was a lot more happening. 19k subscribers and 39 people online when I took this screenshot. The pinned post was a link to the Discord, which I joined and I'll get to later. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fashion Fridays had a list of purchases and one outfit shot--I really hope this is not the place people look for inspiration since there weren't a lot of posts. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next we have a photo of people in mohawks and leather jackets that the original poster used to make a statement that people who buy goth brands are posers, which most people immediately rebutted with comments of "Those are punks, not goths." This actually turned out to be an entertaining discussion about the age-old question of whether or not posers buy brand and if the only way to be a real goth is to DIY. I was pleased that someone brought up an ableist argument that some people physically can't DIY--something I argue not because I am disabled, but because I don't want to look like an idiot wearing a bunch of failed DIYs. The discussion is <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/aeixkc/hey_look_they_dont_wear_killstar_or_restyle/">here </a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6B7GK5nruOg/XDe18wz80EI/AAAAAAAAugg/34LADveVJJI6DprtpYmWx-1mYJZ7vaxLACLcBGAs/s1600/goth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="998" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6B7GK5nruOg/XDe18wz80EI/AAAAAAAAugg/34LADveVJJI6DprtpYmWx-1mYJZ7vaxLACLcBGAs/s640/goth.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The threads weren't just people calling each other posers--for those interested in fashion, there were far better threads in the /goth subreddit than the /gothstyle one, like how to style a harness and the shitty quality of Demonia shoes (a classic) as well as <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/9ytdxx/killstar_shoe_review_obviously_negative/">an honest review</a> of Killstar's crappy shoes, which was badly needed to offset all the sponsored YouTubers gushing at every unboxing. (I like their clothing, but seriously, their shoes look like Payless even in the high-budget photo shoots with all the hours of retouching and editing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://i.imgur.com/vHn93dX.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from the above mentioned <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/goth/comments/9ytdxx/killstar_shoe_review_obviously_negative/">thread</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
The fashion-related posts are the most common and most active threads on the /goth reddit, which is making all the admins seethe since they area bunch of bros who only think goth is only about the bands that they like (and only their favorite bands). "That's not goth" is a common thread by the leadership and others, who are quick to comment on bands they don't like and places they don't shop, and I'm honestly not sure why people who are drawn to a nonconforming culture would stay in place whose leaders spend all day rules-policing them. When I applied to join the discord--you have to "apply" to join--they quickly saw through my ruse that I was a poser trying to infiltrate their bat cave so I can...I'm not sure what exactly. Learn about the subculture and decide whether or not it was for me?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qmjtNms0QNk/XDe18zgwrAI/AAAAAAAAugc/ebpVM_OZGO80CGiJjJtgwcZKuvOghqsXACLcBGAs/s1600/reddit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1582" height="538" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qmjtNms0QNk/XDe18zgwrAI/AAAAAAAAugc/ebpVM_OZGO80CGiJjJtgwcZKuvOghqsXACLcBGAs/s640/reddit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I'm "Thread End Job")</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of course I didn't join. When they wanted to continue the interview process, I said, "Nah, I'm out. It feels like you are calling me a poser or something." To which the Malkavian replied, "The interview is also a test of character." Alas, I'm weak of character since I have exactly zero tolerance for bullshit. He then banned me from the discord.<br />
<br />
That's why it's a losing battle to "gatekeep" goth, aka keeping all the Hot Topic-wearing posers OUT of the treehouse. If you want to keep it "pure" all your barriers could be passed by using the secret password of Googling all the popular goth bands from the 70s and 80s.<br />
<br />
To sum up:<br />
<br />
<b>Is Reddit a great place for elders? </b>No, not unless you want to see people arguing the same tired arguments or wondering if you can actually dye blue jeans black (you can't. you know you can't.)<br />
<br />
<b>Is Reddit a great place for posers? </b>Yes, an excellent place. You just need to spend 10 minutes on the Goth wiki page and the moderators won't know a thing.<br />
<br />
<b>Is Reddit a great place for newcomers to the scene? </b>NO! If you are new to the scene, do not go on Reddit. There's so much rules-policing that you'll be wondering if you're "doing goth right" so often that you'll just get frustrated and quit the scene.<br />
<br />
<b>Is Reddit a good place to post about your doll? </b>I didn't see a lot of doll posts, but most of the outfit critiques have been positive and polite, but don't ask if your doll's goth enough, cause it's going to devolve into the same tired arguments around music and poserdom.<br />
<br />
Do any of you lurk on Reddit?</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-84058090086685103972019-01-09T10:45:00.000-08:002019-01-15T07:28:59.059-08:00Ethical ShoppingThis post was inspired by the always thoughtful and creative Sary Walrus and her post <a href="http://thewalrusroomblog.com/2018/12/sustainable-goth-fashion.html">Sustainable Goth Fashion Haul</a>. She also posts well-produced lookbooks that are always inspiring.<br />
<br />
I'm defining "ethical shopping" as clothing and accessories that is environmentally and worker friendly, and this post isn't meant to make anyone feel bad or guilty or shame anyone who buys cheap clothing out of necessity. The free market isn't going to end slavery or the environmental problems associated with fashion--the responsibility to change begins with governments and the producers themselves. It's important to remember who the bad guys are, and it isn't the person who maybe honestly can't make the lifestyle change to be a more conscientious consumer.<br />
<br />
<b>Don't buy anything: </b>This is the <i>only</i> way to shop ethically--by not buying anything. Think critically of anything you want--do you actually need this? Love and cherish the things you own, or alter them. At the turn of the last century, people altered clothing they own to match current styles. From collars to sleeves to waistlines, people kept what they owned for years and years--not just one season. Not everyone is as gifted with thread and needle these days, but we have YouTube now, and there are plenty of "hacks" to update your regular Ts into cold-shoulder tops and almost anything you can think of. If you loved the embroidery trend, why not watch a few videos and learn how to do it on your own? This used to be what gothic fashion was about. Altering what you already owned reflected your journey of self in a way--plus it looked a whole lot cooler.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNP-uTUTiI0/Ua1WbVzlb0I/AAAAAAAABA0/4oxS8hq-UMc0dBfhLOT0fgRiPl1mFjPsACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNP-uTUTiI0/Ua1WbVzlb0I/AAAAAAAABA0/4oxS8hq-UMc0dBfhLOT0fgRiPl1mFjPsACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG091.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I stopped dressing cybergoth, I added some patches to this neon pink vest for a more wearable punk look. Also, obviously I've worn these shoes for ...almost 20 years now lol.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<br />
<b>Buy from ethical companies who manufacture where you live:</b> Environmentally friendly companies who give living wages to their workers are next best. I rate this above buying used, because the majority of the clothing sold at used clothing stores comes from unethical companies, because that's what the majority of what people buy. If a person who shops the hottest trends at a fast-fashion store drops off a garbage bag of last-season's clothes at a goodwill shop, it's still a toxic model. If you must buy something, I think it's better to support ethical brands who deserve to exist.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jK2I2tdV8pQ/UOER8lpmffI/AAAAAAAAApc/POCtgbUKwocFOeaOdOYAEeMi8OrPh0PrwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1011" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jK2I2tdV8pQ/UOER8lpmffI/AAAAAAAAApc/POCtgbUKwocFOeaOdOYAEeMi8OrPh0PrwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSC_0017.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All old American Apparel (except the bracelet)...I miss the old American Apparel so hard...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Buy or barter used, local:</b> Used clothing has already left its environmental and worker footprint ages ago. The dyes have already polluted the water system, the child worker is all grown up, etc. The resources used to keep the used-clothing store open are offset by your contribution to keep the local economy going. If you must buy something, buying used and local is the most ethical way you can shop.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZL_iFYzdQI/UDfpb_UChQI/AAAAAAAACFk/qs9agkgpEjMnSs7aksVoTMVFDniDjSFiACPcBGAYYCw/s400/ghost.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrifted, from Beacon's Closet in NYC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZL_iFYzdQI/UDfpb_UChQI/AAAAAAAACFk/qs9agkgpEjMnSs7aksVoTMVFDniDjSFiACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/ghost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZL_iFYzdQI/UDfpb_UChQI/AAAAAAAACFk/qs9agkgpEjMnSs7aksVoTMVFDniDjSFiACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/ghost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<b>Buy or barter used, online:</b> Same as buying local, but shipping and shipping materials are not green. Plus you may be buying from a place like Amazon, which does not treat its workers well.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3eq9-NvSlo/XB_79q7UI_I/AAAAAAAAuNE/I6gWUzNaockb7sWWsTXeAmokovebapS_QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171108_153419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3eq9-NvSlo/XB_79q7UI_I/AAAAAAAAuNE/I6gWUzNaockb7sWWsTXeAmokovebapS_QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20171108_153419.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought these Black Milk leggings second hand on Poshmark--much cheaper too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Shop local: </b>If need to buy something and either can't afford or don't have access to the previous options, try to buy local. Walk on over to your local department store or wherever you shop. It's good for your local economy and, depending on where that store gets its clothing, it might be greener than buying online. Plus you get to try it on before you buy!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCximU47qVY/XB_-VA4qwXI/AAAAAAAAuNQ/SefiO5Y-F-8z5V1THEAwtuZdI_K4m61gwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181116_155947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCximU47qVY/XB_-VA4qwXI/AAAAAAAAuNQ/SefiO5Y-F-8z5V1THEAwtuZdI_K4m61gwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181116_155947.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying on a Nanette Lepore dress at my favorite department store, Century 21</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you can do none of these, be <b>conscious of the materials the item is made of. </b>Buy items that will biodegrade or can be recycled. This is especially difficult for vegans looking for leather items. Most pleather is made of plastic, which doesn't break down and poisons generations of fish for hundreds of years (not very vegan imo). This kind of plastic is not a hard plastic either, so most places can't recycle it (NYC can't). But there are plant-based leather alternatives from mushrooms, wood, etc that do biodegrade. Don't buy anything with glitter or microplastics. If you aren't vegan, plant-based fabrics are greener than animal leather.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s508bbpIC4E/VwsAlnMtk2I/AAAAAAAAb-4/311nbfMkVNIT4pU_ZRAzeAr9A2u6LFesACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_9827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s508bbpIC4E/VwsAlnMtk2I/AAAAAAAAb-4/311nbfMkVNIT4pU_ZRAzeAr9A2u6LFesACPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_9827.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cotton jacket with metal embellishments that I ordered online from Lip Service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LrjfurA97A/UBWgWLnKDWI/AAAAAAAAASU/ir9w05vebmks6xWrpvBdIgMyvj_X0pXrgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0001_2_4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LrjfurA97A/UBWgWLnKDWI/AAAAAAAAASU/ir9w05vebmks6xWrpvBdIgMyvj_X0pXrgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSC_0001_2_4_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An acrylic necklace that I still love and wear!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>If you can't resist </b>and need to get that suspiciously low-cost pleather thing online shipped from overseas, make sure you really want it and will enjoy it. To cycle back to the first point of not buying anything, <b>at the very least, </b>make sure it is THE item that will work with every outfit and will prevent you from consuming more.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ad</span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2U6e96nAjoA/XD374TK1JhI/AAAAAAAAun8/Qdj54_c6PP0AK13y8fNhzicYW7KyxVfPQCLcBGAs/s1600/1ws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="385" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2U6e96nAjoA/XD374TK1JhI/AAAAAAAAun8/Qdj54_c6PP0AK13y8fNhzicYW7KyxVfPQCLcBGAs/s400/1ws.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dresshead.com/c/dresses/"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women's Dresses</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-37937344391515492532019-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:002019-01-03T00:00:07.185-08:00New Year Tarot Spread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2018/01/happy-new-year.html">last year's</a> Hermit card was oddly prophetic, wasn't it? I left blogging early in the year and later still, I was laid off from work. Still am.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I usually do a 1-card reading each year, but his year I'm doing a 1-card tarot reading plus an oracle card to supplement. The tarot card is from the Tattoo Tarot: Ink and Intuition deck and the oracle card is from the Pythia Botanica Oracle deck.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p8vVzgGOV0E/XB2IA2C1c4I/AAAAAAAAuLc/ogZXAAiXxec3-x6EnKw2befwiqsCAbfOACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20181221_193241.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;">
So, for 2019 the Five of Swords tells me to act in my self-interest. It's not easy It's not a good time for me now, but most of the advice I get these days is what the Five of Swords says: Do what's best for you. The HR department and manager who laid me off, the old mentors I've reached out to, friends and family have given the same advice. It's hard to do that when you are at the mercy of your environment--I'm in a highly specialized, competitive field and there are not a whole lot of places for me to go.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How best to act in my self-interest? The oracle card (Cleanse) is a picture of the herb Hyssop, a medicinal plant used to break up mucus for cough relief. I don't have a cold (yet) but I'm unwell in other ways: anger, mostly. Maybe if I lose everything that's holding me back, I can act in my self interest. What's holding me back? Impossible odds? A tanking economy? Maybe the thing I have to cleanse will become obvious in the upcoming year.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How do you plan on acting in your self-interest this year?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-26485214382566219722018-12-27T11:07:00.000-08:002018-12-27T11:07:05.325-08:002019 Trend Predictions (and trends I'd like to see)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What sort of dark fashion trends will we see in 2019? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGRe2MqDLs0/XBki911GFmI/AAAAAAAAuEw/_-J_Rsdw2T8u30PMWrPTgbFtPjetYv5UgCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGRe2MqDLs0/XBki911GFmI/AAAAAAAAuEw/_-J_Rsdw2T8u30PMWrPTgbFtPjetYv5UgCLcBGAs/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The nicer term for mall goth. I think we are going to be seeing more embellished clothing and accessories, so listen for sounds of chains rattling, straps jostling, zippers zipping, and belts tightening. Expect to see people getting caught on chairs and doors and each other, plus more lists of "problems only goths have."<br />
<a name='more'></a>On a related note I think we'll start seeing....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5kzawaC4aA/XBki9guThcI/AAAAAAAAuE0/KZJaJ_z5sS8xswX09qHbDoJ4Iyp5LgOUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5kzawaC4aA/XBki9guThcI/AAAAAAAAuE0/KZJaJ_z5sS8xswX09qHbDoJ4Iyp5LgOUQCLcBGAs/s640/Slide4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, bondage pants. My jaw dropped when I saw my first bondage pant in over a decade at the Gucci store on 5th Ave. That same day I saw a KoRn shirt at Top Shop, and further thought that I was having a stroke or something. I don't know why I haven't seen bondage pants yet, but I'm sure they are coming, and Tripp, who has never stopped making them, will be very happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59JDxrZVCrc/XBki9qHjNTI/AAAAAAAAuFE/mMO4iKaumfMNZRLzuCr4pbehglCYrq69wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59JDxrZVCrc/XBki9qHjNTI/AAAAAAAAuFE/mMO4iKaumfMNZRLzuCr4pbehglCYrq69wCEwYBhgL/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With bell sleeves, lace, and ruffles entering mainstream fashion again, it's no surprise that people have been wearing gothic lolita-inspired and romantic looks again. This is another style rehashed from the early 2000s that existed alongside Mall Goth looks. Why? My guess is that this counterculture ultrafeminine look contrasted with the more masculine punk and metal fashion of the time. </div>
<br />
Next up we have looks that I like right now that could perhaps inspire others this year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQu7ugblLhw/XBki-frCTEI/AAAAAAAAuE4/H0AAgO22KVALno1sGaDvikFqfe5jxXnSwCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQu7ugblLhw/XBki-frCTEI/AAAAAAAAuE4/H0AAgO22KVALno1sGaDvikFqfe5jxXnSwCLcBGAs/s640/Slide7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Oversize clothing and accessories were everywhere on the runways and I think no matter where you shop, you're going to see these kinds of items. Does this mean we're going to see even more shapeless black things? I think so.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q15OqeTQiR0/XB_I1doRs9I/AAAAAAAAuM4/YO4yuQR-W5oBMJPZOCEDHsPmb7eJz1w4QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180110_134156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="1549" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q15OqeTQiR0/XB_I1doRs9I/AAAAAAAAuM4/YO4yuQR-W5oBMJPZOCEDHsPmb7eJz1w4QCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180110_134156.jpg" width="399" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my newest goth sack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sci7Jq1Fkg/XBrW1D5fffI/AAAAAAAAuGE/txpUaDwoG4MsZv54zTaaNz1ekSGCl9WZgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180707_185613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sci7Jq1Fkg/XBrW1D5fffI/AAAAAAAAuGE/txpUaDwoG4MsZv54zTaaNz1ekSGCl9WZgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180707_185613.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Humor: </b>I'd also like to see more humorous and ironic items, like this Balenciaga Croc platform. I don't mean funny like dumb slogans on T-shirt. I really hate those.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbmX7UpECKk/XBki_jydSII/AAAAAAAAuFA/QjEnUELiVtIdvFH8V4qSjPVRtpTlA4wBwCLcBGAs/s1600/2019trendpredictiongucci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbmX7UpECKk/XBki_jydSII/AAAAAAAAuFA/QjEnUELiVtIdvFH8V4qSjPVRtpTlA4wBwCLcBGAs/s640/2019trendpredictiongucci.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last and not least, my most favorite look on any runway or anywhere was Gucci's Spring 2018 line. I love the haircuts, loved the clothes, especially loved loved the glasses--It's what inspired me to get mine:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img aria-label="Photo - Portrait - Apr 11, 2018, 6:06:59 PM" class="SzDcob" height="400" jsname="uLHQEd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/AzWOx9fQITSh1WoEH9vok7ygnF3bmZLJ2NNKHebVNc-uySygK6DOrRPDlPphJwgfe_1UrijyZdpaFy49L9VlqtMwyqQi9fxNYM8LS-bt1s9tnjbEjASR-hasffTFOTSqFuskWCJRdFPbnStWMDWN1TBMn4pyNorO26FKtj7G7bPPW7_svmkpuoXIoUHv4p0QRM2bY6UAI695WTnFNoS4we5gf0pJn8DQzF92WhwMhcrIQL2PBSFkv_7RNS7pe-OyDw167C5ZwgTjjDO4tnLUefqJG7Ei5tvqnQX-zjAiOq9x6uju1IFMmHbFsccM1GbGSnDco9mSab5B13PMgkqncH4ndFeX3jsjoVDepW2YYjIpTZ3r5EuE5gXqPD905iWz1ADYCTi0Po_KvJ38dcZR9Crsweq-R_7Gx1WPnj6JAkhf_J0mAjob-DsxLLZFb4VFANZTUMz_dMBIjGMgAKLFW8f83QkbszTC-Sw9hEF6_eJgQuMWW1dqwU5GNmL8f8Y0jn1wwqD-hzUZ-R9GJ5mDD14smFTmoP5ISuRDoOTOyu3ZeHidmY397x7EAZYqFTTbfhZqWv5-4vdftDIG2qn7RwSAH-UzGvT7MCBbHW3qyYDpnGhHSAFsi-P6F6Qe2FmKdi39lhT0wU1-U_tSjUBdvEU42A=w997-h1329-no" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 0px, 0px) rotate(0deg);" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's retro but in kind of a new and exciting way that I haven't really seen before. It's so decidedly uncool that it's somehow cool? You can bet I'm going to get one of those bad haircuts as soon as my hair grows out.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anything you're looking forward to this year?</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-533044342660474352018-12-20T18:58:00.000-08:002018-12-20T18:58:08.613-08:002018 Trend Recap<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm back! Those of you who follow me on Instagram @5thAvenueGoth know that I've been recently laid off from my job. Fun fact is that this blog started while I was looking for work, and since I've got some time on my hands now, I'll return to blogging. Instagram isn't really good for the commentary I like to do, and I'm still toying with the idea of doing YouTube--that's where I go for fashion commentary myself, so it makes sense that the audience who is interested in dark fashion commentary would be there as well. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">It's that time of year again, when I recap the 2018 dark fashion trends. Still enjoying wearing cold-shoulder tops? See where they started in the <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2017/12/2017-trend-recap.html">2017 recap</a>. Are you gluing things to your forehead? Check out the </span><a href="http://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2016/12/2016-darkgoth-fashion-trend-recap.html" style="text-align: center;">2016 Recap</a><span style="text-align: center;">. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G89wkGf5ulM/XBgAIIPA2mI/AAAAAAAAuDE/zonRJLAtFHgPb7A55Mi5W_Jvb-31aXgsQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018trendsMax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G89wkGf5ulM/XBgAIIPA2mI/AAAAAAAAuDE/zonRJLAtFHgPb7A55Mi5W_Jvb-31aXgsQCLcBGAs/s640/2018trendsMax.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<b>Maximalism:</b> This is the nicer term for Mall Goth. Granted most of the people I see today wearing this weren't around in the early 2000s, when hanging straps, belts, metal plates, D-rings (not really the piercing-like rings in the Restyle bag above--that's new), zippers, spikes, chains, and other hanging shit was in style. It's not just the goth brands either. Brands from Gucci to H+M are over-embellishing their garments. I can't believe this is popular again, but then I remember this hasn't been seen in 20 years. I wonder if the minds of younger people are being blown as mine was back in the day. Either way, I don't think this is going away anytime soon. At least there aren't safety pins everywhere like before...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9ZAXUyFnQE/XBgAQUeAS9I/AAAAAAAAuDI/kqLq1XePz9UY0MhfrKW16EmPZv1H1-8JQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018trendsChains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9ZAXUyFnQE/XBgAQUeAS9I/AAAAAAAAuDI/kqLq1XePz9UY0MhfrKW16EmPZv1H1-8JQCLcBGAs/s640/2018trendsChains.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next up we have c<b>hains: </b>Another jangly embellishment from the early 2000s, but utilized in so many different ways I think it should be its own category. Nu-goth's minimal style didn't use chains, so I was surprised to see Killstar, a brand made popular by nu-goth trends, add a bunch of chains to a harness. Chains are being added to belts, like the Zana Bayne corset belt above and shoe-like torture devices by Demonia, to clothing and accessories by fast fashion retailers like H+M and Forever 21. I used to DIY my own necklaces like the one from Dolls Kill from materials from the hardware store during my rivethead days. I'm seeing this everywhere, including <i>wallet chains</i>. Believe it or not, I see people in NYC on the subways in wallet chains now. Boots, shoes, dresses, jewelry all have industrial-looking chains. Some garments in the early 2010s had chains as well, but those were delicate. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OWP2DAjwHI/XBgq99i1f8I/AAAAAAAAuDc/GSa_LLY9-Lgap83MMbhFR0LXd5rq7BevwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018trendssheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OWP2DAjwHI/XBgq99i1f8I/AAAAAAAAuDc/GSa_LLY9-Lgap83MMbhFR0LXd5rq7BevwCLcBGAs/s640/2018trendssheer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Everywhere you looked in 2018 had sheer or lace garments, panels, or details, no matter the season. During the summer, everyone was wearing sheer socks with sandals--both people who wear dark fashion and people who wear mainstream fashion. I don't know why socks and sandals are so taboo--I think it looks awesome! Also everyone was wearing fishnets all of a sudden--they were out of style for some time and then they came back, especially if worn it past the <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2017/08/trend-high-waisted-fishnets.html">waistline of your pants/skirt</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00--sYQagTI/XBg-Nqq86LI/AAAAAAAAuDo/jajrr6iXFkwHzT9AfFde4lhC9mNPZ_zZQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018trendsmakeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00--sYQagTI/XBg-Nqq86LI/AAAAAAAAuDo/jajrr6iXFkwHzT9AfFde4lhC9mNPZ_zZQCLcBGAs/s640/2018trendsmakeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Makeup from the past few years were matte and now everything is shiny. Glossy lips, iridescent shimmer, sparkly eye shadow. Just another way everything's so over-the-top now!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6720mLT1rr4/XBk9LoRRkRI/AAAAAAAAuFc/oi2TuDQDxM0XQ3SGYsKdCPkTRqUo_HnFwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018trendsother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6720mLT1rr4/XBk9LoRRkRI/AAAAAAAAuFc/oi2TuDQDxM0XQ3SGYsKdCPkTRqUo_HnFwCLcBGAs/s640/2018trendsother.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
PVC is a Mall Goth fabric that's making a comeback. I'm also seeing more false hair. Dreads are also from the 00s, but wigs are a holdover from nu-goth fashion, when people realized it was very difficult to die hair that perfect pastel pink or gray or white. Moons were probably the most recognizably nugoth design ever, popular starting in 2014. As was drawing lines and dots on your face. In fact I was surprised to see much of what was <a href="https://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2014/12/trend-recap-2014.html">popular in 2014 </a>return.<br />
<br />
Did I miss anything?5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-37479948640851164232018-06-11T17:12:00.000-07:002018-06-11T17:13:05.654-07:00Personal style: what's in and out for summer 2018The seasons have changed and so it's time to pack away what won't be worn (my "outs") and hang up what will be (my "ins").<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
IN: Black horn jewelry. I've been wearing gold and silver and bone for the past year, and I've missed all my black stuff!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tyu9BF77M0/Wf3hP3LSPsI/AAAAAAAAjhw/16PSWI7u4UwUiv7eyk74VtQBdAZWgfigACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170722_172647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tyu9BF77M0/Wf3hP3LSPsI/AAAAAAAAjhw/16PSWI7u4UwUiv7eyk74VtQBdAZWgfigACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20170722_172647.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
IN: Big sleeves, a carry-over from fall. This will also be nice in the summer, protecting me from the sun while still being airy and cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-eEBH4k8sI/WfE4vRkaAmI/AAAAAAAAjGY/tH8YEGba-Noq8PF-FUstCnE9pPHEVmquQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20171001_161106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-eEBH4k8sI/WfE4vRkaAmI/AAAAAAAAjGY/tH8YEGba-Noq8PF-FUstCnE9pPHEVmquQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20171001_161106.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
OUT: Batwing sleeves. The volume is in the forearms these days<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtX6CJIHuyE/Tis0u_3t_1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/lMOpJDNHIRcP608Bk6GuDc9g2sMEvjSxACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/meetme3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="357" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtX6CJIHuyE/Tis0u_3t_1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/lMOpJDNHIRcP608Bk6GuDc9g2sMEvjSxACPcBGAYYCw/s400/meetme3.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<br />
IN: Stripes. No reason, except I'm literally seeing stripes EVERYWHERE. All of NYC is wearing stripes right now<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2zSOsNBv2c/UACWG9i_upI/AAAAAAAAAQs/dlLTImwBdxIx2DSXzPy8wLuTSmsWcfytgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0055_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2zSOsNBv2c/UACWG9i_upI/AAAAAAAAAQs/dlLTImwBdxIx2DSXzPy8wLuTSmsWcfytgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/DSC_0055_2.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
OUT: loose, unfitted t-shirts. For the same reason I'm packing away the batwing tops, the silhouette has changed.The waist is being defined now, and the below doesn't look cool to me anymore, it just looks sloppy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PheEewQPBM/WaWbos9O5NI/AAAAAAAAhUE/W778UH3ZV0MkHFCMHJOSNHl46HxbknDCgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20170828-181725.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PheEewQPBM/WaWbos9O5NI/AAAAAAAAhUE/W778UH3ZV0MkHFCMHJOSNHl46HxbknDCgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Screenshot_20170828-181725.png" width="300" /></a></div>
IN: Hawaiian stuff--it is eeeeverywhere.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DcwN12NBBI/Wx8PiDqbGCI/AAAAAAAApwA/eRS2JUCPfjEgTww6Bkonu4RM86mpsforwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180609_214327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DcwN12NBBI/Wx8PiDqbGCI/AAAAAAAApwA/eRS2JUCPfjEgTww6Bkonu4RM86mpsforwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180609_214327.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What are your ins and outs for summer?5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-57331097715044788692018-03-21T18:18:00.002-07:002018-03-21T18:18:35.254-07:00Prescription Glasses<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkL50tvjQFk/WrLyCImDSQI/AAAAAAAAohA/lQk16yG3UcQCrVednlThG8N0YuAhIecrACLcBGAs/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkL50tvjQFk/WrLyCImDSQI/AAAAAAAAohA/lQk16yG3UcQCrVednlThG8N0YuAhIecrACLcBGAs/s640/glasses.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Time for new eyeglasses. All of my glasses come from <a href="https://www.zennioptical.com/">Zenni Optical</a>, where I've shopped for prescription glasses for almost ten years--whatever style you want, for less than $30 bucks. These are all prescription glasses I got from Zenni, and they were all awesome:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCTiO5xsRz0/TQzs_A_7K6I/AAAAAAAACFM/Z6uNk_5olZAnwaCg7txbtC6k5WfFw8iVQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/bubblefabulous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="833" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCTiO5xsRz0/TQzs_A_7K6I/AAAAAAAACFM/Z6uNk_5olZAnwaCg7txbtC6k5WfFw8iVQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/bubblefabulous.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iV2YFhFdww/UyXCKiGqG7I/AAAAAAAABwg/VVkrP59mF_AtZd3JMEcLCy_fi0Ghb5xkwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iV2YFhFdww/UyXCKiGqG7I/AAAAAAAABwg/VVkrP59mF_AtZd3JMEcLCy_fi0Ghb5xkwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YN7WS7sOH_8/WCO_Joyqc1I/AAAAAAAAdEI/RHx2iY0fehQfGNqnYHaMDE1Q8NR-FPVTgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/FB_IMG_1478644041466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YN7WS7sOH_8/WCO_Joyqc1I/AAAAAAAAdEI/RHx2iY0fehQfGNqnYHaMDE1Q8NR-FPVTgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/FB_IMG_1478644041466.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpX7APp4EyU/WIlXbKW4ffI/AAAAAAAAdeg/tVmCdSWsPWAmzerJb6kRR9v1SGFZKNaAQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170125_130016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpX7APp4EyU/WIlXbKW4ffI/AAAAAAAAdeg/tVmCdSWsPWAmzerJb6kRR9v1SGFZKNaAQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20170125_130016.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
<br />
What style do I get this time around? I fell in love with Gucci's spring line, so I'm going BIG this time around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ub87KWib20/WcMLtCEeLAI/AAAAAAAAhp0/3JmwZHHMUNE5O-EcvGCXmPr1KKlNDU4oQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/gucci3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="428" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ub87KWib20/WcMLtCEeLAI/AAAAAAAAhp0/3JmwZHHMUNE5O-EcvGCXmPr1KKlNDU4oQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/gucci3.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GF9-PXAq1I/WcMLuHngIQI/AAAAAAAAhp0/vZJmtsrzvZ4MRw5_f0Z-B37Iajjh6OV6wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/gucci5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="428" height="397" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GF9-PXAq1I/WcMLuHngIQI/AAAAAAAAhp0/vZJmtsrzvZ4MRw5_f0Z-B37Iajjh6OV6wCPcBGAYYCw/s400/gucci5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p01Ni8s9jvU/WrL9-c70L7I/AAAAAAAAoh0/Ce6wPfRxypYpBV3GEmGt25EW-82ahACKgCLcBGAs/s1600/glasses2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="589" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p01Ni8s9jvU/WrL9-c70L7I/AAAAAAAAoh0/Ce6wPfRxypYpBV3GEmGt25EW-82ahACKgCLcBGAs/s400/glasses2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ggh5fw9WWaE/WrL9-QT25LI/AAAAAAAAoh8/qF0titfL2kkfQmDgWIJWwiAPkKDmohuqgCLcBGAs/s1600/glasses3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="595" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ggh5fw9WWaE/WrL9-QT25LI/AAAAAAAAoh8/qF0titfL2kkfQmDgWIJWwiAPkKDmohuqgCLcBGAs/s400/glasses3.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
b-b-b-but that's not dark fashion, you say? Well, prescription glasses aren't traditionally goth, sorry. They are the least alt-fashion thing ever. When I think of real-life goths with glasses, it's usually rimless glasses that won't obstruct your eye makeup too much. I never liked the look of that--I wear glasses. I'm not ashamed of that. Go big and weird or go home lol. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I'm not going to spend $500 bucks on Gucci glasses, so I'm looking at some knock-offs at Zenni. I already know I'm going to go for clear plastic--I think it goes with more stuff and it's retro. I liked these frames people on instagram posted:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6f3FYBDyAU/WrMBAdJIhRI/AAAAAAAAoiw/ymKoZ_4Y398I8hFO3TokR28uwdXo2SIxwCKgBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180321-200414.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6f3FYBDyAU/WrMBAdJIhRI/AAAAAAAAoiw/ymKoZ_4Y398I8hFO3TokR28uwdXo2SIxwCKgBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20180321-200414.png" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTJQEGDZWWA/WrMBAanjj7I/AAAAAAAAoiw/NUUisQ67QJ8zZithXY7vPx5K2sHBWp8xwCKgBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180321-200438.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTJQEGDZWWA/WrMBAanjj7I/AAAAAAAAoiw/NUUisQ67QJ8zZithXY7vPx5K2sHBWp8xwCKgBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20180321-200438.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm also going to get some mirrorshade sunglasses too. Pretty much exactly these with the red mirror:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k511Xs4dHjg/WrMBDdAp3gI/AAAAAAAAoi0/C7GQhL4sWjoiQ6KVY_yjSF1IYYxBeniWgCKgBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180321-200421.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k511Xs4dHjg/WrMBDdAp3gI/AAAAAAAAoi0/C7GQhL4sWjoiQ6KVY_yjSF1IYYxBeniWgCKgBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20180321-200421.png" width="286" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I ended up getting <a href="https://www.zennioptical.com/p/plastic-square-eyeglass-frames/1279?skuId=127923">these</a> ($9.95 with prescription lenses!) to try out my new prescription. If I'm happy with it, I'll go on a shopping spree then:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p74pbqogt6A/WrMDoza4A1I/AAAAAAAAojE/X5yx6uvFebEmrihrHI35XjGYz7o890yVACLcBGAs/s1600/127923-eyeglasses-front-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="800" height="209" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p74pbqogt6A/WrMDoza4A1I/AAAAAAAAojE/X5yx6uvFebEmrihrHI35XjGYz7o890yVACLcBGAs/s640/127923-eyeglasses-front-view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you wear prescription lenses? </div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-89099307473973351162018-03-15T00:00:00.000-07:002018-03-15T00:00:25.655-07:00Why I don't wear eyeliner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is one thing you won't see on this site. And that's eyeliner designs. You will never see this on my eyes:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKDTh9TSl9Q/WqdFu6d9vxI/AAAAAAAAngY/WJqZ_S_q73gnOCegnm8X6hswTT1wG4n3QCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_o52wmcVXii1qlb5fjo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKDTh9TSl9Q/WqdFu6d9vxI/AAAAAAAAngY/WJqZ_S_q73gnOCegnm8X6hswTT1wG4n3QCLcBGAs/s320/tumblr_o52wmcVXii1qlb5fjo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, I've tried. I always thought I just didn't know what I was doing or had bad tools. Some of that was true, but it's also (mostly) my eye anatomy. I have very hooded eyes. Like I basically don't have an eyelid. My eyeball goes straight into my eyebrow bone. Those fanciful eyeliner designs above--that person's entire face is an eyelid. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr59Ca11HAI/ULQ39Q6nK_I/AAAAAAAAAmc/6hUZq2jfi-QwteC7P-xG7-c0rfpd3zv-QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/80ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="516" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr59Ca11HAI/ULQ39Q6nK_I/AAAAAAAAAmc/6hUZq2jfi-QwteC7P-xG7-c0rfpd3zv-QCPcBGAYYCw/s640/80ss.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No matter what you do, your lid is going to swallow your design. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a thick black eyeliner fail, making my eyes look teeny:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-aIn0_jT9s/WcxDv-kTxaI/AAAAAAAAh2s/4J5LJ1CQH7YKsyJ7cApn88TKeh3fqKN5QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170924_140733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-aIn0_jT9s/WcxDv-kTxaI/AAAAAAAAh2s/4J5LJ1CQH7YKsyJ7cApn88TKeh3fqKN5QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20170924_140733.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Below, I tried underlining, since I have no eyelid to line normally. Lol...fail. Looks too werewolf: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plss5axyROI/VJhu6CaB9kI/AAAAAAAAW1E/ecgw11GOb14HSYtGJdOe6wOoLNSRlqj2wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20141222_135145%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-plss5axyROI/VJhu6CaB9kI/AAAAAAAAW1E/ecgw11GOb14HSYtGJdOe6wOoLNSRlqj2wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20141222_135145%257E2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've had a lifetime of eyeliner fails before I realized that for my eye anatomy I have to do the non-goth thing and use it sparingly or not at all. I don't know how many times I walked out in my teens looking like the "don't" below</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XyNsDTWuEMY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XyNsDTWuEMY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
If you MUST eyeline, I recommend:<br />
1. shaving your eyebrows off and making lid space that way:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj1RKnys1Ak/Wf3fvrZMtAI/AAAAAAAAjhU/Ie3ujDhGfO8wf5-GZjRAt1B0w-7AnNwKwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20171103_192434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj1RKnys1Ak/Wf3fvrZMtAI/AAAAAAAAjhU/Ie3ujDhGfO8wf5-GZjRAt1B0w-7AnNwKwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20171103_192434.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. use REALLY thick black eyeliner that extends past your crease<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltLVjNSE8i8/WqdNY9CsFeI/AAAAAAAAngo/gAVY7w2cXRofLYONh57_eT-VbPFlRHAjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Makeup_Trends_Eyeliner004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="900" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltLVjNSE8i8/WqdNY9CsFeI/AAAAAAAAngo/gAVY7w2cXRofLYONh57_eT-VbPFlRHAjgCLcBGAs/s320/Makeup_Trends_Eyeliner004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
3. Use a teeny bit (image from the above video, which is a must-watch if you've got the same eyes I do:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTT1wkfzeKA/WqdQPkb1nWI/AAAAAAAAng0/8IHIHYqR0xMbjoctVjZDzYutYHokt95swCLcBGAs/s1600/eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="549" height="129" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTT1wkfzeKA/WqdQPkb1nWI/AAAAAAAAng0/8IHIHYqR0xMbjoctVjZDzYutYHokt95swCLcBGAs/s320/eyes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You know what I use my eyeliner for? Lipstick/lipliner. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCTiO5xsRz0/TQzs_A_7K6I/AAAAAAAACFM/Z6uNk_5olZAnwaCg7txbtC6k5WfFw8iVQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/bubblefabulous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="833" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCTiO5xsRz0/TQzs_A_7K6I/AAAAAAAACFM/Z6uNk_5olZAnwaCg7txbtC6k5WfFw8iVQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/bubblefabulous.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I should do the V bangs again...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-31297177459529848602018-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:002018-03-01T00:00:15.619-08:00Another way of wearing off-the-shoulder tops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for all your kind words on my previous post! As cheesy as it sounds, I'm glad someone out there enjoys something I write :) Now maybe someone will like my fiction as well one day. I'm not shutting down the blog or going on hiatus, I just probably won't update weekly or will be more erratic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now back to our regularly scheduled post!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwgHMfKdaxs/WpHMBxycv-I/AAAAAAAAnaQ/Mou3kjmTuWQ6xEgf-rT4TT3loLe2USp1QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180222_184407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwgHMfKdaxs/WpHMBxycv-I/AAAAAAAAnaQ/Mou3kjmTuWQ6xEgf-rT4TT3loLe2USp1QCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_20180222_184407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Off-the-shoulder tops were all the rage <a href="http://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2017/06/trend-cold-shoulder-tops.html">last summer</a> and I hated them then and still hate them now, despite owning a few. It just doesn't look flattering on me and I hate wearing tops without bras.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiAE6vTWiRk/WUHpEcCPp0I/AAAAAAAAe_g/7VxLqg_8kMERb7NAb9QFR_BgUtDecURrgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170614_175613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiAE6vTWiRk/WUHpEcCPp0I/AAAAAAAAe_g/7VxLqg_8kMERb7NAb9QFR_BgUtDecURrgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20170614_175613.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A not-terrible evolution of the off-the-shoulder top is the "cold shoulder" top: tops like the below that you can wear a bra with and are simple to DIY from old clothing:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBUiH9ybeCQ/WjXJSdWdrXI/AAAAAAAAkiU/zsVJ4B0zon01klBymEmjAlfC6jObH_8qQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/eng_pl_MOON-HIPPIE-BLOUSE-Crescent-oversized-shirt-gothic-cold-shoulders-blouse-1661_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBUiH9ybeCQ/WjXJSdWdrXI/AAAAAAAAkiU/zsVJ4B0zon01klBymEmjAlfC6jObH_8qQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/eng_pl_MOON-HIPPIE-BLOUSE-Crescent-oversized-shirt-gothic-cold-shoulders-blouse-1661_1.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
But if you are like me and have experimented with off-the-shoulder tops and still hate them, may I suggest layering them under an existing tank dress (or tank top) for DIY cold-shoulder look without cutting up something you own. The style of a cold-shoulder top, all the comforts of a tank dress:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/off-the-shoulder/set?.embedder=3237139&.svc=copypaste&id=235748132" target="_blank"><img alt="off-the-shoulder" border="0" height="544" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/QuAzj8QCsOxrJVtGkE3Kw/cid/235748132/id/4HRj0qMZ6BGP_1TmV2y1RQ/size/c600x544.jpg" title="off-the-shoulder" width="600" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="https://www.polyvore.com/off-the-shoulder/set?.embedder=3237139&.svc=copypaste&id=235748132" target="_blank">off-the-shoulder</a> by featuring <a href="https://www.polyvore.com/off_the_shoulder_shirts/shop?query=off+the+shoulder+shirts" target="_blank">off the shoulder shirts</a></small></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here I layered an American Apparel off-the-shoulder velvet top (which I hardly ever wear) under a Gary Graham dress in what was a work-appropriate outfit. I love finding new ways to wear things I already own.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJbELGaY-Es/WpHQ3BduA4I/AAAAAAAAnac/vJ23Y5qNiYs0Zb0KRCFCkuU0WalnixQRgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180222_172904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJbELGaY-Es/WpHQ3BduA4I/AAAAAAAAnac/vJ23Y5qNiYs0Zb0KRCFCkuU0WalnixQRgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180222_172904.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you find new ways of wearing clothing you barely wear, or do you just donate them/turn them into rags?5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-67935086888765192612018-02-24T14:15:00.001-08:002018-02-24T14:29:55.746-08:00Personal blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0JBlINR9Jw/WpHUVgufWgI/AAAAAAAAnas/SfoAMRa3LVIcv_pdh_ur1uAow1q2-QI6QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180118_172015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0JBlINR9Jw/WpHUVgufWgI/AAAAAAAAnas/SfoAMRa3LVIcv_pdh_ur1uAow1q2-QI6QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180118_172015.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First off, look at these awesome shoes I got in Venice! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was gone for 2 weeks, in various cities in Italy. Honestly don't recall taking a vacation for so long. I felt like my old self again and not just a wage slave (which is kind of the point of a vacation). What is different about this time is that when I came back--I don't know if it's the crappy weather or SAD or what--I realized that I've kind of neglected my true passion: writing. Not sure how to follow the logic on that one lol.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I never stopped writing and I'm pretty much done with a novel and I've got short stories and a million other half-finished things, but nothing finished. Nothing good enough to shop around. And that's sad and kind of pathetic. I work in book publishing, and I realized that while I've been helping authors with their books, I've neglected mine. Obviously, I need to eat and I can't just quit my job to write, but I decided in the last two weeks that I'm going to make it work somehow. I joined a critique group and committed to finish a short story whether or not it killed me. If I can't finish a short story--get it to the point it's submission-worthy, then that's really sad. This short story would be in my admissions portfolio for a writer's retreat I'm interested in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then I got a freelance job--an "offer I couldn't refuse." I wonder if it's easier in other cities, but in NYC basically everyone's got side jobs. It's an expensive city. So I had to put my writing aside for 3 weeks while I worked (in addition to my day job, which often goes overtime). How sad. Right when I was determined to go 100%, I had this come up and had to put my writing on hold yet again. I couldn't write, but I could trim away the extra stuff I was wasting my time on--video games, social media, real-life friends (sadly). That's why I vanished for a month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I considered starting an author blog--if you are serious about being an author, you should have some sort of online presence. Networking is important for you too. Right now, I'm a strange outlier--I'm established in the publishing industry but a nobody in writing circles. In writing circles, my writing is overlooked by my publishing background...there's only so many times I can dodge the question, "So what do you doooo?" Not to make it all about me, but I'd like to talk about my writing, not my day job.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I was about to shut this blog down and start my writing blog anyway--I'd probably have enough time to run both, but I'm just trying to focus my life here. No more Facebook, Instagram either. That would have been good-bye. But I decided against it, because the only thing more pathetic than not writing is writing a post about why you aren't writing. Also I should be writing right now, lol, instead of this post. When I have a reason to have an online presence--when I'm actually published or if I get accepted to that writer's retreat, then I'll start the writer's blog and maybe say good-bye to this one. Before my New Year, New Me decision, I'd been toying with the idea of taking this blog to YouTube, but video is a time-suck that'll probably kill any chances of having a writing career at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RDGeHlcn9I/WpHUwc-8-yI/AAAAAAAAnaw/iwR3Ck6nGykl9u92j1aLKEfnKQGErnJewCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180119_163054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RDGeHlcn9I/WpHUwc-8-yI/AAAAAAAAnaw/iwR3Ck6nGykl9u92j1aLKEfnKQGErnJewCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20180119_163054.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, beautiful Venice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dark fashion's a part of me as much as writing, so I don't think I can ever say good-bye (I've got a post scheduled for the regular day, Thursday). I think even if I'm a successful author, there will still be opinions on trends and how I hate coffin bags. I'm doubtful I'll update weekly as I've had done consistently for the last few years, and I'll probably not be as active as I used to be.</div>
5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374940737527468599.post-26943320197967717562018-01-25T14:00:00.000-08:002018-02-24T12:30:06.281-08:00Leibster AwardsBlogging from Italy right now, so a bit limited in my capacity right now! Leibster awards are coming around again, and <a href="http://www.cafelastrange.com/">Cafe LaStrange </a>nominated! Thanks for the nomination! Cafe LaStrange is super active in the alternative blogging community and posts some inspiring diys.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
The Official Rules of the Liebster Award<br />
If you have been nominated for The Liebster Award AND IF YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT, write a blog post about the Liebster award in which you:<br />
<br />
1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog in your post.<br />
2. Display the award on your blog — by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”. (Note that the best way to do this is to save the image to your own computer and then upload it to your blog post.)<br />
3. Answer questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.<br />
4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself.<br />
5. Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have a less than 1000 followers.<br />
6. Create a new list of questions for the bloggers to answer.<br />
7. List these rules in your post (You can copy and paste from here.)<br />
8. Once you have written and published it, you then have to inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it (they might not have ever heard of it!)<br />
<br />
<b>Cafe LaStrange asks:</b><br />
<br />
1. What is the name of your favorite band?<br />
Right now it's Ministry. Their new album is pretty awesome. For some reason I can't link to their newest single, "Antifa." I love how Uncle Al comes out of his drug stupor to yell at Republicans. My hero.<br />
<br />
2. What do you like to do when you have free time?<br />
Play roleplaying games and video games.<br />
<br />
3. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?<br />
This machine runs on tea<br />
<br />
4. What's your favorite TV show?<br />
The Thick of It. The US made a version of it, Veep, but the British show is the best show I've seen in year.<br />
<br />
5. Do you have any tattoos or piercings?<br />
4g and 8g lobes, an industrial, 12g septum, nostril, and a 3rd lobe piercing<br />
<br />
6. What's your favorite article of clothing to wear?<br />
rompers and onesies! surprise! also things with giant sleeves, and you can pry my skinny jeans from my cold dead hands.<br />
<br />
7. Day or night?<br />
Day<br />
<br />
8. What's your favorite movie quote?<br />
"Jesus wept" from Hellraiser. I say that all the time.<br />
<br />
9. Halloween or Christmas?<br />
Halloween of course!<br />
<br />
10. Who would win in a fight? Emily the Strange or Dr. Strange?<br />
I don't know who Emily the Strange is...<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ten Random Facts:</b><br />
<br />
1. I am a pretty awesome skier and can go down black diamonds. I wish I could be skiing right now.<br />
2. I hate the sound of metal clanking together. It literally makes me foam-at-the-mouth crazy. If you want to torture me, clash a fork and knife together.<br />
3. I travel across state lines just to see their aquarium. Send recommendations!<br />
4. Best aquarium: National Aquarium, in Baltimore.<br />
5. I also plan vacations around botanical garden visits. Also send recommendations!<br />
6. Best botanical garden: tie between Chicago and Montreal.<br />
7. The carillon is my favorite instrument<br />
8. If I didn't live in NYC, I'd live in Florida. Not on the beach--in the swamps.<br />
9. I read grammar books for work and fun<br />
10. The first game I played after building my top-of-the-line VR-ready machine was Vampire Bloodlines.<br />
<br />
I'm very late to the game and literally everyone's been tagged (unless I'm forgetting), so I won't be tagging anyone. It's been nice reading your posts.5th Avenue Gothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15631503951105585937noreply@blogger.com6