Five Ways to Embrace Your Inner #SummerGoth
Little-known fact: I Heart Keenwah has a dark side. Yes, it's all hearts and happiness most of the time, but 1/2 our team has some serious goth tendencies. Natalie has been known to wear Joy Division t-shirts to important meetings, whereas Ravi jams along to The Pixies on his drums. So we asked our fellow goth kid and Keenwah friend Cat Stappas to recommend ways you can embrace your inner #summergoth.
Five Tricks and Treats To Throw A Bewitchin' Beach Party For One
It’s that time again, and we’re in the (un)dead of it. That’s right, it’s summer. Hot, sweaty, sticky summer. It's enough to make nearly any black-clad goth miserable -so, I suppose one could argue that that makes summer the gothiest time of year - woe!
If you are one of the aforementioned more-moody-than-usual goths, but you still find yourself leaving the bell tower and heading to a (black sand, of course) beach, here are five tricks and treats to make your summer beach trip sinisterly comfortable.
Appoint Yourself Mayor of Spooky Town
First, find a spot -preferably with some shade and close to a restroom in case you need to powder your nose or touch up your eyeliner - and lay out a lush, velvet cloak or cape. This will establish your space and keep sand out of your nooks and belfries. An oversized towel will also do the trick.
Set the Mood
Who says dramatic drippy candles aren’t meant for the beach? Light some incense, bring a couple luxurious jewel-toned throw pillows, and don’t forget to pack some quality headphones or a bluetooth speaker. Lie back and let the sounds of Bauhaus, Oingo Boingo, and the Sisters of Mercy cure you.
Deflect Some Rays
Keep your beautiful parlor pallor in its moonkissed state by remembering to generously apply sunscreen in spfGOTH. Protect your inky dye job with a large, glamorous floppy hat, throw on some dark sunglasses, and you’ll surely look plenty mad, bad, and dangerous to know.
Let Your Fingers Do the Walking
Although it would absolutely delight my little black heart to see someone recreate Dracula’s Castle in sand, let’s face it, you likely won’t be building sand castles or working on your tan. Be sure to keep yourself busy with a good book and lose yourself wandering through Transylvania, chasing Victor Frankenstein through the mountains of Europe, or lamenting the bright eyes of the beautiful Annabel Lee in her sepulchre there by the sea.
Keep Your Cool
Last, but certainly not least, of course, it’s important to stay nourished and hydrated. Type O Negative is universal and a good source of iron and electrolytes, though you may choose to stick with coconut water and a bag of Quinoa Clusters, if that’s more your speed.
P.S. If you should see a goth out in the wild this summer, unresponsive and not practicing these simple survival tips for a creepy and kooky day at the beach, approach it carefully and gently return it to your local Hot Topic for a full refund.
About Cat
Cat Stappas is vegan goth kid who can be persuaded to talk about herself in the third person on occasion. She is a lifestyle blogger and contributing writer for the National MS Society who hopes to make the internet a little less scary for both the newly and the long-time diagnosed with some honesty, positivity, and — sometimes — some tongue-in-cheek humor. You can read her blog here and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.