Hair, Makeup and Clothing
Oh, lordy be. Don't get me started on the old fashionista. If you gave me a million pounds, three days later I'd most likely have empty pockets but be several hundred pairs of shoes richer.
Needless to say, this is a BIG section. My primary resource for such things is Chateau Bizarre but I pick up things from everywhere. You'd be amazed what I'm willing to wear, you really would. And, despite the fact that I've got an eye for a bargin, I'm also willing to shell out stupid amounts for money for things that are pretty.
From the noble platform to the humble mary jane, the understated stilleto to the flamboyant rocking horse, the comfortable rubber sole to the foot mutilating ballet boot, I am a slave to my shoe collection. Call me Imelda (Actually, please don't).
Isn't it wonderful to get clothes that fit perfectly? Well, this catagory belongs totally to those people who make their clothes to your measurements - cottage craft industry at it's best.
Synthetic Hair, Ponyfalls and Wigs
Despite having waist-length auburn waves that I adore, sometimes I am saddened by the fact that I wasn't blessed with, say, masses of honey blond corkscrew curls. Or shoulder length pink wool roving dreads. Or black and white box braids I can sit on. That's when I count my blessings that even a foot and a half plus of hair will fit under a wig or pair of ponyfalls.
This is a 'leftovers' catagory which includes all brandnames that A. Have set size charts, B. Don't easily fit into an existing style catagory, and C. Aren't Japanese.
I have tried to avoid having too many places that carry the same stuff. That said, I've also ended up with a lot of foreign places. Seems that if you want low priced velvet goodness you have to go to Germany for it. Or Scandinavia somewhere, at least. They've got the weather for it.
Ooooh... this catagory's HUGE. After all, there's so much goes in here! Hair thingies! Pins! Badges! Braces! More hair thingies! Hats! Fans! Parasols! Even MORE hair thingies!
As anyone who knows me will agree, I consume vast quantities of makeup. Also, perhaps something to do with having the owner of an all-natural toiletries company for a mother (Oh yes, she gets a mention too) I'm very particular about what I use. Oh, and I like to smell lovely too.
Whether it's hippy style beaded monstrosities, Gothic lace fripperies, antique silver delicacies or solid gold accents the price of which we shall not inquire about, you can find some of my favourite jewellery makers here.
Goth, Gothic Lolita, and Victoriana
Whether in petticoat, bustle skirt or three piece suit, I have an undeniable fascination with all things attractive, well made, and above all in black velvet or something similar. These dispensers of Gothic glory also have the added benefit of being in English.
Although I have issues with any undergarment smaller than a pair of bloomers, and the eternal problem that the vast majority of overbust corsets simply will not fit me without some fairly extensive pattern modification, there comes a time in a person's life where encasing yourself in steel, for whatever reason, is a good idea. Plus it looks nice. Socks (lots of socks) and stockings are also to be found, and I assure you they're no more normal than the rest of my wardrobe.
Club Wear, Cyber and Electroclash
Sometimes there's just no substitute for dressing up in neon pink PVC. For those occasions, these delightful little sites are where to turn. Although I am not in the habit of frequenting clubs (At least, those not prefaced with the words "Gentleman's" or "Hellfire" and involving drinking liquors of unobtainable price banned in half the countries of the world and listening to cabaret music in darkened and smoky rooms) if I did, this is what I would wear. Of course I wear it anyway, but if you need an excuse.
Those of you not familiar with Japanese alternative fashion (You poor souls...) are probably not aware of the huge wealth of inventiveness, diversity and just plain fabulousness eminating from the Land of Wa in the form of street fashion. While heavy on Lolita (Of which I am HUGELY fond) there is also some more traditional Gothic, Punk and Fruity Weirdness. And yes, most if not all the sites are in Japanese and apart from a few, do NOT ship worldwide. Online translators abound, as do shopping services.
Not everyone has stupid quantites of money to fripper away on pretty things. In fact, neither do I, which is why some of the wonderous little places on t'Interweb who seek to dispense the contents of other peoples wardrobe clear-outs on the deserving lurk here. And if you do have money to burn, I can think of worse things to spend it on than a 1920's kimono or 60's swing dress.