So, I always liked the style of this brand, but they have the least search-engine-optimized name ever. People would post that they are wearing Restyle, and I'd search "Restyle" or "Restyle clothing" or "Restyle goth brand" and would get all these random pages and give up. Thanks to Lurid Fashion for finally posting a direct link: Restyle.pl
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Moon Ankle bracelets/boot cuffs/whatever you want to call them: I love the idea of these because I HATE (aside from New Rock) goth brand shoes. They are always made of cheap plastic and don't last long. What's with the pleather? Honestly, if they were just made out of canvas, I'd buy them--much greener, cheaper, and lasts about as long.
These ankle bracelets are of course made of pleather, but I was hoping that that they won't look so cheap next to my everyday Frye Erin combat boots. I like that I can go full goth when I want to but still wear the same boots I love--plus it saves space. I'd wear these with a very minimalist outfit, lest I look too mall goth.
Next up is the Velvet Strap Leggings, which were on sale. These are a good cotton 95%/elastane 5% blend, opaque (except for the sheer panels), and unfortunately too big. The website suggested that you order a size up since there were manufacturing issues and the sizes ran small--usually good advice. However, I think I should have ordered my true size, as these are a bit too loose. I am wearing a medium--I always buy size small.
My trick to fix leggings that are too big is to extend the bottom hems over the heels like a sock--that works if the waistband is tight enough, otherwise they slide off your butt! Due to the frigid temperatures, I haven't worn these for a full day, so not sure if that solution will work. These were manufactured in India.
Next up is the Coven Tunic: it's a dress. It's actually a high-low dress, subtle enough it looks like a mistake. I liked the sleeves and the lines and hardware. I'm not really a fan of the gathering--I feel like it's too girly for a bondage/fetish influenced medieval goth--lol ok stylistically it's all over the place, but I like it, which is why I got it!
This also ran large--you can see the shoulder seam isn't on my shoulder and the neckline sits loose around my neck. There's a side zipper that I didn't need to use because it slipped over my head just fine. The fabric is 100% cotton according to the label. Sure, Jan. There's definitely some spandex in this--and the pleather and sleeves, that ain't cotton. This was made in China.
The neckline is kind of outdated--most people are wearing long necklaces or thin chokers, and this is somewhere between too low and not low enough. I styled it with a snug chainmail necklace, which works well, I think. The giant choker the model wears also works.
The Demon Sigil Necklace is a cool design. I really wish they made their stuff not out of mystery metals. There are a few funny videos on YouTube about Restyle used cadmium and how people tried to save their pieces by putting clear nail polish on them. I don't know if that works. I'd blogged about toxic metals before and very very buy anything unless I know what the material is made of. Sterling sliver, gold, brass, wood, bone, cotton, leather are all ok for me to wear. If cheap jewelry is covered with paint, as I had hoped this necklace was, that would still make me nervous, but I'd feel slightly better.
This is unfortunately black mystery metal. I'd worn this with a colored top so you can see it...black on black is hard to photograph. I actually have this exact mockneck top in black, and this is pretty much how I intend to wear it--turtlenecks, mocknecks, and collared shirts--so that none of the metal actually touches my skin. Mystery metal aside, I love the design.
Overall, I mostly like this, but the sizing issues bugged me. Nothing ran true to size--not the seller's advice to order a size up nor ordering in my actual size. I was pleased with the fabric used in this price point--including the sheer stuff, which has the potential to be very, very cheap feeling. Usually in this price point, the fabrics are atrocious. Where were the corners cut? Labor probably.
Have you gotten anything from Restyle? What are your thoughts?
