Monday, September 30, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Q&A: Which lens index is best for a moderate 'plus' prescription; also, how goth are cyborgs?
Greetings readers!
I recently received a question from a good friend of mine about one of her lens options. I thought it would be a great question to share because 1. your optician may not thoroughly educate you on your options and
2. some of you may feel you're being upcharged for no reason other than to fatten someone's commission.
Gwen writes:
"My prescription is: R: +3.00/-2.00 x 17 L: +1.50/-1.25 x 170 PD: 70 Do you think I'd be ok with 1.57 index lenses or would it be worth paying extra for 1.61 index? The price is negligible and I'll be getting plastic full frame glasses."
Even though she only gave me a few sentences, there is a wealth of information there. First, I want to note that Gwen is from Australia, *however* glasses prescriptions and indexes are always the same, even internationally. The fact that there are two sets of prescription per eye with an axis (the number after the 'x') tells me she has astigmatism, which is pretty common. This tells me her eye is more football shaped that spherical (again, EXTREMELY common- it's more common to have it than to not). In one meridian, her prescription is +3.00, so imagine putting on a pair of +3.00 readers from your local drug store and looking around. However, in her other meridian, she sees +1.00 (+3.00 - 2.00= +1.00), which is like seeing life though +1.00 reading glasses. In her left eye, she sees +1.50 in one meridian, yet in the other meridian her vision is almost perfect at +0.25, almost what we call 'plano equivalent".
If both of her eyes were like the left eye, having nearly a plano equivalent, then I'd say that the 1.57 would be fine, however, there is a bit of a difference between the two eyes- +3.00 versus +1.50, to simplify it. For this reason, I'd recommend going with the higher 1.61 index just to thin out both lenses and even things out.
She already mentioned she'd be getting full framed glasses, which is perfect. I don't recommend 'plus' prescriptions going into semi-rimless or rimless frames for the fact that 'plus' lenses are much thicker in the middle and thinner on the edges, which makes them more prone to chipping and cracking at the mounting spots.
Smaller frames are ideal when it comes to making the lenses themselves smaller and in turn lighter weight, but it's also important to get a frame that fits your face and your pupil distance correctly. We want everything to be centered. Remember how to find a frame's pupil distance? Gwen told me her PD is 70, so it's best to find a frame with a PD close to that. In theory, if she picked out a frame that had a 53 eye size and a 17 bridge, that would be dead on, making the thickness of the left and right side of each lens uniform.
So in short, I believe going with the higher 1.61 index as opposed to the 1.57. Small frames are ideal if you want your glasses to be lighter weight, but be sure to get something that matches your pupil distance well.
My next question comes from a good friend of mine. You may remember him as one of my "Featured Goths in Glasses" (which is a dormant feature on this blog that I will be resurrecting very soon).
Pierce asks:
"Would you consider cyborgs goth, Sea?
I think that would depend entirely on the cyborg.
The character Cyborg from Teen Titans wouldn't fall under that category, though his roommate Raven is another story.
Andriod 16 from Dragon Ball Z if anything, is punk. Change his color scheme a bit and you may have a death rocker.
With his almost grotesque muscular physique, designer sunglasses he never removes, and his slow, almost incoherent manner of speaking, the Terminator would definitely be more of a.. well. Let's just say I expect to see him fist pumping in Jersey when he takes a break looking for Sara Connor.
However, there are plenty of gothic-styled cyborgs. Cyborgs are one of the greatest icons of the cybergoth/industrial scene. Cybergoth is all about a strange and ghastly future, heavily laden with technology and wires and goggles and dreads and latex- oh my! Cold machinery moving perpetually to an ever-carnal beat. Glow sticks and strobes serving purpose as accents in an otherwise blackened and eerie room. Sweaty flesh encasing beating hearts living for the engineered sounds of the synthesizer. It's a harmonic contrast between creations and creators with a dark, unsettling undertone. So yes, in that case, cyborgs can be quite goth.
I hope I answered your questions, Gwen and Pierce. And remember, if you have any questions of your own you'd love to see featured on The Gothic Optician blog, please feel free to submit them to the inbox on my Gothic Optician Facebook page.
Stay safe and have a creeptastic weekend,
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
I recently received a question from a good friend of mine about one of her lens options. I thought it would be a great question to share because 1. your optician may not thoroughly educate you on your options and
2. some of you may feel you're being upcharged for no reason other than to fatten someone's commission.
 |
| Bullet proof sunglasses- is good, is good. Complete with diamond encrusted frame to get you all the ladies. Very nice product, friend. Is good, is good. For you, my friend, just $999 and the blood of your first born. Is best bargain! Very smart. |
"My prescription is: R: +3.00/-2.00 x 17 L: +1.50/-1.25 x 170 PD: 70 Do you think I'd be ok with 1.57 index lenses or would it be worth paying extra for 1.61 index? The price is negligible and I'll be getting plastic full frame glasses."
Even though she only gave me a few sentences, there is a wealth of information there. First, I want to note that Gwen is from Australia, *however* glasses prescriptions and indexes are always the same, even internationally. The fact that there are two sets of prescription per eye with an axis (the number after the 'x') tells me she has astigmatism, which is pretty common. This tells me her eye is more football shaped that spherical (again, EXTREMELY common- it's more common to have it than to not). In one meridian, her prescription is +3.00, so imagine putting on a pair of +3.00 readers from your local drug store and looking around. However, in her other meridian, she sees +1.00 (+3.00 - 2.00= +1.00), which is like seeing life though +1.00 reading glasses. In her left eye, she sees +1.50 in one meridian, yet in the other meridian her vision is almost perfect at +0.25, almost what we call 'plano equivalent".
If both of her eyes were like the left eye, having nearly a plano equivalent, then I'd say that the 1.57 would be fine, however, there is a bit of a difference between the two eyes- +3.00 versus +1.50, to simplify it. For this reason, I'd recommend going with the higher 1.61 index just to thin out both lenses and even things out.
She already mentioned she'd be getting full framed glasses, which is perfect. I don't recommend 'plus' prescriptions going into semi-rimless or rimless frames for the fact that 'plus' lenses are much thicker in the middle and thinner on the edges, which makes them more prone to chipping and cracking at the mounting spots.
Smaller frames are ideal when it comes to making the lenses themselves smaller and in turn lighter weight, but it's also important to get a frame that fits your face and your pupil distance correctly. We want everything to be centered. Remember how to find a frame's pupil distance? Gwen told me her PD is 70, so it's best to find a frame with a PD close to that. In theory, if she picked out a frame that had a 53 eye size and a 17 bridge, that would be dead on, making the thickness of the left and right side of each lens uniform.
So in short, I believe going with the higher 1.61 index as opposed to the 1.57. Small frames are ideal if you want your glasses to be lighter weight, but be sure to get something that matches your pupil distance well.
My next question comes from a good friend of mine. You may remember him as one of my "Featured Goths in Glasses" (which is a dormant feature on this blog that I will be resurrecting very soon).
Pierce asks:
"Would you consider cyborgs goth, Sea?
I think that would depend entirely on the cyborg.
The character Cyborg from Teen Titans wouldn't fall under that category, though his roommate Raven is another story.
 |
| Life tip: Don't do a google search of "Cyborg and Raven" with your safe search off. |
 |
| Credit: raulmejia at Deviant Art |
 |
| What was considered 'bad ass' in 1984 is considered 'd-bag' in 2013. |
However, there are plenty of gothic-styled cyborgs. Cyborgs are one of the greatest icons of the cybergoth/industrial scene. Cybergoth is all about a strange and ghastly future, heavily laden with technology and wires and goggles and dreads and latex- oh my! Cold machinery moving perpetually to an ever-carnal beat. Glow sticks and strobes serving purpose as accents in an otherwise blackened and eerie room. Sweaty flesh encasing beating hearts living for the engineered sounds of the synthesizer. It's a harmonic contrast between creations and creators with a dark, unsettling undertone. So yes, in that case, cyborgs can be quite goth.
I hope I answered your questions, Gwen and Pierce. And remember, if you have any questions of your own you'd love to see featured on The Gothic Optician blog, please feel free to submit them to the inbox on my Gothic Optician Facebook page.
Stay safe and have a creeptastic weekend,
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Makeup Review
Confession time, guys and
ghouls. Even though I do identify as a goth, and wear the typical gothly
dark and brooding makeup, I'm not actually obsessed with makeup. I
can't tell the difference between Mac Cosmetics and Lancoome. I don't
spend $30 on mascara. I basically see what I like, see what looks good,
and get it- if it's on sale, even better. Friends all the time send me links to makeup tutorials, or websites that sell makeup, which is very kind, and I do enjoy looking at pretty things, but I'm no make up expert, nor am I an aspiring makeup artist. I just do what works for me.
However, there
are a few items that strike a note with me and instantly become very treasured. My
foundation of choice, for instance, is a staple- every time I run low I MUST order some more.  |
| She *is* lovely though, isn't she? You're welcome. |
So
I'll answer the question I'm frequently asked- my foundation of choice
is Mary Kay Ivory 100. It's the only foundation I've found that actually
matches my butter cream skin tone- it doesn't make me look too yellow
or too pink like most foundations. It also isn't greasy, nor is it
watery. Best of all, just seconds after being applied, it turns into a
silky powder. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the Mary Kay
corporation *cough* pyramid scheme rooted in strict gender norms *cough*
in and of itself. The price, which is $15 (plus shipping if you don't
know a rep), is a bit steep, however, it's easy to find on eBay for
under $10. This is probably the most I spend on any one cosmetic, and it
lasts me for months.
Lip Gloss
I
love lip gloss, and I love the look of black lip stick. Up until last
October, I never knew a perfect combination of the two existed. A good
friend slipped me a tube of Rimmel's 'Stay Glossy' lip gloss. I couldn't
believe my luck! It's smooth and glossy, and can be layered according
to how dark you want it. For work I just do a thin coat that I'd call
"wine," however on my own time, I do enjoy wearing it a little thicker
as a "liquorice" color. It has decent staying power, though I don't
believe the "UP TO SIX HOURS" on the label.
Nail Polish
A
must for every goth- black nail polish. I know I said I don't pay
attention to brands, but one brand that I do really like is Sally
Hansen. I've known this brand was another word for "good stuff" since I
was 12. My polish of choice is Hard as Nails: XTreme Wear nail color. Now, it does take a beating, and it's typically all chipped by the end of the week; however, in my profession, I'm always dinging my nails will opticianry tools, or getting acetone spilled on my hands. This polish has more staying power than all the other brands. It also has a long shelf life. Most polishes get gunky and gooey in just a month. I don't even remember when I bought this polish, but I'm thinking it was sometime in 2012.
Lipstick
I do often keep my eyes peeled for just the right shade of red lipstick. Nothing too bright, nothing too orange. Nothing too brown, but not too pink either. I like wine colors, deep, not like ruby, but like garnet. Eye catching but subtle. Fortunately, the cheapo NYC color brand, found at Walmart, does the job well. I always grab up New York Color Mahogany 320 whenever I see it. The only downside is that it does like to clump and needs to be smoothed on, but its worth it for the amount of compliments I receive from menfolk and ladies alike.
 |
| Safe For Work version.. |
 |
| .....and topless! |
Eyeshadow
Once upon a time, there lived a ghastly maiden who was on the quest for red eyeshadow. She made her way through the caverns of cyberspace to find an online shop called Chaos Cosmetics. Their "Burlesque" eyeshadow is superb. All of their eyeshadows are around the $6.50 mark, and the little container lasts forever! It's a very loose powder, but it goes on thick and has a metallic sheen to it. The staying power is incredible- lasts me all day. I especially liked the personal touch and free samples my purchase came with. I hope to try out some more of their colors in the near future.
In Closing...
As I emphasized several times, brands mean nothing to me. I've experimented with pricey cosmetics in the past that were complete and utter crap, and in turn, some of the best products I've ever used have come from the clearance bin at Dollar Tree. I'm no makeup expert, I'm no Michelle Phan (though I will sit and watch her tutorials in awe). I'm just your typical goth girl who likes to put gunk on her face.
On that note, I leave you with some Michelle Phan tutorials.
Tim Burton Inspired Look
Seductive Vampire Look
Be safe, be blessed,
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
The Gothic Optician's Summer Wishlist
Happy Saturday, Geists and Ghouls!
I'm please to announce that the Gothic Optician Facebook Page has been a rip roaring success, now with 139 likes! I'm pretty thrilled by that.
I'm also quite thrilled to announce that yours truly has gotten a promotion and now my amazon wishlist is growing. I thought I would share with you all a bit of my material desires.
First of all, I feel a need (yes, a need) for these boots. They would go with anything and everything, any outfit or occasion!
$135, free shipping, Amazon.com
And what's a great pair of boots without a fantastic bag? This fantastic bag has a corset design. =D
$17, plus $7 shipping, Amazon.com
What better to go with that fantastic bag than a matching skirt, handmade just for you by the lovely Pandora of Delightfully Deviant? I've had my eye on this beauty for quite a while.
$94, plus $8 shipping, Etsy.com (DelightfullyDeviant)
But what is an epic skirt without an epic top? I found this little gem on XTRAX.
€29.90, http://www.x-tra-x.de
Other German things I like? Rammstein! "Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da" is so very addictive. This album is easy to listen to via youtube, but there's something about having a physical CD and holding in my hands.
$14 on Amazon.com
Lastly on the list, a coffin bag. Because every goth needs a coffin bag.
$55, Ebay.com.
Happy Spendings, lovelies! And stay tuned for my next post, which will be a review of some incredible frames that I was fortunate enough to get my claws on!
Until next time, stay safe and spooky!
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
I'm please to announce that the Gothic Optician Facebook Page has been a rip roaring success, now with 139 likes! I'm pretty thrilled by that.
****
First of all, I feel a need (yes, a need) for these boots. They would go with anything and everything, any outfit or occasion!
And what's a great pair of boots without a fantastic bag? This fantastic bag has a corset design. =D
$17, plus $7 shipping, Amazon.com
What better to go with that fantastic bag than a matching skirt, handmade just for you by the lovely Pandora of Delightfully Deviant? I've had my eye on this beauty for quite a while.
$94, plus $8 shipping, Etsy.com (DelightfullyDeviant)
But what is an epic skirt without an epic top? I found this little gem on XTRAX.
€29.90, http://www.x-tra-x.de
Other German things I like? Rammstein! "Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da" is so very addictive. This album is easy to listen to via youtube, but there's something about having a physical CD and holding in my hands.
$14 on Amazon.com
Lastly on the list, a coffin bag. Because every goth needs a coffin bag.
$55, Ebay.com.
Happy Spendings, lovelies! And stay tuned for my next post, which will be a review of some incredible frames that I was fortunate enough to get my claws on!
Until next time, stay safe and spooky!
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
CorpGoth's Status Report: Bag It All
Good evening creatures of the night and/or limited sight!
As you may remember, my last Featured Goth in Glasses, Trystan Bass, runs a delightful blog of her own on tasteful and professional dark fashion. This month her status report assignment involves handbags.
TA DA!
This is my every day bag. It comes in handy with all of my womanly must-haves-- lipstick, brush, wallet, gigantic bottle of water, makeup bag, keys, phone, paper resume, flashdrive containing resume, glasses case, sunglasses case, and a whole lot of change that baffles me since I only use my bank card...which is also in my purse. It also comes in handy for carrying wine. Skulls are kind of my trademark, too, so it suits me well.
My weekend purse fits just the essentials and is much more dainty. I actually found this precious little purse at a Goodwill for $2.
I have a gorgeous coffin purse as well. Unfortunately, it is still being borrowed, so I've had to use a photo I found online. (To unnamed borrower: It's okay, because you know who you are and I know where you live!) ;)
Special thanks again to Trystan and her blog, This Is CorpGoth, for the opportunity to show off my purses (and an identical purse since mine is AWOL at the moment~ LOL).
Have a great week and stay spooky,
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
As you may remember, my last Featured Goth in Glasses, Trystan Bass, runs a delightful blog of her own on tasteful and professional dark fashion. This month her status report assignment involves handbags.
Special thanks again to Trystan and her blog, This Is CorpGoth, for the opportunity to show off my purses (and an identical purse since mine is AWOL at the moment~ LOL).
Have a great week and stay spooky,
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
Friday, May 10, 2013
May: Featured Goth in Glasses
Dearest dark hearts and spectacle aficionados,
It is my pleasure to announce the return of the Gothic Optician's Featured Goth in Glasses with a very special guest.I've been a fan of Trystan's since I came across her blog "This Is CorpGoth" a few years back. I actually spent a few weekends in my dorm room just browsing through her posts, absorbing fashion tips and style inspiration along the way. The timing was perfect. I discovered "This Is CorpGoth" during my senior year of college, during that period when my main thought was "Okay, I've spent four years in college and have officially found myself, but now I have to get out there and be professional and dressed in a way that both myself and potential employers are comfortable with." I completely credit finding Trystan's blog with giving me the motivation to start my own blog. In fact, I could go as far as to say that her posts help me decide on the perfect ensemble for my interview that landed me my current job. I highly recommend her blog for anyone who wants to establish a nice balance between work and play.
Let's delve right into the questions, shall we?
Sea: How long have you been wearing glasses?
Trystan: Since at least third grade, so probably I've been wearing glasses from age 8. And I have never worn contact lenses regularly. I have astigmatism that's just severe enough for the prescription to not work very accurately in most types of contacts. I'm currently working with an optometrist to try & find some contacts that will give reasonable enough vision so I can wear them with historical costumes.
S: How long have you considered yourself a goth?
T: That's a funny question because, when & where I grew up, kids didn't use the term "gothic" to describe those who wore a lot of black eyeliner, dyed their hair unnatural colors, & listened to Bauhaus & Siouxie & the Banshees. But my friends & I did all those things starting around age 16, & we were called "punk" or "mod" or "alternative" & suchlike. It wasn't until college, perhaps around age 19, that I heard people calling how I dressed "goth." But I've considered myself a bit outside the mainstream my whole life, always a fan of the dark, mysterious, spooky, ethereal, & romantic in fiction, music, & fashion.
S: What's your favorite music?
T: I fully admit I don't listen to much current music -- the only artist in the past 15 years to really interest me has been Lady Gaga. Otherwise, I stick to the classics like the Cure, the Smiths, Sisters of Mercy, Siouxie & the Banshees, Love & Rockets, New Order. But music is no longer a great passion of mine. I usually have NPR on the radio.
S: What's your favorite accessory?
T: Jewelry, especially big, chunky necklaces. I enjoy making jewelry too, but, as with most things, I don't have enough time to do it.
S: What's your favorite goth cliche?
T: "We wear black on the outside because we feel black on the inside." -- Funny because it's sometimes true!
S: And your most disliked goth cliche?
T: "You must wear or like X to be goth," or conversely, "You can't be goth if you like or wear Y." That's crap. There is no Seekrit Goth Cabal judging you & stamping your goth card if you do this or that correctly. You can be uber goth while wearing a pink tutu & playing ice hockey, if that's your thing. Goth is who you are & your sensibilities, not just what you wear or listen to, & you don't have to parade about in black velvet singing "Bela Legosi's Dead" to prove it.
S: And your favorite style of glasses?
T: Cat's eye. I've had my current cat eye frames for about 8 years, & I dread the day they break -- this is the second pair, the first ones broke, & this one is now discontinued! The angular styles that are so common right now just don't flatter me.
S: Who's your favorite famous goth?
T: Emily Bronte. Original gothic novelist FTW!
S: And your favorite person who wears glasses?
T: John Lennon. I was raised by hippies & have always admired Lennon's music & philosophy. In college, I got round wire frames like him.
S: Got any stories involving your glasses? ie, losing them and causing a fiasco, unknowingly wearing someone else's for a while, anything?
T: Not really. They're just always on my face, always there!
S: As they should be! ;)
S: I'd like to know a bit more about your hobbies. I know you enjoy historical reenactments, and I'm curious as to what events you attend and what got you into historical reenactments. I know this has little to do with gothic culture or glasses, but I think it's cool and I have reason to believe my readers would feel the same. =)
T: I've always loved historical costume, in some ways, it's related to what I love about goth -- the dramatic beauty, the romance, the elegance. The gothic aesthetic draws heavily on past fashions; I just go further back into the past than some. My first love is the 16th century, & I've attended renaissance faires since I was a kid & started working them as an actor in college. That's even how I met my husband. Slowly I branched out into other historical eras & fantasy topics. My husband & I even attended Venetian carnival for my 40th birthday in 18th-century costumes that I made. While I strive for historical accuracy, I can't help but make most of my costumes in dark colors with a predominantly gothic style.No matter the period, I'm still a dark at heart.
I want to add that my biggest pet peeve at historical reenactments is glasses! They're rarely period because eye glasses where terribly expensive, plus ladies wouldn't wear them outside the home because they were unfashionable. Yes, I know, a lot of people can't wear contact lenses, myself included, but I wish people would at least take off their glasses for costume photos.
S: On a side note, I love that you listen to NPR. That's all my partner and I listen to when driving, because the radio music selection here in Indiana leaves quite a bit to be desired unless you like rap or country. Also, I like your reference to the Illuminati-esque "Goth Cabal."
T: Hahah! I have an NPR finder app on my phone so I can always find the local station when I'm traveling :)
S: Okay, as far as other questions.. you've been in the goth scene for quite some time, and I've no doubt you've seen it evolve throughout the years.. where do you think gothic culture is headed? Do you think this generation's grandkids will be donning fishnets, black lace, corsets, and combat boots?
T: Little things may change, but the essence of the gothic subculture is the same: an affection for the dark, spooky, ethereal, morbid, & less happy side of life. Dark colors -- black, of course -- will always be a constant in gothic fashion. For as many times as someone tries to say "pink is the new black," it's really "pink + black is the new black" (& one of my fave color combos!). The music may be more techno one decade, more acoustic the next, but it will be suffused with an introspection on the darker side of the world. This is what we come from, this is how we stay true to ourselves.
S: You said that music is no longer a great passion of yours, which makes me immediately think of people who argue among themselves "Goth is ALL about music." or "Goth is ALL about fashion." Where do you stand on that? What does goth mean to you? ( I love asking this question because it always brings about a very unique perspective.)
T: Goth is not about all one thing or the other except darkness. The shadow side of life. Appreciating the beauty in death & decay. Being OK with being morbid -- even having a laugh at death. These are all gothic. You can express that through music AND through fashion AND through a million other things. You could decorate your house totally & completely gothic & drive a hearse to work, but never listen to Bauhaus & never wear a stitch of black clothing, & that's still pretty darn goth to me.
}~*~{
Very wise words indeed, madame. Thank you once more, Trystan, for your time and your unique point of view. It was an absolute pleasure to interview you.
I highly recommend checking out Trystan's blog, "This Is CorpGoth," especially those of you who are goths in professional settings.
Until next time, ladies and gentlegoths,
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
Ps. Be sure to check out the Gothic Optician's brand new Facebook page! = D
It is my pleasure to announce the return of the Gothic Optician's Featured Goth in Glasses with a very special guest.I've been a fan of Trystan's since I came across her blog "This Is CorpGoth" a few years back. I actually spent a few weekends in my dorm room just browsing through her posts, absorbing fashion tips and style inspiration along the way. The timing was perfect. I discovered "This Is CorpGoth" during my senior year of college, during that period when my main thought was "Okay, I've spent four years in college and have officially found myself, but now I have to get out there and be professional and dressed in a way that both myself and potential employers are comfortable with." I completely credit finding Trystan's blog with giving me the motivation to start my own blog. In fact, I could go as far as to say that her posts help me decide on the perfect ensemble for my interview that landed me my current job. I highly recommend her blog for anyone who wants to establish a nice balance between work and play.
 |
| The lovely and fashionable Trystan L. Bass, creator of the blog "This Is CorpGoth." |
Let's delve right into the questions, shall we?
Sea: How long have you been wearing glasses?
Trystan: Since at least third grade, so probably I've been wearing glasses from age 8. And I have never worn contact lenses regularly. I have astigmatism that's just severe enough for the prescription to not work very accurately in most types of contacts. I'm currently working with an optometrist to try & find some contacts that will give reasonable enough vision so I can wear them with historical costumes.
S: How long have you considered yourself a goth?
T: That's a funny question because, when & where I grew up, kids didn't use the term "gothic" to describe those who wore a lot of black eyeliner, dyed their hair unnatural colors, & listened to Bauhaus & Siouxie & the Banshees. But my friends & I did all those things starting around age 16, & we were called "punk" or "mod" or "alternative" & suchlike. It wasn't until college, perhaps around age 19, that I heard people calling how I dressed "goth." But I've considered myself a bit outside the mainstream my whole life, always a fan of the dark, mysterious, spooky, ethereal, & romantic in fiction, music, & fashion.
S: What's your favorite music?
T: I fully admit I don't listen to much current music -- the only artist in the past 15 years to really interest me has been Lady Gaga. Otherwise, I stick to the classics like the Cure, the Smiths, Sisters of Mercy, Siouxie & the Banshees, Love & Rockets, New Order. But music is no longer a great passion of mine. I usually have NPR on the radio.
S: What's your favorite accessory?
T: Jewelry, especially big, chunky necklaces. I enjoy making jewelry too, but, as with most things, I don't have enough time to do it.
S: What's your favorite goth cliche?
T: "We wear black on the outside because we feel black on the inside." -- Funny because it's sometimes true!
S: And your most disliked goth cliche?
T: "You must wear or like X to be goth," or conversely, "You can't be goth if you like or wear Y." That's crap. There is no Seekrit Goth Cabal judging you & stamping your goth card if you do this or that correctly. You can be uber goth while wearing a pink tutu & playing ice hockey, if that's your thing. Goth is who you are & your sensibilities, not just what you wear or listen to, & you don't have to parade about in black velvet singing "Bela Legosi's Dead" to prove it.
S: And your favorite style of glasses?
T: Cat's eye. I've had my current cat eye frames for about 8 years, & I dread the day they break -- this is the second pair, the first ones broke, & this one is now discontinued! The angular styles that are so common right now just don't flatter me.
S: Who's your favorite famous goth?
T: Emily Bronte. Original gothic novelist FTW!
S: And your favorite person who wears glasses?
T: John Lennon. I was raised by hippies & have always admired Lennon's music & philosophy. In college, I got round wire frames like him.
S: Got any stories involving your glasses? ie, losing them and causing a fiasco, unknowingly wearing someone else's for a while, anything?
T: Not really. They're just always on my face, always there!
S: As they should be! ;)
S: I'd like to know a bit more about your hobbies. I know you enjoy historical reenactments, and I'm curious as to what events you attend and what got you into historical reenactments. I know this has little to do with gothic culture or glasses, but I think it's cool and I have reason to believe my readers would feel the same. =)
T: I've always loved historical costume, in some ways, it's related to what I love about goth -- the dramatic beauty, the romance, the elegance. The gothic aesthetic draws heavily on past fashions; I just go further back into the past than some. My first love is the 16th century, & I've attended renaissance faires since I was a kid & started working them as an actor in college. That's even how I met my husband. Slowly I branched out into other historical eras & fantasy topics. My husband & I even attended Venetian carnival for my 40th birthday in 18th-century costumes that I made. While I strive for historical accuracy, I can't help but make most of my costumes in dark colors with a predominantly gothic style.No matter the period, I'm still a dark at heart.
I want to add that my biggest pet peeve at historical reenactments is glasses! They're rarely period because eye glasses where terribly expensive, plus ladies wouldn't wear them outside the home because they were unfashionable. Yes, I know, a lot of people can't wear contact lenses, myself included, but I wish people would at least take off their glasses for costume photos.
S: On a side note, I love that you listen to NPR. That's all my partner and I listen to when driving, because the radio music selection here in Indiana leaves quite a bit to be desired unless you like rap or country. Also, I like your reference to the Illuminati-esque "Goth Cabal."
T: Hahah! I have an NPR finder app on my phone so I can always find the local station when I'm traveling :)
S: Okay, as far as other questions.. you've been in the goth scene for quite some time, and I've no doubt you've seen it evolve throughout the years.. where do you think gothic culture is headed? Do you think this generation's grandkids will be donning fishnets, black lace, corsets, and combat boots?
T: Little things may change, but the essence of the gothic subculture is the same: an affection for the dark, spooky, ethereal, morbid, & less happy side of life. Dark colors -- black, of course -- will always be a constant in gothic fashion. For as many times as someone tries to say "pink is the new black," it's really "pink + black is the new black" (& one of my fave color combos!). The music may be more techno one decade, more acoustic the next, but it will be suffused with an introspection on the darker side of the world. This is what we come from, this is how we stay true to ourselves.
S: You said that music is no longer a great passion of yours, which makes me immediately think of people who argue among themselves "Goth is ALL about music." or "Goth is ALL about fashion." Where do you stand on that? What does goth mean to you? ( I love asking this question because it always brings about a very unique perspective.)
T: Goth is not about all one thing or the other except darkness. The shadow side of life. Appreciating the beauty in death & decay. Being OK with being morbid -- even having a laugh at death. These are all gothic. You can express that through music AND through fashion AND through a million other things. You could decorate your house totally & completely gothic & drive a hearse to work, but never listen to Bauhaus & never wear a stitch of black clothing, & that's still pretty darn goth to me.
}~*~{
Very wise words indeed, madame. Thank you once more, Trystan, for your time and your unique point of view. It was an absolute pleasure to interview you.
I highly recommend checking out Trystan's blog, "This Is CorpGoth," especially those of you who are goths in professional settings.
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| As always, dressed for success. |
Until next time, ladies and gentlegoths,
Sea, the Gothic Optician, A.B.O.C.
Ps. Be sure to check out the Gothic Optician's brand new Facebook page! = D
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