Earth Day: Goths Can Go Green Too!

Earth Day is the time when you ever thought it's a bullshit, you realized (after so many busy things) that you have lived in a dying planet. Yeah, WE make it dying. Some of us have decided to make a change. Come on! Don't let those hippies alone. Let's save the world together, and here's what I can do regularly as a Goth:

1. Thrifting

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I put it on number one because it is multi eco-friendly. By doing this, you have reused everything from garments to furnitures, recycled the materials, and you've got some money saved. Besides, you'll also find many great things that never come from modern stores nowadays.

2. DIY and Sewing

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DIY-ing and sewing are the alternatives of thrifting or the opposite. You may have reduced the consumption of materials, and it increases your creativity. Honestly i can't really do a good sew - still trying.

3. Conserve The Energy

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It doesn't mean that Goths LOVE darkness xD You don't have to change all bulbs with candles (the risk of fire is bigger eh?). What you need to do is use your window space (between the curtain) where the sunlight comes at the day. Turn the lamp off when you go out, when you don't need it and when you're about to bed. The same thing is also applied to another electrical appliances you often use like TV, radio, DVD, charger, computer, etc.

4. Save Water

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It doesn't absolutely include to limit your drink! Well, I can't save much water in bathing because I need about 20-30 minutes to clean up (I just need more "privacy"). However, what I am able to do is wash clothes manually with cold water. I can't tell how many clothes I always wash but usually it needs 3 medium pails of water. I have to do this since i'm not allowed to own any kind of washing machine. However, if you have the machine, just remember to use it efficiently. The positive things I got are reduce the electricity usage, paid bills seemed fine, and it is good for exercise. Go muscle!
If you are not used to wash clothes manually, I suggest you to wash the dishes. Wet all the dirty dishes, turn off the faucet. Turn it on again when you want to clean them. It's more effective than you wash them one by one and let the water keeps flowing unused. Don't worry about the black nails, they stay cool still.

5. Support Dermatologically-Tested, No Animal Testing, and Organic Ingredients Cosmetics

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I know that there are still many brands which do test on animal, but it is a good start to avoid them, or at least reduce the usage of those products. By doing this, you have saved the other living creatures from violation. The example is Oriflame which has launched EcoBeauty collection. I have used one of the products and wrote the review here, and you may check the website.

Furthermore, I don't mean to guarantee if a product is truly claimed to be eco-friendly. It can be just a marketing label. Just be aware and love your own skin more.

6. Donation or Garage Sale

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Spare your time to collect all of old stuff you don't want to use anymore. Then, sort all of them by type whether you want to donate or make it on sale. You don't only take care of the environment, but you also help people around you.

7. Reuse Plastic Bag

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Plastic is a material which can't be decomposed naturally. I think it's better to use it again when you have something to bring, especially if it's wet and you don't want it inside your bag. If i'm out of plastic, i'll use fabric bag. I have plenty!

8. Dispose Garbage in Its Place

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No need to say more about this. If there's no trash can around me, i usually keep it inside my pocket until i find a place to throw.

9. Public Transportation

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Well, I do not own any car or motorcycle yet, so I go to work and college with a shared-ride vehicle. In my living place, I often use what are called Transjakarta, Mikrolet and Ojek. I make myself go by feet if my destination isn't too far.

10. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce, Revamp! Plus Lifehack-ing

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Hell yeah, revamping is such a fun activity. What you need is some stuff from the craft or material store, combined with sense of creativeness like DIY. Guess what? You'll see like you have a new item no one can find anywhere!

I may not have any tips to make a compost, or even to eat less meat. But you see what i've been doing this far. Of course, it depends on your living area. As for me, I live in the capital of tropical country, in a boarding house with my family.

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How about you? What do you do to save our lifestyle without making it unspooky?
Don't forget to see this post by lovely Mary Rose about the Earth Day, Green is New Black

Babybat Steps: What to Wear

Being a babybat is such an unforgettable phase to be a Goth. Some say it's the sweetest time, while some say it's the dumbest moment, including me :p Have you ever tried to change over your style and people were like - you saw them, scared (a lot)? I have and it was horrible, couldn't believe what on earth i was thinking about. I just realized it few weeks after i did it xD So for you, ladies who are the new bats in this exceptional world, prepare to make a wonderful shopping list!

New Steps of Babybat by kyuri-104 featuring Hot Topic

Black top

Let's start from the plain and multifunctional ones. It may be just black or with another color mixture or a picture on it.

Tank Top in Action by kyuri-104

The first choice i give you is tank top. I assume every woman has at least one piece. It can be body fit, half-cut or the loose one. Tank top is also great for you who have shoulder tattoo(s), and can cover your cleavage when you wear clothes with low neck line.

Shirts Aren't Worthy Without 'R' by kyuri-104

The second choice is very classic: shirts! T-shirts, short sleeves, long sleeves or even band shirts. I guess the coolest is band shirts. But make sure you have worn the "proper" shirt and make it like you tribute your favorite band.

Black jeans and leggings

Rock Yer Feet by kyuri-104

Jeans and leggings work well with various style and are comfortable for everyday wear. However, jeans make the legs become too rigid to do any certain activities, while leggings can be more flexible and may be the substitution of stockings/tights to wear with boots. They have their own plus and minus.

Black Shoes

Shoe She Shoe by kyuri-104

Boots work well with most of Goth styles. Boots are very great for protecting your feet from the snow and the rain. Too bad currently i don't own any boots yet because i'm still saving my money.
What? You can't wear boots? Oh, right, there are also many Goths who work at the companies or offices and so am i. We aren't allowed to wear platform boots, of course. Don't worry! Flat shoes, high heeled, stilleto and sneakers are good too. If you are into the lolita style, wear flat shoes or maryjane with ribbon attributes.

Black Outer

Be-Dare Outwear by kyuri-104

You may need a cardigan, leather jacket or sweater. For you who also live in everyday-is-summer places, you don't have to wear them only for making up your style, but it is important to see the condition in your area first. If you work in an air-conditioned place, i would like to suggest you a jacket or sweater.

This is CorpGoth Mid-Month Status Report: Office Make-Up Style

I made this post due to join the mid-month status report created by Trystan L. Bass of This is CorpGoth. The theme now is your make up style in the office certainly as a rocking CorpGoth. Oh, i should have followed her from yesterdays. No lies, her style is awesome. Hello, Mrs. Trystan. I'm your new reader. Greetings from Indonesia! *waving hands*

Do you wear?

Yup. Even though I work as an accountant, facing computer and papers - not public, I wear make up mostly at work.

How often?

I wear make up every work day.

What kind?

Sometimes I go bold with all-black eyes, sometimes just natural look. The products I use are from various brand. My eyes can be easily swollen and hurt if I sleep late so I can't wear any eye make up regularly (especially bold eyeliner :( ) . Besides, I rarely wear lipstick since I prefer let it pale only with lipbalm. After all, i would never leave home without moisturizer, primer, BB cream and loose powder. Looking flawless (and a bit pale) is the best appearance for me, teehee..

My make up routine for the work day is like this:

Moisturizer - Make Up Base - Concealer - BB Cream - Eye Shadow - Eyeliner - Loose Powder - Blusher/Bronzer - Lipstick/Liptint/Lipbalm

The part I always miss is concealer and blusher. I'm just too lazy for hiding permanent dark circle except for some particular events, while I use blusher if I think it's necessary.

Here's my look based on the tutorial i've made right here.

Alright, my mid-month status report is done! How's yours?

In the name of black roses,

Katarina Yuri

Deskripsi Mode/Fashion Gothic

Click here if you want to read it in English :D

Samakah dengan gaya punk, atau katakanlah punk versi hitam?

Samakah dengan hanya merias seluruh mata dengan eyeliner super tebal?

Apakah sama dengan hanya memakai kaus bergambar band, entah band apa itu?

Samakah dengan EMO?

…

TIDAK.

Mode/fashion Gothic tidak sama dengan hanya berpakaian serba hitam dan memamerkan diri di depan orang-orang,”Yeah…”. Sebenarnya saya juga mengatakan itu setiap orang-orang bertanya tentang cara berpakaian saya, hehe.. Eit, bukan ‘yeah’ yang tadi artinya lho. Saya hanya tidak tahu kata yang tepat dan ringkas untuk bicara langsung ke inti, karena seperti yang (mungkin) Anda tahu, butuh waktu seumur hidup untuk mempelajari perkembangan dari cabang kebudayaan ini. Semoga saya tidak membuat Anda bingung.

Mari kita lihat informasi dari Wikipedia:

Gothic fashion is a clothing style marked by conspicuously dark, mysterious, exotic, and complex features. It is worn by members of the goth subculture. A dark, sometimes morbid fashion and style of dress, typical gothic fashion includes a pale complexion with colored black hair, black lips and black clothes. Both male and female goths wear dark eyeliner and dark fingernail polish.

Terjemahan menurut pemikiran saya:

Mode Gothic adalah gaya berpakaian yang khas dengan nuansa warna gelap (saya tidak mau pakai kata ‘kegelapan’, pasti nanti banyak orang salah paham), berciri misterius/aneh, di luar biasa, dan punya corak tersendiri. Mode ini diikuti oleh orang-orang yang menjadi bagian dari budaya Gothic. Beberapa ciri khas tersebut termasuk membuat kulit menjadi putih pucat yang bagus (mulus) dengan rambut yang dicat hitam, bibir hitam dan pakaian hitam. Baik pria maupun wanita goth memakai eyeliner hitam dan cat kuku hitam.

Dari bacaan di atas, bisa disimpulkan bahwa fashion Gothic adalah salah satu dari beberapa cara untuk membuat seseorang dikenali sebagai Goth. Fashion Gothic adalah suatu gaya yang khas dan beragam, dengan hitam atau warna warna gelap sebagai ‘tanda pengenal’ mereka, orang-orang Gothic. Tentu, ada alasan mengapa yang dipilih warna tersebut. Bisa kalian baca di sini.

 Dan sekarang dari Gothic Portal:

… There are many variations in how different Goths dress, and no “correct” way to do it. It is common for Caucasian Goths to strive to have pale skin, sometimes wearing pale makeup, or avoiding the sun. But once again, there’s always exceptions. Most Goths wear a lot of dark eye makeup, such as eyeliner, and lipstick in shades of red, purple and black are popular.

Lagi-lagi terjemahan dari saya:

… Ada banyak perbedaan di dalam cara Goths berpakaian, dan tidak ada cara yang “dibenarkan secara paten” untuk melakukannya. Sudah biasa bagi Goths dari bangsa Eropa (bangsa kulit putih, Kaukasia) berusaha membuat kulitnya terlihat pucat, sehingga terkadang memakai dandanan pucat, atau menghindari matahari. Tetapi, sekali lagi, selalu ada pengecualian. Kebanyakan Goth mendandani mata mereka dengan warna gelap, seperti dengan eyeliner, dan lipstik berwarna merah, ungu dan hitam sangat dikenal.”

Tambahan untuk kalimat saya di atas, Fashion Gothic adalah suatu gaya yang khas, beragam, bernilai seni dan kreatif, dengan hitam atau warna warna gelap sebagai ‘tanda pengenal’ mereka, orang-orang Gothic. Pengecualian-pengecualian yang ada tergantung tempat kamu tinggal, tergantung norma norma yang membuatmu merasa “terpaksa” mentaatinya.

Credit to: Sebastian Columbine!

Jadi, saya tidak bisa mengatakan bahwa studs (bagian aksesoris yang seperti spike/duri itu lho) dan rantai adalah contoh gaya Gothic yang mutlak. Tidak, lah. Tidak semua goth suka memakai benda tersebut sebagai aksesoris. Banyak gaya yang bisa digabungkan seperti Victorian, Punk, Steampunk, mungkin akan saya bahas lebih rinci di blog selanjutnya. Masih banyak lagi yang bisa di-explore. Bagaimana cara mengetahuinya? Baca tulisan ini saja tidak cukup lho. Mari cari tahu ke sumber yang tepat! Kembangkan rasa kepomu *eh* Ada (sangat) banyak Goth blogger di seluruh dunia (saya percaya mereka ada di setiap Negara, setidaknya satu atau dua yang benar-benar Goth). Lihat, baca, pahami, dengarkan mereka, dan kamu akan dapat banyak inspirasi, khususnya dalam berpakaian. Ya tentunya dikondisikan juga dengan budaya kita, Indonesia! *coreng muka merah putih*

Kalau ada yang salah mengira gayamu, entah mungkin mereka akan men-judge emo lah, punk lah dsb, hiraukan saja. Toh mereka tidak akan terlalu mau tahu, tapi sok tahu hahahah.. Waktumu akan sia-sia kalau masih yakin ingin “menguliahi” mereka :p

Hanya kamu yang mengenal dirimu sendiri.

What is Gothic Fashion?

Click here to read Bahasa Indonesia version.

Is it as same as punk, or can you say it’s the “black” punk?

Is it as same as just wearing bold eyeliner on the whole eyes?

Is it as same as wearing band T-shirt, no matter who it is?

Is it EMO?

…

NO.

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It isn’t just like you’re in black and you said “yeah…” but actually I said that every time people asked me, oops. I don’t have any simple idea to say straight to the point, because you (maybe) know, it takes a lifetime to learn the subculture’s development. Man, I hope I don’t make it more complicated.

Let’s see from Wikipedia:

"Gothic fashion is a clothing style marked by conspicuously dark, mysterious, exotic, and complex features. It is worn by members of the goth subculture. A dark, sometimes morbid fashion and style of dress, typical gothic fashion includes a pale complexion with colored black hair, black lips and black clothes. Both male and female goths wear dark eyeliner and dark fingernail polish."

So, let us keep in mind that Gothic fashion isn’t “something to show off” about. Fashion is one of the ways that makes you being recognized as Goth. Gothic fashion is a typical and variety style worn by the Goths society, with black or dark colors as the color signature.

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 And then, from the Gothic Portal:

"… There are many variations in how different Goths dress, and no “correct” way to do it. It is common for Caucasian Goths to strive to have pale skin, sometimes wearing pale makeup, or avoiding the sun. But once again, there’s always exceptions. Most Goths wear a lot of dark eye makeup, such as eyeliner, and lipstick in shades of red, purple and black are popular.”

Addition, Gothic fashion is a typical, variety, artistic and creative style worn by Goths society. Creativity in dark imagery (not spooky, please.) is needed to create the style. The exceptions do exist depends on where you live, what kind of norms are you “forced” to get in.

La Carmina

I can’t tell that studs and chain are the absolute examples. No, there are more than that. You can even mix it with Victorian, Lolita, Punk, Steampunk and so on, maybe i will explain it in detail on the next post. Anyway, reading is not enough. Let’s keep researching to the right sources! There are many stylish Goth bloggers all around this world (I believe there is at least the real one or two in each country). See them, listen to them, and you’ll get inspired in dressing up.

Don’t be too bothered by the wrong classified subculture. They – mundanes (apologize if it’s too rough) are clueless and ignorant. I’m pretty sure you’ll be suffered facing them by “lecturing” purpose :p

Only you who can identify yourself.

Babybat Babygoth

Once a time during break at school…

A: Hey, tell me. Who’s that singing? Who are you listening to? *pointing at my playlist*

Me: This is Bauhaus’! Do you know who Peter Murphy is? Or Siouxsie Sioux?

A: …. Um, nope. *poker face*

Me: You don’t know? It’s nice to be heard if you want to try to listen. And here’s The Banshees’, Sisters of Mercy, The Cure.. *offering earphone*

A: No, thanks.

Me: ……. Kay kay bye X’D

Hahah, that was just one of funny situations that jeez - most of people looked like this everytime I tried to show - at least goth-ish stuff (I never show it directly like, “hey I’m so gawff...” -_-) I mean, come on! I just found this subculture is very interesting about 4 years ago and almost no one cares. Great. I’m not alone, I know.. I just don’t get why people look so normal? *cheering up myself and finally ends up crying* At least I can spread my own world here right? XD

I admit that I was the latecomer to this subculture, which is considered as a babybat, or babygoth (babybat term is more popular though). The meaning of Babybat can be derogatory or affectionate, depends on what you think about. It can be said as young people (most are generally from 13 – or younger to 17 – may be above) that are totally new to Gothic subculture, inexperienced of course, and try to master the acquirements of dressing properly and applying makeup techniques. But the most important thing is to try to listen the music.

Speaking of Babybat, I’m gonna tell ya how I could be.

It was happened in 2010 or late 2011, started from the rock band I adore so much until this day, sort of band like Nightwish or Sirenia and others. I thought the band was totally goth as the lyrics went dark and gloomy, as the performance for wearing gothic fashion on the stage. I got this belief because my friends – the fans of the bands said so. Did you see what I just wrote? The FANS! These fans, I knew they had followed the band for years. Sad but true, seems they didn’t try to find out anything about this band in detail, include the real music genre. So they were like, “Ooh I’m so gawwwff I listen to this dark music”, “If you like them, then automatically you’re a goth for real, if you still listen to pop culture, don’t tell me you are.” ”Look what pictures I got! She’s the goth metal queen right??” You know, it’s the picture of sexy Simone Simons -_-. Haha.

Awww yeaah...

Back to my favorite band. I surfed on internet as much as I could to seek the truth. I got the band’s genre was actually hard rock with symphonic touch, wearing gothic fashion doesn’t make you completely a goth, and not all gloomy thingies are called goth. I PROVE them the real information include the pictures. Guess what? You know what happened next.*cuddling myself at the dark corner*

Trying not to force them, I threw it all from my mind, except one thing unclear: GOTHIC. Time by time I surfed more on internet. I learned there were many types of goth, how to appropriately dressed, how to apply the makeup, read the history, the literature, the manner, and so on. Those aspects attracted me so well and fits my introvert personality. Once a time I was ever mistaken for emo style and ever thought both emo and goth were the same :p

I always search any sources as much as I can. You know, Wikipedia is not accurate at all. There are goth bloggers that I use as my guide (Stripy Tights and Dark Delights, Gothic Charm School, Confessions of Australian Goth, many more), since I don’t have any mentor here, and I don’t even see any eldergoth walking around the city. If there IS someone which is seemed as the right person, it is maybe just a non-goth wearing such a band t-shirt with skinny jeans which is listening to current pop culture. FYI, I live far far away from where the subculture was born. The word Gothic itself is almost never mentioned here. Internet saves me!

If it wasn’t started by this band, maybe I would never feel the dare way to be different. I was like being introduced undirectly to this unique subculture. The name of the band? I’ll keep it for the next episode lol.

By the way, I just knew someone out there, in south-east Asia, who did her struggle hardly of being a babybat by herself (and now with her darkling, Jetherine Son if I’m not mistaken), and it made me so happy knowing I’m not alone! I thank a friend named Yhudiz Dracoz for this! He told me about who Minxie Villaver is :’)

I may be not good enough to tell the hints, but here are links that you must read to get many great tips from the gurus. Just click the highlighted links!

• Tips for Babybats #1 by Confessions of an Australian Goth
• Tips for Babybats #2 by Confessions of an Australian Goth
• Of Parental Nicknames, Of Wrongly Being Called Emo, And of Dress Codes by Gothic Charm School
• A Handy Guide for Babygoths by Stripy Tights and Dark Delights
• Dress Codes, Shopping, Babybats and more! By Stripy Tights and Dark Delights

Hope you find your missing dark pieces. Good luck!

“You never need to conform to other peoples standards.” – Dani DeathBiscuit

Skeleton Dress From Rismakill Drama Darkcloth

The story starts from three weeks ago, I was hunting an outfit with the gothy-look. I need one immediately, not necessarily full gothic, just with the dark color is okay, because I have some accessories to be matched with. To be honest, I have never ordered anything from Lip Service, Heavy Red, Demonia or even Hot Topic yet. It is because they don’t ship to Indonesia, which is identified as one of the countries with the highest carding activity in the world. Dafuq T_T I have looked at some thrift stores, but all I saw is just mainstream shirts and mini skirts.

For this reason, I searched the local online shop that provides ready-to-order outfits. I found it is named Rismakill Drama Darkcloth. The owner is Rismakill Adhelia from Bandung, but currently she’s living in Makassar.

Click to see another dress

I looked at her page album to see if any dress or any top was still available. The outfits are awesome and they are sold quickly! The great thing is that she makes all of them with her own hand. She designs, she sews. It’s great for those who appreciate hand-made stuff, love unique appearance, and love limited items!

Tadaaa

A black dress has been chosen by me as she offered the details that I was looking for. It is actually a two-piece dress. It’s a good thing because I can wear the top with another skirt or wear the skirt with another shirt. The dress is made of cotton, so it absorbs the sweat well. The fabric isn’t rough, also not too smooth (of course it’s not silk lol), and it isn’t too thin. There’s elastic material at the top and waist part of the skirt. Oh, just noticed the skeletons pattern! I love skull :D

I got the clutch for free. Thank you so much! >.<

Here’ s the detail based on my measurement:

Size M (Asian Size)

Top Bust : Approximately 90 cm

Top Length: 57 cm

Skirt Waist: 90 and still can stretch more (mine is 83 without stretching material, different from my jeans size – you can tell the difference)

Skirt Length: 55 cm

Overall length about 112 cm

Oh hello Skellingtons :)

The shirt fits me so well, although the sleeve is kinda too short for me (showing my bare big arms). The skirt is bigger than size M was supposed to be XD I had to make it smaller.

I have worn it two times and washed it once. Glad to see the fabric color wasn’t fade. Overall, the dress it lovely to me. I can wear it to the semi-formal or informal party, to work, to college. The point is this dress is perfect for daily wear.

If you are interested with her masterpiece, come visit her page at Rismakill Drama Darkcloth. Don’t miss it! Thank you teteh Risma, you rock!

At JW Marriot Hotel

Disclamer : the product is purchased by my own money and reviewed by honest thought. It's just my way to give you an opinion in buying product that you considered to purchase. I am not affiliated with any company. I am not paid to do this review and everything I said here is my genuine opinion.

Merry Gothic Christmas

Rudolph, he will change his name

'cause Rudolph just sounds really lame

Now we'll call him Ragnagord

The evil reindeer overlord

His nose it shall be red no more

It will be blackened to the core

His eyes will glow an evil glow

To guide the chariot through the snow…

As you may have known, Christmas is an annual civil holiday in many world’s nations, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. I don’t say that Christmas is only for Christians, because I welcome my mom and my brother, who are moslems to celebrate it too, and they can deal with it easily XD I have a big tolerance, underlined.

The snow hasn’t arrived yet, because there ain’t no such a snowy thing here although it’s cold since the rainy season does still exist. I can’t say, “What about wearing black so it may show the contrast with the snow?”Crap. I should have visited England. I wish I knew what snow is like.

Anyway, want something different for the Christmas time? I would like to suggest to turn on the music with a little of dark sense, of course :3 Here’s my song list:

• Nox Arcana – God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
• London After Midnight – The Christmas Song
• Love Spiral Downwards – Welcome Christmas
• Within Temptation – Gothic Christmas
• Amy Lee - Sally’s Song Cover (OST The Nightmare Before Christmas) I just love it.
• Gregorian featuring Sarah Brightman – In The Moment Of Peace (Actually it has nothing to do with christmas)

Please keep in mind that some songs I have suggested above aren’t gothic at all, as I’ve told that they have dark atmosphere.

Our Christmas tree a year ago

We didn’t have any Christmas tree to put in our room. Well, we didn’t see any space there and there… This end of year may be busy of the clearance. About the presents? Sure, we have. Each of us will get one present. My boyfriend has gotten it before, for his birthday… plus Christmas X’D And then, the last thing I’ll do is going to the church and spend the night with my family.

What do you do on Christmas holiday? I wish you a merry Gothic Christmas!

How To Stay Goth During The Rain

There are only two seasons in my country and this month is full of daily rainfall. It has been raining here in Indonesia for two or three months. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I don’t.  I wish I could sleep at home when it’s raining. I hate it when there’s a sudden rain at the same time I go to college after work. Making you wet everyday when you want to go outside for your duty is not good. Imagine you are on the way to school or workplace, and suddenly comes the rain, you arrive with damp velvet boots, wets your jacket, messy make up, and freezy hair as the wind blew you over.. =_=

Fortunately, I live in tropical place so the rainy season probably won’t stay long after Chinese New Year. I couldn’t predict when the rain comes (of course, who could?) so I got easily wet for wearing no rain coat or using umbrella. I always forgot to bring one of them lol. However, I want to share some tips to keep you cool during the rain :D

One. Have at least two umbrellas and raincoat. Keep it at the side of your main door, in case you wanna go out or as a change if the one is broken, and bring the other one wherever you go. Raincoats may be more effective for motorcycle users. Put it in your bag. I choose to bring my own umbrella, or sometimes a raincoat if my boyfriend comes to drive me home.

Two. Wear coat, jacket, or sweater to keep you warm. The strong wind of a pouring rain may make you freeze. Wear it, unless you want to catch the cold or hypothermia.

Three. Footwear is important. Boots, docs, or whatever is waterproof. If you don’t want your socks or tights get wet, wear sandals. However, you need to clean your unprotected feet area. I personally prefer sandals for its effectiveness, because I have to go to college immediately at the rush hour and it takes less than 5 seconds to wear! XD

Four. Get yourself a waterproof bag, or bring a plastic bag to save your stuff safe from being soaked. It is a must to cover your laptop and your papers, especially if you are Corp Goth! :D

Five. Do not let your wet clothes pile in a basket for a long time. Wash them soon, or choose laundry service, because bad bacteria will start growing in humid areas. Fungus on your underwears and socks? Eewwww :v

Six. Make a basic ritual for a good hygiene! Take a bath twice a day. It would be great with warm water to relax your back and your blood circulation. Well, there’s no gothy soap here, so ordinary soap is okay. Clean your face, ears, neck, armpits, feet, another private areas, and your hair! Dry shampoo is a good idea for you who in a hurry. If you don’t have any time to wash it, pull your hair back into a ponytail to avoid your greasy hair touches your face, because it will cause acnes or anything you don’t want it to grow on your face. Still wanna let your hair smelly and sticky huh?

Seven. Do not turn down your appearance. Don’t be afraid when all of your black suits get wet, since it is just water! We are not cats, we are Goths.

Hope these tips may help you. Please let me know if you have any other suggestion about this. I would love to hear it J Stay dark, darklings!

Apa itu Gothic?

If you want to read it in English, click here.

A: Eh, lo orang gothic ya?

B: Iya :D

A: Gothic itu apa sih?

B: Itu lho yang pakai hitam-hitam itu..

Hahaha, dialog di atas sekedar lucu lucuan aja :P tapi pasti pernah dengar atau lihat kan gambaran situasi di atas? Kebanyakan orang (iya, kebanyakan alias terlalu banyak) dengan mudahnya menganggap cabang kebudayaan ini sama dengan memakai pakaian hitam, bibir hitam, mata dibuat jadi hitam, kuku hitam. Intinya, kalau ingat kata ‘Gothic’ langsung teringat ciri-ciri itu. Ternyata, ada penjelasan dibalik semua itu.

Pengen ketawa terus setiap liat gambar ini X'D

Dari mana sih kata Gothic itu?

Dilihat dari namanya, Gothic berasal dari nama suatu bangsa dari Jerman yang berperang melawan bangsa Romawi. Banyak peninggalan mereka berupa karya seni dan bangunan yang khas. Tentang sejarahnya cari sendiri ya, saudara-saudara XD

Gue cari di google translate, kok Gothic berarti barbar/biadab sih??

Setahu saya, google translate tidak pernah seratus persen akurat dan tidak selamanya benar. Masih berhubungan dengan pertanyaan pertama, bangsa Romawi yang pada waktu itu terlibat dalam peperangan, melihat musuh-musuhnya seperti orang biadab atau kaum barbar, masuk akal kan? J Sekarang zaman sudah berbeda, arti dari kata Gothic sekarang sudah meluas dan lebih baik.

Lalu, apa hubungannya dengan Gothic yang ini?

Tidak ada hubungannya secara langsung, karena budaya Gothic ini dibangun berdasarkan aliran musik yang bermula di Inggris, tahun 1970an. Sebelumnya, budaya Punk sempat ‘mati’ dan dari ‘abu’-nya lahir sebuah budaya baru yang sampai sekarang disebut Gothic. Sebenarnya sudah banyak sumber yang menjelaskan hal ini, bahkan lebih baik dari saya. Jadi, saya gak akan bahas banyak.

Goths from Ukrania, at the goth club

Seperti apa sih orang-orang Gothic itu?

Kami sangat tertarik pada seni, karya sastra, dan musik. Ada yang punya tindik dan tato, ada juga yang tidak sama sekali. Soal pakaian, kami cenderung memiliki selera yang unik. Dan jangan terkejut bila mendengar celotehan humor kami yang memang sedikit… garing, aneh, kadang ‘nyelekit’. Tapi kami adalah orang yang terbuka terhadap segala sesuatu, meskipun memiliki pemikiran yang bisa dibilang abstrak. Kemampuan dan minat tidak takut kami perlihatkan kepada yang bukan Gothic dan kembangkan tanpa harus merasa takut dicemooh dan diganggu karena merasa berbeda dari yang lain. Biasanya karena inilah kami sering jadi objek ‘bullying’ sehingga kami jadi cenderung individual dan kelihatannya tertutup.

Adora BatBrat

Kenapa sih orang Gothic senang pakai hitam?

Kembali lagi ke soal pakaian, kami tidak memakai baju secara seragam, melainkan berkreasi dan kalau perlu, membuat baju atau aksesoris dengan tangan sendiri. Kami berpakaian dengan warna hitam bukan untuk menakuti orang lain, bukan supaya terlihat lebih keren. Kami memang lebih suka warna-warna yang lebih gelap dan yang paling gelap adalah hitam. Pernahkah terpikirkan bahwa warna hitam bisa ‘berbaur’ dengan warna apa saja, seperti halnya warna putih? J Yah, di sisi efisiensi, kami tidak perlu selalu mengikuti tren sehingga harus memadupadankan atasan dan bawahan, karena kami punya cara sendiri untuk mengatasinya tanpa perlu dianggap ketinggalan zaman. Tidak hanya hitam, banyak yang menunjukkan dirinya dengan warna lain, contohnya merah muda, hijau, bahkan putih!

Ini juga penting untuk diketahui bahwa tidak semua berpakaian hitam nonstop 24/7! Contohnya saya, bisa saja mengenakan kaus berwarna cerah, bercelana jeans dengan sandal jepit. Dijamin tidak akan menjatuhkan identitasmu sebagai Gothic. Tapi selera yang lain tetap tidak berubah ya, hehehe…

Keindahan pada hal-hal yang berkaitan dengan kegelapan, kematian, dunia supranatural dan hal-hal aneh yang biasanya tidak disukai orang pada umumnya menjadi daya tarik bagi kami. Tapi tidak berarti kami semua pengikut aliran sesat dan pemuja iblis ya. Tolong camkan kata-kata ini. Memang hal-hal tersebut dapat kami pandang secara berbeda. Bahkan sesama orang Gothic pun punya pandangan tersendiri. Kami terdiri dari berbagai ras dan dari berbagai penganut keyakinan, sekalipun dia atheis atau satanis, sekalipun dia orang Afrika.

Soal kepribadian, sama saja seperti orang pada umumnya. Kami bisa menjadi orang yang optimis, bahagia, tertawa saat menonton acara komedi dan tertawa saat membaca kisah mengharukan, kecewa, bersyukur, berdoa, mencintai, dicintai, dan berteman! Ya, kami juga punya teman-teman yang ‘normal’, hanya saja yang membedakan adalah perlakuan mereka atau kalian terhadap kami.

Bagaimanapun juga, tidak ada pedoman mutlak untuk menjadi seorang Gothic. Tidak ada sumpah atau perjanjian yang perlu diucapkan, karena Gothic itu bukan keyakinan. Kami menerima siapapun yang tertarik terhadap cabang budaya ini J

Demikian penjelasan saya selama kurang lebih 2 tahun mengamati dan terlibat di dalamnya.  Kalau ada pertanyaan, kritik atau saran, mohon beritahu lewat kolom komentar, mampir ke sini atau kirim e-mail. Dengan senang hati akan saya terima, asal dengan bahasa yang sopan dan bisa dibaca dengan jelas J

Keep calm and stay goth!

What is Gothic Subculture?

Penjelasan lebih lengkap dalam Bahasa Indonesia, klik di sini.

A: Are you a goth?

B: Yes!

A: I wanna know, what is it?

B: … You know, kinda dark thingy…

Hahah, I bet you have seen or heard this kind of situation. Or you, who might read this, black outfit and black lippy may spring to mind when I write the word ‘Goth’.

For your information, Gothic is a lifestyle, also a music based subculture. Why ‘sub’? Well, Punk was the root of the movement after 70s, began in England – when punk ‘died’, a new culture was born from its ‘ashes’, which is to this day called Gothic. That’s why it still related with especially music, the fashion, style, culture, and so on. I believe you can find more sources about Gothic subculture on the internet provide the answers better than me, and  it depends on whom you ask, how you ask. There are many Goths have explained so I won’t write much. I know these cultures are generally considered similar but you may not tell if punks wear black means they are Goths, no no XD

Most Goths are very fond of art, literature, and music. Some of them may do the body modification, have tattoos or piercing. Goths have unique sense of vintage fashion, which is may easily known by people as goth character. Um, please note that we also have dry and morbid sense of humor, abstract thoughts, tend to be individual, and are open-minded J Yes, Goths are also typically empathic, patient and giving, so we try to assist and identify with the underdogs, scapegoats, and less fortunate in life. Most importantly, Goths all have a deep love and appreciation for the obscure, mysterious and secret parts of life, death, the universe, and of course, the darkness. (The bold statement is from http://tinyisrafel.wordpress.com/aboutgoth/) Goths also would like to encourage non-goths as well as themselves to expand their skills and interests without fear of being bullied or mocked. I think it is reasonable since we always become the bullying subjects; because we are weirdos in our weird world, so deal with it dude!

About fashion, we like creating our own style and DIY stuff, which actually makes us don’t dress alike. Some people may admire it, while others label you a bad thing. Although we do wear black, there are actually many types of goth style, even the one who wears pink, yellow, green, or even white! I’ll post about the types later :3 And hey, most of us don’t wear black all the time. We just prefer black and another dark colors.. >.>

Nahhh i know you have seen this picture many times :P

Real Goths are not depressing and suicidal as what ignorant humans have assumed. Goths are often mistaken as dangerous or mad people, satan worshipers for wearing all-in-black and liking darker side of things. Because of those misconceptions, people are like, “Dear, you need Jesus. Seriously. Right now.” Or the worst thing, “Someone please call any Father from the church, there’s an evilish-look person who definitely needs exorcism!!” Listen. Being a goth DOESN’T make someone to be bad or even mad. Goths are actually tend to be optimistic, NON-VIOLENT, tolerant and friendly! FRIENDLY! We do have normal friends like you too.  Of course, we all are human being. Please, do not ever judge a book from its cover, never. :’( The FACT is there are Goths who are Christian (like meh), Moslem, Jewish, Wicca, Atheist, and another beliefs which they believe in, and there are Goths from every region of the world; every race. Do you know the Africans also can be Goths? Certainly sure. They do exist.

An interesting statement from wiki.answers.com actually is clear enough: They are not judging you because you are Goth. They are judging you because you are significantly different from the norm that they are accustomed to. They’ll stop judging you just as soon as you behave the way they would prefer. And now, would you like to fulfil their demands? Follow the crowds and feel more safe in the circle, just because the fear of being mocked? No, forget that stupid prejudice. You are the way you are.

However, there is no permanent guidelines of being a Goth. There is no such an oath needed in order to be goth. Not all stays ‘Goth’ 24/7. Some (include me) also have casual style, or normal appearance with blue jeans, you may say. It all comes back to yourself, what makes you feel confident, what makes you to be the real you. Wearing colorful t-shirt and sandals won’t drop your goth identity forever. As Amy of Juliet’s Lace said on her blog, “It depends on what goth does for you as to how much want to involve it in your everyday life. In other words, we’re not all Adora BatBrat, and that’s OK.” It’s fine if you have another taste out of Gothic subculture, like pop culture (remember, don’t add it too much!), it could mean you have wider knowledge. Just don’t force yourself  to apply any goth-sense in every aspect of your life. Read gothy books, learn histories, do any observation, get to know more about it, and time for you to get involved in the society!

Keep calm and stay goth!