MODERN GOTH.

for the dark romantics, the beach goths + the Conclave obsessed.

MODERN GOTH | Shop Aria’s Edit for BAACAL | Photographer: Messina

Hello Lush Life friends-

I’ve been in the lab, creating. In that process, I began to have a since of nostalgia for my pre-teen years (why, I have no idea)- but I was reflecting on how important my sense of personal style was for me, even back then.

If you remember me from my junior high school days at St. Andrew’s Nativity, always in detention and completing JUG (jesuit school detention activities, like scrubbing the cathedral floors with a tooth brush or deep cleaning the mess hall after school- all because of my “cross dressing” and uniform violations), then you’ll know once upon a time, a very young Aria loved black lipstick and silver chains dangling from my messenger bag with graphic pins and bag charms on my weathered school bag.

Style & Fashion Influencer, Karen Blanchard

I was a “Goth Kid” up until my sophomore year of high school (shocking)- but all my friends were the emo punks and goth kids who embraced me when no one else did, so naturally, I adapted to my friend group.

It feels so different from my sense of style now, as a woman in her mid 30’s- but in a strangely, in my obsession with color, prints, and patterns- it almost feels synonymous with my “goth” era. Any rebellion against what society deems as “respectable”, I think is the through line.

Prints and colors are a rebellion (if worn year round), because they are seen as “vulgar” or “too loud”, especially when worn on women of color- add to that my blonde tresses. High society goes wild when they see me.

The Modern Goth, in my view, has that same rebellion. A pushback against the standards and rules set by the society that is constantly asking us to edit ourselves for palatability. “Wear More Color” or “Why are you wearing Black in the summer”, and all the microcosms that happen when we know or see someone who doesn’t share our own worldview when it comes to clothes.

Aria Sa’id in BAACAL

Of course, I am all in for color.

But I know some of you lovelies (who probably follow me more so for the rebellion streak than my fashion ephemera), are diehard dark romantics. This edit, is for you :)

Today’s post is sponsored by BAACAL.

In addition to my other projects, I work with Cynthia Vincent and her team as a Style Advisor and feel fortunate to work with such a beautiful community of women and femmes in finding their voice, their sense of style in the offerings from the brand.

It’s made my heart pitter patter, and frankly, I’m just glad that Cynthia and her team (Grace + Mica + Adriana) all put up with my neurotic obsessions and unsolicited ideas. Thank you BAACAL Babes!

Notes on My Content Offerings:

Today’s musings feature a curated edit of designer fashion offerings from BAACAL exclusively for plus sizes.

Most of my audience on the internet (surprisingly) are straight sized women (women who are sizes 00-12 and about 74% of you all fall into that category according to Google Analytics)- but a few plus size babes here and there ask me to style them.

I also have a growing audience of men (surprising!) with one of my Lush Life subscribers enlisting me to style them and overhaul their existing wardrobe (I’m so excited- I love styling men, and rarely get the opportunity to!). All this to say, I try to balance my content offerings and musings to appease as many as I can.

If you are not plus size, you may not be aware of the landscape in fashion and retail, and just how difficult it is to find clothing and accessories that fit plus size bodies.

Even more scarce- are designers who maintain a commitment to expert craftsmanship and a sustainability ethos.

Ordinarily I try to curate edits to satiate as many of you who faithfully read as best I can (and will continue to!).

Today’s post- in terms of apparel, is exclusively plus sizes. I promise to create more varied offerings in the future.

Thank you so much for reading anyway :)

Aria’s Home Office

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*Affiliate Links: I want to be transparent about how I earn a living. My curated edits feature affiliate links, which allow me to retain a commission for creating and promoting my content, and items I love, sort of like a referral fee. Should you decide to purchase, the brand is responsible with sending me a small commission for plug and promotion. This of course, is at no additional cost to the consumer.

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*Sponsored Content: Today’s newsletter is lovingly sponsored by BAACAL, a beautiful brand helmed by noted fashion designer, Cynthia Vincent. BAACAL is an ethically focused and sustainability contemporary designer providing you with luxury apparel in mid size and plus sizes. Independent, woman of color led and operated, and all pieces are hand stitched, sewn and cut in their studio in Los Angeles.

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Polka Dot Wrap Dress | Bias Cut Slip Dress | Lace Top | Lace Skirt Set | Sheer Mock Neck Blouse | Lace Dress | Leopard Mesh Top

Sheer Layers for Summer. The Crystal Stone Mesh Dress in Hematite, is made by hand in BAACAL’s studio. The dress features a removable modal slip for coverage, or go sans slip and bask in sheer joy. (get it? you get it!). Photographer: Messina

Conclave, Inspired: Model Lauren Chan, styled in BAACAL’s Marion Dress + Leather Belt & Harness

Floral Dress | Lace Skirt Set | Caftan | Cotton Tie Neck Dress | Silk Slip Dress | Leather Belt | Sheer Blouses

The Modern Goth, in White. There’s something moody and magical when I see a dark romantic, styled in white. Unexpected contrast + visual interest- especially if one has tattoos and piercings and an edgy hairstyle- it all blends together, seamlessly. Styled in BAACAL Shirt Dress | Photographer: Messina

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Shop Aria’s Edit

Always Classic. This Wrap Dress Series from BAACAL was released 7 years ago when the brand launched- and honestly, it just doesn’t date. How often can we appreciate clothing from our closets designed 10 years ago and still feel modern, elegant and timeless?

Simone Rocha Bag | Ferragamo Raffia Bag | BAACAL Pearls | Toteme Thong Kitten Heels | Gucci Wedge Heels | Jil Sander Studded Bag | Loewe Sneakers | Tory Burch Mules | PENHALIGONS Parfum | LOEWE Parfum | Simone Rocha Earrings | BAACAL Plisse Dress | NARS Lipstick | AESOP Sunscreen | Sunglasses | Silver Cuban Link Necklace | Bracelet

Our styles couldn’t be even more different, and yet somehow, I find myself OBSESSED with Christina Grasso’s dedication to the Modern Goth (and inspired this dedicated musing for plus sizes). I also adore how Katie Bradshaw feels like she is Carolyn Bessett Kennedy coded, without trying to be. | BAACAL Trench Coat

SOLANGE KNOWLES: If you know me, then you know Solange dominates my Pinterest moodboards- specifically her stylings from the early 2010’s when she emerged as a fashion “it” girl. The past few years, she has, so it seems, vowed to only wear and be styled in Black. She like me, has a penchant for blending both minimalism and maximalism- fusing them together to create “curated chaos” (which as you know is my tagline). She also embodies this sense of the MODERN GOTH to me. | BAACAL Blouse | BAACAL Skirt

THE OLSENS. Like much of the internet, I too, obsess over the street stylings of Mary Kate & Ashley. The layers!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t even get enough of it- and what’s brilliant is their styles feel incredibly accessible to replicate or take inspiration from. | BAACAL Dress | BAACAL Slip Dress

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Thank you loves for supporting! :)

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Give this musing a HEART, and it signals to the algorithm gods that it’s worth clicking. and thank you lovelies for hanging!

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