Goth Clothes – Finest In Alternative Clothing

21 thoughts on “Goth Clothes – Finest In Alternative Clothing”

1. Please visit https://gothclothes.com.au. Please give your first impressions.

   To be honest with you my first impression was this is a “kinky sex” site.  Then as I started looking at it, I notice that it’s a site that sells goth clothes.  You have some pictures that are good pictures of the girl wearing the product.  Then, you have pictures that are real sexual and shows more sex than clothes.  “Goth” is a art of clothes and an overall look.  It’s not a sexual thing.  I think you should tone down the “sexual” part.

   Please have a look at the News link on the top menu bar and comment on the features of the blog that you like or don’t like.

   Again, the first thing I notice was the picture that popped up on the “news” link with the girl with her finger in her mouth.  That picture was not showing clothes, but more showing “sex”. 

   I really like the “product news and reviews”.  I think it was very informative and useful.

   I think the “blog” is a good idea.  You allow your clients to state their ideas and opinions.

   Would you sign up for the $25 discount voucher? If not – why?

   Yes I would.  A $25 discount voucher is a great idea and it would become useful for people who want to buy “Goth” clothing and products. 

   Please take a look at the Forum (top menu of the shop) and comment on the features of the forum that you like / don’t like.

   I like the idea of this part of the site.  I clicked on each link and they were easy to understand and easy to navigate.  It give me the feeling that this site can become a “social” site as well as a store.

   How do you think the site compares to its competitors?

   Your site is more eye catching then your competitors, but..your competitors do not show clothing in a “sexual manner” as your site does.  I also think you provide a lot more products.

   Please share any other feedback / comments you may have.

   I really like the layout of your “homepage” and “site”.  The pictures and color use is very eye catching.  I really like the idea that you state the money in American money too.  I have a few suggestions for you:

   I think you should tone down on the “sexual” part.  You have some pictures of the site which are not so sexual but gets the point accross.

   When I was on the “news” link, I clicked on the “home” link to return to the “homepage” and it just sent me back to the “news” link.  I had to click out of the site and go back in order to get back to the “homepage”. That should be fixed as soon as possible in order for the site to be easy to navigate.

   When I was on the “Forum”, there was no link to the “homepage” and again I had to click on the site and go back in order to return to the “homepage”.  I think you should have a link to the “homepage” on every link and page. 

   I suggest that you have a “feedback” link too.  It’s nice to see what others are saying about your site and service when deciding to use your service.

    
    

2. Please visit https://gothclothes.com.au. Please give your first impressions.

   My first impression of the site is that it is overly saturated in black. I understand the concept and theme behind gothic fashion, however, from a stylistic user standpoint, the lack of contrast may be a negative factor. Case in point, the gothclothes logo graphic is almost lost in the black background because of the lack of contrast. This is just personal, but I would prefer that there be a SLIGHT change in color shade between the filled background and the content background. This will make it a lot easier on the eyes to both read content and to show more of a professional design.
   On another level, people tend to like pleasant and easy flowing design. Not only is it easier to navigate, it looks far more refined and professional (business-wise). I think that if you rounded the content menu akin to the rounded “sign up to be vip member” query box, that it would look better. Or at least use a silver line to outline the content menu.
   Also, stylistically, I think you could have a better presentation if you chose a more edgy, yet appropriate and legible font. Using arial for everything from your links to body text make the website seem like it was pulled from Microsoft Publisher 99′. Try to push the envelope with your design but keep it functional; try out some different fonts… maybe not for ALL the body text, but at least for the menus and tabs.
   Lastly, I like the flash image slideshow as the main attraction in the content body. HOWEVER, it is too large (especially too tall), and this causes the browser to only show a giant image and nothing below it. I would recommend making the image slideshow shorter, so that it is more manageable and easily navigable for the user. Also, making an option in the slideshow with little transparent dots in order for the user to pause/fast forward/or rewind the images/ads is a very effective tactic. Many up and coming websites and fashion sites employ this technique and I think it could help you.

   Please have a look at the News link on the top menu bar and comment on the features of the blog that you like or don’t like.

   The News link looks okay to me. There are definitely things that could change to make it look better. First, the header banner graphic is too narrow; the text ‘gothic’ and the image are all crushed and seem to touch the top border. It would be better to expand the header and not give this appearance of sloppy graphic design.
   Personally, I would change the background to a darker shade of gray and a darker shade for the main content. It seems odd that your main page employs a dark theme, and your blog suddenly goes into a color theme setting more appropriate for a furniture catalog. Maintain the image that you are trying to sell across all your pages.
   Lastly, for the “from the quill’ section. The repetitious use of the same block image for all 3 of the articles makes the whole thing reek of spam. Try to personalize or make each article/link unique in order to attract the user. Potentially use images of the author who wrote the article, or at least use different images than the same exact stock image. This will cause people to turn away from clicking what may be a spam/google advert.

   Would you sign up for the $25 discount voucher? If not – why?

   If I was in the market for this type of fashion, I certainly would. It is an enticing offer and would be stupid of me not to. The fact that this is not my fashion segment means that I wouldn’t. However, from a business and graphical standpoint, the inclusion of such an offer is indeed persuasive.

   Please take a look at the Forum (top menu of the shop) and comment on the features of the forum that you like / don’t like.

   Overall, I like the design of the forum. I really don’t have anything negative to say about it other than one minor issue.
   The text “It is currently 05 Feb 2011, 01:47 All times are UTC + 9:30 hour”is crushed with the forum lines and looks like a graphical error. I would try to adjust the formatting and make sure that it doesn’t overlap with the lines.

   Would you use the forum? If not – why?

   Once again, if I were in the interest market for particular service/lifestyle fashion, then I would. However, I would be more convinced to use it if there were more users and an already established database of topics being discussed. The fact that SABLE is the only user makes me less keen to use it. Obviously, this is something that will improve over time.

   How do you think the site compares to its competitors?

   The site compares favorably to its competitors if not better. The fact that you incorporated a forum is indeed intelligent, as this is a very niche product/style that you’re targeting. However, user design and graphical interface are huge means of attracting potential buyers and users, so I would consider the things I said about consistent design with brand imaging and certain aspects that will improve the professional image of your website.

   Please share any other feedback / comments you may have.

   Perhaps also include a facebook widget for likes, in order to demonstrate popular support for your service. You seem to have all the other social services covered, but allowing personalization amongst users is definitely a plus.

3. When I referred to the slideshow to be shorter, I meant in height, not duration. Just a clarification.

   Also, the scrollable feature I was referring to can be seen here: https://www.footlocker.com/

   They have it numbered 1/2/3/4/5.. but I think using transparent dots to scroll between adverts is a lot more subtle and professional looking.

   Lastly, stylistically, I would retain the theme of gothic black by changing the shading of the twitter and facebook icons in the top righthand of the main page so that they are black. You did this with the large icons at the bottom of the page so you should maintain that universal theme.

4. Please visit https://gothclothes.com.au. Please give your first impressions.

   The layout & design of the site are really nice.  Very easy on the eyes.  The images are pretty and appropriate for the site.

   Please have a look at the News link on the top menu bar and comment on the features of the blog that you like or don’t like.

   The blog looks good (although, you do have a typo in one of the entries … the URL to your site is incorrect *s*).
   The product news & reviews is okay, but the one review you have up is incomplete and the link to see more of it […] doesn’t work.
   The Quill blog is pretty decent too.

   In all honesty though, when most people go to a site to shop, the last thing they do is check out blogs.  You have a spot for customers to review products, on the same page as said product, and that’s what most people will look at.  Most don’t really care what the site/store owner think about a product … they want to know what other shoppers think.

   Would you sign up for the $25 discount voucher? If not – why?
   Yes, I would.

   Please take a look at the Forum (top menu of the shop) and comment on the features of the forum that you like / don’t like.
   
   
   Would you use the forum? If not – why?
   I most likely would not use the forum because when I go to a site to shop, the last thing I’m thinking about is going into a forum to interact with other people.  I buy what I want and then move on.

   How do you think the site compares to its competitors?
   It’s similar to other Goth clothing sites.  There’s not much of a difference except for the forum and maybe the person blog (The Quill). Your site (compared to others) is pretty decent.  Good layout & design, nice images, easy to navigate … those are the best things I’ve seen in it.

   Please share any other feedback / comments you may have.
   Your site, overall, is really good.  Personally, I would do away with the blog areas & the forum.  Those areas are, in my opinion, rather useless on a retail site.  I would put any news & updates on the front page so that people see it when they first get to the site.  They’re more likely to read it there than if they have to click a link to get to it.

5. P.S.  I also had a problem getting back to the actual site once I was in the ‘news’ area.  I clicked “Home” and it sent me back to the ‘news’.  I had to click on the link at the bottom of the page to get back to the store.

6. Please visit https://gothclothes.com.au. Please give your first impressions.

   It appears to sell goth clothing and the pictures are almost pornographic.

   Please have a look at the News link on the top menu bar and comment on the features of the blog that you like or don’t like.

   I would not consider this a true news source.  At this point, it has no credibility.  I consider news to have headlines and to grab your attention.  Your news section looks more like a way to entice people to see more scantily clad women.

   Would you sign up for the $25 discount voucher? If not – why?

   At this point your site does not address any needs I have.

   Please take a look at the Forum (top menu of the shop) and comment on the features of the forum that you like / don’t like.

   Forum glitch addressed below.  Looks like standard forum.

   Would you use the forum? If not – why?

   No.  There are a million blogs/forums out there, this one does not fulfill a specific need of mine.

   How do you think the site compares to its competitors?

   I really would need to know who you want to be compared to.  I am not familiar with goth sites for strippers.

   Please share any other feedback / comments you may have.

   Glitches/errors (to be corrected):
   First off, in your forum, the time stamp overflows out of the border, meaning it has the border line going through it.  does not look professional.

   Second off, in your registration area, the bottom left side says Sign up to be a VIP Member and the word member is cut off into the black background.  Needs to be fixed.

   Third, your sizing chart appears to have some headers on the y axis that are not all aligned.  This should be fixed.

   Fourth, I would strongly recommend that you put the terms and conditions up front before jumping onto the homepage that requires the user to acknowledge they are 18, because your site is clearly not family friendly.

   Lastly, there may be goth people that don’t want to see nudity/almost nudity and may want to buy clothes while at work.  You will miss out on this market segment if you do not come up with a work-suitable version of your site.

7. Please give your first impressions.
   My first impression is probably exactly what you’d want–that this is a site that sells Goth apparel and accessories.  The large slideshow of images is the focal point and really communicates what this is about.  The only thing I didn’t like too much was that several of the slideshow photos featured models in lingerie.  To me, that makes the site look more like Playboy than Goth clothes.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t sell lingerie, but to use that in several of the intro photos is a little off-putting to me.
    
   Please have a look at the News link on the top menu bar and comment on the features of the blog that you like or don’t like.
   Again, some of those slideshow photos are quite racy!  Yikes!  Other than that, I have no problem with the way the main blog page is laid out.  Just like the retail store, it’s pretty easy to navigate.  However, when I started clicking on the links–Live News Girl, Product News & Reviews, and The Quill–I was disappointed that the posts were very short and not that informative.  For instance, “So Many Shoes” would’ve been a great opportunity to actually review a few specific designers and feature their new models.  Instead, it’s just a very generic overview that’s not particularly informative.  My advice is to add a lot more posts to all your sections and concentrate on providing quality content.  For example, each Products & Reviews post should spotlight one or maybe two specific products, and you should give details about the construction and material, why you like the product, who’s been seen wearing it, and so on.  In the section called The Quill, I’d love to see you address different aspects of the Goth community and lifestyle.  For instance, maybe one time you could talk about Australian Goth clubs (since Australia is your primary market).  Maybe another time you could talk about Goth bands.  Still another time, you could talk about the Goth movement in literature.  Stuff like that.
    
   Would you sign up for the $25 discount voucher? If not – why?
   Personally, no, because I’m not into the Goth movement.  However, I think this is a really good idea.
    
   Please take a look at the Forum (top menu of the shop) and comment on the features of the forum that you like / don’t like.
   The forum looks like a standard forum to me.  I can easily see how to find my way around.  I love that you have a search feature because not all forums do, but I always find that invaluable when I want to look up a specific topic.  You cover a decent selection of subjects–no complaints there.  I was a surprised you didn’t have a clothing forum to discuss products, though!  I’d think you’d definitely want to have that, considering what your store sells!
    
   Would you use the forum? If not – why?
   I might.  I guess it would depend on how deep into the Goth scene I was and whether or not I already participated in some kind of online community related to my interests, in which case there might not be a need for this one.  I think your biggest hurdle in attracting users to the forum will come at the beginning, when the boards are largely deserted.  No one ever wants to be the first to post!  I would ask a bunch of your friends or co-workers to sign up for accounts and make some posts to get the ball rolling.
    
   How do you think the site compares to its competitors?
   I’m not that aware of who your competitors are.  I looked up the Hot Topic site and found that it had a similar look and feel, but you’ll notice the greater focus on the products instead of the models.  I also did a Google search for the term “goth clothes.”  I clicked on the first two sites returned to me, which were http://www.findcoolclothes.com and http://www.the-black-angel.com.  The first site had a homepage that seemed too busy to me; I liked yours better.  The second site was, again, way too busy, with too much copy and not enough product focus.  Also, I didn’t notice that any of these sites had forums.  That seems to be unique to your site.  However, I also noticed that I didn’t see anything “inappropriate” in the images at these sites.  They all manage to communicate that they sell Goth apparel without using photos that might look questionable.  Remember that a lot of your customers will be young teens.  It may not be appropriate for them to be viewing some of the more sensual pictures currently on your site.
    
   Please share any other feedback / comments you may have.
   Your site is logically designed and easy to navigate.  I checked out several of your apparel categories–specifically, Goth Shoes and Goth Bags.  I like that you include prices in both Australian and US dollars.  My only issue with these pages is that they begin with a very large image of a model.  You have to actually scroll down to get to the products.  I would eliminate this image, move it below the products, or at least reduce it in size so that you don’t have to scroll to see the products.
    
   I like that you have a special page for sale items, and I like that you include a sizing chart for us Yankees.
    
   Your About Us page definitely aims for personal over professional.  If I were you, I would expand this.  Maybe talk about how you developed your love for Goth style, what your personal experience is as a user and/or retailer, what brands you offer, and so on.
    
   Your FAQ answered everything I wanted to know but was a little hard to find since the only tab was located in the lower left margin.  I would create a tab for this at the top of the homepage, as well.
    
   Overall, I think you have the makings of a successful store.  Over time, you might consider expanding into jewelry, hair products, and music.  These items seem to be intrinsically tied to the Goth movement and could provide additional sources of revenue for you.  Anyway, I like the site, and my biggest suggestion is to just get rid of some of the racier images.
    
    

8. Please visit https://gothclothes.com.au. Please give your first impressions.

   The layout is very nice.  Home page has all the necessary links to successfully browse what you have and what the customer needs to make a satisfying shopping event.  However, I am tired of looking at half-naked females with sultry expressions, but that’s just my opinion.

   Please have a look at the News link on the top menu bar and comment on the features of the blog that you like or don’t like.

   Again, I have a problem with the sultry expressions and the half-dressed aspect of the slide-show.  I like the “weird ads” feature although it doesn’t look weird to me.  The Facebook and Twitter links are a must have so that’s good.  The Quill is a nice feature that keeps the visitor updated on what’s current.  The font used in the block at  the top right is a little hard to decipher and a little ambitious looking.  I could read Gothic, but I can’t understand the second word.  Maybe if you lost the shadow aspect, then it would work.  I looked at it a second time and could finally tell it was a dictionary entry.  I like that.  The other two features, Live News Girl and Product News & Reviews are good additions.

   Would you sign up for the $25 discount voucher? If not – why?

   If I wore Goth type clothes and had extra money to spend, sure, I’d sign up for it.  I was a bit confused how to sign up for it, though.  Would I sign up for the VIP Member to get it?  Some people like me need to see things like, “To get a $25 voucher, sign up to become a VIP Member.”

   Please take a look at the Forum (top menu of the shop) and comment on the features of the forum that you like / don’t like.

   Yes!  The forum looks Goth-like lovely.  Nice use of colors.  Great avatars/graphics.  The War Room is a clever title for what it will be used for.  All in all, if a customer/visitor is a forum user, this will be a welcoming place to socialize.

   Would you use the forum? If not – why?

   I generally don’t use forums, but it is a lovely lay-out and I think once it catches on others will use it.

   How do you think the site compares to its competitors?

   I’ve got to be honest.  I took a look at other sites to compare and yours is nicer to look at with the exception of the “Girlie” slideshow.

   Please share any other feedback / comments you may have.

   In conclusion, you have a nice workable website that is accommodating to the customer.  The only drawback, again, is the slideshow.  I would take that down and put up a slideshow with how people will look in the clothes out on the streets instead of in the bedroom.

9. Please visit https://gothclothes.com.au. Please give your first impressions.
   I loved the background design and the logo…very creative and very appealing. It makes the visitor want to browse more because the site appeal grabs you immediately. I also like the colors chosen and the rotating picture feature on the front. It’s at eye level which is great because it’s immediately inviting. I’d just make the white space where it says “welcome to goth clothes” smaller and the change the font of “welcome to goth clothes” the same as the logo’s font.
   Please have a look at the News link on the top menu bar and comment on the features of the blog that you like or don’t like.
   I like that you have the meaning of “Gothic” at the top of the page, but, the font makes it difficult to read what it says. Perhaps, you can take out the logo at the top of the page and just leave the Gothic and it’s meaning at the top of the page instead to give it more space and change the look a bit. I do like the look, the colors, the organization of the page. The blog site is still under construction so I can’t really critique what I see, however, I can suggest creating loyal customers by inviting them to submit their blogs for exchange of discounts on merchandise or free gifts. This way it saves the company time, it offers blog information from actual customers and it creates a friendly & down to earth feel about the company.
   I love that a variety of social media buttons to share the blogs. The blog page seems to be up to date with social media tools and features and it’s professional looking.
   I know the goth look’s main color is black, but, I’d try adding some color to the news page. For example, The Quill section, I’d still leave the feather and all else black/grey, but, maybe you can make the ink red to add some color yet it stays with the motif of the site.
   Would you sign up for the $25 discount voucher? If not – why?
   Definitely yes because I like the products offered. There is a lot of variety of cool clothing, shoes and accessories and I think $25 is a good discount to take advantage of and buy some very unique products.
   Please take a look at the Forum (top menu of the shop) and comment on the features of the forum that you like / don’t like.
   I like the look and the lay out…very organized and easy to read rather than too much information to confuse the visitor. I’d again suggest taking out the logo since you’re adding a title and a word & meaning. The top of the page looks too busy and too busy can look amateur. I like the title just the way it is and since you’ve already introduced the meaning of the word gothic on the news section, why not add a fact tidbit about something gothic such as the word goth dates back to the 14th century or something like that…keep your visitors hooked that way too.
   Have you thought about adding a “Pictures” section to your forum? This would encourage current customers to post their pics of clothes purchased on the site and would at the same time serve the purpose of advertisement.
   Would you use the forum? If not – why?
   Yes. I would use it to find out about events going on, meet other people, post questions about random things pertaining to goth clothes/events. I’d like to see pictures of different outfits to give me ideas what to shop for and how to put outfits together, etc.
   How do you think the site compares to its competitors?
   This site is in Australia which draws clientele from that side of the world, but, yet it’s also inviting to the U.S. You’re basically attracting two side of the world. You offer exchange rates which is very useful and efficient. I find the site more sophisticated for this type of niche than most other sites. Most sites with Goth products give off a grotesque look and feel which is not necessarily what goth fans may want to view. This site is more appealing to a wide range of goth fans from hardcore to others who may just like the sexy goth gear. It’s very well organized and informs their customers well via blogs, forums, news, word meaning and more.
   You obviously put a lot of thought into this site because there is a little bit for everyone. Great job!
   Please share any other feedback / comments you may have.
   Your site calls for music. Have you thought of having a variety of music as your background? Maybe explain via link what a VIP member gets such as: pre-sale alerts, special discounts, rewards, prizes, etc. Lastly, I’d suggest adding a zoom in feature or different views for certain items because many goth products have very intricate details that are hard to look at online, a zoom in feature would definitely give the shopper that final touch to make that purchase. Is there goth lingerie?

10. Hi Sierra12346,
    Thanks for taking the time to check out my submission and for your thoughtful feedback.
    RE the links to return to the homepage, the logo image provides that function on the blog and forum – however, I am grateful you have brought this to my attention as this is obviously not obvious enough!
    Lots of good food for thought.
    Thank you.
    D*

11. Hi UI Professional,
    Thanks for taking the time to review and comment on my site. Your advice has provided plenty of foof for thought and ideas for improvement, particularly from a design aspect.
    Thank you for your insight.
    D*

12. Thanks for your comments and feedback Misty, much appreciated.
    D*

13. Hi Zeke2100,
    Thanks for taking the time and effort to view and reply to my submission. You’ve brought up some great points – Thanks.
    D*

14. Hi Greatfeedback4U,
    Thank you for your very thoughtful and useful advice.  You have provided heaps of helpful ideas and insight which I will definately take on board.  More blog posts and detailed product reviews are set to come – don’t forget, the site is only 1 day old.
    Thank you.
    D*

15. Hi Stormie55,
    Thank you for your review and comments. RE the VIP sign up box, thanks for your insight, this is a good idea.
    D*

16. Hi Orchid7,
    Thanks for your review and feedback.  Lots of good points here – particularly about the images / fashion section RE the forum.
    Plently of food for thought and ideas for improvment – thanks.
    D*

17. $5 awarded to UI Professional.

18. $5 awarded to Misty.

19. $5 awarded to Orchid7.

20. RE your question “Is there goth lingerie?”, the answer is no, the images relate to the category “Stripper Shoes” as the scantilly clad models are all wearing amazing shoes.

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