Wednesday, June 4, 2014

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




Tuesday, June 3, 2014

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




Monday, June 2, 2014

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

Friday, May 30, 2014

Gothic Martha Stewart explains slipcovering furniture

Do you have a second-hand couch or chair that came with unpleasantly pale upholstery? When you can't afford a new piece of furniture and ripping off the current upholstery feels like too daunting of a task, slipcovering can be the solution to a more elegantly dark decor.

In my Gothic Martha Stewart tutorial, I discuss several methods of slipcovering, from simple to complicated. You can start by just throwing a piece of fabric over the offending furniture. This has pros and cons. It's cheap, fast, & easy. But it's messy because this kind of slipcover doesn't stay put on the furniture very firmly.

For a more fitted slipcover, you'll want to sew. Most commercial pattern books have patterns for slightly fitted slipcovers. These are a good start, & they're usually fitted over part of the back &/or arms of a sofa or chair.

For the ultimate slipcover, you'll need to custom-fit one to your specific piece of furniture. While that make seem daunting, it's less tedious than re-upholstery & will give a totally new look. Read more about slipcovering furniture, & see my burgundy velveteen slipcovered couch.

What I'm wearing: Pink patterned cardigan, Chadwicks | Black sleeveless knit top with ruffled neckline, Michael Kors | Black skirt, NY & Company | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black flats, Aerosoles | Dark grey & pink pearl necklace, Salamanca Designs | Gunmetal hoop earrings, random accessory store



Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Deceptively Not Summer

Close followers of this blog (are you out there?) might notice that photos show me wearing tights, sweaters, jackets, & such, even tho' it's almost June and summer on it's way in the Northern Hemisphere. In fact, Silicon Valley has experienced a number of mini-heat waves recently, with 90-degree temperatures. But I keep wearing cardigans & blazers, along with tights.

Sure, part of it is the goth thing -- I wear black tights year round. But mostly, it's because my new job's office building is COLD!!! Classic corporate overly air conditioned. Worse than most places I've worked. I rarely take my sweater or jacket off when I'm inside.

Do you work in a building with a totally different temperature than outdoors? How do you cope?


What I'm wearing: Black & white stripe knit jacket, Nordstrom | Black T-shirt, Old Navy | Grey corduroy skirt, Newport News | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black wedge T-strap shoes, Kenneth Cole | Pewter & brass necklace, local artisan

Monday, May 26, 2014

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

Friday, May 23, 2014

Friday Five: Body Time

1. What is one thing about your body that you hate?
My skin. At 45, I still get acne. It's not terrible (I don't really *hate* it), but it's annoying.

2. What is one thing about your body that you love?
My legs. Strong & capable of walking for miles.

3. If you had to change one thing about your body, what would it be and why?
I'd be able to wear contact lenses comfortably & with good vision because I'm tired of trying contacts & having them fail. I'd like the option not to wear glasses all the time, especially when I dress up.

4. What is one word that you would use to define yourself?
Independent.

5. Imagine what you would look like in a perfect world -- what do you look like?
Perfectly clear, smooth, porcelain skin. No glasses, excellent vision. Long, wavy hair that's either naturally black or red & can take color easily. Three inches taller. Feet one size smaller & a natural B width. Eh, you know, all the stuff I can't do a damn thing about ;-)

Questions culled from The Friday Five on LiveJournal.

What I'm wearing: Black sheath dress, Target | Black & purple stripe cardigan, Old Navy | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black flats, Aerosoles | Silver & amethyst earrings, gift from a friend