I finally decided to post all pics from Schattenwelt Festival on my blog. Schattenwelt is the only gothic festival in Austria, and why is it important? Because I finally got to see my favorite band - Diary of Dreams! I also got to meet the singer Adrian Hates, the most beautiful talented man in the world, in my humble opinion, and the lovely Sven Friedrich of Solar Fake
Besides DoD and Solar Fake, I got to see the EBM legend Suicide Commando. Words can't describe how I felt, BUT if you want to READ about it - I wrote an article about the full experience for RebelsMarket - check it out here.
Are you a fan of these bands? Have you been to any gothic festivals?
This is gonna be one huge post, since, as usual, I didn't plan my time well. On our last day in Munich my friend left early, so I actually had some time to wander around and take some pics. I went downtown to see Marienplatz and the cathedral. The cathedral is so huge, I couldn't really capture it with my camera, but to me, these buildings are all about the details.
I finally managed to edit the pics from Oktoberfest, because it wouldn't make much sense to upload them in November, would it? I decided to divide them into the four days that we spent there because there are just too many.
You know when you write a ton of texts for other people, but then when you have to write one for your own blog you get nervous? No? Well, that’s me right now. Maybe because this story is personal, and on other websites I’m just a fashion reporter (which is also fine, I like to expand my knowledge).
First I should let you know how this post came about: our little Alternative Fashion Bloggers FB group has reached 100 members, and Steffi of Anti.Muse suggested a blog parade, and who am I to turn down a blog parade?!
The suggested theme was how we got into alternative fashion, and what we like and dislike about it, so let’s jump right into it!
This post is essentially an epilog to my Blogiversary story, so check it out here!
About Alternative Bloggers' Scene...
Now, I said I wasn’t gonna talk about other bloggers and what they do. I’m still not gonna mention any names, numbers, phone number, links… But the thing is, back when I started following blogs 5-6 years ago, I just felt like the bloggers’ world needed a bit more glamour. And today I feel like it needs a lot.
You see: on one side we have the classic goth bloggers, and on the other side the hippy-dippy/boho vegan bloggers. Then we have the minimalist/normcore bloggers who wear nothing but white shirts and jeans, and the grungy hipster Tumblr kids. And all of them are doing REALLY well. So basically when I started blogging I accepted the fact that I’m never gonna be one of those rich bloggers, and I wanted to remain true to myself at all costs. But as it turns out, fortune favors the bold, which we’re about to see later…
Besides the above-mentioned styles, we have a somewhat smaller group of rockabilly/pinup and Japanese style bloggers. Now don’t get me wrong, of course there are more and less original people among goths etc, and also people I like to follow, but I just feel like the alternative world needs more “alternative”, or – diversity.
What I dislike about the alternative bloggers world is that there’s a certain level of elitism – I remember when I started out and wanted to make connections, most of them didn’t even bother to reply, let alone show interest in your blog, or, I don’t know, God forbid, like your FB post! :o The whole point of the Alternative bloggers' group was for people to find new interesting blogs, but no one seems to give a damn.
My Story...
Now back to myself, I wouldn’t know how to describe MY style, but I’ve been called everything from cyber-goth to pin-up. My best description would be glam punk/rock/metal. All in all – glamorous and full of details.
The weird thing is, although I’m mostly wearing skirts and dresses, my fashion icons are actually mostly male: shock-rockers, glam rocker and modern glam metal/industrial bands like Deathstars, Negative, Escape the Fate and don’t forget the Marilyn Manson! The point is – I like people who are not afraid to experiment and incorporate for example “fancy” details such as glitter and animal prints into a classic metal/goth wardrobe, I like the element of surprise.
The one video that probably defined my fashion taste - Mr Manson
About My Work...
Now comes the second (motivational :) part of my story. I feel like I owe you an explanation why I’m not around so much anymore. Well it’s because I finally found a career that I love, and it’s in social media and writing.
One day an opportunity knocked on my door that I wasn’t even aware existed. Literally, I didn’t have to go and find a job – the job found me, it was so strange! But when there’s a will there’s a way, and it’s not up to you to know how that perfect opportunity will come.
The thing is, we were all raised to believe that you can’t make a living doing what you love, but deep inside obviously my faith was stronger than my doubts. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not all fun and games. Working in social media is an everyday all day job, although it qualifies as “part time”. But as long as it’s something you love and are passionate about, it doesn’t really matter.
Also, writing for someone else is both a blessing and a curse – it takes incredible courage to write 2000 words and not know if someone’s gonna like any of it. But that’s the risk of working in a creative field. I still take it a little personally when someone says “Change that sentence”, but I hope I’ll get used to it.
Now, I do my best to share my story, not to brag but to inspire others around me, but unfortunately, not everyone will see it that way. A lot of times I see that people just don’t understand. That’s probably because 90% of them don’t know what they want to do with their lives. But if you’re reading this you’re probably not one of those people. I’ve even recently been called a freak by a “friend”, which had never happened to me before. That’s the price of success I guess, and by success I mean the freedom (and courage) to do what you love.
Luckily, you don’t need humans’ approval - why would their opinion be more relevant than your own? You only need Universe’s approval, and the Universe knows what you want and who you are inside. Not to get all metaphysical here, but yours is only to decide what you want and the Universe will find the best way. The key is only not to feel pressure and not to put any deadlines! In fact, the things that I wanted the most had come to me even before I planned it!
So, what’s the recipe for success?
I’m not gonna tell you do this, or eat this, or share this and this on social media, because none of that crap really matters! The only thing that matters is your state of mind, the rest are just insignificant details.
1. Decide what you want
2. Don’t listen to ANYONE (I mean anyone, not your friends, not your family, not the people you live with…).
Stop analyzing. Stop making statistics. Forget the laws of probability (probability is for basic people anyway :p). As soon as you start thinking “what are the odds of this happening?” you lose. In other words, stop being “realistic”, whatever that means, since everyone’s reality is different. 3.Take the first step, even if you don’t know what you’re doing and what you’re doing it for, the path will unfold itself
4.Relax and wait and the right people will come along and recognize your talent and potential
5.Don’t sell yourself short (money is energy, and so is your work!). Celebrate every little success, even if nobody else sees it as a “big deal” – one day it will be.
There you have it – started from the bottom now we here. I can honestly say that since I’ve chosen my career my life has radically changed, I’m a different person, I value myself and don’t really need anyone. I have a career that I love – and what could be more important than that right now?
What do you think? Do you have a success story to share? Do tell!
<3
P.S. Don't forget to check out other alternative bloggers' stories! As soon as I saw Steffi in a band tee and leopard fur, I knew she was my girl, her glam-punk style is really a breath of fresh air!
Go like her FB page as well!
Outfit details:
Skull creepers: see HERE
Steampunk necklace: see HERE
Silver earrings: see HERE
Purple lace dress: see HERE
I'm back from my vacation, so it's time to show you the outfit I got from Banggood.
I chose this purple lace dress because I think it goes well with the black and white creepers.
The dress turned out to be a bit short, as it is cut just beneath the breasts, so I wouldn't recommend it for bustier girls as it can look like you have no waist. The material is light and thin.
This is my 2nd pair of creepers from Banggood - of course, I had to have the skull ones as well, because they're awesome!
I also got this steampunk necklace - perfect accessory for a steampunk night!
Last but not least, I got these silver earrings, which I found interesting as it makes it look like you have multiple earrings. Also, they don't stain, so you can wear them every day.
What do you think?
All photos by Tamara Pavisic.
P.S. Don't forget to check out my new article on RebelsMarket about tattoos <3
I hope you missed my food posts (I think it's been like a year since I wrote one). Two weeks ago we celebrated my Dad's birthday in Ambar, one of the most famous restaurants in Belgrade. They also own a restaurant in the Wasington D.C, and are planning an expansion. It was also the perfect opportunity to try out my new camera.
The food is based on traditional Serbian cuisine, with a modern twist. On the menu were (many of the names are in Serbian, sorry): various cocktails, kajmak with blue cheese, urnebes, dried plums with goat cheese and bacon, Balkan salad, lamb, pork roulade, many local deserts, and pljeskavica with urnebes and garlic, instead of a birthday cake!
Also: don't forget to check out my first article over at RebelsMarket here: All about corsets and how to wear them! Thanks <3
I always wanted my blog to be something more than an ordinary fashion blog. I want to really inspire people and help them grow, and maybe one day share my journey. But for now, it's not really possible since I don't have enough time to devote to writing. Luckily, I have great guests such as Tracey Clayton, who's willing to share some words of advice with you, this time on how to be cool and confident:
Ok, since you’ve already browsed the internet hoping to find tutorials that will help you become cool and confident, it’s clear you need to do some soul searching which will help you understand you are all that but you simply don’t know it yet!
The socially accepted and preferred modules of behavior considered “cool” and “confident” support various (fashion) movements, all depending on the current celebrity climate and trend endorsements. This is why you need to work on building your own style that’ll be timeless, and that will make you feel good regardless of the popular buzz.
What do I do to get in a place where I am okay with who I am?
It may sound a bit corny but, once you become comfortable with who you are, only good things will come your way. The way we feel about ourselves is the energy we send onto the world and it’s ultimately the way people feel (about) us.
Figuring out who you are is a never-ending journey but setting basis of your personality is the key. Think about what you inherently like, dislike, what feels good, what doesn’t… Think about a person you want to become, what you’d want your life to turn into and work towards achieving it. We are all easy to fall under other people’s influences and waste years thinking we are enjoying something when, actually, we are personally so far from it.
For instance, you’ve got a friend who is popular and, to make him like you, you pretend you like all the same things they do. However, once you realize you can have your own voice and love what you love without having to apologize for it to anyone. You’ll quickly become confident and break loose of all the meaningless relationships around you, consequently finding people that are actually your match. And, most importantly – you’ll be at peace with yourself.
What’s the trick to keep things cool?
There’s nothing cooler than being comfortable in your own skin or working towards becoming the person you want to be. Your personality and tastes are an entire universe of possibilities, so explore them! Build your fashion sense, your music preferences, your science interests, your movie likes – everything! You’ll quickly get in a place where you can say “I know who I am, therefore – I am cool”.
What never hurts is to find that one piece of accessorize/interest that will single you out from the rest. Whether those are the amazing pair of Dragon sunglasses that support your newfound
edgy style, wearing that orient-inspired leather choker or doing yoga in the park every morning at 5AM – it’s entirely up to you.
What if nobody accepts me for who I am?
Oh, darling – fright not! The worst case scenario is that you won’t be spending time with the “popular crowd” but that doesn’t mean you are worse than them; it only means you’ve found your inner voice that challenges the mundane and rises beyond the known and usual. In time, you will learn that all of your traits will be celebrated by people who actually understand, love and support them. And until that happens – stay your amazing self, keep working on figuring out your persona and love the beautiful journey ahead of you.
Is there a formula to staying confident and cool forever?
Yes, absolutely. The formula is loving yourself for everything that you are. Simple as that. Fact is – we are all more critical towards ourselves than others are and we tend to put ourselves down for no apparent reason. Rise above that and learn to be the person you’d want to be hanging with. Channel your thoughts and, until you finally believe it – keep repeating this to yourself – you are amazing, you are beautiful, you are worthy.
Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids, and offers helpful advice in hers parenting articles. She’s also passionate about travelling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” Find her on Facebook.
