Don't Forget - The August 1 Theme Tomorrow!

Just a reminder that the August 1 Hats and Fascinators theme day is tomorrow, August 1, beginning at midnight Pacific Time. I will leave the Linky open for 48 hours to give everyone more time to get their posts linked up. However, remember that the earlier you link up, the more people will see your post! :)

Get the complete details and rules.

Monthly Blog Round-Up for July

Continuing my new monthly Blogger Appreciation posts, here are some of my favorites from July (in no particular order).

• Hexotica has been totally wowing us lately with her newest creations; especially her breathtaking Bridal Tiaras.  If you see Gothy wedding bells in your near future, you absolutely have to have one of these.  If not, how about her equally gorgeous Victorian Spats?
• Check out this incredibly cute DIY project by Gothically Yours: A Moss Terrarium
• Flummoxed shared an excerpt from this article regarding some interesting Myths About Introverts (originally by Carl King).  I am one, and I can attest that these myths are definitely just that, and the truths revealed in the article are pretty much spot-on!  I highly recommend the book that inspired this article: The Introvert Advantage.
• Siouxsie Law shared the Facebook page for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. I second her sentiments; you simply must check out their page and "like" it to show support for this wonderful organization. She also provides a link for more information if you are not already familiar with Sophie's story and the mission of the foundation. 
• Neverending Playlist of a Psycho composed a very well thought-out article on blog marketing, including some excellent tips on adding value to your comments. 
• Last but not least, Kitty Lovett of Bloggery of a Gothcat has announced her plan to dress in Victorian fashion every day throughout 2012!  While I wouldn't be able to commit to join her in such an undertaking, I am hoping many of you will so I can watch from the sidelines.  I plan to do several Victorian themed posts in tribute to Kitty's dedication through the year.

Purple Lace and Stretchy Pants

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My husband once went to the mall without me (scandalous, isn't it?) and had the nerve to come home with a camera phone photo of this top, which he thought I would like. So of course I marched him right back to the Wet Seal the next day so he could buy it for me. :-D Wet Seal is pretty unpredictable, in that they can have a whole wall of really cute stuff one week and a whole store loaded with ugliness the next.

I wore this outfit for a typical Friday full of errands.  Here you can see a pair of my homemade arm warmers in action, although they are worn strictly for sun protection in this outfit! No warming needed this weekend, that's for sure! The cross is from Shrine Hollywood, and I wore my hair in my new braided chignon style.  I didn't know whether it would work with my glasses, but I really liked the result.

What are you guys doing this weekend?

The First Person Who Says Anything About "Blue Velvet…"

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Here’s hoping no one really remembers that old song. Although I do, which is a bit strange since the song is 10 years older than I am… Anyway, yes I AM wearing a blue velvet blazer. And as much as I love it in person, I have to admit I love it even more in the photos. The way the studio lights accent it so perfectly, and it really pops against the grey background.

I was desperately tempted to pair this with either the tiered mesh maxi skirt from Macy’s or my black Target pencil skirt, but I resisted since those seem to be my major go-to skirts this summer. Trying to keep the variety up, but this fashion blogging thing isn’t as easy as it might seem sometimes!! :) I am pretty happy with the sheer skirt that I chose, and the whole thing doesn’t seem as top-heavy as I expected it to. When I wear a very lightweight skirt, I tend to think that a top made from heavy fabric will seem unbalanced. But the velvet is fairly lightweight, and it does have short sleeves… Any thoughts on that from my awesome readers?

Upcoming Theme Event at Still Dark @ Heart: Movie Monday!

One of my favorite bloggers, Sal of Still Dark @ Heart, is hosting a blog event on August 15! The theme is Movie Monday, and the idea is to post something related to movies, including but not limited to an outfit post inspired by your favorite movie or show.

Check out Still Dark @ Heart for all the details, and mark your calendars for August 15. I'll be participating, for sure!!

PS: Don't forget the Sophistique Noir theme for August 1: Hats and Fascinators! :)

Yes, More Grey

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This grey top was on sale at Forever 21 for like $6. Awesome deal! I thought I would love it more with these pants...  I like the combo, but I think next time I'll pair it with a black pencil skirt. And it would help if I didn't let the edge of the belt flap around loose.  :)  I had some Fashion Tape holding it down, but it gave out throughout the day. That's what happens when I take my photographs after 11 hours at work, instead of before heading out in the morning!

I absolutely love this necklace from New York & Company, even though the beads are plastic. It's a fine line with plastic beads; sometimes the work (usually they don't) and I think they work here. I do plan to shorten the necklace a bit, as it is ridiculously long on my little 5' 3" body.


What kind of accessories do you prefer: petite and delicate, or chunky “statement” pieces?

Cruising and Freezing

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I'm pretty certain that this summer is going to cause me to lose my mind. One day, Southern CA is 100 degrees and humid, the next it's almost chilly during the day and freezing cold at night.  And it's nearly August. I never know how to dress any more!!

We headed out to a tiny car show last weekend, then did some cruising around town with a couple of other cars and some really awesome people. I wore an outfit very similar to what I wore for the recent rat rod show, with the exact same top in a very different color . I added lace fingerless gloves and a necklace. The skirt is similar also, but I like this one much better. More about it in one of my previous posts from way back! So glad I brought the blazer again (yes, same blazer as the last car show), although long sleeves would have been nice! I ended up wearing Mr. Kitty's Dickies jacket for the last hour of the evening!

I invented another fun center-part hair style. This one also requires the use of synthetic hairpieces (unless you have short, thick hair and are okay with lots of teasing). I used the Glamarama pieces by Dancing with the Stars. I find this highly amusing, as I am pretty sure they never thought their products would appeal to Goths and they certainly didn't intend for TWO to be used at once. Let me proudly state now that I never have seen and never will see that show, and would almost be ashamed of myself for buying into their gimmicks... But I look at it like this: capitalist gimmick or not, if it benefits me I win in the end. And I used Sally Beauty coupons for them, so double-win! :)  The style is simple: just create two high pigtails, wrap them into buns, and clip these hairpieces on top of the buns!

Wow: Can it Get any Hotter???

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You guessed it: I complained about the long winter and the slow start to summer, and now I’m complaining about the heat! I should have actually complained about the total lack of a spring, as that is my favorite season and what we were deprived of this year. Basically we went straight from bitter cold wind to 105.

This is my best effort to survive in such conditions. Wearing as little as is decent and becoming on a woman of my age. The strapless top is from Forever 21. Of course, they called it a corset due to its styling, but we all know it’s just a strapless top with corset styling. :) Two strips of plastic boning and some hooks in the front do not comprise the real thing. But it is a wonderful little top for hot days.

The skirt is from a random mall store. I think. I honestly don’t remember on this one. But it is sheer, has three tiers and drapes lower in the back (my favorite!). I usually wear pettipants instead of slips, as they are a safer choice when the wind is blowing. I even went without stockings of any kind due to the heat. That is very rare for me… The hair today is just two side buns.

Lately I’ve been noticing that Owl Mania has hit. It seems like the accessory department of just about every store currently has at least one specimen on display. I never thought I would fall victim to this trend, until this little guy begged me to take him home. What’s his great appeal, above all other owls? Simple: he looks like Prometheus. Fluffy and grey, with big eyes and stripes on his forehead. Yep, just like Prometheus!

Do you ever see things that remind you of your pets in silly ways?

Theme for August 1: Hats/Fascinators

The theme for August 1 is: Hats/Fascinators

Thanks to my dear friend Rachel of Rachel's Cupcake Chronicles for this suggestion!!

Be sure to come back on August 1 and submit your post.  It can be photos of yourself wearing a hat or fascinator, or any inspiring images you find online.  Just be sure to cite your source if borrowing photos from other sites.  :)

How It Works
On the first day of each month, I will post my theme post with the Mr. Linky sign-up form at the bottom. You can link to any post you’ve done that day or previously, as long as it matches the theme. Be sure to add the icon to your post, and link your post to mine using the

You can post your theme post earlier than the first of the month, or link to an old post, but you must add it to Mr. Linky on Day 1 of the month. You can’t post it after the first of the month, as I will close the Mr. Linky sign-up form on the second of each month so I don’t have to continue monitoring them for spam. :)

You don't have to participate every single month. Feel free to join in whenever you wish. Just be sure you get your post linked before the second day of the month!

Also, let’s keep the posts appropriate for all ages, in terms of both language and imagery. Thanks!! :)

Posts that are linked up without including the icon will be removed from Mr. Linky.

HTML for the icon: (The icon and the HTML will remain the same each month)

<a href="http://www.sophistiquenoir.com/search/label/Monthly%20Themes"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQ249TqTbcQqDIMNEFn4-i86sH_mCPygLy8joT6s5mRPOVlTNR98J9pLIzKwuhO6z5rTM-DSHBDax9ecdw0DTsO0yZR2PrUlCoOMVpQxHdOACZjKezy3z8A-S8fjktvIPftUD-6eXu4U/s1600/monthly-theme-icon.jpg" border="0"></a>

Please pass this invitation on to any bloggers you know who might be interested, and feel free to share the announcement on your blogs.  Of course, it's a good idea to follow my blog to be sure you don't miss any of the themes.  ;)

Questions? E-mail me!

Want to Suggest a Theme?
Leave a comment on any post at any time, or e-mail me. If I use your suggestion, I will credit you on my theme post for that month and in the theme announcement the week before.  No promises that I will use every suggestion, because the themes have to be things that I would be able to do a post about.  For example, I don't own a pair of cowboy boots, so that's out.  ;)

Want to participate in the Monthly Theme? Here's how:

1. Add the Monthly Theme icon to your blog post (copy the code below and paste into your post using the Edit HTML feature):
   
   <a href="http://www.sophistiquenoir.com/search/label/Monthly%20Themes"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQ249TqTbcQqDIMNEFn4-i86sH_mCPygLy8joT6s5mRPOVlTNR98J9pLIzKwuhO6z5rTM-DSHBDax9ecdw0DTsO0yZR2PrUlCoOMVpQxHdOACZjKezy3z8A-S8fjktvIPftUD-6eXu4U/s1600/monthly-theme-icon.jpg" border="0"></a>
   
2. Paste the URL to your post using the Mister Linky box at the bottom of my August 1 post.
   Please use a direct link to your relevant post, NOT a link to your blog’s home page.
   
3. Visit all of the other participants who have entered, and show them you appreciate their theme posts!

Monochrome Reflections, Climbing Up the Walls... *

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I have to admit, I've been going through a phase of very low morale at work. As a diligent employee with an intensely strong work ethic, this phase has not affected my job performance... But my will to rise in the morning, and especially to dress up nicely for the work day, has been completely obliterated. I'll get over it; I've worked at the same place for 10 years and it's happened before (for even better reasons than this time) and it passes with time. In the interim, I feel like my work outfit posts have fallen victim to my lack of enthusiasm. Since we bloggers share so much of our daily lives, I suppose this little phase will round things out around here nicely. :)

I thought grey was the perfect color to reflect my current state of mind as an employee. Check out the close-up of the pattern on this skirt from Spiegel. It's quite lovely, and a bit cheerful even in monochrome.

Don't get me wrong; I do like this outfit. But I can admit that it is not amongst my most exciting stylistic choices, particularly with its limited accessories. I actually prefer the skirt paired with a purple top, as I did for one of my Color Brigade outfits.

* Today's post title comes from the song Monochrome, by Covenant.  :)

What do you think of Grey for one of the upcoming One-Day Themes?

Off to the Nail Salon

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Yes, you can see from the photos that I took these before I went for a fill, as I have no polish on. This skirt was originally a maxi, but I didn't think it hung very nicely with that thick, stiff ruffle near the bottom. When I feel discontent with a skirt, out come the safety pins and I mock up some modifications until I find one I like. In this case, it was gathering up the front of the skirt and stitching it in place. About five minutes later, I had a fun skirt that bounces around playfully when I walk and hugs my hips, rather than a shapeless tube that looked far too heavy around the calves.

The cool legs you see here are a combination of black tights and these awesome stockings that are like giant fishnets. I don't remember where they came from, as I've had them for at least a decade. I don't care much for the giant mesh stockings on their own, as the contrast is too much, but with the opaque layer underneath I think it's a lovely, subtle effect. Next time, I'd like to try them with gray tights underneath.

The lovely medallion pendant thingie is from Dillard's. I added the braided trim that it's hanging from, and I made the choker from some fancier trim. I also made the shrug from heavy swimsuit fabric, using an old sweater shrug as a pattern. Funny how the thumb holes came about... Originally they did not exist, but I sewed the bottom several inches of the extra-long sleeves a bit too tight and when I was pulling them on and off the first few times. I popped the seams! The holes landed in just the right place, so I just adjusted them a bit, reinforced around them and pretended it was all intentional.

Yep, quite a lot of DIY in this outfit!! Oh, and a cat! Prometheus missed you all, so he popped in to the studio to say hello.  Actually, he was there first and I popped into the studio and was about to kick him out; hence the irritable look on his face.  :)

LOL, Prometheus!  Couldn't you at least TRY to look happy?  ;-D

Per Mary's request, here are links to more about this hair style and a rear view (sorta). :) Also a link to where I purchase some of my hairpieces can be found in my Magic Hair Tutorial.

Not-So-Great Car Show, Dinner and a Club

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We took a chance on a show we’d never been to before. We drove over an hour, only to get there and find that half the cars had left early and the other half were mostly rat rods (after my husband had said repeatedly throughout the drive, “I hope it’s not just all rat rods…”). Then the gang bangers showed up, and while I admired the zero-tolerance policy the Rockabilly guys were clearly demonstrating, we didn’t want to hang around and witness the enforcement of said policy. I think we were only at the show a total of 20 minutes.

Since the car show was more or less a bust, we had a nice dinner together and hung around in Hollywood until the clubs opened. So this actually turned out to be a club outfit as well as a car show outfit. Much dancing happened, which was very needed after the wonderful dinner we stuffed ourselves with.

This makeup looks strange to me...  But maybe it's just because
I'm not used to seeing me with my eyes closed!  :)

I revisited my new braided chignon/center part hairstyle that I had invented for my Beads post, adding a few additional pins and hairspray to keep everything in place longer. After nearly 12 hours everything still looked exactly as it did when I finished styling it, with zero minutes of maintenance throughout the day/evening. Yes, I love this style.  Jewelry is non-existent in this outfit, due to the extreme heat!  I didn't want to fuss with extra stuff sticking to me all day.

I grabbed a blazer on the way out the door, as we had to stop by my office on the way to the show. Even though it was a Saturday, you never know who might be lurking in the building… Good thing, too, since one of my co-workers had dropped in to do a little office decorating, and she had family with her.  Not that they would mind, but I tend to not like to show so much skin around colleagues' children!!  :-D

Mauve Top; Take Two

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Based on the wonderful suggestions of my readers, I revisited the infamous Mauve Top we recently discussed. I heeded your advice and tried the top with skinny black jeans, all-black accessories and without the shrug. I am much happier with this look, as I'm sure you all will be too.

As I mentioned before, I love this length because I like to wear my skinny jeans or close-fitting skirts to work occasionally (although I normally rebel and dress fancy for Jeans Thursday).  This sort of top covers the areas I might not feel comfortable flaunting in tight bottoms at work.

Actually if I wear this top again, I'll use this look but probably add the shrug back in. Either way, this top just barely squeaked by with a “keep.” However, when I find some lovely new things and need to make room in the closet, it will probably be one of the first things to go. I'll be sure to get some use out of it in the meantime. Maybe knowing its day's are numbered will make me appreciate it more for a little while. ;)

Ivory and Black Lace

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I've been trying not to buy much clothing lately, but I had an Amazon reward card and there really wasn't anything I was dying to use it on... Then I found that Spiegel was offering this tiered lace skirt on Amazon, so this was the perfect use for my card! I'm a bit disappointed in the quality of the lace. It's a very lightweight stretch lace, which means the little elastic threads in it will start to fray in no time... Good thing I got this skirt practically for free! It will be a lovely and romantic (albeit short-term) part of my wardrobe while it lasts.

I adore this top, but can't remember where I got it. Usually I have a pretty photographic memory for such things, but sometimes I forget. And I have to cut the tags out of almost everything I buy, as they usually irritate my skin. Anyway, wherever it came from, I think this top pairs beautifully with the skirt to create a perfect Romanti-Corp-Goth look for work.

Determined to Avoid Bra Strap Tan Lines This Summer!

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I'm bringing out all the strapless and halter tops I own for the weekends this summer. Every year I end up with bra strap tan lines even if I'm wearing tops with covered shoulders. I guess a little sun still seeps through the fabric, but not the straps underneath. Yuck! Hopefully this year will turn out better if I avoid “standard” straps altogether. We won't go into my hatred of strapless bras here, but I will try to find some creative solutions!

Adding the shrug and sleeves, as shown below, makes this outfit more elegant for evening but also provides a bit more sun protection for daytime errands.

Skirt Hem Before Ruching Alteration

I made this skirt myself years ago from some stretchy burn-out velvet fabric I bought at a fabric outlet for practically nothing. The skirt was simple – I just measured the widest part of my lower body and cut two straight panels slightly wider than that measurement and long enough to go from waist to ankle. Sewed the two panels together down the long sides, sewed elastic in the waistband, and zig-zagged the bottom so it wouldn't fray. I really loved the end result, except the length. Being so narrow, it didn't look proportional being so long. So half-way through this photo shoot I ruched the bottom 8 inches or so on both side seams. You can see the “Before” in the photo above, and the “After” in the photo below.

Skirt Hem After Ruching Alteration

The strapless top is from random mall store. The choker and beaded necklace were made by me, and the cross pendant is a relic from my earliest Goth days in high school!  As a special treat today, I deviated from my normal daytime weekend make-up style and went with solid eyeliner all the way around, no eyeshadow and red lipstick.  I love it as a classic, almost vintage change of pace.

The elastic in this strapless top is too tight! 
I might have to find a way to alter it, or get rid of it.  :(

Summer Sleeveless, Office-Goth Style

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I've been moved into a different office at work, in an area where I'm the coolest-blooded person around. So this summer I will be accessorizing my sleeveless tops with sweaters, I guess! This outfit is from last week, back when I was enjoying my temperate and quiet old office...

And above is a cute sweater that I would wear with this top for cold summer office days. :)

I paired this outfit with the vintage brooch that used to belong to my husband's mother, and some glass pearl bracelets. Someone must have messed up at Forever 21, because I got the lighter pearls there and they are actually glass, not plastic. And they were a whole $1.50 for the set of three. Sadly, the matching necklace was plastic, so I didn't buy it. :( I made the darker pearl bracelets myself from Swarovski glass pearls: I just strung them on some elastic line.

Mauve Top – Keep or Toss?

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Last time we played Keep It or Toss It, you guys voted to Keep It. I have another one for you. This stretchy lace top is comfy, but it’s very cheap and the color is a bit fussy for me. I tried adding a black cami, shrug and wide belt to break up the mauviness, but I’m still not sure about it. I think it strips every bit of Goth out of my look; even too much so for a work day! The only thing I think I like about it (other than the fact that it’s lace) is the length. It could help conceal a skirt or pants that would otherwise be a bit snug for work…

Purple satin skirt from Bebe is definitely a keeper. I love the four big buttons on the kick pleat. This skirt wrinkles terribly after an hour or so of sitting at my desk, but it’s worth it. I thought maybe a fabulous skirt would make me like the top more, but I don’t think it worked.

The Swarovski heart necklace is a gift from my husband. I made the semi-matching bracelet using Swarovski components from the craft store.


So, what are your thoughts on the mauve top? Should I get rid of it, or does it work?