Dark spring/summer fashion inspiration: black & pastels.

I get emails everynow and again with requests to do do articles about gothic fashion tips for the Summer. Well, I have decided to start a new "series" covering the subject.
This post is about black & pastels. We had a short summery phase here in North England, a sneak preview of what to expect in the following months prior to returning back to the dark days of Winter (which is fine, nothing to worry about. It still is skiing season, you know?)

I've always been an advocate for pastels (I have written posts about it before), specially if they are skintone shades or ivory/cream. They bring out the best of our skinshades and because they are so light, they are easy to combine with other shades/colours and that makes them a perfect alternative to the "common" white to use as a blank colour to start an outfit with. Some people are a bit uneasy with the black&white combo for fear of ending up with a "waitress" look.

Despite their lightness, pastels work beautifully with black, as proven by the pic below, creating a gorgeous look that not always has to be "romantic" or "sissy". You can thoughen it up with dramatic accessories or textures like velvet or leather.

I love this look:
Black blazer/jacket/coat in wool or velvet!
A romantic or sleek fitted dress in skintone/pastel shade
black shoe/boots. Love that chunky heel. Much heavier than stiletto but so much more stable and therefore comfortable to walk with.

What do you think? Would you wear pastels?

Black glossy wellies for your dark outfit in the snow

The weather in the UK is getting snowy, it started in the North and East and now it has spread across the rest of Britain. Weather forecasters say it will get worst. SO now it is time to get some wellies (if you don't have mountain boots) before you fall and break your nose.
I don't need glossy black wellies but I want these!! I already have a pair of matt black wellies, it took me ages! to find them as all wellies are colorful happy-go-blindy, with the brightest rainbow inspired colour-scheme I have ever seen outside of a kidswear department. Somehow, someone assumed that wellies are just for kids. This is the same issue I see happening to alternative fashion too. Why everything out-of-the-norm is meant to be just for anyone below the age of 20?!
I, as a walking being, do need wellies as well that will complement my black outfit. I am short (around 155cms/5'1"), I don't want to wear something that'll make my legs look shapeless and much shorter than what they already are!
Therefore, I didn't discourage and didn't stop searching till I found my lovely plain go-with-everything black wellies....in a menswear department.
I was lucky, apparently some men are a shoe size 39(EU) / 6(UK) .
I love these wellies. Needless to say that they are menswear...(f###ing hell!), Only sizes 7 and 8 (UK) are available, so if you are fortunate/unfortunate to have big feet, grab them while you can. So far, walking on the snow hasn't been as traumatic as last year. But one more thing...Do not make the same mistake, as I've done, of wearing them with soft light socks. Wear them with very chunky fluffy socks. Otherwise, it will be agony to walk with them, they digg into your ankles when you try to twist your feet to go up/down the stairs or to just walk!
This is the link: http://www.go-british.co.uk/men_en/hunter-original-gloss-black.html

Gothic make-up tips: smokey eyes

As I promise in my last post (Gothic make-up tips for the summer), I have arranged a post about how to do smokey eyes.
It can be done with all the colours you can think of, but still, the most popular option is black and its closest shade, charcoal. You can go for the dry look or the wet one. I tend to go for the wet look in summer.
I have found two very interesting tutorials which are very similar in technique but with slight changes.

(Pictures with explanations)
http://neeshu.com/Women/Girls-Zone/how-to-make-smoky-eyes-dark-eye-shadow.html

(YouTube video of fellow blogger "TheMakeUpGirl")
http://themakeupgirl.net/2009/01/how-to-all-you-need-for-smokey-eyes/


The main focus is: you apply black paste or paste for eyeliner (picture2, MAC has a wonderful one that I use on its own and as an eyeliner) and powder eyeshadow (to keep it on place and avoid the hideous lines of excess pigment sitting on the wrinkles of your eyelid).
The trick with black eyeshadow is to smudge it softly at the end of the eyelid and on the corners. Otherwise, it would look messy and unfinished. You can achieve this by doing it softly with either a brush or your fingers... or in this tutorials, using a second shade wich is closer to your skintone. It could be brown or a lighter shade such as cream or white and it is applied before the black colour.

As I had already said, I tend to go for the wet smokey look in the summer. Either I use this black paste on its own (which is quite tricky because is not oily, is dry) or I use the "multi-effect" eyeshadow from Manhattan cosmetics. This eyeshadow gets a bit more intense and shinier when you wet it with a bit of water.







What these tutorials don't tell you and I will, because you MUST know this. Keep a tissue (with make-up cleanser) close to you because when you apply the black eyeshadow some bit of the powder will fall on your cheek and once you rub it, you get your skin all smudged in black. What I use to prevent this, is an special brush that you can find everywhere. It is used to apply powder as well, but the good thing is that will sweep the eyeshadow away without staining the skin. It is usually very wide and has the shape of a flat fan.

Gothic make-up tips for the summer (olive skin)

Here is the kind of post that my followers love to bits: fashion tips! Everytime I do one, it seems like half of the internet stops by to check it out. The visits go through the roof!

One of the main problems of Gothic fashion is that is a winter fashion. For british goths/goth enthusiasts or people who live in Britain, this is not a big problem; as summer doesn't exist here. However, for the rest of the world, specially in the Mediterranean, this becomes a huge huge problem. So, after so many requests, I am starting my new fashion tips series: Gothic fashion for the summer. This post will cover some make-up tips for olive skin, as this is the tricky one, and no-one seems to have bothered with the subject.

During summer, I don't know if this is your case, I cannot wear full make-up because the sweat will sweep it away. Therefore, the old school trick of applying talc or white powder to make you look paler doesn't work anymore. It is time to confront the golden sun-tan your skin is achieving and embrace it. This means, either leave it plain, naked; or use a blush to accentuate it (pastel or deep 80s style strawberry shades)

I am pretty sure, you must be wondering how you can still achieve that "dark" look, then? You can still dramatise your eyes with deep eyeshadows and/or deep make-up. It is not going to look as edgy as it would on a fair skin person. It would look slightly more harmonious as your skin is already dark and any light shades you apply to it, it would absorbe them.


These are the options I can think of:

SMOKEY EYES
(deep make-up on the eyes, and that's it - no dark lips, no shade on cheeks). It doesn't have to be always black or grey. You can still achieve amazing dark results with other deep colours such as gold, turquoise or deep blues (I'll do a post about).

However, with the black or grey colours, you can achieve the exact density of pigment you want on your eyes.
You can make it soft so the eyeliner stands more or for a daily look (see picture1) or you can make it properly pitch black (see picture3), however this one is extremely difficult to apply because is incredibly messy. So while I am writing this post I am arranging the next one, which will be about its -several- methods of applying.


DARK FULL MAKE-UP
Because your skin is of an olive shade (due to sun tan or genetically), you can get away with a full make-up look, during the sunny day.
I have broken down this idea in two further options you could go for:
red lips - for a classier look but still looking very vamp (picture2),
dark lips - for an edgier and alternative look. These can be black or any other extremely deep shade of red and purple such as aubergine (picture3).

As you can see, both full make-up looks work well with either soft blush or deeper strawberry shade.

Gothic Hairstyles: Could you pull off the Frankenstein's bride look?

I have been thinking about this, for ages. My mum keeps insisting in having a white lock on her sleek raven black hair. She is not a goth, her skin is not pale but olive and she doesn't wear black clothes...never! She is the typical latina who loves very! bright colours (such as lime green or bright orange) PUaghh..!. Umm.....I am not convinced. I don't know about her but what I know is that is a look that is hard to make work and it's high maintenance but actually, I reckon some people could pull it off, if:
1/ You are young, look young or even have a "young attitude"; in other words, if the white lock starts to look like you are not bother in covering your grey hair anymore, then it loses all its glamour. (Sorry, mum, I have decided it is going to be a "no").
2/I suspect it only goes with raven black hair, not with any other lighter shades or the contrast will lose its glory, although it would be interesting on deep red hair, too! (Remember Geri Halliwell from Spice Girls?).
3/I am not sure about the skintone, but I still think it looks best with fair skin colour although I have to tell you that one of my examples, Metal Sanaz (4th pic) looks great with it.
4/ It doesn't have to be platinum/white a la Daphne Guinness, I have noticed lots of rockabilly girls, such as Missy Malone (3rd pic) are adopting a more golden shade which I really like!

Curly hair, love it or hate it? Then go for wavy...

A comment made by one of my readers made me think. I am not the "BNP" of curly hair. I still like curly hair, Kris...;) However, not all curly hairs are good. Some people have been luckier than other ones.
Curly hair is like style, it is a very difficult art to master if you ever even manage to learn the art of it.
Some people are very happy with their hair, others not. Other people, including me, we usually go for the 50/50 way: the wavy hair. But how to style it?

Option A: the 40s look.
This vintage-inspired look consists in half straight hair, half wavy in very big waves than have been curled with either rollers, a hair-curler or with fingerwaving techniques for a more sophisticated finish.

Option B: the lady Camelot look.
Lady Camelot's hair is truly curly hair but in a very long length. This little but important detail allows to keep the curl under control and because of the weight, the curls tend to "open" and get bigger. Like the other look is very high maintenance (Yes!, curly hair is high maintenance). It needs lots of hidration and serum to minimise split ends and having your hair falling into pieces. You also need to keep it tidy or you will end up looking like a tramp.
Once again, you can check more ideas and tips in the "gothic fashion tips" link and in a website that Kris very kindly submitted with her comment. Thanks for your link, Kris!

www.naturallycurvy.com

Gothic hairstyles, does curly hair need to be dark?

A comment by one of my readers, Sexy Sadie, made me think. In response to the post Gothic hairstyles, can curly hair look good with your gothic outfit? She commented: "I think curly hair can be gothic, but it has to be dark hair".

Well, not necessarily. As with any other "look", it is the combination of elements (makeup, hair, accessories, clothing -including colours, textures and shapes-) what defines the overlook of it or the "theme". Someone completely dressed in black doesn't always look "gothic", so curly or wavy hair doesn't always need to have that romantic and sweet flair into it either....

Obviously, black or dark colour hair would make the overall dramatic effect come across easier, especially to someone who has a very sterotypical view about Gothic fashion, however, I still believe and I have already expressed this in my post, black raven hair (straight!) it can be too tiring!!!

As another reader pointed out, the character of Lestat the Vampire (played by Tom Cruise) is blonde and with curly hair. Does that make him look less "gothic" or sinister?

Take as an example the first picture, is from Aquascutum ( a fashion label with no relation or interest whatsover into dark or gothic themes). The model looks very dramatic. Why?
Well defined eyes in a very dark and smokey dark eye-shadow, sharp wine coloured lips, well defined figure thanks to a very beautifully tailored outfit, in this case a coat. The hair is curly! And is not either black raven or vamp red, is a brown golden dark colour and she still looks beautifully dramatic!

Let's take another example: bright blonde hair. The most difficult case, in my opinion.
Here is a picture of Jean Paul Gaultier's Winter collection for 2006. It is very phantasmagoric, I have to say, but I like because they didn't stick into black hair in order to create that romantic dark look. There is no need to say that it works because of the make-up and the clothes!

Gothic hairstyles, can curly hair look good with your gothic outfit?

Happy new year to everyone! I hope everyone is still commiting to their new year resolutions...Mine is to update this blog more often! (I think you would be happy of hearing that and probably thinking: "about time!" :p)
Anyway, one of my gothic readers was asking me tips for curly hair and I have been thinking and reached the conclusion that I must write a post about it. Does curly hair go with the Goth look? I straighten mine OR I go for the wavy 40s look. But what about the 100%curly hair?
When you think of Goth and then curly hair....what does it come straight to your mine?....Well, Helena Bonham Carter, wh0 is not a good reference because she is a clear example of how not to dress and on top of that, curly hair (which is already difficult to style, in my opinion) emphasizes even more her "tramp-y" look and it reinforces my theory that curly hair is not a very "gothic" look. It doesn't go with the sophistication and groomness that Goth requires and! very important, is a very warm and "virginal" look (if you think about it, Angels are always associated with blonde little curls) that is completely the opposite of the straight, sharp lines of black raven hair-do.

There are very differents ways to wear curly hair. You can give a romantic/mystic air to it by keeping it long and simple. This way, because of the weight, the curls will be very easy to manage and style and they tend to get bigger. However, prepare yourself to spend long time washing it, drying it and looking after it. It will be so long that the whole experience it might even take you to mystical levels!
This length doesn't tend to get as frizzy as shorter lenghts, however it dries much much easier so you will need to use conditioner in EVERY single washing and I would suggest you to get a very good leave-in serum to apply after every wash. (I like the one by Swartzkopf -a small pink tube, it is very creamy but not greasy). The spray formats don't work, so please, don't even consider buying one. I have tried them all and they are shite, it is like leaving your hair without nothing on it.


For all those corporate Goths or people who can't be arsed to spend an hour in the shower, there are other possibilities to keep the problem to the minimum. Either you can cut it simple (one whole lenght) to your shoulder (just above of it or a bit under BUT never finishing just on the shoulder or it will not fall gracefully because the bone is on the way)
A very good example of this look is the haircut that Michelle Pfeiffer has in Batman Returns, (the look is SO minimal, beginning of 90s, I know!) However, after over a decade, I still like it! Specially, the idea of wearing not soft make up but harsh-feline eyes which kills the cheesyness of the hair-do (I still think that this length could still look a bit early teenage)





Option B is to wear layers. If they are done properly, they will really revive any hair. You see, the problem of wearing one lenght hair (short or long) is that the curls tend to die on the roots (because they can't support the weight) so you look somehow stupid. The secret is to have very big layers (or you will end up looking like a mushroom with hair all over the place) always starting from just under the jar (this way, it's easier to keep under control because you can tie it all in a pony tail or keep it behind your ears with a nice pin).


After all these tips you must be thinking "okay, nice haircuts but I want to look more groomed and sophisticated, what else do I-ve got?"
Well, option A -the obvious one- is to re-shape your curls professionally, with rollers. That means curlying your hair again. (or you think all those fantastic curls you see on telly are natural? NOOOO! Even Andy Mcdowell has hers done professionally for those adverts. Those curls are too perfect, they don't exist). Obviously, what lots of people do, taking advantage that they can choose a new hairdo, they go for softer and bigger curls, resulting in a retro 1940s look or just very big waves. However, if you still want to keep your small curls, I would suggest a very nice up-do which, in my opinion, are much more impressive with curly hair. I Like the one that Eva Green has. She looks elegant, groomed and gorgeous!

Gothic hair-styles looks for the office

At some point, we all grow up and tend to distance ourselves from the teenage looks, I think you know where I´m getting to...Yes! Sophisticated grown up look or straight raven-hair do?

I´ve already spoken about the raven hair do (http://the-black-wardrobe.blogspot.com/2008/07/gothic-make-up-tips-alternative-to.html)

Some people like it (easy, sleek and simple) other people just find it boring and teenage. I am between both options, sometimes can look very sexy, when it´s done properly, otherwise, It makes me look like Monalisa. However, other times, it looks a bit dull and boring.

There´s a new trend that it´s been hitting for over a couple of years now, which is the intermix between Goth and Rockabilly (it sounds bizarre but they ´re somehow related, just look at fashion´s history books and you will know why). You can find the local versions of this interesting mix such as in "bobs" (yes, the Victoria´s Beckham hair do but in a sleek raven-black version) or in longer lengths with fringe (very Betty Page)

But the last branch or "evolution" that it has come out from the Gothic subculture is the retro-burlesque one. Sometimes, intermixed/blended with Rockabilly, as well!

I´m one of these people who strongly believe that ms. Von Teese was the one who started it all, back to her gothic days with Marilyn -teenage idol- Manson.

It´s a very classy, old Glamour look. Very high maintenance! Which makes not suitable for everyone but it has that intriguing dark feel to it that makes it irresistible for those girls who are in the alternative circles. It works very well on all hair colours but specially, with black! I think it really gives a bit of fresh hair to the sometimes dull, straight-raven hair-do, don´t you think?

Are you up for the Rock-Tomboy look or the diva look? PART 2

As I said in the part 1 of these mini-post/series, the Gothic trend has been segmented into two looks: Rock-Tomboy look and Diva Look.

I´m going to explain what the Diva look is about, this season.

Unlike the Rock look, the Diva look is about sofistication, feminity and glamour. There´s no better fabric that represents all those atributes than Lace. Yes! Lace, lace, lace! It´s usually worn as an evening fabric but all those Goths or Goth-lovers out there know that it can be a gorgeous fabric for day-life as well! (Click on the "gothic fashion tips" tag, for inspiration and ideas).

The Gothic/Diva look is about going back to couture, well dressed and groomed look. There´s no space for any kind of androginity in here!

Well tailored looks that accentuate the feminine figure, very feminine and sensual fabrics (lace, silk, chiffon) mixed with wintery and structured fabrics such as tweed, tartan or wool mix. I personally LOVE! this look. It suits every single body shape, if you have the curves, they will be accentuated. If you don´t, they will be created by the mix of textures, fabrics and the volume of the siluettes.

One tip, if you really want to add an extra bit of drama to your look, wear lace tights.

They look amazing and I´ve seen very cheap ones, this season.

Are you up for the Rock-Tomboy look or the diva look? PART 1

Everybody agrees that the mainstream has decided to appropiate the goth look for itself, this winter. However, I´ve realized that the idea has been taking two different aesthetic paths, in the last weeks :

the Rock chic tomboy look (baggy tops, skinny long graceful legs) or the sleek super-femenine diva look (hour glass shape, elegant and groomed look, lots of lace. Very closed to the Cinema noir feel).

The first look is been seen on the Givenchy collection. As you can see on the pics, it has a very 80´s feel. It reminds me more of the New Romantic look than the Gothic: soft layers, ruffles, bows, black and cream pallette. There are some elements that I like and I dislike in this look.

I like it because it brings back one of the few beautiful things of the Eighties and adds some kind of interest and mix of textures to the outfit instead of keeping it just black. I like the detail of necklaces made of chains (something very "old", I know, but I hadn´t seen it for a long while) and I like the combo black-cream as an alternative option to the classical and sometimes, predictable, black and white.

What I don´t like of this look? You might have already guessed it. It´s not suitable for anyone who is under 180cms tall -6 foot high, for those british/american readers ;)- AND doesn´t have the legs for it. Otherwise, it would make you look like a shiny elephant. Or a cheap prostitute, from the Eighties....

Also, after coming to this initial and basic problem the next dilemma is:

How to wear it? Well, if you add to the "equation": leggings + shiny fabric. The solution is unpredictable.

I think that the trick is to wear it with something plain that doesn´t try to out-shine the already-shiny leggings. That means:
option A.
plain non-shiny top or shirt which can be monochrome or printed. It can be fitted (if you have the body for it) or baggy, which will cover your waist and bum (this silouette is ideal if you have the perfect legs but not so-perfect torax, yes, I mean the belly. The trick works, believe me.)

However, I have to say that this look is not suitable for people whose shoulders are wider than their hips because this look will accentuate them even more.

Option B. the risky one but the most gorgeous one! I would love to wear this shinny leggins with a gorgeous black lace top. It´s edgy, feminine and gothic! Obviously, it´s not suitable for everyone, again....
Here´s an example.

Gorgeous lace top, 65 pounds. Handmade by me, The Black Wardrobe. You can find it at the Rose And Anchor boutique, in Liverpool. (00 44) 0151 707 3590

Shinny skinny pants, 65 pounds from Topshop. (You can find more different ones and with prices which can be cheaper or more expensive, in other mainstream retailers)

Ankle lace boots. (These gorgeous pair is not from this season, sorry. Although, they´re very trendy at the minute and you can still find them in some shops).

Who said Black is boring?

Somehow, I came across a very interesting article on a fashion blog (galadarling.com) called "Fashion Help for Recovering Goths". Very interesting article, useful and it brilliantly summarized colour theory for all those who don´t know what colour would suit them. My blog is about black and dark, obviously, it´s mainly aimed at Goths and other people who share the same "dark" and gothic passions. However, that doesn´t mean that black should always be strictly on its own. It can go with any other colour or combinations -hence the advantage of working with the "no-colour" ;)

The thing is, the main reasons and features the blogger points about black are a bit arguable, (opinions from readers are welcome, by the way):

"it's very easy to wear", "Black goes with black".

It might look easy to wear because the lack of colour makes it suitable for any kind of colour combination. However, black has also shades (a chiffon blouse will not have the same shade/light as a a cotton or jersey one). I´m sure only people like us -who wear always black- are aware of this detail but if you don´t wear 100% black, please try to dress head to toe, and you will see what I mean. Also, black is a colour that fades away after washing so this contrast it becomes more obvious through the time.

"It hides stains".

Saying that is like admitting vampires exist (which is another urban legend some people still seem to believe in). Black doesn´t hide stains. It DOESN´T. I know this as a "black-wearer" and as fashion designer. Not only shows stains it also shows sewing mistakes (eg, seams that are not straight).

"It can make you look very plain in a way that hot pink, royal blue or turquoise never will".

Unless you are wearing a one-fabric outfit, Black doesn´t make you look more plain that any other mono-colour look. As I´ve just said, the different fabrics and cuts! make each garment shine in a different way, proving how rich and attractive this colour still is. I do agree that wearing a bright colour (on its own or combined with another one) will make you out-stand from the crowd because of its brightness, whereas black it shades you away in a subtle way and this takes me to the next topic...

"People wear black because they are comfortable in it. If you feel at odds with the way you look or lack confidence, black can be the great concealer, a fabulous security blanket", "it makes you look slimmer".

Black, like anything, is a "double weapon". As I´ve just said, black will not make you out-stand from the crowd because of its light but it can still make you out-stand from the crowd. If that isn´t true, how come you can still see a Goth who is on the other side of the busy road? The beauty of Black is its mystery, its game of revealing and hiding at the same time. Human eyes are very easy to mislead with optical tricks. Black doesn´t make you dissappear and it doesn´t make you look slimmer. What it does is to define your silouette; by having a black dark stain in front of your eyes, you look for the edges, the curves...the silouette! That´s why people believe it makes them look slimmer. Have you ever seen a big person wearing 100% black. Does she/he looked slimmer? No. The best way to look slimmer is by playing with shades (one colour or several within the outfit), cuts and fabrics. Wearing a hole black "blanket" will make you look like a tent. Also, I have to say (although this is just a very personal opinion of mine), it takes a very strong independent mind to wear head to toe black. Usually, individuals who wear head-to-toe black are people who want to make an statement of independence and personality. Unfortunately, the society still have problems to "swallow" that...and I´m not just referring to Goths...:)

If you´re interested in how to combine your black wardrobe with other colours and shades but don´t have a clue which would suit you. Have a look at the original blog.

http://galadarling.com/advice/fashion-help-for-recovering-goths

Make-up and hairstyle tips....how not to go to the office, despite this weather

This weather is crap. Although I try my best to look gorgeous and groomed, this bloody wind and rain that has swept the hole of England, it took my groomed hair with it.
I came out of my house today in the morning........a couple of hours later, I looked like I had been attacked by the dogs from the council estate from down the road.
I know some people love wearing the old 80's hairdo (massive hair-combing, Robert-Smith-like), which is perfect for dull, straight hair. But my hair is curly, the minimal shake can make it look like I just came out of a fight.
So, is this weather forcing us, somehow, to re-adopt 80s hairstyle? Maybe. Goodbye to gorgeous black smokey eyes? Never! but we might not be allowed to get into the bus or the office.
You decide. We all are in the ennui mood (a.k.a "fucked"). So, try your best to keep everything on place with wax (or glue, if necessary) or do your catwoman impression at the office. They might promote you....If the boss is a "he"....who likes kinky stuff.

Gothic make-up tips: an alternative to raven-black hair

"Raven-black" hair has become an stereotype of the Goth look and now of the Emo look as well.... That's why it's not suitable for the office sometimes, specially with a very paled skin. It´s still considered a "teenage" feature and I know some Goths do want to stay away from Emos as much as they can....I still love the raven look, but that's my opinion.


If you have been told off by your boss or you just got tired of it, I've found some interesting other options, like chestnut or chocolate shades. They're not as boring as you might think (unless you´ve got dark-olive skin and brown eyes, just go to Spain and you,ll see what I mean...) as they still add drama to a fair skin but without making you look too "gothy" for the office. Because Chestnut is a very dark shade of brown, -which is a "warm" colour, unlike black- it brings a subtle golden/auburny shine to the face.




If I´m not wrong, Cameron Diaz was one of the first ones who started it, she went from blonde to chocolate, which gave a lot of sophistication to her look and then Lindsay Lohan changed her gorgeous ginger hair to slut-blonde first and then to chocolate. Obviously, because she´s a natural red-head, the chestnut colour really worked on her, it made her look sophisticated, grown-up and -if it wasn´t because of the bloody fake tan-dramatic but without being too "gothy".

gothic fashion tips: how to tame down a gorgeous black lace dress

I´m sure there´s no Goth or Goth-enthusiastic out there without a black lace dress inside their wardrobes. Waiting for "the chance" to be worn for......

Lace, as any other opulent fabric, is quite tricky to wear during day-light (specially if you are paled-skin and dark-raven hair....that easily screams out "goth") but I´ve found these pics that prove my point that everything can be tamed down and consequently, been adapted for any corporate Goth.

The key is, again, keep it simple. The fabric is already opulent and rich so it doesn´t need any help to claim any more attention than what it already does. That means: plain accesories (nothing outrageous, matt textures...) and not too edgy make up. Either dark lips and nude eyes (look at the Peaches Geldof pic, I wonder when this woman became been interested in the dark look) or (my favourite) soft smokey black eyes and nude lips. Take this Pearl Lowe´s pic as an example, she has combined a soft grey smokey eyes with soft pink lips. She has managed to smooth her look down with a doll-face make-up that doesn´t add anymore to her already "vamp-ish" outfit.

Gothic make-up tips for everyday: SMOKEY EYES

In my opinion there´s no other make-up that complements a breath-taking dramatic look such goth: smokey eyes. Apparently easy to use, it´s harder to apply in a succesful way than what it might seem. Usual problems are the "panda" effect, stains around the eyes AND most important of all, if it´s not applied properly, it might enfasize or create dark bags under your eyes making you look tired, hangovered or like a yonkee!
Because of its dramatic effect, smokey eyes should be applied with precaution during day-light, specially in pale skins where the dramatism is even more pronounced. Some people love it on someone else´s eyes, however, other people might find it a bit too gothic for them.....(I´ve had that problem and my skin is not even pale is olive), so again, the key is to be cautious.
A very good alternative is to combine the harsh black with a softer grey or to substitute black for a charcoal grey which can still create the same dramatic effect but the contrast will not be that pronounced. I´ve found a video that explains how to do the black&grey smokey eye and I think the look is quite impressive.
Here´s a website with the video and very good tips of how to apply it: http://www.imageandstylenews.com/smokey-eye-makeup-tips

What happens when dressing head-to-toe Goth during daylight..

I came across an interesting article on the Daily Mail's website (I didn´t know such a right-wing newspaper would pay any attention to a subculture fashion.....) where a fashion journalist tried on the "trendy" outfits of the moment. Obviously, the experience wasn´t pleasant at all. The interesting bit is, of course, when she dresses herself as a Goth. Here´s the bit:

GOTHIC
"Fashion took a turn for the macabre at Prada, Fendi and Gareth Pugh this season [winter 07], with black and more black.
There was also a gothic twist at Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane, who named witches as the inspiration for their collections.
I'm a bit worried about this one, especially when the make-up artist slathers an entire compact of black eyeshadow on me and says she's going to make my hair look 'dirty'.
Camilla Staerk's tulle dress is beautifully made, though; the halterneck is elegant and the Victorian bustle skirt makes me feel like a baddie in one of Dickens' novels.
The fingerless gloves are rather Karl Lagerfeld-esque and the Jimmy Choo ankle boots are to die for. I suspect the jagged metal cone heels could be classed as lethal weapons.
So, individually, I really like each piece of clothing. But head-to-toe, I'm scared by what I see in the mirror.
Unlike the other looks I've tried today, it feels unnatural to smile in this outfit. People stare and some swerve out of my way. None grin or stop to chat.
Far from feeling empowered and fierce, my confidence is waning - so I move quickly on. "What do you think of my outfit?" I ask two passing girls. "You look like the goths at our school," laughs one. "Yeah, I think the gloves are cool, but there's too much black. You need some colour," says the other.
Good idea. We head to a nearby flower stall to take a photo with a bright background. Or at least we try to.
The flower seller looks me up and down with a face like a wet weekend and refuses to let me buy anything from him, let alone have my picture taken next to his roses.
No wonder goths have a reputation for always being so grumpy - the reaction I'm getting is overwhelmingly negative.
Fed up, I head to the nearest cake shop to sweeten up. The girl serving me grins, then makes my day: "Where is your dress from? I love it," she beams. I give her the designer's details and she, in turn, hands over my cake for free. Maybe being a goth for the day isn't quite so bad after all.
VERDICT: Not my cup of tea. Head-to-toe black is just too sombre and seemed to scare away everyone.
If you're into this look, you've got to be brave and go the whole hog: diluting black garments with bright colours just looks cheap. If you're wearing it in the day-time, go a little lighter on the make-up to avoid scaring small children. 2/10"

MY VERDICT: Goths don´t look grumpy! People think they´re grumpy. Gothic style is just for Goths or Goth-lovers (people with a strong and very defined personality). This article is a clear example when anyone (not familiar with the subculture) attempts to wear it and then they deeply regret it and on top of that they make a fool of themselves, turning the outfit into a custom outfit. Goth is about sophisticated drama not dressing up for Halloween!

More fashion tips for your daily black wardrobe: BE CLEVER

When you are in your spare time (in a night out, at home, with your friends in the city...), dress as you want. No-one should have the right to insult you or tell you off. (Although some twats still think they do have that right...)

Another thing is when you are at work.....or in any other daily-life situation where your attire could get you into trouble or, in the worst cases, into pure discrimination. (Which is illegal BUT it happens).

Here is where you have to play the clever game. We already know that ignorants associate gothic fashion with ripped fishnets, badly dyed hair, vampire makeup and any other grungeness in general. However, although you are dressed in your beautiful and modern fantastic outfit you´re still a "Goth" or a "evil-worshiper" for them. And for them, head to toe Gothic IS still more frightening than fabulous.

The plan is to look as simple as you can. Tame down the textures (minimize the use of luxurious textures such lace, velvet and satin to details or key pieces). There are more tips on this post: http://the-black-wardrobe.blogspot.com/search/label/gothic%20fashion%20tips OR if you really want to wear that dramatic piece (a lace blouse, those studded pointed shoes), coordinate it with a casual-neutral piece like skinny jeans or a very plain black skirt. If you don´t mind wearing a completely neutral look, keep the drama just in the accesories (pvc shoes, a stunning brooch, long leather gloves)

COLOURS:

remember there´s more than just black. Experiment with grey, navy blue or the classy black&white combination. The trick is to semi-hide yourself, if they´re that clever, they will know you are a Goth or Goth lover. But usually, people are not that clever...and at some point, they start asking questions....leave them in the doubt. Other colours that would really be interesting too are plum, cream (it enfasizes the pallor of your skin because of its pastel shade), and burgundy. However, never wear purple! never, never, never. Besides being a very easy stereotype, it´s been proved in psychological studies of colour that purple´s an unsocial colour. If you want to be the distant, "no-one wants to be near person" that is the colour to go for. But we don´t want to be that, do we? We need to pay bills....

What NOT TO WEAR to work (all together): pointed shiny shoes (aggresive-sharp lines, and strong sexual connotation), a satin piece (very evening and again, sexual connotation), dramatic make-up (again, sexual connotation-"femme fatalle"). There´s a stunning mix of luxurious textures, sharp lines, combined with a super-shaped feminine siluette (due to a super fit mini)....All that combination of things screams "goth"! Again, choose one thing as the main stand-out piece of your look.

What to wear to work: here are two examples of key pieces combined with flat ones in order to minimize the drama of your attire. In the first pic, what it seems to be a heavy-weight brocade skirt is been tamed down with a plain matt shirt and the look it is been finished with a thin piece of jewelry that will not distract the attention to the skirt. In the second pic, a decadent ruffle shirt is been combined with plain black pants, in this case, skinny that gives more volumen to the upper part of the body. In both pictures, the make-up is been kept to the minimal which is a good trick if you skin is extremely pale.

Fashion tips for your daily black wardrobe

I´ve been searching everywhere for a interesting and practical list of gothic fashion tips without falling into the obvious topics: "wear velvet...wear silver crosses". I don´t dismiss the traditional look at all but this blog, my work- it´s aimed at the practical Goth: how to dress Goth without making people scream in your workplace and other daily-life places in general......
The following list is been written by Christine Stoddard, writer and artist from The States, whose work has appeared in numerous publications both print and online.

TIP #1
"Wear black the right way: In small quantities, black is stunning. In large quantities, black is morbidly unattractive. You can achieve the slimming effect black brings without shrouding yourself in all-black outfits. Pair black with navy, forest green, dark brown, deep violet, charcoal gray, burgundy and similar drab colors or use them as complete alternatives to black. Also remember that black and scarlet or black and purple are two popular Goth color combinations".

I partially disagree with this statement, you can still wear black from head to toes without looking over-dramatical. You have to options: keep it black but plain, or if you go for accesories, use one dramatical statement piece (a pair of shoes, a nice piece of jewellery, a contrast belt, a dramatic bag....etc)







TIP #2
"Wear silver jewelry: Silver charm necklaces and bracelets are popular Goth accessories. Look for charms like lockets, birdcages, crosses, skulls, suns, moons, stars, owls, unicorns, and fairies. Avoid bright gold-colored jewelry. Faded gold jewelry looks best if paired with silver pieces. Try putting some lightweight faded gold and silver chains together with a scoop neck or V-neck blouse. Silver chandelier earrings with beads are also classically Goth. Just remember, that the dressier the jewelry, the subtler the clothes should be, at least for day".





TIP #3
"Wear textured hosiery: Hosiery can make an outfit. For a sophisticated Goth look, go for fine fishnets in black, charcoal, chocolate, burgundy, and forest green. Avoid fishnets with giant holes, as they reveal too much flesh in an unflattering way. (If you’re aiming to show off a little skin, better unbutton your blouse for some cleavage instead or simply go barelegged.) Pair textured hosiery with plain skirts and dresses---no competing textures or patterns, like reflective silk or floral. Opaque tights in black and interesting shades of wine and plum are good for more intricate dresses and skirts".

I would also like to add that if you are going for the plain-black look, a pair of lace tights will not only add the gothic bit to it but it would make it look very very elegant without looking too-dressy. Another colour that would really suits the gothic skin-types is cream. It´s a very romantic colour that works very well with black, adding a softness to the somehow harsh black and it emphasizes the pallor of white skins.




TIP #4
"Wear dark velvet: Everything-even lounge pants-looks elegant in velvet. But as tempting as it may be to drape yourself all over in this comfortable fabric, try to add variety to an outfit by mixing in other materials. Wear a velvet hoodie over a cotton tee or a velvet skirt with a fitted wool sweater. Also search for jeans with velvet details, like velvet embellished embroidery or velvet covered pockets. If real velvet is too expensive for your budget, search for polyester or rayon textured like velvet. They give the same effect for far less money and most people cannot even distinguish between the two".

My tip is, avoid velvet unless the piece is plain. Because it´s a very luxurious and shiny fabric, you would end up looking too dressy with it and the Gothic look is VERY easy to overdue. If you still want to wear velvet in your outfit, use a key piece for it (a burgundy or black blazer, a skirt or a top).



TIP #5
"Wear lace: Lace is the most feminine of fabrics, which is why it’s so hard to wear well without seeming like you’re in a period piece. The key is to mix lace with more gender-neutral or even masculine fabrics to offset its inherent flounce. That’s why black leather and lace are such a classic combination. Another idea is throwing a casual fitted cardigan over a lace-trimmed camisole (or two or three layered camisoles). Black or burgundy lace trim is also a classy trim for jeans and denim jackets. Lace chokers are graceful touches to any outfit, but to avoid looking too dressed up during the day, throw on some jeans or a casual top. Also shop for lace headbands for girly panache".







TIP #6
"Wear pearls: Pearl necklaces, long or short, are classy additions to any outfit. Pearl bracelets look very Victorian, but for a modern touch, stack them up with short-sleeved or sleeveless tops. Also search for buttons and jackets with pearl buttons. Be careful when shopping for peal earrings---they can easily look too matronly. Tiny pearl studs are usually the freshest, most modern size. Small pearl drop earrings are also lovely. Look for pieces in black pearls, too, which are gorgeously Goth when paired with black lace".

Don´t look for pearl buttons! Just thinking of it, eeeeeegk!, it would make the piece look SO old fashion, but in the bad way! I would prefer to see pearls only on jewellery.



TIP #7
"Wear tall boots: boots don’t have to be high-heeled, but they should cover the majority of the calf. Look for leather or suede or convincing vinyl and details like laces and subtle buckles. Black, gray, brown, red, and purple are the ideal colors, especially in darker shades. Find sleek cuts and steer clear of anything that screams ‘high school punk rock concert,’ like mega-platforms".

My tip is, wear any shoes you want. Pointed, rounded, modern, old fashion (eg, Mary Janes) as long as you feel comfortable with them. But remember! Don´t over-do, if you´re going for astonishing shoes, keep the rest of the outfit plain or with minimal expression.








Hope you liked this list ot tips, here´s the link to the website where I sourced it from:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2180536_add-gothic-flair-wardrobe.html

If you want to know more about the writer, here´s another link:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/christinestoddard