"Being such a one as myself, it would be an offense to my sensibilities to be mentally dressed or accessorized in a manner not pleasing to me. Such things were once out of my hands and I was not pleased by the resulting conventional, autumn toned ill fitting and uncomfortable wardrobe. However, I am in that position no longer and as items wear out or as I shrink out of them, 'tis replaced only with that which reflects my inner being.

So just how would Lady Raven describe her style? I am not sure there is a name for it, so I will give you some key descriptive words which come to mind while gazing into my closet. I like gothic, victorian, edwardian, medieval, romantic, antiquated, feminine styles with a hint of gypsy/earthmother thrown in to confuse the fashionistas.

"Did I read the word 'gothic' in the same webspace in a domain owned by a woman who is a mother of two and over 40 years of age? Yes, indeed you did, gentle guest. Did I read the word "gothic" on the domain of a woman who has professed Christianity and an active spiritual life? Yes, you did, dear one.

Using a proper, pure definition of the word, you would see that I am striving for an olde worlde, romantic look as I am a wee bit antiquated for modern life. I also appreciate what is called the "dark asthetic" including gothic literature, old houses, candles, stormy nights, horror stories (the thriller type, not the slice'em and dice'em type. I loved The Ring but could not stand the Texas Chainsaw Massacre) and I like to wear dark colours and gypsy wear. What I did not say was that I was a "goth;" though I may well be one of those as well. That would depend on your definition of what a "goth" is, I suppose. For the difference between what is goth and what is gothic, click here. For some thoughts on being a Christian and appreciating a darker asthetic click here.

Also keep in mind that Lady Raven has a deep dislike of things which are artificial. I apply this not just to my food, but also to my personal beauty regimen. I strive to have a natural appearance instead of attempting to "paint on" things which are not there or use dramatic, "crow-like" make-up. I believe the best form of beauty is an ethereal, mysterious type from which the true essence of the person shines through. I believe the whole body is a canvas upon which I paint the art which reflects my true being. Therefore, if they are truly personal, I love hair colour, tattoos and piercings.

I am fair of face but also have a tawny gold "overtone" even though I am of a cool complexion with blue undertones. If I am desiring to dress for my complexion, it is imperitive that I play up my cool complexion and down play the golden hues. Any time I do the opposite, I look jaundiced.

When my auburn locks began to loose cool shades of red and brown and become a warmish golden brown, I was not well pleased a'tal. Thus I began the process of colouring my hair. It is an experimental affair as usually the results are never the same with each colouring, but I pick black cherry, burgandy and plum shades and I am pleased with most of them. I have also been known to streak it when I am not at work with temporary wash out shades of purple, pink, cherry or whatever tickles my fancy.

I would love to live in medieval, gothic, renn and victorian wear however having much of that is costly. My everyday clothing is a mix of circle skirts and broom straw skirts which reach somewhere between midcalf and ankle length. I pair these with victorian, poet, or pirate shirts, black stockings and heels or ankle boots. If I am in a formal situation which calls for a more business friendly appearance I can add vests, cardigans or edwardian style jackets, though I usually just stick out like sore thumb. It's more my style that way... It is rare one sees me in pants, though I do use them for hiking or camping so that I do not ruin my beloved skirts and dresses while exploring the underbrush. When that happens I prefer elastic waists and shirts with butterflies, celtic symbols, confederate designs or pithy comments on them."

Now dear friend, you are equipped in a manner sufficient to create mental pictures of Lady Raven which would not offend the sovereign. Have fun!

Goth and Gothic
Christianity and a Dark Aesthetic
Makeover Mafia
Fashion Rules as Violated by Lady Raven
How to Get Ready in 15 Minutes or Less
Hair Rasing Experiences

To view my webrings, please visit my Webrings Page!!

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