#knightcore
We’ve all dreamed about what our “perfect future” would look like, but did you realize just how much that actually tells you about yourself?
Each and every dream or goal you have for yourself can teach you a lot about your own personal values and desires. As such, it can also tell you what you truly need to focus on to get where you want to be!
Start by answering the following question: How do I want to live?
There’s no deadline of “…in five years” or anything like that. It’s just- what does your ideal life look like? In the form of bullet points, jot down any and everything you think of that you think is important to the ideal.
Then go back and answer a different question: What does my dream lifestyle say about me?
There are typically two categories of information you can glean from this exercise. The first is what you value.
At the very core, the center, of who you are, what is the absolute most important to you? For example, I noticed that a lot of my “ideals” that came to mind involved having the discipline to eat well or having more time and funds to throw into self-care and beauty routines. This tells me that I value my own health and physical appearance and it is important to me that I view myself in a positive light, even if no one else does.
For me, that is something I have struggled with for a long time, feeling confident in my own body. At some point, it became one of my fears and a weakness to me. However, what we fear about ourselves or the world around us can often tell us exactly what we value so deeply. The reason we fear certain things is because we have something to protect there, something we love and cherish, and we desperately want to prevent it from being taken from us. By focusing on those areas in our self-reflection, we can help strengthen those values and desires that are hidden there so that we can wear them more confidently.
The second category of information you can learn about from this exercise is what you desire.
While your values are your needs, your desires are your wants. Could you survive without them? Probably, but that doesn’t make them any less important to you. Your values are things that have always been a part of you, but have weakened over time and need to be given strength. A desire, on the other hand, are things that haven’t come to pass yet but are essential to your continued growth as a person. They can show you what pieces of yourself you have outgrown or the best building blocks to help you strengthen, or develop new, core values.
For example, when looking at my “ideals”, I can see that the words “confidence” and “discipline” and “self-control” pop up a lot, always in the context that they are something I lack. That’s not a negative way to write about myself, it’s simply that at my current stage in life, I have noticed this and now I am expressing the desire to change that. Due to my personal context, this tells me that I desire the confidence to speak when needed, to stay silent when it isn’t, and say precisely what needs to be said, instead of rambling anxiously and feeling uncomfortable in my own silence. If there is something about yourself that really bothers you, it’s your brain telling you that whatever is on your nerves is no longer necessary to you, that you’ve outgrown it and need something else now. In my case, I feel out-of-control in social situations and after looking at what my “ideals” actually are, can safely say that the issue is rooted in low, or a lack of, self-confidence.
Have a positive self-reflection day everyone!
Something I’ve always wanted to do…is to create a small clothing boutique with my own designs. But the twist would be that each collection would be based off of an original story prompt written to show the various beauties of how our humanity can be expressed alongside the elements of nature and different places and time periods, and to empower those who wear the outfits with their stories in mind.
A way to further spread positive magick and influence through collaborative creativity, if you will!
Guys, whatever happens, never let me travel to a fantasy world. I would die immediately. The second I saw something fluffy, regardless of if it was a beastkin person or a dire wolf or an actual, real, live forest monster, I would risk my life to pet the fluff and die smiling.
Tuilë túla Taurenna | Elven music greeting the arrival of springtime wit…
Ah my favorite trope—Petulant Royal and Steadfast Knight to Lovers
Hey y’all just wanted to let you know that tonight’s shop update will be postponed im until next Saturday November 13th at 8 pm est. I’ve been working on a few projects with close deadlines so I haven’t been able to photograph the pieces for the listings yet. This also means I’m shifting the Linen Bise dress preorder back to the 13th also. Sorry for any inconvenience!
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Sharing one of my favorite pictures of @alex.moy taken by @11milebay this summer. Alex is wearing a high collared version of the Bise dress! It’s one of the things I’m hoping to be able to add to the regular shop updates soon.
#ixdoxdeclare #idodeclareshop #shopsmall #alexmoy #11milebayphotography #knightcore #ladyknight #battlewitch #blackvelvet #gothgoth #queerfashion #queerdesigner #slowfashion #sword #knight #romantic #romanticfashion #romanticgoth #shopupdate #greenfashion #gothfashion (at New York City, N.Y.)
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Through the newly spare foliage of the oak we could see the last twinkling of summers warmth as the last rays of the summer sun sank.
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I’m putting the final touches on pieces for the @salemnightfaire today before @voodooodolly and I pack up our fancy tent and head back East with @thorns_clothing
⚔️We’ve just gotten word that because of the wild weather forecast for the weekend Saturday has been canceled. So the market will now be FRIDAY ONLY. ⚔️
I’ll be bringing Salome Tops, two skirt styles, Linen and Whisper Bise dresses, lots of one of a kind pieces and the last ever of my witch hats.
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by @11milebay with models @juniper_witch @voodooodolly @sklrrrrr and @x_oskeleton
Accessories by @voodooodolly
Armor by @ironagecraft and others.
#idodeclareshop #ixdoxdeclare #idodeclare #voodooodolly #11milebayphotography #ironagecraft #starryhalo #marlowedress #heldress #ladyknight #knightcore #knight #sword #goldenhour #shopsmall #salemnightfaire #autumn #fall #renaissance #medieval #crown #gothfashion #queerfashion #slowfashion (at Salem, Massachusetts)
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Knights of Autumn in the fallow field.
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@voodooodolly and I are all set up at the @darksomecraftmkt @mountmoriahcemetery
Both of us brought a pile of one of a kind pieces and we’re so excited to get to see so many amazing visitors and vendors today! If you happen to be around the Philly area come by and see us! We’ll be here till 5pm.
Photography by the fantastic @11milebay
#ixdoxdeclare #idodeclareshop #voodooodolly #witchstyle #shopsmall #alowfashion #darksomecraftmkt #mountmoriahcemetery #gothgoth #ladyknight #knight #battlewitch #knightcore #renaissance #medieval (at Mount Moriah Cemetery)
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Meet me in the deep woods and we’ll hide from winters chill.
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Driving out tomorrow heading for the @darksomecraftmkt at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia. It’s a long way but luckily @voodooodolly and I will be traveling together! It helps to have a good friend to share an 8 hour drive! We’ll both have some fun surprises pieces at the market including one of a kind styles alongside some of my standard styles. I’ll be doing my best to share some previews in my stories.
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Also just waiting on some final info before posting all about the Bise preorder! I’m excited to be able to launch this as it’s been one of my signature styles!
Photo by @11milebay and @missykitty
With models @alex.moy and @frochan
#idodeclareshop #idodeclare #ixdoxdeclare #queerstyle #knightcore #battlewitch #voodooodolly #starryhalo #bisedress #darksomecraftmkt #everydayishalloween #gothgoth #knight #ladyknight #knightsrepose #blackdress #indiedesigner #shopsmall #greenstyle #slowfashion #forest #gothgothgoth #gothfashion #renaissance #renaissancestyle #romanticgoth (at Mount Moriah Cemetery)
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I saw a strange creature, a bright ship of the air beautifully adorned, bearing away plunder between her horns, fetching it home from a foray.
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One week left until the @darksomecraftmkt in Philly! And then after that the @salemnightfaire I’m so excited to see all of the other incredible vendors!
In other news all of the Hel dresses have finally arrived and been shipped out to their homes. I’m finishing up a few more one of a kind pieces for the markets. I’ll also have some of the Salome croptops with me. We’ll also be launching a preorder for the black Bise dresses in linen soon. #idodeclare #idodeclareshop #voodooodolly #heldress #queerstyle #witch #sword #ladyknight #knightcore #heavenlybodies #halo #queerdesigner #gothgoth #romanticgoth #battlewitch #sheerdress #salemnightfaire #darksomecraftmkt (at Columbus, Ohio)
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I carry on my back what once converged every man, body and soul submerged together in water. Say what conceals me or what I, who bear this burden, am called.
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Sneaking in with a still off two from this Swordtember look! This Renaissance tunic from @thorns_clothing is just perfect for fall weather.
Here I’m wearing it with a sample soft armor piece I’m working on and my @voodooodolly starry halo. The Noli Me Tangere belts are available on her website!
I wish I had more time to take some really spectacular photos this time around but alas! I am however deep in preparing pieces for two back to back in person markets next month!
Catch me in Philly October 23rd for the @darksomecraftmkt at the Mount Moriah Cemetery and then the weekend on October 29-30th after in Salem Ma at the @salemnightfaire
I’m so excited to be able to attend these outdoor events! I’ve missed seeing people in person and getting to talk to so many other artists and small businesses! And I’m so grateful to organizers with are taking precautions and setting up outdoor events. I’ll be bringing one of a kind pieces to both events.
Lots of other things are happening in the background. Both ongoing preorders will be wrapping up soon so I’ll be able to open another for the Bise dresses and hopefully the Velvet Sylvias! That pattern is finally all set and ready to go, and I found a supplier for the most beautiful cotton velvet!
What are you excited about for fall?
#idodeclareshop #idodeclare #lamaupin #swordtember #swordtember2021 #knightcore #battlewitch #ladyknight #womenwithswords #sword #halo #heavenlybodies #nolimetangere #voodooodolly #thornsclothing #Renaissance #medieval #Renaissancefashion #shopsmall #slowfashion #greenfashion #queerdesigner #queerstyle #pageboy
(at Columbus, Ohio)
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Shadow and light, old and new, past and future.
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Finally breaking into the @faith_schaffer #swordtember2021 prompts! Though of course I’m being a bit loose with my interpretations. Working on a lot of very exciting things simultaneously right now! The Salome preorders are coming along really quickly thanks to @suddenlypants and I’m gearing up for TWO markets in October!!
#swordtember #idodeclare #ixdoxdeclare #idodeclareshop #queerstyle #queerfashion #knightcore #battlewitch #ladyknight #womenwithswords #antiquetextiles #nolimetangere #bustier #renaissance #gloves (at Columbus, Ohio)
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Getting ready for tomorrow’s update at 8pm est!
There will be white linen and a handful of one of a kind pieces available!
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Because of the new EU VAT rules I will have to stop shipping to the EU via my webshop for this update. I am hoping to be able to move more pieces over to the Etsy shop for EU and UK customers. I’m sorry this is so inconvenient. Please bear with me while I sort out the best way for IDD to manage these changes!
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Photo by @11milebay with models @frochan wearing the Göndul dress and @alex.moy in a new one of a kind piece that will be available in the update! Jewlery by @voodooodolly
#idodeclareshop #shopupdate #shopsmall #queerstyle #newvatlawsheadache #voodooodolly #knightcore #ladyknight #11milebayphotography #woodswitch #slowfashion #queerownedbusiness #queerallyear #gothgoth #summergoth #medieval #renaissance (at New York, New York)
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I’ve been meaning to do a look Inspired by those famous images of Victorian lady fencers for ages! Unfortunately my hair is a bit short for the good Gibson girl pouf.
It was the perfect excuse to break out this brooch from @puvithel ❣️
Thank you all so much for the fantastic response to the Clifford Blouses! These are one of the styles I’ve been working on for a long time behind the scenes. I’m so happy with how they came out finished. We are working on the next round of them, I genuinely didn’t expect them to go so quickly. I’ve been trying to work on more separates and pieces I reach for daily! It’s part of just wanting everything I use daily for feel special somehow.
#knightcore #fencing #ixdoxdeclare #idodeclareshop #whitelinen #edwardian #victorian #lace #drunkensmithy #puvithel #shopsmall #smallbusiness #romanticfashion #slowfashion #queerstyle #queerdesigner #masemoiselledemaupin #juliedaubigny
(at Columbus, Ohio)
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Getting ready for tonight’s update at 8pm est! Featuring the Sylvia dress in crimson linen! You may have seen it on @morgandonner and I love how she styles hers!!
I have a handful of the Black Sylvias as well (seen on @voodooodolly) would you prefer for me to list them tonight or wait until the size run is finished?
I’ll be posting previews of the two one of a kind styles for tonight in my stories, so keep an eye on those!
Unfortunately because of some shipping delays I won’t have the Clifford Blouses or the Gruoch Skirts tonight. However I will be adding them to the shop next Saturday! Apologies to anyone who was waiting specifically for those styles!
#idodeclareshop #ixdoxdeclare #knightcore #shopsmall #linendress #crimsonlinen #sylviadress #slowfashion #indiedesigner #renaissance #renaissancestyle #smallbusinessowner #smallbusiness #womenwithswords (at Columbus, Ohio)
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And when they were met they put off their helms and kissed together, and wept for joy and pity.
Another reminder that the update has been pushed back to April 30th! I’m hoping to be able to add a few extra pieces as a result! I’m loving seeing everyone photos in their new Bise dresses so much. I will be adding more of those to the shop in the coming months, and hopefully a round of sleeveless ones for summer!
Flashback to early fall and this lovely day with @artemisiadraconia shot by @11milebay wearing atomic from @mytholon_store and @ironagecraft and crowns by @voodooodolly
@artemisiadraconia is wearing a sample version of the Cloisters gown and I am wearing a Sylvia dress backwards!
#idodeclareshop #knightcore #romantic #royalcore #shopsmall #slowfashion #armor #ladyknight #autumn #femmeknights #crowns #swords #chivalry #queerstyle #queerownedbusiness #smallbusiness #gothgoth #Knightaesthetic #battlewitch #VoodoooDolly #11milebayphotography #truelove (at Columbus, Ohio)
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For the dragon had as aids smoke and flame, teeth and claws sharper than a shearing knife, and she had only her sword.
The next update will be this next Saturday the 23rd! There will be a handful of one of a kind pieces and Sylvia dresses in lack and crimson!
Along with the Cuirass corset I’m working on a series of Theodorè bustiers for later. This is a style I keep coming back to and I’m so happy to finally be on the verge of releasing them.
I really can’t wait for the warmer weather to finally manifest where I am. We keep diving back into cold, dark days and I’m so ready to leave them behind.
@voodooodolly is wearing the Theodorè bustier, Cloisters dress and her own new crown style with a set of hand tied stormy grey Pearl necklaces.
#ixdoxdeclare #idodeclareshop #ladyknight #knightcore #heroandthecrown #womenwithswords #royalcore #romanticgoth #gothgoth #witchstyle #queerstyle #gothaesthetic #gothgothgoth #knightcore #renaissance #shopsmall (at Columbus, Ohio)
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⚔️ Noli Me Tangere ⚔️
⚔️ Touch Me Not ⚔️
Another from our little trip to the Dexter Mausoleum in Cincinnati.
My dearest @goatspell and I will be working on some collabs later this year. We’re aiming for a fall line of coordinating pieces. The benefit of living with your best friend, wife and a fellow creator is that you always get to build on each other’s ideas!
@goatspell is wearing their Hellebore style skirt, a “Noli Me Tangere” ribbon belt and Starry Halo from @voodooodolly , a sample blouse and a sample version of the Cuirass Corset.
Part of making any new piece is trying out different versions of the style to see what works and what doesn’t. This particular attempt at the Cuirass style didn’t have enough interior structure so it wrinkled in a way that thoroughly spoiled the illusion of armor. The real ones we’ll be releasing have boning all around and a layer of heavy canvas behind the silk shell. This gives them a more sculptural shape!
Figuring out what works best for each piece is time consuming but also means that I get to be very proud of the final style!
Is there anything behind the scenes you’re curious about when it comes to developing new styles?
#idodeclareshop #ixdoxdeclare #lesbianvampire #shopsmall #knight #nbknight #gothicstyle #gothicromance #royalcore #knightcore #queerfashion #queerowned #womanownedbusiness #springgrovecemetery #dextermausoleum #sword #swordcore #knightaesthetic #gothicarchitecture #gothgoth #romanticgoth #nolimetangere #medieval #medievalstyle #battlewitch #witchesofinstagram #witchstyle (at Spring Grove Cemetery)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcYLzoRLxEs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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⚔️ Noli Me Tangere ⚔️
⚔️ Touch Me Not ⚔️
Another from our little trip to the Dexter Mausoleum in Cincinnati.
My dearest @goatspell and I will be working on some collabs later this year. We’re aiming for a fall line of coordinating pieces. The benefit of living with your best friend, wife and a fellow creator is that you always get to build on each other’s ideas!
@goatspell is wearing their Hellebore style skirt, a “Noli Me Tangere” ribbon belt and Starry Halo from @voodooodolly , a sample blouse and a sample version of the Cuirass Corset.
Part of making any new piece is trying out different versions of the style to see what works and what doesn’t. This particular attempt at the Cuirass style didn’t have enough interior structure so it wrinkled in a way that thoroughly spoiled the illusion of armor. The real ones we’ll be releasing have boning all around and a layer of heavy canvas behind the silk shell. This gives them a more sculptural shape!
Figuring out what works best for each piece is time consuming but also means that I get to be very proud of the final style!
Is there anything behind the scenes you’re curious about when it comes to developing new styles?
#idodeclareshop #ixdoxdeclare #lesbianvampire #shopsmall #knight #nbknight #gothicstyle #gothicromance #royalcore #knightcore #queerfashion #queerowned #womanownedbusiness #springgrovecemetery #dextermausoleum #sword #swordcore #knightaesthetic #gothicarchitecture #gothgoth #romanticgoth #nolimetangere #medieval #medievalstyle #battlewitch #witchesofinstagram #witchstyle (at Cincinnati)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcYAQ3RLM5s/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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Can I tell you how much I value all my creative friends? People working to make things despite how much the world keeps trying to force them down, but also people supporting and encouraging anyone making art. I’m so glad to live in a time when it’s easier than ever to share things and get excited about making things with other people.
I’m working on new pieces for the shop update later this month and I’ll be doing my best to share sneak peeks as I finish pieces. Once all the Bise dresses arrive at their new homes I’ll be posting any of the extra pieces we finished up for sale!
Pictured: I am wearing a sample dress style with the new Cuirass corset and accompanying armaments
@voodooodolly is wearing the Cloister dress with her new gorgeous crown style!
#shopsmall #ixdoxdeclare #idodeclareshop #royalcore #knightcore #voodooodolly #gothicromance #crown #knight #medieval #gothicarchitecture #gothgoth #queerownedbusiness #queerstyle #knightly #romanticstyle #gothicfashion #queerfashion (at Spring Grove Cemetery)
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Tear up that funeral shroud—you are going to smother yourself in it.
All set for tonight’s update to go live at 8pm est! This little carousel also shows off some of the pieces that will be in the spring line. The Clifford blouse is making a return in white handkerchief linen with lace inserts. I’ll also be introducing the Lister vest, a cropped style that of course takes inspiration from Anne Lister’s style and regency era men’s vests! The Adelaide Velvet croptops will be limited in this release but I hope to bring them back in quality in a future line!
Additionally a few weeks ago I posted in my stories asking if anyone wanted to see some daily outfits. I challenge myself to put on a look everyday. I have a closet full of clothes I adore so I better wear them! I decided to share looks here weekly-ish in a little carousel post. That way I can share the love for other small businesses and some of my favorite local thrift and antique shops!
#battlewitch #callieach #idodeclareshop #womanownedbusiness #queerstyle #queerownedbusiness #gothgoth #witch #witchstyle #witchesofinstagram #gothaesthetic #gothgothgoth #knightcore #renaissance #renaissancestyle #reaper #gothstyle #gruoch #slowfashion #greenfashion #linen #linenskirt (at Columbus, Ohio)
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The devil’s most devilish when respectable.“
- Elizabeth Browning 1857
The next update is scheduled for tomorrow at 8pm est! It will have the Gruoch skirts in black and crimson, the new Adelaide stretch velvet croptops and a few Salome linen croptops. Again this is a slightly smaller update but I’m working toward a really fa spring line! The Cuirass corsets are coming soon! I just got the patterns back from @digit_patterns who graded them into all of my sizes. Expect to see the first round of those in the shop in March!
#battlewitch #crimson #voodooodolly #medieval #idodeclareshop #ixdoxdeclare #shopsmall #velvettop #velvet #linen #devilishred #croptop #womanownedbusiness #queerstyle #queerownedbusiness #gothgoth #haunted #witch #witchstyle #witchesofinstagram #gothaesthetic #gothgothgoth #knightcore #renaissance #renaissancestyle #romanticstyle #romantismo (at Columbus, Ohio)
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As the days lengthen and the Cailleach returns to her mountains Companions gather once again.
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So excited to be part of the @friendshipflea Tomorrow at 6-10 pm here in Columbus OH at 400 West Rich on Lucas Street. It’s going to be lovely to be alongside other local queer artists and makers! If you’re in town stop by to say hello and maybe pick up a Valentine’s Day treat! I’ll be bringing a few crimson pieces made just for this event! I’ll also be bringing a small selection of my collection of antique garments. There is such a variety of vendors participating there will be something for everyone!
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This beautiful photo set was organized and shot by @lizabetroberts I’m always so happy when I get to contribute to her fantastic visions. This brought to mind so many memories of cozy times around a campfire with friends.
Models are:
@freshwatercarp_layla @tatas.fashion @victorianguyen.model @lianacarissa
Outfits: @ixdoxdeclare @folkofthewood @costureroreal
Weaponry: @drunkensmithy
#battlewitch #callieach #sword #womenwithswords #spellcaster #idodeclareshop #ixdoxdeclare #shopsmall #romanticstyle #ladyknight #adywarrior #campfire #ghost #woodswandering #lizabetroberts #smoke #mist #womanownedbusiness #queerstyle #queerownedbusiness #gothgoth #haunted #witch #witchstyle #witchesofinstagram #gothaesthetic #gothgothgoth #knightcore #renaissance #renaissancestyle (at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
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Pinterest knows what I want for Christmas.
If only it could show me cute knightcore lesbians to run around the castle with….
