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December is upon us, and it’s time for another One-Day Monthly Theme! On my side of the globe, most people are experiencing something resembling winter. I say most people, but those of us in Southern California are excluded. It’s been hot here. Not just unseasonably warm; downright sweaty hot!! My point in choosing Maxi Skirts as the December theme was that in winter, they provide endless warmth-capturing layering opportunities. But I haven’t needed them for that purpose this year. Not so far. Still, I wear super-long skirts year-round, so a little hot weather won’t stop me.

For the car shows, I’ve been trying to dress in my ideal style rather than trying to be super practical and going with casual outdoorsy wear. Especially considering the shows we go to focus on custom cars (those that are not only old, but stylized by the owners as to be one-of-a-kind). This kind of car culture appeals much more to us than just a bunch of stock classic cars that all look the same. Customs speak to our artsy aesthetic preferences and our need to be around individuals who are free-thinkers. We feel at home at shows like this (except for the inevitable moment where some guy approaches me and asks me to pose in front of his hearse, resulting in a polite declination from me that usually escalates into a full-on rant about stereotypes that I later deliver to my companions).

The main feature of today’s outfit is a ruched fishtail skirt from Newport News. I’ve had it for several years and it remains on of my absolute favorite clothing items. It’s form-fitting and flattering and comfortable, and the perfect element for instant glamor. For a full day outside and on my feet, the only corset I really feel comfortable in is this classic underbust from Gallery Serpentine. I know, you’ve seen it many times on this blog, and you’ll see it many more.

The stretch lace top with bell sleeves, mock turtleneck and keyhole opening was also from Newport News several years back. One of my friends teased me that I might end up with a lace-pattern sunburn at the end of the day… I laughed her comment off because I’ve always heard the one about the fishnet sunburn and in my experience, it’s a complete fallacy. Fishnets are too fine a mesh to actually leave a pattern on the skin – the sun seeps right around the threads and you actually end up with a nice, even burn. Well, it turned out that parts of this lace were plenty dense to block most of the sun, so sure enough my upper back looked like a strange alien skin when I got in the shower that evening. Fabulous.

This hair style is created with two clip-on synthetic hairpieces and three black rose clips. I went with my standard makeup and a pair of fabulous chandelier earrings with no other jewelry. I thought these babies should stand on their own without any competition. They’ve been in my earring drawer forever and I never seem to wear them because I usually am obsessed with bold necklaces, and adding bold earrings would be too much even for me.

So, hopefully some of you out there are actually experiencing some good “layering” weather. Bring on the maxi skirts!

Want to participate in this month’s theme?

Now it’s your turn! You know what to do (or if you don’t, check out the full details).

1. Add the Monthly Theme icon to your blog post (copy the code below and paste into your post using the Edit HTML feature):
   <a href="http://www.sophistiquenoir.com/category/monthly-themes"><img src="http://www.victoriankitty.com/blogPhotos/monthly-theme-icon.jpg" border="0"></a>
2. Paste the URL to your post using the Mister Linky box below.
   Please use a direct link to your relevant post, NOT a link to your blog’s home page.
3. Visit all of the other participants who have entered, and show them you appreciate their theme posts!

All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

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There is a very good reason why I chose Hosiery for the November theme! I’ve recently come to love Spanx opaque black stockings, after years of being loyal to Capezio’s Hold and Stretch dance tights. My last two Capezio orders were total disappointments, so I decided to try Spanx. Their products are all impeccable in quality. Pricey, but they will last for many, many wearings. Since I loved their tights so much, I’ve been branching out and trying some of their designer hosiery. Last month when I went to place an order, I stumbled upon this masterpiece.

These back-seam fishnets with a stunning floral detail set me back a whopping $45!! But they are simply amazing. The fishnet weave is delicate, sleek and form-fitting, just how I like them. The floral detail in the back is classy, feminine and unique. We spend so much time focusing on how every detail looks from the front, so it’s nice to give a little attention to the rear view once in a while.

I know this theme is going to bring in a huge variety from all you Goth bloggers out there, so start linking!

Want to participate in this month’s theme?

Now it’s your turn! You know what to do (or if you don’t, check out the full details).

1. Add the Monthly Theme icon to your blog post (copy the code below and paste into your post using the Edit HTML feature):
   <a href="http://www.sophistiquenoir.com/category/monthly-themes"><img src="http://www.victoriankitty.com/blogPhotos/monthly-theme-icon.jpg" border="0"></a>
2. Paste the URL to your post using the Mister Linky box below.
   Please use a direct link to your relevant post, NOT a link to your blog’s home page.
3. Visit all of the other participants who have entered, and show them you appreciate their theme posts!

All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.

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Okay, this month’s theme might appeal to a more limited audience than usual… But I wanted to feature something really girly-girl for August. Hopefully this theme will bring out the Gothic Lolitas and anyone who just likes to feel playfully feminine. Or, feel free to get creative; I have faith you can interpret Bows in some unique way.

I have spent so much money on re-vamping my work wardrobe over the past few months, that I finally broke down and simply had to get on eBay and buy a few distinctly Goth-Victorian items. I’d been wanting something bustle-like that could be worn on top of my existing skirts to help give me more variety. Bustle skirts are awesomely stunning, but as an over-skirt they have far more potential for those of us who get bored with wearing the same item the same way too often. I’ll be able to mix and match this lovely, versatile piece in many ways!

The hair bows are self-made. I love the shape of them, which is the result of using wire-edged ribbon so they don’t lay totally flat. I attached some satin rosettes to give them more interest. The bow choker is another self-made hair bow that I just temporarily safety-pinned to an existing choker (also self-made) for the evening.

The gloves were a Christmas gift from Mr. Kitty.

I love the silhouette created by the flowing ruffles of the over-skirt, combined with the sleek velvet pencil skirt. I got the skirt at Express at least 15 years ago. It originally had an a-line shape but I didn’t find that too flattering, so I modified it to my taste.

I just adore the super-shiny bow topping the back of the over-skirt. Simple, but just dramatic enough!

Now, ladies and gentlemen, bring on the bows!

Want to participate in this month’s theme?

Now it’s your turn! You know what to do (or if you don’t, check out the full details).

1. Add the Monthly Theme icon to your blog post (copy the code below and paste into your post using the Edit HTML feature):
   
   <a href="http://www.sophistiquenoir.com/category/monthly-themes"><img src="http://www.victoriankitty.com/blogPhotos/monthly-theme-icon.jpg" border="0"></a>
   
2. Paste the URL to your post using the Mister Linky box below.
   Please use a direct link to your relevant post, NOT a link to your blog’s home page.
3. Visit all of the other participants who have entered, and show them you appreciate their theme posts!

All images and text © Sophistique Noir Gothic Fashion Blog. Do not use any photos or text from this blog without providing a credit to me and a link back to the original post.