Spirithoods Galaxy Wolf

Finally, the long awaited Galaxy Wolf 2.0! Despite telling us they wouldn't be making any more of them, a smaller number of hoods were made with new fur, new cut, and higher-contrast liner (due to many complaints from people who got very dark placements in the OG). I vastly prefer the original version, but I wasn't going to miss out on a chance at my grail hood (the originals were going for $500 even if the placements were bad...no ta).


At $139 + $30 P&P + the dreaded customs, it's a big risk when you don't know what placement you're going to get! Despite a few hundred hoods being put up for sale, they sold out very quickly and the drop was rather stressful. I got delayed in leaving shop floor (the release was at the time I finished work), and when I tried to get one on my phone in the staffroom it said they were sold out and I cried a little. But I tried the men's link and for some reason it worked even though they should be taken from the same stock. Result!

Since it was a preorder on the 28th of December and they weren't shipped until the 8th of January, mine didn't arrive until the 12th. A long wait!


Uh oh...


Considering this is supposed to be the galaxy purple print which heavily features pink, I don't think my hood really captures the beauty of the print well. It's super disappointing. Why so much red? Again?! And while I wanted a galaxy blue hood, I meant a new one, not a dud purple haha.


The pink ear is kind of cute, but the other one blends in with the fur a bit too well. Pictured on top of jacket for comparison.


Having said that, it doesn't clash too badly with other galaxy purple pieces (L-R: slouchy, toasties, leggings, skater skirt). I don't dislike the hood, and I'm sure it'll grow on me. It was just not what I was hoping for. At least this time I was prepared for this eventuality (I mean, it doesn't look too dissimilar from the stock photo), unlike the surprise red "rainbow" on the last hood. But there are definitely plenty of more attractive ones!


I did find this rather long thread dangling from ear, but there don't appear to be any structural problems. I'll never be a fan of this new cut though as it's too big which makes the sleeves dangle strangely and swamps me. This fabric seems a tad stiffer than the fox so it digs into my neck a little instead of slipping forward and stabbing fur into my eyes! Haha.

I'm still very happy to have been able to get one of these hoods as I didn't think I'd ever get one. I'm kind of hoping the influx of new galaxy wolves might drive the OG prices down though, as really the OG galaxy wolf is still my grail and probably always will be!

Artscow Leggings Review

There were a few Artscow codes going around to allow you to make custom leggings for only $2.99 including shipping, so I cobbled together something quickly just to give it a go! I ordered on the 19th of May, so they came pretty quickly considering they had to be made and sent from China.


I decided to use some artwork from Enter Shikari's Common Dreads album. The image I used was 3642x2688.


I'll admit that I did a bad job of matching up the print on the front, although it didn't look this bad in the preview. This was also supposed to be the back, but they put the tag in the wrong way.


I think I like more detail on the back, though.


The material is super soft, although I imagine it will snag easily due to the fabric and the thinness. I can't fault the quality of the print, although it is much lighter than the preview image.


Here's where the problems start. They're too big. I bought size S (my BM size), and my measurements are actually bigger than the listed ones for that size. There is only one size smaller than this, and I'd definitely buy that in future.


I'm a bit miffed as my design had nice ankle detailing that you can't see due to them being too long and too loose. I was expecting them to be more for my height as they were made in China, but I guess not.


The material is super stretchy and comfy, but it fails the printed underwear test (admittedly I have a huge butt). You can't see my tattoos (knee and thigh) through them though.

The verdict? I wouldn't pay $19.99 plus postage for them, but you can't really go wrong for $2.99. Just gutted the sizing was off. I was planning to wear them to Download over thick tights anyway though, so it's not really a big deal!

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!

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!

The Mindsweep Deluxe Edition

This is the last Mindsweep post, I swear! But my physical copy arrived today (2 days before release!) and I couldn't resist sharing it.


The inner box it arrived in was custom...which means I'll have to keep it haha.


And the thing! *heavy breathing*


The vinyl! I must say, I'm a bit bummed that this edition is all built into the book. I had hoped it would be boxed with the regular vinyl & CD releases inside instead.


Signed prints though!


And the CD and DVDs. I already ordered a regular CD copy as this is useless for inflicting on Rob in the car. I say regular, I ordered the Japanese version as it has Slipshod on it!

Despite the disappointment at it not being a boxed set, I don't feel too bad about dropping the money on it. It smells nice, the print looks great, looking forward to reading through the book although it's a little big for that at 12". The problem is I now have to lug this huge thing to Bristol for the signing when I had been hoping to just take out the CD for signing haha.

Enter Shikari - The Mindsweep Full Review

While The Mindsweep doesn't hit stores in the UK until next Monday, an online stream appeared yesterday and I couldn't help but give it a listen. I'm writing this as I give it a third play through, and it seems to grow on me more on each listen (which isn't unusual for me as I take a while to warm to things generally). However, I came away feeling like it was a pretty good album even on the first listen!



Obviously I look forward to hearing the final form when it is released, as the track changes come across really clunky on the stream. I feel like a bad fan for not waiting to hear it as it was intended to sound...but not really =P I also look forward to being able to read the lyrics as I'm bad at picking things out when listening.

1. The Appeal & The Mindsweep I - A neat little intro with some spoken word and dramatic build-up. I love the word 'charlatan', so already winning me over there.
2. The One True Colour - I like the shouting on this one, but too much Chris Batten on vocals. Which I could say for pretty much every track on here...although it's probably no more than on other albums. Like the soft lyrics at the end and the build up after them.
3. Anaesthetist - I've listened to this track a whole bunch since the video was released, and it's growing on me like mad. Definitely one that's really similar to their older stuff. And Rory C vocals ♥ the way the lyrics are thrown between the guys in some parts sounds great. STEP THE FUCK BACK!
4. The Last Garrison - Although I've played this song a million times, I still enjoy hearing it. Heavy and dancey at the same time, and a message I can get behind.
5. Never Let Go Of The Microscope - I didn't like this at all the first time I heard it as it sounds pretty generic. It could be by Faithless or someone like that. But I do like the shouting at the end - WE SWEAR ALLEGIENCE TO NO ONE! Let's face it, I'm here for the shouting and the faster stuff...
6. Myopia - Definitely a stand-out track. Lures you in softly and then smashes you in the face. The start makes me think of Muse, but I think it's just the higher vocals. The heavier bits make me think of Million Dead, but I think that's just because they're the only hardcore I'm familiar with. And that definitely sounds like hardcore to me. The breakdowns are SO GOOD.
7. Torn Apart - This was my favourite track on my first listen through, but not so sure now. The verses are reminiscent of System Of A Down in a way, whereas the softer choruses provide heavy contrast.
8. Interlude - A bit something or nothing, but nice and atmospheric.
9. The Bank Of England - Bit of a boring one as far as I'm concerned. Nothing really makes it stand out to me.
10. There's A Price On Your Head - Another more hardcore one, though the shouting is a bit Offspring in places. And who doesn't love shouting about classes?
11. Dear Future Historians... - Honestly my first thought was that it sounded like Coldplay, although I'm now inclined to liken it to Death Cab For Cutie instead, while the lyrics were vaguely reminiscent of Frank Turner to me initially (if it was played on guitars instead piano it could easily be a really stripped back Frank song). Oh, and it's loud at the end! Unsurprisingly that's my favourite bit.
12. The Appeal & The Mindsweep II - Had a wee giggle to myself when Sorry You're Not A Winner cropped up, sorry not sorry. Pretty fierce ending to the album that brings it full circle back to the opening track.

Obviously Slipshod slots in on the end here, but sadly is an iTunes exclusive. Which sucks, as it's an amazing song that puts a big smile on face whenever I hear it.

Closing thoughts, the album somehow managed to be both heavier and softer than I had expected. It's definitely not possible to judge the whole album based on any single song from it. So I guess what I'm saying is that you should listen to it...

If I had to put a rating on it, I wouldn't give it more than 7/10. If that. It has its moments, but I don't think I can decide if I like it a lot yet or not. Like, I can listen to it. But it's definitely more in the 'like' zone rather than the 'love'.

Cosmic Series

After what felt like forever, the made to order of Cosmic were finally shipped out! It was a tough decision for me as to whether to order or not, especially since it was the sailor collar that drew me in (the dress itself looked like a potato). In the end, I decided to just go for it as I knew I'd probably regret it if I didn't.


I placed my order on the 30th of May and received it on the 1st of October. Quite a long wait! And I had to pay £20 customs which was annoying (but could have been a LOT worse!).


Obviously I got the regular JSK version in navy. The navy portion of my wardrobe is having a boom at the moment! This dress was ¥26,784. The colour is a much deeper navy in person, it's just difficult to capture accurately due to the chiffon material. The material and print are both really great and the buttons are pearlescent, like little full moons! Full back shirring, no lacing, no zip, and two pockets (most excellent).


The socks were ¥2,376 and are a bit of a disappointment. They have cute sheer panels in the shape of stars on the top of the feet which is cute, but they have too much stitching on them to stretch over my legs easily and the foot bit actually feels a little wide (and I have wide feet!). They're also probably a little too loud to wear with the dress, but they are adorable and I have always loved constellation theme, so I'm sure they'll still get used. They have metallic flecks running throughout.


The headband was ¥3,456 and I have mixed feelings. I'm happy that they're making things other than the generic headbow/bonnet, but the mesh bit just looks really awkward. The moon is adorable though! But I guess this was kind of expensive for a bit of felt stuck onto a headband.


I figured I'd pick up this scrunchie thing too for ¥2,376. I was hoping to use is on my wrist, but it's quite big! The ribbon on it has shiny flecks running through it, which I love.


My main issue with this set is that goddamned dress shape. It makes me look flat-chested and pregnant! Not kawaii.


But from the front is does look pretty adorable!

I kind of wish I hadn't bought this set now despite liking it a lot as I don't have any use for it at all and need to downsize my lolita wardrobe still, but I think I learned my lesson finally. From now on I will only buy stuff if I really reaaaaaally can't live without it! This means no lucky packs for me this year which will be strange. I hope I can stick to my plan this time!

If you want to view the video version of this post, click HERE.

Bodyline Golden Shoes Review

I think just about everyone was excited when Bodyline announced that they were to start making tea party shoes in gold.

I was definitely excited as I had been wanting a pair to wear with Crystal Dream Carnival and various other pieces that feature gold detailing.


These shoes are called SHOES251 and they cost around £30. They kept going out of stock quickly, so when I saw them available in size 230 only, I snapped them up. Unfortunately it seems that I need a 235 in this shoe (their sizes are a bit hit and miss). I'm hoping they will at least be wearable for Revelry though, and if not I will endeavour to sell them there.


I'm pretty impressed with how they look in person. They're an odd textured material but covered in patent, making them shiny but not TOO shiny. The buckles are the snap on ones, which I find to be really handy so you don't have to fiddle with buckles every time you wear them.

I only tried them on quickly and they didn't seem overly comfortable, but most of that is because my toes were pressed into the ends! I think if they fit better they would be perfectly acceptable, but it's difficult for me to say as pretty much all shoes hurt my feet!

I'd definitely recommend them for people looking for gold shoes. While they're be cuter with more of a heel (I have definitely grown out of tea party shoes as they look awkward to me now), they're the cheapest gold shoes you are likely to find and they sell out so quickly that if you changed your mind flogging them should be no issue ;P haha.

First Taobao Order!

After being too scared of using it for ages, I finally made my first Taobao order!


I used TaobaoSpree and the person who dealt with my orders was called Ray. The ordering is a bit confusing, and I'd stand no chance of finding things on Taobao to buy really since everything is in Chinese, but I would definitely use TBS again in future as it was all very smooth. I do wish they'd have an account system like FromJapan though as it would make keeping track of purchases a lot easier. The whole process was quicker than I'd expected.


They even sent this free jewellery in my package!

The only thing I'd say to watch out for is package markdowns, as I think they do it automatically and you might not want that if you're ordering a bunch of valuable stuff.

Onto the stuff!


I knew I needed the doge dress when I saw it on Lolita Updates, even though it looks dumb.


The brand is called The Dream Of Alice. I hadn't heard of them before.


I couldn't decide between OP and JSK so I ordered both, since they were only around £30 anyway.


Both are shirred without zips, and take a bit of wriggling into. They also look a bit yellower than the stock photos, but not too bad.


The OP has detachable neckties...


...and waist ties. The cut is pretty unflattering though.


The JSK is more fitted, but it suffers the same problem as brands like Emily Temple Cute and Innocent World. The waist is too roomy, and the bust is too tight! This is despite the shirring.


The straps are adjustable though, which is good.

As for general quality, they aren't as bad as they could have been. They feel reasonably soft but the fabric is quite sheer and there were lots of loose threads, but I think that's probably unavoidable with this kind of fabric when made cheaply.

I also finally bought some a-line petticoats! I figured I'd give Classical Puppets a go since I've heard good things. They were around £16 each which is the same price as the victoriangirldress Ebay ones.


I instantly regretted buying 2 a-lines since I could do with a new cupcake.


The organza fabric is really nice though and not at all scratchy. They can be squished into a tiny bag, and yet have mega petti power after a quick shake.


However, they are too short. I bought the 'longer length' version purely for my Juliette et Justine dresses, but they have a jellyfish effect from being too short. So I essentially have no use for these petticoats as I don't wear a-line things. Poop.

I'm happy with my purchases though, and proud that I didn't go overboard buying things!