GOTHIC ROMANCE
Emma’s theme of Gothic Romance is perfect for Halloween Week. I am more of a Romantic than a Goth in my style but I did enjoy the challenge. It certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone.
I chose a local graveyard for my backdrop, within my 5k radius in a really beautiful setting looking out on the golf course of Portmarnock Hotel. It was a cold day and it is a little walk in from the road. I needed my padded coat.
LACE DETAIL
The dress was an impulsive purchase in a sale about three years ago and has never been worn. I loved the lace detail, but in truth so much black does not suit me. I got the slip shortened, thinking it would make a difference. It does help to highlight the lace.
Seemingly black long dresses with lots of lace and flowing sleeves are pretty typical of the ‘Romantic Goth’. Think Victorian style. Though deep red and dark purple are also popular.
Anyway, for the purposes of this, I decided to style with a pair of studded boots, giving it an edgier look.
INNER GOTH
While I might not be a true aficionado of the Romantic Goth style, I am like them in their love of reading, particularly classics like ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Jane Eyre’. Both of these books fulfil the necessary qualities of romance, tragedy and drama. Supernatural themes are also popular and I do admit to reading and quite enjoying ‘The Twilight Series’ by Stephanie Meyers. I wanted to see why so many of my former pupils (the girls) loved them so much.
Let us look at my ‘Style Not Age’ friends:
Gail decided that her blond hair did not suit the theme, so went off to Tesco to get a black wig. I love her Victorian style blouse and lacy skirt. You need to pop over to isthismutton to learn more.
Anna is suitably dressed in a black floaty dress with billowing sleeves. And look at those lacy sock boots. Head over to annaislandstyle to see what Anna has been doing.
Jacqui also went all black but I do see pops of red in lipstick, nails and boots. And there is a choker peeping out too. Head over to mummabstylish to find out more.
And Emma, who selected this month’s theme, looks barely recognisable in her outfit (below). If you want to know where she got that dress and see more of those boots, you will have to head across to Style Splash.
Again we have all been on the same wavelength in our black Victoriana style. Only Gail added some white to lighten the atmosphere. 
This has been a fun theme and was a welcome break from Lockdown 2 in Ireland. We are back to a 5km-from-home limit and all but essential shops are closed, restaurants and hotels too. We got through it last March because we had summer ahead. But with winter facing us now, it is a struggle to remain optimistic. But remain optimistic we must.
‘If winter comes can Spring be far behind?’ Shelley
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Fabulous location Hilda and your dress is wonderful with all that lace. I found it very tough and look more like a halloween witch I fear. In fact I would have used a broomstick, had I one to hand!
Gail you are hilarious. It took us all out of our comfort zone….Our challenges make me dress up..
What a lovely dress, and do like the combination with the boots – it’s exactly right and you look great. Do wear the dress – it’s fab!
Hi Penny. Thank you so much. Really appreciate you reading and commenting.
You look fabulous in this wonderful dress, I reckon you could wear this again as it’s so chic. Not really my favourite prompt this month, but roll on next month I say. Jacqui x
Thanks Jacqui. I need somewhere to wear it… Might wear it grocery shopping!
Beautiful dress Hilda! I love the chunky boots with it. Looks like you had similar weather as me to contend with – chilly and windy. I don’t wear all black often either so this was a bit of a push outside my comfort zone too, but I like to try different things. I don’t like to get stuck in a style rut! Fingers crossed the restrictions in Ireland ease soon.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Yes I am not fond of black either as I feel it drains me. But I was delighted to get a chance to wear the dress, albeit only for an hour or so..
i love your outfit, Hilda.it fits the theme perfectly and I think it suits you nicely. Love the addition of chunky boots. I think you all do great job
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au/
Ah Anna thanks so much. We have great fun every month, but some themes are more challenging than others.
You nailed it! The lace dress and the boots are perfect for the theme. Great job!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
What a LOVELY name. Thank you for commenting. Going to pop over to your blog now. x
I so admire your commitment to this challenge Hilda! I simply popped this dress on and walked outside my house to take these shots. It simply didn’t inspire me, but golly you looked like you loved it!
Once I remembered I had that dress, yes I did. Some months are a real challenge, but I think we all did well. x
Hi Hilda! I was sent by La Contessa. As a woman of a certain age I know I will enjoy reading your blog. Today your outfit reminds me of Stevie Nicks. Leather and lace! It is fun to see how all of your blogger friends interpret this Halloween theme.
Hi Colleen. How lovely to meet you. And thank you for commenting. Love La Contessa.
Hi Hilda, I just came from The Contessa’s blog. She is fascinating and finds the most interesting people to interview. I’m so glad she introduced us to you! I agree with Colleen. Your outfit reminds me of Stevie Nicks too.
Carolyn, thank you what a compliment. I know I love The Contessa and have followed so many ladies from her introduction too.
OMG…that dress with the boots?? It’s everything. I have some floral boots like this and need to wear them more. I’m seeing them everywhere.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie. I love how comfy they are. I think I will find it difficult to get back into anything high helled.
Hi Hilda, I’m popping over from the lovely La Contessas blog. I love your black lace and combat boots and perfect spooky backdrop too!
Thanks Ginger. Lovely to meet you. La Contessa has a way of bringing people together.
Hello Hilda! Just read your ageless style feature on our favorite Contessa’s blog. Thrilled to find you and to learn more about you and your life in Ireland. Love this post … your dress, the setting and your collaboration with other bloggers. We, in the states, may not be far behind in in a second lockdown. I hope not, but it seems inevitable. 2020 has been quite a year. xo
Hi Juliet. So lovely to meet you and thanks so much for the lovely comment. Yes 2020 has not been good. Hope we see some light at the end of the tunnel soon.
All looking very vamp! A good challenge. I would have found this hard. Love your boots Hilda! xx
Thanks Laurie. It was a fun challenge…
Love your “Goth” dress and the location for the pictures! What a fun post!
Thanks Julie xxx
I absolutely adore your Gothic Romance look! The studded boots are perfect to keep the whole outfit modern and edgy, too. And I will join you in my admission that I also loved the Twilight Series! And you have named some of my favorite books, too! Thanks for joining us at the #StylishMonday link party.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com