Cardiff & River House Backpackers

Since I live a little while from Cardiff, I inevitably had to find somewhere to stay while visiting. I arrived just after 2pm on the Tuesday.


I ended up staying in a hostel called the River House Backpackers. Honestly, I really loved this place! The staff were very welcoming and the whole place was bright, clean, and very homely. £17 got me a night's stay in a 4-person women-only room on the third floor, and it was only 5 minutes from Cardiff Central.


There was even a cheeky street cat there!


A short walk away was Cardiff castle. There were lots of squirrels chasing each other around in the park next to it!


I had nachos and a pint at a Wetherspoons in town after having a little look around the galleries in the National Museum. I didn't get much time there as I had left the hostel later than originally planned due to anxiety.


The next day I got up quite early and had free breakfast! There was a variety of cereals, yoghurt, bread, pastries, welsh cakes, juices, and there were free tea and coffee on offer for the whole stay.


I went back to the museum to look at the small natural history section. Taxidermy birds everywhere!


I also had another quick look at the gallery. This painting was my favourite.


Before heading home I went back to the Wetherspoons as they still do mexican burgers in that one! Awh yiss.


Next I went shopping! I realised I might be a goth as I tried on so many black clothes and only 1 non-black thing...


Spoopy4lyf


Picked a few black basics and also this pleather top. Not sure about keeping it though as wouldn't know what to wear it with and it seems a bit formal for daily wear.

I ended up leaving in the afternoon and getting home at around 5pm. Was awfully tired afterwards, and still kinda am!

Enter Shikari Cardiff 17/02/15

On Tuesday I was lucky enough to attend the sold out Enter Shikari show at Y Plas. Accidentally queued for the wrong gig with a bunch of other people though, so missed all but one song of the first band!


...which was a shame, as they sounded pretty damn good. They were Fatherson. Also managed to get myself the last spot on the balcony!


The next band was Allusondrugs, and while they were less my kind of thing they were still good. Spotted Rory C in the crowd opposite me but couldn't go say hi without losing my spot (#gigaloneproblems, also still in awe of my ability to not pee myself as I was desperate the whole time).


Feed The Rhino were rather loud, but also awesome. Was very glad I wasn't in the pit as the wall of death was a sight to behold (but not something I would wish to be involved in at all!).


Also nice little lit-up moment.


And then the most excellent Enter Shikari!


Rory C doing a spot of crowdsurfing!


The setlist was overall very good! We had the best songs from the new album (notably Myopia), although I'm sure Sorry, You're Not A Winner's absence was noted by many. Not many old songs on there at all, but that's not necessarily a bad thing and definitely not unexpected. I loved how they actually had a vase for a little Slipshod moment.

Wish I could go to another show as they were SO GOOD, but most of them are sold out! And/or far away. But I picked up a Download ticket finally, so I'll have to wait until June!

Friday 13th

This Friday 13th I finally got a chance to get a tattoo! Finally!


I ended up paying my bus fair in 10p coins so I could take money from the shrapnel pot again instead of having to get money out. It took the driver ages to check the amount.


This was outfit for the day, with double layered leggings to stay warm! I thought my Killstar shirt and Black Milk Cross of St Peter leggings were perfect Friday 13th attire. I bought a long-sleeved crop in New Look, but I'm not sure about it as everything seems slightly baggy on my waist (presumably because I'm not very tall?? I already bought an 8 and on size charts I'm a 12!).


It was a tough choice in terms of what to get. I wish I had more tattoos so I could have gotten away with one of the Adventure Time ones from Mandy at Electric Vintage. But I don't think I'm ready for that just yet! Plus these cost more and I'm not doing too well on the money front right now.


So I went along to Imperial Tattoo Company, as per. There were a few more designs to choose from, and they were only £13 each! I ended up plumping for the coffin by Amy since it goes well with the planchette I got from her at Halloween.


The result, with huge photobomb from my flaky rose tattoo haha.

I also ended up getting my septum pierced, despite Broad Street Studio not doing Friday 13th deals this time around. This was a dumb move as now I can't get my tongue pierced for another month when I had time booked off to get it next week, ugh! It doesn't look as terrible on me as I had feared, but I have no photos since I have a retainer in while it heals so you can't see it at all. Oh well, lesson learned. Impulse piercings are a dumb idea haha. At least it doesn't hurt at all!

Dollskill Order feat. Ballet Baes

After avoiding them for a long time, I finally caved and ordered some Ballet Baes after seeing all the girls on BMUK receiving theirs. Oops!

I was a bit worried as the reviews online for Dollskill seem really terrible, but I didn't really have problems. My tracking didn't work, but my items arrived pretty quickly despite getting stopped at customs (I paid around £16, which I didn't think was bad at all). I also had a 15% discount code (SHODDYSCULT) which meant I could grab a few extra little bits for barely more than the price of just the shoes. Shipping was free.


The Y.R.U. Ballet Baes! Pretty much everyone gets the pink ones, but black is the only colour for me really. I ordered US7 which is a 5 as I know this brand tends to run a little narrow. This was a good call as they are still too narrow, but they're definitely a little too long. They're a real pain to get on the first time too as those ribbons are crazy! They also dig into my ankle which is a shame as I'd heard they were comfortable. I do love them though even though they're pretty damn ugly =P


Here's the rest of my order! I'd been looking at the socks on ebay for a while so I figured I might as well get them. They are Too Fast Ouija Garter Socks and Ouija Eyelet Ankle Socks. The garters are a bit too big though which is a shame! Oh, and a Pinkie Pie headband.


I think I love these the most of anything though! The site says they are also Too Fast, but the tag says they're from Rat Baby. Either way, they are Occult Bones Gloves and they are awesome. I can't wait to wear them!

Oh look, I bought black things again orz

ChibiBunny Snow White Skater Review

A few weeks ago I decided to risk getting a dress that I hadn't seen reviews for from ChibiBunny after seeing it on Rufflechat. I ordered the Snow White dress for just over £20 including shipping, and it took just over 2 weeks to arrive.


As you can see, the fabric is quite shiny. It also goes a tad sheer on the bust even though I'm well within the maximum measurements which is a shame!


The print quality is pretty good for the price though, and I love the colour.

That said, I'd recommend most people order bigger sizes than they need just for the length. The middle section is much shorter than the sides, and the result is that even my short legs feel a bit too exposed!

All things considered, I probably wouldn't order again unless there was a print I really really needed. But considering the price, I think I got a good deal. Hopefully I can get a cute tutu to wear underneath to improve the length!

Splurging on BLACK

Been feeling really low again recently, which means more impromptu shopping sprees. Ugh, I'm useless! I wish internet shopping wasn't a thing, it's so easy to get sucked in!


I also did a little shopping after getting my tattoo, which obviously means changing-room outfit selfies! I think my Death By Disco Straps Skater Dress is one of my favourites, so easy to wear! And coordinates with my bloody tattoo!


Here is my little Primark haul. I accidentally tried on the sheer shiny top in a 6 (I thought it was an S) & it wasn't super tiny, so I risked an 8. Yet to try it on yet though! The cardigan is so soft, and the other things are beachwear that I intend on just wearing. Could have done with a smaller size for those, but they were out of stock (I swear Primark sizing has gotten bigger).


This is an early birthday present from mum which I had to buy myself, a cheapie rose perfume from M&S. It was discounted for Valentine's Day too, so it was only £4.80 for 30ml. Had I realised this beforehand I'd have gotten the 100ml. It smells yummy, but the bottle is super boring.


When I got home after going over Rob's house, I found my first surprise gift from a fellow Sharkie - some yummy tea and a Finn plush, aahhhh! ♥


My New Look order arrived a few days ago too. I ordered the bralet in 2 sizes, and predictably the 10 fits more comfortably but has super saggy cups so I'm keeping the 8 and hoping I can shift some flab from my ribs. The strap detailing on both sides is so awesome though, and I love that my piercings peek through the lace! The rings & tights were sales cheapies, hoping to accessorise more this year as I'm rubbish!


Next is my Urban Outfitters order. Sadly I will be returning this bralet too. I ordered an M and again the cups are too big, even though the rest fits nicely. I guess I could wear a super padded bra under it, but I am a C/D cup? The stock photo it is being worn as actual bra? Wtf? Like I know I look flat but still. It looks cheaper than I'd hoped anyway though. But I should get good use from the tattoo choker as I wear my plain one all the time, and I couldn't resist naughty socks. I want to wear them to work a lot!


Asos order is up next (they sent me the right stuff this time!). I only realised when it arrived that the Primark beach dress I bought is almost exactly the same as this Asos one! The Asos one is nicer but is way too oversized, so I will be exchanging it. The fishnet thing is ankle socks, I thought they were quirky, and one can never have too many thigh-highs (how have I lived without striped ones?). The Religion kimono is something I'd been eyeing up for a long time, and I made this order as a panic buy as only size M was left (now sold out completely)! It was pretty expensive but massively reduced, and my grandparents are claiming it as birthday present so pretty win-win there. Not sure how I'll wear it, but I've wanted a kimono for ages and those praying skeletons are just awesome.

I think I've found my style finally though, and that style is all black everything. Kind of bordering on the 'health goth' bullcrap which is worrying, but eh whatever.

Now to wait impatiently for my Dollskill order!

New Body Additions

So on Tuesday I fiiiiinally got the balls to get a big tattoo! I'd been wanting a rose on my knee for over a year but kept worrying about every little thing. It's done now (well, half done), so I'll have to stop worrying about it suiting me and my style or whatever now!


I got it done at Imperial Tattoo Company in Bath by Steve Bates since he does awesome traditional stuff. I wasn't sure about placement or size but I decided to just trust him with it. I was so terrified! Like I couldn't even see straight when I was sat waiting, it was crazy.


The transfer was of the flower part only, so after that was inked the leaves got drawn on with Sharpie! I was surprised that the knee cap didn't hurt more. The fatty parts were so much worse, the fattier the more painful. Which is annoying as I thought I'd start with the knee so the rest of the leg would be less daunting, but I want my thigh done next and that's way flabbier...

I don't know exactly how long it took, I was in the shop for over two hours but obviously a lot of that was non-tattooing time. We decided to split the session as it would be easier on my wallet and hopefully less pain overall. So I get to go back for the rest in a couple of weeks! Need to decide whether I want that bottom leaf drawn back in (I'm thinking not, although it would centre it better).


I'm pretty chuffed with it so far...I think? Haha it's just so huge that I'm still freaking out about a bit. It's also not central on my leg, but that's because it's based around the kneecap and knees are just super wonky. Already thinking about using the extra space on the outside of my leg for some lyrics though ;P This photo was taken a day after getting it lined, so it's suuuuuuper swollen. I'm starting to be able to see my actual kneecap again now though, so I'm guessing the swelling is going down!

Sooooo looking forward to getting it finished! I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it, I just worry about how lolita will work with it since I favour ankle socks. And nobody else seems to like it. My mum is really annoyed about it, and Rob's mum just straight up hates it. And strangers on the street were commenting and staring from the off (although I guess I did have a bloody mess of cling film on my leg and odd socks).

Oh well~

Oh right, I said additionS, plural. I got my nipples pierced at Broad Street Studio a couple weeks back. They're cute as, I hope they heal okay and don't reject or anything because shiniesss! And hoping they look less wonky when I get shorter bars put in. Most painful exprience of my life though, especially the second one eeep.

Angelic Pretty Mini-Haul!

So I inevitably ended up falling in love with an Angelic Pretty special set after forgoing the lucky packs!


After a few attempts I managed to score a set on auction! It was slightly over retail, but I feel lucky for being able to get it at all so soon after release.


The dress is GORGEOUS. The fabric is different than I've seen used before, very soft. I really wish I hadn't passed up on the black version now as this colour will be difficult to coordinate!


The headbow is very plain, but that isn't a bad thing.


And SOCKS! I'm surprised they put out socks with these ones.


The print is like a mishmash of lots of other prints released throughout the year, which I think is great!


I also spotted a Royal Unicorn JSK in the military style I adore while perusing auctions, so I couldn't resist grabbing it.


I love the detailing and the brooch!


While I'm trying to move away from pink, I think this colourway was the best due to the contrast between bodice and skirt. Also it's a non-pastel pink, so it'll be interesting trying to work with this colour.

Hopefully I get a chance to wear these soon! I'd love to wear Royal Unicorn on Valentine's Day, but I'm working until 1200 & everyone is meeting at 1230! Not sure if I can make it!