Outfit post: 90s goth


I dunno, you wait months for an outfit post and then I do two on the bounce. I'm not sure this qualifies as vintage, though some people seem to slap the v-word on 90s stuff nowadays, but it definitely is 1990s because that's when I bought this dress, from a stall on Snetterton Market.


Back in 2013 (I hadn't realised it was so long ago!) I took Mr Robot to see Meatloaf. I don't like Meatloaf, but he does, and it meant a lot to him that I did it. If that gig taught us anything, it's to see a band before they get old and a bit creaky. On Wednesday, Mr Robot took me to see one of my favourite bands of all time, The Fields of the Nephilim. He doesn't like them, but just as I thought Meatloaf put on a really great show and appreciated the experience of seeing him live, we hoped he'd get something from seeing the Neph live.

I've hung onto a few items of clothing from my younger days, including the tie-dyed T-shirt fabric dress I wore to see the Neph in 1990. In the 1990s 'one size fits all' was no joke; I was eight and a half stone and a (1990s) size 8 then, I'm thirteen and a half stone and a current size 18 now, and I could still get into the dress without looking utterly dreadful. It struck me as fitting that I should wear it to see the band again. I took some shots in my hotel room to share with you.

The dress has done pretty well to survive all this time. It seemed a lot shorter than I remembered – my husband pointed out that it didn't have quite as much 'front' to travel over 20 years ago – and I was jolly glad I wore my Big Knickers as London might otherwise have seen rather more Mim than it wanted to. Thank goodness for all those burlesque classes. I thought: 'What would Dulcie say? She'd say "OWN IT, MIM! HOLD YOUR HEAD UP AND MAKE THEM KNOW THEY SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR THE SHOW!"' So I held my head up and wore my rather short frock with pride.

The outfit was completed by fishnet tights,  black ankle boots – not the ones I wore back in the day, those were a slouchy suede pair and these are leather and more Victorian in style – and a black pure wool bustle jacket from The Dark Angel.

As for the show? It was amazing. I wasn't so taken with the support band, who seemed to be, bizarrely, under the influence of Bryan Adams, to the point where Mr Robot and I were able to sing 'Summer of 69' to the tune of the final song. But the Neph were fantastic. I danced like a nutjob, bounced my feet sore, and loved every minute of it. I've had the words to 'Last Exit For The Lost' running through my head ever since. Brilliant.

And now the dress needs to go back in its trunk for another 26 years...

Comments

  1. Looks great Mim! We saw Green Day a couple years ago hadn't seen them since I was 16. Great fun although odd to discover their fans are still mostly teens!

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    1. The Neph deffo has a lot of older fans, though there were a few younger ones. Don't think I saw any teens. Clearly punk still attracts the young but goth doesn't!

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  2. I'm thrilled that The Neph didn't let you down and that you had an utterly brilliant time. You look absolutely stunning, I bet Mr R couldn't concentrate on anything but you! xxx

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    1. He suffered nobly!

      (I think he was worried about accidental foof-flashing, but once we were in the venue all eyes were on the stage anyhow..)

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  3. Yay, we get to see your vintage Goth collection-and you look great in it. I'm glad you had a good time. All the bands I liked when I was young are dead. Literally.

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    1. I've kept a few things, but this is the only bit I can still get into. I keep toying with giving one or two pieces to Vix, but can't bring myself to do it.

      I've been feeling drawn back towards the gloomy side again. Midlife crisis? Who knows...

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  4. I'm so glad the gig lived up to expectations. I've had both sides going to see bands I used to love, some have been amazing and some, well, not so amazing!

    I most definitely would not fit in any of my rock chick clothes you on the other hand look amazing. x

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    1. It's the only thing from that time, T-shirts aside, that I can get into.

      After enjoying AC/DC but wishing I'd seen them years ago, and at a smaller venue, I have reached two main conclusions: see bands now, before they get any older, and for the love of bob, STAND. Seated gigs are bobbins. Sabbath's my next one, a friend booked the tix so I've no idea if that's seated or standing.

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  5. Look at you Miss Glamorous! You look fabulous, Mim, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the gig - what a great way to celebrate Christmas!

    xxx

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    1. Thank you!

      I have spent the Christmas period in my slobbiest slobwear. Work let me bring a PlayStation home so I've unleashed my inner teenaged boy and played games non-stop.

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  6. My dear!
    I have seen this on your Instagram, but I must give you a whistle again! This outfit did deserve to be taken out of the trunk and worn proudly. I'm glad you've braved it out.
    and:
    HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

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    1. Hehehe, it's a bit risque, isn't it? I haven't dressed up at all since; I've lived in trousers and T-shirt all Chrimbo.

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  7. Saucy lady! I love this on you!! Your makeup is gorgeous too. Have a super Christmas xx

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    1. My eyeliner was really nicely done, but my funny hidden eyes 'ate' it all. I need to take a tip from Asian ladies and focus the lines on the lower rather than the upper lid, I think.

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  8. I've been reading your blog for a while but not commented before but this time I just had to say you look fabulous absolutely great. I love that dress but the jacket is gorgeous and the whole outfit looks amazing on you. Merry Christmas.

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    1. Aw, thank you! I'm never sure if I'm not getting a bit too old for such things, but it made me so happy to wear it.

      I have followed your blog now.

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  9. You are looking gorgeous in your vintage Goth outfit, Mim. xxx

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  10. I've never heard of the band but frankly they are not the main attraction here! Looking absolutely fabulous Mim, sexy and gorgeous. I know of this phenomenon where things get shorter whilst languishing in the dressing up trunk, and I agree, it's because we get more front as the years pass! :) Happy Christmas to you. xxx

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    1. They're a goth band, big in the late 80s/early 90s. They still have a pretty devoted hardcore following. So glad I got to see them again.

      Also, their lead singer hasn't changed a bit. Whatever creams he's using, I want a jar! (Probably all that sun-avoidance... goths seem to age well.)

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  11. Mim, you look fabulous and I am so glad that you had a great night. That frock is utterly gorgeous and a big "whoot whoo" at getting your gorgeous gams out. You are rocking it! Very grown-up Goth. I hope that Mr Robot enjoyed himself a little bit. Going to see live music is so very different to just listening at home. The Nephilim are great live too. Xx

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    1. Thank you! My legs seem to be my best feature; a shame we all get encouraged to cover them up as we age.

      I think he enjoyed the gig - certainly he liked it more than listening to them at home. I wonder if I'll ever get him to see Bauhaus?..

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  12. I saw the Neph too back in the day and 'Moonchild' was always a popular choice at my local rock club. Like you, I've still got some of my old rock gear, although the PVC mini skirt started to disintegrate so had to be chucked away!

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  13. Don't you look super! I've never delved into the world of Goth, though I used to hang around with a group of goths and new romantic revivalists in the early 90's xxx

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