It's Just Shoes

There's no other reason for this post except these shoes. I'd always wanted some kind of open-front laced or buckled shoe like this and had considered many varieties, from expensive Fluevogs to the cheapo Pleaser Bordello shoes.

Then these American Duchess ones came along. The sizing of this brand can be off for me; they tend to run narrow, and my foot is wide. But this style compensates. Plus, the curved heel is quite walkable.

What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe knit jacket, Marshalls | Black T-shirt, Target | Black skirt, NY & Company | Hot pink tights, Hue | Black tango boots, American Duchess | Silver skull earrings, random accessory store

Basic Sewing Skills

Because I sew enormous historical and fantasy costumes, people always ask if I sew my own clothes. I immediately answer: HELL NO. I have a job, I have a life! Sewing is a hobby, sure, but it's also a huge time-suck, and when I want something to wear every day to work, I get a lot better return-on-investment from just buying a dress or top from Target or Macy's. Ain't nobody got time for that.

However, having basic sewing skills is a great help for minor alterations that can make off-the-rack clothes fit and look better or be more personalized. This dress is a great example. I saw it on eBay and figured it'd fit, but it was originally about floor-length for 5'2" me. Chopping off a straight hem is super-simple, and hemming by hand gives it a professional look. The alteration took maybe 30 minutes. That's a good ROI!


What I'm wearing: Black pinstripe linen dress, eBay | Black belt, NY & Company | Black tights, Hue | Black heeled lace-up boots, Aerosoles | Black & silver beaded necklace, random accessory store | Black skull earrings, local artisan

El Nino, Meh

Winter has been kind of a bust here in Northern California. After several years of dire drought, we were promised an El Nino winter that would fill the reservoirs and replenish the snowpack. Well ... maybe. We've had some rain, but we're nowhere near "normal" levels, plus many communities are backsliding on water conservation thanks to the occasional storms we've had (thanks, guys). Global warming is still in full effect.

So when not dodging raindrops, I can wear a bit of velvet and suede. Just have to keep watching the weather report to see what tomorrow's like...

What I'm wearing: Black velvet jacket, Black House White Market | Black knit top, Old Navy | Purple velvet skirt, NY & Company | Black & burgundy stripe tights, We Love Colors | Purple suede heeled boots, Poetic License | Black skull earrings, local artist

Did I Mention Stripes?

Yep, more stripes. I'm a stripes junkie!

I bought a few new things for my wardrobe, thanks to the new job, and almost all them are stripey. So there you go.

What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe knit top, H&M | Black skirt, NY & Company | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Silver grey wedges, Anne Klein | Black & pink crystal dangly earrings, random accessory store | Pink skull necklace, gift from Elisa

Stripes, That's All I Got

I just have to admit that stripes have taken over half my wardrobe. It's beyond obsession, it's a way of life. I see work-appropriate clothing in black and white stripe, I buy it. No control. No regrets.

This is another White House | Black Market item. Irresistible. The neckline is very strappy (and you can barely see in the picture, but it's bejeweled), which I thought might not be quite right for work. But add a cardigan -- usually necessary for the air-conditioned office -- and this is perfect. Plus, it's a nice, thick knit, so it's comfortable for work too.

What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe knit dress, White House  Black Market | Burgundy peplum sweater, Anthropologie | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Burgundy suede cutout pumps, Soffit | Silver skull earrings, random accessory store

Five CorpGoth Interview Tips

In the past few years, I've gone on dozens of interviews as I've searched for my ideal job. What to wear to an interview is always a consideration -- not as crucial as writing the perfect resume and cover letter or making a great impression during the phonescreen and in the interview itself, but how you look will be part of that first impression, so it does matter, there's no denying it.

For goths and others with non-mainstream appearances, we have to ride the line between self-expression and fitting in to the desired job's requirements and company culture. The potential employer has to be able to see you as someone who already works there, and anything that distracts, whether in your CV or your fashion, is not a helpful.

You'll probably want to tone down the overall goth effect, but you shouldn't have to hide your true self entirely either. How you balance this will depend on what kind of job you're applying for, what industry you're working in, and how advanced you are in your career. But in my experience, these few tips may help...

1. Research the employer to find out what's appropriate. In Silicon Valley, most companies are business casual, but industries like finance and law will tend to be more conservative and (literally) buttoned-up. Retail jobs will vary wildly, and academic positions can have their own very specific cultures. Big corporations may have information on their websites that give ideas about what it's like to work there, and you get a lot of insider info about tech companies on Glassdoor.com. Ask around, online and off. Be prepared! You don't want to be wearing suits when nobody wears suits or vice versa.

2. Reconsider all black. Yes, wearing all black is often a safe bet for goths, but it can appear too goth, too dark, too morbid for first appearances. Remember the Gothic Color Theory, and break up black with one other dark color or white. Or try a pattern like stripes. Mixing it up and avoiding all black can make you look more approachable and friendly in an interview.

3. Have one (but just one) personal trademark. Is your hair hot pink? Do you have full sleeve tattoos? If you have something permanent and visible, that's going to be your trademark, the visual cue people will remember from your interview. Try not to clutter up your style with anything else. Otherwise, pick one thing -- such as a great piece of jewelry or killer boots -- and let that be your trademark.

4. Dress one notch more formally for casual workplaces. Particularly with places like retail and high-tech, where it looks like everyone is dressed super casually, you may want to start off by interviewing just a smidge more dressy than what is standard on the job. Don't go super-formal, just a touch more. So if everyone is wearing jeans, wear trousers or a skirt, for example.

5. Remember that shoes and bags matter. You don't need to spit-polish your boots or carry a designer bag, just pay attention to your accessories. Having a cohesive, polished head-to-toe look will help give a professional first impression, gothic or not. Shine up an nasty scuffs on those pointy-toe boots, and swap out a simple tote bag instead of a backpack. You'll inevitably need to grab a copy of your CV out of that bag, so it should look as presentable as the rest of you.

In interviews for jobs I've gotten, I've talked about sewing historical costumes, and interviewers have complimented me on my bat necklace and skull earrings. I do let my freak flag fly, but subtly, and after I've gotten my foot in the door. Besides, if any potential employer Googles me, they'll find this blog and my costume website, so it's not like I can hide anyway!

What I'm wearing: Black cardigan, Macy's | Purple T-shirt, Target | Grey striped skirt, Nordstroms | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black flats, Aerosoles | Grey beaded necklace, gift from a friend | Onyx skull earrings, local artist

Thank You, eBay

I've been shopping on eBay forever. Really, since eBay first became a thing. I've bought everything from furniture to wigs to computer equipment on eBay, and I've sold a fair amount of my junk too (tho' not as much recently as in the early days).

My latest find was this stripey skirt, which I'd first seen at one of my very favorite stores, White House | Black Market, but my size was out of stock. I forgot about it, until a few weeks ago, when my saved eBay search on this label in my size turned up the very same skirt. And at a third the original price. The skirt arrived in perfect condition.

What's your best eBay score?

What I'm wearing: Black piped jacket, Speigel | Black T-shirt, Target | Black, white, & purple stripe skirt, White House Black Market (via eBay) | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Purple velvet pumps, Rocket Dog | Purple crystal necklace, gift from Lisa | Purple dangly bat-painted earrings, local artist | Purple lipstick, Sephora house brand

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

Historical Gothic Horror on TV

It's kind of a cliche that goths watch horror movies and TV shows, but like most cliches, there's an element of truth in there. Mysteries, murders, vampires, ghosts, the supernatural, creepy crawly things -- these are as essential to the gothic aesthetic as black velvet, leather, punk music, and stompy boots. After all, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" by Bauhaus was one of the goth scene's earliest anthems, and the song makes obvious references to classic horror films of the 1930s and gothic vampire literature of the 19th century before that.

Currently, television is giving us quite a selection of horror-themed dramas to choose from, along with the more typical movies (in theaters or streaming). I'm particularly interested in several series that have been set in historical periods, since that pushes all my buttons with the potential for gothic historical costumes and ambiance, plus dark spooky stories.

Over on Frock Flicks, I reviewed Penny Dreadful, a beautiful, elegant, and very deliciously dark serial available on Showtime and Amazon.com. The second season just started. I also reviewed the TV movie Lizzie Borden Took an Ax and the subsequent TV serial The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, playing on Lifetime and also on Netflix. This movie and series stars Christina Ricci of Addams Family fame and has one more episode airing next Sunday. It's not clear if there will be a season two.

I'm planning to review Salem, a fantasy-gothic series on WGN about 17th-century witches, and Ripper Street, a police procedural set in 19th-century London following Jack the Ripper; it was on the BBC and BBC America, and now it's available from Amazon.com.

What are your favorite shows in this genre I'm missing? What shows am I missing?

What I'm wearing: Black maxi-dress, Macy's | Burgundy peplum sweater, Anthropologie | Black & burgundy striped tights, We Love Colors | Beaded bat necklace, gift from friends

Wednesday Wondering: Teach Your Children Well

Prompt: What's the most important thing your parents or guardians taught you as a child?
Self-reliance. Independence. My mother was a single mom, and both directly and through example, she taught me to be independent and to take care of myself. Whether it was something as simple as doing the laundry or as complicated as finding a paying job, if I asked her "how do I do this?" her first reaction would be "have you tried? did you take a look for yourself?" She'd give me help and instructions, but she would not do it for me. She taught me to figure things out for myself and not rely on someone else. This is the single most valuable ability I gained growing up. I may not be able to do everything for myself, but I can try.

She also taught me to sew, which is pretty cool :) Not as important on a day-to-day basis, but it got me into costuming, through which I've made many great friends. My mom is awesome, and I learned a lot from her!


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

What I'm wearing: Black ruffled blouse, thrift store | Grey striped skirt, Nordstrom | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Purple suede pumps, Aerosoles | Silver & purple crystal earrings, gift from lisa

Friday Five: Dream Wedding

1. If you were getting married tomorrow (or renewing your vows!), who would be in your wedding party?
I couldn't help but doing this one, since my sweetie and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary this week! You can see pix from our wedding here. If I did it over again today or did a vow renewal, I'd want to include my BFFs Kendra and Sarah for sure, and probably a lot of my original wedding party too, just all in different roles.

2. Where would you get married?
It's a dream wedding, so how about Venetian carnevale! At a private, historical palazzo with a masked ball theme, all in costume, a mix of 18th century and 16th century with gothic overtones, and candlelit for sure.

3. What song would be played for your first dance?
"Somebody" by Depeche Mode. That's what I wanted the first time, but my husband had to go and write a song (because he's adorable like that).

4. What would be your wedding colours?
This, I'd do the same: black and burgundy.

5. Where would you go on your honeymoon?
We'd already be in Venice, Italy, so that'd be the wedding and honeymoon combined! With all our friends and family. 


Questions culled from The Friday Five on LiveJournal.

What I'm wearing: Black & white striped knit jacket, Marshall's | Black sheath dress, Target | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Grey wedge pumps, Anne Klein | Silver key necklace, gift from my husband | Pewter key earrings, made by me

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

Trust Imagination

Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night

He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing, stretching every nerve
I had to listen had no choice

I did not believe the information
I just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom, boom, boom
Son, he said, grab your things I've come to take you home

To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut

So I went from day to day
Though my life was in a rut
Till I thought of what I'd say
And which connection I should cut

I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom, boom, boom
Son, he said, grab your things I've come to take you home

When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free

Watched by empty silhouettes
Close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
So I will show another me

Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom, boom, boom
Hey, I said, you can keep my things they've come to take me home
--Peter Gabriel, "Solsbury Hill"

What I'm wearing: Black piped jacket, Speigel | Black skirt with lace accents, NY & Company | Burgundy & black stripe tights, We Love Colors | Black heeled boots, Aerosoles | Black skull scarf, gift from my husband | Dangly jet earrings, random accessory store

Friday Five: Laundry Day

1. Washing machine: Front-loader or top-loader?
We have a top loader, and even if it were to break down, I'm loath to get a front loader simply because I like the option of being able to dye fabric in my washing machine, & that's infinitely easier in a top loader!

2. Detergent: Liquid or powder?
Liquid because it doesn't clump up, which is especially noticeable on dark fabrics.

3. Rinse cycle: Fabric softener or another additive?
No fabric softener. I use a half cup of vinegar tho, because this helps rinse anything extra out of fabrics and prevents static cling in the dryer.

4. And then: Clothesline or dryer?
A very short dryer cycle on low to prolong the life of the clothes. I take them out a teeny bit damp and hang them or fold immediately.

5. Do you fold things straight off the line or out of the dryer? What do you iron (or have someone iron for you)?
Always fold or hang as soon as possible to prevent wrinkles. But there's always a few things that will wrinkle no matter what -- or things that get wrinkly as they're stored. So I iron those. And my husband doesn't believe in ironing, so if I want to go out with him in pressed clothes, I have to iron them *sigh*.

Speaking of laundry, this article on the "myth of dry cleaning" is fascinating & incredibly educational! You may never look at a clothing care tag the same way again.

Questions culled from The Friday Five on LiveJournal.

What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe knit jacket, Nordstrom | Grey sheath dress, Target | Grey tights, Calvin Klein | Black & white T-strap flats, Zappos | Bat necklace, Walgreens | Silver skull earrings, gift from Sarah

My Typical Net.Day

A

A guy I met once said that people like us were "of the Internet." It seemed a little cheesy, but it's true. I've been very online since the early 1990s. One of the first things I do in the morning and one of the last things I do at night is check email -- or my texts or Facebook, basically, the net.

Here's a typical morning Internet check-in... Phone (for texts; almost nobody calls me, and that's how I like it), email, Facebook (this takes a big chunk of time because I admin a couple pages and check on a few groups), blogs on Feedly, Twitter, NPR.com for news I didn't hear on NPR radio as I was getting dressed, LiveJournal (yeah, that's been de-prioritized).

I check texts, email, and Facebook throughout the day. Then I do a sweep through the above list again at lunch, during my evening commute, and at least once before bed.

Sometime in between, I do some work, eat, and sleep.

Where do you go online?

What I'm wearing: Black pinstripe dress, made by Donna | Black ruffled wool shrug, Kohl's | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Burgundy faux-suede boots, DSW | Burgundy & brass shield necklace, local artisan | Onyx & silver earrings, bought in India

Big Dreams

Of the many random things that get me through my day, dreaming of living in a romantic, crumbling castle has always been one of them. It's part of why I love history, part of why I'm a goth, part of why I make costumes, part of why I travel.

So when I saw Bedlay Castle right outside of Glasgow, Scotland, come up for sale, well, the dream dies hard.

If I did a Kickstarter and opened it as a gothic-historical B&B, would anyone join in?

What I'm wearing:
Black & pink striped cardigan, Macy's | Black camisole, Old Navy | Black peasant skirt, Macy's | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black heeled boots, Aerosoles | Black beaded bib necklace, random accessory store | Black & pink crystal dangly earrings, random accessory store

Bedlay Castle, Scotland

Bonus Crock Pot Recipe

I hate to cook. But I need to eat. And my husband doesn't really know how to cook. So unfortunately, if I want more than (unhealthy, expensive) takeout dinners or (boring) Lean Cuisine frozen meals, sometimes I have to force myself to cook.

One thing I've found that helps, particularly with my busy schedule, is ye olde slow-cooker, aka a Crock Pot. I got a giant, oversized one free when a friend was moving, and since I'm just cooking for my hubbi and I, these slow-cooker meals make a LOT of food. I like to figure out recipes that I can tweak for a couple meals that aren't exactly the same thing over and over again with the leftovers.

Thus was born this recipe that I got published on Offbeat Home recently The Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken That Makes Three Dinners. Take a look, try it out, and let me know what you think!

What I'm wearing:
Black knit military jacket, Macy's
Black & pink stripe top, Ralph Lauren
Black knit skirt, Target
Black tights, Calvin Klein
Black & pink flats, ShoeMetro.com
Pink filigree earrings, Etsy


Pssst: #SnarkWeek continues over on FrockFlicks.com, Facebook, and Twitter! Join me there :)

Friday Five: Heaven and Hell

Would you sell your soul to the devil and what for?
A job that lets me work from home two days per week and has a decent measure of creativity.

Who do you think will be the first five people you meet in heaven?
My father, my three grandparents who are no longer living, and my childhood dog (where I to believe in heaven and die today).

Is life more fair to some then others?
Yes. In some ways, both in general ways (like, the ice cream runs out right as you walk up to the truck) and in ways the create privilege (racial, gender, class).

Do you think some people are just born unhappy?
Yes, but I also believe in chemical imbalances.

If you could have a magical power, what would it be?
Smite people with lasers from my eyes.






Questions culled from The Friday Five on LiveJournal.

What I'm wearing: Black & grey stripe sweater, Target | Black trousers, Target | Black skull scarf, gift from my husband | Skull earrings, random accessory store | Black boots, Aerosoles

When to Shop, When to Purge

I cross-post my daily outfit blogs to Facebook, where my circle of friends and acquaintances sometimes comment there. A while ago, someone asked, "How often do you shop and how often do you purge the closet?" I gave a quick answer there, but I figured that since that's a very appropriate question for CorpGoth, why not move it over here.

My shopping goes in fits and spurts. I'll buy a ton of stuff for a few months and then buy nothing for a while. I tend to buy new clothes and shoes when something changes and makes me need new things or notice holes in my wardrobe. For example, when my commute changed and I needed more flat shoes for a longer walk from public transportation, I started hunting for appropriate shoes. If I realize I haven't worn button-down shirts but I'm always wearing cardigans, I stop buying button-down shirts and buy a bunch of cardigans. When I have time on my hands, I'll spend more time thrift-shopping, and you never quite know what you'll find there.

As for when I purge, that's a little more predictable. About once a year but on no particular schedule, I spontaneously feel a compulsion to clean out my closet and dressers. I can be fairly ruthless -- anything I haven't worn in a year (other than special-occasion items) is subject to serious review. I try stuff on, I check for needed repairs, I consider if it goes with other stuff in my wardrobe. If I can't justify keeping it, the item goes into the donation pile.

This annual purge may inspire a shopping trip if I throw out things I like because they don't fit or uncover things I haven't worn and love but don't have many of. Not totally likely but it has happened,

How about you -- how often do you shop for clothes and purge your wardrobe?

What I'm wearing: Black and grey stripe sweater, Target | Black skirt, NY & Co. | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black boots, Clark's | Silver skull necklace, random accessory store

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