tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63197525283669791402012-03-04T23:18:58.998-08:00Chronicles of an everyday goth gal at the office.Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.comBlogger2511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-11919398688589216092012-03-01T18:58:00.000-08:002012-03-01T18:58:06.481-08:00

This month's theme from Sophistique Noir is Grey (or gray, tho' I tend to spell it the other way). As Victorian Kitty says: "Gray is the perfect way to debunk the "Goths always wear all black" myth without going overly-colorful." Well, I'm not a color-shy goth gal, but I do love how grey looks, both with black & with other colors. Coincidentally, today was an awfully grey day, rainy & dark this

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-17592383002816296882012-02-27T18:51:00.000-08:002012-02-27T18:51:51.788-08:00

A wee touch of pattern-mixing, because I dread Mondays & sometimes try to liven them up. What I'm wearing: Brown-grey pinstripe sheath dress, custom-made for me by Donna of Original Sin Designs | Grey & white stripe hooded sweater, Forever 21 | Black tights, unknown brand | Burgundy faux suede heeled boots, DSW | Burgundy & copper shield pendant necklace, made by a local artist | Pewter

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-86577356892273511682012-02-24T18:26:00.000-08:002012-02-24T18:26:15.462-08:00

I usually work from home on Fridays, so I dress *very* casually. We're talking PJs or yoga pants & T-shirts. Also, my office is *very* casual, so I could wear jeans every single day of the week & be right in line with what most people wear. But I don't, because, well, you know, that's not my style. I did have to go into the office today because a senior VP was coming up from the SoCal office to

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-20252845171263120192012-02-23T18:35:00.000-08:002012-02-23T18:35:38.363-08:00

Black & hot pink is one of my very favorite color combos, as frequent readers well know. I'm a certified PerkyGoth (that's kind of like certified organic, except some chemicals may be used in the process, especially refined sugar & glitter). So, by nature, my dark outfits are often punctuated by brights, & hot pink is my weapon of choice. This cardigan even got compliments today from a VP at

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-32619316229222820662012-02-21T18:01:00.000-08:002012-02-21T18:01:35.374-08:00

I don't have much patience for Ross & Marshalls these days. I figure that if I'm going to spend all that time pawing thru racks of randomly jumbled merchandise, I might as well go to the thrift stores where the prices are lower. More worth the effort. And yet, I usually do a short walkthru of these types of stores when I'm in the neighborhood, & I'm glad I did this time. That's how I saw this

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-35594553437732772522012-02-20T16:42:00.000-08:002012-02-20T16:42:23.588-08:00

My birthday was Sunday, so I took full advantage of the fact that my birthstone is amethyst & wore a lot of purples. I wore this outfit to a picnic with friends at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, followed by hands-on geeky fun at the adjacent Exploratorium. What I'm wearing: Black knit dress, Target | Purple long-sleeve knit top, Old Navy | Purple lace-print leggings, Target | Tall

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-14249906128829846912012-02-17T14:40:00.000-08:002012-02-17T14:40:32.522-08:00

This is an outfit I wore a few weekends ago. It's a winterized version of this outfit, swapping sandals for tall boots & layering a long-sleeve shirt instead of a camisole. The ideal outfit for poking around the mall on a Saturday. Could wear this to work too, if I was feeling casual. What I'm wearing: Black, purple, & blue paisley tunic, Chadwicks | Black long-sleeved knit top, Old Navy | Black

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-25468679411043932212012-02-16T17:39:00.000-08:002012-02-16T17:39:16.462-08:00

This cotton velveteen skirt is from JJill.com. The brick-and-mortar J. Jill stores are places I'd never shop -- they're full of shapeless, colorless, deadly dull clothes seemingly meant for upscale grandmothers. But the store's website, especially right after the winter holidays, was full of velvets & rich, dark colors, in attractive shapes. Sure, you have to wade thru the oatmeal & sage

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-55523405504681324962012-02-15T18:54:00.000-08:002012-02-15T18:54:05.994-08:00

I almost didn't photograph this outfit (again, yeah, I'm kind of in a rut right now -- rushing to work, not thinking much about what I wear). But it turned out OK, & I had a smidge of time. I usually wear this dress on weekends because it's rather lightweight & casual. It cleans up nice tho'. What I'm wearing: Black & blue print knit dress, Target | Black camisole, Old Navy | Black boyfriend

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-72236864133499104622012-02-14T15:19:00.000-08:002012-02-14T15:19:16.439-08:00

Let it be known that I am firmly in the camp with those who believe that the casualization of clothing in the U.S. in the late-20th & early-21st centuries is the first step to the downfall of our civilization & that wearing pajamas in public is a sure sign of the coming apocalypse. I feel that people are allowed to wear PJs outside the home exactly three times in their lives: (1) once when you

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-13725597238620515382012-02-10T09:39:00.000-08:002012-02-10T09:39:06.530-08:00

Yesterday was mostly a repeat outfit -- pixie-point tunic with leggings & ankle boots -- & I almost didn't photograph it at all. But I mixed it up a tiny bit by wearing both skull-print & bat-print. What I'm wearing: Black pixie-point tunic, made by Donna | Black bat-print leggings, Target | Black skull-print scarf, gift from my husband | Black buckle ankle boots, Aldo | Gunmetal hoop earrings,

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-49426003991559438942012-02-08T16:37:00.000-08:002012-02-08T16:37:00.478-08:00

For many, many years, I thought empire-waist dresses made me look pregnant (when I am not, have never been, nor ever will be pregnant; no offense to those who are or wish to be pregnant, but the fact is, most women only want to look pregnant when they are actually carrying a fetus inside their womb). The empire-waist-dress-makes-you-look-preggers concept was not just my fear, it is shared by

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-34636975829763805242012-02-07T18:46:00.000-08:002012-02-07T18:46:47.494-08:00

After yesterday's neutrals, I needed some color. Also, a little stormfront came in last night, so today was grey & overcast. This is a combo I've worn before -- making wintery use of a sundress. What I'm wearing: Purple, black, & white print dress, Target Black long-sleeve knit top, Old Navy Black tights, Calvin Klein Tall black leather boots, Clarks Black wool scarf, H&M, thrifted Silver

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-47262666998401207002012-02-06T18:07:00.000-08:002012-02-06T18:07:19.619-08:00

I considered several different ways to style this dress -- the grey version of the Target sheath dress I also bought in black & red. I could have added a pink or stripey sweater (or a pink stripey sweater!) or a military jacket or a velvet jacket. But I went with a classic black cardi because today was full of meetings, including a rather important one about a big project I've been working on at

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-84448044292543946432012-02-03T11:43:00.000-08:002012-02-03T11:43:20.575-08:00

Bustle top from Newport-News.com I'm an inveterate window-shopper. One of the random things I love to do in between projects at work or while I'm mindlessly watching TV at home or when sitting in bed is browse thru online stores & bookmark things I want to buy. I don't purchase 99.9% of them (especially recently), but looking is awfully fun. I thot I might share some of my faves so you could

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-42519787578880200932012-02-02T18:18:00.000-08:002012-02-02T21:31:04.255-08:00

I am not wearing an Alexander McQueen skull scarf. Nor is it a fake McQueen scarf. I consider it a skull scarf that is perhaps inspired by the iconic skull scarf. The print is similar but the shape is much bigger (a long, exaggerated rectangle), and it's not silk. My husband bought it off my Amazon wishlist for me for Xmas this last year. As with many designer items, there are plenty of "exact"

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-53434958217876915642012-02-01T15:46:00.000-08:002012-02-01T15:46:46.799-08:00

Does anyone even get that reference anymore? Hi, I'm old. Anyway. This month's theme post from Sophistique Noir is rings, and oh boy, do I have a ton of those. I tried to photograph all of them & nearly gave my camera's "macro" setting a conniption fit. Sorry for a few blurry photos. First come my costume rings. I mostly just wear these with historical gowns, but other than being gold, they're

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-44612160166706039062012-01-31T18:21:00.000-08:002012-01-31T18:21:51.979-08:00

Victorian-esque blouse? Check. Straight skirt? Check. Striped tie? Check? Killer heels? Check. Matching lipstick? Check. This outfit has all the ingredients of a super, mega CorpGoth outfit on the PerkyGoth side. Black & pink all over. Sometimes I just can't help myself. What I'm wearing: Black Victorian-style blouse with lace collar & cuffs, made by Donna | Hot pink skirt, NY & Company | Black

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-45891066739640878852012-01-30T19:28:00.000-08:002012-01-30T19:28:02.672-08:00

Being an old-school goth gal, sometimes I just like to let my hair go its own way. Big & frizzy a la Robert Smith in his glory days. I don't even need to backcomb (altho' I really want to get some of this Backcomb in a Bottle stuff I read about! too bad it's only available in the U.K.). Mostly, I can skip the leave-in conditioner & smoothing products, & *ta da* my hair gets big. It could go

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-89000895985520752072012-01-27T09:16:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:16:22.281-08:00

It was just one of those days ... I put on this dress & the jacket, then I looked in the mirror & realized that the dress was totally wrinkled. Omg, must iron! I couldn't go out the door (much the less take photos) with the dress all crinkled up. So I took off the jacket & dress & ironed the dress. Put it all back on & realized that the jacket was covered in cat hair. Ugh. Took off the jacket &

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-69242738750963661732012-01-25T20:40:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:40:24.979-08:00

This outfit makes me feel a bit girlish, less grown up, certainly not about-to-be-*gulp*-43 (my birthday is in less than a month). The sweater paired with a full skirt, flat shoes, a headband in my straight hair, the flower pin -- I think I look more like a college coed or twenty-something admin, not a seasoned professional & expert in her field. What do you think? See, this is why I tend to be

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-51928868529541245702012-01-24T18:23:00.000-08:002012-01-24T18:23:40.359-08:00

This is perhaps the most pattern-mixing I've tried. Does it work or is it too much? I rather like it but I understand that the idea isn't for everyone. I think this is an effective shot at giving pattern-mixing a gothic flair, what with the damask *and* pinstripes *and* polka-dots, all in black, white, and grey. I'm open to opinions! What I'm wearing: Black & white damask-print knit top, Spiegel

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-44807106988928194482012-01-23T17:07:00.000-08:002012-01-23T17:07:00.845-08:00

This was an outfit I wore between Xmas & New Year's Day, but didn't get a chance to post then. My husband & I went to an engagement party for one of his distant cousins who was in town from London (along with a lot of extended family). I like to dress up for these things, even when I know most people will be in jeans & tees. This is *my* dressy casual. What I wore: Black T-shirt with corsage

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-44106517049728294242012-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T17:00:00.662-08:00

But I feel fine. Yeah, between Xmas & New Year's, I bought some clothes, thus breaking a challenge to myself I'd made since August to not buy any new clothes. On 12/27, I went to Target with my husband to replace some household items & ended up getting myself three dresses -- a classic sleeveless sheath, one in black, in red, & in a grey herringbone. The fit was amazingly perfect, & the style

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-84239085038380153952012-01-19T17:53:00.000-08:002012-01-19T17:53:29.765-08:00

Time for the Clarks boots! I took the bus to work today, so that meant walking a few blocks from the house to the bus stop. Plus, my new cubicle is in a building at the very far end of the company's campus, so that adds a few more blocks to the walk at the other end of the bus trek. And then I hiked up four flights of stairs. Gawd, I love these boots. What I'm wearing: Black & grey print dress,

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-1893342759643602502012-01-18T18:00:00.000-08:002012-01-18T18:00:09.606-08:00

This outfit makes me feel like I should be in some kind of gothic Communist military wing. Or maybe a flight attendant on a dark, brooding Socialist airline. Either way makes me happy. What I'm wearing: Red sheath dress, Target (same style as this black one) | Black military-style jacket, H&M | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Red ankle boots, Aerosoles | Pewter square earrings, local artist In

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-55142842702048445852012-01-17T18:09:00.000-08:002012-01-17T18:09:38.388-08:00

January is weird. It usually starts out with a short week, due to a New Year's Day holiday, not to mention a 12th Night celebration that makes me all distracted from work. Then, nary two weeks later, we have a holiday for Martin Luther King Jr. I'm not complaining, just pointing out how odd it is & how the confluence of holidays makes for a difficult readjustment after all the "big" holidays of

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-82828972707844958412012-01-12T18:12:00.000-08:002012-01-12T18:12:59.176-08:00

A tiny step up from yesterday. Comfy clothes, but better than jeans, I guess. This head cold is annoying. What I'm wearing: Purple peplum sweater, Chadwicks | Black long-sleeve knit top, Old Navy | Black knit skirt, Target | Black & white stripe leggings, American Apparel | Tall black boots, Clarks | Black & white stripe scarf, Express | Purple heart earrings painted with bats, local artist

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-85364051808325148752012-01-11T19:40:00.000-08:002012-01-11T19:40:56.186-08:00

I've got a bad, post-event cold. Or maybe it's just a winter cold that finally caught up with me. Dunno which, but it's kicking my butt. I was out of the office for two days & barely felt better enough to go in today (at least I kept to myself in my cubicle so my coughing & sniffling didn't spread to anyone else). Thus, not much of an outfit today. What I'm wearing: Burgundy peplum sweater,

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-7384538632719295192012-01-09T18:01:00.001-08:002012-01-09T18:03:08.267-08:00

Lady Violet Ruthvene, a photo by TrystBat on Flickr.For those curious about my latest costume creation, it's finally done & I have pictures! Last weekend was the Society for Creative Anachronism West Kingdom 12th Night, where I wore this gown. I'm rather pleased as it both looked good & felt good. Nothing I'd really change except for one accessory that didn't work out. More details & photos

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-60825615634447640362012-01-06T08:34:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:44:43.342-08:00

Yesterday, I gave a presentation to an industry meetup after work today, hence the delayed blog post. Also, this made me choose my outfit carefully. It had to be comfortable, yet professional, & something I wouldn't mind wearing from about 7:30am to 10pm, including a few hours on my feet. I even chose a reliably long-wearing lipstick. What I'm wearing: Black & grey striped sweater, Target |

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-85778280087290120152012-01-04T10:43:00.000-08:002012-01-04T10:43:49.597-08:00

I'm not, historically, a joiner (I'm a splitter), but Le Professeur Gothique had a good idea with this one. BatFit is a goth healthy living challenge for the new year, & how can I resist such a cute name? First off, no, it's not a diet, & second off, no, it's not a New Year's resolution. Both are doomed to failure. But how about a restarting of some wise movements towards health that I know I

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-19472303354879167912012-01-03T18:06:00.000-08:002012-01-03T18:06:27.344-08:00

Welcome to 2012. I really enjoyed my week or so out of the office, but at least I'm returning with some spiffy new outfits (more about the derailing of the clothing diet later, promise). Here, I'm showing off the skully scarf my husband gave me for Xmas. It's not quite an Alexander McQueen knock-off, just McQueen inspired (and a hell of a lot less expensive, whew!). I love it! What I'm wearing:

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-89387295777812957502012-01-01T10:20:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:12:20.454-08:00

My family spends Christmas pretty much the same way most every year. On Christmas Eve, we gather at my husband's grandparent's house (about an hour's drive from our house). We have an early dinner with his family & my parents. Then on Christmas morning, my parents & his two sets of parents, plus his sister if she's in town (she lives in Italy), all come over to our house where we host brunch &

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-10183127450794833852011-12-30T21:19:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:18:16.530-08:00

Tho, to be fair, I could wear these to work if I wanted. My office is really casual, & nobody cares what I wear. *I* care, of course, & while I don't consider these unworthy, they're not my "A game" CorpGoth outfits either. These are just cool stuff I like to wear, not necessarily professional enough to me. Outfit #1 - Worn to Meet an Out-of-Town Friend: Purple velvet jacket, gift from Lisa |

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-86450584084514632222011-12-29T18:59:00.000-08:002011-12-29T18:59:04.437-08:00

Every now & then, a gal needs to spend time on some upkeep. I try not to be high maintenance, but certain things must be done to keep me looking sharp. At a minimum, I must dye my hair & get my brows done. Now, I don't do either one on a very regular schedule -- I tend to put them off until they look awful & annoy me so much that the situation is dire or until I am attending some fabulous event (

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-65944123051336395182011-12-28T11:37:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:13:54.936-08:00

The month of December is always filled with festive social events, which are great opportunities for dressing up. This year, my December had everything from a casual gathering of friends for pizza & board games to a holiday choral concert (preceded by dinner with my in-laws) to a fancy cocktail party/housewarming party. Not in that order! Here are some of the outfits I wore, tho' since all the

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-29250671039014347762011-12-20T18:27:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:13:42.212-08:00

Because this is the last day I went into the office, huzzah! I'm working from home Wednesday & Thursday (which will probably be a half-day), then our office is closed from Friday, December 23, thru January 2. I have a couple not-exactly-outfit posts I want to write before the end of the year, & I might throw in some causal outfits. But no daily posting. I have a bunch of holiday events to attend

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-88229519312821502502011-12-20T11:51:00.000-08:002011-12-20T11:51:38.908-08:00

You may notice that I just updated commenting on this blog to use Disqus. Shout-out to Hexotica for finally pushing me over the edge when she switched. I've seen so many bloggers move to Disqus, & while I lovelovelove threaded commenting, I was worried that the tool would be difficult to install or screw up something on my blog. But I was encouraged when she added it to her blog, so I bit the

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-29139172005454203492011-12-19T18:20:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:14:23.304-08:00

(I really can't help myself when it comes to cheesy titles. This one is ripped from some terrible cable TV show that I haven't seen & hopefully you haven't either, but the words kinds work here ;-) Sometimes, I buy the same exact clothing item in multiple colors. Usually, it's T-shirts, long-sleeve Ts, or camisoles from places such as Old Navy, the Gap, & Target. I'll get black, purple, red or

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-27647689549205337992011-12-16T12:33:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:14:44.793-08:00

This is Thursday's outfit, postponed till today because I realized I'd be out too late to post after work. It rained overnight on Wednesday, so my bus commute was damp, & I had to dodge raindrops to get these pix. Ah yeah, that's a California winter. I dressed a little Christmas-y because our department at work went out for a holiday luncheon (& our last as a department together, due to a

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-16660444772500521922011-12-15T11:28:00.000-08:002011-12-15T11:28:50.762-08:00

I'm a traditionalist when it comes to our holiday decorations. I like to put out essentially the same things year after year, with just small additions or changes to reflect my current mood or anything that's different in the house. But, to me & to my husband, part of the charm of the holidays is enjoying the traditions that connect us to family, childhood, & the past in general. Most of our

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-73674720500617381042011-12-14T11:33:00.000-08:002011-12-14T11:34:04.769-08:00

Please send a question! Hello there, all my fabulous readers! In the upcoming year, I'd like to start a new feature on my blog, if you are interested. I'd like to write about common (& specific) issues that goths & other artsy, subculture, less-than-mainstream types have when it comes to fashion in the workplace. I have a few ideas, but I'd really love to answer your questions a la an advice

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-55016179992561750252011-12-13T18:30:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:15:11.998-08:00

I finally got my act together in time to participate in Le Professeur Gothique's Monthly Homework Assignment, & December's is about comfort & joy. As she explains: "My assignment for you this month is to feature the ways that you, my darlings, take a well-needed TIME OUT. How do you unwind? What gets you through the holidays and exams? A bubble bath? Running five miles? A steaming bowl of

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-85188810205597905792011-12-12T18:57:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:15:41.591-08:00

And yet only the shoes are vintage, & probably just 1980s 'vintage,' which doesn't really count as vintage to me because I was fully alive, functional, & fashionable then. I only consider it 'vintage' if the era was before my time, but not 50 years before my time (then it's historical, because that's how I roll). The dress is a modern pattern but it feels retro to me with its nipped in waist &

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-47038105178261671182011-12-09T10:02:00.000-08:002011-12-09T10:02:51.692-08:00

Admittedly, I'm a bit of a planny-pants & tend to get my holiday gifting done within the first week after Thanksgiving. I do a little online shopping for my sweetie, then I craft gifts for the family. That's it, no crazy mall-shopping, no Black Friday madness, no piles of presents under the xmas tree. Just a modest assortment of treasures for our loved ones. That said, I know certain people (

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-67950102672567071732011-12-08T18:34:00.000-08:002011-12-08T18:34:50.367-08:00

I'm wearing these necklaces as a reminder to myself that I really need to get sewing on my 12th Night gown. See, I plan to wear one or both of these silver & pearl necklaces with said gown -- but the gown is currently just a half-completed black silk bodice with some silver lace attached & in need of 80 million miles of silver braid to be sewn on (by hand), plus, of course, sleeves & a skirt, &

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-40537485604341717692011-12-07T09:32:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:16:28.692-08:00

Feeling all matchy-matchy yesterday, plus I needed something cozy & warm. Temperature dropped nearly to freezing overnight, & it was rather frosty out this morning. Not sure about tying this scarf into a bow -- it looks rather 1980s-era Dianne Feinstein to me. Who, as a person, I admire, but she's not exactly a style icon. My mom used to wear those floppy bows with suits too during the '80s, it

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-8050670066746325042011-12-05T18:31:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:17:00.714-08:00

I've been having bad luck with shoes recently. It seems like when I put a pair of shoes on, one wants to fall apart -- but not until I get to work! I get dressed at home, walk around the house, go outside to take these blog photos, go back in the house & gather my things for the day, get in the car, my husband drives me to work (or even a few times, I walk a couple blocks to the bus stop, take

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-72337796261213709562011-12-01T18:36:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:17:44.613-08:00

Killing two birds with one stone here! Another bat, plus Sophistique Noir's monthly theme, which is "outerwear" for December, appropriately enough. I've worn my lovely brown paisley wool princess-seamed coat several times on this blog & just once I've shown my black suede swing coat, but those are honestly not the coats I wear most often. My workhorse is this black trenchcoat, which I bought in

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-29389709551087378152011-11-30T17:06:00.000-08:002011-11-30T17:06:02.572-08:00

I rarely (never?) post what I'm wearing when I work from home, & this outfit isn't exactly representative. I'd usually wear PJ bottoms or yoga pants instead of jeans, but I had a doctor's appointment this afternoon so I swapped the comfy gear out. Plus, I brushed off all the cat hair! What I'm wearing: Grey bat T-shirt, Target | Black long-sleeve top, Old Navy | Black jeans, Levis | Black hoodie

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-45828768754950456622011-11-29T18:05:00.000-08:002011-11-29T18:05:42.010-08:00

I overslept my alarm this morning, so I was scrambling for batty ideas of what to wear. Usually, I plan out the next day's outfit in my head before I go to sleep, but I only had a vague idea that I'd wear these bat-print leggings somehow, maybe with a skirt. Having less time in the morning made me improvise, & I was really lucky to discover that, omg, yes, I can fit my tall boots over leggings!

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-28459033571905099132011-11-28T17:56:00.000-08:002011-11-28T17:56:38.572-08:00

Inspired by Kasmira of What I Wore2Day's Hidden Owl Week -- where she wore some piece of owl jewelry or owl accessory somewhere in her outfits each day -- I decided to try Hidden Bat Week. Like Kasmira & her owls, I have a lot of little accessories with bat motifs. Many goths do, of course, but I don't tend to wear my bats in obviously gothy ways. They're hidden. What I'm wearing: Grey

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-50389186464772968482011-11-23T09:37:00.000-08:002012-01-03T13:35:36.484-08:00

La Costurera, Diego Velazquez, 1640 Here's a nice little reminder, in time for the holidays... If you're perusing a craft faire or Etsy & you think the prices are high, consider how much labor goes into a handmade item. Somer Sherwood explains how she arrives at the price for her hand-crocheted hats on her blog post, "the true cost of handmade." Most artisans wouldn't make U.S. minimum wage at

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-5100270245727303182011-11-22T17:58:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:19:07.356-08:00

By complete coincidence, I assembled this outfit around these boots, & then Sal of Already Pretty wrote about shoes making an outfit today. How much do I love her? Tons & even more ;-) As I commented on her post, I intended for these fuchsia boots to compliment the grey cardigan, which, imo, kicks the otherwise basic black ensemble up a notch. I love grey with fuschia/pink/burgundy tones & have

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-84419621811912138532011-11-21T17:57:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:19:30.597-08:00

I haven't done one of Sal Kay's Movie Monday themes before, but why not start? I'm not a huge movie fan -- I probably see just one movie in the theaters per year and maybe watch two more recorded at home in a year. Either there's nothing new out that I want to see, or I can't make the time commitment because I'm always busy with other events (or my husband is working on weekends, so that limits

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-1451451745650399942011-11-18T12:49:00.000-08:002011-11-18T12:49:01.941-08:00

I missed out on Le Professeur Gothique's Naked November Homework Assignment & didn't show you my bare face. However, I don't wear a ton of makeup on a daily basis, so my naked face isn't that different from the face I regularly post here! For work, I only wear lipstick, black eyeliner, & sometimes a touch of eyeshadow. I rarely wear foundation/concealer/powder unless I want to really impress

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-78686891928095707252011-11-17T18:19:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:19:46.789-08:00

I don't think my hair looked this weird in real life today! Have I mentioned how much I love this dress? Because I do. I've only had it since around March, but I wore it often during spring & summer (more often than I blogged it because, hey, blogging repeat outfits is boring!). Now I get to change up the look for the cool season. A big shout-out & thank you to Donna of Original Sin Designs

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-4345391732263793662011-11-16T09:51:00.000-08:002011-11-16T09:51:30.225-08:00

Paperlashes A Yahoo! Shine blogger reveals these gorgeous, exotic paper false eyelashes that are being sold at Sephora. They're bigger than ordinary falsies & come in gorgeous designs. How amazing would these be for a nightclub outfit or a fantasy costume? NPR has an article about the fascinating wardrobe of heiress Daphne Guinness, which is currently on display at the Fashion Institute of

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-27233736942394615782011-11-14T18:30:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:24:06.408-08:00

This outfit is a little extra-goth & casual for a Monday, but I knew that our usual Monday staff meeting was canceled because the department manager was out of town this week. Thus, I'd be spending the day sitting in my cubicle with nobody seeing me. So it didn't really matter what I wore. Also, I had an exhaustingly fun weekend and needed something comfy & casual, this fit the bill. (Speaking

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-64716330506995461222011-11-11T09:45:00.000-08:002011-11-11T09:45:52.599-08:00

Just some stuff I've read recently that I liked so much, I thought I'd share! Ruffles Not Diets has a fantastic how-to post about hair updos for work. Don't miss the video at the end of the post -- I'm pretty inept at doing braids & buns, but that vid makes it look awfully easy! Norma Talmadge, 1920s My BFF Sarah of Mode Historique analyzes former Ukranian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko's

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-62714487373829274402011-11-10T18:33:00.000-08:002011-11-10T18:33:45.944-08:00

I have three winter coats: this long wool princess-seam coat, a black suede finger-tip-length trapeze coat, & a black trenchcoat of the classic 'London Fog' type (tho' not that brand) that is water-resistant. I rotate through them all fall & winter. The coat I'm wearing today is more for fall as it's mid-weight, warm but not bulky, & it has the limitation of being a unique color & print. The

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-35430699276550082362011-11-09T09:36:00.000-08:002011-11-09T09:43:35.514-08:00

My husband & I love to travel -- we've set foot on all seven continents, including Antarctica. We try to make one international trip every year or every other year. In addition, I travel occasionally for business & I often go to costume conventions & conferences throughout the year. So I'm pretty experienced at packing my gear to go. Last week, my husband & I returned from 10 days in Spain, & I

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-89164769329142787462011-11-08T17:54:00.000-08:002011-11-08T17:54:43.086-08:00

Autumn weather officially came to my part of the world whilst I was away, which means I can wear sweaters & jackets & such with abandon. Yay! What I'm wearing: Black crocheted duster, Coldwater Creek | Red turtleneck sweater, unknown brand | Black velvet & satin skirt, unknown brand | Black lace tights, Target | Red ankle boots, Aerosoles | Silver book-locket necklace, Forever 21 | Silver

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-71734260916679752282011-11-08T11:36:00.000-08:002011-11-08T11:36:25.304-08:00

Back in August, I mentioned that I might go on a "clothing diet," stating both financial and moral reasons. Since then, I've informally stopped myself from buying new clothes other than a few pairs of tights & underwear (both replacements) & a little bit of jewelry while in Spain (souvenirs). Basically, no garments & certainly nothing expensive. Fashion Store by August Macke, 1914 In the past,

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-20471745332037943822011-11-07T18:23:00.000-08:002012-01-05T15:21:14.083-08:00

Last week was the one-year anniversary of starting this blog, specifically when I started posting outfit photos (as there were a couple test posts). Alas, I was traveling in Spain at the time, so I had auto-scheduled posts & didn't have any outfits for sharing. I do plan to write up something about my travel wardrobe later on tho'. Today's outfit is something I probably wouldn't have worn before

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-35747713549981270312011-11-03T16:30:00.000-07:002011-11-03T16:30:00.177-07:00

What is it about shoes? They are either the cause of great frustration or great delight among women. Perhaps because we, even more so than men (hi, let me generalize & stereotype a bit here) are on our feet more, running around & doing more, taking care of other people more, trying to live up to expectations, & having to work twice as hard for half the pay (was that my outside voice?). Our feet

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-62892512210178622322011-10-31T17:00:00.000-07:002011-10-31T17:00:01.926-07:00

#13: What was your first band T-shirt? (Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.) No idea what the very first one was, but I've held on to one from 1987 -- it's from the Cure's "Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me" tour, which I saw at the Oakland Coliseum about a month or two after graduating from high school. This T-shirt is almost falling apart, but I've kept it from

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-33174144564401552372011-10-27T17:00:00.000-07:002011-10-27T17:00:06.392-07:00

Around Halloween, the BabyBat's fancy turns to black lipstick. Admit it, we've all done it, we've gone to the drugstore or the Halloween outlets that pop up everywhere and bought a tube of Wet 'n Wild (or worse, the generic) black lipstick and tried it out. That waxy, hard, horrible tasting/smelling so-called lipstick leaves an ashen grey smear on our lips and we toss it in the trash, finally

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-27750828950031553362011-10-25T17:00:00.000-07:002011-10-25T17:00:06.007-07:00

#11: Is goth a lifestyle for you? (Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.)   Goth is part of my lifestyle. I couldn't say it *is* my lifestyle. My life is made up of many things. I spend many weekends of the year dressing up in historical costumes, pretending to be in a different century. I spend most of my weekdays as a professional writer & editor at a

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-60864535435970895992011-10-24T18:59:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:21:49.481-08:00

I'm on the road, so I'm auto-scheduling some outfits I'd photographed a while back but never posted. Casual stuff that I didn't wear to work (tho' in my office, I could). My version of snappy weekend wear. What I'm wearing: Burgundy corduroy blazer, buttons swapped out for vintage jet by me, Kohl's | White long-sleeve top with cameo print, Newport News | Dark grey jeans, Calvin Klein | Pointy

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-65708789968420026692011-10-21T17:00:00.000-07:002011-10-21T17:00:01.262-07:00

#10: What do you hate and love about the subculture? (Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.)  Oh dear. Where to start... well, I do get tired of the samey-ness, which is kind of to be expected. Everyone dresses in black, everyone wears corsets & big boots, everyone wears a lot of eyeliner & dark lipstick, everyone listens to the same music & goes to

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-84911825945559651832011-10-20T18:53:00.000-07:002011-10-20T18:53:23.665-07:00

Goths often get bullied as teenagers because we dress different, we may be shy or introverted, we might not play sports or be into the same things as other kids, and we generally don't fit in with the mainstream. If you're the only kid at your school interested in goth fashion and music, you can feel awfully left out and isolated, and you're a ripe target for bullying. Lesbian, gay, bisexual,

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-27894734508750770442011-10-19T12:34:00.000-07:002011-10-19T12:34:55.312-07:00

#9: What genre of music do you dislike? (Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.)   I can honestly say there isn't an entire broad genre of music I dislike. There are subgenres I don't enjoy and plenty of artists I hate. But when it comes to things like country, rap, jazz, classical, sure, I like a little bit of each of them. There are bubblegum pop songs I

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-2124259828140994782011-10-18T21:33:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:22:20.605-08:00

First off, goths tend to wear silver, so mixing metals isn't usually an issue. But some time ago, I realized I didn't mind so horribly wearing a touch of gold (my high-school prom notwithstanding ;-). As long a the gold has a soft, antiqued look, more of an old gold, I rather like it. And, admittedly, my wedding band is a mix of gold and white gold, not really sure how that happened. So when I

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-35913486146766621672011-10-17T18:45:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:22:37.106-08:00

Oh what a weekend. Which started with our department's annual offsite on Friday -- in CorpSpeak, an "offisite" is an event where employees go somewhere away from the office for some kind of fun, presumably team-building activity that may also blow off some steam. Ideally it's a reward for hard work. Last year, our department went to a goat farm, which was both educational and tasty (mmmm.... goat

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-1096981173680063992011-10-14T17:00:00.000-07:002011-10-14T17:00:03.776-07:00

At an SCA event the weekend before last, I got a "Rat Tat." This is a silly little thing common around here -- there's a guy nicknamed Rat who does lovely calligraphy and has a taste for drawing on women's chests (with permission, of course). The lady chooses the words, he writes in medieval script. I've never done one because I couldn't think of anything that I wanted drawn across my chest (and

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-60301823041684246132011-10-13T12:06:00.000-07:002011-10-13T12:17:17.795-07:00

#8: What's your worst and best experience with non-Goths? (Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.)   Worst -- Haven't been many, but I do recall my grandmother picking on a coffin-shaped necklace I wore during a visit to see her, maybe a dozen years ago. Even tho' I was wearing a white T-shirt and blue-jean cutoff shorts. She zeroed in on the only goth thing

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-48206585030470579482011-10-12T09:10:00.000-07:002011-10-12T09:10:28.394-07:00

(Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.)  I'm combining these because I don't think I have enough content in either one... #5: Is there a local Goth band or group in your area? Hah! There isn't even a goth club anymore. Downtown San Jose used to have a fun little goth night on Thursdays called Backlash in the mid-1990s, but it's long gone. Not that I

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-89386811904360746602011-10-11T18:28:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:23:02.028-08:00

I don't know why, but I think Tuesdays deserve to be extra-casual. Mondays start off the work week, so they require a proper dress-up, dive in, let's show 'em how it's done sort of outfit. Besides, I have meetings on Mondays, and that requires something that looks good. But by Tuesday, the reality of the week has sunk in, and that tiny bit of bravado about "I'm going to get it all done!" has

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-10899676300142302172011-10-10T19:29:00.000-07:002011-10-10T19:29:27.766-07:00

Plus a haircut, finally. Remember my bad hair day recently? Well no more complaining -- I got a nice trim this weekend, and while it's probably hard to tell in pictures, the cut really helps make my hair more manageable. Just a few inches off and a little bit of shaping, and I love it. What I'm wearing: Black sweater with ruffled collar and cuffs, Newport News Black & white plaid skirt, made by

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-47608392320750166212011-10-07T15:50:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:24:45.035-08:00

The heavens opened in Silicon Valley yesterday, perhaps crying to mourn the passing of visionary Steve Jobs. Well, I like to think so. He meant a great deal to me -- I am not a tech-geeky type by nature and would never have gotten on computers, on the Internet, or into my current career if not for the magical machine that is Macintosh, truly the computer for the rest of us. Apple products changed

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-13863275866677457152011-10-06T17:54:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:25:03.062-08:00

I've done this before -- wearing a summer dress on a cool day. It's clearly not rocket science. But I so love the effect, and I was just *waiting* for autumn crispness to be able to do it with this particular dress. It has a very deep neckline that demands wearing with some kind of top underneath, so the dress is as perfect for layering over a long-sleeve T as it is a cami. Of course, when the

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-45849830775888441702011-10-04T18:20:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:25:17.902-08:00

We got rain yesterday and beautiful crisp, cool weather today. Light rain is predicted thruout the week. Huzzah! This is proper goth weather and much better suited to my wardrobe. What I'm wearing: Dark grey pinstripe jacket, made by Donna | Black knit dress, Target | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Tall black boots, Clarks | Silk scarf printed with skulls & other spooky things, Target | Pewter

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-2443393819847698232011-10-03T19:37:00.000-07:002011-10-03T19:37:30.216-07:00

#4: Name a stereotype or cliche you can relate to. Tombstone at Holyrood House, Edinburgh, Scotland (Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.)  Oh dear. Goth cliches, there's so many of 'em! Some I'm really tired of. But I must admit, some I am entirely guilty of and revel in, like... I dye my hair black (even tho' it's almost naturally black). I only wear

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-12223174598616219722011-10-01T16:00:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:25:36.753-08:00

The Sophistique Noir monthly theme for October is lace, and I realized I don't have much in my everyday wardrobe with lace. A bit of trim here and there, nothing dramatic or terribly interesting. However, I love to use lace in my costumes. Also, on October 1, I'll be away from the computer at a costume event, so it seems appropriate to post about a few lace-decked costumes! One of my favorite

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-81970723158720394622011-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:002011-09-30T12:50:24.192-07:00

#3: When did you come out the Goth closet? (If you didn't then simply discuss the topic) (Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.)  I didn't really "come out of the closet as a goth," but certainly my mom began to notice, during high school, that I was gradually dressing less in a mainstream fashion. And she wasn't particularly thrilled with it all the time.

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-11331734721347896342011-09-29T18:43:00.000-07:002011-09-29T18:43:22.969-07:00

It's a well-known fact that I love matchy outfits. I will never be one of those people who create outfits where items "go with" each other. OH NO. Items must match & tie in together purposefully, if not painfully obviously. As yesterday's historical photos show, I've always been like this. I even do this in my costuming. A purple gown needs a purple hat and purple shoes, duh! Friends will make

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-56617768397300617762011-09-28T20:46:00.000-07:002011-09-28T22:07:13.979-07:00

#2: Share photos and experiences from your BabyBat days. (Continuing the Goth Challenge questions -- follow the tag below to see all.)  Hard to say when I was a true BabyBat, but considering I'm in my 40s now, I think any time pre-25 is "BabyBat" territory. At least that's how I look on other people (yeah, I'm crotchety that way ;-). Here's a little wacky trip thru the time machine... I had to

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-7220777754169405902011-09-27T18:23:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:26:01.330-08:00

Sometimes, my hair won't cooperate. Especially right now, when it's gotten to the "long as it will get" stage and thus is time for a bit of a trim. I hate getting my hair cut (remnants of my hippie upbringing) and only do it when it bugs the crap out of me, like now! I live in mortal fear of short hair because anything less than shoulder-length looks awful on me. I also despise flat hair on me.

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-57851157062139011202011-09-26T18:30:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:26:17.060-08:00

The weather tried to be autumnal this weekend, but alas, the forecast is for more hot weather this week. Just sharing with you all my pain at how much this disturbs my wardrobe potential. What I'm wearing: Grey denim bell-sleeved jacket, Newport News | Black embellished T-shirt, NY & Company | Plum satin trumpet skirt, Newport News, via Lisa | Black tights, Calvin Klein Black ribbon-tie pumps,

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-28676419238021199482011-09-23T10:31:00.000-07:002011-09-23T10:31:53.692-07:00

I realized it's about a month until I hit the one-year anniversary of starting this blog. Also, when the date actually happens, I'm going to be traveling, or at least returning from, Spain! This got me thinking and looking around online, and I decided to play with this little Goth Challenge series of questions started by Juliet's Lace. Let's see how far I get! #1: How did you come across the

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-80482275118128432872011-09-19T19:02:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:26:34.421-08:00

This week is supposed to be hot. Ugh. No autumn for me! What I'm wearing: Black cotton dress, ModCloth | Black & white cardigan, Black House White Market | Black studded leather belt, Macy's |  Black slingback heels, Payless Shoe Source | Black & white bead necklace, made by me | Black & white stripe bead earrings, Kohls | Black & white flower hair pin, Icing For all my weekday picture-taking,

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-88386770332871227502011-09-15T18:37:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:26:51.220-08:00

Half a day foggy, half a day sunny. That's Northern California for ya. I kept taking this jacket on and off, which I suspected would happen, and that's why I wore my favourite sleeveless top. Not generally a fan of sleeveless in the office (even tho' this is the most casual office ever), but when it has ruffles and looks this sharp, I'll accept it. What I'm wearing: Plum velvet jacket, gift from

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-34941733699409459832011-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:27:06.838-08:00

September is still Indian summer around here, but how I long for a proper autumn! I'm sneaking in a lot of transitional clothes more as a bit of wishful wardrobing than anything else. This works fine for the air-conditioned office, but I usually strip down to shorts & tees when I get home. Soon, soon... What I'm wearing: Black handkerchief-hem tunic, made by Donna | Black leggings, Newport News

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-15987775973511835282011-09-12T18:40:00.000-07:002011-09-12T18:40:45.899-07:00

Blah blah blah. Making the best of it! What I'm wearing: Black T-shirt embellished with fabric roses, NY & Company | Cherry red cotton pleated skirt, Newport News | Black & white striped cardigan, Chadwicks | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black & white ankle-strap pumps, American Eagle | Red flower hair pin, made by me | Black & white dangly bead earrings, Kohl's I spent the weekend sewing in

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-26375038385013505812011-09-08T18:28:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:32:24.070-08:00

Fact: The old "don't wear white after Labor Day" rule only applied to shoes, not clothing. It probably dates to the turn of the last century (meaning the early 1900s), and, like most etiquette rules (and even sumptuary laws, much earlier), it was aimed at the nouveau riche who were trying to ape old-money fashions but, presumably, without the "taste" acquired from long-standing wealth. I

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-8034431882551541092011-09-06T19:24:00.000-07:002011-09-06T19:24:43.388-07:00

Yesterday was Labor Day in the U.S., thus this is a four-day workweek, and I'm only in the office twice. So not much blogging. What I'm wearing: Pink & black stripey cardigan, Macy's | Black camisole, Old Navy | Black pinstripe skirt, gift from Lisa | Pink fishnets, unknown brand | Pink & black ankle-strap pumps, Payless Shoe Source | Pink cabochon necklace, vintage | Black & pink crystal

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-90006674421905166912011-09-01T20:01:00.000-07:002012-01-05T15:27:43.644-08:00

Well, it's not actually cool enough for boots-wearing here in Silicon Valley. But September 1 is time for Sophistique Noir's Monthly Theme, which is Boots! It took me a while this week to decide what pair of boots to wear. I love them all, but, being still pretty summery outside, I wanted to craft an appropriate outfit that wasn't super autumnal. There's my short red Aerosoles (would have been

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319752528366979140.post-63827242628595320342011-08-31T15:24:00.000-07:002011-08-31T15:24:19.714-07:00

It's the sweater. Or maybe the shoes. What I'm wearing: Light purple wrap sweater, gift from Lisa | Black T-shirt, Old Navy | Black A-line skirt, thrifted | Black micro-fishnets, Target | Black ribbon-tie pumps, Clarks | Purple glass tiered necklace, NY & Company | Silver cameo earrings, vintage | Purple & black flower pins in hair, random accessory store Unfortunately, this skirt is headed to

Trystan L. Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397943306522024963noreply@blogger.com5