Friday, January 11, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Goth Tutus
A tutu skirt is something most goths, girls especially, can easily find in their wardrobe. It could work with many diffrent styles, such as cyber, rave, deathrock and even romantic. However, even something as simple as a tulle skirt must be of good quality in order to work. Here are some examples of what could or could not work:
Very Good:
A floorlength skirt here looks more intresting then the regular tutu mini. The above is an intresting design, with the red under the black. I can definitely see this in a very romantic outfit, perhaps next to a ruffled blouse and leather corset. A similar black-and-purple one can be found on Ebay for around $25, it is slightly less poofy so will work better with more casual outfits.
Okay:
This skirt looks more like a classic tutu, and can work even next to a casual t-shirt. The only thing wrong with ist are the ribbons, strangely criss-crossing in an attempt at corset lacing between the pleats, but by looks of it these could easily be removed. Wearing this with leggings or at least thick tights underneath I will also recomend, as it seems a bit short, but whether you are comfortable with a shoer skirt or not is up to you.
Please Don't:
Don't wear this. Or buy it. Or even consider it or look at it or think about it for that matter, as there is no wey on earth this could work. The color looks a bit awkward, the black netting over only the bottom two layers makes no sense, the fabric looks like a cheap Halloween costume. Just because something is labelled as goth doesn't mean it is, or that it should be worn.
Very Good:
A floorlength skirt here looks more intresting then the regular tutu mini. The above is an intresting design, with the red under the black. I can definitely see this in a very romantic outfit, perhaps next to a ruffled blouse and leather corset. A similar black-and-purple one can be found on Ebay for around $25, it is slightly less poofy so will work better with more casual outfits.
Okay:
This skirt looks more like a classic tutu, and can work even next to a casual t-shirt. The only thing wrong with ist are the ribbons, strangely criss-crossing in an attempt at corset lacing between the pleats, but by looks of it these could easily be removed. Wearing this with leggings or at least thick tights underneath I will also recomend, as it seems a bit short, but whether you are comfortable with a shoer skirt or not is up to you.
Please Don't:
Don't wear this. Or buy it. Or even consider it or look at it or think about it for that matter, as there is no wey on earth this could work. The color looks a bit awkward, the black netting over only the bottom two layers makes no sense, the fabric looks like a cheap Halloween costume. Just because something is labelled as goth doesn't mean it is, or that it should be worn.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Gothic and Emo Poetry Online
Poetry is a great way to express you feelings and ideas to others, and with the spread of online culture poetry has become easier and easier to share. This is both good and not so; you can easily get feedback on how to make your riting better and inspirations for themes and styles, but there will always be those people who for one reason or another will make nasty comments about what you wrote. As someone who likes to write poetry, I myself had seen this happen many times, and know how it can be avoided. Here are some tips I learned from my own experience with this:
1)Post anonymously
If you post your writing anonymously or at least under a name no one will recognise, it will be harder for people to make a personal attack beyond writing something silly in the comments. However, with this be sure to choose a name that reflects who you are as a person and your writing style, not just a jumble of words that "sounds cool". For example, while something like Gothic Poet will look like a respectable individual whose work I'd be glad to read, poems written by an author like XxXGothVampirePrincessXxX will seem wannabe-cool and overly angsty before one even looks at them.
2)Think of a good title for your work
Oftentimes a poem comes up to readers only as a title, and it is up to them to choose if they should read it or not. A title should reflect what the work is about, and how much effort you'd put into it. When you have absolutely no idea of what to call your poem, use the first line or part thereof. The style of poem, be it a distinctive style or freestyle, could also go with the title. With that, you'd have something like "Midnight Clouds Above Me (Freestyle)" which sounds interesting, respectable and reader-worthy.
3) Be Mindful of Grammar
This is so obvious people ofthen forget about it! Always re-read what you're posting before posting it, as it is all too easy to hit the wrong key while typing. Bad grammar and lainguage arts like poetry definitely don't mix.
A good example of the mistakes commonly made I will explain below. This was labelled as an "emo poem", but goes for other styles of poetry as well. You can easily see that effort was put into this work, so I blacked out the author's name so my criticism will not result in personal attacks against them. If you are the author of this and don't want it to be used as an example, leave a comment on this post and I will remove it if you ask.
And so, this poem. I will not say anything about subject matter; this is entierly up to the author to choose what to write about. The first thing I'd noticed are the obviosly edited tears in the photograph. While I do not reccomend posting a picture of yourself as an illustration at all, as it can and will turn into an embarassing "babybat" photo that is hard to remove, I especially don't advise a crying pose or edited-in tears. This adds to the angstyness of an otherwise good work, plus plainly shows the face of the author while it is as I mentioned before best to post anonymously.
Adding to that, the grammar: day's, wnated, a nother, croud, memorie, waisting, breth, and others. be careful while typing, especially in things like this. There is nothing wrong with looking up a word you don't know how to spell. Again, misspellings add to the teenage factor, as though the author is asking for negative critique. In the poem, a lainguage art, this is especially important.
The last thing I wanted to mention was the author's name, which I blacked out for her own security but which she herself posted in plain sight. Posting your first and last name in full as she did here makes it only easier for bullies or "trolls" to find her and send her nasty messages not only in the comments but also on sites like Facebook, and from my own experience I find there are all too many people who would want to do that.
1)Post anonymously
If you post your writing anonymously or at least under a name no one will recognise, it will be harder for people to make a personal attack beyond writing something silly in the comments. However, with this be sure to choose a name that reflects who you are as a person and your writing style, not just a jumble of words that "sounds cool". For example, while something like Gothic Poet will look like a respectable individual whose work I'd be glad to read, poems written by an author like XxXGothVampirePrincessXxX will seem wannabe-cool and overly angsty before one even looks at them.
2)Think of a good title for your work
Oftentimes a poem comes up to readers only as a title, and it is up to them to choose if they should read it or not. A title should reflect what the work is about, and how much effort you'd put into it. When you have absolutely no idea of what to call your poem, use the first line or part thereof. The style of poem, be it a distinctive style or freestyle, could also go with the title. With that, you'd have something like "Midnight Clouds Above Me (Freestyle)" which sounds interesting, respectable and reader-worthy.
3) Be Mindful of Grammar
This is so obvious people ofthen forget about it! Always re-read what you're posting before posting it, as it is all too easy to hit the wrong key while typing. Bad grammar and lainguage arts like poetry definitely don't mix.
A good example of the mistakes commonly made I will explain below. This was labelled as an "emo poem", but goes for other styles of poetry as well. You can easily see that effort was put into this work, so I blacked out the author's name so my criticism will not result in personal attacks against them. If you are the author of this and don't want it to be used as an example, leave a comment on this post and I will remove it if you ask.
And so, this poem. I will not say anything about subject matter; this is entierly up to the author to choose what to write about. The first thing I'd noticed are the obviosly edited tears in the photograph. While I do not reccomend posting a picture of yourself as an illustration at all, as it can and will turn into an embarassing "babybat" photo that is hard to remove, I especially don't advise a crying pose or edited-in tears. This adds to the angstyness of an otherwise good work, plus plainly shows the face of the author while it is as I mentioned before best to post anonymously.
Adding to that, the grammar: day's, wnated, a nother, croud, memorie, waisting, breth, and others. be careful while typing, especially in things like this. There is nothing wrong with looking up a word you don't know how to spell. Again, misspellings add to the teenage factor, as though the author is asking for negative critique. In the poem, a lainguage art, this is especially important.
The last thing I wanted to mention was the author's name, which I blacked out for her own security but which she herself posted in plain sight. Posting your first and last name in full as she did here makes it only easier for bullies or "trolls" to find her and send her nasty messages not only in the comments but also on sites like Facebook, and from my own experience I find there are all too many people who would want to do that.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Babybats and How Not To Look Like One: Part1
A babybat is what they sometimes call younger or beginner goths in short someone who does not know much about the subculture; although most times it is not meant to be taken as an offense, it usually comes off as derogatory. And for a good reason. Look it up on google, skip the animals, and there you have it. "Babybat" is usually associated with badly done eyeliner, Nightmare Before Christmas shirts and greasy hair; not things one wants people to think of them as having. Converse, cheap fake leather cuffs and collars, and tons of skulls go there too. So, in this series of posts I will try to give tips on how to stay away from looking like a babybat, and, for beginners, never being called one again.
1) Don't read "how to be goth" guides written by non-goths
This is first and foremost: If the author doesn't know what goth is, chances are you won't either after reading their posts. The above image is actually from a tutorial video. Yep, that's a belt around her neck. Don't listen to people who wear belts around their necks! The same goes for YouTube videos and blogs; Look at the author before choosing to trust or not trust the content. Just because someone somewhere said something, doesn't mean it's law.
2)Don't make "rules" for yourself
This is all too common. Upon seeing black is a staple color in the goth subculture, a beginner vows never yo wear any color again, discarding anything else from their wardrobe. Needless to say this does not look right, so the person"rebels" against themselves, wearing rainbow armwarmers or the similar and looking even worse. Remember that there are hundreds of styles to choose from and there is no point to limiting yourself to just one.
3)When asked goth or not, answer honestly
If someone asks you if you are goth, or what style it is that you're dressed in, anmswer honestly. However, don't start telling every passerby that you're goth or bragging about it. Just say yes, I'm goth, or no, I'm not. If you're asked what the subculture is about, briefly explain that it is people who like a certain style of music and want to express that and who they are on the inside by the clothes that they wear. Don't go into long rants about how you're not allowed to shop at Hot Topic and what you think of the latest HIM album. People usually just want to know it in the general sense, so answer more if they ask more.
1) Don't read "how to be goth" guides written by non-goths
This is first and foremost: If the author doesn't know what goth is, chances are you won't either after reading their posts. The above image is actually from a tutorial video. Yep, that's a belt around her neck. Don't listen to people who wear belts around their necks! The same goes for YouTube videos and blogs; Look at the author before choosing to trust or not trust the content. Just because someone somewhere said something, doesn't mean it's law.
2)Don't make "rules" for yourself
This is all too common. Upon seeing black is a staple color in the goth subculture, a beginner vows never yo wear any color again, discarding anything else from their wardrobe. Needless to say this does not look right, so the person"rebels" against themselves, wearing rainbow armwarmers or the similar and looking even worse. Remember that there are hundreds of styles to choose from and there is no point to limiting yourself to just one.
3)When asked goth or not, answer honestly
If someone asks you if you are goth, or what style it is that you're dressed in, anmswer honestly. However, don't start telling every passerby that you're goth or bragging about it. Just say yes, I'm goth, or no, I'm not. If you're asked what the subculture is about, briefly explain that it is people who like a certain style of music and want to express that and who they are on the inside by the clothes that they wear. Don't go into long rants about how you're not allowed to shop at Hot Topic and what you think of the latest HIM album. People usually just want to know it in the general sense, so answer more if they ask more.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Goth and Wigs
Another common misconception about goth: you must dye your hair. This is said because many think natural or undyed hair looks like you did not put effort into it, but it is much less than true. Considering the prices of hair dye and the damage it could do to your hair, I am puzzled as to how this "rule" still stands.
Not to say, of cource, that goths or anyone else should think they look good the moment they got out of bed. A good option for those who don't want to cut or dye their hair, or bother with styling, is to buy a wig. Not only can you choose from a much wider variety of colors and styles that may not be posible with natural hair, it can actually save you a lot of money. How? Simple. To go and get your hair cut would cost upward of $20 if you want anything half-descent; however for a more complicayed style you're looking at $40 up. To get your hair dyed at a salon would cost $20-30 on top of that, with one package of Manic Panic to use at home at $15 and up. And all this would begin to fade after a week and completely lose its appearance after a month. A GOOD WIG COSTS NOT MUCH MORE THAN $40-50 AND CAN LAST SEVERAL YEARS.
However, even with wigs there is a catch; in order to work they must be very good quality. A good rule is not to buy anything from Halloween shops or sales and to stay away from anything under $30 to be sure. But even to this are exeptions: Bodyline has realistic and wearable wigs for as little as $13. With something like this it is best to explain in examples; let's take the simple one of a black-and-red long wig with bangs.
This is done very well. It looks like natural hair that was dyed, which is what a wig should look like. From Rock Star Wigs if I am not mistaken.
This looks good, but by that I mean it works but could be improved. The dreadlock parts look a bit plastic, but still wearable.
And the above picture, dear friends, is what you should never put on your head and stay away from in general. It's so plastic that it's actually shiny, the hair thick and unnatural, and on top of that looks tangled. And yes, it was someone trying to sell it as "goth". I'm going to assume a costume shop.
Not to say, of cource, that goths or anyone else should think they look good the moment they got out of bed. A good option for those who don't want to cut or dye their hair, or bother with styling, is to buy a wig. Not only can you choose from a much wider variety of colors and styles that may not be posible with natural hair, it can actually save you a lot of money. How? Simple. To go and get your hair cut would cost upward of $20 if you want anything half-descent; however for a more complicayed style you're looking at $40 up. To get your hair dyed at a salon would cost $20-30 on top of that, with one package of Manic Panic to use at home at $15 and up. And all this would begin to fade after a week and completely lose its appearance after a month. A GOOD WIG COSTS NOT MUCH MORE THAN $40-50 AND CAN LAST SEVERAL YEARS.
However, even with wigs there is a catch; in order to work they must be very good quality. A good rule is not to buy anything from Halloween shops or sales and to stay away from anything under $30 to be sure. But even to this are exeptions: Bodyline has realistic and wearable wigs for as little as $13. With something like this it is best to explain in examples; let's take the simple one of a black-and-red long wig with bangs.
This is done very well. It looks like natural hair that was dyed, which is what a wig should look like. From Rock Star Wigs if I am not mistaken.
This looks good, but by that I mean it works but could be improved. The dreadlock parts look a bit plastic, but still wearable.
And the above picture, dear friends, is what you should never put on your head and stay away from in general. It's so plastic that it's actually shiny, the hair thick and unnatural, and on top of that looks tangled. And yes, it was someone trying to sell it as "goth". I'm going to assume a costume shop.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Basic Goth Tips
As a first post, I would like to talk about some of the advice given for new goths, or as they affectionately or not so affectionately call them, babybats. This basic advice would be found on any page relating to goth subculture and fashion; most assume it as law. Its get copied back and forth between blogs,however to some of these tips there are major flaws; others are rarely true if at all. Here I will discuss some of those that get most on my nerves.
1)Natural hair won't do
Even when it is not said, this message is still shown more than clearly on fashion sites, alternative models and many others. However for most types of goth fashion this is actually very false; for example, how would historical clothing look next to a pink mohawk? While a pink mohawk is not always the choice, and the abovementioned combination, if done well, may work, unnatural hair has many disadvantages. For example, it is very hard to keep up, growing out and fading and whatever else. Second, unnatural hair colors greatly limit the choices of makeup and clothes colors that work for you, and third, it is expensive to buy all the extra products.
I suggest: For most, a stylish haircut is enough; some, like the girl in the picture above, are best off doing nothing at all. Depending on the style you like you can straighten your hair or not; however remember it is harmful for your hair. With dyes, stick to natural dark colors or a classic black. Or, if you really want a certain style, a high-quality, pre-styled wig is always an option.
2)You can't buy from Hot Topic
Calm down, people. Hot Topic is just a store; they sell all kinds of brands. The only problem I see with them is their prices. However, we forget that for some of the brands they sell these prices are actually very good, especially when they have sales. Moreover, Hot Topic is availiable almost anywhere, and is a good place to start for those new to the subculture if they can use their common sense.
3) You can't listen to: Marilyn Manson, HIM, Dimmu Borgir, Evanescence, Nightwish, whatever,whatever, whatever...
There is no law restricting what you can and can't like, including music. It doesn't matter if your music is labelled a "goth"; if you like it you like it. The whole point of goth is to express who you are, and what good is it when you are already told what you can or can't like. There is no such thing as a "proper" goth, and this is what I like most about the subculture. Your taste in music is only up to you; you don't have to agree with everybody.
1)Natural hair won't do
Even when it is not said, this message is still shown more than clearly on fashion sites, alternative models and many others. However for most types of goth fashion this is actually very false; for example, how would historical clothing look next to a pink mohawk? While a pink mohawk is not always the choice, and the abovementioned combination, if done well, may work, unnatural hair has many disadvantages. For example, it is very hard to keep up, growing out and fading and whatever else. Second, unnatural hair colors greatly limit the choices of makeup and clothes colors that work for you, and third, it is expensive to buy all the extra products.
I suggest: For most, a stylish haircut is enough; some, like the girl in the picture above, are best off doing nothing at all. Depending on the style you like you can straighten your hair or not; however remember it is harmful for your hair. With dyes, stick to natural dark colors or a classic black. Or, if you really want a certain style, a high-quality, pre-styled wig is always an option.
2)You can't buy from Hot Topic
Calm down, people. Hot Topic is just a store; they sell all kinds of brands. The only problem I see with them is their prices. However, we forget that for some of the brands they sell these prices are actually very good, especially when they have sales. Moreover, Hot Topic is availiable almost anywhere, and is a good place to start for those new to the subculture if they can use their common sense.
3) You can't listen to: Marilyn Manson, HIM, Dimmu Borgir, Evanescence, Nightwish, whatever,whatever, whatever...
There is no law restricting what you can and can't like, including music. It doesn't matter if your music is labelled a "goth"; if you like it you like it. The whole point of goth is to express who you are, and what good is it when you are already told what you can or can't like. There is no such thing as a "proper" goth, and this is what I like most about the subculture. Your taste in music is only up to you; you don't have to agree with everybody.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Welcome to Rosewell!
This blog will be for all those who intrested in gothic fashion and subculture or want to learn about it. The more of you there are, the happier I will be, so please read and comment. I will write, as regularly as I can, on how to get into goth, buy, alter and make clothes to get your dream wardrobe, and save money while doing so. There will be advice for those new to the subculture, photos of inspiration and reviews of various brands.
Contrary to the intentionally misspelled name, I'd only rarely if ever write about extraterrestrial life or the Rosswell incident.
Hope you like it!
Tours truly,
K15MET
Contrary to the intentionally misspelled name, I'd only rarely if ever write about extraterrestrial life or the Rosswell incident.
Hope you like it!
Tours truly,
K15MET
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