#80's cardigan

[crying-in-laybys]

Need a haircut to be honest...

[davemurrayy]

[redr0sewrites]

HEY HEY HEY YOU LIKE GOTH TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR ALT SCENE HEAD CANONS

🥀A/n: AJSJSJSJSJSJSJSJSS YESS !!!! i could talk about this for hoursss ngl-

🥀all photos are from pinterest, credit to the original creators! i did not make these ♥️

Pandora Rosier:

in my head, i see her as like a lighter version of whimsigoth. definitely leaning more on the whimsical flowery fairy vibes heavier than the goth vibes, but still with alternative aspects! she definitely decorates her hair and braids with a TON of crystals and charms!!

purples and reds, flowy dresses, chunky rings, charm belts, layered crystal jewelry, cardigans, flowy sleeves, funky tights, etc

when it comes to music, she'd be a fan of The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush, and Strawberry Switchblade

Dorcas Meadows:

FAIRY/SOFT GRUNGE. HEAR ME OUTTTTT

a lot of forest greens and earthy tones, basically grunge with a bit of fairycore mixed in

lots of thrifted items, heavy earth tones, arm warmers, flower patterns, crystals, maxi skirts, doc martens + mary janes, dangly earrings, etc etc

when it comes to music, i think she'd listen to Kleenex, The Violent Femmes, Cheap Trick, Red Aunts, and The Raincoats

Barty Crouch Jr:

mix between metalhead punk and scene. like think punkrock mid 70's-early 80's crossed with early 2000's scene kid, and thats him

spikes, metal, leather, lots of oversized and ripped band shirts, stripes and heavy patterns, chains, chunky boots, fishnet/sheer tops, double statement belts, heavily dyed hair, liberty spikes, thin/mini brows and smudged eyeliner, etc

when it comes to music he is ALL over the place. think Nine Inch Nails, Rob Zombie, Paramore, Green Day, Soundgarden, Death Grips, etc. think like dad rock, but throw in a few early 2000's bands as well

sortaaa think like a cross between all these- finding a photo for him was SO hard lmfao neither of these r exactly whats in my head but close enough

Evan Rosier:

similar to Barty but less scene and more dad rock/metalhead and slightly toned down. definitely more earthy tones, less hot topic energy and more thrifted/handmade energy.

also wears a lot of jewelry and crystals in his hair, shares them w pandora!

not as many bright colors and patterns, heavy layers, earthy tones, cargo pants, converse, layered jewelry/crystals, chunky belts, statement baggy pants with decals, bleached shirts, torn aviator jackets, boots, bulky sweaters layered with band tees, etc

when it comes to music i think he'd listen to Nirvana, The Doors, Type O Negative, Specimen, and the Ramones

Regulus Black:

(twitching and convulsing he is my fav)

honestly i see him as either: victorian goth, or corporate goth

he either dresses like he's possessed by a small victorian child or ebeneazor scrooge and there is no in between

very masculine, lots of ruffles, detailed vests, cuffs and long sleeves, black trousers, heeled boots, loose flowy blouses, high collars, lots of grey, white, and black, long leather overcoats, heavy layers, rings, etc

finding photos for this was like a herculean task bro it was nearly impossible and this is about as close to what i see in my head as i could get but still... not perfect *sigh*

when it comes to music i think he'd listen to Veruca Salt, Talking Heads, Clan of Xymox (TRUST HE WOULD), Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Lebanon Hanover

Sirius Black:

i know everyone and their mother believes in punk Sirius, but hear me out- mall goth Sirius Black. PELPSLSPSLSPSLSPSLSS

i feel like he dresses both masculine and feminine a lot, his gender is very fluid and so are his outfits so he isn't strictly masculine or feminine

im thinking like early 2000's hot topic kid x mid/late 80's punk, definitely very mall goth inspired but a little more modern too

wide baggy pants with chains, chunky necklaces, mismatched earrings, skeleton gloves, leather jackets with studs and decals, sheer/fishnet tops, chunky boots and doc martens, chunky rings and bracelets, bracelets with studs/spikes, kandi or beads, trashy band or skater tees, thrifted cargo pants with patches, those specific red and black striped gloves/arm warmers that every mall goth person has, etc

when it comes to music i think he'd listen to The White Stripes, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, INXS, Meat Loaf, Three Days Grace, Green Day, and the Offspring

Remus Lupin:

grunge all the way. and i don't mean like tiktok grunge, i mean genuine early-mid 80's thrifted "fuck fast fashion" grunge. i also see him having a bit of the grunge/punk academia aesthetic, but overall very grunge centric style

in my head he doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, especially since silver burns him as a werewolf, so he'll wear the occasional ring or necklace but that's about it

grandpa sweaters, oversized hoodies, cargo pants, earthy tones, brown converse or loafers, faded band tees, jorts, greys and greens, collared shirts, chunky shoes, baggy trousers with patches, bleached clothing, aviator jackets, etc

when it comes to music i think he'd listen to David Bowie (duh), The Doors, Ramones, Talking Heads, Killing Joke, U2, Journey, INXS, Abba, The Calling, and Foo Fighters

Marlene Mckinnon:

RIOT GRRL. I KNOW IM RIGHT I KNOW IT I KNOW IT I WILL DEFEND THIS TILL THE DAY I DIE SHE IS SOOO RIOT GRRL

most of riotgrrl fashion is pretty much the more "feminine" version of punk, and shares some overlap with the "rockstar gf" aesthetic (which irritates me *just* a bit but thats a story for another time). in my head, i think of like a cross between misa amane, nana, and the mid-late 80's punk scene

think layered fishnets, leg warmers, micro mini skirts, lacy lingerie, graphic tank tops, feminist patches/pins, spikes and studs, lots of leather, chains, chunky boots, cross/pentagram motifs, bold animal prints, torn band tees, high heels, bright red lipstick, and basically anything that would serve as a great big "fuck you" to misogyny and beauty standards

i had the biggest riotgrrrl phase, so let me just say i am an EXPERT on the music. marlene would listen to Bikini Kill, Babes in Toyland, Veruca Salt, X Ray Spex, The Raincoats, Paramore, Kleenex, Hole, Dazey and the Scouts, Bratmobile, Slutever, Mommy Long Legs, Le Tigre, Destroy Boys, Cheap Perfume, and Lesbian Bed Death

Mary MacDonald:

GYARU!! i totally see Mary as a gyaru girlie, idk in my head i just see her rocking the makeup and lashes along w the style !!!

i sadly don't know too much about the Gyaru scene as there are many different types, but i did a little research and i feel like Mary would dress in the Ane Gyaru aesthetic- which is (PLEASE correct me if im wrong i am not an expert!!) an older, more "rebellious" and slightly darker version of Gyaru. Ane Gyaru is often mistaken with Onee Gyaru, but is different in a few ways. Ane is more rebellious and incorporates a darker color scheme, and overall has a more rough look. definitely more alternative than cutesy in comparison to other Gyaru styles, and i feel like it fits Mary well

think flashy animal prints, miniskirts, teased hair, long lashes, detailed hand bags, fluffy boots, furry leg warmers, silver jewelry, statement belts, lots of lace, leather and denim, and lots of makeup!

i genuinely do not know anythinggg about Gyaru music and i am sosoooosososos sorry 😭 if anyone has any ideas or recommendations for bands/gyaru music they think Mary would listen to, please lmk!!!

i will do a pt 2 so that i dont reach the photo limit but!!! hope u enjoyed!!!! PLSSS SEND IN MORE MARAUDERS ERA WRITING REQS YALL IVE BEEN OBSESSED- it could be x reader or just hcs like this whatever u want🧍

my two current hyperfixations in one post... someone sedate me...

[jonathanbyersdeservesbetter]

This funky little 80's cardigan he probably found at the thrift store paired with his emo ass The Fall t-shirt is so Jonathan I can't explain it. But I'm so happy his season 1-2 style is back IN ADDITION to this type of freaky style only a freaky lil dude like him would wear

[bonthefuckjourx]

Music Headcannons!!

The next chapter has a little something to do with music. 😉 It’ll be out in the next few hours!

Lucifer: Loves to listen to 80’s music, but also is impartial to musicals. He’s the person who got Charlie into musicals too. Tends to stick to the more popular songs/genres.

I was made for Lovin you- Kiss

Take a Chance on Me- ABBA

Hot Stuff- Donna Summer

The Phantom of the Opera- The Phantom of the Opera Musical

Hungry Eyes- Eric Carmen

Hurricane- Deathnote the Musical

Charlie: Takes after her Dad and loves musicals. Sapphic music or LGBT is the other half of what she listens to.

Little Miss Perfect- Write Out Loud

She Keeps Me Warm- Mary Lambert

Crush- Tessa Violet

Girls- Girl in Red

Seventeen- Heathers the Musical

Monster- Frozen the Musical

Apex Predator- Mean Girls the Musical

Popular- Wicked

Vaggie: Didn’t listen to music until Charlie showed her. Mainly listens to LGBT, but typically edger stuff. Loves rock and anything with a guitar in it really.

Bad Idea-Girl in Red

Just Like You- Three Days Grace

Sweater Weather- The neighborhood

Want Me- Baby Queen

Starts with One- Shiny Toy Guns

Angel Dust: Loves pop and mainly sticks to upbeat fast songs. What can he say he lives the fast life. At night however when he’s all alone he’s a total swiftie. Definitely cries himself to sleep sometimes.

Red Cup (I Fly Solo)- Cash Cash

Call Me By Your Name- Lil Nas X

Super Psycho Love- Simon Curtis

All Too Well (10 Minute Version)- Taylor Swift

Cardigan- Taylor Swift

You’re Losing Me (From the Vault)- Taylor Swift

Boys will be Bugs- Cavetown

Husk: Definitely a hopeless romantic. If Angel is ever listening to Taylor he’ll dance with him around the room. Loves to romance Angel as he never really had that before.

Lover- Taylor Swift

Mr. Loverman- Ricky Montgomery

Save Tonight- Eagle Eye Cherry

Set the Fire to the Third Bar- Snow Patrol

Golden Hour- JVKE

Line Without a Hook- Rickey Montgomery

Cherri: Loves Kesha and 2010’s pop music. Would definitely see her at a rave.

Die Young- Kesha

For Your Entertainment- Adam Lambert

You Know You Like It- Aluna George and DJ Snake

Timber- Pitbull (ft. Kesha)

Everywhere I Go- Hollywood Undead

Intoxicated- Martin Solveig

Y/N: You listen to a variety of music. Here’s some of your “current” favs:

Art Deco- Lana Del Rey

Nonsense- Sabrina Carpenter

Kiss the Go-Goat- Ghost

In The Middle- dodie

She’s the prettiest girl at the party and she can prove it with a solid right hook- Frank Iero

Work Song- Hozier

I Wanna Be Your Slave- Maneskin

The Summoning- Sleep Token

Losing My Religion- Frank Iero and the Future Violents

Hideaway- Kiesza

[resident-gay-bitch]

Marauders boys favorite items of clothing; period accurate & modern: JACKET / JUMPER

Sirius Black;

Period accurate: his black leather jacket

Modern: his black leather jacket

James Potter;

Period accurate: his quidditch jumper or Remus’ jumpers

Modern: hoodies are this guys best friend

Remus Lupin;

Period accurate: grandpa jumpers / cardigans

Modern: grandpa jumpers / cardigans

Peter Pettigrew;

Period accurate: fuzzy jumpers and his suede coat

Modern: 80’s windbreakers and those denim jackets with the fluff inside

[tumbleringismycopingmechanism]

So, I tried to make two of the cardigans mentioned in @softest-punk 's fic Once Upon a Time as worn by Dream. (The emphisis is on "tried".)

First, the one with the dinosaurs:

I searched for fabric with dinosaurs online and ordered some. Unfortunately, the inner side was not black as I had thought, which meant I had to add black fabric to the inside. This made things a bit more complicated, especially since I can't be bothered to figure out don't know how to use a sewing machine, so I stitched this thing together by hand. Despite repeatedly trying it on during the process I somehow managed to make it too small in some places as well as fitting the shoulder part so weirdly together that it now sits barely comfortable. I am tempted to retry by buying a black cardigan and embroider dinosaurs on that (if I ever find the patience to learn how to).

The second one was the black one with the rainbow edge. This one I crocheted:

As you can see, I overcompensated, so this one is way too big. It's also super heavy and I used like 80 bucks worth of wool to finish it. Technically I tried to follow this tutorial, but I made so many mistakes and alterations that it's barely recognisable. (Also fun fact: because the wool I used for the border was half as thick as the black one I used two strings in one. That plus constantly having to change colour means the border on each sleeve took 2h and the one around the main part about 10h, which was definitely a lot more than I had expected.)

Anyway, hope you guys like it, especially you @softest-punk

[slayerkitty]

There has been ongoing discussion of Only Friends amongst a few of us about central themes of the show and ideas Jojo seems to be exploring. We ended up in a discussion on ephemerality that led to a broader discussion on what the show is trying to say about permanency, mostly through the use of things like Boston's photography, surveillance videos, and other audio/visual means.

We also touched on the idea of voyeurism being a running theme (potentially tying back to the very public nature of queer culture in the 80's and 90's) based on the different medias being presented and the frameworks that each episode has used so far. I posited at the time that the different frameworks of each episode could be a type of voyeurism (and because we've brought up control), a type of controlled voyeurism; the voice overs, talking heads and even the Twitter posts are great for giving the audience insight into character insights, feelings and emotions but only what they want us to see.

There was also discussion in the tag about how this show feels like a throwback to sort of a late 90's aesthetic over all (I can't find this post - specifically I'm thinking of a post that mentioned OF had a very Dawson's Creek aesthetic, which hit me like a truck when I read it because YES). Given that Jojo was born in 1984, so I think this post about OF being the voice of 80's babies is right.

So, you must be asking, duh, we've already talked about this. What's your point?

All of this extremely prolific long-windedness is because I noticed something while watching the Let's Try MV from the OST as well as the BTS videos that have been released so far and I don't think anyone has mentioned it.

In the MV, shots from the show (both what appear to be canon and a smidge of BTS material) are shown like they were filmed on a mid-90's camcorder. This also happens in the in the BTS videos as well (episode 1, episode 2.)

Also, both the MV and the BTS videos have visual effects. Transitions like lens flares, static, and whatever that blippy line distortion was on VHS tapes that we fixed with the tracking buttons (if you know, you know) repeatedly show up in both.

(Please prepare yourself for some absolutely horrible screenshots; I have no skills in this area, lmao, but I wanted a couple of visuals)

(What? No, I didn't choose these three screenshots because of the colors, absolutely not. I also absolutely am not tagging @respectthepetty because of it either, nope. Don't know what you're talking about.)

But Slayerkitty, you ask, what does it mean?

It definitely shows that we're on the right track regarding this, I think, because using it in the MV and BTS materials is a very deliberate choice given the amount of photo, video, and audio focus the show has done to this point. Interestingly, you could also say the BTS videos are a type of controlled voyeurism as well, since it's a specific peek at how things were made (the view they want us to have lol).

(Also interesting but I'm not sure if it means anything or if they just thought it looked cool, but in the MV from about 2:29-2:40 and 2:52-3:10 the scenes are all "camcorder" video and the second time stamp is pretty much all BTS footage.)

(P.S. I also don't think anyone mentioned it before now, but that fluffy jacket/cardigan thing we're all obsessed with that Ray wore in episode two is what Khaotung is wearing the MV. It looks like they probably shot the episode two car scene and the MV the same day/night.)

Tagging the ephemerality squad and anyone who's posts I linked to, in case you guys have any thoughts: @waitmyturtles, @wen-kexing-apologist, @ranchthoughts, @chickenstrangers, @lurkingshan, @twig-tea, @clara-maybe-ontheroad, @distant-screaming, @shouldiusemyname

I know I forgot someone, I'm sure! Apologies if I did. I'm gonna have to make a list, lol.

[agrosehamada]

Rose is taking a little trip to the 80's! (Dress and matching scrunchie by me, cardigan is from AG but I thought it matched the theme!)

This has been a fun weekend for trying new foods too! We went out with friends and got boba and croquettes, as well as the new Baja Blast gelato from Taco Bell! (Random fact about me: I'm obsessed with Mountain Dew and trying any new flavors/products they put out XD The gelato wasn't really great but it was worth trying, I think!)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend 💙

[tilynation]

Midnights in Paris, Texas

Shout out to @gaylors-cardigan for posting a photo of Taylor during Midnights Mayhem with a red phone ☎️ next to a photo of Lily with a red phone ☎️. At first, I thought it was just a random coincidence. But then I remembered that Lily’s photo was her Halloween 2019 costume as the Nastassja Kinski character from the movie Paris, Texas. Which got me thinking about Taylor’s song Paris on Midnights, which to me is the most Lily song on Midnights.

Taylor used the red phone throughout Midnights Mayhem to reveal various song titles.

The movie Paris, Texas is about two lovers who have not seen each other in four years. The man was controlling and obsessive about the woman, leading to the breakup. Ultimately he finds her working at her new job in a new city. The one and only scene in the movie with the red phone ☎️ is the scene where they meet up after years apart. This Wim Wenders 1984 film is one of Lily’s favorites. The video of Lily as this character from Paris, Texas is still up as a reel on Lily’s IG to this day. It’s the only personal reel she still has up.

One of the themes of the movie, is the lead character trying to find Paris, Texas. People think he is referring to Paris, France but he is not. Instead he has an old school map (“drew a map on your bedroom ceiling”) that he uses to try to find Paris, Texas - a town in the middle of nowhere where he longs to go. An oxymoron and contradiction to Paris, France.

The late 70’s/early 80’s interior decor of Paris, Texas, especially the house scenes, looks very similar to the Midnights decor and aesthetic, especially the Lavender Haze and Anti-Hero music videos. There’s even house scenes with fish.

The red phone in the movie also has a vintage beige speaker next to it (the speaker is what Nastassja Kinski’s character hears her ex-lover through) similar to Taylor’s Midnights Mayhem with the vintage beige speaker near the red phone.

So is this all just a coincidence? An easter egg? A playful nod to one of Lily’s favorite movies? A nod to late October 2019 when both Taylor and Lily were in Los Angeles, shortly before their final social media interaction in November/December?

[diskaywrites]

Fluffvember 2024

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭 #𝟏𝟓: 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐱 𝐍𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 (𝐨𝐜) 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟: 𝐍𝐨𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 (𝐨𝐜), 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐨𝐜), 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐃'𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧

.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽

Nolee Angle huffed as her hands smoothed out the pink poodle skirt that she wore, watching her reflection in the full length mirror against the back of the closed door of the guest room that she was using at her brother Noah's house. She could hear the sound of the Christmas party taking place downstairs, but her mind was on the upcoming show that Impact Wrestling was holding.

As a way to lift spirits for the roster, Scott D'Amore had decided to host a show called IPWF, Impact Provincial Wrestling Federation. It was a send up of the characters of professional wrestling and storylines in the 80's where the roster got to be someone else for the night. Nolee had decided on Liberty Belle, a send up of the 1950's bobbysoxer type. She had gotten the poodle skirt and the white shirt to tuck into the skirt under a small pink cardigan. The only problem she was having was the character work. She had decided to come down to the party a little later so she could work on a few promo bits.

The knock on the guest room door let Nolee know that someone was waiting for her.

The door cracked open and Ethan Page poked his head through the crack in the door. The grin on his face, reaving his pearly white teeth, was as charming as ever. he wore his glasses, wire rimmed, over shining brown eyes. "Hey, Noah and Kenna said you were up here! Coming down to the party?"

Nolee beamed back, waving him into the room, "Oh, I was just-"

Ethan pushed his way into the room and Nolee could see just how nicely he was dressed. The black suit he wore fit his broad shoulders well, the rest of the suit seemingly tailored to fit Ethan just as perfectly. He looked her up and down, amused, "Work or trying a new fashion?"

"Work! Trying to do some promo work for IPWF," Nolee gestured to her skirt, "1950's bobbysoxer, Liberty Belle! I'm just not getting it down right."

"Well, allow me to introduce IPWF Champion Julian Cumberbund," Ethan brushed the front of his suit jacket off, "don't have my manager Sonny Sanders with me, though."

"Oh, nice!" Nolee beamed as she sat on the edge of the bed, legs crossed at the ankles, "Who ya got as manager?"

Ethan crossed to where she sat, plopping down next to her, "Callihan. My god, you should hear his Cornett impression. it's gonna piss the man off."

Nolee giggled, though she noticed how close Ethan was to her. The two had been close since the formation of The North, the tag team that Nolee managed containing both her brother Noah and Ethan. They traveled together, ate together. Being around each other, albeit with Noah in tow, simply made sense. And yet, there was a part of Nolee that felt something more. It was just an infatuation, she told herself. Ethan was just a friend. "Callihan will take pride if that man blows a gasket."

Ethan's melodious laugh joined her own, "So. Character help. What are you thinking?"

"She's very sweet, naive, but gung-ho to fight," Nolee shrugged, "this is probably her first wrestling show. New to it all."

"Audience plant type shit, huh?" Ethan mused, "Ya know, Julian is a confirmed playboy. He'd probably be attracted to her. Could work that in."

Nolee mused on the topic, "Go on."

"Well, without Sonny Sanders here to dull the fun, a cute doll like you and a champion of 𝒎𝒚 caliber? Well, I could show you the ropes of the business," Ethan spoke in character, scooting a little closer to Nolee.

Picking up the scene he was initiating, Nolee put a hand over her heart, "Jeepers, Mr. Cumberbund, you'd do that for little ol' me? That's awful sweet!"

"Sure, toots. Consider it a favor for a pretty girl like you," came the reply, before Ethan did something that caught Nolee off guard. He cupped her cheek with his hand and placed a simple, but chaste, kiss to her lips. Nolee was stunned, and she put a hand to his chest. He pulled back, though his face was close to hers, a soft breath ghosting over her lips, "I...I'm sorry is...can you work with that?"

Nolee gave a soft nod, though she wasn't sure how to feel. She 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅 that kiss. Even worse, she 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 that kiss. Ethan was a constant in her life. Other than McKenna, her brothers wife, Ethan was her best friend. Were the feelings she had deeper than she was willing to admit? "Character work, yeah? I can...I can build off of that..."

Ethan's eyes drifted from her eyes to her lips and back before he stood, hands shoved hastily into his pockets, "Well..uh...I'll see you down at the party?"

Nolee wanted to tell him how she felt, but she simply gave a nod, "I'll be down there in a minute."

"I'll...I'll let Noah know," was the hasty reply as Ethan left the room.

Nolee's fingertips brushed her lips and she whispered to herself in the quiet of the guest room, "I...I think I love you..."

[hauntinggviolet]

Just wanna let anyone (that doesnt already) know, that these are the exacts i have up for sale/trade <3 prices depend on where you buy, but these are the starting prices for mercari (preferred)! I need these gone asap due to space.

Crafty cuff thermal (Mocha - XS-S) | $80

FOR SALE

Lost In the Forest sweater (Faded rose - L) | $110

Crafty cuff thermal (White - M, Pink - S) | $50

Trade

I love h81 Flannel (Red, Blue, Green stripes - M) | Looking for an S

Zoe Benson exacts

Sparkle and fade UO Distressed sweater (Gray - M) | $55

SOLD

Banana republic stripe cardigan (Gray - S) | $60

I try to keep my prices as fair as i can without losing too much profit. please understand this is the only way I can make money atm, so, while i do take offers, depending on the rarity and item, i can only do so much. <3

Gypsy rose cardigan (Dyed Brown - XS-S) | $170

Spending time pullover (White - L) | $70

Trapeze slip (Storm - XS, S) | $70

[specialagentblogger]

Chain of Influence from Alexa Chung's IT: Heathers and Beetlejuice

Alexa Chung used to be a British TV host, model, and the IT girl of the 2010s. Ballet flats, hot pants, cashmere cardigans, and statement sunglasses made her a modern fashion icon. During a time when skinny jeans, neon accessories, and flower crowns were a thing, the IT girl stood out with ahead-of-her-time style choices. She definitely was one of the first well-known women that I sourced my creative inspiration from.

"IT"

In 2013, Alexa released her debut book IT, featuring her drawings, style influences from film and music and witty advice. This pastel pink, 'cultural reset' of a book, catered to young, aspiring "It" girls and wannabe Vogue Editors. Despite receiving critiques akin to a "wasted opportunity", IT marked the sweet beginning of character development for my 13-year-old self. The book led me on a transformative journey, unveiling my taste in music, film, and fashion - a chain of influence, if you will.

HEATHERS (1988)

One of the films that started my endless love for cinema and marked the chain of influence, was Heathers (1988) - directed by Michael Lehmann and written by Daniel Waters. A satirical and macabre cult classic about a high school, where obnoxious jocks rule and the mean girls are all called Heather - until Veronica (Winona Ryder) and her mysterious boyfriend (Christian Slater) plot to exterminate every bully. Pair a cinematic legend (our girl Wino) with a sexy hunk that is Christian Slater, and you have yourself an 80s classic. Watching this film when you’re 14 years old, in your secret world (my room) on a mini laptop was a transformative experience. In a sense that, in that moment, I fully understood the magic that cinema held, and all I knew was that I wanted more. My eyes could not get enough of the cinematography, the costumes and the beautiful young actors - all while the haunting Syd Straw’s voice sang Que Sera, Sera (strongly advisable to put this song on while reading this post). 

The film itself tells a classic tale of relational agression between high school girls. In the words of Lyn Mikel Brown, or her book of the same name - Girlfighting (2003), the author argues that for quite some time, soap-operas, films, and reality TV had only focused on women who are in competition with one another. Heathers falls right into that category. Its main focus is Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) - one of the Heathers clique, who finally gets tired of being an accomplice to other school kids’ misery. She has this line in the film: “I don’t really like my friends. It is like they are people I work with and our job is being popular”. It is the moment where Veronica foreshadows her involvement in the downfall of her mean friends. The irony of the twist is as absurd as it gets - a kind-hearted girl hates to see mean girls bullying everyone, so she turns to murder to end the meanness altogether.

COSTUMES

Iconic, voluminous hair, fitted checkered jackets with shoulder pads, midi grandma skirts, coloured stockings and none other, than bitchy attitudes! Every shot of Heathers is filled with endless outfit inspiration, curated by Rudy Dillon. Oh, how fun would it have been to dress like that in high school. I love how this kind of fashion evokes a nostalgic longing for a time before I was even born. From then on out, you could not catch me leaving a vintage clothing store without an 80's padded jacket.

Guessing who I went as for Halloween in 2014 would be easy. I put my grey skirt on, borrowed my grandpa’s ashy blue t-shirt, covered my face in fake blood and bought a paper cigar from Tiger. It was magical. I walked around saying “What’s your damage, Heather?” - sadly, no one understood the reference back then and I ended up really scaring my mum. I might have been better at Maths, had I not been rewatching Heathers every other evening. However, no regrets. 2 + 2 is still 4, forever till the end of time. 

Beetlejuice (1988)

IT's chain of influence continued naturally when I decided to explore Winona’s earlier work. The first one that came to mind was Winona’s breakthrough film 'Beetlejuice' (1988), crafted by the extravagant auteur Tim Burton, who is renowned for the gothic and fantastical settings in his work. The contrast-heavy cinematography in Burton’s mise-en-scène is highly influenced by German Expressionism, an art movement that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. The most predominant aspects of this movement include distorted sets, angular or weirdly-shaped architecture, and a dark, frightening atmosphere.

The film tells the story of a recently deceased couple (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin), who start haunting their own home after a new family moves in. In an attempt to scare away the living occupants, the couple summons a mischievous spirit named Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) by saying his name three times. The narrative takes an intriguing turn with the introduction of Winona Ryder's character, Lydia, who, along with her parents (Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Jones), becomes entangled with the supernatural world. Winona Ryder delivers a captivating performance as Lydia, portraying a goth teenage girl with the ability to see the dead.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Cinematographer Thomas E. Ackerman fully realised Burton’s ominous vision for the film. Every single shot is like a surrealist painting - a true feast for the eyes. Even if one does not find the film’s plot appealing, the visual aesthetic will still definitely satisfy one’s artistic hunger. Ackerman's attention to detail and use of lighting contribute to the film's haunting atmosphere, making it a visual masterpiece.

Beetlejuice vs. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

As mentioned previously, the influence of German Expressionism is evident in Burton’s work, and in my opinion, especially in Beetlejuice. The film has striking visual similarities to, arguably, one of the first horror films, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), directed by Robert Wiene. The film follows a somnambulist who makes horrifying predictions of future events. I watched it during my first year of film studies, and I have to say, I was utterly spellbound. The fact that a film without any sound can be that spine-chilling, still blows my mind.

The distorted corridor in Beetlejuice mirrors the endless, distorted corridor in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. It evokes a sense of claustrophobia, almost like an optical illusion. The surrealist, angular structure of the Caligari corridor seamlessly fits into Beetlejuice, capturing the dreamlike, or rather nightmarish atmosphere.

In the following comparison shots, we can even identify a door with a diagonal line in Burton’s still, and the exact same shaped detail (window/door) on the house in Wiene’s still. Furthermore, there is a black silhouette of a man in the background, seemingly holding a broom in Burton’s shot. Similarly, in Caligari’s shot, there is a man wearing black, holding what appears to be a cane.

The following two shots sparked an 'aha' moment for me. In one, the green light and the appearance of a dead bride with a tulle veil emerge from the darkness. In another, there is a muted green light covering the room, and a girl sleeps in a white nightgown, reminiscent of a wedding dress, on a bed adorned with tulle sheets.

THE DINNER

There's a campy (and even a bit meta) dinner scene in Beetlejuice, making it one of the most standout moments in cinema to date. It features Lydia, her parents, and their friends. In an attempt to scare them into leaving, the deceased couple (the Maitlands) and Betelgeuse possess the guests. One by one, they start moving involuntarily and start to sing Harry Belafonte’s 'Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),' in his distinctive voice. I truly love this artistic decision because it cleverly uses dark humour and absurdity to dilute the frightening topic of spirits and afterlife.

As I reflect on this chain of influence, I think of it as the epitome of 'one thing led to another.' I love that I could delve into Winona Ryder's creative universe and discover life-altering cinematic classics as a young girl. This, however, is just one of the many discoveries I made as a 13-year-old reading Alexa's book. More is yet to come...

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

[beeblelady]

Catrina Alice Covey (Kayson's Listener)

Full Name: Catrina Alice Covey

Nickname(s): Allie, Caty, Trina, Covey, Prefect, Babe (By Kayson)

Birthday: November 12 / Scorpio

Age: 20

Birthplace: Conifer, Colorado

Parents Names: Howard and Rita Covey

Parents Occupation: Howard (Photographer), Rita (Accountant)

Former Residence(s): Aurora, Colorado (13 years)

Current Residence: London, England.

Living With: Kayson

Right or Left-Handed?: Left-Handed

Words/Phrases: "Very Fantabulous.", "Oh my goodness."

Habits: Organizing her room and Going to the library frequently

Appearance

Height: 5'0

Weight: Secret

Skin Tone: Fair

Body Shape: Hourglass

Hair: Dark Brown (Straight or Wavy)

Eyes: Blue

Face Shape: Round

Everyday Dress Styles: 80s Outfits, Bomber Jackets, Peter Pan dresses, Floral Dresses, Wears Chuck Taylor and Pumps. Some of her outfits are from Anthropologie, Aritzia, Zara, Forever 21, American Eagle and definitely JCPenney. Cardigans, Striped Sweaters, Overalls, Jumpers, Spotted Headbands, Fluffy coat, Pink Duffle Coat (in case if she's cold).

Formal Dress Style: Tulle Dresses, Hair ribbons, Heels.

Any Jewellery: Heart Necklace Given by Kayson, Heart Earrings, Ribbon Bow Earrings.

Facts About Catrina

Catrina is passionate about everything from the 80s, but she makes sure those things would still be acceptable today.

Her favorite hobbies is to make some playlists via cassette tapes when she's not studying.

Catrina's parents met in a mall called Villa Italia Mall in Lakewood, Colorado when they're both in college.

Catrina has a few friends but she was bullied and being called a freak by her peers in the states. When she moved in London she earned new friends (incl. Spencer/Luca's Listener)

Her part time job is baking at a nearby bakery and bakes too especially in a relationship she is always up for new pastries.

Her dream college before was CU Boulder where her parents studied but her family wanted to move to England.

She doesn't usually use digital materials on researching. Instead, she uses the card catalogue for her references.

Her Favorite Flowers are Forget-Me-Nots.

She loves listening to The Cure, Wham!, Queen and Bananarama.

When she was single what Catrina wants in a relationship is someone putting their hand in her back pocket. Just like in Sixteen Candles. Writes her notes everyday.

Catrina does not like driving in a bad weather (Especially Snowing)

She's pretty close with her family.

Kayson is her first. 😊

Her favorite film genres are chick flicks, horror and sometimes romantic comedies.

She joins a few clubs in uni.

Catrina has a sticker book which is her collection of stickers.

Ever since she was a little girl, she has a Lisa Frank collection (Stickers, Coloring Books, Notebooks and Sticker Books)

At the arcade she is very skilled in playing Pac-Man and Dragon's Lair.

Her favorite Care Bear is Cheer Bear.

She loves experiencing renting movies at a video rental store.

Catrina has a collection of Seventeen magazines.

She likes watching music videos on MTV (which her mother recorded, since they do not do it anymore).

Catrina is not a smoker.

She also listens on vinyl.

During her 13th Birthday in London, Catrina got a Walkman from her family.

She sometimes get gifts such as Sandylion stickers for her collection.

Catrina loves collecting Calico Critters (Sylvanian Families).

[elinorasims]

Lookbook | Matilda Goldberg

Hair

Rikki Hair | FeralPoodles

Face/Body

Comet Eyes | TwistedCat Kennie Skin Overlay | Miiko

Eyelids N18/19 | Obscurus Eyebags N4 | Seleng A Time to Shine Nose Highlight | Alexaarr

Brows - 80's Thin Brows EB-15 | CateMcPhee Lashes - V2 | MMSIMS

Imperfection Teeth Set | YoonieSim

Makeup

Eyeshadow - Seasonal | Kijiko Blush - Sunkissed | Crypticsim Lipstick - Amine | RemusSirion

CC Links

1 ; Samantha Jeans - The Sophomore Collection | Sentate 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ; Barbara Socks - Stamina Set | Caio 1, 3, 5 ; Cropped Jumper - Post Grunge | sforzinda 1, 5 ; High Top Sneakers 03 - Collection 5 | Jius 2 ; Lisa Skirt - August 2022 | Sentate 2, 4 ; White Rabbit Cardigan | Miiko Mary Janes - Martin Collection | Jius 3, 4 ; Plaid Skirt | Sims House 4 ; Derivative Tights | Pipco 5 ; Tasmin Skirt | Sentate

CC Links

1 ; Lorelai Top - Camelia Set | Serenity Tasmin Skirt | Sentate 1, 2, 3 ; Mary Janes - Martin Collection | Jius 2 ; Plaid Skirt | Sims House Derivative Tights | Pipco 2, 3 ; Jihyo Checked Jacket | Casteru Barbara Socks - Stamina Set | Caio 3 ; Samantha Jeans - The Sophomore Collection | Sentate

CC Links

1 ; Cameron Shorts - Canela Set | Serenity 1, 2, 4, 5 ; Barbara Socks - Stamina Set | Caio 1, 4 ; Opium Tee - January 2023 Collection | Sentate 2, 5 ; Big Game Joggers - Adrenaline Set | Joliebean 4 ; Speedrun Shorts - Adrenaline Set | Joliebean 4, 5 ; High Top Sneakers 03 - Collection 5 | Jius 5 ; Cropped Jumper - Post Grunge | sforzinda

CC Links

1, 2 ; Samantha Jeans - The Sophomore Collection | Sentate Leather Sandals - V03 | Jius 2 ; Piper Top - The Rose Collection | Sentate 3, 4 ; Plaid Skirt | Sims House Barbara Socks - Stamina Set | Caio High Top Sneakers 03 - Collection 5 | Jius 4 ; Cecilia Top - The Sophomore Collection | Sentate

CC Links

1, 2 ; Jihyo Checked Jacket | Casteru 1, 4 ; Samantha Jeans - The Sophomore Collection | Sentate 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ; Barbara Socks - Stamina Set | Caio Mary Janes - Martin Collection | Jius 2, 3 ; Tasmin Skirt | Sentate 2, 3, 5 ; Derivative Tights | Pipco 3, 5 ; Shellar Jacket [V2] - Hazelnut Set | Serenity 4 ; Maud Trench - March Collection | Renora 5 ; Plaid Skirt | Sims House

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[oonajaeadira]

Random question is about style-- what is your current style and is what you wear every day in keeping with it or do you only get to walk it out on certain occasions? (Inspired by a convo with a friend where we said we grew up but never got to fill our closets with everything we thought we would)

BLUE.

Man, my askbox got neglected while I was gearing up for my week away, sorry.

I've gained a bunch of weight in the past couple of years due to some laziness and health issues and anti-depressants. I don't mind other than the fact that its wreaking havoc on my back and the older I get the harder it is to take off the weight so I really just have to focus on beefing up my core muscles to deal with the extra....

Anyway. That's all to say that the other thing that sucks is that I'm growing out a bunch of my clothes and that sucks because I like my clothes.

Mostly these days I wear a bunch of printed shirts from Redbubble--Camile Chew designs, Mando and Prospect insider symbols, witchy memes, 80's style Anubis graphics. And then I have a couple pair of these linen overalls AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. Pair them with a long black cardigan covered with stars and the brightest footwear I have--80's style New Balances, burgundy suade hightop Vans, these atrocities--plus a lot of dangly acrylic earrings, witchy necklaces and rings, crystal bead bracelets... Combine it all with cat-eye glasses and a messy updo, I'm going for middle-aged hippiewitch and/or female Dieter Bravo.

It's great.

But sometimes it's just wacky and warm sweaters and skinny jeans and riding boots... whatever I effing feel like in the day. I work in the arts (and sometimes am the only one in the office) and therefore nobody looks twice when I dress like a sloppy goth or a garden witch or a Steven Universe character. I have a set of skeleton PJs that are practically my uniform in October. The day I got this job and walked out of the for-profit world I threw all my business casual clothes in a bag and took them to the Goodwill.