CorpGoth Status Report: Hair

I've never considered my hair to be one of my better features. It just doesn't do what I want. My hair has been either straight or wavy, never outright curly but often frizzy. I was born with super-dark, almost naturally black hair, and I've colored every shade of red, pink, and purple you can get into hair that dark. Of course, I've dyed my hair jet black mostly since that's the easiest shade to maintain. I've always worn my hair to at least shoulder length and usually longer, and any deviation has been horrible. My hair and I have maintained a state of somewhat peaceful coexistence over the years; I try not to abuse it too severely, and it tries not to make me look too terrible in photographs.

February 2013

So the prospect of losing all my hair during chemo didn't seem like that big of a deal at first. Since I've never been particularly happy with my hair, if it has to go, it goes. And it'll just grow back, it always does, no matter what it suffers.

Thus, in September 2013, during my first round of chemo for breast cancer, all my hair fell out. That was not particular traumatic, especially in light of all the other millions of ways I felt terrible because of chemo.

September 2013

After a while though, I started to feel ugly and old without hair. I could only get that glamorized "bald is beautiful" look if I put on a ton of makeup and wore earrings. When I woke up in the morning and looked in the bathroom mirror, a weird little old man looked back at me. I didn't recognize myself.

Of course, I wore hats and wigs, I'd stocked up in advance. The best was my punky pink-streaked wig that even my most conservative office finally accepted.

June 2014

But as my own hair grew back, wearing a wig became hot and itchy, especially through summer. Finally, in August 2014, my hair was long enough to not look horrific IMO at work without a wig.

August 2014

Growing out my hair from absolutely nothing to mid-back length is going to take longer than I realized. That's been pretty damn depressing and frustrating at times. My hair today is still shorter than I've ever cut it on purpose (aside from shaving one side or the back during college; even then, I always left part of it long). The texture is the cliche "chemo curls" -- coarser and frizzier than it used to be. Sometimes, with a whole lot of hair products, I can get this to look like I have genuinely curly hair (as I did for Halloween 2014 when I dressed up as Betty Boop). But most days, I try to tame the frizz into waves or straight hair.

May 2015

I guess my hair is as long as a ragged pixie cut now. It's not long enough to be a bob yet. I haven't gotten a haircut since it fell out -- I'm waiting for a little more growth so I can get a cut with some sort of style. Not that I have any clue how this could be styled. That's been my problem, I can't figure out how to style short hair. There's not much to work with.

I still don't really see me when I look in the mirror. My face is in there somewhere, but I don't look right. Someday *sigh*

Want to share a status report for May about hair?

1. Post to your blog between Monday, May 18 to Wednesday, May 20.
   
2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):
   
   <a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>
    
3.  Comment on below including your blog link.
    
4.  Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

CorpGoth Status Report: Hair

Subject: How do you style your hair for the workday? Do you have a go-to 'do in the mornings? Are you required to tone it down for your office or does anything go in terms of color and cut? Share pix of your hairstyle or even give a tutorial in this month's report.

Due Date: Monday, May 18 to Wednesday, May20

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 16th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

CorpGoth Status Report: Lunch Time

This month's Status Report is about lunch! What is your weekday lunchtime like? What do you eat? Where? Solo or with others? Share a little bit about your lunch break...

I have a stealth motive here. See, my lunch is really boring. I'm rushed in the mornings, so I grab a Lean Cuisine (or similar frozen meal), and call it done. I eat lunch in front of my computer, leaving 20 to 30 minutes for the break total, including food prep time.

The only nice part is that, at every office I've worked, I try to bring my own reusable utensils and a cloth napkin. This is mostly to lessen the garbage generated (it's bad enough that I'm eating packaged food most days), and also to fancy up the meal a tiny bit. I have a bamboo-wood utensil set I bought at an environmental fair years ago, and I bought this napkin at the thrift store to test fabric stamp decorations on.

What I'd love to hear about is your lunches -- do you make your own meals? Do you have any tips for quick, relatively healthy lunches to go? I'm looking for ideas! Share what works for you. And even if you're like me on the easy lunch, or you have access to a cafeteria or someone else makes lunches for you, join in.

Tell about your weekday lunch routine in this CorpGoth Status Report through Wednesday, March 18. Post on your blog, and include the link in the comments.

CorpGoth Status Report: What's for Lunch?

Subject: What do you eat for lunch on a typical workday? Do you brown-bag it, eat at a cafeteria, or go out? Do you eat with coworkers or solo? Do you work through lunch? Do you do something else during your lunch break, like take a walk, run errands, or go to the gym? If you work from home, do you make a fresh meal and play with your pets or kids? Tell us something about your midday break in this report.

Due Date: Monday, March 16 to Wednesday, March 18

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 16th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

CorpGoth Status Report: My Commute

This month's status report is about your commute, whether to work or school, whether it's across town or across the room. I hope you share a little something about how you start or end your day, what you see or what you wear! Post between now and Wednesday the 19th.

As I've mentioned before, I don't drive, which is pretty freakish for a Californian. I consider it analogous to someone who's a vegan (note: I'm a happy meat-eater). I don't drive, it's just a part of who I am, it's a preference, it's a philosophical stance, it's a lot of things, but it's not changing. Much as a vegan doesn't just grow out of it or something, I'm not going to suddenly start driving one day.

Thus, my commute to work is always a little bit complicated. I have to plan in advance. Then again, like vegetarians in a meat-eating world, this non-driver in a car-centric world is used to it. My current job is about 15 miles away, which can be a 20- or 30-minute drive. But thanks to Silicon Valley's weak public transit system, it takes at least 45 minutes on the most-efficient light rail route for me to get to work -- IF my husband drives me to the train station, PLUS a three-block walk to my office. Oh well.

I make the most of my time by bringing both my iPod and my iPad so I can either listen to podcasts or surf the web, checking in on email and social media before I get to work. I read through my favorite blogs and often compose a few blog posts for CorpGoth and Frock Flicks on the train to or from work. It's not the most ergonomic setup for computer use, but at least I can get stuff done. I have a feeling I may be doing some sewing on the train soon, due to upcoming projects. Any way to use the time!

At least the light rail is relatively uncrowded most days, and it runs on time. And it's not far from my office. Oddly enough, there's this life-size bronze statue, pictured here, near the waiting area at the station near my office. It's of two children riding an crocodile, one kid holding a parasol. Why? No idea! There's no marker, no indication of the artist or the piece's name or date. I presume it was added when the station was built. I walk past this almost every day and can't help but smile.

What I'm wearing: Dark grey pinstripe dress, made by Donna | Black cardigan, Macy's | Black cat-print scarf, Etsy | Black kitten-heel shoes, Aldo | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Silver & pearl earrings, vintage from my grandmother

CorpGoth Status Report: The Daily Commute

Subject: How do you get to work or school? Do you drive, walk, ride a bike, take the bus, subway, train, or some combination of these? Do you work from home and walk across the room? Does your commute require specific shoes or a big bag, do you need a coat or umbrella? Do you see anything unusual along the way? Share something about your daily commute in this report.

Due Date: Monday, November 17 to Wednesday, November 19

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 13th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

CorpGoth Status Report: Office-Friendly Skulls

When I think of how one an incorporate a touch of goth into a corporate-friendly wardrobe, I automatically think about this skull-print scarf. Yep, that's right, skulls. Now this may seem contradictory to some of my advice like "minimize references to death & religion" in your outfits. But this specific style of scarf is an exception.

See, it's an interpretation of the iconic Alexander McQueen skull-motif scarf. Not an exact knock-off, but it's close enough to pass as "fashionable" or even "trendy" instead of "morbid" or "creepy" to mainstream eyes. If you work at an office where you have to keep your gothic style on the down-low, this sort of accessory could be a nice way to save some of your personal aesthetic while blending in just a little.

I don't have to worry too much, even though I work at a more conservative employer right now. Still, I paired the skulls with a purple dress for a little contrast.

How are you wearing skulls at the office for this report? Is your workplace OK with it?

What I'm wearing: Purple knit dress, Land's End | White & black skull scarf, Amazon.com | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black & white T-strap flats, Zappos | Black & white stripe bead earrings, Kohl's

CorpGoth Status Report: Skulls

Subject: To prep for Halloween, let's get spooky -- but office-appropriately spooky. Add a skull or two (or more!) to your work attire. See how CorpGoth you can go.

Due Date: Monday, October 13 to Wednesday, October 17

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 13th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report: A Suitable Jacket

This month's status report is about suits, including blazers and suit jackets. Since I work in perpetually casual Silicon Valley, I don't actually own a suit -- check out The Oatmeal's hilariously accurate depiction of the differences between wearing a suit to work on the East Coast of the U.S. and the West Coast.

However, being a fancy-pants goth gal, I tend to dress a little more formally than my coworkers, and I have lots of suit jackets. Today, I wanted to feature one with a few twists on the ordinary.

First, this blazer is made of stretch denim, so it has a more casual vibe. Second, it has romantic belled sleeves. While I'm sure this was intended as a casual, weekend-wear piece, I love pairing this jacket with work-wear, dressing it up for a "suit" that fits in with both the Valley's mellow attitude and my own aesthetic.

Do you wear suits or suit jackets to work? Share your status report in the comments!

What I'm wearing: Dark grey jacket, Newport News | Black sheath dress, Target | Black stripe lace stockings, unknown brand | Purple suede pumps, Aerosoles | Black bat necklace, Walgreens | Black & purple crystal dangly earrings, random accessory store

CorpGoth Status Report: Suits You

Subject: Let's get a little formal -- show off your classic CorpGoth style with an outfit featuring a blazer or suit jacket. You could wear a complete suit, if you like.

Due Date: Monday, September 15 to Wednesday, September 17

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 15th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

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

CorpGoth Status Report: Stripes! Plaid! Dots!

Subject: Time for a wacky office outfit report. Show off a work-appropriate ensemble that features stripes, plaid, or dots. Or any combo. Or all three. Your call!

Due Date: Monday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 22

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 18th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report: Summer With eShakti

This month's "Summer in the Office" theme is the perfect opportunity to showcase this dress I got from eShakti. Full disclosure: The company actually offered me a freebie here & gave me a choice of products from its site, but I was not required to say anything specific about the product. I received the dress back in May & didn't get to blogging it now from a combination of my schedule & the right weather for this summer-y dress.

I've heard of eShakti long before -- in fact, one of my best friends is a big fan & always sends me links & coupons. I've pinned dresses to my CorpGoth board, but just hadn't bought yet. Well, I'm glad I got this dress, & I'm sure I'll buy a few on my own now! I went for the custom-fit option, which is quite nice because that means the bust, waist, & length are precisely my petite-plus size, something I struggle to find in stores.

For summer, this is a classic little black dress. It's a cotton poplin fabric with a touch of stretch, very comfortable & easy to wear (& hopefully easy to care for too). Garment construction appears well done with good finishes & a smooth working zipper. I found the wide neckline of this dress quite flattering. Being a PerkyGoth, I had to go for that touch of pink. Oh & the dress has pockets in the full skirt, super convenient!

But my office is freezing in summer due to the massive air-conditioning. Thus, I have to wear jackets & sweaters every day. With this dress, I added a lacey jacket that echos the vintage style.

What I'm wearing: Black summer dress with pink piping, eShakti | Black lace jacket, Macy's | Black lace tights, Target | Black two-strap pumps, Bandolino | Black bat necklace, Walgreens | Black with pink crystal Victorian-style earrings, random accessory store


How do you deal with summer in the office? Share your posts in the comments below!

 

CorpGoth Status Report: Summer in the Office

Subject: What does a working goth do when it's hot outside? Especially if the office AC is freezing? Or maybe you work in a typically humid environment that would melt makeup? Share your strategies for keeping cool while getting the job done.

Due Date: Monday, July 14 to Wednesday, July18

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 14th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

CorpGoth Status Report: My Little Cubicle

This month's theme is Desk Decor. Since I started a new job a few months ago, I've been slowly decorating my tiny workspace. There isn't much to it -- just a slightly open cubicle area with a computer, phone, filing cabinet, & whiteboard. The walls aren't full height, so I don't have a lot of space to post artwork.

But since I spend 40 hours a week there, I need to customize my work space somehow. I brought in a selection of framed photos of my husband & me (including a wedding photo), friends at costumed events, & my dear little kitties. For practicality with a little pizazz, I have a black coffee cup etched with a big skull & the words "Carpe Java," plus a refillable water bottle.

What does your office, cubicle, desk, or work space look like? How have you decorated it? Post on your blog, add the Status Report code, then share the link in comments below, any time this week!

CorpGoth Status Report: Desk Decor

Subject: Do you have a desk, work station, cubicle, or office? Do you work from home or at a big corporation? Wherever you spend time earning a living, have you customized the space? Show off your desk decor, whatever pictures, toys, & personalization you've done to liven up your workday.

Due Date: Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 20

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 16th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

Mid-Month Status Report: Just a Little Bit of Makeup

Makeup is one of those traditional elements of gothic fashion, much like wearing black, loving velvet, & stomping around in pointy toed boots. But the corporate work environment isn't conducive to painting yourself with deathly pale foundation, dramatic black eyeliner, & stark red lipstick ... or is it?

Well, I do a very simple version of goth makeup for the workday, partly to toe the company line, & partly because I have to get up freakishly early for my commute. I rarely wear foundation unless I feel like covering up a blemish (& this week, temperatures are over 90 degrees Fahrenheit so a full face of makeup would feel icky or just melt off). My standard work-week makeup is just black eyeliner & dark lipstick.

My favorite eyeliner is Nars Stylo. As I've said before, this felt-tip pen is easy to apply & lasts all day. I've abandoned all other liners for this one. On weekends or evenings, I can build it up for a thick cat-eye look that really stays put.

 My favorite lipstick is Chanel "Vamp." It's been discontinued for a while, & I have a few tubes stockpiled & carefully secured in a temperature-controlled location. I will cry when I run out (or when I open the next tube & realize it's gone all gross & useless!). Ok, maybe I won't cry because, really, I have a million lipsticks, I buy a new one every few months, I'm a totally junkie. Every time I pass Sephora & see a new dark-ish burgundy shade of lippie, I have to buy it. I cannot resist.

Ok, now it's your turn -- What makeup do you wear to the office? How does it differ from your weekend or extra goth makeup? Do you have favorite products? Any special tricks or techniques to share? Post any time this week, include the Monthly Report code in your blog, & share your link in the comments below!

no glasses, can barely see my eyeliner, just tons of freckles!

What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe knit sleeveless dress, Issac Mizrahi | Black pointy toed kitten-heeled shoes, Aldo | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black & white stripe bead earrings, Kohl's | Black eyeliner, Nars Stylo | Chanel "Vamp" lipstick

Plan for May's Status Report: Your Office Makeup Style

Don't forget, the Mid-Month Status Report is back for May. Here's the drill...
 
Subject: Makeup in the office. Do you wear any? What kind? How often? Show &/or tell about your makeup routine for the workday. Extra credit if you have product reviews, tutorials, or other useful tips for working girls (or guys even)!

Due Date: Monday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 16

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 12th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

The CorpGoth Status Report Is Back!

That's right! It's time to start filing those reports again. After a too-long hiatus, I'm bringing the Mid-Month Status Report back for May. Here goes...
 
Subject: Makeup in the office. Do you wear any? What kind? How often? Show &/or tell about your makeup routine for the workday. Extra credit if you have product reviews, tutorials, or other useful tips for working girls (or guys even)!

Due Date: Monday, May 12 to Wednesday, May 16

How to File Your Report:

1. Post to your blog on or around the due dates.

2. Include the following code in your post so the This Is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report graphic will display (if you're using Blogger or WordPress, switch to the 'HTML post' setting & then paste this code in):

<a href="http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/search/label/corpgoth%20status%20report"><img border="0" src="http://www.trystancraft.com/corpgoth/corpgothstatusreport.jpg" /></a>

3. Comment on my Monday the 12th post including your blog link.

4. Read everyone else's reports via their links in the comments!

Status Report: My Workaday Bag

For my current job, I work from home quite frequently, as I've mentioned here before. But when I do go into the office, I have to bring my laptop & a lot of gear. So my work bag is, by necessity, a giant backpack.

It's not sexy or stylish, but it gets the job done. It's the only bag I owned that was big enough to hold the extra-long MacBook Pro the company gave me! This laptop wouldn't fit in my other (prettier) laptop bag.

Also, since I work on the laptop itself in the office instead of docking it to a monitor, I have a wireless keyboard & mouse, which I also carry around. Plus a backup drive, my notebook, my phone, wallet, & miscellaneous personal stuff. So yeah, I need a big bag!

What I'm wearing:
Grey sheath dress, Target
Black & pink stripe sweater, Macy's
Black tights, Calvin Klein
Black & grey pumps, Target
Black, gunmetal, & rhinestone choker, random accessory store
Black & pearl drop earrings, random accessory store
Prescription sunglasses, ZenniOptical.com
Chanel "Vamp" lipstick
Yahoo! backpack, Targus

All this goes in that bag!

What kind of bag do you carry to work or school? Share in the comments below.