Download Festival Part 3

The weather on Saturday was horrid! It rained all morning so none of us could really bothered to leave the comfort of our slightly leaky gazebo. However, I've managed to miss seeing FFAF repeatedly so I dragged poor Rob out into the rain with me and we caught the very end of Heart Of A Coward.


After such a long wait to see Funeral For A Friend, I was left disappointed. I think Matt must have had a bad throat or something as his vocals were really ropey. Good little flash back to when I was first getting into proper music, though.


We stuck around for Mallory Knox since we missed them at Takedown, but we scooted off back to camp afterwards to try to warm up and get a little drier! Which meant missing Apocalyptica which was a shame, but no regrets. I was feeling pretty miserable! But we did catch a bit of Rise Against when we got back.


Then a band I was really looking forward to...A Day To Remember! They're quickly becoming one of my favourites.


I really want to see them again! Preferably somewhere dry. The rain definitely kept my mood dampened.


We discovered a cocktail van called Beetle-Juice during Faith No More (who sounded good for a bunch of old dudes). I had a few Beetle-Juices (lychee,raspberry, & gin) whereas Rob was favouring Dark & Stormy (lime, ginger beer, & rum). We had to hang around outside for Andew W.K. as the tent was too packed, but it was still kinda fun. Rob was amazed that there are so many songs about partying that all sound pretty much the same.


Then there was Muse! With big bouncy balls!


As usual they played really well, but the setlist was a mixed bag. Mostly new stuff off of Drones which I only got to listen to once before going.


Microcuts and Citizen Erased though! Even though they were supposedly not playing Origin of Symmetry tracks again...bullllll.

Probably should have been closer for Muse to get more hype, but watching the crowd was quite a sight in itself!

SpiritHoods Red Fox/Wolf(?)

SpiritHoods seem very popular with Sharkies, so I found myself becoming interested in them even though they're cultural-appropriating and stupid looking.


I previously bought a Grey Wolf hood on Ebay after missing the Galaxy Wolf BM collabo, but I don't think the seller ever sent it out and I was subsequently refunded. I instead decided to risk it again on Ebay to save a few quid and customs, and grabbed what was listed as a Red Fox.


I will admit, I felt pretty uncomfortable spending £43 on a dumb hat. On the site they are around £65 not including postage or customs. However, they are lovely and soft! But...this isn't a fox? It looks more like the Red Wolf which is annoying as the traits of the Red Fox suit me better in my opinion (Clever|Wise|Adaptable rather than Loyal|Social|Teacher). I only noticed this after leaving positive feedback...but they look really similar so I'm not 100%.


They have a little pocket in one sleeve, and a button so you can secure it in the wind.

I'm assuming this is an old hood. It doesn't have an ear tag, but it seems genuine (earlier hoods didn't have them). I'm not sure how often I will get to wear it, but it's comfy & I'll try my best (even though I feel a bit silly in it).

I'm hoping to catch the Aurora Kitty BM collabo when it restocks despite the price as I think I want to collect the Black Milk ones if I can. If I fail at ever finding Galaxy Wolf I am also tempted to get the Grey Wolf HB3 instead as the built-in headphones sound like a brilliant idea!

Why do I continue to fall for expensive and stupid looking fashions?

Weekly Releases Are Go!

At the start of the month, Black Milk switched to smaller weekly releases instead of less frequent big ones. This has been met with mixed feelings by most. I think it's awful as it's harder to prioritise purchases, easier to buy everything you want before it sells out, and LOADS MORE CUSTOMS. Literally getting £20+ for every package and it's draining my bank account something awful.

ANYWHO...My first few weekly orders! They both took several weeks to arrive, which means I have orders on the go all the time now. Ugh!


I had to resist a few pieces for every release, but plumped for the Dragon Scales Silver Shorties before their 24 hours timed up on first release. I just can't resist shorties at the moment, especially monochrome ones! I'm sad they don't gleam so much in person as in photos though. Also picked up Mermaid Midnight Leggings from the Holidaze release since they just look so comfy and wearable.


The second release brought more temptation. I collect galaxy blue, so I got the Galaxy Blue Pinafore Pocket Skater Skirt for my collection. I'm not a fan of this skirt though unfortunately, the straps aren't long enough so it gets pulled up under my boobs instead of my waist and is really unflattering! Also got The Awesome Suit Nana Bottom for mixing and matching. They're super comfy, but also feel a bit too big. And I didn't realise they wouldn't cover my buttcheeks. Oops! Will wear them a lot next time I go on holiday though, which won't be until next year anyway...

I now have 4 more orders on the way, 3 from new weekly releases (there was a museum release...oh dear!). Wish the customs fairy would grace me once again with her presence =[

1,000,000 Valentines

There were a few small ammos on January 6th, so obviously I made a few small orders!


A bunch of old prints were brought back for the 1 Million Followers ammo, but the only thing I bought was the Plum Bath 2.0 Vs Zombie Nation Inside Out Skater Skirt. While I liked the prints a lot more in person than in stock photos, I'm really disappointed with this one. While it is cut the exact same size as regular skater skirts it's way less stretchy, and the tag actually started tearing off when I tried it on. The band is probably too tight on my waist to wear too (despite S size usually coming up a tad loose on me). Boo! At least I know to not bother with them in future.


Secondly there was the Valentines Ammo! The only item I got from this release was the PVC Red Cheerleader Skirt, which I will probably literally only wear once on Valentine's Day...but couldn't resist it anyway! I know Rob will like it haha. Also picked up the Painting The Roses Red Nana Suit Top since someone pointed out they'd look fab together. They weren't wrong!

A few days later I caved and ordered Wet Look Pocjet Leggings since my regular ones (in the wrong size) had arrived and I loved them too much to not get pocket ones. I mean, they're a staple piece, right?

With the next release a week away and 20% off vouchers currently, I may have been naughty and bought $800 of vouchers. Such a saving though...right?

Shikari Signing!

Okay, I lied about no more Mindsweep posts...although that's not the main focus here, I guess?

All this week Enter Shikari have been doing signings in various record stores across the country to promote the release of the new album. When I saw that there was a signing in Bristol, and that by some miracle it was at a time I could do, I just HAD to go.


I arrived at Rise a little while before the advertised time, so I had a much needed cup of tea after powerwalking up Park Street. Unfortunatly that meant that by the time I got upstairs the queue was super long, and I had to wait in line for an hour and a half. Lesson learned. I guess arriving early would still mean a similar wait time though, so swings and roundabouts.


By the time it was my turn, the posters had run out (I was the first person to not get one, typical!). However the guy who was taking photos for people etc insisted on going out to get more purely because I had the fancy book version of the release. Success! Huge-ass poster, come at me.


While he was getting those I had a little chat with Rob and Chris, including really bad jokes from Rob!


Then onto Rou and Rory...were they grouped according to facial hair or something? Ahh I feel all silly thinking back, everyone was so nice and I wanted to take them all home in my pocket or something.


Rory almost instantly noticed my galaxy blue toasties (SENPAI NOTICED ME!), and pretty sure this is a photo of that very moment. The photo guy (I feel so bad for not knowing who he is) told him his guitar had competition and that he should get a pair of them too =P


See, galaxy blue guitar!

I was grinning like a loon all the way home. My social anxiety was ripping into me too, but I tried to ignore it. I just felt so dumb that I couldn't think of things to say to them, and I kind of ran off quickly with the second two as I'd used up all my bottle with the first two. Noooooooo! But damn if I get another chance to meet them, I will take it!


And my copy of the album, all scribbled on. Still waiting on my Japanese CD release, and today I ordered the smaller fancy book version from Banquet Records and a signed copy of the vinyl from Rise. Woopsie!

Black Milk Museum Release, etc

On the 16th of December there was a Museum Release on Black Milk. Obviously I couldn't resist making a few purchases.


First on my hitlist were the PVC pink items from the Princesses & Villains collection. I failed at getting the skirt, but nabbed the Sweetheart Princess Pink Bodysuit.


I should have sized down as it won't stay up as I have no boobies! Need to figure out what tops I can wear under it to make it less dangerous.


On the second round I completed my velvet skirt mini-collection with the Velvet Deep Blue Skater Skirt, and threw in some Spidies Hosiery to make it worth handling fees if I had got hit by customs (plus you can never have too many tights!).


After lots and lots of refreshing, I managed to catch an Arabella Noir Dress randomly pop back into stock. I ought to have gotten a smaller size, and I'm not sure what to wear it with or if I even like it on me. But I'd been eyeing it since it was originally released in the Battle of Kings collection, and they seem pretty popular, so no regrets.


After a couple days of thinking on it, I went back for the Bloody Mary Wifey Top, and also threw in the Wonderland Wifey Skirt as it happened to be in stock at the time. Fleecy goodness! The skirt is hella tight, but I guess that adds to cosiness?

I also got a few more pieces on Ebay!


Completed my Ravenclaw mini-collection from Ebay with the Ravenclaw House Swimsuit. Unfortunately the seller cut the tags out and cut a small hole in the seam, but she was lovely about it and refunded a small amount. Now I just have to fix it up before I can wear it, but I have until the Summer to do that!


I finally got my hands on Black Ribs Swim on Ebay. It was one of the first pieces I ever wanted, so I snapped it up at a good price even though it isn't my size. At an XS LT, it's workable though. Although it's as long as my body before I even put it on haha #shortpeopleproblems


And lastly, The Holey Leggings hosiery, since I buy all the hosiery I can. Turns out they are actual leggings, but ah well!


I lied, also my belated Christmas present from Rob - the Matte Pink Zip Suit.

There weren't too many piece in the 3 January Ammos that I wanted, so hopefully I can save some money soon!

Lolita Blog Carnival: How I've Changed In Lolita Over The Last Year

This year I have definitely noticed a shift in my lolita style, and so I thought now would be a good time to get back on the Lolita Blog Carnival!

While I haven't worn lolita very much, there has definitely been a shift in purchases from pastel colours and supersweet prints to darker, more mature colours. In fairness, this change occurred more last year, but it definitely became more pronounced this year. And I finally got my hands on some Juliette et Justine this year!

The easiest way I can show this is by showing my outfits from the two big events of the year.


For Enchanted back in April I wore the most OTT sweet piece I own. Lots of pastels and cloyingly sweet! Everything matched with pink, all the time.


Fast forward to September's Revelry and darker colours reign. Still sweet style, but more carefully chosen accessories.

I'm not pleased with either of these outfits to be honest, and I plan to rework both in future. Who knows, maybe I'll show more changes when I wear those pieces again!



Alice In Lolitaland ♥ Bloody Tea Party ♥ Candied Dreams ♥ Kingdom Of Frilly Magic ♥ My Life's Libretto ♥ Oh Velveteena ♥ Reverie et Creation ♥ Sweet Expedition ♥ Vanilla & Licorice

Christmas Meet

Way back on the 6th of December our comm had our Christmas meet. Well, two meets actually! I had to work from 06:30 to 11:30 in the morning, so I didn't have a lot of time to get ready and ended up retying my hair on the bus without brushing it...


Obligatory bus and music shot to begin. I finally got to wear my Holy Night Story set in green, along with the coat that Antonia gave me back in the Summer. I could only do up one button, but I count that as a success!


Part one of the meet was at Cox & Baloney for a fancy afternoon tea.


I actually enjoyed eating brie for the first time ever as I'd never had it with jam before!


Such a lady, haha.


Perhaps the strawberries and cream flavoured tea blend was going to our heads.


Afterwards was karaoke! I tried my hand at scoring Celestial or Sugar Dream Dome since it was released during the meet, but 3D on an iPhone 4 was woefully inadequate.


Lots of singing happened though, and I kicked frilly butt at the quiz again!


Since Sophie stayed at mine we headed back into town after I had finished work in the morning for a late lunch in Giraffe.


I had nachos. Boring, but I loooove nachos.

Somehow I ended up just taking derpy photos and photos of food again, huh.

FromJapan & Buyee Gets

I made a shopping preorder way back in August, so when that finally came in I couldn't resist making a couple auction purchases...oops!


I couldn't not buy this Clow Book pouch from SuperGroupies for ￥4,519.


Even the inside is super cute, and one of the zip pulls is the Clow key! I have no idea what I'll use it for though...


I fell in love with Angelic Pretty's Loyal Rosette after seeing it in person, so I scooped up this special set for ￥25,410. A little over retail, but not too bad. I'm still keeping an eye out for the regular JSK though as it's a cuter military style than this one.


I also stumbled across this Baby, The Stars Shine Bright Dessert OP (2008 version) for ￥4,515. I've wanted this ever since wearing Monika's off-white version on her birthday last year. I got it for such a good price, and black is easiest to wear ♥


I also tried out Buyee for the first time. It's a service which allows you to bid on Yahoo auctions yourself. Unfortunately it doesn't allow you to mark down value, resulting in me paying around £50 in customs on my ￥30,000ish dress. So I won't be doing it again! But yeah I finally got the Angelic Pretty Sugary Carnival JSK in black. Took me long enough, and I've made worse impulse buys =P I mean, this dress has been my Tumblr icon since I got Tumblr some 4 or 5 years ago, so I regret nothing.

Fingers crossed I either buy nothing on impulse in the Angelic Pretty sale later, or that if I do everything is cheap!

Christmas Presents!

Been a bad blogger again, but I knew if I didn't do this post I would just leave my gifts in bags on my floor forever haha.


The first presents I opened were from Rob on Christmas Eve, a cute little owl snowglobe and some yummy chocs! He also ordered the Matte Pink Zip Suit, but it won't be here for a few weeks. Eeeeeeee!


On Christmas morning I opened my gifts from Sophie first. Felt so spoiled! Cute kitty socks, dress-up Pony mug, and Oujia-themed jewellery from Sugar & Vice ♥


Next I opened gifts from Rob's family. His mum always spoils me like crazy, I feel so guilty Dx I got a cute penguin hat and glove set (the gloves are too small for my man hands, nuuuuuuuuu! Hoping I can chop off the thumbs and stretch them out a little), chocolate wafer straws, boot bling, nail files, chocolate coins, glittery boots, London-themed jimmies, and Harry Potter socks. The bath set is from Rob's mum's boyfriend's sister haha.


Before a big Christmas lunch (with a yummy nut roast pastry thing that dad makes every year...yummmmm) I opened gifts from my dad's side of the family. I got the Wrapped Up Reversible Skater Dress, Max Raptor CD, and some Bodyshop stuff from my grandparents, and more Bodyshop stuff and Marmozets and Reuben CDs from my aunt. I'm a bit obsessed with Marmozets already!


The last gifts I opened in the evening were from my parents. My Dr Martens weren't wrapped up after having them put back for ages, ugh! I got cup measures, some watches for work, a Hello Kitty cake/jelly mould, Hello Kitty duvet, Hello Kitty belt (which my mum didn't realise was age 7-8, so it might make a good garter? lol), Hello Kitty mug & coaster set, and 6 pairs of sale tights from Next. So I actually got a bunch of stuff I will use! Success!