Disrespect on the Internet

More then enough times have we seen a picture one had taken of themselves and posted online, with somebody adds a nasty caption. And some of those pictures are actually not all that bad.

I want to say adding nasty caption to picture is not good idea, especially if one whose picture it happens to be tried hard to look good. You usually do not know the person. Just because somebody could not pick out a good outfit, do their hair and makeup well or does not know where to take a picture does not mean we should make fun of them. It gives both us and that person a good oportunity to grow, help each other and learn from our mistakes. Instead of making fun of the person and their picture, we can tell them how we think they can make it look better. Remember that we are all still learning.

On that note also, if you find any picture on this blog with a rude caption attached, do know that I was not the one who put it there. I try to avoid pictures with captions, but sometimes I cannot find the picture without it or do not know how to remove it. If said picture is of you, I appologise in advance.

About Hot Topic (and the similar)

The store Hot Topic has caused quite a bit of controversy among goths and other types. I don't see as much wrong with it myself as others do, although I rarely shop there. You can disagree. In fact, you can stone me to death or hang me from a telephone pole for all I know, but first, please do finish reading this post.
 
Hot Topic is a good place to find things that can rarely be found anywhere else. If you are a goth living somewhere with no goth store around, chances are you will still have a Hot Topic. Maybe you are not very good at DIY, or simply not sure with what it is exactly that you want. Maybe you have more money then most of us do and can afford it. Hot Topic had some good band shirts and acessories that can be unique and are in prety descent quality.
 
However, with Hot Topic one must be cautious. Because of the price range, my idea would be only to buy things that you cannot find anywhere else. That includes not buying things that you can make, borrow or buy from a less expensive store. Buying socks, fingerless gloves, or fishnets would not be a good idea, as stores like Claire's, Ardene or even H&M may have these things for a much more reasonable price. The same goes for hair extensions and things like studded belts. Band shirts may be okay to buy from there, depending on what other options you have. Hair dye and makeup are definitely not a good idea, thay are very expensive and maybe even in a worse quality then what could be bought somewhere else. Most drug stores with a makeup section have the same black eyeliner, dark lipstick and colorful eyeshadow in a better quality for a fraction of the price. Hair dye and styling products are okay to buy from there, but again look in drugstores first. I have seen purple and blue Manic-Panic at Shoppers Drug Mart on sale for $3 once.
 
The clothes at Hot Topic, especially their jeans, are generally not very good. And VERY expensive, especially for simple black torn jeans with safety pins. Some items are okay, for instance a black corset dress I saw two weeks ago, but do wait until they are on sale before buying anything. Another good idea would be, before buying something from Hot Topic, is to see if the item is availiable in a more affordable  store or online first. Because I have seen things at Hot Topic being sold at about twice the price they would have cost online, and some people actually buy the Hot Topic item.
 
And as for the problem of people  Hot Topic makes you "less goth", well guess what? IT DOESNT MATTER! If you like the item, then buy it. Who cares what other people say? You don't have to tell them where you bought it from. Unless there is "Hot Topic" written all over the item, there's no way they'll know. In fact, Hot Topic sells lots of things from "real" goth brands.

As one of my friends and readers M.G suggested, I should write a bit about myself. I mean, you read my blog and you don't even know who's writing it. So here I am.

My name is Kismet, and I live in Missisauga, Canada. My favorite color is wine red, and my favorite style a mix of punk, victorian and new romantic. I like bands like Boney M, Gogol Bordello, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I don't listen to goth music much, mainly because I am not goth. Yes, you just read that right. The Last of the Movement is not goth. But then again, that should have meen kind of obvious, how can I be the Last of the Movement if there are still plenty of goths around?

So if I am not goth, why do I write a goth blog? Well, for one thing because writing a a decadent movement blog would not make sense as no one would read it. But mainly because I feel that everybody should be able to express themselves however they want, and I am giving basic advice on how to do that with the resources that the average human being has. Unfortunately, the society most of us live in at best does not like people who express themselves much, and there is little we can do about that. Not everyone is an open-minded person. However, there are still ways to be whoever you want to be and maybe help people understand that maybe... maybe we are not all that bad, and maybe we can help people grow and stop being afraid of who they are if only they just listened to us.

Dressing for your Body Shape

As with any style, fit of the clothes is most important. As is dressing for your body shape. One must always remember that no matter how good an item of clothing initially looks, if it does not fit it does not work. If you are plus'sized, this will be a bit harder, but you can, and with some thought and effort, will definitely look good.

TOP Heavy body shapes:

Goal: Pick pieces that are shaped but not tight. Bring attention to the bottom half of the body.

Get a well fitting bra first, more than 85% of North American women wear the wrong size bra! Most stores offer a fitting session and service for free.

Don't wear tops with: ruffles or pastel shades, thin spaghetti straps, delicate camisole tops or complicated necklines. Avoid high neck lines, wear instead wide v-neck halves, not in a bulky material. Dresses should have strategic gathers under the breast to direct all eyes to your waist. Skirts should be fitted at the top and flaring at the hemline (to balance the top and the bottom), a cute tulip skirt works here. Avoid high waisted "anythings" at all cost! Bell bottom trousers balance out the breasts so you look less top heavy. Shoes should be high and a medium to slim heel to complement the shapely legs. Structured jackets, with one or two buttons under the breast, work well for a bigger bust, make sure the jacket can be buttoned; if a size bigger is necessary, then bring the jacket to the tailor and get both sides (at the waist) taken in, we want to achieve an hourglass shape!

Don't Wear: A lot of women who have larger busts try to camouflage it with boxy blazers. A blazer hides a double-D bust, but it makes a waist and the rest of the body look much bigger as well.

Do Wear: A fitted, single-breasted fitted blazer, making sure it defines the waist but is roomy enough in the bust that it doesn't pull. The overall effect is slimming and shape-defining.

BOTTOM Heavy body shapes:

Goal: bring attention to the top half of the body and away from problem areas.

Clingy skirts and tapered pants are a no-no as they highlight the hip, so trow them out of the closet; fuller leg trousers and flared skirts hide bulges. Wear any vertical pattern on the bottom half (to slim the appearance) even if it is in the seaming. Darker colors recede, so go dark on the bottom half of the body (no shiny fabrics) and wear lighter colors on top. To broaden shoulders and bring the attention up to the top half, wear big lapels, color and embellishment on the neckline, even a small shoulder pad will bring balance to a wider bottom.

Avoid side pockets, opt instead for a flat-front trouser. Super-slim jeans and pencil skirts are not a good choice. A defined waist, full skirt and strapless cut dress will bring all the focus to the smaller upper half. High-waisted, belted skirts draw attention to a slimmer waist line (hem it just above the knee), but wear them only if you have smaller breasts. Avoid Empire waist dresses that hide the waistline, choose instead a defined waist and an A-line skirt (wrap dress) to accentuate the upper half. Get a full, pleated Knee-length skirt to conceal a wide hip. Full, wide-leg gauchos drape without clinging and are a fashionable choice. Avoid tapered cut pants that emphasize a wide middle area, try a boot-cut pant and jeans to create a straight, lean line. Pleats are dangerous and so are too-high waist lines on pants, a flat front trouser on a medium rise (1 inch below belly button) is more flattering on this body shape.

A funnel shaped coat (buttons on the top half) is very flattering, also a coat with belt will bring attention to the waist, like a classy trench coat. In the summer wear a thigh-skimming Craftan over the bathing suit, it's a classy and fashionable way to cover up and balance a wider hip.

Cone heels on a dressy shoe will help balance out the bottom half of the body. Straight winter boots will look fashionable and also help cover shapeless calves and ankles. Don't do ankle straps, they brake the line of the leg.

Don't Wear: A straight button-dress that hugs the curves at the hips, making them appear larger, not to mention the pull on the buttons in curvy areas can draw unwanted attention.

Do Wear: A wrap dress to emphasize the smallest part of the body (the upper half), allowing the bottom to A-line over the rest, camouflaging large hips and thighs. A print, especially over a darker background is slimming and will diffuse the attention on the pattern, not on the curves.

"Highlight the positive and delete the negative." Donna Karan

TOP and BOTTOM Heavy body types:

Goal: The secret is not to hide any part of the body, but to show it off, nobody looks good in a straight oversized tent dress. The clothes must be fitted (not tight) and curve hugging.

Wear V-neck fitted cardigans, scooped necks and pencil skirts. Skirts should be fastened on the side and flat-fronted, to avoid extra bulk. Sewn down paneling on the top half of a bottom-pleated skirt holds the tummy at the front and cuts the buttocks in half. Asymmetric pleats on a tulip skirt will lift and bring out the bottom. Wear jackets with a single button (which will emphasize the narrowest area of the body). Traditional jeans don't always work, so go for a tailored, wide legged denim trouser. Avoid tight, wide-cut pants, which can make the bottom look wider; a straighter leg style (full but not flared), that doesn't pull at the hips, is more flattering. Avoid pleats around the hips and belly (they add bulk) or anything high-waisted. Wear waist defining pieces and empire-waist dresses. A fitted trench with belt is great as a coat. Pick chiffon dresses, with a corset. As for shoes, avoid stilettos, curvy girls need curvy shoes! Go for a small, shaped wedge sandal, and a rounded or peep toe shoe.


No CURVES body types:

Goal: Create curves and an ideal hourglass shape.

Draping dresses with patterns will create curves in all the right places (size the pattern to the body- small frame= small pattern, and vice versa). Don't assume any bra with padding will work; it must fit so the seams and padding can't be seen (P.S. Avoid deep Vee shirts with padded bras). Never go bra-less under flimsy fabrics, no matter how small the breast, it's not classy.

A feminine chiffon dress will soften the shape. Halter tops create soft curves. Gathering and pleating on a shirt (at the sleeves and waist) creates curves. Skinny jeans will hug the skinny shapeless hips, giving them more definition. Choose delicate heels to highlight slim ankles. Accessorize, to keep you looking very stylish and feminine (use lace, beads and other feminine detailing). Invest in some cute waist-defining belts to wear over shirts, cardigans, coats, etc.

On the "Depressed" Stereotype

One often hears that goths are depressed, or that being goth makes one depressed. This is in no wey true, there are just as many depressed people who prefer mainstream fashion and music as those who prefer goth. However, it is often hard to prove this, especially if you are new to the subculture, or have rescently joined it. Parents and teachers may think that suddenly dressing in black and listening to "morbid" music means that you are depressed. Here are some tips on proving them wrong.

...And  a happy bat...

• Calmly tell them that most truly depressed people no longer care what music they listen to or how they look, so having a preferred style of music or fashion sense actually points out that you are NOT depressed.
• Do not suddenly stop doing a favorite activity or hobby just because it is "not goth". Losing intrest in activities or hobbies is one of the first sighns of depression.
• If you usualy don't spend lots of time alone, don't suddenly start doing so.
• Don't stop being friends with "not goth" people.
•  NEVER talk about suicide or wanting to die. This may make you feel bad, but telling people can make things a thousand times worse. If anything, write your thoughts in a diary or journal.
• Speaking of a diary or journal, don't leave it places. I am saying this because I found the diary of a girl in my school under a desk in the english class. Fortunately, I handed it to the office without reading it, but remember that most people are more curious then that.
• Be yourself and always act natural. Don't suddenly start being gloomy because somebody said it is "a part of goth".

Goth Acessories (Tips for Beginners)

Everyone knows acessories can either make or break an outfit. With a style like goth this is especially important, so here are some basic ideas on what is a good idea and what is not. (I wish somebody told me this when I was younger....)


Good Idea: solid colored tights, or with a simple design



Black solid color tights are a good idea because they go with pretty much everything.  Lace tights also can add an intresting touch to an otherwise plain outfit, and I find solid colored dark tights, like very dark red or purple ones, look great with a plain black skirt.

Be Cautious With: horizontal striped tights


These are unflattering on almost everyone, as stripes make one's legs look wider. Not only that, but they tend to give one an air of  "halloween witch" or in the worst cases "clown" and rarelt go with any other items. Tights with a simple print or vertical stripes are a bit better, but can look awkward when you walk and the printed part twists.


Good Idea: gloves

Gloves can come in thousands of diffrent designs and fabrics, and the right sort can add a touch of goth to almost any outfit. They can hide chipped nail polish when you have no time to fix it, and look great with rings worn over them.However, one must always make sure, that they, as anything, are good quality and look good on your hands. Always try on gloves before you buy them, as badly fitting gloves always look tacky.


Avoid: Tacky-looking gloves

How do I explain "tacky"? I guess I can say anything that looks cheap, or just not right. For example, gloves made of very obvious looking fake leather are usually not a good idea, as are knitted ones (exept for wintertime of cource). And please, my friends, stay away from gloves with printed skulls as a general rule! I see them a lot and not once have they looked good. Also, I cannot stress enough that everything must be of good quality. To gloves, them being a VERY noticeable item, this applies especially. You may have to pay a bit more, but you will know you look good.

Good Idea: be unique

Goth may be a preferred fashion movement, but it doesn't have to define what you are. If something you like is "not goth", wear it and make it your own! Don't be afraid to experiment with diffrent colors and styles and to look in mainstram shops, or even make your own.

Always Go For: good quality

Remember than no matter how neat the original design idea could be, it never looks well if badly made or with cheap materials. If you see something good, wait until it is on sale, save money, but don't go buying every last cheap thing you see just because it's cheap. When buying online, look for reviews of the product or brand before purchasing.

Finding Your Own Style

Within what we call "goth", there are plenty of styles to choose from. Cyber, deathrock, romantic, victorian, whatever. But what if the neon colors of cyber do not appeal to you, you don't like deatherock music or victorian style clothes seem much too expensive and impossible to find? Or maybe you want to mix diffrent styles? The best idea is to create a style that represents who YOU are and what YOU want. If anything, you can even only be goth on the days that you feel like it and something else the rest of the time.

A good place to start in creating your own style is by looking at pictures for ideas. Maybe when you see something you like on another person, you would try to find a similar item or just take the idea of the picture for inspiration. Here are some of my favorite photos in that sense:
    










Similarly, look at books, stories or poems that you like. Though they may not have many direct fashion references, but they would have a "feel" or "mood" that you may want your wardrobe to show. For example, if your favorite pieces include the theme of rebellion, standing away from a group or being misunderstood by others, you may want a punk-like style with elements that eare distinctly your own. If you prefer classic literature, try going for a romantic or victorian-inspired style, and so on. Look at favorite movies and music videos, to see what people are wearing and maybe get something similar.

Here are some more pictures for inspiration: