In Lieu of Red & Black Week

Don't know if Sophistique Noir is running a Red & Black Week this year, but I couldn't hold back with this skirt. I bought it on a wee shopping binge because I started a new job (yay!).

Of course, this job, like most everything else here in Silicon Valley, is business casual, but this is how CorpGoth goes business casual, LOL. I love my pencil skirts and fitted jackets, even if I'm surrounded by everyone else in jeans and tees.

Thus, red and black stripes. I bought the same skirt in white and black stripes because, well, stripes, duh. Wouldn't you?

What I'm wearing: Black knit top with dimensional roses, Newport News | Red & black stripe lace skirt, Limited | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black lace-up heeled boots, Aerosoles | Onxy skull earrings, local artist

I Love Lipstick

I freakin' love lipstick. It can be pretty, sexy, exotic, refined, hardcore, mysterious, elegant, outrageous, all kinds of things, and just with a couple of easy swipes.

Whether $5 at the drugstore or $30 at Sephora, it's a bargain considering how much bang it packs.

So many colors and effects, all drawing attention to the part of you through which your brain is most obvious: your mouth. I make my words carry extra weight by underlining them and giving them an exclamation point with lipstick.

Do you wear lipstick?

What I'm wearing: Red turtleneck sweater, Macy's | Black & white stripe sweater, White House Black Market | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black patent pumps, unknown brand | Black & white beaded necklace & matching earrigns, made by me | Red lipstick, Makeup Forever

Missed Red & Black Week

I looked at this outfit in the mirror and thought, dang, why haven't I worn this for Red and Black Week? Really, I've had this sweater for years.

But then, that's the problem, the sweater. Red and Black Week tends to happen in the late spring, and this long-sleeve, mock-turtleneck sweater is just too warm to wear except for a few months of the year in temperate Northern California. Thus, it always misses out.

So consider this a one-off Red and Black.

What I'm wearing: Red sweater, Macy's | Black, white, & red stripe skirt, Kohl's | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black flats, Aerosoles | Black glass bead necklace with red Murano heart, made by me

Clothing Stores I've Loved and Lost

I used to love shopping at real, live brick-and-mortar stores for clothes. Because I used to find things of interest there, unusual garments, quirky fun clothes, fashions I could work into a wacky wonderful wardrobe of my own style somehow. Even without thrift-shopping, there was a time when "going shopping" was a fun hobby in its own right.

I was part of the first-generation of mall rats in the U.S., in the heart of suburban California, I was essentially a Valley Girl -- ok, Silicon Valley, but still, like, totally, omg, gag me with a spoon, it was the '80s, and shopping malls were our native habitat. Most weekends, my girlfriends and I roamed the malls in search of good times and cool clothes.

This continued, off and on, for me through college and the early '90s, as mall culture wore down, stores changed, and the Internet started to take off. My needs changed, but I still wanted new clothes, and for many years, catalogs were a bigger supplement to malls than the Internet itself. Until finally, even that faded away, and now all my favorite brands are gone.

Today, I'm left with just the hodgepodge of big retailers. Sure, they're reliable for sales, their websites are searchable, and I can generally find something. But they don't specialize, they don't cater to my needs the way these long-lost faves did... ah, back when once upon a time there was...

Judy's -- This California-based chain had about 70 women's clothing stores in Western U.S. states at its peak in the mid-'80s. This was the first store that I really clicked with. It sold cutting-edge clothes and accessories, very hip styles, things like you'd see in new wave music videos. The prices were just at the edge of my allowance, I always saved up for a month before buying anything there. The chain had an annual blow-out sale, early on a Sunday morning, at a large, regional mall that my best friend and I went to (begging whoever's mom could stand taking us), and we'd buy a HUGE bag of really crazy stuff.

Contempo Casuals -- The last 200-some-odd stores were acquired by Wet Seal in 1995, but before that, this mall store was the supplier of A LOT of my wardrobe from 1984 to 1992. Every pair of leggings I wore (in every color!), all the big button-down shirts, a ton of broomstick skirts, scads of brocade and lace New Romantic stuff, piles of accessories, you name it. The brand gets some anti-nostalgic flack for being the home of neon, baggy '80s weirdness, but damn, those sale racks was where I built a fabulous RomantiGoth wardrobe on a reasonable budget! You can still find some of the labels turning up on eBay, but the really good stuff seems lost to history.

Newport News -- This was my one, great, mail-order love. I bought from Newport News using actual paper catalogs long before it ever had a website (snail-mail, how novel!). The brand has been subsumed into Spiegel's catalog, and all the unique clothes are gone. Back in the day, us goth girls online would alert each other to the latest Newport News offerings. Did you see the velvet duster coat? It comes in black *or* burgundy! And the faux riding jacket, I wonder if the buttons are functional? Yay, more silk poet blouses -- and there's a sale, stock up. We joked that it's a good thing we didn't all live in the same city, or we'd have to worry about showing up wearing the same Newport News dress or coat. Sadly, I only have a few items left from those days that are still in good condition and that fit. I have an eBay search saved for this brand and occasionally find classics. But alas, no retailer has really filled the void for this or any of the others.

What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe knit jacket, Marshalls | Black T-shirt, Target | Black jeans, Eddie Bauer | Red heeled ankle boots, Aerosoles | Black bat necklace, Walgreens | Pewter key earrings, made by me

Wednesday Wondering: Major Impact

Prompt: What was your college major? Do you use it for your career?

I majored in English Literature at the University of California, Berkeley, and I nearly got a Master's degree in the same subject. All during my undergrad years, people would say, "English major, so you're going to be a teacher, right?" And I said, hell no.

But I struggled to find a decent-paying job fresh out of college and quickly went back to school for an M.A., somewhat resigned to that teaching career. I loved the academics but did not relish the idea of grammar or high-school level teaching, which was where the vast number of jobs were, especially in California.

Then, a little thing called the Internet came along. A local newspaper was trying to get itself online, right when I was playing around with teaching myself to build webpages in my spare time. That was the beginning of something ... I combined a knack for learning software with writing and researching skills honed in academia into a online journalism career and never looked back.

I've been writing for the web since 1995, about everything from digital music to the environment to hard drives to Medicare. So yeah, my college major has been pretty useful in my career after all.

Questions culled from the discontinued Writer's Block feature on LiveJournal.

What I'm wearing: Red sheath dress, Target | Grey color-blocked cardigan, Macys | Grey tights, Target | Silver grey wedges, Anne Klein | Black & red glass bead necklace, made by me | Silver hoop earrings, random accessory store

Friday Five: Yay, Shoes!

1. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I had to count 'em -- 64 pairs. That includes *everything* not just my regular everyday shoes, but also my slippers, several pairs of flip-flops, the rubber boots I wore in Antarctica, shoes that are waiting to go the cobbler for repairs, & over a dozen shoes that only go with costumes. Kind of sad, because that's down from a few years ago when I had at least 80 pairs of shoes *not* counting the costume ones.

2. Why or when do you buy shoes?
I buy shoes for particular needs or when current shoes wear out. For example, my current job is a couple blocks from public transit, so when I started, I needed more office-appropriate flats suitable for walking since I only had one pair. Every summer or so, I buy cheap new sandals because they wear out so easily.

3. What's the most expensive pair of shoes you've ever bought?
Black suede thigh-high flat-soled pirate boots for $100, sometime in the late '80s or early '90s. Sadly didn't wear them too often, so I eventually sold them on eBay for half that. I have one pair of knee-high riding boots now that originally cost that much but I bought them on sale. Most of my  shoes are in the $60 range these days (which is up a bit from the past, see below).

4. Carrie Bradshaw -- whimsical fashion diva or fool who wastes money on shoes?
A bit of both! I used to call myself the Carrie Bradshaw of Payless Shoe Source (since I used to buy SO MANY of their $15 shoes), so I can understand her passion for cute shoes, but I do so on a lower budget. $400 Jimmy Choos? Not my lifestyle!

5. Describe your fantasy perfect pair of shoes & where you'd wear them.
I dream of something like a wacky Irregular Choice pump with an 18th-century curved Louie heel & flared vamp, in a purple damask with a giant black silk satin bow. Gothic & gorgeous for everyday, but just enough historical style for costumes.

Questions culled from The Friday Five on LiveJournal.

What I'm wearing:  White & black pinstripe jacket, Macy's | Red bow-tie top, Target | Black skirt, NY & Company | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black Union Jack pumps, gift from my husband | Pewter key earrings, made by me

CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report: Stripes & Plaid (but no Dots)

This month's theme is all about patterns. Some people don't like wearing patterns, and some people aren't comfortable incorporating them into their wardrobes. This is why I think each of these graphical patterns -- stripes, plaids, and dots -- are good ones to start with (ok, not all at once!). A striped skirt or top mixes easily with solid garments in the same colors or even in a contrasting color. A simple plaid (like black & white) goes well with neutrals. And the same with dots, little micro-dots are practically a texture, while going gradually up in scale adds more interest.

Of course, I took a trip to Crazy Town and mixed a stripe with a plaid in this outfit. One way to make this work is to stick with the same colors, in this case, black & white. I also kept to a similar pattern scale, so they look more pulled together. Or maybe they don't -- pattern-mixing is an acquired taste. I don't do it often, because, yeah, it can look pretty nutters.

So which is your favorite, stripes, plaids, or dots? Which are you wearing? Share in the comments below.

What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe silk blouse, made by Donna | Black & white plaid skirt, H&M | Black elastic belt, NY & Company | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Red ankle boots, Aerosoles | Silver medallion earrings, random accessory store

Red & Black Vegas Drag Race Recap

I didn't plan this as a part of Red & Black Week, but it fits! A few weeks ago, I did something kind of crazy: I went by myself to the viewing party for RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6 season finale in Las Vegas, where America's Next Drag Superstar #6 was announced.

I left work early for a 2pm flight, checked in at my hotel by 4pm, changed clothes, walked across the street to the party at 5pm, stood in line for an hour to get in, then stayed at the party (standing around in high heels for another 5 hours, ouch), watched the TV show & the live drag show there, walked back across the street, grabbed a burger & a beer to take back to my room, ate a belated dinner, got to sleep by about 1am, got up & to the taxi stand by 5am for a 6am flight back, got a latte at Starbucks at the airport at home while waiting for my ride to work at 7:45am, & was back at the office by 8:30am the next morning, stashing my little roller-bag luggage under my desk. Nobody knew!

What I'm wearing: Black & red flocked floral halter dress, bought in Camden Market, London | Black spiderweb tights, unknown brand | Black ribbon-tie pumps, Clarks | Giant drag-queen wig, eBay | Tiara, gift from my husband | Red flower hair pin, random accessory store | Black beaded necklace, random accessory store | Rhinestone & faux jet bracelets, random accessory store | Faux diamond rings, random accessory store | Black vinyl bat purse, gift from a former coworker

Bianca Del Rio, the winner!

Red & Black Not-Quite Repeat

Ok, this outfit is mostly a blog repeat but not a Red & Black Week repeat. So it doesn't really count, does it?  This combines my very favorite skirt with a pop of color. And stripes. Gotta love stripes. I've worn a lot of stripes during this Red & Black Week. Hmmm...

What I'm wearing: Black knit military-style jacket, Macy's | Red knit top with bow at neck, Target | Black & white stripe skirt, White House Black Market | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Red ankle boots, Aerosoles | Black & white bead earrings, Kohl's

That Red & Black Week Dress

This might be the first thing I bought specifically thinking of wearing for Red & Black Week. And I even had to go out of my way to get a blog picture for it (read the linked entry for deets).

Yeah, that's what this blogging can do to your brain! But I knew I'd love the dress anyway, & I've gotten good use out of. Cost-per-wear is maybe a buck at this point.

What I'm wearing: Red knit dress with high-low hem, Macy's | Black elastic belt, NY & Company | Black pothole stockings, unknown brand | Black & grey wedge heels, Anne Klein | Black skull-print scarf, gift from my husband | Black & white African bead earrings, made by me

Red & Black & White & a Hidden Bat

I can't get enough of this color combo, true fact. Something about is so pleasing to my eyes, so much so that you'll find a lot of during this year's Red & Black Week, & not just on today's official Red, Black, & White subtheme.

What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe knit double-breasted jacket, Marshall's | Red sheath dress, Target | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black & white ankle-strap pumps, Ross | Black bat necklace, Walgreens | Red & black beaded earrings, made by a friend

Red & Black Week, the Fourth

Can you believe this is the fourth annual Red & Black Week? Huzzah for Sophistique Noir for starting & hosting this theme! So successful & I'm happy to be able to participate again.

I'm starting off the week with some new pieces, showing just a hint of red. Don't worry, I have plenty more red saved for the rest of the week.

What I'm wearing: Black & dark grey dotted slouchy jacket, H&M | Black T-shirt, Old Navy | Black, off-white, & red stripe knit skirt, Kohl's | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black high-heeled boots, Aerosoles | Pewter locket necklace, vintage | Gunmetal hoop earrings, random accessory store

Vintagey Night Out With Friends

A few weekends ago, some friends & I went out for cocktails & dinner at a new restaurant. And we dressed up, as you do. This dress is an old fave, & I went all out with old-fashioned glam accessories, as you do.

What I'm wearing:
Red dress with black corsage, Stop Staring | Black minky-fur shrug, second-hand from a friend | Black fascinator with net & maribou, made by a friend | Black leather gloves, vintage | Black spiderweb tights, unknown brand | Black ribbon-tie pumps, Clarks | Black, silver, & rhinestone necklace, random accessory store | Black dangly earrings, random accessory store | Faux diamond ring, random accessory store

with my pal Sarah

Renaissance Shoes & Velvet Punk

For a night out at the Meadery with my sweetie & friends, I wanted something comfortable but cute. The dress was a given -- nothing beats knit -- & then the shoes seemed appropriate given the crowd (my friend who designed these shoes would be there), plus these shoes are very comfortable.

I needed a sweater or light jacket since it was a cool evening, & my hand fell upon this oldie, a beat-up velveteen motorcycle-style jacket I've had for a million years, all decorated from my more more-obviously goth days, yet with a couple recent touches. Perfect!

What I'm wearing:
Black knit dress, Newport News
Black cable-patterned tights, unknown brand
Oxblood "Stratford" 16th-century shoes, designed by Francis Classe for American Duchess
Burgundy & gold shield necklace, local artisan
Pink & gold earrings, vintage
Black velveteen motorcycle-style jacket, International Male
Pins, various sources

Highly recommended, just order a half size up. They come in black too!

Favorite pins on jacket lapel

Sisters of Mercy, Depeche Mode, & my college sorority badge

Peace pin & Clan Ventrue from Vampire: the Masquerade (my Toreador pin is on a purse)

San Jose Sharks 10th anniversary pin

Symbolic charms I attached to a zipper pull

For Crown & Country

You should know by now that I'm a complete anglophile. My husband is too -- & he bought me these shoes for Christmas. I'm just sorry it's taken this long to get around to wearing & blogging them. They're surprisingly comfortable, especially considering they're faux leather & have a spindly little heel. Must wear these more often.

What I'm wearing:
Red shift dress, Target | Black cardigan, Chadwicks | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Union Jack shoes, Zappos | Sparkly crown brooch, random accessory store | Silver hoop earrings, random accessory store

The crown brooch has extra meaning. Not only does it fit with the Britannia theme, but recently at a Society for Creative Anachronism event, I was honored with the title of "Baroness." In the SCA, a court barony is a ceremonial title that carries a tiny modicum of prestige, no real responsibilities, & the opportunity to wear a coronet. I'm pretty pleased about that!

Fake It Till Ya Make It

I felt like crap this day, but I had a meeting that I couldn't postpone. So I did what you have to do -- wear a really matchy outfit with a new skirt & pretend that I didn't have a migraine & my stomach didn't hurt. It kinda worked. I made it through.

What I'm Wearing:

Black piped jacket, Speigel | Red T-shirt, Target | Black, white, & red stripe knit skirt, Kohl's | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black pointy kitten-heel pumps, Aldo | Black & silver skull choker, DisneyLand | Gunmetal hoop earrings, random accessory store | Raisin Rage lipstick, Revlon

Red & Black & White, Again

I can't get enough of this color combo. But this time, it was an excuse to break in some new shoes.

Do you have a favorite color combo? Or a color you always seem to pair with black?

What I'm wearing: Red T-shirt, Target | Black & white paisley ruffled skirt, made by Donna | Red patent slingback pumps, Bandolino, bought at Marshall's | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black beaded necklace with red Murano glass heart, made by me | Black cross earrings, vintage | Silver & garnet poison ring, eBay

Last Hurrah

These pictures are from a party on Saturday -- one of my best friends had a housewarming party, & this was the perfect excuse to dress up & go a bit wild before going under the knife.

See, I'm auto-posting this on Monday, when I'll be coming home from surgery, a lumpectomy for breast cancer. Yeah, I definitely needed that party!

What I'm wearing:
Black & red flocked floral halter dress, bought in Camden Market, London | Black corset, custom-made by Sarah | Red peep-toe slingback pumps, Bandolino, bought at Marshall's | Black fishnets, unknown brand | Rhinestone dangly earrings, random accessory store | Black rose cocktail ring, random accessory store | Red flower hair pin, random accessory store | Red lipstick, Sephora