Goths are known for our elaborate and unique personal style. Geeks, on the other hand, are not. Neither are middle-aged mothers of three. Like all goths, I wish to seek out the dark forces and join their hellish crusade, but I seldom have time or energy to truly look the part. Because of that, this blog will not be awash in darkly sensual photos of me. It will instead be lightly sprinkled with casual goth mom photos like the ones you see before you.

Once, while wearing this very outfit, an old lady said I looked “kind of hip” and asked me for fashion advice so . . . I’m clearly a vampire goddess in this.

But seriously, if I wanted to worry about looking perfect and being a certain size I’d just follow mainstream magazines. That’s what they’re for. For alternative fashion to be a real alternative, it has to embrace everyone from willowy vampires to corporate ghouls to thick gargoyles with problematic hair. You know, like me. So here I am. I love a tall, pale, gothic model as much as anyone but I don’t feel a need to look like one.

Don’t get me started on the hair, though. Naturally black, naturally curly, it’s a blessing and a curse. And a post for another day.

Boots from Torrid / Leggings from Lineagewear, well-made and they stay put around the waist. / Dress from Dress Barn. Embarrassing store name, nice dress for the price. / Necklace old. Local craft fair but I can’t remember who made it. / Cthulhu Crest ring from Amazon