THE BLACK WARDROBE's blog

One for all those taxidermy enthusiasts: The Little Shop of Horrors

2009-11-09T17:49:00.000Z

Here is a post for all those taxidermy enthusiasts, thrilling to do some christmas shopping. Yeah, that's right. You can shop real taxidermy in a real shop now.
I came across this little shop by accident. The Little shop of Horrors is a creation of an intellectual group called The Last Tuesday Society. The Last Tuesday Society is a ‘Pataphysical organization founded by William James at Harvard in the 1870s. As its own website states, "It is devoted to exploring and furthering the esoteric, literary and artistic aspects of life in London and beyond". There are all sort of oddities you can buy at this shop. To mention a few: human fetuses, broken children's toys, carniverous plants...etc. I wouldn't mind to go and have a look what monstruosities I may find. Sounds promising...:) here is the link: http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/shopevents.html

New items!, "High-waist pencil skirt with faux "train"

2009-11-07T18:52:00.003Z

50s Office by THE BLACK WARDROBE

I am still updating my website with all the new pieces I have been making. This little number is one of my favourites. It is a very pin-up/1950s style pencil skirt with a "train" at the back -remember those tails of fabric they used to wear at the back of the skirts, back in Victorian times?-. You could still wear it at front, though. It would look nice too because the pleated piece of nude soft net is not thick so it doesn't make you look "bulky".
It is below-knee length, in stretch black jersey. You cinch it on the waist with the satin tie. The sophisticated waistline is finished with a black satin trim. It also features a lace bow adornment at the back, which is detachable so you can take it off and use it as brooch for something else!
It is £48 (bargain!) and here is the link to my website for more pictures.
http://www.theblackwardrobe.com/product/high-waist-pencil-skirt-with-faux-train-31

New items!, "Puff-sleeved top with ruffle lace panel"

2009-11-04T18:20:00.003Z

Here is another new item I made and didn't have the chance to post...until now.

Look sexy...in red and lace by THE BLACK WARDROBE
This beautiful puff-sleeved top is made of red jersey and features a delicate lace panel on the chest with a ruffle and velvet ribbon. It is only £45 (bargain!). Hope you like it.
Here is the link to my top's page: http://www.theblackwardrobe.com/product/puff-sleeved-top-with-ruffle-lace-panel-30

New items!, "1940s style peplum top"

2009-11-02T21:13:00.003Z

After coming back from the Whitby Gothic Festival, work has been piling up....as usual. There are some new items I made specially for the festival and I didn't have the time to post on the website. So this is one of the jobs I will prioritize over this week. Hope you like the new items.

The first one of my list is this gorgeous red top with peplum, very into the 1940s style. Long puff sleeves and lace middle panel. It is only £45 (bargain!)
I can imagine it being worn with a pencil (as shown in my polyvore set, twinned with my pencil skirt) or any other fitted skirt to show off the flared peplum or for a more casual look with jeans.

Here is the link to my top: http://www.theblackwardrobe.com/product/1940s-style-peplum-top-with-lace-panel-29

Preparation for Whitby Gothic Festival, part 2

2009-10-26T17:58:00.001Z

Recently, the organizers of Whitby Gothic Festival sent me the almanack (a short paged booklet or magazine containing relevant information about what's going on in the festival). There are also adverts of the companies that will be trading at any of the venues among the town.
Have a look at the pic, there is a map showing where all these venues are situated and most importantly, there is an ad of The Black Wardrobe!

Enchanting earrings

2009-10-22T18:36:00.000+01:00

Etsy.com is always a very inspiring place to be and browse (I used to place my items in there before having my own website) but shame that everything can only be posted in US dollars only. Anyway, everynow and again you find an artist that really really inspires you. This case is been a little shop called Peresephoneplus. This company makes gorgeous earrings, all enamelled images framed within filigree frames, finished with little hanging drops such as crystals or gothic charms such little bats. Here are some pics of my my favourite ones.

http://www.persephoneplus.com/
http://www.persephoneplus.etsy.com/

Preparations for Whitby Gothic Festival, part 1

2009-10-20T17:09:00.000+01:00

I will be trading at the Whitby Gothic Festival for the first time so I have already started to prepare myself although that doesn't minimize the hysteria and stress I am going through..... I just received my bags a couple of days ago and I have already decided how I will design them. I quite like it. Simple but easy to understand, my logo and my website and I will add some of my business cards inside the bags too. The bags are black, made of paper (recycled paper, they told me). They are not boring matt but not shiny either. the paint coating it has a subtle satin like finish that I really like. I was made up.

Red sequined gown

2009-10-16T20:27:00.010+01:00

I don't usually publish pics of dresses or any kind of private commissions I take. I don't know why, maybe because they are exclusive items I made under someone's request so I though it would be innapropiate to talk about it or maybe they wouldn't like to be posted on the blog. No clue, I never asked really if they would mind. Anyway, I have just posted some pics on my facebook and I though it would be nice to show the last dress I made. I am so proud of it, is just gorgeous. It is a very sexy "Jessica Rabbit" like gown, all made of red sequined fabric, strapless, sweetheart bust shaped dress with boning and cups (to keep everything on place). The cut is fitted until the knee and then it opens up in a subtle bell shape, more or less like a mermaid-style but not quite. The girl who I made it for, Vicky, was very pleased with the dress. It really flatter her figure, it pushed up her bust, framing it beautifully, it slimmed down her waist (thanks to a strategically well placed satin bow tie in deep red) and it well defined her already hourglass shape. The best part, I have to admit, was the moment her boyfriend's saw the dress on her, for the first time. He went white..... Lol!

Corporate Goth: the shift dress

2009-10-09T17:17:00.003+01:00

The first time I heard about Corp. Goth I though: "wow, useful black clothes for work without all the drama of victorian-themed or all other full length gowns..." I was wrong, I never managed to find anything similar to what I do.
The main reason I started my fashion label it was because I wanted to offer dramatic clothes for the everyday life (I didn't see anyone in the alternative scene offering that and I still don't). However, that means that it doesn't always have to be a gorgeous gown with overwhelming amount of detailing and embellishments to reach that dramatic look.
I have just found a picture of Carol Vorderman (as far as I know, she is not into alternative fashion). She looked like a very stereotypical femme fatale only because she was wearing a very simple but dramatic dress, with pointed shoulders!

She looks gorgeous, mysterious, sexy and most interesting, unique and different!
The dress is not designer and is not alternative, is from the Victoria Beckham collection.
I have to admit that I have surprised myself by liking it. The pieces are classy, wearable but not boring and very feminine. They really flatter the figure by accentuating the hourglass shape. This picture of ms Vorderman is a proof that you don't need to be skinny to look stunning. If you are still unsure, have a look at mrs Beckham wearing similar dresses and tell me. Who do you think wears them best?
This is the link, if you want to read the full article.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1218754/Carol-Vorderman-puts-curves-sleek-black-number.html

Sweet things for Halloween

2009-09-28T22:41:00.013+01:00

I am not really into Halloween but I came across some decorations in John Lewis and I just couldn't resist!

Please, have a look! Everything is so cute!
My favourite is this beautiful water globe with a haunted house. When you shake it, all tiny devilish bats fly all over the little mansion....
gorgeous!
Oh by the way, I will have a stall at the gothic weekend festival in Whitby (East Yorkshire), this halloween. If you are coming, please come by and say hi!

Trends for winter 2009-10: Vintage!, part 1

2009-08-11T20:18:00.002+01:00

I have already commented in one of my old posts that there is going to be a return of vintage fashion in the next season. Specifically, 1930s due to the similarities between the current financial crisis and the Great Depression. I had a peek to a couple of magazines this month, (now is when they are releasing recopilations of catwalk pics) and the first designer I will post about is going to be: the great Alexander Mcqueen.
Why?
The velvets: so dramatic, gothic, alluring and sophisticated!
The furs: so 30s and they really deserve a great come-back. British weather asks for them to be worn at all times!
The tailoring: again, very 30s but also very feminine, practical and flattering to all body shapes.
I also love the details of the cane and those gorgeous pvc stilettos, they add some kind of "fetishe" air to the whole look, making it look even sexier and more "femme fatale". Gorgeous...

Gothic art

2009-08-08T22:05:00.005+01:00

I came across this artist that I think she really needs to be mentioned, specially, if you are a Mark Ryden or Tim Burton fan!

Natalie Shau is a talented young digital artist from Lithuania. She specialises in blending photo manipulation, 3D design and digital painting to create her often creepy, gothic doll, fairytale figures. Natalie’s inspiration for these renditions comes from lowbrow artists such as Ray Caesar, Trevor Brown and Mark Ryden. Her style is a macabre to grotesque “baby art,” heavily influenced by religious imagery and fantasy art.

The image on the left is called Carousel for Birthday.
www.natalieshau.carbonmade.com

You can find more info and read about other artists on this link: http://www.dexigner.com/jump/news/18318

How to get that hourglass shape??

2009-08-04T12:42:00.000+01:00

Loulou made a fabulous comment on my last post, she stated; "This (about hourglass shape) is not a matter of being born so, this is a matter of WILL. The Hourglass shape does not make compromises with lazyness".
Which is SO true. When you look at the divas of Hollywood (retro and modern ones) they have amazing bodies under those gorgeous gowns. That is not natural....I will tell you the secret: UNDERWEAR!
If you thought that this was a thing of the past, you couldn't be any more wrong. Bridget Jones knickers never ever left most ladies wardrobes. That includes Hollywood secret boudoirs...
It goes without saying that the boning of a strapless dress is not enough to hide those little "bumps" and it doesn't guarantee you the dress will not sleep down, revealing your intimacies...
The most common "control underwear" pieces are corsets, high-waist knickers (aka Bridget Jones knickers) and bras for all shapes and sizes.
They are use not only to disguise but to reveal and reafirm!

You can find this control underwear/shapewear in retro style, like the ones our mums and grandmums used to wear!!!
Here are some websites, have a look!

www.whatkatiedid.com
www.lamagia.co.uk/retro-lingerie
www.fairygothmother.co.uk/shapewear_and_girdles.htm

The new retro trend: Hourglass shape

2009-07-29T17:54:00.002+01:00

According to a british survey, british women prefer to achieve that gorgeous hourglass shape, so popular 50years ago, than being a long thin square (a.k.a size zero).
This is another hint that proves us old fashions are best and they are coming back, hopefully to stay!!

Among 2000 women who were surveyed, 60%percent admitted to being either an "apple" or "pear shape,". 75% percent said they wanted a figure like Catherine Zeta-Jones or Marilyn Monroe.

A top-10 list of female celebrities whose shape inspired women was topped by buxom TV cook Nigella Lawson and actresses Helen Mirren, Judy Dench, and Joanna Lumley.

Another surprising detail found on this survey was that despite being the biggest in the continent, british women don't see themselves as "obese" and only 10% wanted to be "slim". This is a huge contrast with french women, who are the slimmest, and see themselves as "fat" (statistics say that around 6.7% of french women are dangerously thin).

A study last December found that one in three adults in England will be obese by the time London hosts the 2012 Olympics. Ironic, isn't it??

Between 1993 and 2004 the proportion of obese people rose "significantly", from almost 17% to 24.4% among women, according to University College London researchers.

In my opinion, this attitude can have its good and bad sides.
Good things:
-women are starting to accept who they are. Slimness is not synonymous of beauty. Everyone is different, there is no need to followed a certain pattern in order to be "accepted" by the norm.
-It seems that there is an effort to abandon that "sloppy" attitude about looking good and adopt a more positive one by working a healthier hourglass silouette instead of just losing weight.

Bad things:
-Forcing your body to have a small waist while still being "big" in the rest of the body is not a good idea. Have a look at pics of the 50s (Marilyn M., Sophia Loren, E. Taylor...they weren't size 8 but not an unhealthy size 30 either...it was about a well toned body -everything on its place- AND a small waist) That is the perfect silouette.
-Some people in Britain should really really change their diet. I'm sorry but it is the true. There are people out there who are big not because they have been genetically "unlucky" but because they are basically eating rubbish and do not do any exercise. This retro silouette shouldn't be used to justified obsesity ("lets just put a corset on and I will look like La Loren"). Things don't work that way. Being overweight just for the sake of being it, it is not a valid excuse.

My Facebook page!

2009-07-25T20:25:00.005+01:00

I created my facebook page ages ago!!! but I just didn't know the exact address. I know, stupid...., never mind. I figured it out today! It is so complicated and long!, no wonder that I couldn't find it!

Please, become a fan!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Black-Wardrobe/106814546751

Vintage beauties: Public Enemies's film locations

2009-07-23T18:20:00.000+01:00

As well as the fashion and the gadgets (oh god, what cars!) another great beauty of the film Public Enemies are the locations. I had the pleasure to find pictures of some of the buildings featured in the film.

You can find more pictures at the flickr set Movie set for Johnny Depp movie "Public Enemies" (Columbus, Wisconsin)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56091178@N00/2329575843

Mobs, gangsters, mafia and Johnny Depp!

2009-07-19T23:36:00.007+01:00

Being a big fan of Film Noir and the 1930s, it was a no-brainer that I had to go to watch this film: Public Enemies. All reviews I had read were...hmm...not so good, however I was still tempted to watch it for several reasons: it is based in The Great Depression, it is about an interesting story (mafia), great actors, among them, the incredible Johnny Depp (who is astonishingly talented, in my point of view). If another actor would had played this role, I don't think the film would has been as good as I think it is. Specially if the chosen actor was Leonardo Di Caprio.........aaaaaghgh!
Marion Cotillard is absolutely great (powerful, dramatique! and somehow unconventional which makes the character even more attractive). I had already had the pleasure to watch mademoiselle Cotillard in another great film: "La Vie En Rose". That woman is seriously talented!
Another great piece of acting in this film is, without a doubt, Christian Bale, whose toughness and elegance adds a bit of spice to some scenes. Although, I have to say, in some scenes I didn't know if I was watching Bruce Wayne or Melvin Purvis...
I don't know if people knows this but the film is based on a true story. The characters WERE real and aparently, it seems to be historically accurate (at least, that's what my boyfriend -mafia aficionado- says. He knows a lot about mob history). The film is an adaption of Bryan Burrough's non-fiction book Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34.

In conclusion, I enjoyed the film, I wasn't dissappointed.

Be witching!

2009-07-15T18:55:00.000+01:00

Who said a gorgeous black gown cannot be worn for everyday? I just love! this look.
What a gorgeous set. It is so dramatic but not theatrical. Perfect for everyday.
http://www.polyvore.com/bewitching/set?.mid=embed&id=6993312

Bewitching by Stormybubbles featuring Irregular Choice shoes

New polyvore set!

2009-07-13T23:29:00.003+01:00

I have done more polyvore sets. I hope you like this one. The main piece is my super chic "Bow dress", a very plain but classy over knee length dress, sleeveless with a gorgeous taffeta bow on the bust. Very feminine and versatile! In this polyvore set, I have accessorize it with red accessories:a skinny red belt, peep toe shoes, red bag and of course, red lipstick! The overall look is very pin-up, Marilyn Monroe. You can have a look at more pics of my dress: http://www.theblackwardrobe.com/product/bow-dress-23
Here is a link to my polyvore sets: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=714772.

Fashion tips for: draped front soft-jacket

2009-07-08T19:50:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! After years of enjoying and getting inspired by Polyvore, I have decided to add my bit to the Polyvore universe and create my own "moodboards". I thought that it would also be good way to inspire customers and readers and help them with the little dilemma of what to wear with what.
This stunning draped front soft-jacket (£60) has a beautiful waterfall of drapes at the front than can be worn either loose or cinched with a satin ribbon. The neckline is adorned with a discrete frill of satin (lined with jersey).

This type of shape will work wonders with a well structured or tailored bottoms such suit pants or a pencil skirt. It will look perfect on a pencil skirt or any other fitted bottoms. Never something baggy on the bottom as this will hide and destroy your shape. In one sentence: it will make you look big.

In the first set I've decided to pair it with a par of well tailored high-waisted pants, skin-tone shade accessories. It is a very classy combination of colours that will work with any skin tone and in any ocassion (work, daywear or even a quite evening out)

The second set is about pair this beautiful dramatic piece with a simple pencil skirt. The beatiful drapes will draw attention to your waist which will look tiny! thanks to that ultra-feminine satin tie and that long sweetheart ruffled neckline will elongate and stylise your neckline. (That's the reason I kept it simple and naked).
As you can see, pastel gray or just gray is another "neutral" colours that would work wonders for your everyday wear specially, workwear. It is not harsh, goes with everyone and goes with every other single colour.

As you can see, my polyvore sets have that "somehow retro/vintage feel", trademark of TheBlackWardrobe... ;)
I hope you liked my "polyvores"

Check out the jacket on my website:
http://www.thebla ckwardrobe.com/product/draped-front-soft-jacket-with-frills-15

More new little dark pieces, coming soon!

2009-07-06T00:29:00.001+01:00

Whereas the High street and all other fashion retailers are trying to get rid of the summer stock and preparing the new winter collections, I cannot stop laughing while I am still creating new pieces for my summer collection!
We all know that there is been summer for a while in Europe. In Britain, we just started to see the sun quite recently! Which is a special joy, specially after 2years of continuous dark and cold...
Here is a preview. Coming soon, to The Black Wardrobe's website. Hope you like it!

Remember that you can always subscribe to my website's newsletter for more fashion tips and news!
Just fill in the contact form in the website and type "subscribe" in the message field.
www.theblackwardrobe.com

Nora, the cat. She's a piano maestro.

2009-07-01T19:28:00.002+01:00

I absolutely adore cats. (I am a cat's person) so it was no surprise that after watching this video I decided I should post it in my blog. It is such a joy to watch her playing and getting inspired!! And she is called like me!!! Could we be soul-mates, trapped in different species??

Curly hair, love it or hate it? Then go for wavy...

2009-06-24T19:01:00.008+01:00

A comment made by one of my readers made me think. I am not the "BNP" of curly hair. I still like curly hair, Kris...;) However, not all curly hairs are good. Some people have been luckier than other ones.
Curly hair is like style, it is a very difficult art to master if you ever even manage to learn the art of it.
Some people are very happy with their hair, others not. Other people, including me, we usually go for the 50/50 way: the wavy hair. But how to style it?

Option A: the 40s look.
This vintage-inspired look consists in half straight hair, half wavy in very big waves than have been curled with either rollers, a hair-curler or with fingerwaving techniques for a more sophisticated finish.

Option B: the lady Camelot look.
Lady Camelot's hair is truly curly hair but in a very long length. This little but important detail allows to keep the curl under control and because of the weight, the curls tend to "open" and get bigger. Like the other look is very high maintenance (Yes!, curly hair is high maintenance). It needs lots of hidration and serum to minimise split ends and having your hair falling into pieces. You also need to keep it tidy or you will end up looking like a tramp.
Once again, you can check more ideas and tips in the "gothic fashion tips" link and in a website that Kris very kindly submitted with her comment. Thanks for your link, Kris!

www.naturallycurvy.com

Sizing, what size are we, really?

2009-06-11T17:49:00.006+01:00

I've been having some very valuable feedback from customers and bloggers. It is always appreciated and very very valued, either is possitive or negative. There is one issue that has been a bit of a concern for some of the people I consulted. SIZING.

Yes! The (very) complicated issue of sizing. What size are we, really? OR, what size do we want to be? (I've seen women asking what the size range is at the entry of a shop and then leaving because they didn't like it, or even worse, not buying an item because they didn't want to get a LARGE size)

I'm not british, I'm spanish. I come from a country where the sizing is different from the british system: is smaller and tighter in the torax (we have smaller boobs but wider hips in the Mediterranian).
I started with a specific sizing system that apparently was too small, I've changed it. I was still not happy, I've changed again. Here's what I've decided to go for. I hope it makes sense. A spanish Medium IS DEFINETELY NOT the same as a british Medium. So I've decided to go for something in between. Comments are welcome.

SMALL (90cms bust, 70cms waist, 95cms hips)

MEDIUM (95cms bust, 75cms waist, 100cms hips)

LARGE (100cms bust, 80cms waist, 105cms hips)

XL (105cms bust, 85cms waist, 110cms hips)

XXL (110cms bust, 90cms waist, 115cms hips).

Check out my site for more info:

http://www.theblackwardrobe.com/pages/sizing-info

1930s, the decade of Glamour

2009-05-06T21:56:00.000+01:00

After the "tomboy" look of the 1920s, there was a return to a more grown-up and sexier look that will characterize not only the 30s but also the 40s and 50s.
In the 30s clothes were still simple but feminine and became even more sophisticated and glamorous at night.
Feminine curves were highlighted through the use of the bias-cut in dresses (this technique allowed the fabric to drape better and therefore the garment would fit like a glove, similar to the effect that jersey/stretch fabric offers).

Through the mid-1930s, the natural waistline was often accompanied by emphasis on an empire line. Short bolero jackets, capelets, and dresses cut with fitted midriffs or seams below the bust increased the focus on breadth at the shoulder. By the late '30s, emphasis was moving to the back, with halter necklines and high-necked but backless evening gowns with sleeves. Evening dresses with matching jackets were worn to the theatre, nighclubs, and elegant restaurants.

Skirts remained at mid-calf length for day, but the end of the 1930s Paris designers were showing fuller skirts reaching just below the knee; this practical length (without the wasteful fullness) would remain in style for day dresses through the war years.

ACCESSORIES

Gloves were "enormously important" in this period. Evening gowns were accompanied by elbow length gloves, and day costumes were worn with short or opera-length gloves of fabric or leather.

Another key piece in the 30s was fur: extravagants pieces of fur decorating the garments or worn as wraps or coats were the final touch to finish that sophisticated look.

HAIR

Short hair remained fashionable in the early 1930s, but gradually hair was worn longer in soft or hard curls.

Hats were worn for most occasions, almost always tipped to one side and decorated with bits of net veiling, feathers, ribbons, or brooches.

Info taken from this link: wikipedia