10 things you DON'T say to alternatives

Here's a list of things not to say to alternatives. Hell, she could be dressed up as a frickin' doll for all I care. Don't say any of these things:

1. Why do you dress like that?

Why do you dress like that?

2. It's not good to dress like that, you know.

I have heard this many times, especially in islamic circles. Mostly from people I've never seen before. If you don't know the person, please don't try to give them advice. It's rude. And, if the person is dressed decently, your statement makes no sense.

3. Just generally acting uncomfortable when the person makes a statement about what they like.

You aren't the world authority on what's right and wrong, so shut up.

4. You would be so pretty if you wore different things! (or generally suggesting clothes you can easily see the person will hate. You're too obvious, so shut your pie hole.)

I look pretty by my standards! Stop telling me to 'be myself' if you're trying to change what I define as myself.

5. Do you worship satan? while you creepily try to stare into the depths of my soul

No, I worship one god just like you. Or did the scarf I'm wearing on my head lead you to believe that I sold my soul to the devil?

6. Don't wear that. People will think you worship the devil.

If I cared what people thought, I wouldn't dress like this, sweetheart.

7. Can you not wear those when you go out with me?

Can you not go out with me? Like, never?

8. Why don't you like pink/pastel/whatever the person thinks is pretty/?

It's okay if you've legitimately never seen a goth/punk/whatever. It's not okay if you have that uncomfortable grimace that makes you look like you're constipated. If I make you uncomfortable, stop calling me.

9. Are you one of those depressed emos?/Do you cut yourself?

Number one, that's stereotypical, because not all emos are 'depressed'/cut. Number two, even if I did, do you really think it's your business? Do you think one glance at me evaluates my entire character?

10. Wow! You're wearing colour! Does this mean you'll stop dressing like a freak?/Aren't you supposed to be all depressed?

Right now you're being a freak. Because you don't know when to shut up. I can wear whatever I want to and I should be able to do it without you going off like a fire siren every time I go out of my comfort zone.

Hope this helped, although it probably didn't.

Moji.

The Creature

I've always loved to be different, and recently I've become more and more into the Goth-Punk subculture. When I first started dressing like a crazed demented psycopath, I really wasn't sure where to buy my accessories. Unfortunately it took me a while to realise that I may not have had to spend a cent. To help you with your fashion journey, I thought I'd do a series on how to DIY your own fashion ensemble.

Essential No. 1

Writlets

All you really need for these are some of those cheap T-Shirt material under-sleeves. You have a few options; you could rip them creatively, like these awesome ones here:

Or, if that's not hardcore enough for you, you can put safety pins all over them too. Here's one I made myself.

Becoming B.A
(Boscoe Alan Baracus)

I've been dubbed 'The child of B.A Baracus'. I layer the bracelets and rings. My family hates it. I love it.

No, you say to yourself. I don't look like that. I don't wear that much. I don't look that threatening. One day you will look in the mirror and have an epiphany. About two things;

1. You do look like that.
2. You don't mind.

Here's my take on the punk B.A look

I have a denim waist coat, which, if you're going for the Baracus, is a must-have.

Rings

I like to get a little Wanda Maximoff with my rings. The trick is rose-gold pinkie rings and a lot of eclectic metals.

Gunmetal and huge skull rings look great too, if you like the biker look. Just pick what works best for you.

Cuffs/Bracelets

A must have of every punk; spikes. Spikes, spikes, spikes. It becomes an obsession. I cannot resist passing up anything spiky anymore, much to the consternation of my family. Here's why I'm a bit of a black sheep;

Makeup



I don't wear any outrageous makeup, but here are some gorgeous looks if only for inspiration

Piercings


The one piercing I would really love is a septum nose piercing, but, since I'm underaged I have to wait till I'm 18.

Other piercings include shark tooth piercings-on the lower lip, in the same place as your canines-, canine piercings-on the top lip, in the same place as your canines-, jestrum piercings, bridge piercings, etc.

For those of you who would love piercings, but are underage, here are some great alternatives;

And if these are too girly or hipster for you, don't worry! There are loads of other, more taseful ones out there. I just couldn't dig up any good pics. Shops like Lovisa, Accessorieze or Claire's may have what you're looking for if you know what to ask for. It's all a matter of luck. For instance, I got a huge set of gunmetal earcuffs from Lovisa for a song. You just have to keep going back.

Jestrum:

Bridge: