#guide to sustainable fashion | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

staff · 10 months

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Tumblr’s Core Product Strategy

Here at Tumblr, we’ve been working hard on reorganizing how we work in a bid to gain more users. A larger user base means a more sustainable company, and means we get to stick around and do this thing with you all a bit longer. What follows is the strategy we're using to accomplish the goal of user growth. The @labs group has published a bit already, but this is bigger. We’re publishing it publicly for the first time, in an effort to work more transparently with all of you in the Tumblr community. This strategy provides guidance amid limited resources, allowing our teams to focus on specific key areas to ensure Tumblr’s future.

The Diagnosis

In order for Tumblr to grow, we need to fix the core experience that makes Tumblr a useful place for users. The underlying problem is that Tumblr is not easy to use. Historically, we have expected users to curate their feeds and lean into curating their experience. But this expectation introduces friction to the user experience and only serves a small portion of our audience.

Tumblr’s competitive advantage lies in its unique content and vibrant communities. As the forerunner of internet culture, Tumblr encompasses a wide range of interests, such as entertainment, art, gaming, fandom, fashion, and music. People come to Tumblr to immerse themselves in this culture, making it essential for us to ensure a seamless connection between people and content.

To guarantee Tumblr’s continued success, we’ve got to prioritize fostering that seamless connection between people and content. This involves attracting and retaining new users and creators, nurturing their growth, and encouraging frequent engagement with the platform.

Our Guiding Principles

To enhance Tumblr’s usability, we must address these core guiding principles.

Expand the ways new users can discover and sign up for Tumblr.

Provide high-quality content with every app launch.

Facilitate easier user participation in conversations.

Retain and grow our creator base.

Create patterns that encourage users to keep returning to Tumblr.

Improve the platform’s performance, stability, and quality.

Below is a deep dive into each of these principles.

Principle 1: Expand the ways new users can discover and sign up for Tumblr.

Tumblr has a “top of the funnel” issue in converting non-users into engaged logged-in users. We also have not invested in industry standard SEO practices to ensure a robust top of the funnel. The referral traffic that we do get from external sources is dispersed across different pages with inconsistent user experiences, which results in a missed opportunity to convert these users into regular Tumblr users. For example, users from search engines often land on pages within the blog network and blog view—where there isn’t much of a reason to sign up.

We need to experiment with logged-out tumblr.com to ensure we are capturing the highest potential conversion rate for visitors into sign-ups and log-ins. We might want to explore showing the potential future user the full breadth of content that Tumblr has to offer on our logged-out pages. We want people to be able to easily understand the potential behind Tumblr without having to navigate multiple tabs and pages to figure it out. Our current logged-out explore page does very little to help users understand “what is Tumblr.” which is a missed opportunity to get people excited about joining the site.

Actions & Next Steps

Improving Tumblr’s search engine optimization (SEO) practices to be in line with industry standards.

Experiment with logged out tumblr.com to achieve the highest conversion rate for sign-ups and log-ins, explore ways for visitors to “get” Tumblr and entice them to sign up.

Principle 2: Provide high-quality content with every app launch.

We need to ensure the highest quality user experience by presenting fresh and relevant content tailored to the user’s diverse interests during each session. If the user has a bad content experience, the fault lies with the product.

The default position should always be that the user does not know how to navigate the application. Additionally, we need to ensure that when people search for content related to their interests, it is easily accessible without any confusing limitations or unexpected roadblocks in their journey.

Being a 15-year-old brand is tough because the brand carries the baggage of a person’s preconceived impressions of Tumblr. On average, a user only sees 25 posts per session, so the first 25 posts have to convey the value of Tumblr: it is a vibrant community with lots of untapped potential. We never want to leave the user believing that Tumblr is a place that is stale and not relevant.

Actions & Next Steps

Deliver great content each time the app is opened.

Make it easier for users to understand where the vibrant communities on Tumblr are.

Improve our algorithmic ranking capabilities across all feeds.

Principle 3: Facilitate easier user participation in conversations.

Part of Tumblr’s charm lies in its capacity to showcase the evolution of conversations and the clever remarks found within reblog chains and replies. Engaging in these discussions should be enjoyable and effortless.

Unfortunately, the current way that conversations work on Tumblr across replies and reblogs is confusing for new users. The limitations around engaging with individual reblogs, replies only applying to the original post, and the inability to easily follow threaded conversations make it difficult for users to join the conversation.

Actions & Next Steps

Address the confusion within replies and reblogs.

Improve the conversational posting features around replies and reblogs.

Allow engagements on individual replies and reblogs.

Make it easier for users to follow the various conversation paths within a reblog thread.

Remove clutter in the conversation by collapsing reblog threads.

Explore the feasibility of removing duplicate reblogs within a user’s Following feed.

Principle 4: Retain and grow our creator base.

Creators are essential to the Tumblr community. However, we haven’t always had a consistent and coordinated effort around retaining, nurturing, and growing our creator base.

Being a new creator on Tumblr can be intimidating, with a high likelihood of leaving or disappointment upon sharing creations without receiving engagement or feedback. We need to ensure that we have the expected creator tools and foster the rewarding feedback loops that keep creators around and enable them to thrive.

The lack of feedback stems from the outdated decision to only show content from followed blogs on the main dashboard feed (“Following”), perpetuating a cycle where popular blogs continue to gain more visibility at the expense of helping new creators. To address this, we need to prioritize supporting and nurturing the growth of new creators on the platform.

It is also imperative that creators, like everyone on Tumblr, feel safe and in control of their experience. Whether it be an ask from the community or engagement on a post, being successful on Tumblr should never feel like a punishing experience.

Actions & Next Steps

Get creators’ new content in front of people who are interested in it.

Improve the feedback loop for creators, incentivizing them to continue posting.

Build mechanisms to protect creators from being spammed by notifications when they go viral.

Expand ways to co-create content, such as by adding the capability to embed Tumblr links in posts.

Principle 5: Create patterns that encourage users to keep returning to Tumblr.

Push notifications and emails are essential tools to increase user engagement, improve user retention, and facilitate content discovery. Our strategy of reaching out to you, the user, should be well-coordinated across product, commercial, and marketing teams.

Our messaging strategy needs to be personalized and adapt to a user’s shifting interests. Our messages should keep users in the know on the latest activity in their community, as well as keeping Tumblr top of mind as the place to go for witty takes and remixes of the latest shows and real-life events.

Most importantly, our messages should be thoughtful and should never come across as spammy.

Actions & Next Steps

Conduct an audit of our messaging strategy.

Address the issue of notifications getting too noisy; throttle, collapse or mute notifications where necessary.

Identify opportunities for personalization within our email messages.

Test what the right daily push notification limit is.

Send emails when a user has push notifications switched off.

Principle 6: Performance, stability and quality.

The stability and performance of our mobile apps have declined. There is a large backlog of production issues, with more bugs created than resolved over the last 300 days. If this continues, roughly one new unresolved production issue will be created every two days. Apps and backend systems that work well and don't crash are the foundation of a great Tumblr experience. Improving performance, stability, and quality will help us achieve sustainable operations for Tumblr.

Improve performance and stability: deliver crash-free, responsive, and fast-loading apps on Android, iOS, and web.

Improve quality: deliver the highest quality Tumblr experience to our users.

Move faster: provide APIs and services to unblock core product initiatives and launch new features coming out of Labs.

Conclusion

Our mission has always been to empower the world’s creators. We are wholly committed to ensuring Tumblr evolves in a way that supports our current users while improving areas that attract new creators, artists, and users. You deserve a digital home that works for you. You deserve the best tools and features to connect with your communities on a platform that prioritizes the easy discoverability of high-quality content. This is an invigorating time for Tumblr, and we couldn’t be more excited about our current strategy.

#tumblr #engineering #core product strategy

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speedwear · 2 months

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Year-Round Chic: How to Style Men's Waxed Jackets for Any Season

In the dynamic world of men's fashion, waxed jackets stand out as timeless pieces that seamlessly blend functionality with style. Originally designed for the rugged outdoors, these jackets have evolved into versatile staples suitable for any season. Speedwear Ltd, a purveyor of fine motorcycle jackets, offers a guide on how to style men's waxed jackets throughout the year, ensuring you look effortlessly stylish whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter.

Spring: The Layered Look

As the snow melts and the greenery blossoms, spring calls for lighter layers that can handle the unpredictable weather. Pair your men's waxed jacket with a lightweight, breathable cotton shirt and a pair of rugged jeans for a casual day out. For chillier mornings, add a thin merino wool sweater underneath. Complete the look with waterproof boots and a MULTIFUNCTIONAL HEADWEAR from Speedwear Ltd to protect against the spring breeze.

Summer: Effortlessly Cool

Summer styling with a waxed jacket might seem counterintuitive, but a lightweight version can be your go-to piece for cool summer evenings. Opt for a waxed jacket in a lighter shade to reflect the sun's rays, paired with a breezy linen shirt and cotton chinos for a comfortable, yet put-together look. Accessories like sunglasses and a lightweight scarf will add a touch of sophistication. Loafers or boat shoes will keep the outfit relaxed and season-appropriate.

Fall: Rustic Charm

Fall is perhaps the most natural season for styling men's waxed jackets, thanks to their durability and warmth. Layer your jacket over a flannel shirt and a woolen vest for added insulation. Dark denim or corduroy pants will complement the rustic aesthetic of the jacket. Sturdy leather boots and a thick-knitted hat will keep you warm, and for an extra touch of style, consider a leather backpack for your daily essentials.

Winter: Insulated and Stylish

In the heart of winter, your waxed jacket can still serve as a stylish outer layer over protective motorcycle gear. Choose a jacket with a quilted lining for additional warmth or layer over a thick wool sweater. Pair with thermal leggings under your jeans and waterproof winter boots. Don't forget a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf to keep the cold at bay. For motorbike enthusiasts, incorporating motorbike riding jackets underneath provides both style and safety.

Suggested Read: Innovative Waxed Cotton Jackets: A Must-Have For Biker Enthusiasts

Conclusion:

Men's waxed jackets are not just a statement of style; they're a testament to versatility across seasons. Speedwear Ltd's collection of motorcycle outerwear and accessories offers the perfect blend of style, functionality, and protection, making it easy to incorporate these timeless pieces into your wardrobe year-round. With the right layers and accessories, you can adapt your waxed jacket to any weather, ensuring you stay fashionable and comfortable no matter the season.

Remember, the key to mastering the art of styling men's waxed jackets for every season lies in understanding the balance between form and function. By following this guide, you're well on your way to showcasing your unique style while embracing the practicality of waxed jackets.

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learnyogafreeforever · 4 months

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#affordable eco fashion #affordable sustainable fashion #apparels #athletic #athleisure #budget-friendly sustainable wardrobe #clothing #dance #eco-friendly fashion on a budget guide #how can i buy more sustainable clothing

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fashionmantras · 5 months

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How to Choose the Perfect Fur Scarf in 2024

A luxurious fur scarf can instantly elevate any outfit during the cold weather months. From complementing your winter coats to dressing up formal attire, fur scarves are a timeless accessory that add glamour and warmth. But with so many options available, how do you pick the right fur scarf that balances quality, style and comfort? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know –…

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everydayrecycler · 7 months

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#sustainability #ecofriendly #environmetalists #ethical fashion #recycling #recycling guides #plastic recycling guides

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gogonano · 9 months

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Step into Dryness: The Ultimate Guide to Waterproofing Shoes

Wet feet can put a damper on any outdoor adventure, whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply navigating a rainy day. But with the right waterproofing techniques and products, you can keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter what the weather has in store. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about waterproofing shoes and provide helpful tips to ensure you never have to suffer from soggy feet again.

The Importance of Waterproof Shoes

Waterproof shoes play a crucial role in keeping your feet dry, protected, and comfortable during outdoor activities. Not only do they prevent the unpleasant sensation of wet feet, but they can also help to prevent blisters, cold feet, and other related issues. Moreover, waterproof shoes can extend the life of your footwear by protecting them from the damaging effects of water and moisture.

Types of Waterproofing for Shoes

There are several methods available for waterproofing shoes, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this section, we’ll explore the most common types of waterproofing and help you determine which method is best for your needs.

Wax and Waterproofing Sprays

Wax and waterproofing sprays are simple and convenient options for waterproofing shoes. They are easily accessible at most outdoor gear stores and can be quickly applied to the surface of your shoes. Simply spray or rub the waterproofing product onto the shoes, allow it to dry, and enjoy the protection it provides. However, it’s important to note that some sprays and waxes may darken the color of your shoes and affect the breathability of the material. With GoGoNano waterproofing sprays you can be sure that material color or breathability won’t change.

Sealed and Waterproof Shoes

For those who are in the market for new shoes, purchasing a pair that is already sealed and waterproof is another option. Shoes designed for outdoor activities often feature waterproof materials, such as Gore-Tex, that provide excellent protection from water. This is a great choice for those who want the peace of mind that comes with knowing their feet will be dry and comfortable, without having to worry about reapplying a waterproofing product. Be sure that even the Gore-Tex’s waterproofing properties will fade away over time. Applying a waterproofing solution will enhance the material and water repellent properties will be active again.

Waterproof Socks

Another option for waterproofing shoes is waterproof socks. These are designed to be worn inside your shoes and provide a barrier between your feet and the water. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and are made from waterproof materials like Gore-Tex. This is a good choice for those who want to keep their current shoes and add an extra layer of protection. However, it’s important to make sure the socks fit well and don’t bunch or slide around inside the shoes, as this can cause discomfort.

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DIY Waterproofing at Home

If you prefer not to buy a new pair of shoes or waterproofing socks, you can easily waterproof your current shoes at home with a few simple steps.

Clean and Dry the Shoes

The first step in waterproofing your shoes is to thoroughly clean and dry them. Remove any dirt, debris, or grime from the surface of the shoes and make sure they are completely dry before applying the waterproofing product.

Apply Waterproofing Spray or Wax

Next, apply a waterproofing spray or wax to the surface of the shoes. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product and apply it evenly, covering all areas of the shoes. Make sure to apply enough product to create a strong barrier against water. With GoGoNano waterproofing solutions you do not have to worry about material loosing its breathability or discoloring.

Allow the Shoes to Dry Completely

Once you’ve applied the waterproofing product, allow the shoes to dry completely. Our solutions will take 1 hour to dry out but maximum properties will be active after drying overnight. Depending on the product used, the drying time may be different. It’s important to let the shoes dry completely to ensure the waterproofing effect is strong and long-lasting.

Repeat as Needed

Depending on the frequency of use and exposure to water, you may need to reapply the waterproofing product every few months or so. It’s a good idea to regularly check the shoes for any signs of wear and reapply the product as needed to keep them in good condition.

FAQ

To wrap up, we’ve included answers to some frequently asked questions about waterproofing shoes.

Can I waterproof any type of shoes?

Yes, with GoGoNano you can waterproof any type of shoes, as long as they are made from a material that can be treated with a waterproofing product. This includes shoes made from materials like leather, fabric, and suede.

Is waterproofing a one-time process?

No, waterproofing is not a one-time process. The effectiveness of the waterproofing will depend on the frequency of use and exposure to water, and you may need to reapply the product every few months to keep the shoes in good condition.

Can waterproofing affect the breathability of my shoes?

Yes, depending on the type of waterproofing product you use, it can affect the breathability of your shoes. By choosing GoGoNano waterproofing products you can be sure that material color or breathability will not change in any way. Our products are all tested to fit with all the materials or shoe types.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, waterproofing shoes is a simple and effective way to keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter what the weather has in store. With the right waterproofing techniques and products, you can enjoy all your outdoor activities with confidence, knowing that your feet are protected from the elements. So, step into dryness and never suffer from soggy feet again!

#nanotechnology #green chemistry #sustainability #ecofriendly #waterproofing #stainproofing #water repellent #shoe protector #textile protector #leather protector #fashion protector #nano coating #nano tech #cleaning products #cleaning tips #cleaning guide #Youtube

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athenawillams · 1 year

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Christian Grey’s Simple And Humble Fashion Guide For Men

It's a piece of cake to incorporate Grey's uncomplicated and unpretentious fashion style. Just give the blog a read!

#clothing manufacturers in Europe #Fashion Guide For Men #Christian Grey #Humble Fashion Guide #Best Sustainable Clothing Manufacturer

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sketchonista · 17 days

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Baum und Pferdgarten SS24 shot at Copenhagen Fashionweek

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anielskaaniela · 7 months

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How to Master Thrift Store Shopping: A Complete Guide

In this post I show you how to find amazing deals, quality pieces, and unique styles at thrift stores. Do you love finding unique and affordable pieces at thrift stores? Do you want to shop in a more sustainable and ethical way? If you answered yes, then this guide is for you. Thrift store shopping is not only a fun and rewarding hobby, but also a smart and stylish way to dress. You can discover…

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#hrift store shopping #secondhand clothing #sustainable fashion #thrift store finds #thrift store guide #thrift store style #thrift store tips #vintage clothing

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rocket-candy-heart · 1 year

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I struggle so much with summer clothes that finding anything seasonally appropriate that I can wear without feeling nauseous is really a gift

#got myself gardening overalls for my household tasks/gardening/dog walking/etc and theyre breathable and they fit!#also i try not to buy too many clothes from target bc theyre not the best re quality/sustainability/ethics #but...they had something i will feel comfortable wearing AND i got to try it on before i bought it which is really unexpected and nice #trying to remind myself that before i know it it WILL be in the 90°+ range every single day and i WILL make myself heat sick #i need a fashion guide thats like 'how to dress for summer when summer is viscerally depressing and all the clothes are ugly'#im not like...modest or anything. its just that sometimes i dont want to deal with the confrontations inherant in wearing revealing clothes #as a fat person i DO get harassed more and confronted more if im not fairly covered up

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vyapaarjagat · 1 year

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The Sustainable living Caring for Climate Guide For Everyone

Aarya Chavda Ardent and zealous reformer of change, 13-year-old Aarya Chavda began her journey as an Author, Illustrator, Speaker, Heritage and Environment Crusader, at the age of 6. Since then, she has been fundraising for a cause by donating her art and book proceeds for the welfare of underprivileged cancer patients. Aarya outperforms her age. Through her books on the diverse cultural…

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#Aarya Chavda #cultural heritage of India #digital platforms #Global Citizenship Education #Sustainability #sustainable #sustainable agriculture #Sustainable Climate Guide #Sustainable Development #sustainable fashion brands #sustainable products #sustainablebusinesses #Sustaining Ecosystem #UNESCO Digital library #UNESCO Headquarters

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dreamingonclds · 3 months

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Unintentional | FA14

Summary: Y/n and Fernando Alonso were both professionals, both only seemingly having time for their careers. They both have had their fair share of relationships but they’ve never become serious for either of them. Y/n is an A-list celebrity, a highly respected actress and Fernando a champion athlete, a Formula One driver. Nobody could’ve ever imagined both of their paths to cross but, they do. It was said that their relationship was destined to fail, their 16 year age gap being too large to be sustained. But, to everyone's surprise, a blessing they created without intention was just enough to fill that gap, like fate.

Pairing: Fernando Alonso x Reader

Word Count: 2,722

Warnings: None

Chapter 1

Note: If you would like to be added to the taglist, please @ yourself in the comments!

As you meticulously applied your lipstick, your mind couldn’t help but wander to the thought of who you would meet tonight. Your stomach bubbled with nerves, a sensation you always got with meeting new people; despite how long you had been in the industry for. You met new people almost weekly, nothing new in the entertainment industry. You were used to meeting wealthy business people and pretending to care about anything that came out of their mouths. But you were genuine about meeting new directors, writers, and filmmakers; you genuinely cared about what they had to say.

Tonight was no different, you had been invited to a dinner by some friends. It just so happened that those friends were in the industry too and it just so happened that the dinner would be in Beverly Hills. So, you knew that tonight would be a night of pretending to care because the people who actually cared for the artistry of entertainment would never choose to dine in Beverly Hills. And you were a professional, so you sucked it up, put a smile on your face, and decided to have a good night.

So, you decided that to have a good night you had to have a good outfit. You were a public figure, a very popular one at that, so you did have to dress to impress. And you didn’t mind, you loved fashion and you loved to shop so it all worked out. You also cared about your appearance and wanted people to like you, but not for how you looked. You wanted people to like you for the person you were and what you brought to the table. And unfortunately, that goes hand in hand with physicality in this world. So you slip on a back silk dress because those always do the job.

Arriving at the restaurant, you thank your chauffeur as he helps you out of the car and guides you to the entrance. Stepping into the restaurant you’re immediately greeted by your friends and introduced to all the unfamiliar faces. Soon enough you're all making your way through the restaurant, several diners turning their heads to you all, some trying to sneakily snap pictures which you notice every time. Once you're seated at the ridiculously large table, you notice the empty seat beside you and around the table.

“People missing?” you ask your friend sitting right across from you.

“Yeah, they’re running a little late but they should be here very soon.” she answers, giving you a small smile.

After a little conversation, you all turn your heads to the chatter that is seemingly making its way towards you all. Sure enough, it’s the missing half of your party and as you scan your eyes through all of them, one catches your eye.

“Here they are!” your friend announces, standing up to greet them and everyone follows.

In the midst of the commotion, bodies moving left to right you hear your friend declare seating arrangements.

“Fernando, why don’t you sit next to Y/N, she speaks Spanish too.” she says pointing you out so he knows who you are.

You see a man nod and begin to approach, you notice the brunette with semi-shaggy hair and a short beard. Sure enough, it’s the one who caught your eye earlier on. He greets you with a kiss on both cheeks that you reciprocate and helps you into your seat.

“What a gentleman, thanks. Fernando, right?” you look towards him, wanting to start a conversation like the rest of the table is doing

“Of course, Y/n?” he nods in response and you do the same, noticing his accent. As you make eye contact, you begin to note the faint lines around his eyes and the maturity of his face. Your mind begins to wonder, whether he’ll take you seriously noticing the lack of physical maturity on your 26-year-old face. Usually, men over 5 years older than you never took you seriously, their conversations always started professional but quickly turned to comments about your body and sexual experience.

Before either of you could get another word in, the waiter begins to ask for your drinks of choice. Usually, you would go for a beverage that would liven you up but, you had a rule that you only drank at dinner when everybody at the table were your friends. So, you asked for the next best thing.

“I’ll take a coke please.” you tell the waiter, who quickly jots it down and looks to Fernando next

“Uh, I’ll take the same please” Fernando turns to look at you with a confused look

“Oh, I don’t know everybody at this table so, I’d like to get to know you with a sober mind.” you tell him matter of factly, hoping that was the explanation he was looking for. Although it was the truth, you did want to get to know the rest of the table; but specifically him. In what seemed like record time, the waiter comes back setting down all of your drinks.

“Igualmente” Likewise he nods towards the brown beverage in front of him.

“I thought maybe you were still too young to drink, you look young, why do you want to get to know me?” he asks, bringing his glass to his lips.

“I’m 26, not that young. And you're sitting right beside me, we have a long night ahead. Why not get to know you; your friends.” you add the last part in, trying to deflect and hide your interest in him; hoping he doesn’t catch on.

“Why’d you copy me, I mean no offense but, you don’t look like you just turned 21?” he brought up your age first, two can play at that game.

He chuckles, still looking at you.

“I’m 42, not that young either.” he says in truth. And before you can respond he speaks again.

“Pretty girl, pretty dress.” he brings his glass to his lips, looking away nonchalantly.

“And you’re sitting right beside me.” he states matter of factly, using your own words against you.

Your jaw drops the slightest and your eyebrows scrunch in surprise. His confidence, so abrupt it takes you a few seconds to bring your face back to its natural resting place. Despite your efforts to look cool and unaffected, you can see the pride your reaction gives him. With a teaseful look in his eye, he offers you a smirky smile that makes your stomach erupt in butterflies. Your cheeks and ears go hot, and you now find it hard to sit still or contain the smile pulling at your lips.

The rest of the night goes exactly as expected, the two of you deep in conversation and completely ignoring the rest of the table. There’s a tension that's rising that even the others can feel. Neither of you even realize how many times they’ve teased you two or tried to get you to join their conversation. You’ve also failed to notice the pointed phones from other diners and sneaky restaurant workers.

As you all are ending your dinner, restaurant patrons and workers start making their way to your table. Asking for pictures and autographs from you and your party alike, both separately and together. Little did you know that those images would lead to a whirlwind of speculation, the world seemed to spiral at the thought of you together.

Your group converses outside the restaurant for a few minutes, a back and forth of what the plans for the rest of the night were. You stood there to yourself contemplating whether you wanted to continue your night. You had a fitting in the morning and a couple of online meetings you had to prepare for. Considering it was nearing 1 am, you decided to head home with a professional attitude to your day ahead.

Before you can interrupt the group to bid your goodbye, Fernando makes his way to your side.

“Are you going out for more drinks too?” he turns to you.

“I have meetings in the morning, I think I’m just gonna head home.” you nod your head.

“Me too actually, I drove here by myself. Let me take you home.” he points at himself.

“Yeah, that’d be nice actually; thank you.”

You both take a few steps forward towards the group, ready to bid your farewells together. But before either of you can mutter a word, your friend's chatter amplifies into a passionate discussion about who knows what. Fernando turns to look at you, an amused smile on his lips that turns into a chuckle after noticing your surprised expression.

“Mejor nos esperamos.” We better wait, he jokes, and you giggle looking towards him, only to realize his eyes were already set on you.

“Buena idea” Good idea, you say with a smile, continuing the playful vibe of the setting. You two carry on with your light-hearted conversation. Unconsciously backing away from the group until your back hits the restaurant's ornate rail. Fernando holding on to the rail on your right side, halfway caging you in, seemingly protecting you from passersby giving you questioning glances; realizing who you were.

Your conversation continues and you two get lost in getting to know each other. You learn that he’s a champion F1 driver and he learns the movies he’s seen you in, not knowing it was you. Before he can finish saying where his next race will be, you're drawn out of your heart to heart by shouts from your group.

“Hey lovebirds, you guys coming?” your friend shouts pointing down the street, implying a prolonged night out.

A sheepish smile forms on your lips and you shake your head, “We both have busy mornings tomorrow. We’re gonna skip this one!”

“Alright then, don’t have too much fun!” someone teases, causing the rest of the group to laugh.

Fernando smiles and shakes his head at the joke, “I’m just going to take her home!”

You all exchange thank you’s and appreciation for dinner before saying your goodbyes. Then begin to make your way down your respective sides of the street. He leads you to his car, not in front of you but by walking closely behind you, guiding you with a light touch to your back. He helps you in, chivalrously, taking your bag from you, opening the door, and taking your hand to help you in. You take notice of what car he drove, a luxurious sports car, that to you matched the reputation of an F1 champion. You questioned yourself on if you wanted him to live up to the reputation of a man like him.

Before he can drive off, he makes sure you’re both buckled in and asks for your address. You give it to him and then you're off to your luxurious hotel, which the movie you were in Beverly Hills for set you up with. You two continue your conversation the whole time, only stopping when Fernando gets out of the car first to open your door. He walks you to your room, as he insists on “dropping you off”. But really, you’re more than happy to oblige to his request as you didn’t want the night to end.

“No paps.” Fernando blurts randomly, as you both make your way through the lobby.

You scan the room and realize he was right, you only saw the employees and the occasional normal guest.

“Oh yeah” you acknowledge, normally every hotel in Beverly Hills was swamped with paparazzi no matter the time. So you worked it up to luck, you two got lucky tonight. Little did you know that this would foreshadow the rest of your relationship.

You make it to your room and unlock the door, stepping into the doorframe and turning to face Fernando. You two stand there for a few seconds, just staring at each other, Fernando's hands in his pants pockets and your hand on the door, an undeniable tension lingers between you two.

“Do you want to come in?” you suggest hesitantly, pointing inside, ready to face rejection.

“Uh yeah, can I?” he answers quickly, surprising you and catching you off guard.

“Come on in.” you say, widening the door and stepping back, letting him inside. He makes his way towards the living room area of your massive hotel room and you follow him. Before you can sit down on the couch beside him, you notice the complimentary bottle of champagne in the ice bucket, now sitting in water that was ice a few hours ago. You go to the table and pull out the bottle from the bucket, wrapping it in a towel to prevent it from dripping.

“Quieres?” Do you want some? You offer him, showing him the bottle.

“Por favor” Please He stands up and heads towards you, taking the bottle from your hands to open it himself. You hold up the two glasses, also on the table, for him to pour into. After pouring, he sets the bottle down and you hand him his glass.

“Gracias” Thank you You both say at the same time, which causes you both to giggle.

“Let's go to the balcony” you suggest and head outside, he follows you but, not before grabbing the bottle to take with.

You lean on the rail, one forearm resting on it while your other arm brings the glass to your lips. Fernando places the bottle on the small table conveniently outside and then he goes to stand in front of you. He halfway cages you in again, one arm holding the rail close to your side, and you notice this protective pattern of his. Both of you stand there, not saying anything with words but instead through the looks you’re giving each other.

“You are very beautiful.” he blurts out, scanning your face with a pensive expression on his face.

You scrunch your eyebrows in confusion for a quick second before smiling and meeting his eyes.

“Thank you, you are very beautiful too.” you respond in honesty and nod your head when he looks at you confused. A shy smile breaks onto his face and he looks at the ground stepping away from you.

He looks back up, licking his lips ever so slightly and takes the glass from your hand. He goes to place yours and his glass on the table while you stand there confused. He comes back to his original spot in front of you but this time way closer than before. His hand comes up to cup the side of your face and your eyes look deep into his as his thumb caresses your cheek. You go to say something but are cut off by his lips pressed against yours. You quickly catch on and move your lips with his. His hand comes off of your face and moves to your waist, you step away from the rail to try and get closer to him. He wraps both of his arms low around your waist and his fingers dance right above your bum. You instinctively bring your arms up to wrap around his neck and your fingers go to dance in his hair at the nape of his neck.

He smoothly turns you both around so now he is against the railing. Your makeout continues for a short minute until you realize something and your eyes open.

“I don’t kiss on the first date.” you say exasperated, pulling away and trying to catch your breath. He leans back trying to get a look at you, breathing heavily, eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

“But I’ll make an exception tonight.” you say quickly, he smiles before you lean in and desperately attack his lips again. He grabs your thighs, wrapping your legs around his waist and walks inside towards the bed. He gently lays you down and stands back up separating your lips, he swiftly removes his shirt before hungrily coming back down on top of you.

The rest of the night goes as expected and contrary to your usual experience with men, he stays the night. You both sleep comfortably in each other's arms, not even wondering how it all led to this moment. Although you were both trying to figure out why this all felt so natural, you both knew one thing, this was the start of something special.

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blackbirdswillsing · 5 months

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On Gothic

a cute helpful guide on the gothic subculture that no one asked for <3

goth music springing from the late 1970s after the post punk movement was a subculture heavily inspired by the themes found in victorian gothic literature

gothic literature:

frankenstein - mary shelley

dracula - bram stoker

jekyll and hyde - robert stevenson

wuthering heights - emily bronte

rebecca - daphne du maurier

edgar allen poe <3

some keywords that come from gothic literature that can help you spot a goth song:

'dark' 'death' 'black' 'cold' 'heaven' 'hell' 'witches 'bats' 'night' 'roses' 'blood' 'church' 'forest' 'jesus' 'grey' 'horror' 'shadow' 'sacrifice' 'tears' 'ghost' 'spells' 'cry' 'love' 'haunted' 'funeral' 'cathedral'

Some other themes in a song that can help you to decide if it goth or not can be:

heavy bass

synth sounds (the song sounds like it was recorded in an empty church)

mysterious and whimsical vocals

deep vocals

lack of a (electric) guitar

The 1980's and 90's were the peak for the gothic subculture, especially in camden market, london, england

Some bands that were prominent at the time were...

Bauhaus

The Cure

Sisters of Mercy

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Christian Death

Clan of Xymox

The Cramps

Depeche Mode

New Order

Joy Division

Alien Sex Fiend

Fields of the Nephilim

Killing Joke

The Damned

Nick Cave

Softcell

Some other goth band recs:

Boy Harsher

Children on Stun

Earth Calling Angela

Molchat Doma

Forever Grey

Horror Vacui

Lebanon Hanover

London After Midnight

Male Tears

The March Violets

The Merry Thoughts

Paradise Lost

Paralysed Age

Plastique Noir

Rendez Vous

Rosetta Stone

Selofan

She Wants Revenge

Skinny Puppy

Specimen

This Cold Night

Tragic Black

Traitrs

Type O Negative

Twin Tribes

ULTRA SUNN

Xmal Deutschland

Your Funeral

The 69 Eyes

Please let me know which ones i've missed because these are just ones that I have taken from my own playlist!

The music is the number one most important part of goth subculture and you don't have to dress goth to be goth... but it sure is fun to do so! Goth fashion holds its roots in thrifting, upcycling and sustainable fashion (buying 'goth' clothes from shein, dollskill and killstar is a big no no).

Anyone can style their gothic outfits however they like but here are some examples of different styles:

Trad(itional) Goth: