This Blog has Moved!

My blog is now located on my own server at www.SophistiqueNoir.com! This location will no longer be updated, so be sure to head over to the link above.

Anyone who's already subscribed (before July 21, 2012) through Google Friend Connect (GFC) and/or Google Reader will automatically get my posts from the new blog. You don't have to do anything. :)

New subscribers, unfortunately GFC doesn't support WordPress (my new blog system) but you can still subscribe to my blog using Google Reader by clicking this link. Select "Google" from the drop-down at the top of the page, then click "Subscribe Now."

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

A Quick Hello

Hello, dear friends in Blogland!

I just wanted to take a moment to say hello and let you know I'm not out of the blog scene just yet.  ;)  As I've mentioned before, adjusting to the new job and the new commute has been incredibly challenging.  Add in a whole slew of things going on this summer and I find I barely even have time to check Facebook once or twice a week!  Much less take great outfit photos and create quality blog posts.  I don't want to squeeze blogging in at the expense of quality, so I've just had to take a little break while I catch my breath.

Mr. Kitty and I recently started a Google Calendar to help us keep track of all of the craziness life has been throwing at us, and to help us evaluate what we really want to be doing and what is just taking up time that could be spend in more valuable ways.  I think it has given us a new perspective, and helped us see when we are not leaving enough time for ourselves.  And when we are double-booking, which was starting to happen a lot because we weren't looking at the same calendar before...  ;)

My semi-hiatus from blogging will likely continue for a few more weeks, as I have decided to finally make the switch from Blogger to WordPress!  The process has been more difficult that I expected, but will be worth it in the end.  WordPress offers a version that can be installed on my own server, truly giving me full control and ownership of my blog.  As a professional Web designer/developer, I feel this makes the most sense for me.  All of my photos will be stored on my own server, not Google's servers, I can automate backups instead of having to remember to do so regularly, and modifying my blog design and composing posts will be faster and simpler.  The bottom line is, I can have a better blog, and it will be easier to run.  Best of all, I should be able to migrate my Google Friend Connect over to the new blog, so those of you who are following me should experience a seamless transition.  I hope.  ;)

I am devoting some time this weekend to perusing (and commenting on) the blogs of all the dear online friends I've made since starting Sophistique Noir.  I've missed reading your posts even more than I've missed creating posts of my own.

See you soon!  :-D

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Casual Pin-Up Goth

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It's a holiday!!  That means I'm finally taking a break from thinking about nothing but work and breaking out a fun "weekend" outfit.  Today’s polka dot halter top from Venus needed some minor alterations (so much for their consistent sizing), but it turned out to be a wonderful buy. This is the perfect summer piece because it is made from a very lightweight fabric. I love the vintage flair it gets from the dots and the halter styling.

Whenever I want my look to go more vintage, I use flesh-toned stockings (or fishnets) rather than black. They lend more variety to my wardrobe and keep me from getting in a boring uber-Goth rut. :) This look also calls for true red lipstick, such as this one from Mary Kay called “Red.” I was totally sold on the color, but I find this lipstick to be quite dry.  It's my only Mary Kay lipstick purchase so far, so I don't know if their entire line is dry or if I just got a bad one.

This is kinda what I think Goth would have looked like if it had started in the 40s rather than the late 70s. Crosses, jet-black long hair, and bold eyeliner with elegant, mostly-black clothing in very feminine styles.

This cross came from Shrine Hollywood, and the bracelet is from Macy’s.

What by-gone era influences you the most in terms of fashion?

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Red & Black Week 2012 Recap

You ladies (and a couple of gentlemen!) really pulled out all the stops for Second Annual Red & Black Week.  I simply can't express how pleased I am with the enthusiasm this event garnered amongst our little community!

It's such a shame that Mr. Linky died in the final hours of the event.  This was beyond my control, as Linky is a paid service I use.  They have the system back up and running now, so if you missed getting your Day 6 post linked up, please let me know.

And now, the results!

We had a total of 62 participants this year; an incredible increase over last year's 28 participants.

Altogether, we posted 218 posts.  12 of us posted for all six days of the event.  8 people posted five out of six, and 7 people posted on four out of six days. Our biggest single day was Day Two with 41 entries.

Topics covered included fashion, jewelry, makeup, nails, crafts, flowers, books, poetry, photography, video games, home decor, music videos, nightclubs, cars, hair care products, camping gear, drawings, paintings, food, toys, pets and more!

In case you missed anything, check out all of the Red & Black Posts.

As promised, here is a list of everyone who participated throughout the week, along with links to their blogs.  These are listed in the order in which they first posted, starting with Day One.

1. VictorianKitty of Sophistique Noir
2. Kraven Hellbeast of Meanwhile in Pandaemonium
3. Amy of Gothica
4. Jean of all Trades
5. kakuidori of o.O 
6. Nightshade of thepurplebroom
7. SaryWalrus of The Walrus Room
8. Lesthi of Lesthi's Blog
9. Pixel Pixie of Cuz I Said Sew
10. Lynoire of Milking the Rolling Cow
11. Siouxsie Law
12. Madam Noire of Makeup Madness
13. Jess Thai of Rabbit Library
14. VavaBeeb of VavaBeeb Through the Looking Glass
15. Amy Asphodel of Stripy Tights and Dark Delights
16. Smashed Doll of Thoughts of a Smashed Doll 
17. Xanthy of My life as a fairy princess
18. Le Professeur Gothique 
19. Linnea-maria
20. Mr. Kitty of Wheels are Everything
21. Twisted Princess of Darkling Dreams
22. Blackblood of Blood is the New Black
23. Mindless of Mindless Indulgence
24. Sabayon of Ruffles Not Diets
25. Sophie of BelfryBatz
26. Leena of Luurankoja kaapissa
27. Electrobat of Dark Entries
28. Bixie Willow of Goth to Goth
29. Sophie of The Dark Functionary
30. The Heartsless Witch
31. Jamie of Geeky Goth Girl
32. Gothbarbie of Military Fashion Show
33. Lady Bethezda of Bethezda's Preoccupations
34. Cris of Secret Diary of a Closet Goth
35. Countess Audronasha of Gothically Yours
36. Meagan Kyla of Coffin Kitsch 
37. Far Away Girl of Over the Mountains and Far Away 
38. Sheridan of The Zombie Moshpit
39. Cirque de Beaute
40. Crazy Nigel of lil' bit
41. Katelynn of Life of a Babybat
42. Trystan of This is CorpGoth
43. Unlacing the Victorians
44. Alicia of yunxheexpyong
45. Ms. Lou of The Neo-Victorian Parlour
46. Bane of GIY: Goth it Yourself
47. Sal K. of Still Dark @ Heart
48. Housecat of Domesticated
49. Saskia of Catacomb Kitten
50. Caitlin of Diary of a Girly Nerd
51. Dani DeathBiscuit of Confessions of an Australian Goth 
52. The Cemetery Dreamer
53. The Everyday Goth
54. Prunio
55. Merrihel Wednesday of Style and Graphite
56. Marmalade Marionette
57. traicetrak of The Airstepper's Adventure
58. ette of Be old, be new, be different!
59. Christopher Courtley of Courtley Manor
60. Daughter of the Jaded Era
61. Katelyn of The Bat Cave
62. Mistress Mystral of Mustaa Pitsia

Please let me know if you find any errors or omissions in this list.  I'm human!  ;)

Honorary Participant Number 63:
As a little bonus, here is the youngest participant ever in Red & Black Week!  This little darling is a relative of mine who apparently really loved our theme.  Someday, I will buy her a fabulous pair of shoes to go with that dress!

Thanks for a great week, everyone!  I can't wait for June 2013 so we can do it again.  In the meantime, stay tuned for my monthly one-day themes, which will resume July 1.

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Red & Black Week, Day 6: A Night at the Pantages

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This is it!  Day 6, and the conclusion of an amazing week of Red & Black Gothy Blogging!  Show us what you've got for the grand finale, and be sure to check back tomorrow for a recap of everyone who participated.

Questions about this theme? Visit the Red & Black Week Rules and FAQs or e-mail me.

In the interest of full disclosure, please be aware that I had to recreate this look. :) The event I actually wore it to took place on October 31, 2010, before I had even dreamed up my blog. But I kept remembering it when I was contemplating this year's Red & Black Week...

The big event was the final night of Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. I managed to turn my dad into a Phantom fan when I took him to see it at the Pantages back in 1999. When he heard in 2010 it was closing down for good, he was determined to attend one of the final performances. Dad, Mr. Kitty an I actually went twice in one week; once sitting front-row center, then again five nights later about half-way back for the final performance. It was an amazing experience. And one of the only times I've gone out in an evening gown and actually NOT looked out of place.

This gown is by Jessica McClintock, who I suppose you could say is my favorite designer for formal wear. The dress I wore for the first Movie Monday was also from her line (sadly, I had to retire that dress after that wearing), and I have one other that you'll see sometime soon.

The necklace and earrings were from a random no-name accessory store in the mall, back when I lived in Burbank. My wrap was just a long piece of tulle, right off of the bolt. I suppose I could've at least sewed some trim on it, but who has the time?

This August, we hope to go see the "modified" version of Phantom currently running in Vegas* before it closes in September. Mom's not into the theatre at all, so I guess she's staying home petsitting. ;)

* Blech -I hate everything about Vegas... but what's a fan girl to do?

Want to participate in Red & Black Week? Here's how:

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Red & Black Week, Day 5: Contrast

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I must apologize for not getting to comment yet on everyone's posts from yesterday. It was a very challenging day at work, and I just needed to rest when I finally got home. I promise tonight I will read and comment on all the posts from both yesterday and today. So keep them coming!

Questions about this theme? Visit the Red & Black Week Rules and FAQs or e-mail me.

I bought this corset ages ago (as in, not even this century), before I knew much (as in anything) about the importance of quality in corsetry. Naturally, the plastic boning in this thing bends and bulges in very unflattering ways and is getting worse over time. Still, it's very durable for an inexpensive piece, and I love the drama of it, so I'll probably hang onto it until it starts to wear out.

I think pretty much every Goth girl has a corset similar to this one, so I'm definitely not winning any points for originality today! I hope my necklace by Artwith Latex can make up for that! This was the first piece I ordered from them (I've since acquired a choker/bracelet set), after seeing an ad in Gothic Beauty magazine. All of their pieces are amazing, and the creation process sounds like a true art form. The only problem is the necklace tends to shift gradually as I move my head throughout the evening, so I hold the center part in place with a tiny piece of fashion tape.

Today's makeup is inspired by the work of Madame Noire. I often wear red in the crease, but I tried blending more black into it for this look. These photos are from last weekend, and naturally this week Ms. Noire did a tutorial on a more subtle use of red shadow, which I like much better than my heavy application. I love very heavy makeup in dark clubs, but next time I want a more versatile red shadow look, I'll be using her tips for sure!

Want to participate in Red & Black Week? Here's how:

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Red & Black Week, Day 4: Ruching and Pleating

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Welcome to Red & Black Week Day 4 of 6!  We're halfway there, ladies!  :) We've had an astonishing number of participants so far! But I'm not going to reveal how many yet. I'll save the surprise for my Post-Red & Black Week Wrap-Up this Saturday!

If anyone missed their chance to link up their posts from yesterday due to the brief Mr. Linky malfunction, let me know and I will be sure to add you manually. I know some of you are dedicated to participating every day of the event, and I don't want anyone to miss out if they had something planned!

Questions about this theme? Visit the Red & Black Week Rules and FAQs or e-mail me.

Maybe I should've called this Ruche & Black Week.  ;)  What can I say; that's my absolute favorite clothing detail ever.  I have tons of ruched sleeves, bodices and skirts.  This strapless satin top is interesting in the fact that I think it's the only strapless top I've ever seen that buttons up the front.  It also has a cute little sash, which I prefer to just wrap around the back (using the built-in belt loops) than all the way around.  Someday I'll try it with a black sash, which I think would look cute tied in a bow in the front.

This top is another perfect color match for my all-time favorite red and black shoes!  I recently grabbed the asymmetrical sheer pleated skirt from Ross.  Yeah, I went from being a Ross hater to a total Ross groupie.  But I can't resist a skirt that's longer in the back than in the front!  I'm pretty sure we Goths invented that, despite the fact that it actually seems to be extremely popular suddenly...

You might remember this cross from one of my Red & Black Week outfits in 2011. I'm wearing red rhinestone stud earrings, too, although they pretty much look black in the photos.

I was experimenting with grey makeup in preparation for my new job...  I wore it darker here than I have been to work, to make it more evening-appropriate, but I wanted to see how the color looked on me, and make sure it didn't irritate my lids. I've had a lot of allergic reactions to eye shadows, which is why I usually stick with either Ben Nye or Bare Minerals. This one is by the latter, and as usual this brand was safe for me. However, I decided that it had a bit too much sparkle in it, since I wanted to pair it with a shimmery pink, so I'll be on the hunt for a matte grey next time I'm at the one store I know of that actually sells Ben Nye (other than online, but I like to see makeup products in person before I buy them the first time, when possible).

Wow; why do my nails look pink in this photo??

Want to participate in Red & Black Week? Here's how:

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Red & Black Week, Day 3: Red Dress, Black Cardi

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First off, I wanted to extend a warm welcome to my newest followers.  Seems I've gained a few as a result of this week's big event.  Thank you all so much for taking part, whether you are contributing blog posts of your own or just enjoying those of others.  Hope everyone is having fun with it!

Today, Red & Black Week continues with Day 3 of 6, and another work outfit.

Questions about this theme? Visit the Red & Black Week Rules and FAQs or e-mail me.

This dress is a twin of the purple dress I wore during my first interview for the new job.  I grabbed them both at Ross on the same day a couple months ago, because I loved everything about the cut.  The ruched bodice is super-flattering, and the a-line skirt is perfect for work!

Today's tattoo-concealing shrug is a modification of an old, unflattering cardi.  I cut off the front button part, cut the whole thing shorter and hemmed it all the way around.  Now it is just the right length to not hide my figure or my dress.

I ditched the shrug when Mr. Kitty picked me up from work so we could go out for a nice dinner.  Did I mention that Mr. Kitty and I are commuting together now that I have this new job?  He's been commuting for several years, and now my new employer happens to be right on his way to his office.  So we get to keep each other company for the first half of his drive, and we save on gas!  Sometimes it's nice to stop for dinner halfway home to unwind a bit and break up the drive.

I spontaneously wore a side ponytail as a variation on my usual side bun.  Everyone at work was shocked to see how long my hair is.  I always love revealing that little secret to a new group of people when they've only ever seen me with my hair up.  :) 

The necklace and bead earrings are self-made. This bracelet is just a set of beaded stretch bracelets I bought in a random accessory shop on Melrose, with a sparkly butterfly brooch attached.  Another spontaneous decision, because I was dying to incorporate that little guy into my Red & Black posts this year but didn't have any outfits planned that called for a brooch.  I had to be very careful not to smash him all over my desk throughout the day...  It seems he survived without injury!

Want to participate in Red & Black Week? Here's how:

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Red & Black Week, Day 2: Black Turtleneck, Red Cardi, Wide Belt

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We had a great turnout for Day One of Red & Black Week! Thank you all so much for the great kick-off. Now, it's on to Day Two. Today, I'm bringing you one of my New Job Outfits.

Questions about this theme? Visit the Red & Black Week Rules and FAQs or e-mail me.

I was so happy to find a couple of ways to incorporate the color scheme of the week into my new job wardrobe!   I bought this red cardigan at Ross during my "OMG I need more long sleeves" panic shopping.  Coverups like this are a perfect way to utilize many of my current short-sleeve pieces without revealing any tattoos, so I've accumulated several different colors over the past month.

As you've probably noticed, I'm not a fan of loose, drapey things that hide a woman's figure...  Adding an elastic belt from random mall store gave this outfit a lovely shape, plus that shiny buckle added some drama without going over the top with accessories (which I usually do, but haven't built up the courage for at the new job).

I kept the rest of the outfit simple with a sleeveless mock turtleneck shell and stretchy black pencil skirt.  This skirt is currently a bit too snug in the ... backside... to wear to work without a coverup, so this cardi is serving multiple purposes!!  I still need to shape up a bit after gaining 10 pounds during my "old job drama."  My mental health has improved dramatically, so I am no longer living on a diet of red wine and chocolate, but I still haven't gotten back in the habit of exercising. I sure miss the energy I had when I was in better shape! And that handful of my favorite skirts that are currently obscenely tight and unwearable because when I put on weight, it all goes directly to my behind!  :/

Want to participate in Red & Black Week? Here's how:

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Red & Black Week, Day 1: Vintage Polka Dots

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Happy Second Annual Red & Black Week! I've been looking forward to this ever since last year's inaugural event.  I'll be waiting up till after midnight tonight, like a kid waiting for Santa, to see who's the first to post in the Linky.  ;-D

Questions about this theme? Visit the Red & Black Week Rules and FAQs or e-mail me.

I scored this polka dot wiggle dress at Macy's last month on sale for 50% off. Technically, I was shopping for new work clothes, but this was 50% off. Admit it; you would have done the same thing. ;) So, to justify it as a work-related purchase, I wore this outfit to a little New Job Celebration with a couple of friends. One of our friends was having some work drama of her own, which was resolved just about the same time as I got my offer, so champagne was definitely in order!

A vintage look like this just screams for flesh-tone fishnets, doesn't it?  Of course, in the photos you can't tell they are fishnets. Trust me, they are; and they looked fabulous in person!

In my opinion, nothing goes better with black and white polka dots than red accessories. I think this is the first time I've worn the "other pair" of red shoes I bought on my birthday last year.  I tied the shoes in with a red hair flower adorning my ponytail, and matching lipstick.

I can't wait to see what my fellow Goth bloggers are wearing this week to honor this much-celebrated color scheme. Let the linking begin!


Want to participate in Red & Black Week? Here's how:

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Red & Black Week Starts TOMORROW!

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Just a reminder, Sophistique Noir's Second Annual Red & Black Week starts tomorrow, June 3. We'll be featuring six days of posts honoring this sacred Gothic color combination June 3-8, followed by a wrap-up featuring everyone who participates in the event.

Get all the details.

I'm so excited to be hosting this event for the second year, and can't wait to see what everyone contributes.

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

First Day on the New Job

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Last Monday was my first day at my new dream job. Yes, this outfit is a week old because I just didn't find the time (or energy) to prepare this post during my first week. It was a crazy-hectic week! It had been so long since I started a new job, I had forgotten how awkward it can feel to have to learn your way around a whole new building, a new computer network, a new set of procedures and a new group of people. Just learning the names of all 200+ people in the building is going to take months!! :) It's funny how even a person who is incredibly skilled and experienced can suddenly feel completely incompetent in a new environment. I think it's good for me, though. I certainly can't see myself having any issues with complacency any time in the near future! ;-D

After much debate with myself regarding what to wear, I ended up going with this purple satin blouse from Victoria's Secret and a plain black pencil skirt. I know my readers were leaning toward a dress/blaser combo, then removing the blazer later in the day, but I didn't have any long-sleeve dresses that would look right with my blazers... And in order to remove the blazer, I would've definitely needed long sleeves underneath until I could ascertain whether visible tattoos would be acceptable. As it was, one feisty older administrative assistant promptly informed me, in good humor, that I was overdressed, so it's probably best that I kept the jackets at home.

I did take my readers' advice in terms of makeup! I went with a dark shimmery silver in the crease, a soft pink on the lower lid and my usual pearly light pink below the brow bone. I stuck with the dark brown brow powder to keep my eyebrows from getting too dramatic, and used black shadow on a damp angled brush to create a soft eyeliner on the upper lid. I finished with a single coat of mascara, soft blush and the same mild lip gloss I wore for the interviews.

I think this version of my subtle, work-appropriate eye makeup is far superior to the terra cotta shade I attempted for the interview look. What do you think?

New Shoes for a New Job!

Don't forget that my annual Red & Black Week is coming up June 3-9. That's less than a week away! I hope you are all thinking about post ideas for the big event. ;)

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Red & Black Week Starts in ONE WEEK!

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Just a reminder, Sophistique Noir's Second Annual Red & Black Week starts one week from today. Get your posts ready for a full week of celebrating the most important of all Goth color schemes, June 3-8.

Get all the details.

Remember that you can plan your posts ahead of time if you won't have time to do blogging during the week. Just create your posts and schedule them to launch on the appropriate day, then pop over to my blog and add your post using Mr. Linky. Adding your link takes just a few seconds and will help your blog get new fans!

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

Monthly Homework Assignment: Prized Possessions

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I'm chronically late with my Monthly Homework Assignments for Le Professeur Gothique! I'm really hoping I have become teacher's pet so I can get away with it. Or maybe I'm just testing her to see exactly how late I can be before I get demerits. ;)

May's assignment was Prized Possessions. There are so many things that I could include in this list... Pets and photos, of course, go without saying. I chose to keep my choices fashion-related so they are relevant to my blog and to narrow down my choices a bit. :) At the same time, fashion really isn't the first thing I would worry about if my house was on fire and I could only save whatever I could carry, but I do have a few jewelry pieces that I treasure beyond just what they are as material possessions.

 
The first and most important is this brooch. It's my only true vintage jewelry piece, and it belonged to Mr. Kitty's mother. His parents were quite a bit older, and sadly had both passed away before I met him, so I never had a chance to know them. I've seen his treasured photos from when his mother was a young woman in the 1940s and I've always admired how classy she was. I was so deeply honored when he was going through a box of her accessories, came across this brooch and asked me if I would like to have it. I've worn it several times on my blog, and it was my good luck charm in Interview #2 for my new job.

The next item that I would do just about anything to save in a fire has virtually no monetary value. It's just a silver ring from one of those “random mass-produced inexpensive silver ring stores.” The value in this ring, as I mentioned in my Monthly Theme for February (which happened to be Rings), is that it was the very first thing that Mr. Kitty ever bought me, other than food and wine. ;)

Last but not least, I truly treasure this Alchemy Gothic locket Mr. Kitty got for me last Christmas. Not only is it one of the most stunningly beautiful things I own, as well as a gift from my soulmate, but it contains photos of my most treasured non-material possessions:

Prometheus and Perseus!

Sure, I'd save the cats before this locket if there was a fire, but this thing has traveled close to my heart any time I've had to leave them for more than I day ever since I got the locket, so I've grown very attached to it. It is a symbol of comfort to me whenever I can't be with them. I find when I am wearing it, even if one of them is currently laying in my lap, I like to open it and look at those tiny photos and remember how much joy those images bring me in the absence of their actual presence.

What material possessions would you be sure to save if everything you owned was about to go up in flames? What makes those things most important to you?

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All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.