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https://gothicopathy.blogspot.com

Outfit #31

Untitled #124 by labelleestlabete

We're using some more men's items today. The T-shirt is from Y-3, the collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas. It's simply designed, but I liked the classic Yamamoto image on the front.

I used a looser style of jeans today because they're slightly more comfortable than the ever-present skinny jeans.
The Call It Spring boots are loose at the top to accommodate the legs of the jeans, and I like the multi-strap design.

I added a Rick Owens jacket and an All Saints scarf for extra layering, and finished off the outfit with some interesting rings (I especially like the black tungsten one), a belt, and a studded backpack.
I'm glad backpacks are back in fashion - I was around for the switch from backpacks to messenger bags at school, and we were constantly getting lectures about not overloading the bags if we were carrying them over one shoulder (same for backpacks when one-strapping it was the only way), and crossing the strap over your chest to spread the load. I carry a huge one-shoulder handbag now and I do have a tendency to overload it, so maybe a backpack is a better option.

Outfit #30

Untitled #120 by labelleestlabete

Another casual outfit today, for shopping or possibly work if your employer isn't fussed about what you wear, like my last job.

I started off with the ribcage T-shirt, because I liked the smudged effect of the design. I think  it would be really cool to make one with bleach sprayed over a stencil, instead of just a white screenprint.

Then I added the ripped jeans from Topshop - I like to add patterned tights underneath damaged denim for extra effect (lace tights work really well), but I didn't put them in this set.

I used two different types of boot in the set - combat boots for ease of walking, and the Torment-84 boots from Demonia for effect. Demonia boots have a pretty low price point compared to some other brands, but they are good quality. I have the Concord-108 boots and they are great for festivals and clubs, because the thick foam soles keep your feet off the hard ground and you don't get so tired from standing. They're also great if you've got some mope filming a gig on their phone standing right in front of you.

Then I added accessories - the ubiquitous jacket, scarf and bag - and a coffee mug from Contigo for a pick-me-up. I have the mug that's in this set and it's awesome. It's completely vacuum-sealed, so you don't have to worry about it spilling in your bag, and it keeps your drink hot for around 4 hours. Much better than my old one, which would leak if you so much as looked at it sideways.

Outfit #29

Untitled #123 by labelleestlabete

Another "day" outfit today. I found the sleeveless vest from
Genuine People on Polyvore and wanted to do another
Lagenlook-inspired set.

I added a swing-cut vest to match the loose vest, keeping up the layering effect of Lagenlook. Then I used the leather-look leggings to add another texture to the outfit. The Fly London boots add some interest to the lower half of the outfit, and they have a solid wedge heel that's easy to get around in.
I rarely add heels to day sets because I usually build outfits that I would like to wear. I have dodgy knees, so heels all day is not the best idea. Therefore, flats and wedges are the order of the day.

I finished off the outfit with just a bag and a hat, since the vest is the most eye-catching item and I didn't want to detract from it. I used a large but simply-designed bag for storing all your gear (I always end up with half of my shopping in my handbag so I don't have to carry everything by hand), and a big felt hat just because I like them.
I mentioned before that keeping your accessories big makes you look smaller by comparison - the vest, hat and bag combo should do just that.

Outfit #28

Untitled #119 by labelleestlabete

I wanted to make a slightly fancier "day" outfit - you could also wear this clubbing, but I would swap out the Alexander Wang pullover for a more fitted top. An underbust corset like these would work really well with the line of the skirt.

I started off with the Alexander McQueen skirt, which is cut along the same lines as a lot of gothic lolita skirts, like this one (this one is punk lolita, but the two are closely related). I liked the full, tiered structure of the skirt and I used it as a base to build the rest of the set.

I used the pullover and the waterfall jacket from Miss Selfridge to add some more layers and visual interest with the different fabrics and textures. 

For accessories, I added leggings (you know how I feel about sudden breezes while wearing short skirts), a spine bracelet by
Ayaka Nishi, and the bag from Cesare Paciotti.
I used Harley Davidson boots to finish off the outfit. I think the skirt looks better with a bit of a heel, instead of flat combat boots.

Finally, I added a nail polish idea - matte black nails are an update of the classic black polish. Back in the old days, before Chanel came out with their range of black polishes, you were stuck scouring markets or Hallowe'en stores for your gothy makeup needs. Fortunately, Stargazer and Manic Panic were on hand later on to make things easier, and now black nail polish can be found pretty much everywhere.

Oufit #27

Untitled #121 by labelleestlabete

Today I did something different and made a unisex outfit. Every item is from the men's section, and also under $100. The Kenzo jeans were the exception, however, because I liked the cross design on the leg and didn't find anything else more suitable. The shearling coat from River Island is currently on sale for $50 (down from $140, so get one while you can!).

I wanted to use purely men's clothing in this set because I've been talking about shopping in the men's section, but my sets are usually made up of mostly women's clothing. The intention this time was to show you how you can combine men's clothing to make an outfit that could be worn by either gender.

I added a few goth staples - the webbing belt and the big army backpack. I have basically the same one, and it's awesome for travelling. If you have an army surplus store near you, go and have a look around for hidden gems.
The boots are from Demonia, and I chose them for the extra buckle and chain details to keep the outfit from being too plain, which is the same idea with the shearling coat. Even though the coat comes from the men's section, it has a quite defined waist which would suit ladies as well.

Finally, I chose a T-shirt with a cool design on the front, which for me is the best part about men's clothing (apart from jeans that bloody fit!). I'm getting a bit tired of the motifs being repeated in women's T-shirts - there's a lot of dreamcatchers, astrological signs and "Aztec print" (don't even get me started on that one). Men, on the other hand, get skulls and motorbikes and those fake business or sports club designs. So clearly, the only solution is to buy those instead.

Outfit #26

Untitled #118 by labelleestlabete

I made this set because I liked the ouija board purse from Restyle. This outfit isn't really basic, but it's an example of a "day" outfit that you might wear on a shopping trip or day out. 

I really like this skeleton top, especially with the added feather detail in the design. It's easy to find standard skeleton shirts, but this one is just a little bit different. 

The skirt from RQBL is a classic goth style - lots of tulle, lace and tattered pieces. I chose a fuller design to balance out the fit of the top, which has a wider hem than usual that sits well with the cut of the skirt.

I used combat boots to make it easy to walk around for a long time. These are from Commes des Garçons, but you can find brand new boots in army surplus stores for a friendlier price.
 A tip if you're wearing them out and about - make sure the boots are laced tightly around your toes and upper foot. That way, they don't slide around and give you blisters. I rarely wore my combat boots because of that until I looked on a hiking forum to see how they solved the problem. No more blisters!

Finally, the accessories were added to finish of the outfit: tattered tights, a tungsten ring, the wolf claw necklace that I use a lot, and plenty of bracelets. I love adding lots of bracelets because it gives some interest to the sleeve area, and I think they look really good with a tank top or T-shirt. 

Outfit #25

Untitled #117 by labelleestlabete

We've hit a milestone - 25 posts! It's not that many, but considering my old blogs got boring before I even got this far, it's pretty good.

Today's set started with the dress by Australian label Camilla and Marc. I chose this one because it reminded me of a Vivienne Westwood piece - for example, this one. The one in the set is made of crepe and has a much less intimidating price point!

I added the Alexander McQueen jacket and the Yves Saint Laurent boots to keep the look classy rather than rough around the edges like some (read: most) of my other sets. The studs on the jacket and the buckle of the dress's belt are both brass-coloured, so I matched the clasp on the handbag with those details. I actually chose the bag first, then added the jacket to tie it together.

I finished off the look with the gloves because I liked the unusual bow detail on them. I used skeleton cameo earrings to add some gothic flair, and a beret because I couldn't find a suitable felt hat to go with the look. There's still a lot of fedoras floating around... 

Outfit #24

Untitled #116 by labelleestlabete

We're going for a more punk look today - I found the leather jacket from High Heels Suicide while I was making another set. I didn't use it that time, but I saved it for future use.

I added a white T-shirt and plain black jeans to keep the focus on the jacket and accessories. The jewelry is in keeping with our punk theme, and I tried to keep the decorations and textures matching to tie it all together. I also added an All Saints scarf for extra warmth, since there's only a T-shirt under the jacket.

I used the classic Dr Martens boots - as I mentioned in this post, Docs, black jeans and a leather jacket is one of the original looks for goths and punks alike. It's simple, you can find the components almost anywhere, and it's easy to style and wear. In fact, you might say that it's comfy and easy to wear. Just like shorts.

I did something different this time and added a hairstyle that would match, in honour of my new cut. I had two pieces of hair at the sides that would not behave - I could use enough extra-strong hairspray to put another hole in the ozone layer and they would still stick out and start fuzzing along my hairline. And what do we do when that one bit just won't cooperate? Shave it off!
I was apprehensive about taking off two of the long sections of my hair, but now I wish I'd done it long ago. No more fuzz, no more bits touching my ears whenever the wind blows... It may be a trendy thing right now, but it gets the job done.

Outfit #23

Precious by labelleestlabete

This outfit started with the Jaeger parachute hoodie - I saw this when it was still in the shops and did my usual thing of "I'm not paying 90 quid for knitwear when I can make something just as good". When I started looking at patterns, I realised that the shaping wasn't that easy and I was better off just buying one. Of course, by that time, they were all sold out and I had to turn to Ebay. It took two years for one to come up, but I finally got one! It's awesome and I love it, and the whole process reminded me that while handmade is great, sometimes it's too much work and you should just swallow your pride and buy the thing you want.

This look is another "casual office" type, as shown by the travel mug. The only thing that's missing is the huge sunglasses I always wear on the way to work, so that I don't have to be seen when I'm half-awake and insufficiently caffeinated. 
The trousers and long-sleeve T-shirt from Only keep everything else fairly basic to keep the focus on the Jaeger cardigan and the skull scarf from Pieces*. As an aside, Only make really good long-sleeves which last through endless wash cycles. The H&M ones are also pretty nice.

*I only just realised this, but half of this outfit is from shops I liked in Germany (Only and Pieces, which are the same company). My favourite shop in Frankfurt was New Yorker. I miss them, even though their in-store music was utterly terrible (especially when that Jason Derulo song was out and they had it on loop >_<).

Outfit #22

Untitled #91 by labelleestlabete

We're going for more of a "cute" look today, lightly inspired by gyaru style (for more info on gyaru, check out the wiki here, or Universal Doll, one of the best blogs on the subject.) I'm not sure which category this would fall into, to be honest. Maybe the "otona kawaii" (literally "adult cute") category? 
(I swear I didn't make up that name).

I started off with the lace shorts, which I didn't like much when they first hit the market, but now they've grown on me. Then I added the striped T-shirt. This grey broken-striped tee is cute, but not too cute.

I added a blazer jacket to stop the look from getting too cutesy, and kept the palette dark for the same reason.

You might also see heels with this kind of look - high-heeled over-the-knee boots are very popular - but I went with flat, slightly loose boots because they're the kind of shoes I would actually wear with this outfit(and they're also quite popular with gyaru who are going to be out and about all day). The only reason I don't wear mine every day is that it rains a lot where I live!

Outfit #21

Untitled #114 by labelleestlabete

I started this outfit off with the cloud-print T-shirt dress - Polyvore doesn't have the designer listed, but I think it's from Rick Owens' DRKSHDW line, based on the auto-tags. 
Then I added the jacket from Nicholas K, which I didn't know about until just recently, but it fits right in with the avant-garde, post-apocalyptic look I've been using in the last few sets.

I added the Fly London boots and the leather leggings to keep some interest in the lower half of the outfit, and added some accessories.
I use the ninja star cuff quite a lot (almost as much as the Boda Skins jacket), including way back in this set. I think it goes with so many looks - you can add some interest to an otherwise plain outfit, or you can go full-on and build your whole outfit around the bracelet (essentially, what I do).
I also used a leather multi-wrap bracelet, the nylon backpack from Prada and the flying bird earrings to finish it off.

Then I added the omnipresent special effects, including my favourite "coffee stain" effect. Bonus points if your coffee is black like your outfit. :p

Outfit #20

Untitled #113 by labelleestlabete

I started off this look with the lacy skirt, which is listed as a "lolita"* skirt, but has been popular with goths for a while. Flared skirts like this are easy to wear and the detail makes it interesting enough that you can keep the rest of your outfit pretty plain.
I added some opaque tights, because the biggest drawback of a floaty, flared skirt is that one rogue gust of wind can force you to do an impromptu Marilyn Monroe impression. Opaque tights will at least keep your undies from public display! Some people wear bike shorts under skirts when they leave their legs bare, for exactly the same reason.

I have no idea where the boots are from, to be honest, but the stitching makes me think of Dr Martens. They could be fakes, though.
I added a cashmere sweater, and a leather jacket from Marc Jacobs. 


*I wanted to talk a bit about lolita style and how it intersects with goth, but that's a whole post on its own!
Lolita is a Japanese street style, and while it has an extremely unfortunate name, it has nothing to do with the book. The original idea was rather to go against the growing trend of showing skin in modern fashion, and bring in ideas of "modesty", and people who wear the style prefer to look cute or elegant (depending on their chosen sub-style), rather than "sexy" (Japan also has a different definition of "sexy", which is another post!).