We have a range of brand new season T.U.K. creepers, rockers and creeper sneakers in stock now. Check them out here. We are giving you the chance to win a pair of the minty cool Mondo Hi Sole Creepers you see in the picture above. Made from brushed suede with a 3cm high rubber sole and the best quality creeper you can always expect from T.U.K. shoes! So how do you get your hands on a pair?

Visit our Facebook page by clicking on this big f, like our Soho's Facebook page then all you need to do is 'Like & Share' the competition. We will randomly select a winner who will be announced next Monday (14th April). If you aren't the lucky winner, as a Soho's follower on Facebook, you will be the first to hear of our great promos, discounts and newest additions so you can't lose really.

Good Luck!

Gothic Dresses For Spring

We are almost out of winter and as the air starts to lose its chill now is the ideal time to begin removing some of those heavier layers and finding some new gothic dresses which are spring-appropriate. As gothic dresses rely heavily on black it can be a little difficult to find styles to reflect the warmer seasons, but below are some good tips for choosing gothic dresses that will see you through the spring and into summer.

1. Pick a pattern

Black is a good staple colour for Goth clothing, but when the sun is shining it’s nice to be able to brighten your outfits with an unusual print or pattern. Alternative steampunk brand Spin Doctor has a great range of patterned dresses, including the Pentagram dress. Featuring an all-over print of stars, moons and other occult symbols, the eye-catching design makes a great substitute to plain black whilst still retaining an authentic Gothic feel. Striped gothic dresses also work nicely for spring.

2. Check the hemline

Sunnier days mean hemlines can get a little shorter. The long layered skirts that have been worn all winter can start be to swapped shorter knee length dresses and mini dresses. Gothic dresses with full skirts are an easy way to update your wardrobe ready for spring. The Hell Bunny Adare Dress is actually part of the gothic brands Autumn/Winter collection, but the striking white feather and graveyard printing that decorates the dress and the flattering flared full skirt makes it more than suitable for the fresh spring weather, and it looks just as nice paired with black heels as it does with lace up boots.

3. Lose the sleeves

Winter was the time to wrap up in lots of layers; long lace tops under long-sleeved cardigans and flowing maxi skirts. But now is the time to start incorporating sheerer fabrics and shorter sleeves into your daily outfits. Sleeveless dresses instantly make your outfit less wintery, and if it is still a little chilly simply pop a cropped cardigan on over the top. The Flocked Dress from Banned is a nice item to update your winter wardrobe with. Made from a black satin material and covered with a velvet flocked pattern, the mix of textures adds interest despite being all black and the keyhole bust and pleated shoulder sections make the dress ideal for warmer weather. It would be perfect for spring when paired with a pair of dainty dolly pumps and a lightweight cardigan.

To see a wider range of Goth dresses suitable for all seasons visit alternative clothing store Soho’s. We have a great choice of dresses in Goth, punk and rockabilly styles from leading brands including Spin Doctor, Hell Bunny and Jawbreaker.

Make a statement with Spin Doctor

If you’re thinking about updating your look don’t miss the newest brand on alternative the scene, Spin Doctor! A fresh new venture from Pop Soda, the parent company to the immensely popular Hell Bunny range, Spin Doctor clothing is set to fill the void for the burgeoning fashion of Steampunk. Offering a range of women’s and men’s clothing, the Spin Doctor aesthetic focuses on the intricacies of the Victorian style but with a unique anachronistic twist.

But this is by no means style over substance - each item is finely crafted using high quality material to ensure it lasts. Inspired by the dark arts, the latest Spring 2014 collection features some gorgeous Spin Doctor dresses in stunning prints that incorporate pentagrams, skulls, stars and other occult symbols to add an edge.

The Pentagram dress is a real must-have piece from the current collection. Made from black cotton and adorned with an all-over print of stars, skulls and moons, the full length two-tone zip running up the front and bodice harness help to toughen up the feminine shape, and the open back reveals a pentagram shape tied across the eyelets.  A completely unique, this is a fantastic example of the quality and attention to detail Spin Doctor put into their dresses.

Whilst their dresses are guaranteed to turn heads, the range also features belted and buckled skirts, lace skirts, tailored velveteen waistcoats and corset style tops, all with a distinct Victorian style and available in sizes S – XL.

Spin Doctor wanted to include some highly wearable and practical everyday pieces to allow customers to demonstrate their unique style for every occasion. The Spin Doctor Tymore top is the perfect style for a more relaxed outfit. Made from black jersey with high cut lace over the chest, the top has a striking cut-out section to show off the charming detachable Victorian cameo that hangs from the neckline. A versatile piece that could be styled up or down, this is sure to be a Steampunk staple.

Another fantastic style from the women’s Spin Doctor clothing range is the beautiful Ariana Black Dress, the perfect little black dress for that special occasion. Part of the 2013 Autumn/Winter collection, this timeless style is a real winner. The black gothic style dress is double layered, with a soft cotton inner layer for comfort and a black mesh outer layer that is gathered down the front to give a tailored silhouette. Featuring a delicate lace panel across the bust and a black satin bow on the bustle of the dress, the shape hugs the waist before flaring out from the knees to capture the 30s style that inspired it.

The entire range of Spin Doctor women’s clothing, including the new Spring Pentagram Collection, can be found over at Soho’s Clothing, the alternative clothing retailer.

The Birth of Goth

The real birth of the Gothic subculture is much debated, but many assign it to 1979 and the release of the song “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” from Bauhaus, one of the first gothic rock bands. The first generation gothic rock scene was a splinter of the post-punk music genre, and the subsequent subculture that it spawned continues to be very popular today.

History

Starting in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Goth movement was defined by the music of groups such as Bauhaus, Siouxie and the Banshees and The Damned who were all defined by their black clothing. The Gothic rock music scene had declined by the mid-1980s but was revived in the late-1980s and very early 1990s when bands like the Shroud and London After Midnight began to refer to themselves as ‘gothic’ once more.

Gothic rock and the Goth scene made a big resurgence during the late 1990s and early 2000s when American bands Marilyn Manson and H.I.M. gained significant popularity amongst teens and young adults. Although these modern acts had a shock theatrical element, their music all shared the same eerie and mysterious themes that characterised the introspective music of the first and second generations of Goth.

Fashion

The gothic fashion style is just as well recognised as the music scene. Characterised by black clothing and an abundance of silver jewellery, usually incorporating religious or pagan symbolism, Goth clothing styles are usually modelled on fashion from the Victorian and Elizabethan era.

To complement the Gothic clothing style many choose to have jet black hair and favour an extremely pale complexion to increase the dark and mysterious image. Black nails, lipstick and dark eyeliner define the makeup look.

Women’s gothic style clothing incorporates a mixture of textures. Heavy velvet, black fishnet tights, netting and lace, black leather, corset-style details and hook and eye fastenings all make up the gothic wardrobe. Despite a preference for black clothing, outfits will often be complemented by flashes of deep crimson and dark purple. Iconic gothic females include Morticia Adams and Siouxsie Sioux.

Gothic clothing for men also relies on black clothing and usually features rips and tears. Combat boots and Doc Martens, bondage trousers with plenty of buckles and black overcoats are also worn. Iconic gothic men include Robert Smith from The Cure and Marilyn Mason.

Goth in Mainstream

Gothic influence has since down filtered into many areas of mainstream society. In popular culture the films of Tim Burton are characterised by their gothic undertones, and his film Edward Scissor Hands heavily utilises the gothic culture and fashion.

For a great range of Goth style clothing for men and women visit alternative clothing store Soho’s. We stock a wide range of Goth style clothing and accessories from popular Goth brands including Dead Threads and Spin Doctor

The Origins Of Emo

The emo subculture originally stemmed from the hardcore punk scene way back in the 1980’s. Before the long fringe, tight clothing and straight-edge lifestyle, emo was a little more aggressive; in fact, the way of life was probably closer to punk.

History
As a musical style, emo is defined as punk rock with melody and introspective lyrics. During the 90’s the subculture began to take on a life of its own and trailing behind, as always, was a style guide. But unlike the black leather and colourful Mohawk haircuts, the emo style of punk was more “geeky.” Emo kids commonly wore horned rimmed glassed, Converse All Stars and jeans.

During the late 90’s and early 00’s, emo was without a doubt the most common alternative styles. With the emergence of Los Angeles pop-punk bands such as Good Charlotte, came the more Gothic fusion. During this era many of the originals, who were fans of the harder groups such as Black Flag and the Ramones, shunned emo for its commercial appeal.

Nowadays the emo style has toned down and focuses more on its routes than the late 90’s Gothic approach that made so many turn their back on the genre. Side parted hair, thick framed glasses, tight jeans and hi-tops are commonly worn by both sexes. Since cult band At the Drive In, many have even opted for the Omar Rodriguez afro.

Music
The influence of hardcore legends Fugazi, Rites and Spring and Hüsker Dü can’t be ignored. Although all of these bands failed reach heights of commercial fame, virtually every famous modern emo band credits them for their success.

Emo music never reached a commercial level until the early 90’s; at the same time the Seattle scene was exploding. Many bands of this era were hugely inspired by the hardcore scene and based their musical style on the energy of punk with the riffs of heavy metal. This fusion of dirty rock spawned grunge.

When the grunge scene started to die down during the mid-90’s the skate-punk scene began to emerge as Green Day and Blink 182 reached commercial heights. At the time it was difficult to distinguish the skate-punk and emo style as many followers of each subculture crossed paths.

Emo Today
Emo has produced a number of different subcultures, such as screamo. This more aggressive form of emo started in the early 90’s in San Diego. Composition of screamo music usually consists of fast guitars, chaotic stage shows and screaming vocals. Emo-pop is another genre that managed to reach the mainstream. In fact, many of the most popular emo bands, such as Jimmy Eat World, are actually emo-pop as opposed to traditional emo. While the principle look remains the same throughout each genre, there are subtle changes, often through the use of colour.

If you are on the hunt for some traditional emo clothing, take a look at Soho’s. We stock a range of products suitable for every alternative style.