April 1 Theme: Flowers

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Floral print can be challenging in Gothic fashion. Some Goths love it, some hate it; either way, it can be difficult to make it "work" with the look. I know many of you are probably cursing at me for this theme... ;) You are not alone, as I was cursing myself for a couple of days, too. I have very few floral print pieces in my wardrobe, the best ones being a red rose print shirt and my grey silk chiffon maxi skirt.

Mr. Kitty suggested that, instead of featuring something I've already worn on this blog, I should push the limits of my hair flower collection. I haven't been bothering to do much with my hair lately, so I thought this idea was a timely way to get me out of a rut.  I used my favorite chignon, wrapped my own hair in a braid around it, and topped it off with three different hued purple hair flowers.  Massive ones.

I realized that this silk chiffon top from Bebe would be the perfect complement to this floral-themed hair style. The dramatic keyhole neckline is trimmed with matching fabric flowers edged in black and topped with black beads. I paired it with one of my Newport News fishtail skirts.

My rose ring (featured in my February theme post, Rings), a pair of black flower earrings and of course my rose handbag from Pyramid Collection finished my celebration of spring!

I headed out to dinner with Mr. Kitty and my parents in this outfit, to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday. In keeping with the floral theme, I gave her a potted jasmine plant. And some Lindor chocolate truffles, which don't have anything to do with flowers but are a necessity at all times!

Last but not least, I give you to a view of our humble floral offerings. Living in the desert, we committed to using only low-water landscaping for our yard. We have not a single square inch of grass. We also don't have a lot of time for landscape maintenance, so most of our design is done using various stone and bricks. However, we did splurge and go for a patch of ice plant. This amazingly hardy succulent ground cover is able to survive our 110-degree summer days AND our occasionally freezing winter nights, all with very minimal water. Best of all, we are treated to the most gorgeous fuchsia-hued flowers for about three months each spring. Looks like we missed quite a lot of the early blooms while we were on vacation last week, but there are many more to come. If we committed to more watering, this whole patch would be thick with flowers for the whole season... But our needs are modest, and we are content with just a smattering of this great beauty.  My delight was enhanced by the fact that our ice plant blooms happen to match tonight's outfit so perfectly!

Want to participate in this month's theme?

Now it's your turn! You know what to do (or if you don't, check out the full details). :)

1. Add the Monthly Theme icon to your blog post (copy the code below and paste into your post using the Edit HTML feature):
   
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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.

Theme for April 1: Flowers

The theme for April 1 is: FLOWERS **

Spring is here! I thought this would be a good time to break out the floral theme. Now, I know some people do not like to wear florals, so as always, your theme post doesn't have to be limited to clothing. Sure, you can do floral print fabrics or flower-themed jewelry, nail art or accessories, or you can just take a lovely photo of your garden, post some artwork with floral themes, write a poem, review a book or song having something to do with flowers (or at least a flower on the cover), or whatever you can think of that involved flowers in some way. Be as creative as you wish!! Just be sure to cite your source if borrowing photos or content that are not your own original work! :)

Be sure to come back on April 1 and submit your post.

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 Mr. Linky box at the bottom.

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. I will leave the Linky open until 11:59 PM PST on April 3, so everyone has three full days to post.

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.

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

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2. Paste the URL to your post using the Mister Linky box at the bottom of my April 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!

** Sorry for the short notice on this one: the aforementioned stress and my action steps for resolving it have been fairly consuming lately. Also, we escaped out of town for a few days. It didn't change the situation at my job, but at least I had a little break from thinking about it. :) I deeply appreciate everyone's sweet and supportive comments on my last post!! You ladies helped remind me how much sincerity there is in the world, even if there isn't much in my place of employment.

March 1 Theme: GRAY

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My outfit for this month's theme is brought to you by Mr. Kitty. Last weekend I was standing in the closet mumbling to myself while pondering what I should wear for the gray theme. He walked in, caught me mid-mumble and immediately responded, "Do you still have that dress with all the ladies on it?" Problem solved. Today I present to you one of Mr. Kitty's all-time favorites from my wardrobe. I wore this dress on one of our VERY early dates, and maybe only once since. Yet he remembers it vividly and even brings it up from time to time. It really made an impact! So, without further ado... The outfit!

Yes, this slinky little dress is covered in classical ladies of all shapes and sizes! When I found it about a decade ago in a little shop on Melrose Ave., I fell in love with this celebration of the female form. What is better than wrapping a shapely figure in shapely figures? :)

I spent considerable time debating how to approach hair, makeup and accessories to complement this dress. The shrug was a given, since it matched so perfectly (and the dress has plain black spaghetti straps that don't really lend anything to the overall look). I tried several different necklaces, a couple of bracelets and a huge set of dangly earrings before I realized that less is really more in this case. You won't hear me say that often, but this print and cut really doesn't need much embellishment. I went with lightweight black sleeves because it's still chilly out, and no jewelry other than simple sterling silver studs, ear cuffs and two rings. The belt helped break up the pattern a bit and further emphasize my waist. I added a couple of flower clips to the belt to further the overall femininity of this look.

A sleek, high ponytail seemed perfect for this sleek dress. For the makeup, I decided to go monochrome, which is another thing I don't do often. I used a shimmery white shadow that was a birthday gift from Sephora, and my usual Ben Nye black shadow applied with a light touch to make it a soft gray. The lipstick is also Ben Nye, in Silver Ice. Silver lipstick, in my opinion, really needs a black outline.

Today's eyeliner is the result of several tips from Lady Bethezda's recent Winged Eyeliner Tutorial.   If you are not already a fan of her blog, Bethezda's Preoccupations, you must check it out right now!

Want to participate in this month's theme?

Now it's your turn! You know what to do (or if you don't, check out the full details). :)

1. Add the Monthly Theme icon to your blog post (copy the code below and paste into your post using the Edit HTML feature):
   
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NO ADULT CONTENT will be allowed.

Theme for March 1: GRAY

The theme for March 1 is: GRAY

This month's theme is another reader request, this time by RubyAlison. Gray is the perfect way to debunk the "Goths always wear all black" myth without going overly-colorful... So now's your chance to break out your "less than black" clothes and accessories and show everyone how well we wear gray! But of course, your theme post doesn't have to be limited to clothing. share some gray-themed artwork, write poetry or showcase anything gray and Gothy that you own or wish for! Just be sure to cite your source if borrowing photos or content that are not your own original work! :)

Be sure to come back on March 1 and submit your post.

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 Mr. Linky box at the bottom.

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. I will leave the Linky open until 11:59 PM PST on March 3, so everyone has three full days to post.

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.

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!

February 1 Theme: Rings

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Today we celebrate rings! An abundance of rings is definitely a signature aesthetic for any old-school Goth, and I have long been obsessed with wearing at least six rings at any and all times. I used to spread them out across both hands, but these days the left hand is usually reserved for my engagement and wedding rings, which are more a part of me than an accessory and therefore deserve their own special hand. Lately, I’ve grown lazy and will only wear three or so unless I’m really dressing up, like for the clubs.

Above are a few of my favorites. The oval one (second from the right) is actually the first thing Mr. Kitty ever bought for me. On one of our very early dates, looking for something to do after dinner, he asked me if I had ever been to a certain little silver store in town and I exclaimed how that was one of my favorite shops! So we went and bought silver rings together, and like a true gentleman he paid for the one I picked out. The swirly square ring at the bottom of the photo is also from that shop, but I bought it much earlier. The rose ring is from a mall kiosk, and is too big for me. Thankfully, Wal-Mart sells little rubber tubes that go around the bottom of the ring to tighten them up a bit. Not ideal, but better than paying more to have the ring sized than the cost of the ring itself! I actually did that on the cross ring, because I love it so much and used to wear it daily (it was usurped by the aforementioned oval ring from Mr. Kitty).

Above is an example of my most heavily ring-clad look. The silver swirls are homemade from sterling silver wire. I don’t wear them often because one once went flying across the dance floor, causing me great embarrassment even though I’m pretty sure in retrospect that no one else even noticed. No, these never go to the clubs with me now. And they catch in my hair terribly, so they are reduced to non-clubbing, hair-up events exclusively. The one on my middle finger is my oldest ring. I’ve had it since high school. The ones on my ring finger and thumb are from Maya, a shop on Melrose Ave. that is loaded with amazing silver jewelry. The pinky ring is another one from our local silver shop. The little black stone fell out once, and I was fortunate to find it so I could epoxy it back in place. It hasn’t budged since.

These adorable little kittens from Bed, Bath and Beyond keep my favorites handy for me on my vanity table. Or they did, until we got Perseus, who throws everything on the floor if it’s not glued down. So currently, they keep my favorites handy in the closet. That will work until Perseus learns to operate the doorknob…

Want to participate in this month's theme?

Now it's your turn! You know what to do (or if you don't, check out the full details). :)

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>
   
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   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!

NO ADULT CONTENT will be allowed.

Theme for February 1: Rings!

The theme for February 1 is: RINGS

This theme was suggested to me quite a while back by Kiwi of Assortments... Being a huge lover of finger jewelry, I've really been looking forward to this one! So get photos of your rings, friends' rings, rings you have on your wishlist, or anything inspired by rings! Just be sure to cite your source if borrowing photos or content that are not your own original work!  :)

Be sure to come back on February 1 and submit your post.

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 Mr. Linky box at the bottom.

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. It's a busy time of year, so I will leave the Linky open until 11:59 PM PST on February 3.

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.

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!

December 1 Theme: Outerwear

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I’ve mentioned before that I rarely buy anything from Bebe that is not majorly on sale, and this lace trench coat was no exception. I first spotted it a couple of years ago while wandering around the Bebe at Hollywood and Highland, but upon seeing the $285 price tag I just laughed (and cried a little) and walked away. It never really left my head, so I fatefully decided to check the Bebe Web site a good two months later and found it on sale. More than 50% off! Plus I had accumulated a bunch of points that I always forgot to use, so I saved a bundle on this baby. Most surprising of all was the fact that they actually had my size in stock. Normally when online sales occur, there is not an XS to be found anywhere.

The main reason this jacket isn’t worth $285 is the fact that you can’t wear it when it’s warm, and you can’t wear it when it’s cold. It’s completely unlined, so it must be paired with just the right long-sleeve top or sweater underneath. It also can’t be worn with anything too interesting underneath, or the shapes compete through the lace. So that leaves this plain black jersey knit mock turtleneck: nothing else in my wardrobe really works. It seems there are only a few days a year when the temperature is just right for this combination. I suppose I could add a cardigan over the turtleneck for colder days, but then I would have to be sure I never had to remove the jacket at any point.

As it turned out, the weather was manic the day I wore this for errands and shopping, so I froze half the time and was roasting the other half. I think I was only “just right” for about an hour. But I looked amazing, so I didn’t care.

Although this jacket doesn’t work with too many different tops, it looks great with a variety of skirts as well as pants.

My favorite skirt pairing for this jacket is a fishtail style from Newport News, featured on my blog last spring. A pencil skirt looks great with the jacket, too.

I also picked up my new glasses the day I wore this outfit. My vision hasn’t changed in over 15 years but I still get new frames every couple of years just for entertainment. This time, I went with the silver and black tiger stripes because they reminded me of Perseus and Prometheus.

Not sure if I like the shape of the new glasses, as these are bigger and bolder than my old pair, but Mr. Kitty loves them and compliments them endlessly, so I know they will grow on me when I get used to them.

Want to participate in this month's theme?

Now it's your turn! You know what to do (or if you don't, check out the full details). :)

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 below.
   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!

NO ADULT CONTENT will be allowed.

Theme for December 1: Outerwear

The theme for November 1 is: OUTERWEAR

It's about to become full-on winter in the northern hemisphere, so what better time to show off your outerwear?  For this theme, let's see your coats, jackets, blazers, capes, wraps... *  Whatever you put on to protect your dark, delicate self from the elements.

* For those of you who are enjoying summer right now, feel free to feature lightweight blazers, sheer wraps, etc.  No one is excluded!

Be sure to come back on December 1 and submit your post.  It can be photos of yourself or someone else wearing a favorite coat or jacket, or any inspiring images you find, a review of a certain brand, a story, a movie review, artwork or anything (as long as it's primarily about outerwear!).  Just be sure to cite your source if borrowing photos or content that are not your own original work!  :)

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 Mr. Linky box at the bottom.

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. It's a busy time of year, so I will leave the Linky open until 11:59 PM PST on December 3.

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.

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!

November 1 Theme: Gloves/Armwarmers

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Mr. Kitty and I tend to hang out at the local Barnes and Noble occasionally due to a complete lack of anything else interesting to do in our immediate area. While he pours through car magazines, I flip through craft magazines. Usually paper craft magazines, but one evening a crochet issue caught my eye. While perusing it and vaguely wishing I possessed that particular skill, I saw an ad for the pattern for these gorgeous opera-length armwarmers. So naturally I called my beautiful sister, who is a mom and therefore required to know how to crochet, and somehow talked her into creating these for me.

With an immense degree of patience on her side, and after several adjustments due to my short, tiny arms (fittings were especially difficult since we live many, many miles apart), she completed this amazing masterpiece. In exchange, I made a beaded chain to hold her glasses. I definitely got the better end of that deal!

Although they are covered in holes, these armwarmers are extremely warm. I could only wear them in the evenings over the past weekend because we’re still enjoying a lovely, 85-degree Southern California fall. To those of you shoveling snow right now, I apologize. ;)

I wore these armwarmers in a very early post on this blog, but I didn’t really pair them with much of an outfit. Hopefully most of my followers haven’t seen that previous post so these can get the grand debut they deserve.

The new boots are Demonias. But since this is Gloves/Armwarmers day and not Boots day, we’ll talk about these another time. :)

The November theme was suggested by Celeste of Fade to Black. Be sure to stop by Celeste's blog and say Thank You for this idea!

Want to participate in this month's theme?

Now it's your turn! You know what to do (or if you don't, check out the full details). :)

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 below.
   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!

NO ADULT CONTENT will be allowed.

Theme for November 1: Gloves & Armwarmers

The theme for November 1 is: GLOVES & ARMWARMERS

The November theme was suggested by Celeste of Fade to Black.  Now that it's nice and cool outside (most places) it's time to start layering.  Perfect opportunity to break out your favorite arm and hand coverings! Any type of gloves or armwarmers can be included.  Winter gloves, opera gloves, fingerless, half-finger, knit, velvet, lace, satin, leather...  Just show us your favorite gloves and armwarmers!

Be sure to come back on November 1 and submit your post.  It can be photos of yourself or someone else wearing gloves or armwarmers, or any inspiring images you find, a review of a certain brand, a story, a movie review, artwork or anything (as long as it's about gloves or armwarmers!).  Just be sure to cite your source if borrowing photos or content that are not your own original work!  :)

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 Mr. Linky box at the bottom.

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. I know things might be busy right before Nov. 1 with Halloween festivities, so I will leave the Linky open for an extra day this time. Mr. Linky will close at 11:59 PM PST on November 3.

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.

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!

October 1 Theme: Lace

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For today’s theme, I wanted to present my absolute favorite lace item from my wardrobe. The clear choice was a lace ballgown skirt from Drac in a Box. This amazing skirt is made with high-quality lace (no cheap stretch stuff here!) and has two layers of taffeta underneath to give it shape. Each layer has a mesh ruffle along the bottom, gathered up every foot or so and topped with a tiny rosette. This skirt would look stunning with a petticoat underneath, but I prefer it a bit less puffy since my frame is so petite.

This purple brocade underbust corset from Corset Story is making its debut tonight. While checking out their Web site for the first time, the designs were so lovely and the prices so reasonable I promptly began drooling over this one (not so) subtly. The drooling continued for weeks. My birthday happened to take place just before I got sick, and Mr. Kitty used to opportunity to prove he is the perfect husband by ordering it for me! I am absolutely delighted with the quality construction and beauty of this piece. The purple is subtle, but when the light catches it just right it’s simply breathtaking. It’s comfortable, sturdy and creates the perfect shape.

Wanting to make this outfit just a bit more grand, I broke out the old handmade tulle veil. This was a really simple project I did about 10 years ago, but I haven’t worn it in years. Now that I remember how regal it makes me feel, it will most definitely be put back into service. I also plan to do a tutorial on it sometime soon.

Tonight’s makeup is extra exciting for me, as it incorporates three products I won in a giveaway over at Metamorphosis! Two eye colors and a blush from the “Colours of Decay” line by Detrivore Cosmetics.

Plague is the greenish-black sparkle eyeshadow I’m wearing in my crease. Harlot is a lovely soft pink shimmer shadow, seen just below my brow. Vulgar is a delicate lilac blush. All of these colors are intense and intriguing, although the green-black shadow lost a lot of its green (and its shimmer) as I was blending it. Application was a treat because these go on so smoothly! And they wear very well. I actually forgot to apply my eyelid primer tonight (I know, how did that happen?!?) but these shadows served me well all evening without creasing. I imagine the Plague shadow would remain more true to the color in the pot if applied over a primer. Thank you so much to Luna for this fun package!!

I always look forward to the variety of interpretations you guys contribute to these monthly themes. Now, bring on the lace!

Want to participate in this month's theme?

Now it's your turn! You know what to do (or if you don't, check out the full details). :)

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 below.
   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!

NO ADULT CONTENT will be allowed.

Theme for October 1: Lace

The theme for October 1 is: LACE

Lace came in second on my recent poll.  I know it's a bit late in the summer in some parts of North America, but you can always use layers if it's getting cold.  Cozy crocheted items often have a lacey texture, so use your imagination!  Just be sure to keep it clean.  NO ADULT CONTENT will be allowed.

Be sure to come back on October 1 and submit your post.  It can be photos of yourself or someone else wearing lace, or any inspiring images you find, a review of a certain brand, a story, a movie review, artwork or anything (as long as it's about lace!).  Just be sure to cite your source if borrowing photos or content that are not your own original work!  :)

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 Mr. Linky box at the bottom.

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.

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!

September One-Day Theme: Boots!

Click photos for larger view.

This look doesn’t entirely suit me at this point in my life, but there was a time when I would have died for an outfit like this. After I finished suiting up for this photo shoot, Mr. Kitty pronounced me a “Gothic Ninja Video Game Character.” Sweet! Neither of us play video games, but that doesn’t stop us from wanting to look cool like video game characters. Not sure I could really do any ninja kicks in 10-pound New Rocks, though… I did end up enjoying this outfit enough that I wore it all day, and over to visit my parents that evening, but generally speaking I much prefer a more delicate look.

Speaking of New Rocks, I really only bought these for my trip to Ireland with my dad (nearly 10 years ago). I was already fully engrossed in my love of high heels at that time, but I knew I would need something comfortable if I were to spend three weeks just walking around. I’d heard of the legendary, cushiony comfort of these boots, and it sure turned out to be true. I haven’t worn them much since returning from the trip, although they do come in handy for construction work and the like. Yeah, I do construction work in $300 boots. And now you are wondering why a Web designer with a Gothic fashion blog does construction work… That’s a story for another day. ;-D

Many thanks go to Mr. Kitty for his art direction on this shoot. Okay, he mostly just suggested putting the camera on the floor and aiming it up, which is how we got the two cool shots above.

Perseus was more than a little annoyed that this is our third monthly theme and we still haven’t done one centered around cats. In protest, he planted himself on my backdrop and refused to move. I ended up working around him (read: slid him over until he was just outside the frame) and he was still crashed out there an hour after I had finished. Someday I will do a cat theme, Perseus: I promise!

Hook-front shirt: Lip Service
Fishnet Shirt & Studded Belt: Hot Topic
Rhinestone Collar/Cuffs: Melrose Ave.
Arm Warmers: Handmade by Me
Maine Coon: Maine (lol)

Now it's your turn! You know what to do (or if you don't, check out the full details). :)



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 below.
   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!

Theme for September 1: Boots

The theme for September 1 is: Boots

I did a poll this time, and 50 out of 102 people chose Boots!  I decided to start announcing the themes two weeks in advance to give everyone more time to prepare.


Be sure to come back on September 1 and submit your post.  It can be photos of yourself or someone else wearing boots, or any inspiring images you find, a review of a certain brand, a story, a movie review, artwork or anything (as long as it's about boots!).  Just be sure to cite your source if borrowing photos or content that are not your own original work!  :)

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.

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!

August One-Day Theme: Hats/Fascinators

Click photos for larger view.

This theme idea delighted me greatly, as I have a small collection of vintage hats plus quite a few vintage-inspired hats and fascinators. I couldn’t decide which one to feature for today’s event, so I let Mr. Kitty choose. Turns out this masterpiece from Claire’s, of all places, is his favorite.

I love the dramatic size of the double-layer veil on this hat, but since I don’t have thick, fluffy hair I always feel it looks a bit strange on its own. I’ve found that adding a big bunch of feathers behind the hat (harvested from an inexpensive boa from Michael’s) balances the look out. I was wearing these same feathers the night I met Mr. Kitty, so maybe that’s partly why he likes this combo so much. :)

The choker I am wearing is a creation by the lovely and amazingly talented Hexotica, purchased from her Etsy store. This piece features two satin ribbon rosettes with bejeweled centers, with three beaded strands hanging from the larger rose. I adore this beautiful choker, and can't wait to go shopping for more of her creations.

Many thanks to Rachel for suggesting this month's theme!!

Now it’s your turn! I can’t wait to see the variety hats and fascinators in your wardrobes. Don't forget to check back throughout the day to see what everyone else contributes.



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 below.
   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!