Professional - Corporate Goth - Wardrobe
Some general thoughts and concepts:
- I travel for a living. My professional wardrobe must be easy to pack and unpack for wearing. It must also be composed of coordinates - items that can be mixed and matched.
- I was recently turned on to travel knit. It's easy to care for, doesn't wrinkle, can be laundered in the bathroom sink, and it looks great on me. I have a black skirt, a pair of slacks, and a sleeveless dress. I'd like to acquire a long black jacket.
- Other than black, I prefer purple and red to any other colors. I might wear a white silk ruffled shirt, but I have to find one.
- I'm a size 18 or so, depending on maker and fit. Thanks to my friend Michelle, I finally have found a bra that fits (WonderBra, of all things) and so I do have some good curves. I want to emphasize parts above the waist, while de-emphasizing parts below the waist.
- My style is romantic Gothique. I prefer historical clothing forms, but tend to go a little more tailored for work. Nevertheless, I gravitate toward lace, velvet and beads.
- Nail polish must be limited to the toes. I do too many things with my hands to keep nail polish looking good for more than 24 hours, and I'm not willing to invest that much time in a nightly manicure. However, because my hands are pointing out things on a computer screen every day, I do keep fingernails filed short and neat, and use clear strengthing nail polish about once a week.
- My skin is ultra oily. Makeup sloughs off within a few hours, and faster in hot humid locations. I don't use it for professional wear, although I have toyed with lipstick.
Here's what I've accomplished so far:
1) Assembled what I already have, the aforesaid travel knit slacks, skirt, and dress in black. The dress came with a jacket with a purple and gold floral pattern that I like. I also have a purple sleeveless top with a high neckline, and a red and a black sleeveless top with a low neckline embelished with a lace insert. In addition, I have a red sweater with three-quarter length sleeves, with a square neckline slashed on the left corner and reclosed with two black straps and buckles. I also have an organza shirt that is black with mauve print, and is beaded. I have three pairs of black dressy shoes, two flats, and one with a chunky heel. It's the only pair of heels I can wear comfortably. I've also got some long beaded necklaces that I'm fond of, made for Violet to wear.2) Found some black sparkly jewelry, silver or pewter-colored metals. Target has been a good source, and Liz Claiborne has a line of black and silver. Bought earrings and necklaces. I'm fond of y-shaped necklaces; they make my neck look longer. I'd wear bracelets, but they get in the way of typing. Claires' has some elegant long neckalces, and yes, I did buy two, but they're plastic, and I'm not satisfied with the quality. Since I have some jewelry-making skill, I'm ordering some glass beads and silver findings from Fire Mountain this week. Interestingly, a clerk at the airport complimented my y-shaped necklace with, "that's kind of like what the ladies wore in my wedding." So, I suppose it's what many would categorize as "special occasion" jewlery. But I like it.
3) Made a black beaded headband. My hair is long, and I find it uncomfortable in my face. I'm growing out the bangs, and need something to control it when hairspray fails.
4) Went clothes shopping. I found two surplice-bodice sweaters at Target, one with beads around the trim, and one with satin-covered buttons at the waist. Black, of course. I did try Hot Topic, but was dissapointed. Not only did the things I like not come in my size, but the merchandise was largely licensed t-shirts and accessories. I hate licensing and merchandising of any sort. So I took a deep breath, and without any real hope, tried Dillard's.
Boy was I surprised. I suppose that it helps that I went shopping during the holiday season, but I was gratified to find a couple of tops that I liked. Perhaps what I consider professional wear might be called tailored or conservative social wear in less dramatic circles. I was looking for a lace shirt under which I could wear a colored top. I did find that, but also a sweater in a long-sleeved t-shirt shape, with the "raw" edges of lace decorating the sleeves and neckline. It looks great with a couple long necklaces. Later I located a similar top, but with v-shaped beaded lace inserts at the sleeves and v-shaped neckline.
5) Got my hair in shape, and colored. I've been wanting to change from hair brown back to red for years, and I finally did it. It requires a commitment to spent the hundred bucks every month or so to maintian it, but it's worth it. The stylist cut off the ragged ends, and recommended hairspray that holds without weighing down my baby-fine locks. It's totally straight, and requires some acrobatics with the hairdryer and a brush to make it do more than lay there. But I'm getting better at it.
So here's the typical day:
Black skirt or pants
Black top with textural or color features
Long or short necklace depending upon the neckline, in black, garnet or amethyst colors
Earrings to match the necklace
Hair jewelry - headband, scrunchie, barrette
Black hosery and shoes
I'm still on the lookout for some key wardrobe items. I want a black jacquard jacket in a long length, and a black broomstick skirt would be nice. Of course, sleeveless tops for layering under a lace shirt or jacket would be very helpful, as long as I can find them in a non-pink red or a deep purple. And I'll have to make some choices for summer wear.
I may have to make the jacket; I have a good pattern based upon Victorian walking coats. And skirts are easy to make, too. Other than necklaces and earrings, I'm wanting to make some additional hair jewelry. I've got plenty of black jacquard and velvet left over from NightShade's gown to make scrunchies, and lace to embellish them with.