Finding that good 'ol inspiration.

I've been at a rut as of late with my style.  I hardly dress the nines anymore, and I feel like everything has been rather dull.  Looks like it's time to search for inspiration!  So, if you're like me, who needs to search for some of that inspiration to get you out of that rut, I have a few tips for you.

1. Try finding inspiration in books

Books are amazing on their own.  The right words allow your mind to pain a canvas as to what the author is describing.  There are tons of young adult books that have goth characters.  One of them is Vampire Kisses, and I have to say that sometimes I get inspiration from the main character (or from some of the other gothy types in the books).  She has clothes in her closet that give me ideas of what I can bring to my own personal style.  You don't have to limit yourself to goth books either.  If you like fantasy, sci-fi, or even western, try to get inspiration from them.  

2. Look at pictures

Look at pictures that interest you.  I wouldn't limit myself to just goth pictures either, but every picture that you find interesting.  It can even be pictures of nature, animals, or even some mainstream styles.  Keep your mind open and get looking.

3. Listen to music

Music on it's own is a powerful source of inspiration and motivation.  Make a play list of bands and songs that you like, and listen to the music closely.  Sometimes when I do this, I get images, or short stories in my head that inspire me.

4. Write down your dreams

It's nothing new that people keep dream journals.  There are a lot of benefits to keeping dream journals, and looking for inspiration is no exception.  If you start keeping a dream journal, you can go back to read them, and get some inspiration from them.

5. Everyday life

Inspiration happens when you least expect it, and one can find just as much inspiration during everyday life.  Maybe you see someone wearing a neat piece of jewelry, or a shirt that you know would look great with a pair of pants you own.  Pay attention to the daily events in your life and get inspired.

Fashion and Barriers

At some point in our gothy lives, we've heard someone, either a friend or family member (or a random person), say that our fashion is creating a barrier between ourselves and the rest of the world.  We know that our family and friends mean well (as well as the random person), and sometimes their concerns make us want to roll our eyes.  Even makeover shows, like TLC's What Not To Wear, makes snap judgments that either goths are creating the said barrier, or they are unhappy with themselves.

I'm sure that most of us who are goth, don't feel this way, because we like to dress a certain way, and everyone has their own personal style.  It's nothing new for people to be uneasy about goth clothing, and most of us are use to the reactions that we get, no matter how annoying it is.  But, are the clothes we wear are the blame for an imaginary barrier that separates ourselves, and the mainstream?  Is there even a barrier at all?  Personally, I think the whole barrier thing is a load of BS.  There is only a barrier, if we allow one to be there.  I believe that if there is a social barrier, then everyone is responsible for it, not just goth fashion.  

The mainstream is partially to blame, because instead of getting to know a real goth, they assume that the negative stereotypes surrounding the goth subculture is right, and don't even try to make an effort.  In a society where we are suppose to celebrate what we are, and what we believe in, fashion seems to be the only thing that people are still allowed to nit pick.  I've met quite a few non goths who were very friendly, and eventhough I didn't become close friends with them, they were still attempting to make an effort to talk to someone who's a little different.  Now, instead of making up catchy insults, if non goths would make an effort, then goths wouldn't feel a need to be suspicious of a non goth's kindness, or question why a non goth is striking up a conversation with them.  Then the mainstream can have accurate information on what a goth is really like, and thusly, have no reason to put up a 'barrier'.

Goths are also to blame.  Yes, we don't ask for someone to insult us, calling us 'freaks', and the like.  We don't ask for any physical and emotional assaults that people have the need to hand to us.  At the same time, we have to understand that some of our clothing choices are great for the clubs, but not for work, or other activities.  Like if someone wore a corset to a job interview, the person will most likely not get hired, because they didn't dress the part.  What I'm trying to say is goths need to know when to dress up, and when to dress down, for occasions, so we can show non goths that we can function in society just fine, without having to change our style, or what we like.

What do you guys think?  Do you think that there is a 'barrier'?  Has anyone told you that your clothes makes a barrier between you and other people?

Product Review: Dysfunctional Doll

Dysfunction Doll

Dysfunctional Doll is a wonderful online store, where I bought a lot of my favorite, spooky items.  These products are durable, I have't had anything damaged during shipping, nor was anything so fragile to the touch, that they broke easily.  While the products themselves are decently priced, the shipping is what kills you.  My coffin purse and leopard bracelet together was about $25, then when you add in the shipping, it was almost $50.  The shipping was double, eventhough it was being shipped from Oregon.  So, I don't recommend buying from the site, if you're strapped on cash. 

Good news, however.  Dysfunctional Doll also have an Amazon account, where I did buy my purse and bracelet, and the shipping was a whole lot cheaper.  I do recommend you do buy from the Amazon store, to get more bang for your buck, so to speak.

Overall, I like this store, and I wish that the shipping on the actual site would be a lot cheaper, I'm happy with going to the Amazon one.  The products are a nice quality, and they look simply wonderful.