When real things happen to imaginary people

So, I'm on the front page of CNN Living ...

Kat Kinsman and Sarah LeTrent interviewed me about workplace dress codes. (The article was prompted by Bobak Ferdowsi's Mohawk.) Not only do they quote me pretty extensively, they used Goth at the Office photos to open the article!

My life is never, ever boring. Strange, but not boring.

Oh look, more mainstream coverage about how the fashion industry is going "Alice In Wonderland! How quirky!" http://ok.co.uk/okfashion/view/19066/Alice-In-Wonderland-Tim-Burton-s-new-movie-ignites-kitsch-punky-chic/

"ALICE In Wonderland fever is spreading across the globe, with Tim Burton's new 3D adventure inspiring a new trend for kooky, gothic fashion, make-up and jewelery."

Hey, some of us have been dressing in a "kooky, gothic" style for YEARS. Decades, even. On the other hand, this current trend is going to be fantastic for stocking up on some things. I'll admit, I'm a more than a little tempted by the headbands with bows, but I fear that would stray too far into mutton dressed as lamb territory.

(And yes, by the way, I do have a bottle of the OPI "Mad As A Hatter" glitter nail polish, thanks to minim_calibre. It is, indeed, sparkly and awesome.)

I have been covetously looking at this Disney Alice In Wonderland teapot (clicky-link!), because I've been looking for a second Alice-themed teapot for a while. But I must be strong, because I don't really NEED another teapot, and I should save spending money for things like, oh, the vendors' room at the Vampire Ball, new Fluevogs, and so on. Which ALSO means that I should not go tootling around Etsy, looking for Wonderland-themed goodies. No, no, I should not.

I am incredibly tired and have what feels like the beginning of a migraine. I can only hope another pot of strong tea will ward it off. However, the tiredness and the head-hurty means this post will probably be a bit, um, jumbled.

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Artwalk last night was mostly fun. Ann's show was stunning, and it was nice to see people. The non-fun bit was being surrounded by mobs of drunk (or soon-to-be-drunk) hipsters.

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Oh, how I wish I was in NYC! Why? Because the Fashion Institute of Technology's "Gothic: Dark Glamour" (clicky-link!) show opens today. kambriel is featured in it, and I am SO excited for her. (Eventually, when I rule the world, I am going to have Kambriel design most of my wardrobe.) I hope everyone who is there for the opening event (and it's a fair few of you people I'm very fond of!) have a wonderful time. Take lots and LOTS of photos!

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According to tolkiencub, CNN has video of the giant mecha-spider in Liverpool, and that it has "claimed its first victim". CLAIMED ITS FIRST VICTIM, PEOPLE. IT IS OUT TO TRY AND KILL US ALL. Why no, I am not going to go look for the video of it, thanks.

EDITED TO ADD: Apparently "claimed its first victim" means someone crashed their car because they were distracted by it, not that it is off eating people. That makes me feel only marginally better, and I still want a goddamn pulse rifle.

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Okay, more tea. And something medicinal to ward off this headache.

http://channel9.msdn.com/shows/WM_IN/Jillian-Venters-A-Goth-inside-the-Deathstar/

Half an hour of me burbling and waving my hands while talking about what it's like to be a Goth at Microsoft, the life of a technical editor, and other random things. The first 7 minutes and 15 seconds are about tech-y job stuff, and then the interviewers started asking me more Goth-focused questions.

The embedded video on the page is Silverlight-based, but there are download links for iPod, MP3, PSP, WMP, WMA, WMV, and Zune at the bottom of the page.

When you have time, please go watch it! I had a lot of fun doing it.








(Shallow vanity-based disclaimer: the lighting and camera angle are not my favoritest ever, but on the whole, I think I came across okay.)

A reader let me know that the Philadelphia Inquirer did a nice article on Goth parents, and quoted Gothic Charm School:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/image/20070916_Lil_Goths.html

Shallow Fashion Details! Ahh, autumn. I've been waiting for weather like this since about, oh, June.

( Cupcake Gothic with a vaguely Steampunk air )

But deserving of being re-posted!

From the Guardian: "We mocked their make-up and giggled over their gloom. But the goths are taking over the country."

"It could be tough, but being a goth can open up a world where art, current affairs and literature are embraced and openly discussed, perhaps paving the way for future networking."

Edited to add: And an article from the Independent! What, is it Talk About Goths week in the British media and I just missed the memo?