Preoccupation Situation
18 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in Daily Randomness Tags: traicetrak, VEDA, vlogging, YouTube
If you are a regular follower of this blog, you’re well aware I have a penchant for long absences. It isn’t that I forget about the blog or run out of ideas (you should see my drafts folder!), but rather an issue of making time and knocking out my relentless perfectionism to get something written that’s publishable. Or you could call it laziness, too. That would be just as accurate. I’m interrupting this particular posting drought, however, to let you know the primary reason for it is creativity on another front. If you wish to visit my YouTube channel (link in the sidebar), I am currently preoccupied with VEDA, which stands for Vlog Every Day in April and consumes a surprising amount of my spare time. I participated in it for the first time last year and enjoyed it so much, I had to return for another round.
I’m just letting you know so that if you’re wishing to find me here and can’t, you can currently find me there. The vlogs aren’t necessarily about creativity (and, given the short deadlines, can sometimes be about simply the minutiae of my day), but are creative endeavors at self-expression in themselves. We are past the halfway mark of VEDA now, but none of the vlogs go longer than 6 minutes, so it shouldn’t be too tough to catch up. If you are so inclined, that is. Otherwise, I suppose I’ll see you on the flip-side of April.
Adventures in Mardi Gras Land
03 Apr 2012 2 Comments
in Style Tags: al, deathrock, goth, joe cain day, mardi gras, mobile
It seems like only yesterday I was writing about Mardi Gras, doesn’t it, and here I am again! More appropriate time of the year, though, even if Easter is breathing down our necks, marking the end of Lent while Mardi Gras marked its beginning. At this stage in my life I have somewhat mixed feelings about Mardi Gras. It’s enjoyable, but can be rather intense, especially if you are attending formal balls or society parties. I, fortunately, only had one, but many people have several. I’m thinking of taking a more laid-back approach to the festivities next year. The less crowded, night parades leading up to the main days were my favorite events this time around. I may not even attend the KoR (Knights of Revelry) reception next year, which is “mah regular thang.” We shall see.
What does all this talk of Mardi Gras have to do with imagination and creativity? Hah! I’m so glad you asked! Obviously a lot of creativity goes into the floats and costuming, as well as all that goes into throwing a swanky ball, but for peons like me (who can’t afford or are unwilling to pay those society dues for the chance to parade and such), it’s all in dressing up and looking like a fool.
a nice little collection of Converse & Dr. Marten's for the day
Mardi Gras has a reputation for drawing out the wacky, eccentric types. Probably even more so in New Orleans than here, but it’s still part of the fun … part of the party. The best day known for this in my neck-of-the-woods is Joe Cain Day. The Sunday before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), it is also know as “The People’s Day” because one doesn’t need to be part of a krewe to parade. It was instituted in the 1960′s and named in honor of the man who revived Mardi Gras tradition in Mobile in the 1860′s while under the shadow of Union occupation, after it had been suspended for the Civil War. He essentially thumbed his nose at the Union occupiers by dressing up in improvised Chickasaw chief regalia (a tribe never defeated in war) and parading with friends and a single, coal wagon through the city streets, calling themselves the “L.(ost) C.(ause) Minstrels. He recreated his character of “Chief Slacabamorinico” every year thereafter, and the tradition continues today with new players taking up the headdress and leading the Joe Cain Procession (or “The People’s Parade).
That’s something to know about Mobilians. We have a wry sense of humor that sort of infuses everything. Art, music, writing. Everything. I rather like it.
Anyway, believing there would be many eccentrics out and about, I decided this was the perfect day to really dive into the goth aesthetic and get dramatic. Having been fascinated with death rock fashion recently, that was the route I took. And here’s a couple of terrible pics:
with my friend J.C., as eccentric a character as I am
No one is even paying attention. See? Worried for nothing.
Of course, I had one of those experiences where I loved the look I’d created in the mirrors at home (had even practiced it a couple of nights before, so I knew what I was doing), but then had a bit of an anxiety attack before heading out the door. Too late to go back now! People were waiting on me, and all my ministrations had run me terribly late. So, I hopped in my little VW Beetle and headed downtown. (My hair almost didn’t fit in the car!) Surely I would feel much more relaxed once I saw other people dressed wacky for the festivities. Here’s a funny little side-note: Perceiving wackiness when dressed/acting normally yourself is not the same as how you perceive it when personally venturing into that territory. A second anxiety attack ensued when driving around in search of parking and observing that the people walking about in goofy Mardi Gras hats were the most outrageous to be seen. I had gone way beyond goofy Mardi Gras hats. Compared to everyone else, I was in a league of my own. Once parked, the only way I could get out of the car was to call up my friend Steve, who was already there, and proposition that if he walked out to my car and wasn’t too embarrassed to be seen with me, then I’d be okay. He got a kick out of my getup and claimed to love it. All was fine from then on. The rest of my friends reacted with varying degrees of appreciation. Some were delighted while others were …. er … well, … polite. When explaining to one dear friend how I’d expected to see several outrageous outfits for Joe Cain Day as for the reason I’d become so behold, she declared, “Yeah, but most people don’t go Goth!” Well, yes, that may be true. But then again, how cryptic Mardi Gras can be! Having Folly chase Death around a pole while beating him with air-filled pig bladders? What better embodies that same spirit than a Deathrocker?
really must work on my modeling. mother would be ashamed.
That was my fun and outrageous adventure for the holiday. I decided to class it up for the Knights of Revelry reception on Fat Tuesday. I was left pretty uninspired until the last minute (not to mention financially challenged), when the idea of putting together certain elements I already possessed (but had never combined) to exude a retro vibe. Retro seems to be a consistent theme for me every year. Guess I’m just not especially fond of modern hats. I acquired this little black velvet, beaded number years ago from an online store, but couldn’t tell you now which one, which is incredibly sad. It had a large selection of lovely, affordable hats. I’m sure I bookmarked on my old, now-dead laptop. Ah, c’est la vie.
hat from the back. beaded trim goes all the way around.
Although I was extremely pleased with this little hat from the moment it arrived, I had some difficulty getting it to match with an outfit. The best I could do was combine it with a steampunk ensemble I wore for a party two years ago. It certainly isn’t the kind of hat you can just flop on your head for a bad-hair day. It’s more like the old-fashioned hats of the 19th century which require some hairstyling, a skill at which I am unpracticed and for which I seldom have time. After struggling with it considerably, I determined at some point long ago that it would only look right with my hair pulled away from my face. How I managed to get this hairstyle to work with it, I’ll never know.
Speaking of struggling with hairstyles, here’s a pic of the devastation wrought by a woman getting fancy in a hurry:
Don't stand in the way of a woman on a mission!
The little skeleton accessory peeking above the bottom of that pic and dangling from my purse above? I’ve affectionately named him Harold, and he now hangs from the rear-view mirror of my car. You might think I planned that as a gothy accessory to my outfit, but it was just coincidence. He was thrown from my boss’s Mardi Gras float during the parade. I thought it very fitting to include him.
For a little more about Mardi Gras or more scenes of me in a faux death hawk, check out my V-Log here:
Also, as luck would have it, I’ve come across this video of a guy going in search of eccentric people on Joe Cain Day, much more stylishly shot and edited than mine. Now, why were all these wacky people hiding from me when I needed them?
Groovy POTD: Black Beaded Collar
08 Feb 2012 6 Comments
in POTD, Style Tags: 1920s, accessories, antique shopping, fashion, goth, potd, vintage
My groovy purchase of the day happened unexpectedly when I decided to spend my lunch break doing a little window shopping at one of my favorite antique malls. What I love about Cotton City, besides being so conveniently located in my neighborhood, is that having so many vendors in one store provides variety and competitive pricing. However, because their weekday hours conflict with my own schedule, it’s difficult sometimes to get by there. Also, I have to make sure I have a little money to spend, because I will inevitably find something wonderful, whether it be a hat, tea cup, furnishings, or linens.
Today, I wanted to look primarily at the jewelry, but nothing in the display cases suited me, leaving several spare minutes to browse. I was ready to quit when a fabulous black, beaded collar randomly draped on a metal folding screen caught my eye. It should be no secret if you’ve been here before that I am fond of 1920′s fashion (see here), and upon seeing the collar, my mind immediately flew to that stunning lady, TheJillKill, whose impeccable style exudes the elegance of a silent film starlet. (You may recall I mentioned her before.) I often covet her unique accessories, so this felt like a truly exceptional discovery. At $12.50, a very reasonably priced one, as well.
Vintage Black Beaded Collar
I am so looking forward to incorporating this into some outfits. It being Mardi Gras season around here, when people typically dress a bit fanciful and/or outrageous, it’s the perfect time for trying it out. Hmmm, the 20s influenced me greatly last Mardi Gras, and now it crops up again this season…. Am I sensing a trend here?
Did a particular fashion era produce accessories you covet?
Easing Into Alternative Fashion
05 Feb 2012 5 Comments
in Style Tags: alternative fashion, fashion, goth, gothic lolita, lolita, style
The following video is something I stumbled upon while browsing YouTube recently. The creator’s channel is devoted primarily to her interest in Gothic Lolita, a very finely-tuned style if there ever was one. Personally, while the complete look isn’t for me, I do enjoy the Lolita aesthetic of frills and femininity. I found this little video clever and helpful in demonstrating how to gradually incorporate Lolita elements into one’s existing wardrobe.
A struggle for anyone dabbling in alternative fashion is the period of transition. It is daunting, both incorporating new elements which don’t quite fit into one’s existing wardrobe and venturing out with a new aesthetic that feels incomplete. During this period it’s quite easy to feel like a poseur to people of any aesthetic. What I found refreshing about this little video is that a person, like myself, gets something of an objective glimpse at our own efforts in this foundling state and a little reassurance in addition to the advice.
Have You Hugged Your Elder-Goth Today?
16 Dec 2011 4 Comments
in Reviews, Style Tags: 1980's, Batley, DIY, eccentricity, Elder Goth, fashion, goth, Goth club, style, Trad Goth, UK, West Yorkshire, Xclusiv
I’ve spoken here about the wonderfully diverse community modern gothdom is, which I stand by wholeheartedly, but ever wonder what it was like back when the subculture was first forming? (Assuming most of you weren’t there.) Back when being goth was something truly original and different?
A few days ago I came across a delightful video from 1984 showcasing the Xclusiv club and its unique clientele in Batley, West Yorkshire, England. (“Batley” . . . Heh. Get it? So appropriate.) Anyhoo, despite the 2-hour length (excruciating for web video) and a rough beginning (the source is a salvaged, slightly damaged VHS cassette), it’s a refreshing and inspiring look into goth in its infancy. It could do with more editing, honestly; On the other hand, I’m happy it isn’t over-edited. We get a pretty thorough glimpse into the goth/alt scene of the early, mid-80′s. While I found it fascinating and rather easy to watch stretched out over a couple of days, what I’m going to do for you is hit upon key points so you can skip ahead. First, here’s the video:
According to the uploader’s description, club owners Anne and Pete Swallow commissioned the video to document a typical night at their club for sharing with friends, family, and regular patrons. They set up a private party for the video-taping, inviting all those who made the club atmosphere lively and unique. The first 3 minutes of footage suffers frustrating distortion, but I recommend watching through it to get a nice sense of place and scene. Maybe close your eyes and just listen if it gets to be too much.
Highlights:
00:02:26 - Exterior architectural features of arched doors and windows with statuary of birds and gargoyles, and interior design replete in black and deep, dark reds, including plush, velvet upholstered seating, hanging vines, and a lighted dance floor make a perfect setting for the darkly inclined.
0:04:49 - A cozy little interview with the club owners, leading into another with the DJ, giving a nice feel for the world into which we’re stepping. Doesn’t Anne look quite gothic herself? And I love how the DJ throws the interviewer a curve when describing his playlist includes Glenn Miller.
00:08:56 - A costume parade of sorts as the patrons file in, showing their aesthetic diversity. It’s a really good chance to get a look at the outfits one-by-one.
0:10:42 - The age discrepancy between the ladies tending bar and their customers amuses me. I frequently hear gothy types tell how older generations seem more likely to show appreciation of their eccentric style than their peers. Has it always been this way?
I’m also pretty jealous of all the wacky, alternative hairstyles showcased in this bit. I never had the nerve to delve into anything like it back in the day. Ah, heck, hairstyle-wise I’ve always been more of a romantic type, anyway. It’s also interesting how the camera will zoom in on the multiple earrings of an individual. I remember this being tremendously edgy back then. Now, not-so-much. Heck, where I came from, a boy getting his ear pierced at all was controversial.
0:14:05 - Let the dancing begin! This is the part that could have been edited down more and still have provided an excellent display of the fashion and dance styles prevalent in the group. It’s on the dance floor, though, that I get the biggest kick out of the disparity in fashion between those dressed in more conservative 80′s fashion and the alternative ones, all dancing together to the same music.
0:24:47 - Displays of un-self-conscious eccentricity make me smile.
0:32:28 - True to his word (and my delight), the DJ plays Glen Miller, and even more delightfully surprising is the number of people enjoying it, even if a couple have to be dragged out to the dance floor by a friend and none know quite what to do with themselves. Hahah! – That’s the lark of it! Following up with “I’m a Believer” only serves to make this little, die-hard Monkees fan’s heart go pitty-pat. Topping that, then, with “The Monster Mash,” I want to jump through the screen to join them!
1:10:33 - Clientele interviews begin with my absolute favorite couple of the evening. Mannered and well-spoken (though their accent is a bit tricky for me), they could be poster children for Gothic subculture. They give the impression of normalcy beneath all the finery, knocking down the most tiresome stereotypes. They look smashing, don’t they? But I was completely wowed and won over by their claiming Glen Miller as a top favorite out of all the club’s music, validating everything I’ve wanted to believe (and have heard asserted) about the expansively diverse taste of goths.
1:15:46 - This little band of three gives me such a thrill, demonstrating the DIY ingenuity necessary for goth style at the time. Remember, this footage pre-dates Etsy, Hot Topic, Heavy Red, and all the favorite internet and alt shops we have available today. This group actually embodies what I find most attractive about goth fashion; true individuality. It’s a bit of a wake-up call, too, that while I covet pricey items like this spiderweb poncho, the girl on the right had to improvise her own. So, why don’t I just put up and shut up, huh?
1:20:12 - This young lady makes a rather poignant statement about how other clubs don’t accept people like them. She unknowingly echos something said earlier in Anne & Pete’s interview, only now it seems truly strange, having been exposed to their quiet politeness and quirky sense of harmless fun. I wonder if any of those club owners ever got a sense that they missed out on something.
1:32:27 - This girl is stunning. I would love to re-create her look.
1:56:59 - Each person behaving like the main performer of their own pop concert = Brilliant. Love it. Simple love it.
What makes the whole video so wonderfully fascinating for me is the freshness of it all, despite its age. I was a teenager in the late 80′s, not goth or even remotely alternative, but I remember those who were. Here in the U.S., at least where I’m from, the goth label hadn’t yet come into use. Alternative kids were all just lumped together. At my school they were called “whammers,” although no one has the foggiest idea why. Everyone knew, at least vaguely, the differentiation between punks, skaters, surfers, and everyone else, but it didn’t really matter. They were called “whammers” for being different from the mainstream, and the spooky kids wearing ankh symbols, winklepickers, and total black, who didn’t fit any other category, were the most “whammer” of all. No one was trying to figure out “what type of goth” they were (as I see happening today). The goth label itself didn’t even exist most places. Those who would have fit that description, though, were originally only emulating the style of their favorite bands and letting imagination carry them beyond. Labels were more about what other people called them than what they called themselves. They liked what they liked, and made what they couldn’t buy. Simple.
Now, I’m sure it wasn’t all sunshine and spring breezes. There was backstabbing and backbiting, as some talked behind their hands about so-and-so’s poor taste or terrible dancing. Someone always got wasted & obnoxious or stoned stupid. There was the creepy guy, the player, and the attention whore. Perhaps they were all one and the same. There were rivalries and petty jealousies, secrets and shenanigans. How do I know this? Because they’re people, and it’s just what people do. Get any group together and these are the dynamics that start playing out, no matter what music they like, how they dress, or what they believe. We’re fortunately spared all this in the video. Instead, we’re exposed to the innocent sense of fun that is at the heart of it all. That’s why I thought this a treasure worth sharing with you. I hope we can all maintain this sense of childlike, playful innocence as we go about building our lives, and dance like no one is watching.
Geek Goth Does Karaoke
23 Nov 2011 4 Comments
in Style Tags: casual, fashion, geek, goth, jeans, OOTD, style, t-shirt
Tuesday nights are my karaoke nights. There’s a great place nearby where the karaoke is run by a friend, the setup is great, and the place is friendly. It’s the kind of place that, after showing up for a few karaoke nights in a row, everybody really does know your name. It’s a chance for me to unleash my inner rock star. I say grab the fantasy where you can, which means I like dressing up a bit. Since it is sort of an intimate setting, I also consider it a safe place for trying out styles that are new to me.
This wasn’t really one of those days, though. I’ve been in such an “ah, screw it!” mood lately in choosing what to wear, plus it was raining last night, so I went the jeans and t-shirt route. I couldn’t completely relinquish the inner rock star, though, especially since I haven’t had a karaoke night in several weeks, so I had to dress it up a bit. Of course, you know me … I had to throw in a bit of whimsy as well.
If you notice the pictures looking a bit grainy, there’s a reason for that. Clutz that I am, I dropped my digital camera last week, and it died. Somehow it just leaped from my hands. These are actually stills taken from video. Although my camcorder has the feature for taking digital pictures, they aren’t really worth the effort. It’s better to save frames out of the video, and this is what we get … until I can replace my digital camera.
For some reason I loved the juxtaposition of novelty nerd glasses and old-fashioned Chuck Taylor style sneakers worn with a studded, leather collar and skull & crossbones t-shirt. The jacket was part of a two-piece skirt suit with satin lapels and a shimmery pinstripe (which you can’t really make out in these photos). It’s so old, I have no idea where I bought it. I have to wear it open because it’s missing a couple of the cloth-covered buttons and, well, I’ve “grown” since then. Yeah, that’s it. ”Grown.”
If you notice some of my poses looking familiar, there’s a reason for that, too. I freely admit to copying … ahem…. “being inspired by” the lovely lady, GothBarbie, over at The Military Fashion Show. Girl knows how to put an outfit together and then show it off.
I have to show you the cute little skull & crossbone earrings with pink gemstone bows I bought at Party City during Halloween. I didn’t really want to wear them this night, but they were so matchy-matchy with the shirt I just had to.
Do you ever feel it necessary to put particular accessories with certain items of clothing?
Standing Out & Fitting In
12 Nov 2011 8 Comments
in Style Tags: blogs, fashion, goth, style
When my favorite bloggers go silent, you know what that means? . . . I get bored. Bored, bored, bored. How dare they all go quiet simultaneously? Of course, my Google Reader will say I have 30 or more unread posts from other bloggers … yeah… so?!! If they aren’t fulfilling my craving for goth fashion and culture, they’re worthless to me, I tell you. Worthless!!
I’m a wee bit obsessive.
It’s funny. I recall criticism flowing out of 90′s talk shows about how hard all the “nonconformist” goth types work at conforming to each other. What a laugh! There is such diversity among this sect of people, you can’t even pin down exactly what they are! “Goth” is just some nebulous term that seems to encapsulate what they all have in common, but it’s hard to define. Sure, they wear a lot of black, but not as some sort of mass uniform. An attraction to black is just something they all have in common. Well, most. There are always exceptions, as this newbie has to frequently remind herself when tempted into the pre-teen mindset of needing a prescription for fitting in. No rules to follow (or break, as the case may be) in defining one’s self is liberating … and terrifying. It’s a free fall; few risk it. It’s fascinating watching people who do, though, and daunting becoming one of them. That’s when I run to my favorite blogs with a pre-teen-like need for assurance. “Is it okay that I don’t want to give up color?” “How can anyone recognize me as alternative when I keep a natural hair color and don’t shave my eyebrows or cake on eyeliner?” “Do I have to embrace every frikkin’ Halloween cliche there is?” “But I don’t wanna pierce/undercut/tattoo anything!” Then, just when the insecurity nearly drives me to distraction, a blogger catches my attention with their particular spin on my concern du jour. There’s the lady who always looks polished and professional with only touches of gothic style which might pass your notice if not for an occasional Pleaser platform heel or dramatic weekend attire. Another elder goth eschews the trademark heavy eyeliner in favor of a more natural look, while still clinging to her black tresses, spool heel boots, and stripes. (Come to think of it, I’ve come across more goths not heavily made up for daily wear than those who are!) There’s the young cat lover who swears like a sailor, delights in Victorian corsets, bloomers, and petticoats, but freely admits to being unimpressed with most music designated as “goth.” There’s the lady whose sense of style often reflects a more punk flavor, embracing all kinds of bright color, but maintains her goth identity with spooky touches here and there. Also, other than outrageously dyed and ever-changing hair, she has none of the more permanent body modifications popular among alternative types. There’s the transplanted Englishwoman who calls her presentation style “out there,” but looks more glamorous than outrageous with her vintage 20′s attire that, combined with dark, goth makeup, gives her the appearance of having stepped right out of silent film. There are the late adolescents who demonstrate their gothiness mostly through dramatic hair and makeup style with devotion to all-black, all the time. There’s the perky young lady with orange, blonde, and black hair who is almost always casually attired. Of course, there are those who look most extreme, with piercings, tattoos, the whole nine yards. Some won’t be seen in jeans; some won’t be seen in pants at all; while others will claim jeans as their favorite article of clothing. There is no way of saying what a goth will never wear, listen to, or say. Besides being untrue from the moment it’s thought, it flies in the face of open-mindedness and creative individuality esteemed in the subculture and providing its very essence.
There are those who try pinning it down and putting rules to what goth is and is not. Some can get quite critical, even harsh, with those not living up to their particular standard. They must be driven by an insecurity of their own; a fear of losing their grip on something by which they identify themselves. Or perhaps it’s a fear of having the uniqueness they treasure get trampled beyond recognition by an onslaught of diverging influences. Maybe it’s a fear of becoming ordinary if goth became too accessible. Someone breaking the “code” then threatens their very existence.
There is something to be said for their concern. I mean, no one likes seeing something they value being treated as a novelty. If goth becomes something done to be “cool,” then it gets watered down to nothing more than a trend. However, there’s little danger for the authentic goth, knowing the point of it all isn’t to define one’s self by fitting into a particular box, but to break out of one and never look back.
