August round up.

Found via Tumblr.

My Guide to Graveyard etiquette.
I know I've written about the subject previously myself but I feel so strongly on the topic.

Tips for dressing alternatively at school.
A few tips from Sary.

DIY cats eye nails.
A cute tutorial on how to create cats eye pattern with nail varnish.

Proper pincurls and everything.
One of my favourite outfits this month from Charlotte, what a cute quirky jumper.

10 Misconceptions that Lolitas have about Lolita.
I feel like pointing this out to every Goth that has an interest in Lolita, seriously get your facts right about Lolitas.

Is thrift an age thing?
Interesting post from A Thrifty Mrs, check out the comments for discussion.

No See Views.
A cute post from Fleur about her day out to the seaside.

Recommended blogs:
Bobby Pin Blog - for vintage and alternative hairstyling, the vintage scans alone are worth looking at.
The Fairly Young Grandmother - recently came under my radar thanks to Tumblr. A gorgeous girl who deserves much more followers!

How to dress up everyday.

Since I've left college I've challenged myself to dress fancy whenever I want. Usually I wouldn't everyday because of my college work, textiles can get very messy. Also, I felt like I was wasting my pretty clothes and they should be saved for better occasions. I've found a happy medium between formal wear and casual wear, before I might have dressed in jeans and a t-shirt when I was meeting my friends. Now I make the effort to experiment with co-ords and accessories.

Make everything lovely.
At work I can't dress nicely because of my hideous uniform but I can experiment with accessories such a vintage hair scarf or a cute necklace. The reaction I get at work is usually a positive one and I think it makes a good impression. You could buy office desk accessories and make your kitchen wear adorable, it will all inspire you to make an effort and if you don't at least you have a pretty toaster. I have recently bought some new pjs and I'm much happier answering the door now. Seriously my old pjs were foul, like pink teddy bear picnic style from distance relatives not knowing any better, blurgh.

Have a varied wardrobe or at least a basic wardrobe.
A versatile wardrobe will help you co-ord your clothes over and over, it does help to have more than a basic wardrobe so you can experiment and keep your outfits fresh. Everyone has their own version of a basic wardrobe so don't be afraid to create your own, for example most people suggest a few smart blouses but I hate them and therefore don't buy them. It's not a basic piece if you never wear it! However there are a few basic things everyone needs, like socks and tights. If you wear tights you'll go through them very quickly, choose your preferred type in good quality and stock up.

Mix and match more.
It's quite common to get stuck in a rut with clothes, pairing that skirt with that blouse every time. Why not try matching it with something else? A good tip is to get your favourite skirt and try it with every top you own, you'll be surprised at how many different outfits you can create if you just try. Don't be afraid to step outside the rules, too many people create rules for themselves that are complete nonsense. I used to think I couldn't wear waist skirts because they give me a muffin top, they don't if they fit correctly. I'm glad I stepped outside my own box and waist skirts are now my favourite go to. If you look back on an outfit and think it's looks terrible at least you tried and learnt a lesson.

Consider casual clothes.
Band t-shirts are my best friend. They're comfortable and I can keep it on if I have a IBS flare up, always a bonus to keep my clothes on when I'm ill. However casual clothes don't have to look sloppy, if you make the effort with your hair or accessories it won't look so casual. Be creative when you're trying to put together outfits with a casual piece, try thinking of it as a basic piece instead. Like a band t-shirt could easily just be hidden underneath a waistcoat or you could be on a sleeveless dress on top of it, the shirt is simply the basis of the outfit but whatever you put with it is the deciding factor on whether it's more than casual.

Freddies of Pinewood review.

Their website.

Ordering and delivery.
Ordering was very simple and delivery was surprisingly quick.

My review.

Product: Black Cord Dungarees.
Price: £55.00

Good quality and worth every penny, sizing is perfectly accurate. However the legs were huge! I had to get them tailored, my dungarees was too long and too wide. It does state the leg length and width on their sizing if you're concerned however. There a tiny area of stitching where it's gone a iffy but it's very small. It made me laugh though, like they sneezed while on the sewing machine. It doesn't ruin the product at all. Although I did find a needle in the pocket of my dungarees, it wasn't from me or my tailor. Strange, but hey ho free needle for me.

Product: Black Denim Shorts.
Price: £36.00.

Good quality and fair price, sizing is also accurate and it allows a small amount of stretch. My only concern is that they're quite short, I wouldn't wear these without tights. I have the exact same problem with every pair of shorts I've bought, to be quite frank I have a big bottom. Also, it's not pure black denim. If you look at it closely it appears more dark blue - black but to be fair these are vintage reproduction. They're not going to be deep black! You can see me in these shorts from my outfit post which was published yesterday.

Cons:
- Found a needle.
- Tiny iffy stitching.

Pros:
- Accurate sizing.
- Accurate stock photos.
- Good quality.
- Fair price.
- Perfect reproduction.

Would I repurchase: Yes.

Outfit post.

Top: Dorothy Perkins.
Shorts: Freddies of Pinewood.
Tights: What Katie Did.
Shoes: Topshop.
Hair bow: vintage.
Necklace: Decarabia.

Excuse my squinty eyes, I didn't realise how sunny it was until I got outside. And this is the year I've also developed Hayfever, urgh *rubs tired eyes for the 50th time*

How to tell your parents about Goth.

Found via Tumblr.

When should I appear in my velvet and lace?
When you're first trying to find a place in the subculture I've always recommend that you do it slowly, it is rather alarming when your Barbie-esque daughter struts downstairs suddenly aspiring to be Wednesday Addams. A good few months is best, that way if they still consider it a phase at least they've had some time to get used to it. Plus in that time you can learn more about the subculture and fashion, the more you know the better your future wardrobe will be.

How do I explain Goth to my parents?
There's nothing quite like explaining the subculture to family and friends, it's so vast and misunderstood you could talk about it all day. Goth's reputation isn't great and the only time your parents have ever heard of us probably isn't in a good light. Try asking them what they believe Goth is, they might even know a few basics if you're lucky. Sadly the chances are you're going to hear about Marilyn Manson and black lipstick but don't get angry and remain polite. The stereotypes are more available to hear than the actual facts.

It's important to mention a few sources that personally effect you and understand the history, this means you can pull up facts against the more commonly known myths. Explain why you're attracted to the subculture and why other people are, how most Goths embrace the negative aspects of life in order to distill them or we appreciate the rich history that's seen in the fashion across the subculture.

Depending on your parent's age they might actually remember a connection to Goth, majority of parents will know a Goth band or a band related to the genre, for example The Cure. Start off looking through their music collection and use a band as a jumping off point, if they've got New Order in there just mention Joy Division and how they're considered a part of our history.

Don't forget to mention some of the pleasant things about Goth, many items are handmade or adjusted so you're not following the crowd and looking at the latest expensive trends. Goth fashion can be picked up at charity shops or in sales, all ready for you DIY with your new sewing skills.

What if my parents don't like Goth?
There will always be at least one person who doesn't react nicely, some people make snap judgements and will never accept you. Harsh but true. You can't control what some people think but you can try and persuade them to change their opinion if you really care about what they think.

Some parents are actually concerned about peoples reactions. Yes it's true, they do worry about whether other parent's will take one look at you and dismiss them as Bad Parents. Plus Sophie Lancaster's death has only quite rightly fanned the fear of bullying As a Goth you soon get used to name calling and other typical reactions but your parents may be mortified. Reassure them and tell them that making a big deal out of everyday reactions actually makes you feel worse, this is a response you're willing to deal with if it means that you get to dress how you feel comfortable.

Please understand that you're their child and despite some of the typical teenager behaviour they still feel protective towards you, stopping you from pursuing this new found interest is their way of doing just that. In the meanwhile compromise with your parents and dress more casually if it makes them feel better, I'm pretty sure your parents made some sacrifices for you. While you're under their roof you have to accept their rules. When you're an adult they'll have to deal with it but despite everything some parents will never approve, accept not approve.

What about long distance family and friends?
After I had established my dark tastes I actually felt closer to my friends and family, they knew me a lot better and shopping with me was less awkward. However, if certain family members or so-called friends told me they didn't approve of it I would have simply ignored them. It's difficult not to let it belittle you but sometimes those relentless type of people need to ignored, you probably won't see them until the family event so it's worth rising above it. However they're not your parents and they don't have any rights on telling you how to dress so if it becomes a problem get your parents involved.  You shouldn't have to dress to a friends taste in order to maintain a friendship either.