Saturday 26 April 2014

Gothic Cakes


If there's a cause for celebration, why not celebrate with cake - beautiful gothic-inspired cake!  I absolutely love the familiar colours of gothic influenced cakes: the deep red and purple flowers, velvety black roses, gothic victorian cameos finished off with shimmering pearls and the intricate pattern of the lace.

Peony and Cake Lace Gothic Cake by Debbie of Cornelli
  
This time last year I hadn't baked a cake or cupcake since I was a teen - a long time ago!!  But as I have two little girls who love cakes and pretty things, I decided, as a complete novice, to sign up for a few cake decorating classes at Cornelli Sugarcraft Specialist in Wendover, Buckinghamshire.  These included Buttercream Cupcakes Techniques, Beginner's Flowers, Halloween Cupcakes and Christmas Cupcakes & Cookies.

Black Rose and Purple Petunia Gothic Cake by Debbie of Cornelli

Initially I pondered about doing classes for months as I felt I didn't have enough experience to join one. However Debbie, the owner of Cornelli, convinced me otherwise and made me feel most welcome.  I thoroughly enjoyed the classes taught by Debbie and Tara.  There are 6-10 students in each lesson, which are friendly and informal.  I know that nowadays we can learn alot from Youtube, but watching videos doesn't compare to having someone onhand if you're battling to frill a carnation petal or dust a rose.  Also I had absolutely no tools at the time and I didn't have a clue what sugarpaste and flowerpaste were.  It's also a great opportunity to get out and meet others with a cake predilection!  I felt totally at ease and I was extremely impressed with my own creations!  They were certainly not perfect, but far better than I thought they would be when I started. I have loved teaching my little girls how to decorate cupcakes too, which has become our favourite past-time on a rainy Sunday afternoon :)

Gothic Corset Cake decorated by Debbie of Cornelli Sugarcraft Specialist using Cake Lace.

Above is the Gothic Corset Cake decorated by Debbie of Cornelli.  I made the black lace using the Claire Bowman Peacock Lace Mat and Black Cake Lace, both of which were kindly provided by Cake Lace for the collaboration.  I then provided the moral support whilst Debbie decorated this beautiful cake using the lace, Beau Flowerpaste and Katy Sue bow and cameo moulds.  This beautiful cake is currently displayed in the window of Cornellis.

Photographed below are some of the cakes and cupcakes that I've decorated, some bright and cheerful for my girls and others goth influenced.

 Black Rose, Purple Petunia and Cake Lace Butterfly Gothic Cake


Petunia and Butterfly Cupcakes


Vintage Cupcakes


Floral and Sweeties Cupcakes made on a rainy afternoon

Bumblebee and Ladybird Cupcakes, tutorial by SweetArt Lab.


Hello Kitty Cake for my daughter's 4th Birthday

Tuesday 15 April 2014

Fishtail fancy at The Gothic Shop


Finding the right outfit for your shape can be a difficult task. After all we come in all shapes and sizes, what could look fabulous on one frame can swamp another. Many will say that the key to getting it right is with tailoring. Where that skirt is pinched in at the right place to flatter your shape. It's the finer details that can make all the difference too. A hem sewn in a contrasting colour to the material can bring out the made-to-measure feel of a garment. 

Fishtail skirts are a shape of skirt that is made to flatter the figure in every possible way. They make the figure one to remember for all the right reasons! There's that sensational hugging feeling at the waist and hip, along with falling frilled mass of material that swooshes with every step. What is there not to adore about the fishtail skirt?

Morticia Black Mermaid Gothic Skirt by Restyle 
Looking for the epitome of elegance? The Morticia Black Mermaid Gothic Skirt by Restyle with give anyone a figure to die for! Created from a flawless satin-like material, the top part fits like a glove. The lower 'fishtail' part of the skirt consists of two layers of material with ruched edge detailing to them. For added volume, there are also two layers of tulle-like netting for a slight 'puffball' effect. Despite the lavish layers of material, one will find the Morticia Black Mermaid skirt surprisingly light and wearable. Team with any Victoriana inspired blouse for an eyecatching addition to your wardrobe!

Black Jacquard Mermaid Fishtail Corseted Skirt

A fantastic mix of fishtail tailoring and corset can be found with the Black Jacquard Mermaid Fishtail Corseted Skirt. There are a million and one reasons why this piece should be in your wardrobe! The skirt gives the wearer the most ideal fitting just for them with the lace up feature behind the skirt. Just loosen or tighten as necessary for a comfortable but flattering fix. It's the material that makes this fish tail skirt something really special. Made from a brocade style fabric, the fleur-de-lys inspired patterns will shimmer with every move. A great alternative to the boring office skirt, a chic addition to the everyday that will turn heads. 

Dorina High Waisted Corseted Fishtail Skirt

Created by Necessary Evil, the Dorina High Waisted Corset Fishtail skirt is a chic and casual number that will melt hearts. The nautical inspired front buttons give it the quintessential Rockabilly look with more than  a hint of all things Gothic. One of the most charming things about this piece is the flare at the bottom. Simply tighten up at the top for an enviable figure. The high waist gives the skirt a elegant edge when worn with your favorite ruffled blouse or a wide necked T-shirt for a more casual look. All in all a lovely skirt for both the day time and the evening. 

Fallen in love with the fishtail? There's no better time to rock the look than now. The Gothic Shop have a range of fabulous mermaid and fishtail skirts to choose from. 

Wednesday 9 April 2014

Weekend Style Fix

Kick up your Goth style a notch - making the most out of your closet.  Whether you are catching up with friends, shopping, working or partying.   Mix and match plain blacks with a dash of colour, accessories or textured fabrics for a sexy weekend look.



















Nothing amps up a plain outfit like Accessories and Shoes!  Try out these Slashed Black leggings and Racer Vest teamed with Bucked Gloves and Isabella D'Este Black Suede heels.





















We have found the perfect weekend ensemble for a night out - this Pandora Dress is romantic and edgy. To add a bit of glamour add a detailed choker, we love She Walks in Beauty by Alchemy Gothic.  If you are looking for something unique then our Dragonfly Black Lace Venetian mask is just for you!

For more weekend inspiration visit www.the-gothic-shop.co.uk and get 15% off your next order placed before midnight GMT Friday 11 April 2014 using coupon code FIX15.