Plus Noir

Review: Morbid Fashion's Style Guide

2011-09-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

This week I had the pleasure of reviewing a unique style guide for those of us who are "darkly inclined". It's written by Zellain Dystopia of the outstanding blog Morbid Fashion. If your style - or just your clothing - is all over the place, Morbid Fashion: A Basic Guide to Identifying & Creating Your Grown-Up Gothic Style could certainly help you pull it all together.

If you've ever dropped by Morbid Fashion, you know that Zellain is known for her take on grown-up goth fashion. So it makes perfect sense that the guide does a great job of laying out practical ways to clear out what you don't need, find more of what you do and what to do with what you have. The key sections are focused gathering inspiration, getting organized, shopping, dressing for all seasons as a gothic person, and working color or patterns into your wardrobe. All of these come with detailed tips and links with more information. (I've personally earmarked the section on organizing as it seems that's the area in which I need the most help.)

The reference section is pure gold in terms of helping you find out where to get what and it's also full of books, websites and magazines tuned in to the everyday goth. Very awesome stuff. Bonus points for a nice section on plus size shopping tips and resources.

Even though I think of the guide as helping "corporate goths" and well-heeled alternative fashionistas, it could be even more valuable to younger goths (so-called "baby bats") who are trying to carve out their own style while finding their bearings. You can get your own copy at Subtle Goth. I absolutely recommend it and I can't help hoping that Zellain will one day turn this very thorough style guide into a full fashion tome. Get this.

I received no compensation whatsoever for this review and the opinions herein are wholly my own.

Plus Size Chloe Eyelet Dress

2011-06-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Now as much as we might want to be edge-y all the time, certain occasions call for something slightly more cheery than our usual fare. For those times, I usually chose something like this eyelet dress.

In black cotton with an A-line skirt.
At Igigi for $145

Striped Wiggle Fishtail Skirt

2011-05-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

$29.95
in plus sizes
by ChicStar

Romper Room

2011-04-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

Maybe you were hoping the rompers-for-grown-ups trend would fade away after it first surfaced a couple of years ago? But here we are in Spring 2011 taking a look at the updated "one-piece jumper thingees" coming out in time for the warm weather. They look pretty comfy, but we're on the fence in terms of style. What do you think?

Dereon Jumper

Apple Bottoms Romper

Torrid Romper

Tumblin'! Plus Noir on Tumblr.com

2011-03-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a couple of busy months already this year. I'm back and I have so much to share - pics and reviews for my dark ones. *wink* First, let me open the door to our spinoff blog of pure imagery satisfaction - DarqueandLovely. It is not at all a replacement for what we do here on Plus Noir. In fact, I couldn't tell you exactly what our Tumblr is, but I can tell you that it's full of goth-y, vintage-y, punk-y, neo-victorian, gypsy, mystical and steampunk-ish images. A great new way to waste time and fill your brain with mind-bending stuff. Come on, you know you wanna.

Meantime, new style/fashion tidbits plus reviews just for you coming up next week.

Smooches!

[photo by Floria Sigismondi]

The Coveted Adderbite Ring

2011-01-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

So I finally decided to actually buy a piece of jewelry I've been stalking for about a year. It's the Adderbite Ring by Alchemy Gothic. Here's blogger ElderGoth wearing hers.

Isn't it awesome??? It's manufactured by sold on several sites such as eBay and GothicPlus, but I found the best price on Amazon.com.

It's supposed to be here within the next week. So I'll be sure to take pictures - and do a full review - when it arrives.

Over the Knee Skeleton Socks

2010-11-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

From Sock Theory
We're told they're nice and stretchy!
$14

Juicy Dress

2010-11-06T19:07:00.001-07:00

For all my happily body-con girls. You know who you are!

Juicy Dress by Stop Staring
Sizes 1X, 2X, & 3X
$110

Corset Gothic Arm Warmers

2010-10-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

by Tristania on Etsy

eShakti Tops

2010-09-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today I was browsing some of the fab tops over at eShakti.com (as I sometimes do since I'm an affiliate) and noticed a banner offering free shipping with the purchase of two blouses. I need more than that, so I thought it was a nice bargain and decided to pass it on. Here is a small sample of what eShakti has available:

What do you think of these? Would they work as transitional pieces into the late Fall and Winter?

The Judy Cutie Dress

2010-08-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

Sold at InfectiousThreads.com
Tipped off by DarkerFashions
Sizes up to 4X

Gothic Victorian Gown

2010-06-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Gothic victorian bustle gown, by SkeletonsCloset

Metal Love 3 Earrings

2010-05-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

by HeartOfMetal.
Made of sterling silver, copper, and brass.

Heirloom Blouse

2010-04-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

So very, Victorian. Or at least Edwardian? Regardless, this is one lovely and lacey heirloom blouse from Victorian Trading Company. Sizes 1X-3X. $79.95

Belted Ruffled Dress

2010-03-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Puffy sleeves and ruffles! Love this cotton/spandex dress, worn with an adjustable belt.

Chic Star
$41.95

3-Day Exclusive Sale at Torrid

2010-03-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

We feature items from Torrid when we spot something really great. But right now you have a chance to get clothing you might have had your eye on for a lot less than before. That's because for the next three days you'll be able to get $25 knocked off of any order of $100 or more. The special runs through March 21st. Get in on the deal by clicking the image below and using coupon code AFF25OFF100 at checkout.

Triple Buckle Stretch Belt

2010-03-08T13:39:00.001-08:00

One of our readers tells us size "large" fits most plus girls.
Found at JCPenney
$14.99

Octopus Hair Clip

2010-02-24T13:59:00.001-08:00

Large but lightweight octopus hair clip with pearls. Made by Steampunk Couture

Satin & Lace From Lip Service

2010-01-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. It's so much cooler to be anti-Valentine's Day. In any case, here are some new and mischievous separates by Lip Service in red satin and black lace overlay - for whatever mischief you've planned.

Exclusively at Torrid

Flowers & Feathers

2010-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Found at MsChrista's.

Prices from $5 to $20

Victorian Grande Dame Blouse

2009-12-30T10:27:00.000-08:00

Our new favorite top: The "Black Victorian Grand Dame Blouse" from Retroscope.

$65
Right now, this is available only in 2X but the store is hoping to get more sizes in soon.

Happy Holidays from Plus Noir

2009-12-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

Gotha Cape

2009-12-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Gotha Cape in grey comes in one size and is designed to fit up to XXXL. It's 100% wool in a light-weight knit with a self-tie closure.
Yoox.com
$75

Hallo Jacket

2009-11-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

From the brilliant designers of Carmakoma

Brass Snap Leg Warmers

2009-11-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

from Sock Dreams

MAC Baby Goth Girl Nail Polish

2009-10-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

From MAC's Style Black collection, comes a dark reddish-purple nail lacquer with gold flecks.

Pics courtesy of MAC and VampyVarnish

Black and White Striped Fishtail Skirt

2009-10-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, my favorite kind of skirt. Long and swishy. This one was found at ChicStar.com. Here's hoping they will continue to expand their plus sizes!

The Steampunk-y Octo Necklace

2009-10-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Maud's Victorian Cthulhu Necklace
by MadArtJewelry
$72.00

Tux Jeans and Pants

2009-10-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Whether in denim with lace or stretch cord with saddle stitch, these pants are a great take on this season's trouser craze. They're from our friends at FashionOverdose.com.

Cocktail Ring: Elisa Shere Jewelry

2009-09-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Cocktail rings are all the rage for the Fall and Winter. And we "alternative" girls are far from exempt from this trend. As always, we will always do things our own way. So, while others go for the jewel-encrusted look, we can make a bold statement with one big stone. Check out this awesome vintage, black glass ring from Elisa Shere Jewelry:

Fluevog: Corset Boots

2009-09-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

The sun is still blazing in my part of the country. But I absolutely cannot resist looking at boots for the Fall. I seriously covet these Fluevog corset boots:

Oh, and the "Mini" version:

Gothic Lace Corset Velvet Jacket

2009-09-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is a punk-y, lined jacket in velvet and lace. It has a corset tie back and flare cuffs. Available in limited plus sizes at ChicStar.com

Glow in the Dark Ouija Board Necklace

2009-09-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

This glow-in-the-dark Ouija board pendant necklace is made by Ursula & Olive.

$20

Gothic Bustle Mini Skirt

2009-09-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Awesomely lush creation sold by Retroscope Fashion. This "Gothic Dolly Bustle Mini Skirt" is in limited plus size - 1X and 2X.

Demonia Bat Bag

2009-09-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

The infamous "Bat Bag" by Demonia. For Halloween, perhaps?

on Amazon.

Willow Earrings: Stephanie Simek

2009-09-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Pussy Willow Earrings
by Stephanie Simek

Lip Service Thunderdome Corset Top & Miniskirt

2009-08-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Lip Service Black Thunderdome Under-Bust Corset Top

Lip Service Black Thunderdome Miniskirt

Itoshii Black Gothic Lolita Top

2009-08-22T09:33:00.001-07:00

Made to order in plus sizes from Gloomth

All A-Twitter

2009-08-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. Plus Noir is now on Twitter. If you're over there, why not exchange tweets with us? You'll find us at the profile @Plus_Noir. Or just click below to see what we're up to:

Magazines Snuggling Up To Plussies

2009-08-20T07:59:00.001-07:00

Well, as long as it's the perfectly glorious plus-size model Crystal Renn. Still, we like to think the Australian edition of Harper's Bazaar is gave a nod to all full-figure gals over the Summer with its sexy spread of Renn in see-thru lingerie, form-fitting dresses, and bustiers. It was all the vision of stylist Wayne Gross who admits the shoot was 80s-inspired.

Renn was also recently featured in a Glamour magazine swimsuit layout by famous photographer Patrick Demarchelier. (See more pics at Jezebel.com )

Renn's book about her experience in the fashion industry will be out this Fall. She started out as a model suffering from anorexia, but eventually relaunched herself as a plus-size model. Since then, she has posed for French Vogue and Italian Vogue. She has also walked the runway for Jean-Paul Gaultier, Heatherette, and Vena Cava. See more of her Harper's spread at Refinery29.com

Satin Corset Pencil Skirt

2009-08-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Red High-Waist Lace-Up Corset Pencil Skirt

Found this little number at ChicStar.com
It goes up to size 28.
$25.95

UK Model Ulorin Vex

2009-08-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Not plus, but still awesome! Read more about her at Gothic Beauty Magazine

Black Gowns for Goth Brides

2009-08-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

What the heck is this doing on my punk, goth, emo, steam fashion blog??? Well even if you're not tying the knot anytime soon, you have to admit this is pretty darned interesting. You see, until very recently, the black wedding dress was thought to be an over-hyped trend by Parisian designers. But now more and more designers are sending black wedding gowns down the runway in their new collections.
If you decide to stick with a white gowns, like most brides, you still have fantastic options. Lots of goth and indie brides have already found ways to incorporate black into their ensembles with accessories like black gloves, sash or millinery.

Gangsta Chic

2009-08-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Wanna be a tough girl, huh? Well, designers are rolling out a whole lot of street cred for the Fall and Winter- especially when it comes to accessories.

Jamespiatt.com

SWAK Designs

Torrid

MarcheNoir

Tripp

PNUT Jewelry

Emitations

Fashion Overdose

Because you're the wifey...
Kiyonna

And then again, if you don't want to play the gangsta role, you can be the cop.

Torrid