Style Inspiration – Goth Edition

Welcome to adventures in styling part II: Goth Edition

When I was growing up the Goth scene had already been well established as an underground subculture and was already slowly finding  it’s way into pop culture. T.V. and movies were a formal introduction into another world I had no idea even existed. No matter what kind of a reputation it had, I was immediately hooked. These women commanded attention and respect with nothing but a look, before RBF was even part of our vocabulary.

The Addams family was a classic T.V. show, but once they modernized it, these movies became part of my childhood. As far as I am concerned these two classic beauties are some of the most attractive women in Hollywood.

You have gone too far. You have married Fester, you have destroyed his spirit. You have taken him from us. All that I can forgive. But Debbie…Pastels?

Dress on sale this July.

Before I was an Addams fan…I was a horror fan. I have always had a thing for B movies. I really don’t mind seeing the puppet strings as long as I am entertained, the cheesier the better. That’s how I was introduced to Elvira who introduced Horror movies on Friday nights. I will always connect horror and goth genres, even though they are two different things. Genres tend to bleed into each other, and it sticks around.  There are so many types of goth these days, we even eventually incorporated pastel…

Elvira was so funny, clever and damn sexy. She could always hold her own with the boys, and like Morticia she commanded your attention. Maybe it was the hair, maybe it was her amazing chest. But I would like to think it’s her lovely personality.

I still love me some scream Queens!

As far as shocking cultural icons go. My generation had the one that frightened parents everywhere. I was naturally drawn to his music, and spent a lot of time trying to understand what elements were so shocking.

Marilyn Manson crosses gender lines, and cultural lines and that is what made him so “dangerous”.  Not to say many haven’t done the same before, and after, but to my generation, he is unforgettable and was unwilling to be ignored. I never understood the shock, but now that he’s done everything he could think of to shock us. I can look back at his body of work as a whole and figure it out…

The message I interpreted was, that it’s okay to be different, and while it might make you an outcast, there are other outcasts out there, and we could relate with shared ideals. Whether we disagreed with the mainstream, or became the mainstream. His presence and influence on our culture has been hard to forget.

Just be yourself, and you can figure out the rest as you go along.

Last, but not least… My long time lady crush, who is also a lot of other people’s lady crush, Angelina Jolie.

She has always had mad style, it really doesn’t matter how she’s dressed, it always looks fierce. She’s one of the celebrities that I have always put in a different category than the others. Her lifestyle has always been controversial, but how many beautiful and famous women can say they are Goodwill ambassadors for the UN?

I know a lot of people wouldn’t consider her a goth. But when she puts on dark lipstick you notice.

I’m not sure why goth culture intrigues me so much, because I don’t think it’s about being beautiful as much as it is about commanding attention, and looking fierce. No matter how many people are out in public, unless you are in a crowd of people dressed up like you, a goth sticks out like a sore thumb. A super fantastic sore thumb.

Slowly as “goth” embeds itself in pop culture, new sub-genres form and the style continues to evolve. Subtleties become more noticeable and the culture expands and infuses. I think each generation the youth sets the stage for the next group of kids to pick up where they left off… My teenage self would have been annoyed about this, my adult self is like… ” YES! The floodgates cannot be unopened, carry on.”

Stay tuned because next, I’m heading to Seattle to explore grunge…

Style Inspiration – Everyday Essentials

I realized it’s very easy to just stay in pajamas all day when I’m working from home.

But at some point you gotta ask yourself…

When is the appropriate time to change out of your “day” pajamas and into your “evening” pajamas ?

 

Welcome to Xavia’s adventures in “casual” fashion.

Three questions come to mind when I’m seeking out ideal everyday clothing.

Is it comfortable? ( Is it too tight, to short, or too long?)

Is it versatile? (Can it be styled different ways, or is it a statement piece?)

Is it practical? ( Can I afford it, will I actually wear it?)

 

Some girls collect makeup purses and shoes… I collect old records, scarves and coats…

 

 

timeless
ˈtīmləs/
adjective
  1. not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.

Scarves don’t just help keep you warm in the cooler months… They can also help block the sun in the warmer months… Or used to keep your hair out of your face on really windy days.

 

 

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Coats aren’t always practical in the summertime, but I am drawn to stylish outerwear like a moth to a back porch light…  I’m a huge fan of military jackets, because they are usually pretty lightweight, and go with almost anything.

Sometimes I feel like I don’t actually know how to dress casual. I’m either dressed up in costume… Or I am pretty much wearing pajamas.

 

Whether I am wearing it, or making it for someone else to wear, comfort is key.

 

Next Monday I will be featuring another photographer and releasing more pieces from the summer collection.

In the meantime…stay tuned for my next style essentials blog…

Sunglasses not required, but highly recommended.

 

 

Summer Collection – Part 2

I am so excited for this release. Keep checking back, I will be posting the rest of this collection in the next two weeks. I will also admit I am going to miss seeing this dress hanging up in my closet.

 

Ray of Sunshine Summer Sun Dress

 

Purchase

 

Another one of my favorites….

Unicorn Rainbow Princess Hot Pink Mini Dress

Purchase

Sooo many ruffles!!!! <3

 

Red Ruffle Carnival Dress

 


Purchase

 

Stay tuned, I will be featuring another photographer next week, releasing more from this collection and mixing in some extra goodies for you.

Summer Collection – Feat. Candid Tanner

These photos are amazing!!!

Thanks again to the whole team!

Photographer: Candid Tanner

Hair: Nigel Kirk King

MUA: Jenni Pennington

MUA: Denise An


Models: Siara Gray, Nigel Kirk King

Check out Siara’s outfit in my store

Jennifer makes these really amazing floral crowns and I am so glad she modeled them for us too.
Don’t forget to check out her Etsy


Model/Headpiece: Jennifer Valdez

Tanner did a really great job using my backyard as a backdrop. The ambient mood captured in these photos is way more magical than my actual back yard. 😛

Models: Rebecca Briggs, Christina Sachi, Alice Kier, Savannah Lee

On sale on Friday…

Model: Raven Trantham


Model: Siara Gray

Weekend Shenanigans 5280 Style

Sometimes working from home gets boring…

That’s when you need your friends to keep you motivated.

Luckily Sarah helped me BBQ and photography today.


I’ll be updating Etsy all week so check back Monday for updates.

Don’t forget to LIKE Sarah on Facebook, and Follow her on Instagram to see more photos from this set.

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Summer Collection – part 1

Finally, I get to begin releasing this collection!!!

These three pieces are now for sale.
I am slowly releasing these a few at a time. If you don’t see something for sale that you saw in the previews…
Stay tuned because it will be released soon.

Turquoise Fantasy Dress

Purchase

Aqua Mermaid Seafoam Green Fantasy Dress

Purchase


Blue Siren Silk and Lace Asymmetrical Slip Dress

Purchase

I’m working on some really fun concepts right now, and I plan to release a few accessories this weekend.
Monday I will be showcasing another photographer from our garden party. So don’t forget to check out my store