Alternative Style Blog | Calling all Vampires and Werewolves!

One of the latest additions to the Bête Noire shop is Bite by Jerassik, a gender neutral line. One of my favorite parts of Bête Noire as a brand is the inclusiveness and the acceptance that fashion is for everyone. From a large size range, to a non-gender specific format, it makes total sense to have this line be a part of the Bête Noire catalog! I’ve had the pleasure to try on and style this new line! Here are some of my thoughts:

I really love these pieces! They’re made to be more narrow, but have a good amount of stretch to them. I personally have a really long torso and shorter legs for my body proportions, so these hit me at a really good length. If you are someone who is similar in height (5’4”) that has longer legs and a shorter torso, this may hit a bit more down on the thighs. The cut itself isn’t super curvy, but that’s the great thing about the stretch: It's super form fitting and hits all my curves! I’m wearing a 5X in everything, so I would recommend sizing up when ordering. I am usually a 3X and while a few of these have a bit of a looser feel than others (due to the fabric), I personally love the fit of them all. I am always between two sizes when it comes to my bust / hips and my waist, so something with a more narrow cut, plus the high stretch, really fit me well. 

The fabric of the Emilio long tee had the least amount of stretch, and at first was a bit tight around my arms. But once I wore it for a while it loosened up a bit. So keep that in mind when ordering that specific fabric type because it could feel tighter than the rest. Other than that, I love this line! I love a long tee that I can style as a dress or a top! Plus, who doesn’t love something you can just throw a cute pair of shorts under (Or a bathing suit!)! I love this line and can’t wait to style everything as we transition into fall! 

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Goth Ghouls Do It Better!

Something that’s very important to me as a creative and fashion ghoul is finding other creative creeps in the world. They uplift, inspire, create and bring the spooky right out of me. Growing up alternative and stylistically different from the people around you can make you feel isolated, odd, and just like something is not working with you. People can put you down and judge the choices you make for self expression, and it’s hard!! Growing up I didn’t have a lot of alternative, glamorous and inclusive resources/shops for a really long time. It’s so crazy to think about a pre-internet world where it was harder to find that style (other than Hot Topic or Spencers at the local mall) . I love seeing the internet help bring those people, shops, creators, influencers, whatever! Into each other's lives. It can help develop personal style with confidence and ressources to thrive and embrace the gothic glamorous life that some of us are meant to have! 

So as much as I love talking directly to ya’ll every other week on this blog, I thought it was about time to hear from some of the women behind the scenes at Bête Noire. I’ve asked some questions to the founder, Alicia, and beloved collaborator Marley. Alicia is the founder and head of Bête Noire, and wow! Bringing stylish, couture and gothic gowns into the lives of so many people. It really is special and I love seeing creativity expand with every new product that she comes out with! Marley is the founder, CEO and HBIC of Glam Goth Beauty. Bringing horror themed and high quality makeup into our ghoulish lives. I am so beyond inspired by these women and cannot wait to see everything else they’ve got in store for Bête Noire! So, ladies! Take it away:

-Who or what are some of your biggest inspirations?-

Alicia: Progressive thinkers like Nikola Tesla and Alan Watts. Snowboarding - something about being in the moment on the mountain has helped me push my boundaries creatively. MARLEY! She is unapologetically herself and a style icon.

Marley: My biggest inspirations are different times and eras, like rock and roll fashion of the 80’s and the Hollywood glamor of the 1950’s. I am also constantly inspired by nature, architecture, and music. Horror movies and Gothic Poetry are my reigning inspirations for sure!

-What are some of key inspirations to the new collection?-

-Alicia: At the time I designed the new collection I was listening to Moby’s ambient and instrumental albums. The tracks are really dark and haunting - the aesthetic I was going for was beauty within the darkness.

-Is there a particular piece that’s come out recently that’s your favorite?-

Alicia: The Sacred Heart Necklace. I had a vision of what I wanted it to look like and we were really able to bring that to life. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Marley: The “Marley Dress” of course! Haha! But no seriously, I am deeply obsessed with literally anything Alicia makes. All of her dresses are just so iconic but that Marley dress was such a moment for me getting to do a photoshoot in it. Made it that much more special. Anyone who gets to wear that dress for their special day is truly blessed! 

-What are some dream projects you’d like to bring to life at Bête Noire one day?-

Alicia: I would love to put together a immersive fashion show experience showcasing our couture designs with live music. It may happen sooner than later because of this question Ally! 🖤

Marley: Everything has been a dream so far but I would absolutely love to do something for Fashion Week, or even throw our own fashion show here in LA! Would be so cool! 

-Is there anything else we should be excited for? Anything special to keep an eye out for?-

Alicia: I’m so excited to finally spill the beans! We will be exclusively partnering with Glam Goth Beauty for our new line “GLAM GOTH” by Bête Noire. The fashionable but affordable line will be available for purchase exclusively at Glam Goth Beauty. We also have a new Vampire and Werewolf inspired collab coming out called Bite by Jerassick.

Marley: I am beyond excited for Glam Goth clothing manufactured by Bête Noire! The pieces we have are so good and I know everyone will love them! We have a skirt named the “Countess Corset Skirt” that Is absolutely iconic and comfortable and I’m so stoked to see them on everyone! 

-Spooky season is upon us, are things starting to get crazy or what?!-

Alicia: THINGS ARE NUTS! We’re sold out of almost everything we keep in stock and couture orders are rolling out in preparation for Halloween. It’s been a wild ride but I’m looking forward to seeing all the beautiful photos from our October Brides!

Marley: I feel like things are crazy 24/7 for me haha! Since this season is my absolute favorite, I did promise myself to have more fun this year. I haven’t been able to enjoy a spooky season since I started Glam Goth and that’s definitely going to change this year.

-What next for Bête noire?-

Alicia: My biggest goal is to really expand our collection. Masculine couture and handbags are in the near future. I would love to have the opportunity to do some red carpet pieces.

I’m personally so excited to see what is in store next for Bête Noire and the amazing things coming from both these women. Seeing them thrive, conquer and just kill it with everything they do personally inspires me so much! I am so beyond lucky to work within the same circle as them and I am beyond proud to be a part of the Bête Noire team myself! Keep an eye out everyone, clearly some exciting stuff is on its way!! I hope this just has you on the edge of your seat to see what’s next as well. 

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Something Wicked This Way Comes

I’m sure if you’re reading this blog you’ve seen the new gowns that have dropped. Oh my GOTHIC GLAMOUR! Aren’t they to DIE FOR?? Seriously, I’m so obsessed with them! One of my favorite things about Bête Noire gowns is that they invoke different types of feelings when I look at them. They have their own aesthetic, vibe, and story to tell if you will. Today, I'm going to be talking about the ethereal vibes the new gowns are giving off! If you’ve got a deliciously dark wedding or formal event that fits one of these vibes perhaps this will help you out!

First up is the Beau Deuil Gown and WOW, what a strong start! The first word that comes to mind when I see this gown is OPULENCE. The person who wears this gown, oh my goodness. They own EVERYTHING!  The Victorian manor that you love so much? They own it.The alluring smell of candles and fresh fall leaves? Their natural scent. The mausoleum housing the rich family in town? They’re on the guest list. This dress is layers upon layers of beauty. I also have a gown with the applique flowers on the bodice that trickle down into the skirt and let me tell you what, I feel like a freaking gothic disney princess when I’ve got it on. This dress is a statement piece that will make all the heads turn to whomever is walking down the aisle in this dress (or walking ANYWHERE).

Next up is the Bella Donna gown. This dress is so beautiful and I think an incredible gothic take on the more demure style bridal gown. The wrapped front feels elegant, timeless, and honestly a little edgy with that criss-cross feature over the chest. This is definitely a good choice for someone who is looking for something to have a bit more coverage over their chest, but at the same time feel very risque. It is not your traditional bridal gown (I mean apart from it being a beautiful black gown as well). I especially love the corset back that leads into a beautiful long train. It feels sweet, but also very regal. This dress demands to be worn while slowly strolling through a foggy cemetery, carrying a bouquet of dark red roses. 

Let’s talk about the Rhiannon Gown. OH WOW. What a beautiful garment! What a vision!! I can’t think of a single goth turning down this dress. It checks all the boxes! Black lace. Dramatic witch sleeves. Off the shoulder. Corset bodice. Detachable train. Stevie Nicks meets Morticia Addams meets a beautiful victorian ghost. I'm envisioning someone walking around in this dress, hearing a beautiful harp in the distance, and the faint smell of roses around them at all times. If I were to have a second wedding, this is exactly what I’d want to wear! This dress also gives off a heavy glamorous widow attending her late husband's funeral vibe. Imagine fog draped around them, leaves crunching beneath their stilettos, a dramatic veil overtop a beautiful wide brimmed hat. Do you feel the drama I’ve painted? It’s there! Wedding vows say 'til death, and this dress seriously checks that box.

Finally, the Marley Gown is a show-stopping gown! This dress is sexy, elegant and gives you DRAMA. The corpse bride would wear this if she were on a mission to prove how bad of a bitch she became in the afterlife. This dress feels like it could be worn to a red carpet event! It serves a bit of 1920’s glamour meets rocker chick. I love this dress so much! If someone wanted to show just how hot goth girls get married and make all the heads turn, this dress is going to do it for you. It hugs the body, has a deep neckline, and it’s got that beautiful train that just trails behind. If you’re not slow clapping while looking at this dress, then damn. We are on different levels about this dress, because it’s got me slow clapping. It’s a serve. 

So which one of these dresses would you want to wear on your big day? Personally, I couldn’t choose! I’m thinking multiple outfit changes are in order!

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Goths on Vacation - The Reality

I’m back from my trip.

Let me tell you-it was amazing!! So beautiful! So great! So incredibly special.

What a beautiful way to celebrate getting married, this truly was a wonderful honeymoon. I could go on and on about the trip, but I’ve got something else I’d like to talk about. Last blog post was all about prepping as a goth on vacation, now I’d like to talk about the reality of being a goth on vacation. It’s a lot sometimes. Not the clothes, the prep work, the makeup, that all comes with the territory. I’m talking about the stares, the murmurs, the non consenting  photographs, the weird questions and the overall feeling of standing out. It can be a lot sometimes, and it can take a toll on the trip sometimes.

Now I’m used to the treatment that comes along with being a fat alternative woman. It’s so second nature that it doesn’t always resonate with me. Something about being out of the comfort zone of your usual surroundings makes you feel that much more exposed though. You’re ready for a peaceful vacation, but you feel the eyes. See the cameras. Get the weird questions. I felt like I was particularly standing out on our trip this time. The cruise we took was mostly an older or family crowd. Pretty standard “normal” looking folks, so we stood out quite a lot. People would easily remember us, start conversations. It was all fine and well most of the time. Being called unusual I think was the worst of the direct conversations. I felt more eyes on me though. More people speaking to themselves while looking over as a group. Fingers pointing. Weird looks of disapproval or outright stares. Then while traveling similar behavior. It comes with the territory I suppose, but it can still be a distraction. I preach all sorts of self love and embracing what makes you happy, which I gladly defend! Also making sure to take care of your mental health and dealing with the general public comes along with it. Taking breaks in my room help a lot. Walking away from conversations, and just trying not to take anything more than the beauty of my surroundings in helped as well.

Being both a larger woman and an alternative woman can be a lot for others to handle. As well as dealing with the general public and lack of style can be a lot for me. I guess I wanted to use this weeks blog post to vent about dealing with some of the lows that come with being a glamorous gothic being. Presenting myself as this confident figure online has incredibly helped my own self esteem, my creativity, my networking and my entire viewpoint on style. I’m human and I can get in my head as well and let it trip me up. But it doesn’t stop me from being myself. I dressed in black, had my tattoos out, my heavy makeup and just made sure I looked good for me, myself and I. Each and every day! Be fabulous, Etherial and Intimidating! At the end of each day you’re left with yourself. Everyone else who doesn’t like it can just deal with it. As a thank you for listening to my rant, please enjoy some of these photos of my outfits from our trip. 

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Vacationing While Goth

Photo Via Google Images

So you’re a goth AND you’re packing for a trip?? Where do you start?!? Well I’m hopefully going to help you!! Or at least offer my own personal touch. As a goth who loves to travel I know how difficult it can be to prepare all your precious looks. You want to stand out, draw attention, and show different parts of the world your dark soul. But, it’s summer and it is so damn hot! Sometimes you need to prioritize your safety and suitcase weight. Maybe don’t pack all 12 pairs of Demonia platforms? My husband and I are going on our honeymoon next week and the packing process has been...well, a process!! Here’s some of my essentials:

-Sunblock: I like a combo sunscreen that works both for my face and body. I use SPF 50 and I lather head to toe every morning before heading out.

-Shoes: I am bringing 3 pairs of shoes. Platform sandals, Doc Martens, and a pair of heels. I always travel in whichever shoe will take up the most space in my suitcase. I also try to pick shoes that will go with almost all my outfits. Docs and dresses are a goth staple!

The ✨Outfit✨

Since this is my honeymoon, I’ve got a few staple pieces I’m bringing with me. That means head to toe planning goes into the outfit. I made a dress that goes perfectly with the Sacred Heart necklace. I built an outfit around that and it’s coming with me. Also since this is a special outfit for this trip, I’m bringing it in my carry on. Just in case the checked bag goes missing!

-Packing essentials in the carry on: Have at least some essential stuff with you. A few changes of clothes and anything special. Maybe you won’t have time to buy clothes or could have trouble. Not all places sell goth essentials, people! Have some of what you need in the plane with you.

-Chaffing Gel: It’s summer! Sweat is going to happen. Especially wearing all black! There’s tons of brands on the market. Find what works best, and bring two! One for the purse and one for the suitcase. Always have that on you!
I could go on and on. Parasols, fishnets, extra black eyeliner if one goes missing or dies, extra lashes, and some of the soil of your homeland. You know, so you can sleep away from your coffin at night! Kidding! Or am I? Whatever you bring, stand by your choices! Go crazy! Dress up and have fun! Vacation You™ is the ultimate form!! Don’t dress down to blend into the background. Dress even gothier and more glamorous and turn heads!! I’ll be back with photos of all my goth looks and a recap in two weeks!

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To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | My Heart Will Go On

What do you think of when you hear these phrases? Dark Romance. Gothic Decadence. Divine Inspiration. Are all these phrases you’d use to describe your personal style? Well, does Bête Noire have something absolutely perfect for you! The latest Glam Goth x Bête Noire collaboration has dropped, and might I add, my jaw also dropped when I saw it. This necklace is so incredibly beautiful, detailed, and breathtaking. The Sacred Heart necklace is out, and something to be excited about! When I opened it up last week I gasped, freaked out, and didn’t take it off until I went to bed. It didn’t even go with what I was wearing! But I had to have it on! I also told my husband that this is the heart of the ocean for goths and made a tastefully bad video for it. Check it out if you’re ready to see something both amazing and ridiculous. But-let’s get back to the star of the show, the Sacred Heart necklace!!

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, are you familiar with Glam Goth Cosmetics? Marley, the founder and owner, is literally one of the most badass women. She inspires me to no end! And I’ve made it very clear to my husband that if I go first he needs to find someone to apply the Diamonds Glitter at my wake. If you looked up "gothic" in the dictionary (When they finally add it! Come on cowards!), you would find Marley there as a visual reference. Her photo would be featured! She is an amazing business owner and total goth inspiration! Put her together with the incredible talent behind Bête Noire (Hi Alicia!!) and magic happens! If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a beautiful vampire haunting the halls of an ornate church, I’d snag this necklace. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a cast member of The Real Housewives of Hell, I’d add this to your cart. If you’ve ever wanted to have a statement necklace that just made every outfit you wear feel that much more decadent, well...you get the point. I can’t express enough how obsessed I am with this piece, this collaboration, and these two amazing badass business ladies!

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The Sacred Heart Necklace

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To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Treat Yourself!

Photo By: Alana Roolaart

The big day isn’t the only reason to seek out an one of a kind dress. Special events, reunions, birthdays, prom, coming of age celebrations, anniversaries, and just wanting to treat ourselves can lead to an endless search for the perfect dress. What if you could just get the perfect dress made? Wouldn’t that just be so much easier?? Well! The option is always here! As we’ve talked about in the past on this blog, Bête Noire offers customs gown creations. Well, I’ve already gotten married! I don’t need a custom wedding dress, but I do love the idea of getting a custom dress created for different special events. 

Christian Lacriox Image via Google Images

My husband and I got married in the fall of last year. We’ve got some big celebrations going on this year! Our honeymoon and our first anniversary, to which I want to celebrate with a beautiful custom dress. I personally have been going through a style change within the past two years. Much more fitted styles, lingerie feel to ordinary clothes, I like to thing of it a gothhic awakening. Sexy, mysterious and deadly is what I want my personal style to convey. So when I was thinking what I’d like to have my custom dress look like I knew I wanted it to represent my current style. I am in love with this Christian Lacroix 1994 spring runway dress. It captures a lot of what I find my personal aesthetic aligns with. This dress is amazing! But it’s from the 90’s, so discontinued. It’s from a designer that may not cover clothing in my size. That’s where ordering a custom dress is the perfect solution. 

When ordering a custom gown from Bête Noire a sketch is made based off of the elements you’d like to have in your design. There is a lot from this dress I love! But it has some things I personally don’t like. So being able to take this an inspiration instead of a recreation is really great! Molded cups in dresses don’t usually work with my bust to waist ratio. I love the idea of a dress like this made with lace for more texture. Bow tie  straps aren’t something I personally want. So all of that went into my description to Bête Noire, along with my sketch. Now that the process is started we wait! This is a two parter blog post YALL! Check back in when the dress of my dreams is back to see! I personally can’t wait! I love the idea of not just getting the dress of my dreams only for my wedding. It’s 2022, and we’re making all the fashion dreams come true. 

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Just wear the dress!

Just Wear The Dress!

What’s stopping you?? Forget the flaws at the door and put that dress of your dreams on!

Did you guys know the Macabre Glamour Gown is back in stock? Yeah! This is a beautiful gown that checks a lot of boxes for me. Black lace, double thigh slits, adjustable straps, an alluring aura to it, and so on. I personally just got this dress in the mail last week and wow. WOW! I love it! This dress also checks some boxes for me that I don’t typically wear. It has a very open back and a deep neckline. To some those are features they look for! Historically, I try to avoid those things. I have a lot of insecurity surrounding the size of my breasts and back rolls. So as excited as I was to receive this dress, I was apprehensive to put it on. Yes it’s my job to put it on, but I can still be nervous!

All this really got me thinking about fashion and the reasons we get specific pieces. A comfy pair of leggings to lounge in. A light jacket to layer over a look. A statement dress to feel empowered in. I have always wanted to feel more comfortable with my body, especially the areas I feel most insecure about. Slowly over time I’ve dipped my toes in the water of shedding strict clothing must haves to hide the parts of me I don’t like. A gown is meant to make us feel powerful. We don’t always wear a gown, right? I mean I’d love to wear them more often! We usually save them for special events that we want to dress up for. I dress up to feel powerful, to feel untouchable, to feel that surge of confidence.

When I put this dress on I felt good. Great! Really hot! Everything I’ve been hiding was out and on show in the dress. And I was still hot! Sometimes just letting go for a moment of those deep routed insecurities and melting into just existing can be hard. I don’t think anyone would even bat an eye in disapproval if they saw me in this. They would likely be more taken back at how glamorous I looked. People aren’t looking at the flaws you see everyday. They’re looking at the confident person wearing such a stunning dress! Life is weird. Life is short. Throw caution to the wind, hang the insecurities at the door, and wear the damn stunning dress! When you reflect back on moments in your life, which do you think will make you smile more? Reflecting on the times you covered up and compromised an outfit? Or when you just put on the dress?

How would you style this dress?

Leave your answer in the comments. 🖤

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Embracing the Dark Side

Gothic wedding couture is chic, bold, and seriously sets the tone.

Now, which tone is that? That the wedding is eerie? Spooky? A statement? A second marriage?

Someone who wants a fabulous dress to wear many occasions? Well guess what?! Those are actually all reasons why people have historically (and presently) worn black at their wedding! Alternative fashion aside, black wedding gowns can be traced back 3,000 years ago to the Zhou Dynasty in China!  Brides and grooms were required to wear pure black robes with a red trim (which if you ask me sounds like perfect gothic wedding vibes!).

In the 1800’s brides would choose any color for their wedding gown.  Several reasons were given for this decision.  The gown could be worn for more than one occasion – and a darker color would not get dirty as easily as a white or light-colored gown. Oftentimes men would wear black to honor a previous wife who passed, signifying a widower's second wedding. Black wedding gowns can also be traced back to Spain. It was custom in Roman Catholic traditions for a Spanish bride to wear a black gown paired with a veil, called a mantilla. The black gown symbolized the bride’s devotion to her husband until death, and ensured her loyalty. 

Black wedding gowns aren’t popping up more often out of the blue (or out of the black). People also like to take what the white dress was known for: purity, innocence, chastity, submission, and just flip that off. Flip it over? Just do away with it entirely. Traditions be damned! Wear the black dress, rock it for sentimental reasons, dark desires, maybe even evil doing? Or just to feel fucking cool!! 

Would you wear black on your big day?

Leave your answer in the comments. 🖤

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Let’s Keep Things Casual

Staying within our aesthetic can be difficult for those casual, dressed down days.

I’d love to get dressed up like the dark gothic diva that I am 24/7! Who doesn’t want to turn heads as they stroll down the aisles of the grocery store in a custom black gown? Showing up to a family gathering? Running to get some gas? There are some difficulties that come with that.

1- The effort: Sometimes we just don’t have the time to get into our beautiful nightmare queen attire.
2- Convenience: A simple cute dress can be so much easier to throw on compared to an amazing tailored suit when planning a trip for a casual dinner with friends from time to time.
3- Would the public even be able to handle it?! I don’t think so! We need to give them some rest from their jaw dropping all the time. That’s why Bête Noire has a simple line!

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Vieil Ami Memento Mori Necklace

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I know, I know! When we think Bête Noire we think glamour. We think of gowns dripping in luxury and stunning statement pieces! But you probably didn’t know that there is a simple line from Bête noire as well! There are casual accessories that still shout “I am a gothic diva! I’m just a little more dressed down today.” Someone will take a look at the relaxed, yet cute gothic vibe and go, “Oh wait? Is that a coffin on your necklace? A tooth? A planchette?! I love that!!” Plus, some gothic babes don’t want to turn heads on the regular. Who am I kidding, they do! Just in a more subtle way. I’ve paired the Vieil Ami Memento Mori Necklace with two looks that are more on the casual side. I too enjoy a break from a statement piece from time to time. This is such a go-to necklace for when I still want to convey gothic HBIC, but I’m just a little more subdued today.

Do you prefer dressing up or down?

Leave your answer in the comments. 🖤

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | It's My Wedding and I'll Wear Black If I Want To

Tradition be damned

Because some people want to go a little outside the traditional wedding box!

Weddings are so special, personal and exciting! It's the day you proclaim your love to your absolute favorite person in the world. I mean, come on! Who doesn’t love that? Weddings are also an opportunity to be at the highest frequency of self expression. This is an important day all about you, your love, and the reason why they fell in love with you. Why wouldn’t you want to wear what makes you feel the most glamorous you can be?! Glamour looks different for everyone! Tradition be damned! Some people want to go a little outside the traditional wedding box.

The dress is key to planning a wedding. The theme, the vibe, and the feeling of who you are is all centered around the dress! For some people that dress is a black wedding dress! That might not be for everyone, but for those who seek it, Bête noire has got you covered! Bête Noire doesn’t just offer beautiful black wedding gowns in a full range of sizes, they also offer custom gowns. Custom gowns!! Have you seen a dress and just thought, oh wow! That is how I want to look on my wedding day, but I don’t want to wear white. Bring it over to Bête Noire. This is a custom made Bête Noire dress featured. One of a kind, made with special care and self expression in mind.

The custom gown process is one taken with love and care. It’s made to your particular measurements, with only minor alterations possibly needed once it’s done. Made for you, special to you! Turn around time for a gown is between 30-60 days, with a price range of $800-$3200(or more, depending on details). Average wedding gowns fall around the $1800 range. We start with a sketching process, deposit, and from there magic happens! Some people want to be a princess on their wedding day, some want to be an evil queen. Gothic glamour can be a part of the wedding world and leave everyone at your ceremony mouth AGAPE. Or maybe you just want to order yourself a beautiful black custom gown! We’ll go over that another day though. If you’re interested in starting the process of creating your dark wedding day fantasy visit https://www.shopbetenoire.com/custom.

Would you wear black on your big day?

Leave your answer in the comments. 🖤

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com

Alternative Style Blog | Deadly Yet Delicious

Classic meets modern.

There’s something about certain styles that scream “classic” when you see them.

It could be something that reminds us of old Hollywood. Or maybe an air of timelessness to them. Subcultures of all sorts of fashion styles gravitate to them. It’s especially prevalent in the alternative scene. Who doesn’t love feeling glamorous while also being decadently gothic?? I’ve personally gone through a rockabilly phase, a vintage phase, and now find myself somewhere in the gothic realm for most of my wardrobe. I love the DeVille Shrug because it really touches on all of these styles.

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DeVille Shrug

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This shrug can be worn with a beautiful formal gown out to an event. Imagine a vintage glamour style party with a pair of long satin gloves. The kind where you clutch your pearls as you gasp at the news of the murderer reveal! Oh, did I mention it’s an old Hollywood murder mystery dinner party? The shrug could also be worn for a sexy night in or possibly a boudoir shoot. Now the question isn’t what sexy lingerie piece you should pair underneath it - It’s who deserves to see you looking that stunning?? Because believe me, it’s going to make heads roll. I intend on wearing mine to the grocery store. Why? To keep everyone in my general vicinity in the loop that I’m the main character here. Thank you.

I’ve paired the DeVille Shrug with the Arachnophobia statement necklace and matching earrings. My goal is deadly, yet delicious: My mindset. And my mantra. Let’s be honest, the DeVille Shrug delivers on all those and more.

How would you style the DeVille Shrug? Do you prefer dressy or casual?

Leave your answer in the comments. 🖤

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com.

Alternative Style Blog | Make A Statement 🖤

Stand out

in the crowd.

People use fashion for many different reasons. Self expression, confidence, comfort, creativity, and to make a statement.

Clothing, accessories, color palettes, inspiration, pairings - all these different fashion expressions can help bring a look to a higher level. I personally love using accessories that make a statement. Sometimes the entire outfit as a whole is the statement, so the accessory pushes it over the top. Other times I use it to take an ordinary outfit to an extraordinary. Statement pieces are a great way to start leveling up your wardrobe without dropping tons of money on lots of clothes as well.

A personal favorite of mine is the Adonia Necklace. Talk about making the statement loud and clear! Look at me! I love to be extra, I love to be loud, and I love to mix gothic couture into an outfit at a snap. I paired this necklace with two different looks. I took different considerations in each look. The first look has a lower neckline, drawing your eye right to Adonia. The necklace brings you into the whole look and reads fashion, glam goth, and eye catching right away. A loud look needs a loud piece to get the attention started.

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Adonia Statement Necklace

Sale Price: $65.00 Original Price: $139.00

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For my second look I layered it atop of a high neckline textured top. This is a more casual look, but it is taken up that one notch to convey a higher fashion approach. Mixing basics and statements can be fashion! I’m also a sucker for textures on top of textures. I want the pieces to almost blend in while simultaneously sticking out.

How do you like to wear your statement pieces? Making them the focal point? Or using them as a tool to create a larger statement overall?

Leave your answer in the comments. 🖤

To send feedback or suggestions for upcoming posts contact ally@shopbetenoire.com.

Alternative Style Blog | From casual to gothic bridal - why Bête Noire decided to make the switch.

Bête Noire recently switched from casual apparel to suiting, gowns, and gothic chic formal wear– founder Alicia Rau’s true passions. We cater to the alternative bride, and pride ourselves in helping you find the perfect black wedding gown. Need a gothic prom dress? We’ve got that covered too. Favor the masculine side of fashion? Don’t fret. Inclusivity is of the utmost importance. We’ll be releasing our line of masculine and gender neutral suiting along with additional sizes this September.

2003

You can ask anyone I was around growing up. There was no question what I wanted to be. A designer. I directly credit my mother and grandmother. Both strong, classy, creative women who were talented seamstresses. It started with costumes. Halloween was always the best day of the year, and there were never boundaries to what I wanted to craft. Somehow they managed to always bring my creation to life.

2003

Having a solid foundation, when I got old enough I decided to go for it. Armed with a arsenal of formal gown designs, I was accepted into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and I moved to Los Angeles. This story doesn’t go the way you think, though.

The next decade consisted of abusive relationships, alcoholism, and overcoming heart breaking traumas mostly inflicted by myself. If you had asked me my dream job then, without a doubt I still would have responded fashion design. Never in a million years did I ever think that was actually achievable.

At 27 I got sober, met my twin flame, and did all the “normal life” things society praises. Getting married, starting a family, and supporting my husband into an incredible career. I still didn’t feel complete.

In 2013 my grandpa Leonard fell ill. He was unable to return to his senior apartment and entered a nursing home. Always having had a connection to the older generation, I went to visit right away. I didn’t find the ultra-strong man I remembered growing up. Not only was he unwell, I immediately picked up on the sign of nursing home abuse. The way I was raised, family always comes first. I took it upon myself to find him a new home. I also knew it didn’t stop there.

2016

This is the part that always chokes me up. The next years were spent with daily visits, laughter, and listening to the incredible stories of my Grandfathers past. We grew close to the staff and other residents and were a big family. If I could get those years back, I would no question.

2017

When my Grandpa passed away in 2018 – the void I felt was immense. He was my Yoda, and although I’m close to my parents his words seemed to always reach me differently. Being no stranger to darkness I vowed to take my pain and make it beautiful.

It was then I was again asked the burning question “If you could be anything – what would it be?” With my past to guide me, I had no reservations. I realized that the only thing holding me back from accomplishing adding the title of designer to my resume was myself. Just like that, Bête Noire was born.

2018

The funny thing about growth is it never ends. I’m strongly devoted to making progress in all plains of my life. After 2 years in business, I found myself again at a crossroad. Partially fulfilled but exhausted. Exhausted by fast fashion, other’s judgements, social media, you name it. I felt I was always being advised to follow the status quo and that the financial risk was too great to explore the idea of creating formal wear. I told my close circle we would close within the coming months.

Ultimately, closing didn’t feel right, either. Late one evening my husband casually told me, “Bête Noire can and will be whatever you want it to be. Why don’t you do what you’re good at? You make the impossible possible.” It’s funny how if you’re listening – the right people have just the right thing to say at the right time.

This journey in Bete Noire has never been about the followers, profits, or clout. It’s solely based on creating a company and pieces I wish existed. Inclusive and founded on doing the right thing, excellent customer service, and a true knowledge & love for the art of design. It doesn’t matter what happens next. I can say I wake up and have the privilege to do something I’m passionate about.

May this be your reminder that no matter your current path - you can never truly abandon your divine purpose. If you’re not happy, ask yourself the question: “If I could be anything, what would it be?”

Reach for the stars and never, ever give up,