Wack-tober:Steampunk Pants Fun!

These are not cosplays, but they both count as Wack-tober for me because they involve an element none-too-frequently seen in my outfits: Pants! Well, bloomers. And knickers. Still, bifurcated bottom garments-not something I do that often! But it is Wack-tober, after all-and for me, pants are definitely out of the ordinary. Here's the first:

Goggles-Goodwill
Black and navy blouse-Arc

Black velvet underbust-Buffalo Exchange

Black pantalets-Buffalo Exchange

Rainbow socks-British shop
Black round-toed Mary Janes-Ross
I wore this last Sunday to go to the doll show with my mom. I got the pins on the corset there-I really like them, and think they add a lot of pop to the outfit! I'm now rather enamoured of the idea of wearing brooches and pins on my corsets for decoration. 

And here was last night's outfit, for a Rasputina concert!

Black lace bolero-Love Culture

Cream blouse-Fiji flea market

Black and cream underbust-Punk69
Bloomers-Made by me
Black flowered tights-Target

Black and white striped stocking-Hot Topic
Mary Jane heels-Goodwill

Sorry for the slightly blurry picture-it was rather late last night when I got home from the concert, so I didn't notice the picture was blurry when I took it. I'm rather proud of these bloomers-they were actually a very small pair of children's bloomers I got from Goodwill, then split open and put large panels of cream-colored satin (scavenged from another skirt) on the side. It was a pretty simple endeavor, but I really like the results. They are super comfortable and easy to wear, and the perfect thing to wear to see one of my favorite bands. :)

Stripetember Participation Day Post!

WOW! Can I just say, I am simply OVERWHELMED by the response I had to my very first participation day? THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I LOVE YOU GUYS, YOU ARE MAKING ME TYPE IN ALL CAPS. THAT IS HOW AMAZING YOU ARE! Here's to all the lovely ladies who showed me their stripes:
1. VictorianKitty of SophistiqueNoir
2. Lesthi of Lesthi's Blog
3. Lynoire of Milking The Rolling Cow
4. Captain Cadaver of Bats and Cats
5. Katherine of In Pandaemonium
Thanks so much, ladies-you all rocked the stripes! :D
Here was my outfit for today: I went daring, and mixed my stripes up a little!

Black ruffled blouse-Forever21

Red and white striped vest-Made by me

Black and white striped skirt-Arc

Black leggings-Ross

Black faux Doc Martens-Wal-Mart

I like the look of this skirt, but unfortunately it wrinkle's like nobody's business. I might end up repurposing the fabric into something like a vest or a corset that won't wrinkle-we'll see! There is just not enough black and white striped stuff in this world, if you ask me. Thank you all again for participating, and keep your eyes peeled for next month's theme and theme day. After blogging for about 16 months, I finally feel like I'm really stretching my legs and coming further into the blog-o-sphere and I couldn't do that without all of you. :) 

Stripetember: Color Edition, And An Exciting Announcement!

Moving away from the B&W posts for a bit, I'd like to present COLOR! Yay! Shiny happy rainbowy gooey globs of colored stripey goodness ahoy:

Rainbow Dress-Made by me

Black blazer-Goodwill

Fishnets-Wal-Mart

Black satin heels-Recycle Boutique

I love this dress, but it is a bit bright, even for me! I also made it a couple years ago when I was not as accomplished a seamstress, so it's a little wonky in the bodice/sleeves. Solution? A simple black blazer on top of it! 

And now for today's outfit:

Black peasant blouse-Family Dollar

Black and purple stripe corset-Punk69

Black lace skirt-Goodwill

Black and purple stripe tights-TJ Maxx

Black wedges-Wal-Mart

At first I was worried that the horizontal and vertical purple stripes together might be Too Much Of A Good Thing, but I think there's enough solid black to break them up and let them compliment each other instead of clashing. Plus, IMO, you can never have too much black and purple!
And now, an exciting announcement: Back at the beginning of the month, I said I hoped to have a participation day where everyone would wear their finest stripes around the 20th. Well, the 20th came and went and I didn't have a chance to do it, so I thought: Why not the 26th? Two thirteens are twice as lucky after all! So here's the deal: On September 26th, I will post early in the morning, and I will leave comments open all day for people to link to their posts. At the end of the day, I'll collect everyone's posts and make a big post for all the blogs that participate! It will be very similar to (aka, I stole the idea from) the lovely SophistiqueNoir's Monthly Theme Days, something I have participated in in the past. I can't wait to see all your stripes in a couple day's time! Here's the image for your blog; if you do it, please use the image and link back to me. I can't wait! 

Stripetember Day Two: Subtle Stripes, Part Deux

So since I inadvertantly started a subtle stripes theme yesterday, I decided to run with it for the rest of the week. Simple but fun!

Black cropped tank-H&M

Black and grey striped button vest-Salvation Army

Black full skirt-Goodwill

Beige fishnets-Target

Black wedges-Recycle Boutique

Yes, the vest really is striped. Detail pics to prove:

Actually, this is a nice pic because it also shows off one of the rows of buttons on either side of this vest, which I just think are tremendously fun. The fest actually closes with hook-and-eyes, so they're completely decorative, but sometimes you just need things that are only there to be pretty! I love the rounded collar on this vest-I strongly prefer either a rounded collar or no collar on my vests. Both have such a Victorian elegance about them, which is great when your style is as heavily Victorian/steampunk influenced as mine is. This outfit is plain and very subtle by my standards, so watch for me to jazz it up a little (but still with subtle stripes!) tomorrow. I'm also hoping to make tomorrow's post informative/educational, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Stripe-tember: A Subtle Beginning

So, I mentioned this briefly and rather opaquely a few posts back, but over the next three months, I'm going to be doing something a little different with my blog and outfits. If you're a longtime reader, you may have noticed that last year, I would do theme weeks around a specific color or idea. This time, I'm going a little more ambitious: I'm doing theme months. I'm starting today with Stripe-tember, which is based around the premise that every outfit that I wear this month is going to incorporate some kind of stripe. Sounds simple, right? Stripes are a staple of the Goth wardrobe, especially notable in the the design of Tim Burton movies and not a few of Edward Gorey's drawings. From subtle pinstripes to bold inch-wide black-and-whites to a rainbow of striped socks, I have TONS of stripes in my wardrobe-but how to incorporate them into different kinds of outfits? How to wear them day after day without getting repetitive in my looks? Therein lies the challenge!

If anyone's interested in joining me (for a day, though you can try for the whole month if you're ambitious!) I'm going to have a multi-blog event in the line of Sophistique Noir's Monthly Theme Day, or The Dancing Maenad's Monthly Homework Assignment, on the 20th of the month. Bring out your stripiest finery and show me what you've got! More details forthcoming as I make them up...er, as the event comes closer. And now for today's outfit:

Black and silver pinstriped blouse-Arc

Black ruffled vest-Recycle Boutique

Black lacy skirt-Goodwill

Black tights-God knows where

Black heels-Wal-Mart

This is indeed a very subtle beginning; but I promise, there are silver pinstripes on the blouse. Look, here:

I had a good reason for keeping it more subtle today, as I was attending the memorial service of a close friend of the family. He was 89 years old and a dear, fantastic man who brought light to everyone around him. He played five instruments and offered me support and guidance when I was just a scared, lonely, weird teenager. He always gave me compliments on my outfits; once, when I was wearing my Iron Fist vampire heels he told me "Those are the neatest shoes I've ever seen-if they came in my size, I'd like a pair." I dressed it down and demure for his funeral because I am a firm believer in old-fashioned ettiquette and dressing appropriately for the occasion, but secretly, I think, if I'd have worn something very bright and fabulous, he would have enjoyed it. My outfits have often drawn scorn from some older people in my hometown's community, so it was unspeakably wonderful to have someone who appreciated them-and me-exactly as I am. R.I.P., Homer. Me and my shoes will  miss you, your brilliant sense of humor, and your wonderful and heartfelt compliments and support. 

Monthly Homework Assignment: Things I Can't Live Without

So the lovely Mary, formerly of Le Professeur Gothique and currently of The Dancing Maenad, gave us a homework assignment that I was actually really excited for-but it being summer, I nearly forgot about it! No posts for two weeks, then two in one day-wow, I am terribly organized, aren't I? But I had to do this assignment, because I think it tells you so much about a person-you can certainly tell a lot about me by mine!

Things You Can't Live Without

My foundation, powder, and mascara. If you ever read my comments on the lovely Lady Bethezda's blog, or GlumPlum's, you'll know I have a terrible envy of people who can actually do their eye makeup. I'm terrible with eyeliner and shadow, so unless I can have a friend do it for me I generally don't wear them. This leads many guys to say things like "I like girls like you who don't wear makeup." BLLLAAAAT! Wrong, my dear gents-I do wear makeup, just not NOTICEABLE makeup. Having been doing foundation since I was about 8 or 9 and started getting acne, I'm a regular pro by now. It's very, VERY rare to see me out and about without full concealer, foundation, and powder on-like, one of the only times I went without for more than one day when I was going out in public was in Fiji, because it was so darn hot it just melted off. Obscenely humid weather notwithstanding, I must have my makeup! I also generally use a brown mascara for everyday-it's not as dramatic as black, but it makes my lashes pop just a little more. I've used all kinds of foundations, but honestly I've found $4.95/bottle NYC Ivory matches my skin and wears better than a lot of $20+ Sephora brands. Powder varies as well-right now I like CoverGirl, but I've used all kinds as well. 

My solid black and black striped with buckles underbust corsets. I love all of my corsets, but these are the two I cannot live without. Easy to wear, go with all kinds of styles and pretty much everything in my wardrobe, and add a little va-va-voom to anything instantly. They're also very comfortable-probably because I've worn them so much that they are perfectly broken in to my body! 

Mary Jane shoes. Heeled, chunky, flat, spiked-if it has a strap and looks like a variation on something a little girl would wear to school, I probably own it! I do have a hard time finding well-fitting chunky ones, but I keep my eyes out every time I go thrifting. Definitely my favorite kind of shoe!

My rainbow of crinkly peasant skirts. I have a ton of these-this is just a small selection. I love them because they are so comfortable and easy to wear-like classy-looking sweatpants. Also, they are great by themselves on a hot summer day, or layered up can keep you warm on a cold winter one. You can modernize them with a t-shirt, or go all Ren Faire Princess with a peasant blouse and a corset. They're easy to bustle over each other with pins for a Victorian look. And because they are supposed to be crinkly, they travel really well. What more could you want in a skirt?

Stripey items! I have striped leggings, striped skirts, striped blouses, striped blazers, striped vests...pinstripes, wide stripes, black and white or brightly colored, I just love stripes! If you click the "stripes" tag here, you'll see more stripes than you can shake a Tim Burton movie at. And I have more striped fabric waiting to be made into items of clothing. This is one of my most stereotypically Goth loves, and I make no apologies for it. Life is too short to not cram all the stripes you can into it!

And now for the electronics, or non-clothing items. My parents got me this Lenovo K-1 Ideapad tablet last December, and already I can't imagine how I lived without it. It has a lot of fun games and functions almost like a full computer with its included detachable keyboard (great for taking notes when I don't want to lug out my heavy Macbook!), but its best function for me is definitely the Kindle app. I've read so many books on it! I can carry an entire library in my purse, and for a biblioholic like me, that's one of the best things ever. Plus, it's super sturdy-the strap on my bag broke as I was getting out of my dad's pickup shortly after I got it, and it fell out about five feet facedown onto pavement. Other than a couple of scrapes on the corners of the aluminum case, you'd never even know it happened! For someone as clumsy as me, non-fragile electronics are a must. :)

Last but certainly not least, I have my Zune. I've had it six years now-I got it my freshman year of HS, and it just keeps on ticking! About the only thing that's making me contemplate getting a new one is that it's not compatible with my Macbook and when I'm back to school I won't have a Windows-based computer to sync it with any more. It's 30 GB, and it was only $90! It's come with me to three continents and seven states now, been dropped too many times to count, jostled around in backpacks and purses, and taken on runs and hikes and it just. Keeps. Going.  I love to listen to music and audiobooks while I sew, and it certainly makes walking everywhere-whether in Denver or Welly-much more appealing! We'll see if the next one I get even comes close to it in longevity and sturdiness. Somehow, I have my doubts. :)

Also, as a brief note/PSA-I'm very, very privileged to be able to count lots of clothes, shoes, and electronics among the things I "can't live without." A lot of people in the world have to try and live without basic necessities like food, clothing, adequate housing, or protection from the threat of violence. If I may take a moment to promote one of my favorite charities, if you want to help bring necessities to those in need Women For Women International is a great charity that does a lot to help women and girls in poor or war-stricken areas, who generally get the short shrift when it comes to the distribution of charitable funds. You can find more information and give a few bucks if you have a little extra (I try to give a small amount from each paycheck, because every little bit helps and I am able to do so) at womenforwomen.org. 

Red and Black Week: The Finale

This is it, folks: The grand finale! I can't believe it's already been six days. I've been introduced to so many great blogs through this event, and gained a few new followers too. Thanks, guys! And welcome! I thought since this is the last day, I'd do a two-fer, day to night. I had this red and black "day" outfit from a couple weeks ago, when I was photographing my outfits but didn't have the chance to blog a lot of them:

Bat necklace-Asian Gifts

Black long-sleeved top-Salvation Army

Maroon underbust corset-Canal Boat Trading

Long red skirt-Recycle Boutique

Fishnet gloves-CoinMax

Black boots-The Warehouse

Pretty simple look-I like to think my boots and fishnet gloves give it a little "edge" but I like the elegant Victorian air of it!

And here we have the "night" outfit, for a friend's birthday party:

(Excuse the derpy expression on my face; I really don't know why I look like that! Also excuse my bangs; don't trim your bangs with safety scissors yourself because you got annoyed with them being in your eyes, kiddos.)

Caduceus necklace-Salvation Army

Red and black corset-Punk69

Black lace dress-Buffalo Exchange

Black and red stripe tights-Wal-Mart

Chunky Mary Janes-The Warehouse

A little less sedate and reserved, a little punk mixed with elegance. I feel like this is really "me"-a little whimsical and childlike mixed with a little elegant and sexy. Best of both worlds! Do any of the rest of you like to blend your favorite Goth looks for something that's uniquely you?

And many thanks to the amazing VictorianKitty for putting this whole thing together. We all love you and your awesome blog! 

Red and Black Week Day Two: Stripes and Jacks

Just a note: Because I'm in NZ and 18 hours ahead of everyone, my posts are going to be a bit wonked timewise, so I apologize for that. But onto the important bit: THE CLOTHES!

Nightmare Before Christmas tie-random Wellington shop

Black t-shirt-Forever21

Black vest-Arc

Black mesh skirt-Paper Bag Princess

Black and red stripe handwarmers-Claire's

Black and red striped socks-London street stall

Black chunky Mary Janes-The Warehouse

I seem to be on a bit of a punky tear this week. It's different, but I like it-it makes me feel insouciant and saucy, rather than my usual elegantly whimsical. The tie has little Jack Skellingtons on it, and the moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it. I don't care if wearing a tie like this is a wee bit Avril Lavigne circa 2005, it's so cool. And because it's a Tim Burton reference, I had to bring along ye olde stripes as well. I bought these socks in a street stall in London when I was there five years ago, and they are starting to show their age a little, alas. I'll be very sad when they (and the rainbow and black/rainbow striped pairs I bought at the same time) finally go-I feel like they were some of my first pieces of Goth style clothing, before I really identified as Goth but when I knew I liked black and darkly elegant, macabre, and enchanting things. They're also a memento of the first time I left the United States, for a two-week trip to England the summer after my freshman year of high school. If you'd told me then that I would be wearing them five years later in Wellington, New Zealand, to go to film classes in my final week at Victoria University, I never would have believed you. It's funny how much memory and significance can be wrapped up in two simple pieces of yarn and spandex! These socks are one of my favorite items of red and black clothing, and I'm happy to be able to feature them. :)

What's Black and White And Striped All Over?

Answer: Me. Duh. I'll just let today's outfit speak for itself:

Faux pearl necklace-inherited

Black t-shirt (under blouse)-Forever21

Black and white striped blouse-Arc

Black taffeta underbust corset-Punk69

Black and white handwarmers-Hot topic

Black and white striped skirt-Salvation Army

Leggings-Wal-Mart

Buckle boots-Ross

Yes, I am very aware that this is A LOT of stripes. But when I saw the skirt at the Salvation Army in Wellington and remembered the blouse, I knew I had to have it! Several people complimented me on my "dress", so I think they matched very closely-it's hard to see in the picture, but the black stripes in the blouse are just a bit wider, and the white stripes in the skirt are the same, so they don't match exactly-but the corset broke up the patterns enough so people didn't notice, much like my red corset did for the polka dot blouse and skirt in this outfit. For some reason, almost-matching skirts and blouses from different places make me absurdly happy. Go figure. Do any of you have weird fashion tics that give you large amounts of joy for no particular reason?

Pinstripes Are People, Too! Or Stripes Week, Day 2

I love my big, bold Goth stripes. Really, (obviously), I do. But sometimes, I feel like the humble, simple pinstripe gets lost. And I do love my pinstripes. One of my goals in life is to find an appropriately girly but still accurate-ish navy pinstripe suit, so I can cosplay girl!10th Doctor. Because seriously, how snazzy is this?

One great-looking outfit (and one great-looking man), no? Love! But for now, all I have with me are my trusty pinstriped corsets, one of which I wore today:

Gargoyle necklace-Repeat Boutique

Lace necked t-shirt-Arc

Cropped cardigan-Salvation Army

Pinstriped underbust corset-Punk69

Black velvet circle skirt-Arc

Silver crinkle skirt-Paper Bag Princess

Grey tights-Wal-Mart

Grey and black stripe socks-Target

Black buckled boots-Ross

Lots of layers today, but it is very cold, windy and rainy in La Wellington this week. I snuck some conventional stripes in there along with my pinstripes, through my mostly-hidden socks, but I still love pinstripes the most. Alas, most of my beloved pinstriped jackets are at home and shipping is obscenely expensive, or I would have worn one of them, too! I just need to find a good pinstriped skirt; I'm sure in my thrift-store wanderings, I'm bound to come across one eventually! Do you like pinstripes or find them too boring? I like their subtlety, personally-and this is coming from the chick who regularly plasters herself with skulls, plaids, and neon-colored stripes. Because sometimes, a girl just needs to feel classy and elegant. :)

STRIPES Week, Day 1-Red and Black

I miss doing my theme weeks, I really do. I mean, I can still do color ones, but I kinda like the more exotic, imaginative ones better-like my fictional characters-inspired week, or my Goth-themed symbols. But with a more limited (by my admittedly exaggerated standards) wardrobe here in Wellington, I just haven't felt like I have enough play. But by gum, I want to make it work! So I'm trying to work with what I have to make interesting themes, and I thought this week I would fall back on the ol' standard of my best-beloved stripes. Today, I was feeling very red and black-ish about the whole thing:

Black heart necklace-Savers

Black shrug-Paper Bag Princess

Skull dress-Hot Topic

Leggings-Forever21

Striped handwarmers-Claire's

Striped socks-London street stall

Silver-embellished slides-Wellington thrift store

It was really windy today, so let's just say I was quite glad I wore leggings with this light, ruffly little chiffon-skirted dress! I don;t normally mix patterns, but something about this dress just makes me want to pair it with stripes; last time I wore it, I wore it with stripey tights as well! Wow, I've actually gotten good about linking back to my previous posts...I'm coming up on 100 posts soon, so keep all of your eyes peeled for that one, because I've got some special stuff planned. :)

I *Heart* Black And White Stripes

A bit of a change of pace today; I don't usually go all sleekly modern, loving my Victorian fripperies as I do, but this dress was so cute I was willing to make an exception for it!

Black and white striped dress-Fijian flea market

White and black fishnet armwarmers-2-dollar store

Black leggings-Forever 21

Black buckled combat boots-Ross

Here's the back of the dress-I love the little heart-shaped cutout, it is so cute and sassy! I was a little hestitant at first because it is quite body-concious, but darnit, I have curves and I'm proud of 'em, so in the end I went for it. Sorry for the tilted camera angles, I'm still working out the photo sitch in my new room. I really like this dress, and I think it's a really useful, versatile, but unique piece- I can't wait to find more ways to wear it! :)

Sew Very Goth: Tim Burton-Esque Edition

When I was home over Thanksgiving break, I happened to wander by the smallish fabric section of our local Wal-Mart, and what did I see? Only the best thing a Goth can hope for: Black and white striped fabric! I immediately planned to buy all that was left on the bolt, only to get a second, even better surprise: It was $.87 a yard, and there were 8 and 1/2 yards. I knew IMMEDIATELY what I wanted to do with it! I'd had this Simplicity pattern laying around for a while:

And I'd been coveting this one for quite a while, so I took the excuse to buy it off eBay:

I put the two of 'em together, and came out with this ensemble:

Apologies for my wonk-face in this picture, I have no idea why I look like that. 

Black collared blouse-Wal-Mart

Black and white striped coat-vest-Made by me

Black underbust corset-Fusion Federation

Black and white striped ruffled skirt-Made by me

Skull socks-TJ Maxx

White Mary Jane heels-Hot Topic

The skirt is actually fully reversible; the other side is white satin with a black and red pinstripe. I am so proud of this outfit, I can't even tell you. If the vest looks a little unfinished, that's because it was-I was too excited to wear it to worry about topstitching and putting the last hook in place, hence the pearl pin in the middle. Tune in soon for the other two pieces I'm making out of this fabric, because they are also awesome. :)

Stripes, Parts Deux and Trois

Yes, more stripes from me. Are you surprised? I told you I was addicted! First up, this was my Chorale outfit two weeks ago, in which the correct answer to the old riddle "What's black and white and red all over?" is Jamie:

Black lace shrug-Love Culture

Skeleton hands necklace-Forever 21

Red tank top-Savers

Black and white striped corsetlet-Fusion Federation

Black and white striped arm warmers-Artsmyths

Black ruffled skirt-Goodwill

Red tights-Target

Ruby slippers-Hot Topic

I forgot to take a picture of the back of the shoes, but they actually have a black and white striped heel and are too adorable for words, even though they make my feet hurt. I felt very Tim Burton-esque in this outfit, which of course made me happy!

The next outfit was from last week, when I was in a purple sort of mood:

Black dragon necklace-Asian Gifts

Pinstripe blazer-Plato's Closet

Pink cami-Forever 21

Black/purple striped handwarmers-Claire's

Black overbust corset-Punk69

Black asymmetrical ruffle skirt-Goodwill

Purple striped tights-TJ Maxx

Vampire shoes-Hot Topic

Annoying Siamese who is affronted I interrupted her leisurely drink at the water bowl-Denver Dumb Friends League

Once again, cute shoes that make my brain and style sense happy and my feet sad. Are there any other kind? Actually, both these pairs of shoes were Hot Topic clearance-which is good, because $12 for the red ones and $15 for the vampire ones is a lot more acceptable to my excessively thrifty brain than $45-60 a pair regular price! I think I've become addicted to fingerless gloves/handwarmers/whatever-you-care-to-call-'ems-I've actually had a lot of mine for quite some time, but I've been making a concerted effort to actually wear them more. Since I'm going to New Zealand in less than 3 weeks (eek!), and I'm taking one large and one carry-on bag worth of clothes for five months (double eek!), so I've been practicing accessorizing with small, light things like jewelry and handwarmers. That way, when I have less clothes, I can still do a variety of fun outfits by changing up the details! Have any of you ever had to travel with a limited wardrobe? How did you work it out? 

Stripes Ahoy!

I may be slightly addicted to striped things. Striped tights, pinstripe corsets, striped skirts...I think it's all Tim Burton's fault. If he didn't constantly put great looking stripey costumes into his films, I wouldn't want to wear stripes all the time. But he does, and I do, and the result is outfits like this:

Fake "pearl" necklace-Arc

Demon necklace-Repeat Boutique

Black lace shrug-Savers

Buckled pinstriped corset-The Crypt

Purple-and-black-stripe handwarmers-Claire's

Purple-and-black striped skirt-Buffalo Exchange

Black leggings-Wal-mart

Black boots-Buffalo Exchange

I think when I first saw this skirt at Buffalo Exchange (in the Halloween section, natch), my reaction was something like OMGMINEMINEMINEMINEMINE!!! Fortunately, most sane people don't want a bright purple and black striped skirt, so I was able to snatch it up and abscond happily to the checkouts with it-I think it only cost $6 or $8, and it makes me so happy. Stripes! What else can I say? I'm a walking Goth cliche when it comes to 'em. Speaking of stripes, I will very soon have the mother of all Sew Very Goth posts coming up, so keep your eyes peeled. I just have to do about 18,000 feet of gathering first. What's your favorite cliche Goth style? 

Down The Rabbit Hole, Or Character Week Day 3

I'm sorry to do it to you all, lovely readers, but I'm going to momentarily drop into the well of the cliche Goth again today, dressing as that Goth/Lolita/all-alternative-persons beloved wandering child, Miss Alice, of Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass fame. I will admit to simultaneously being an Alice fangirl and a bit of an Alice snob; I love the original books unconditionally, and I decently *like* many of the gajillions of adaptations of them, but the only two that I really LOVE are SyFy's Alice and (of course) Tim Burton's in-spirit 2010 sequel. Again, the incomparable Colleen Atwood's designs make me drool desperately and start eyeing my sewing patterns to see if I have anything that could make a decent facsimile. Alas, I haven't my sewing machine with me, so this was the Alice I pulled from my wardrobe:

 

Clock pendant-Thrifted

Black cardigan-Goodwill

Blue camisole-Ross

Blue taffeta underbust corset-Punk69

Black lace skirt-Arc

Blue and black striped socks-Buffalo Exchange

Black boots-Target

I thought I did a decent job combining the feel of this (whimsical, Victorian, and blue):

With this (modern and easy-to-wear):

I think it turned out pretty neat, having an "Alice-y" feel without being too costume-y. Although, costume-y be damned-if I could get ahold of/make this dress, I would wear it at least once a week. 

A girl at Starfest last year had made a pretty close replica, and I was so jealous of her. Not only did she have mad skills, she had a boyfriend who was willing to dress up as the Mad Hatter with her. They were both incredibly awesome, and I loved getting to hang out with them. 

Also, I don't doubt that most of you have seen Tim Burton's version, but if you haven't seen the SyFy one with Caterina Scorsone, please get ahold of a copy. It's well written and interesting, and it has a really fantastic cast. (No, seriously-Kathy Bates, Colm Meany, Caterina Scorsone...it's awesome.) 

And now for a bit of literary nerd-anger, if you'll allow me: My only big issue with both it, and Tim Burton's, is that they combine the Red Queen and the Queen of Hearts into one person. THEY ARE TWO COMPLETELY SEPARATE CHARACTERS! No, really. Other than Alice, there is no crossover in the books as to characters. The wold of the Looking Glass is separate from Wonderland, and though I'm ok with them being combined for storytelling purposes (neither book is really long enough to turn into a movie on its own), it really irks me when people act like the Red Queen and the Queen of Hearts are interchangeable. This is the Queen of Hearts:

"

This is the Red Queen:

YOU SEE? TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT PEOPLE! Not to mention, the Queen of Hearts is evil, crazy, and generally prone to decapitations, while the Red Queen is kind in a loopy sort of way and welcomes Alice to be a queen when she finally makes her way across the chessboard. In fact, one of my favorite parts of the book is the absolutely insane conversation Alice has with the Red Queen and the White Queen when she finally arrives at the end of the chessboard. One of my favorite bits:

Here the Red Queen began again. 'Can you answer useful questions?' she said. 'How is bread made?'

'I know THAT!' Alice cried eagerly. 'You take some flour—'

'Where do you pick the flower?' the White Queen asked. 'In a garden, or in the hedges?'

'Well, it isn't PICKED at all,' Alice explained: 'it's GROUND—'

'How many acres of ground?' said the White Queen. 'You mustn't leave out so many things.'

'Fan her head!' the Red Queen anxiously interrupted. 'She'll be feverish after so much thinking.' So they set to work and fanned her with bunches of leaves, till she had to beg them to leave off, it blew her hair about so.

Now, I'd say fanning someone's head with leaves is rather the opposite of ordering it lopped off, wouldn't you? :)

For more literary nerdery + outfit awesomeness, come back tomorrow to see me venture back about forty years before Alice and company to the time (and books) of one of my absolute favorite authors.

Black And Orange, or Halloween Week Day 1

Well, the title kinda says it all! I'm going to be doing faux-costumes for the res of the week, but I figured the inaugural day really ought to be those two gorgeous and highly under-utilized colors, black and orange!

Black lace front button-down-Goodwill

Orange cami-Fusion Federation

Black Tripp skirt-Buffalo Exchange

Orange striped tights-Wal-Mart

Chunky black sneakers-Arc

Though I do love this color combo, I recognize that it can be a bit overwhelming, especially in the florescent shade I wore today-hence the employment of the black button down to give just a hint of the orange cami underneath. I love, love love this button-down and have no idea why I don't wear it more often-maybe because it wrinkles and I am lazy and don't want to iron a lot of stuff! Until tomorrow (Day 2 of the week, Day 1 of my faux-costumes), darkly yours, Jamie!

Stripey Socks and Skulls-Skull Week, Day 2

So, my outfit ended up taking a bit of an unexpected twist today; I was originally wearing plain black tights, but they imploded into a mass of strings around the thigh area two hours into my day. Fortunately, I was on 16th Street Mall and could buy some new ones, but given the choice between a $10 pair of plain black tights and a $4 pair of stripey tights, I of course had to go with the stripes. I don't usually mix patterns, but I kinda like this:

 

Black jersey shrug-Rainbow

Skull-print chiffon dress-Hot Topic

Skull bangle-GoodGoth 

Purple and black stripe tights-TJ Maxx

Victorian-style boots-Ross

 I do love this dress-considering how pricey (relatively-remember, I'm on a college student budget!) most stuff at Hot Topic is, I've almost never bought anything there at full price, but when I saw this I had to have it, regardless of the $60 price tag. It is such a fun, flirty, and versatile dress-after I bought it I worried that such a distinctive piece might not get a lot of wear, but it's surprisingly easy to style into a lot of different outfits. I especially like it with the stripes, which is something I don't think I would have done on purpose for fear of clashing patterns/prints-I'm a wee bit anal retentive and like everything to match, so sometimes I will be a bit hesitant about putting more than one bold pattern into an outfit-but after how this turned out, I might have to try more! How do you all feel about mixing prints?

Purple, Black, and Stripes (Yet Again)

Wow. You'd almost think I like wearing purple, black and stripes or something. Fairly simple outfit today, as I'm feeling under the weather due to a bad cold, and had to do shopping for work-so I did what I do best, cute and comfy. 

Alien necklace-Savers

Black and purple striped sweater dress-Arc

Black leggings-Forever 21

Buckled combat boots-Ross

Here's a close-up of the necklace. I love it because it exemplifies both my geekiness and my gothiness!

Sorry about the terrible lighting-I'm still working out the kinks in my photo-taking process. I like this dress because it's really comfy and warm (a must on a cold, rainy day like today), but the bright pattern is still plenty eye-catching. Throw it on over some leggings and you're (well, I'm) good to go. The alien necklace was my little nod to noncomformity in an outfit that otherwise borders on the dangerously mainstream (for me, at least)-something subtle but fun, and it even matches my color scheme! Do any of you have "casual day" outfits for those days when you just don't feel like corsets, frills, and laces, no matter how you love them? 

Red and Black Stripes and Boots!

For the last day of my Red and Black outfits, I wanted to go all out-and it just so happened to coincide with VictorianKitty's monthly theme day on boots, so I took the opportunity to look as Gothy as possible, stompy boots and all!

 

Bat necklace: Twin Dragon Asian Gifts

Black and red stripe shirt-Wal-Mart

Black lace skirt-Savers

Black and red striped handwarmers-Claire's

Black and red tights-Wal-mart

Chunky black boots-DAV thrift 

Here's a close-up of the necklace-I just thought it was so lovely, and I had to get it! Bats? Yes please! :)

 And, for the theme, a close-up of the boots-you can see where they're a bit scuffed, because I love them so much that I'm starting to wear them out. I probably have seven or eight pairs of boots, but these are my favorites-chunky enough to add height, but comfortable enough to wear all day when I have to do a lot of walking. And, of course, the perfect height to wear with cool skirts and funky tights! What more could a little Goth girl's heart desire?