Click photos for larger view.
Both pieces of this outfit are from Newport News. I think this is a great example of just how Gothy you can get shopping selectively in mainstream stores and catalogs!
The fit and flare skirt needed some alterations in both length and width. I’d say Newport News (and Spiegel, the parent company) both have the most drastic variation in sizing of any clothing company I shop with. Sad, since they are my favorites!! Luckily they never seem to run too small, and too big can usually be fixed.
The boat-neck top has flared sleeves and a cool strappy detail covering the back, finished with a crocheted rosette. It used to be open beneath the straps but I didn’t like that it required very special undergarments, which I don’t find particularly comfortable unless it’s just for the evening. I don’t see myself wearing this top for the evening anyway, so I sewed in a nude layer and a sheer black layer to make the back totally opaque. Now it works with a regular bra and I can wear it all day long. This top went from being worn only once in about three years (backless) to being worn twice in the past month (opaque). Much more practical!
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| Not Actually a Spider Web Pattern, But Close Enough! |
Oh, and I’ve had this floral cross pendant since high school! Not many things in my wardrobe or jewelry box have held my interest for that long.
I love the detail in the back of the top-it really adds a great punch to the outfit. I love the sleekness and simplicity of this outfit-and I applaud you very much for pulling this from Newport News! A few of my favorite pieces have come from mainstream stores-a very Victorian black ruffled sheer top from Wal-Mart, a long black lace skirt from Forever 21, and a LOT of stuff from Ross and Target! To me, it takes a lot more creativity to put together a fabulously Goth outfit like this from mainstream pieces than to just buy several pages of the Lip Service or Tripp catalogue-not that those brands don't make awesome pieces, but it's "insta-Goth", and no one should ever let themselves be limited to only buying "Goth" clothes!
I completely adore the skirt. I've been trying to hunt down a nice fishtailed skirt for quite a while.
Que guapa estas ¡¡¡¡Super original el detalle del vestido en laespalda.Bssss IsabelSsasDiary
Very elegant outfit!! I love what you did to the top; it's effective and looks great! I think I'm going to borrow that idea from you.
And the cross pendant is just stunning..I can imagine you've kept it so long. I buy most of my clothes in mainstream stores. We have the 'SPS Superstar' in the Netherlands, which has departments in almost every town. They have many pieces that are a reflection of popular fashion, but also a lot more unique pieces with (*drool*) lots of lace! The clothes are aimed at women more than girls, which is also a plus for me since they are very elegant and appropriate for many occasions…and it means they have higher quality (at least in this case). Although a bit expensive, the store has major discounts in right season! Last year I bought 7 items there for a total of 80 euros and had 350 (!) euros discount. I do buy clothing at gothic shops, but they tend to have less discounts and often the quality is very unpredictable, especially when ordering online. I love Lip Service though, they've never let me down…
This is definetely one of my favorite outfits seen here so far. It looks stunning on you!I like "simple" outfits very, very much. I've worn outfits like this one quite often over the years and I will always love them.
I shop at Newport News and love the things that I have from them…. your top is very sexy. that detail at the back is gorgeous.Very nice outfits; this and the previous one.Happy holiday.http://styleidnet.blogspot.com/http://www.filomenascloset.com/
Love the skirt! And I'm glad you did a close up of the back detail, otherwise I would've missed how fab the top was, too. Good job on the "fix".snarkandire.blogspot.com
Jamie, I couldn't agree more.
That must be why I am enjoying your outfit posts so much, too! And I think that philosophy really gets us back to the old-school Goth ways. They didn't have ANY 'Goth Designers' back in the 80s and yet the Goth style still emerged. It was created 100% from readily-available (or DIY) items back then!SaryWalrus, this skirt was from about a year ago and is no longer on the NN site, but keep your eyes open. They might bring out another one someday! This is the second fishtail skirt I've found from NN.Isabel, thank you!Corin, you share my philosophy as well. It's important to shoot for higher quality as we mature! There are a few "Goth" designers out there who are dependable in terms of quality, but too many that are just overpriced "names."BettyZade, I'm glad I'm finally figuring out how to get at least semi-close-ups. 
Still working on better detail shots though!Sal, yes I think this style will always be a "classic" Goth look!StyleID, thank you! I'm glad to hear that there are so many other Newport News fans out there! 
The skirt & top are gorgeous. Really smart move to sew the nude layer in the top. I don't understand why they make tops for women with open backs, I'm not into showing my bra off, it's tacky.
Before I stopped buying new clothes I loved to get stuff from Newport News! We like so many of the same things. Best idea ever to fill in cut out clothing, you're awesome.
Piper, I agree. Once in a great while I will let the shoulder straps show (as long as it's obvious that it is intentional, and as long as they are black only) but the back strap is a definite NO!Miss Gracie, I don't know if amazing is the word for it, since it took me 3 years to come up with the idea… ;-D
I love the back detail, it´s very original. And the pendant is great, really nice combination.