Sunday, 20 December 2015

Spirithoods Panda Bear

The problem with looking on Ebay for bargains is that you end up with bargains you didn't need. So they're actually a waste of money. But oh well, welcoming Panda Bear to my growing hood collection!


It does have a small splodge of nail varnish on one paw which is a pain, but it was only £25 and it's super cosy! I couldn't get any good photos in it though because I just don't suit hoods at all. But cosy cosy cosyyy. I do prefer the new version, but I prefer the price of this one.

Expecting another Spirithoods delivery tomorrow. Might be a bit excited, because it's a doozy!

BMC: Nylon & Chill + Black Friday Sale

Starting to think my new year's resolution should be to blog about things in a timely manner instead of weeks later...

This year's Christmas collection, Nylon & Chill, wasn't the Christmassiest one. It was also mostly swimwear, with a whole bunch of toastie pieces for US only. Understandably, a whole load of Europeans were annoyed about this as buying from the US is much more expensive!

There was also a Black Friday Sale which included some surprise super old pieces, which is always good! And I bought a few non-sale pieces for good measure.


First up is an old piece I had floating in my cart with the intention of matching with my hood...Galaxy Rainbow Long Sleeve Skater Dress. Obviously it turns out that they don't match at all, but I'm happy to try this cut finally! Annoyingly it does sit a little too high despite my lack of height, and the tight sleeves are miles too long for my arms. I do like it though, and it's comfy once you've struggled into it!


I kept being tempted to rebuy the pink version but decided against it, but I always said I'd love a black one. So even though I'm still not sure about the cut or the shininess, the Wallpaper Shiny Shiny Evil Zip Dress found its way into my wardrobe. I sized down for some reason even though the pink one was super tight, but the fabric for this is different and it's actually still a bit too big. I guess it still looks fine, but I'd prefer it tighter! But obviously I'd never have thought to order XXS because I'm nowhere near that small...


Despite it being winter, I'm planning ahead to my Spring holiday with the Hoot and Screech vs Awesome Inside Out Halter Top and Hoot and Screech vs Awesome Inside Out Bottom. Need to get my beach bod back before rocking it!


As the name suggests, it's reversible. There were a bunch of double printed ones too. Unfortunately the crotch sticker didn't peel out well and left sticky residue so will need a vigorous washing before I can wear it again. Not that I'll need it for a few months.


I love tartan and pockets, so I'm happy that Tartan Old School Pocket Skater Skirt became a thing! I have a feeling this will get a lot more use than the lilac one because it's mostly black. The Sheer Spot Sweater was from the sale, but it's definitely too big. I think I'll hang onto it anyway since it's great for layering with dresses, but it looks a bit loose and long on me. Still cool though, right?


The Damsel Top was top of my sale hitlist even though I wasn't sure about the design or the price. I also realised after purchasing that the sizing is way smaller than usual. Thankfully I can get it on, but I'm still not sure about the shape! It's an old Sophia James piece, which I guess was a higher-end label than regular Black Milk. It came in its own little Sophia James bag and a bigger bag like suits come in! Very fancy. Worn here with a non-sale piece to match my hood, the Galaxy Rainbow Leggings.


The top is reversible! I'm torn because I like it a lot this way as I feel the tails should be at the back, but it seems odd having the collar at the back. I think this top will be used most under dresses, perhaps even in lolita. Sneaky Beetlejuice Suspenders cameo since I snagged them on Ebay recently.


The Galaxy Rainbow Reversible Skater Dress was also in the sale, so I couldn't resist the call of more galaxy to wear with my hood. I think this is the best colouring for a rainbow piece since it has a lot of dark patches on it! I'm definitely in need of a post-Christmas diet though as it feels tighter than I'm used to haha.


The Kitten Me Right Meow Playsuit was restocked in my size for the sale, so I finally caved. It turns out it's much more pink in person, and I'm still not sure about this cut. But it'll be perfect for summer! I need to go looking for a black belt for it. I have a feeling this might be coming on holiday with me too.

Ahh the pain in my bank account! There was also a release for new year AND a museum sale, so I no doubt have a bunch more customs slips due. Thankfully one of my sale packages snuck through, but customs are still bleeding me dry! It isn't the clothing that's expensive so much as the customs. But at least I can be shiny whilst being broke ✌

Monday, 7 December 2015

BMTH & London

A while back a friend posted about a small BMTH gig in Kingston, and since I couldn't get work off for the Cardiff show and missed tickets for Bristol, I decided to go. The tickets were really cheap, but obviously going all the way to London made it an expensive trip!


I was too tired when I arrived in London to do much, so I just chilled out at the hostel for a few hours before starting the long trip to the venue.


I decided to dress comfy & wore a Drop Dead shirt I got from Ebay recently. The venue (Hippodrome) turned out to be poorly suited to gigs. I can see that it would okay as a club, but I literally couldn't see the stage no matter where I stood.


Support came from Neck Deep. I wasn't too fussed about seeing them as I've seen them before, but they are good. I was just sad that Pvris weren't there too since I missed them at Reading.


I was worried I wouldn't enjoy Bring Me The Horizon since I ended up going alone and had only bought the ticket to socialise...but they were really good! I would see them again, although I don't think I'd travel so far again.


I got horrendously lost on the way back because my phone was suddenly giving me different directions and tube times than when I had checked before, so I used all my data trying to figure out how to get back to Edgware Road. I got on the wrong bus at first, but luckily I got off it and straight onto the bus I had arrived on, so I made it back okay! I was annoyed that the show finished so early (21:30), but it turned out to be for the best!


The next day I got up early for breakfast, and wore my Aurora Skye touchdown for the first time. I got funny looks all day because it looked like I wasn't wearing shorts! I went to read at Paddington Green for a bit but I managed to walk completely the wrong way so it took me 40 minutes to get there instead of 3...oops!


I headed to Oxford Street after swapping my book over back at the hostel since it was only a short walk away. Had some lunch at Marble Arch and watched the pigeons!


I then discovered a love for Forever 21! I ended up buying this dress in black too, even though I'm not sure how I can wear it casually since I'm not used to long things!


I didn't find anything I wanted to buy in Disney Store (the only reason I went!), but they did have this HUGE Tsum Tsum. It was up to my hip! I dread to think how much it must have cost. I did want the Christmas Tsum set, but it was £25 or so and I had spent too much money in Primark and F21.


There was a floating Yoda, and fake snow at one point which confused me.


After being disappointed by the Drop Dead store (there was only one womens top and it wasn't in my size), I wandered over to Covent Garden via Forbidden Planet (which also had nothing I could buy since I spent too much in F21).


Next I checked out the Christmas market by the London Eye and sat down with a nice mulled cider.


With a further 4 hours to wait until my train, I hopped on a tube to Camden just to have a look around. I had forgotten how crappy Camden is and didn't actually go into any shops! So I just went to Ice Wharf for a few drinks and some food to pass the time before heading back to The Green Man to pick up my bags and have another pint.

My train was delayed so I ended up getting on the direct one instead, which was really busy! I left Paddington at 19:30 but somehow didn't make it home until 22:30. Really need to live in a city so getting around is quicker!

Friday, 4 December 2015

BMC: Pick 'N' Mix & Doctor Who

The ammo for October, Pick 'N' Mix, had new bright prints. So naturally, I bought the black pieces (and a few older things to bulk up my orders!).


My second order was the first to arrive as US shipping is way quicker, and the Black Milk Sharkies Muscle Top. This was a US only piece, for some reason...and I stupidly bought the same size as before even though it's miles too big on me. I worry that a smaller size would be snug on my hips, but it's so huge I think sizing down is probably wise (even though I already ordered another one in this size and already owned two...). Also grabbed the Racing Stripe Leggings from a weekly release back in August. Can never have too many black basics. Plus these have pockets!


My first order was from the worldwide site, and the piece was the amazing Biker Dress. It was the same price as an IOD, so very pricey! Naturally I was worried about not having enough boob for it, but the dress as a whole runs a bit small. The elastic straps allow for different bust sizes, though! I'm not convinced about it on me yet as the skirt sticks out oddly over my lumps, so I guess I just need to tone up and slim down.


And I also finally caved and bought The Shredder Dress. I've loved it since I found the brand but was worried about the length, so I decided to size down. I think I could size down again really as there is still plenty of room in it. On the lookout for a nice belt to wear with it, as it definitely needs one! I wish Fox & Owl weren't so expensive.

The Doctor Who collection dropped at the start of November, and was a huge collection! I'm not a huge fan of the show so I had to restrict myself and be picky.


Tardis Inside Out Dress was my biggest want, so I scooped one up straight away even though it's not limited (it just got restocked, if anyone reading is wanting one!). I preferred the inside print on the website, but I definitely prefer the outside on me!


I picked the Empty Child Muscle Top over the Schematic Tardis Muscle Top as I figured I didn't need more than one piece with a Tardis design. The episode it's taken from creeps me out so bad though!

Customs fairy still ceases to smile upon me, so I find myself super skint again...


At least my Galaxy Blue Skirt that I bought from a Ebay came without customs...I should buy from Europe more often!

Thursday, 26 November 2015

Frank Turner 21/11/15

On Saturday I was able to attend the sold out Frank Turner show in Bristol. It's been a fair while since I last saw a full band show, and after a disappointing solo gig at Reading I wasn't feeling much hype. My worries were completely unfounded however, and I only wish I hadn't taken so many mornings overtime or I'd have happily gone again on the Sunday! But I was just too tired.

The first act of the evening was Will Varley. We were seated at that point so I didn't get any good pictures, but some the lyrics made me laugh out loud and I'd definitely check him out again. Reminded me a little of Mumford & Sons, only actually interesting to listen to.


Next up were Skinny Lister, who I had missed at Reading due to clashes. They were also really good, and the double bass player even crowd surfed while still playing! This is the second band I've seen with an energetic double bass player now. I'm really impressed at how people can throw those around the stage and make it look effortless.


And then Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls!


Obligatory selfie during Polaroid Picture.


The show was brilliant, and we managed to get quite close to the front!


On this occasion, the setlist was actually too long to post my usual screenshot. Was such a good setlist, despite obviously having more new songs than older ones. The only let down was Eva Mae as the fan request really (I'd have wanted Smiling At Strangers On Trains). You can see the setlist HERE.

I was gutted that I couldn't go to the second show on the Sunday, but hopefully the wait for the next tour won't be too long!

Friday, 20 November 2015

Spirithoods Galaxy Fox

Since I was fool and didn't get the Galaxy Wolf when I had the chance, I decided I had to have the Galaxy Fox even though I wasn't sure about it at all! I wasn't going to risk a change of heart when the prices could go crazy like before. Plus I'm a sucker for anything Black Milk related...


The pre-release for people who signed up was on Monday, so I ordered at 4pm on the dot when the page went up. The hood was shipped the same day and arrived to me in the UK from California today (Friday). So quick! I will probably get a letter from FedEx soon demanding customs payment though, which sucks.


I delayed opening it when it arrived as I wanted to do an unboxing video. Which I did. But it turns out shitty Windows 10 doesn't have any video editing software and my laptop refuses to download anything, soooo yeahhh haha. Epic Fail.


All-in-all, I don't think I got a bad hood. I'm a little disappointed that the paws aren't brighter, and I'm not really a fan of the red sleeve...but some were entirely red, so it could have been a lot worse! I'd have preferred more green/blue bits, as the only parts I have in those colours are the ears (and I'd have preferred mismatched ears, really). But I do like the more colourful sleeve. And usually I hate things and end up loving them, so since I don't hate it I ought to end up really loving it!


I do wish that Spirithoods would provide photos of more than one placement on their website, as mine isn't like the stock photo in the slightest! At least I was forewarned that placements would vary wildly. It seems like a lot of people are wanting the part that looks like a sloth face on their hoods, which mine appears to be lacking.


While I'm happy with the liner, the fur is a different story. It's really soft and beautiful (although will need a vigourous brushing until the moulting stops), but I don't think it suits me at all. I look like I have a massive bleached mullet. Not really what I was going for! At least I know to stick with darker hoods from now on...and to never bleach my hair.


I'm very happy I decided to take the plunge with this hood though. I'm sure I'll warm to it even more once I get some Galaxy Rainbow Black Milk pieces back in my life (kicking myself for selling my suspenders! I sold them so cheaply as well...).

These are still in stock HERE, although it looks like they won't sell out any time soon (I suppose people are waiting for Cyber Sale!).

Friday, 6 November 2015

Bat Royalty Boots

When saw Iron Fist's bat boots, I fell in love. Sadly, getting my hands on a pair that fit was a nightmare!

I was advised to size up as the brand apparently runs narrow and I have wide feet anyway. The size 5s were too big. I ordered a size 4 which were marked as shipped...but they were actually out of stock. I had wanted to try on the 4 before sending my 5 back, but that never happened.

However, my refund came through quite quickly when I emailed to ask where my boots were, was linked to a site that had my size in stock, and I was given a 50% discount code in apology which I used on 3 dress (all of which I had to bloody send back as they were massive even though I'm actually bigger than the listed measurements for the size...ughhhh).

So yeah, already I'm thinking I'm not going to bother ordering anything Iron Fist ever again as their sizing is pants and the don't cover returns so I lost £15 just sending back things that didn't fit.

But yes, the boots! Finally got my size 4 pair yesterday from Attitude Clothing after placing my first order for a pair from Iron Fist on October 21st. In the end they were cheaper from this site anyway as first orders get 10% off! But still crazy expensive.


They definitely aren't worth the price tag in terms of quality. The plastic is hard and digs in at the ankles, and the foam on the bottom hasn't been filed down. And they STINK!


But who can resist bat wings? I definitely couldn't. I'm just hoping they give a little with wear to be more comfortable on the ankles and squish my little toes a little less (although they're only very slightly too narrow - I'd say they run pretty true to size, maybe a little long if anything!).

Intending to wear them with Holy Lantern tomorrow, but not sure I'll go out after all due to rain!

Monday, 2 November 2015

Yankee Candle Haul!


Since Halloween was just around the corner, I thought I'd treat myself. I treated myself too much and made 3 Yankee Candle orders despite having no places in my room to use candles. Oops! And only getting around to posting in November...double oops!


A bunch of cat cuties! I'm still tempted by the wax melter too, but man I spent so much money.


Spidery things!


I wish I could get a whole bunch of these pumpkins. There are frankenstein and skull ones too, but I'm not as fond of them. Although if they make it to the sale I will be tempted! And the Pop vinyl figures I got in London.

I also got a bunch of little votive candles as they were a must for my various new holders! But I forgot to take a photo. I went for Vanilla Cupcake (I have an old room spray of this scent so I knew it was yummy), Fresh Cut Roses (roses are my all time favourite scent), Candy Corn, and Witches Brew. They all smell really nice, even before lighting them.


And despite the expense, both Halloween jars to go in the big holders. So yeah, I spent a ridiiiiiculous amount on these things! But they will last me a very long time, and I'm unlikely to be tempted by any of their stuff until next Halloween, so I'm trying to justify it that way!

What are your favourite Yankee Candle scents? I guess I could get a few more votives...

Thursday, 29 October 2015

BMC: Lady Anarchy

Bit of a delayed post as it took me while to get around to taking worn photos, but here are! The releases everyone seems to look forward to the most are the Halloween releases, and I'm no exception here.


This year's collection followed the story of Lady Anarchy.


I'm pretty gutted that the Lady Anarchy concept outfit wasn't part of the collection, because it's totally babein'.


Post cards have returned!


Naturally, the first item on my hit list was the Dark Moth Vs Play With Me Inside Out Dress. The baby side is super creepy, but I regretted not buying the Dark Moth Leggings, so it would have been a must even if I wasn't trying to collect IODs! Play With Me also came in HWMF leggings and play dress, which are both still available at time of writing.


Next up, buckles galore! Here we have the Buckled Bolero, Ultra Buckled Bralette, and the Buckled Suspenders. I'm a little disappointed with the bolero as the silver buckles don't match the other items, and I figured I'd be fine with my regular size. I think I should have sized down as I have to tighten the buckles fully and that takes away from the buckled aesthetic. Also I had assumed that they would be attached by poppers or slip clasps so you wouldn't have to undo the buckles to put on or remove, but sadly this isn't the case. The suspenders are super comfy though, if a little loose on the legs.


Also snagged was the Buckled Bralette and Spellbound HWMF Leggings. The bralettes...I should have sized down. I don't fill the cups at all, and I had to fully tighten the buckles on both items to make them fit which, again, takes away from the buckled look. I'm hoping they will be okay for layering over skater dresses though, as a bra will probably help them fit me better (this one is fine, but the ultra looks so awkward due to being big!). It is worth noting that I am between sizes though, so if you match a size better than me you should stick to that! The leggings are great, so my worries about the HWMF sizing changes were unfounded.


The Raven Pocket Skater Skirt finally gave me another chance to nab the ravens print, so that made me happy! I wasn't at all sure about wearing white, but turns out I love the skirt. And pockets make anything better, right?


The last piece I got from this collection is easily my favourite - the Spellbound Reversible Skater Dress. The print is awesome, and black is my favourite colour. Win-win!

I'm hoping the pieces that haven't been made limited stick around a good while as I'd love to own a Mechanical Bone Catsuit 2.0 but definitely can't afford one right now after the £90 customs I had to pay on this lot!