30 Day Clothing Challenge: Day 14

Yes, I have a very elastic interpretation of  '30 days'. Bear with me.... :-S

14. Cute socks.

These lace socks have big satin bows on the backs too. :-3 The only problem is that they are a pretty unflattering length so I only wear them when I'm willing to put in the time and effort to make them look half-decent.

Today I'm covered in paint from a donation that was brought into the shop (leaky paint tin, how dare you splash on my good jeans, dammit) and just about to get changed to go out for a meal with my darling girls, so I'll give you an outfit picture from yesterday.

Edited for derpface removal. It was bad, trust me.

NOO SHOOZ.
These were an impulse buy on Monday from a bridal shop, of all places. I saw them in the window and scared the nice shop lady by battening on to them like a leech. Even in the sale they were damned expensive, but a girl's gotta have nice shoes.

With the Danmeister.

Also, because I am apparently five years old, yesterday I made a pin-up cartoon of myself. Go here to make your own.

Summer footwear for Goths, part 1

I had this reader request back in the depths of January, when in England only the brave and foolhardy would dare to bare in a pair of sandals. Of course, with a climate like we have, a Goth could feel quite comfortable sporting their favourite New Rock or Demonia boots year-round, on the whole. In fact, it was only this last couple of years when I began to realise that there were more options for Gothy footwear than simply boots, boots, and more boots.

For daywear and clubwear, if you don't live in a scorching climate, you may find that all you need for the summer months is a slightly more lightweight pair of boots. A pair of winklepickers with bat buckles or some cheap, plain black boots that you picked up at a high street store in the January sales, for example.

If, however, you'd like to think outside the box a little more, or simply want to show off your toe rings and break out the anklets, there is a surprising range of summer shoes available for even the spookiest fashionista.

Flip-flops (or thongs, call them what you will)
Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of these. I don't find them comfortable and for some reason I find a near-naked foot somewhat vulgar. But they are a very cheap option - shoppers in Britain can pick up black sparkly or bejewelled flip-flops for the princely sum of £2.50.

Those who are holidaying in tropical sunshine or who live in hot countries may like to invest a little more to pick up a suitably Gothy design of flip-flop. (Even Goth babies can get in on the act with these adorable pirate skull flip-flops from My Baby Rocks. D'awww!) In my humble opinion, Demonia do some of the best spooky sandals available, with everything from platforms to skulls and studs. Even their flip-flops have a high platform, a touch that I love. Sourpuss also have some great designs for men and women.

Source: Demonia

Sandals
I own two pairs of open-toed sandals; a plain black platform pair and a chunky-heeled, multi-buckled pair. The dilemma I often face with open-toed sandals is that I very rarely go bare-legged, usually preferring to wear tights, and I hate having a visible toe seam. Which is why sandals with a closed toe are better for me.

Me with bare toes... very rare!

For the more daring, sandals are available in a myriad of styles aimed at the darkly inclined. From the stiletto-heeled for evening wear to the simple for the Goth-about-town, and styles for those who just don't want to give up on their boots for the summer, like these, there's something for everyone.

Pin-up, burlesque and vintage-style shoe companies often boast some lovely sandal ranges too, just right to wear to garden parties, croquet games and other summery activities.

Spooky kids on a budget can scamper down their local high street, of course. A pair of plain black basic sandals won't break the bank and can always be customised by painting or glueing on details.

Canvas boots and shoes (baseball boots)
I know of Gothy types who roll their eyes at Converse-type boots and shoes, considering them the preserve of the mallgoth, but personally I love them. They're lightweight and comfortable, ideal for work and play, especially if like me you work in an environment where high heels and open toes are out of the question.

Lace-up canvas boots and shoes are available in a multitude of colours and designs, patterned with everything from stars to skulls to cobwebs - or you could grab a plain black pair and paint them with your own designs. I have this spiked pair and this pink pair, both Demonia, and I love them a lot.

Unlike the majority of sandal designs aimed at Goths, baseball boots don't look out of place on men, either.

Again, this style of shoe is widely available on the high street; look for PVC toe caps at Topshop and black lace-ups with an inch-high platform for only £12.99, currently available in New Look.

Mary-Janes
Mary-Jane shoes have long been a staple of Gothic fashion. Again, Demonia have some cute styles with skulls, and I love this steampunk-inspired design, but TUK are undoubtedly the reigning champions of Mary-Janes fit for Emily Strange. I will always be crazy about their Kitty shoes.

Liebster Award

I was tagged by Morticia Merle at Live.Love.Goth and TwistedPrincess at Darkling Dreams. Thank you both very much!

The Rules:

• Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
• Answer the questions the tagger has set for you.
• Create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
• Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
• Got to their page and tell them.
• No tag backs.

11 Things About Me:

1. Today I dip-dyed my hair green again.
2. Yesterday I impulse bought a pair of £55 Iron Fist shoes from a bridal shop.
3. I really hate making or receiving phone calls.
4. I love lowbrow art.
5. I'm hoping to raise enough money to join a charity trek to the Everest base camp in March.
6. I figured out how to send Tweets from my phone yesterday and then realised I had nothing to say.
7. I really overuse the term 'YOLO' (you only live once).
8. I read Company magazine.
9. I drink a lot of goat's milk.
10. Yes, I do love Tim Burton, but my favourite director is Guillermo del Toro.
11. For several years my favourite movie was Some Kind of Wonderful (which, just FYI, features The March Violets).

Questions I Was Asked:

1. (From Morticia) Your Favorite Actor? Johnny Depp, nothing will ever top Edward Scissorhands for me.
2. Favorite Blog? Midnight Waltz on a Moonlit Autumn.
3. Are You Afraid Of The Dark? Yes... ssh!
4. Favorite Music Genre? Darkwave.
5. If you had One Million Dollars, How Would You Spend It? Quickly.
6. Do You Have a Talent? I read really fast... does that count?
7. Your Favorite Book? Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite and Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. That's being really strict with myself because there are many others I consider favourites.
8. How Many Pets Have You Had? About ten I think, not counting goldfish.
9. Can You See Ghosts? Not that I'm aware of. Some friends and I are trying to arrange a weekend to go camping at a spot that's reportedly haunted (by a banshee, no less!) so I promise to report any sightings. ;-) I did have a pretty freaky experience once, though... you can read about it here.
10. Most Embarrassing Moment? When I walked most of the way down Bournemouth seafront with my skirt folded up at the back, revealing my tasteful Batman undercrackers.
11. Your Favorite Old T.V. Show? No prizes for guessing it's The Addams Family.
12. (From TwistedPrincess) Biggest inspiration? I have so many... if I had to pick just one I guess it would be Adora BatBrat, as she reminds me that growing older and having a family doesn't mean giving in to the beige brigade.
13. Favorite book? As above!
14. Places you'd like to visit? New Orleans, California, Leipzig, Morocco, Mexico City, Prague, Venice, India... I've never been abroad further than Wales so I want to travel pretty much everywhere! France is exotic to me! >.<
15. Fictional crush? Louis du Pont du Lac.
16. Favorite item of clothing? At the moment, my new Augustine T-shirt from the Lowbrow Art Company.
17. Favorite song? Winterborn by The Cruxshadows.
18. Something you can't wait for? Whitby Goth Weekend - my first ever!
19. Biggest fear? Burning alive :-S
20. Something you can't live without? Hugs.
21. Pet peeves? People who sniff and snuffle in my shop all the time. Just BLOW your freaking nose!
22. Plans for the future? I don't really plan, I like to be surprised.

I'm Tagging:

I'm going to cheat again... if you haven't yet received this award and you'd like to answer my questions, you may tag yourselves. ;-)

Questions to Answer:

1. Do you have any tattoos (if not, what would you have) and what do they mean?
2. What was the last book you read?
3. Do you have a motto?
4. What website do you spend the most time on?
5. What was your last purchase?
6. What do you give the most priority to in life?
7. What would your last words be?
8. Describe your perfect romantic date.
9. What was the best live gig you ever saw?
10. What was the last nightmare you had?
11. Do you have any phobias?

Front page news! Tattooed women seen in public!

Apologies for my recent absence, instead of deciding to take some time away from the internets as I sometimes do I simply had a very busy weekend. It was good though! <3

Just chillin' after work >.<
All the cool kids are wearing cats now, dontchaknow...

Has anyone else in the UK noticed the fuss our newspapers have been making about the ladies at Ascot showing their tattoos? The Daily Mail considered that a tattooed woman being seen in public (shock. horror.) was actually worthy of being front page news... not once, but twice. :-/ Tattooed women are not just in circuses nowadays, y'know...

Let's bear in mind that tattoos - and piercings - are not even mentioned in the dress regulations at this prestigious event (although a Mail columnist, Jenni Murray, exclaims that tattooed racegoers are 'defiantly flouting the rules' - woman, don't talk such rubbish), so why our tabloids are taking it upon themselves to presumptously highlight women who, for some STRANGE reason, don't feel that their body art should be covered when in public, I really have no idea.

A journalist in another publication took it a step further with the following comments:

From tumblr.

As Tumblr user Deathisforever commented on this pointless and rude piece, "This is incredibly offensive and discriminatory. I cannot believe this was printed in a paper in this day and age. If you replaced the subject of tattoos with weight, sex or race it’d be totally unacceptable to voice these views in national news."

Jenni Murray also wrote a piece for the Mail last Saturday entitled, "What is it about modern women and tattoos?" Sadly I can't find this article online, but my 'favourite' quote was, "I was saddened to see that even so seemingly confident and successful a young woman should feel the need to mutilate herself."

I find this attitude maddening. Does Ms. Murray also consider hair dye to be a mutilation of the natural form or is her condescension only reserved for things she cannot personally understand or appreciate, much like the journalist who wrote the snippet above?

Frankly, journalists and whoever else can discuss and disparage body modifications as much as they please, but it isn't going to deter people - of any gender - who wish to have them. I don't personally get on my high horse and complain about women who choose to have rhinoplasty or whatever because what other women do to their own bodies is none of my business and certainly not for me to be rude about in a national broadsheet.

If your opinion is that you don't like tattoos, OK, fair enough, but surprisingly there are people out there who a) don't share your views and b) sometimes get a little tired of being marginalised as 'trampy' or 'uneducated' in a national forum on the basis of a personal choice which has absolutely no relevance or in fact anything to do with anyone else.

When looking for snippets from these newspapers to share here, I did, however, also find this excellent article, which for me sums up my view on the entire subject very neatly in its final sentence: "The only difference between people like me with tattoos, and people like the Daily Mail readers quoted above, is that I won’t judge you for NOT having them."

Simply put, I could wander down the street berating others for scruffy beards, poor haircuts, wearing Crocs or anything else that doesn't appeal to my personal standards. But I don't, because (like Deathisforever) I was brought up to hold fast to the adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." OK, so this doesn't necessarily always apply in journalism, but surely it's appallingly tasteless behaviour to stand up and bash other women for what they choose to do with their own bodies.

You don't have to like it. You don't need to. Because it's not your body, and therefore, not your business.

30 Day Clothing Challenge: Day 13

13. An outfit you wish you had.

Just off the top of my head (or Tumblr), this.

Today's oufit:

My word, what a tiny post this is! Here, have a picture of my scrunchy morning face:

30 Day Clothing Challenge: Day 12

12. A piece of jewellery that everyone compliments you on.

I would have to say that my most-complimented jewellery item is this spider ring (I have an immense collection of spider jewellery, which is kind of ironic as I'm scared of spiders), which I got for £4 from my local fancy dress shop. I love fancy dress and costume jewellery, as long as it's not *too* tacky...

Yes, I need to do my nails. >.<

So this was today's work outfit... I love my necklace and am annoyed that it was facing the wrong way in the main picture! I would have taken another but my camera chose that moment to run out of battery.

Things I Love Thursday!

Hey lovelies! :-D Happy Solstice to all of you. I'm excited because I just got confirmation for my latest tattoo appointment on August 1st, a little early birthday present to myself. ;-)

But enough about that for now! This week, I'm loving:

• My job. Seriously. Look what was waiting for me when I wandered into the back room this morning:

Another spider brooch for my collection... bad photo, sorry. It's abdomen is made of amber.

I KNOW RIGHT.

• Receiving art and letters from you spooky people all around the world. In the post this week I had a letter from a lovely lady named Teresa in Alabama; a cute sketch from Miss Eva of Early Autopsy & White Scissors (I must write back at some point >.<) and online I was delighted by this piece of art by Christine!

.:Amy:. (c) WinglessxXxAngel (DeviantArt)

• Swift delivery from MusicNonStop. Ordered RazorBladeKisses CD yesterday. Got it today. You people are awesome.

Goths with talent

On America's Got Talent, a young man named Andrew de Leon, clad in white Manson-esque contacts and heavy black make-up, received a standing ovation for his operatic performance. You can check out a video of Andrew's performance here.

But did you know that musician and performance artist Soriah, whose collaborations with Ashkelon Sain of Trance To The Sun have proved a big hit in the dark alternative scene, has also appeared on the show?

Soriah's vocal style - namely Tuvan Throat Singing - and stage costume were not precisely a big hit with the mainstream audience and judges (although I was interested to learn that when not performing, Soriah works as a taxi driver). I found a video - voila:


Just as a frame of reference, here's a Soriah & Ashkelon Sain music video.

Goths generally haven't fared particularly well on such 'talent' shows, with the possible exception of Adam Lambert, who came runner-up in the eighth season of American Idol but has since launched a successful career. Adam's music style is not Goth (or even particularly dark) but his penchant for black make-up and nail varnish has won him the label on more than one occasion and he does boast a small fanbase within the Goth scene, including Gothic Charm School's Jillian Venters.

Many such shows are the brainchildren of the UK's Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, who apparently is not the biggest fan of the Goth aesthetic, telling a sixteen-year-old American Idol contestant, Allison Iraheta, that she 'looked like something out of the Addams Family'. And a ubiquitous 'Halloween' remark, of course. :-/

Dan Sperry, a Goth magician and performer who has previously been featured in Gothic Beauty Magazine, made it to the semi-finals of America's Got Talent. And freaked out the judges.

On the UK's X Factor, a woman named Jade Richards was allegedly told by show officials that her look - black clothing and multiple tattoos - was too dark and she would need to have a 'major makeover' to win the show.
UK tabloids  jumped all over this, and I can really only quote, "Friends of Jade claimed that she proved unpopular with her mentor [Kelly Rowland] and judging assistant Jennifer Hudson because she is a witch. Her love of The Occult has been well-documented over the past few weeks, with Jade apparently telling friends: 'I’m so goth I f**k bats. I want to win X Factor and do it for the goths.' But now it seems that her satanist background has cost her a place in the series' live shows, after Kelly was allegedly unhappy with Jade's 'goth' style and her claim to be a witch. A friend told the Daily Star: 'She’s tried really hard to tone down her image. Jade knows Kelly doesn’t understand her passion for Satanism and considers her a bit of a freak.'"

Jade had been a favourite to win the show and is reportedly returning in the next series.

Falling foul of the judges at her very first X Factor audition was holistic vocal coach Ariel Burdett, touted on YouTube as the 'worst audition ever'. Personally, I feel that Ariel's biggest mistake was to try to show off too many vocal styles in a single verse... if she had chosen a single style and showcased it she might have gone further? I'm no expert, though.

Oh, and.... this.

What is Goth? from the author of Encylopedia Gothica

I loved this great new trailer from Liisa Ladouceur, the beauty and brains behind Encyclopedia Gothica, one of my favourite tomes all about Goth culture (read my review over yonder...). It's only a short clip, but I think it probably counts as the first Stripy Tights... poetry reading and it gave me a giggle, so I'm delighted to share it here.
Enjoy!

30 Day Clothing Challenge: Day 11

11. A piece of jewelry that a Grandparent gave you.

This is a bracelet from Alchemy Gothic that my Nan got me for Christmas a year or so ago. I love it! It's probably one of my most expensive pieces of jewellery because I usually buy cheap stuff from Claire's (I'm hardc0re like that...). I adore it! <3

Today's outfit is actually what I've just changed into after work... my shoes were killing me, which somehow meant I had to change my whole outfit. ;-) (Except the undershirt and tights, just FYI). On the plus side, my hair is dry now so I could don my new felt hat. :-D Tonight's plans include a trip to the local public house and a bit of stargazing with friends; the perfect opportunity to showcase a new accessory!

You may have a closer look at my lovely hattie. ;-)

Vlog: The Accent Challenge (with guest star)

This was filmed way way back in January or December, back when this blog was still known as the Ultimate Goth Guide. >.< I found it yesterday and thought it was about time to upload it!

Big big love and hugs to my video co-star and beautiful buddy Bronwyn. <3

The Accent Challenge, taken from Sary at The Walrus Room

Your name and username.

Where you're from.

Pronounce the following words: Aunt, Roof, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Avenue, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Pajamas, Caught, Naturally, Aluminium, GIF, Doorknob, Envelope, Drawing, Tomato, Often, Dog, February, Syrup, About, Process, Status, Organization, Orange, Talk, Mobile, Idea, Dynasty, Renaissance, Patronize, Breakfast, Drawer, Horror, Herbs.

What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?

What is a bubbly carbonated drink called?

What do you call gym shoes?

What do you call your grandparents?

What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?

What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

Choose a book and read a passage from it.

Do you think you have an accent?

Be a wizard or a vampire?

Do you know anyone on Tumblr in real life?

End audio post by saying any THREE words you want

Some thoughts on experimentation

(of the fashion variety, that is!)

If avante-garde individuals didn't take it upon themselves to experiment with the basic dark fashion aesthetic, the current world of Goth and dark fashion with its myriad offshoots and subgenres would not be even close to what it is today. One of the things about Goth that never ceases to amaze me is the way that each and every person involved in the dark alt scenes can use unique influences from anything and everything - other subcultures, fashions and music genres, art, literature, film, etc. - to create something new and entirely different.

So, never get me wrong, darklings - I'm all for experimentation.

There are, however, a few pitfalls for those who wish to think outside the box when it comes to dark fashion. The first I can think of is one I fell prey to myself more often than not in recent years and probably will do again. Note to self: Yes, experimentation is a fun and wonderful thing, but for heaven's sake, before you go all creative and daring, get the flippin' basics right.

For example, when I was eighteen-ish, I loved introducing 'ironic' pastel colours to my spooky outfits, such as a pink My Little Pony T-shirt. Which I still have, still love, and still wear. Great. The problem was, such a T-shirt paired with baggy bondage pants didn't so much scream, "Turning the Goth look on its head with individual flair!" but "Clueless mallgoth!". Which, sadly, I didn't realise until much later. Bless.

So the first piece of advice I would pass onto my babybat self, if only I could time-travel, would be, "Before you try experimenting, why don't you wait until you know what you are actually doing?"

Of COURSE, part of experimentation is making such embarrassing mistakes. What else are you going to look back on with nostalgia in decades past? Unfortunately, possible pitfall number two is that thanks to the rise of the internet, bloggers such as myself, and those on Tumblr, Facebook, Livejournal and almost any other social networking site will not be able to privately cringe at painful sartorial extravaganzas past. Oh, no... our every embarrassing outfit (which seemed like SUCH a good idea at the time) and laughable eyeliner scrawl will be online for everyone to see. Because - and this is a key point - at the time, you never, ever realise that it's going to be embarrassing.

D'oh.

The third potential pitfall is that no matter how hard I try, I am not one of these amazing ladies that gets photographed at festivals for their effortless, iconic style. Oh, no. We see them all over the internet, always looking exquisite and somehow carrying off the most eclectic and extraordinary outfits. Y'know, the ones we all go look at when seeking inspiration. HOW DO THEY DO IT?!

Believe me, Gothlings, if I ever figure it out I will share the secret with you. In the meantime, I'll struggle along not looking at all like Vecona or Ophelia Overdose but wishing very, very hard.

(Incidentally, one of the very best things about experimentation is that we know all this... and yet we do it anyway. Have fun. ;-) )

P.S. For this post, I wanted to share some of my early experiments with you, but most of them were too painful to ever again see the light of day. But just to prove a point...

And yes, it seemed like a perfectly good idea at the time. :-S

30 Day Clothing Challenge: Day 10

10. An outfit you wore on a special day.

I couldn't choose between two very different outfits, so you can have both! (Is that cheating?)

This outfit I wore on a date with my boyfriend for our 8th anniversary. I actually donated this Lipsy dress to a charity shop today because I know I won't wear it again; it's a little bit footballer's wife!

Outfit number two is a dress I bought from Camden Market and altered myself, and I wore it on Christmas Eve for my annual watching of the Nightmare Before Christmas with my nearest and dearest. :-)

Lastly, today's outfit. This is pretty much my standard go-to outfit; if I don't know what to wear in the morning I usually end up looking something like this.

Heheh... awkward pic but you can glimpse my Eden House tee in this one...

Regarding internet drama

Two things that I believe are universally true:

1. We all have a history, good or bad
2. We all have an existence (although not necessarily a life) outside of the internet.

Therefore, everyone has the potential for internet drama. Myself included. Which is why I have previously linked to websites complaining about myself and this blog in general - because I try to be open as much as possible, including the facts that I make mistakes and not everyone agrees with the points of view I present in this blog.

Here, have a dork-face.

Whilst the most incriminating evidence against yours truly that is ever likely to surface on the internet isn't likely to be worse than an unflattering photo or two (I don't edit or shop my photos, but I do at least try to aim for a bit of make-up and a flattering angle), recent gossip on Facefail (which, by the way, I have sworn off of for a month on a bet) reminded me that reading someone's blog or watching their YouTube vids is not the same as knowing the person.

We all have private lives, past mistakes, previous subcultural affiliations and many people's presentation on the internet is an adopted persona rather than an accurate representation of what that person is actually like. At the very least, an internet persona is no more than a snapshot of a facet of a person's life.

This may sound obvious, but I'm sure we've all witnessed the backlash when somebody 'internet-famous' moves on from a style or subculture and is then accused of 'betraying' their fans. If people who don't have an internet fanbase should happen to change their style, the most they can expect is some teasing from their friends, but on the internet it's instant drama and an entry on Encylopaedia Dramatica about how they 'sold out'.

(Note: I am not referring to those who change their image or the direction of their blog to promote or sell a product... I don't really have an opinion on this but I'm sure that people do it and I'm just as sure that others would describe it as 'selling out'.)

I'm mentioning all this because a fellow blogger drew attention to the past internet antics of a well-known online Gothy-type, as documented by those oh-so-charming folks at Encyclopaedia Dramatica. I'm happy to accept that people's tastes and styles change, but I do attempt to steer clear of scammers and attention-seekers, and as such have been disappointed on several occasions by the back stories of people I have purchased from or even linked to.

So, essentially, this is a note to say that whilst I may not know all the history and gossip of people I admire and who I talk about, link to or feature on this blog, I will never condone or knowingly promote animal abusers, scammers, pro-anorexia, drug use or general lies and ignorance. Again, I'm sure this is obvious but I'm throwing it out there to clarify.

The people I choose to link to or promote I do so because I like what I see at face value. I am learning that it may at times be wise to check more thoroughly (or at least make sure they don't have an entry on Encylopaedia Dramatica).

In addition, a disclaimer: Opinions of people who comment here and whose videos or links or blog posts are featured here belong to those people alone and are not necessarily the same as my own, nor do I endorse them. They are simply that - other people's opinions.

I don't claim to know the full story about anyone else online, but I do always try to bear in mind: what is written on the internet is not necessarily fact!

30 Day Clothing Challenge: Day 9

9. A cute dress/skirt.

As it happens, my dad gave me this cute skirt on Monday! It's Poizen Industries and I love it because the top layer can be ruched to create a poofy bustle-y effect or left down. I'm also a sucker for anything cerise. <3

Also, since the weather has turned warm again - for today at least - I had a chance to show off my new sunglasses from Restyle! They have little ankhs at the side, awwww... <3

Dearly departed, beautiful boots

Hi guys :-3 Sorry to disappear on you again but I had THE busiest weekend... Also, last night, Dan and I went to see Prometheus and we had to leave halfway through because I fainted. HOW embarrassing... >.< In better news, I finally drew up the design for my new tattoo and sent it off for a quote. Yay!

Today's post, daft though it may be, is a brief tribute to my very favourite pair of secondhand boots which sadly died beyond repair on Friday night, splitting right across the sole. Local cobblers have assured me they can do nothing; we had previously held them together with duct tape, window pane sealant (the stuff that goes around the edge of the window pane), expensive shoe glue stuff from Germany and lately No Nails, which seemed to have been doing the trick right up until the fatal moment.

So it's time to say goodbye...

Luckily, before going out on Friday, I did get some nice pictures of my lovely boots.

As it happened, they bit the dust shortly before I was due to go out for the night, so I hastily changed into my pointy-toed heels (never mind the 40-minute walk home... which I survived, by the way).

Not quite as kick-ass. I will miss my big shiny boots. :-(

June linksplosion!

Here we go, once again!

Source

Firstly, seven top blog posts from all around the internets:

1. Who Writes Your Rules For Rebellion is yet another fantastic post for the a-MAY-zing Darling Violetta, I highly recommend that everyone give it a read.
2. The HouseCat lays out a few thoughts that should be obvious but for some reason rarely are in her post Cliques, Judging and Subcultures.
3. A DIY tutorial from the lovely Boots on how to create glossy black pants that are actually comfortable. Jeans Revolution: Waxed Jeans.
4. sassyNpunk ran a short post on Chokelate, a model usually gracing the pages of the likes of Vogue and Glamour, who has put together a Gothic Lolita look.
5. At Queens of the Wild Frontier, Alexandriaweb shares her thoughts on the Daily Fail's latest subculture-bashing, which this time was directed at Lolita, in her post "It's not normal is it?" (including a UK morning TV interview with Venus Angelic). For those of you who didn't see the original article, you can read it here... but it looks as though the Fail haven't been reading their OWN articles, as several days later they posted a reasonably sensible article on Mexican Lolitas, here.
6. Dani DeathBiscuit gives us the rundown on 90s kinderwhore fashion and also a look known as kindergoth...
7. I liked Raven Sexton's post An Interesting Compliment...

Secondly, ten spooky treats from the wild world of Etsy:

1. Calling Kitty Lovett! A pink, bat-shaped cat toy from Gothicbeagle could be yours...
2. When I do eventually get around to learning to drive, you can bet I'll be showing off StudioCarpeDiem's batty license plate frame.
3. The wonderfully-named QuaintrelleAnarchist brings us this cute black bat-wing collar.
4. How elegant is this beautiful cross and chain headpiece from CasstronautMeder?!
5. A vegan vampire-themed lipgloss tickle your fancy? I just can't resist a make-up product called Fangbanger... (CRUSHCOSMETICS.)
6. I may not be their biggest fan but for some of you I'm sure GlampireDesigns's Joy Division pendant will tick all the right boxes.
7. I'm not sure how I feel about buying a classically hand-painted leather jacket (surely those of us who like this look can appreciate the pleasure of creating such ourselves?) but I must admit I do like this paint job on a leather bike jacket from Gothling.
8. Create a striking eye make-up look with the Blood Moon collection from PureFusionMakeup.
9. How about a nail polish called Hollywood Cemetery from spookybones.
10. For slightly creepy guys, how about this Jack the Ripper cravat and sleeve garter set from The Engineer and the Gypsy? Those aren't blood splatters... they're flowers. But you'd have to look close to figure that out.

And finally, twelve excellent examples of gloomy fashion:

1. There's so much incredible in this outfit I don't even know where to start! The hair! The eyes! The chains! The... thing with the feathers! (via Gothbeauty.)
2. More simple, but equally divine - if only I looked like this every day... (via gothichorrorpictureshow.)
3. Wow! Of course I covet that handbag and blouse, but she also has such poise. I has a jealous. (via batscoffinsandbones.)
4. I can't figure out exactly what is so fabulous about this photo, but I love it. (via dartranna-alurath.)
5. Very timely for Red & Black Week... a well co-ordinated couple. (via Gothbeauty.)
6. Quintessentially the Lady of the Manners, I adore everything about this outfit. (via gothiccharmschool.)
7. It's always nice to see a well-turned-out gentleman. (via Gothbeauty.)
8. I'm not always a fan of hair falls (yarn falls... blech) but I think these are really cute. (via batscoffinsandbones.)
9. I love this make-up. (via gothic-and-beautiful.)
10. Oh, speaking of make-up... (via batscoffinsandbones.)
11. The most incredible hair in the world, ever. (via xxveganpunkxx)
12. The CLASSIC classic Goth look. (via fuckyeahgothicfashion.)

Red & Black Week, Day 2

Just a quick picture post today as I am off for dinner with my dad. :-) This is today's outfit:

And a couple of pics that Bronwyn uploaded from yesterday:

Red & Black Week! Day One: Red, White and... Black?

Yes, it's time again for Sophistique Noir's lovely Red & Black week, particularly timely for those of us in Britain as we are currently enjoying a long weekend to celebrate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. So I'm putting the 30 Day Clothing Challenge on hold for a moment to take part in this event... although today's outfit was just as much about the red, white and blue as the red and black (click for full picture).

In fact, today I was out with my good pal Bronwyn at a local event celebrating the Jubilee. I don't have all of the pics yet because some of them are on Bron's camera, but here are a few (after this brief burst of camwhoring...).

Bronwyn... disappointed at the lack of sunshine?

Note teacup necklace!

The event was really fun... Just a small local thing with some stalls - we bought LOADS of quirky jewellery from a local student who has started her own business, so much in fact that I'm going to make her the subject of my next Coveting! post - a few bands, and these GIANT cupcakes for just £1. There was even a Shetland pony... awww... :-3

This being England, it did of course rain the in the middle of the event, soaking everyone to the skin, except me, as I was sensible enough to wear my sensible Necessary Evil jacket that I appropriated from my friend Craig a while back. It kinda makes me look homeless as it's somewhat large but it keeps the rain off...

 FYI, I'm drinking chai latte and Bronners has a hot chocolate with cream. Just in case you wondered.

What a great day! Having fun in honour of Her Maj... ;-D