I work in an office...

Office Outfits by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

In high-tech.
I try to tone down things for the office but sometimes I wear weird things too...

The office is what has been taking most of my time lately.

Office Goth 2013

Office Goth #16-30 by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

Office Goth Outfit #16-30. I do enjoy making these alot.
I love pencil skirt and long sleeve button up blouses, they are so versatile. I'm also a fan of blazers. I've discovered that (almost) any outfit becomes more professional looking with the right blazer and pair of shoes.

Check Out Office Goth #1-15 here

Listening to - "Spirit"-Bauhaus
Twiggy

Office Goth # 6

Office Goth # 6 by goth-proxy featuring a black cuff bracelet

Office Goth 1-15 + some extras

Office Goth 1-15 + some extras by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

Office goth # 12

Office goth # 12 by goth-proxy featuring black zipper pants

6 lipstick alternatives to black

6 lipstick alternatives to black by goth-proxy

Black lipstick is a staple of any goth make up bag for girls and boys alike.But wear the same thing everyday can be abit repetitive. (I get bored of wearing the same thing personally.) There are also those of us who don't feel comfortable in black lipstick, or don't feel it suits us. So if you are bored, not ready for full out black lipstick, don't feel it suits you or simply want something new to add to your make up collection, here are my 6 favorite lipstick color alternatives:

1. Super vibrant: Try something totally out there like a magenta or blue lipstick for an equally extreme, yet freshly unique alternative to black lipstick.
   
   
2. Plum, Purple, Violet Tones: Not ready for vibrant blue? Try a toned down plum color (or a violet-red tone) for dark lips with a little color.
   
   
3. Oxblood Red: Almost black but not quite, and a bit more natural than purple or blue. You might even be able to wear it in the office...
   
   
4. Nude: Match it to your skin tone or even go a few shades lighter for an eerie, ghostly look. Alternatively, keep it close enough to your natural color to give a very subtle ghostly pale look to your lips but still be appropriate for work. (you don't have to be lily white for this to work, just find a shade close enough to your own tones.)
   
   
5. Classic Red: Red is a great place to start if you want to get used to lipstick and aren't ready for the more extreme looks. To really ease your self in get a red lip-stain instead, as they tend to look more natural.
   
   
6.  Chocolate: A dark brown that's almost black will look more natural but deliver the same exaggerated lip look. Also try out the opposite technique to the nude style-- match it to your skin tone an go a few shades darker until you are comfortable. Bonus points: this will probably but work appropriate. Use your best judgement.
   
   

What are your favorite lipstick looks darklings?

Twiggy  Pop

Fall Transitions #2

Fall Transitions #2 by goth-proxy featuring stripe tights

Fall Transitions

Fall Transitions by goth-proxy featuring a cowl neck cardigan

Hello Darklings!


As the autumn equinox grows closer, the days grow short and the weather gets colder, we must put away our t-shirts and mini skirts and sandals and wear cozy sweaters leather coats and boots....

Wait.
That doesn't sound hard. Not for one with goth tendencies anyways.
In fact, we revel in the cool weather. Layering black on black on black with heavy boots is what we do best. I personally love the heat, but I do have to admit most of my wardrobe, and many of my favorite outfits, are better suited for the cooler weather. and as some one who is always cold, it's nice to not have people questioning why I'm wearing a sweater and jacket.

Office tips

1. It's easy to wear lots of dark colours and layers in the fall, and the goth look sort of naturally finds it's way into our outfits... On one hand, it's excellent that this is the style so we can feel more free to wear lots of dark colours with out being "too out there." But be careful, don't forget about the office setting you work in and keep in mind what will be appropriate for the environment. You don't want to scare your boss too much.
    
2. (If you wear make-up) Try a lighter shade of make up. Neutral earthy tones and golds work well at this time of year, and present a nice alternative to black eye liner. They soften the lines and can reduce the "harshness" of an outfit.
   
   
   
3. Knits are great. In the fall, heavy course fabrics and leather are a style staple, but too much can leave you looking like your ready for a gothy outfit, not work. Soften the look with knitted sweaters or shrugs.
    
4. Greys and neutral tones are your friends. I wear black jeans / dress pants, a black long sleeved shirt and a black blazer, topped off with a black scarf and black shoes . While I love this look, it might not be the best for the office, most would say I look like I'm ready for a funeral. Some times this look works fine, and it really depends on your office environment. But when in doubt, introduce a pop of color, or try out some neutral tones and lighter greys.

From the office to the club

From the office to the club by goth-proxy featuring black bags

As a fan of alternative subculture, you will find yourself still going to goth bars, going to punk shows, going to meet ups and "fancy" fun dinners with your alternative buddies outside your working hours. And so you should! But first you go home to change, because there's no way you'd go out in a blazer and your one good pair of black tights that have no holes. 

But what do you do when you work far from home, your outing is right after work or going home to change simply isn't an option?

Never fear, options are available.
Read more after the break. 

Morning Coffee

Goth Coffee by goth-proxy featuring slim fit dress pants

Hello Darklings,

What does a Oiuja board tie and a black velvet blazer have to do with coffee?

Office Glam

Office Glam by goth-proxy featuring a Boohoo red jacket

Whats in the set after the break. 

Dark blue

Dark blue by goth-proxy featuring a navy blue collared shirt

Shady: Combat Boots with a Blazer and a Mod Dress

Shady by goth-proxy featuring a leather jacket

 Hello Darklings,

I don't have much to say today, but a quick note on this set. This is the type of outfit that will work in some offices, but not others. Get to know your corporate culture before pushing the status quo with spooky boots!

-Twiggy Pop

What do I put on my feet?

Corporate Goth Shoes by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

Creepers, combat boots, steam-punk stilettos and not a single work shoe in sight. And there's no way you are about to go out a spend good money on an boring work shoe.
You might already have a pair of mary janes or flats, and those will do just fine with any work outfit. If you've got a pair of plain combat boots and can pull your pants over top they will also work fine as work shoes. But if you don't have any of these options, you might want to consider finding a pair of work appropriate shoes. It doesn't have to be painful though.

I've put together this collection of shoes I've found around the web (in both men's and women's styles) that appeal to my gothy practicalities. You can generally get away with most of these styles in most settings, although the boots are better suited for the winter months and the sandals are better for the summer. Keep your dress code in mind and don't panic, you can find shoes that appeal to your own sense of fashion.


Cheers,
Twiggy Pop

Menswear

Menswear by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

Office Goth

Key elements to any office wardrobe for the goth:

1. A sleek Black Coat (for the cold days). Not too many unecessary buckles, rivets or zippers.
2. A simple pair of flats. Unfortunately, most office settings won't be too keen on your combat boots or converse sneakers.Black Flats are the way to go for comfort, and they come with a variety of styles, so you can sneak in some black lace, bows, buckles or even studs as shown above.
3. A white button up shirt. It looks clean and professional, and you probably already own one. A black blouse if acceptable also, but the white helps break up the black to avoid that overly formal funeral look that is associated with all black business formal wear.
4. A blazer. Probably black, but any colour will do. Simple is best, but they do come with more creative additions such as lace or leather panels. I've found that no matter what you are wearing, throwing a blazer on top will make it 90% more work appropriate.
5. A big black bag to throw your stuff in. Try to avoid coffin shapes.

You might be saying "oh god my studded leather jacket will never go with that."
Or "That's so boring, where are the ruffles, the corsets, this is so very mundane."

Well... Thats the point. Unfortunately. The idea with this outfit is to start out simple and make additions that make it more your taste. Having these in your closet will give you something to wear to an interview that won't send you potential employer running. Slowly introduce items into your office wear to test the waters, see what you can get away will before wearing a lolita dress to work. But start off simple.

Office Goth

Key elements to any office wardrobe for the goth. Again a simple outfit:

1. A sleek Black Coat (for the cold days). Not too many unecessary buckles, rivets or zippers.
2. Dress shoes. They don't have to be plain and boring though. Like flats you can find some that have additionas such as studs or embossments. Doc Martens have some pretty funky dress shoes too!
3. A white button up shirt. Again, a black blouse if acceptable also, but the white helps break up the black to avoid that overly formal funeral look that is associated with all black business formal wear. Add patterns! Pinstripes for example are classic.
4. A blazer. Again, I've found that no matter what you are wearing, throwing a blazer on top will make it 90% more work appropriate.
5. A big black bag to throw your stuff in. Try to avoid coffin shapes.