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!

Spirithoods Galaxy Grey Wolf Coat

I'd considered a Spirithoods jacket previously as I've struggled to find any in other stores that I liked as most of them don't have hoods. I was always put off by the ridiculous price. But then a wild Black Milk collaboration appeared, and a Galaxy Grey Wolf Coat happened.


I regretted not buying the hood so much, that I bought this even though I can't see myself wearing it much because it's so ridiculous!


It released on the 10th, and I had it shipped from Hopshopgo on the 18th. It arrived on the 21st. So still quite speedy considering the distance and time of year.


The fur isn't as soft as the fox was, but it's still quite soft (and shedding everywhere!). It's a bit of a shame that the panels don't blend better, but I guess it would have been a mare to organise them so the pattern would line up! Could be brighter though, I guess?


Part of me is sad that my ears are dark and quite plain because they're the only part of the galaxy print that actually shows, but then again that means it'll go with other clothing a lot better. I wouldn't have liked odd bright pink/blue ears that I have seen on some.


I worried about the sizing as the chart made all the sizes sound absolutely huge. I opted for the smallest size and worried that my shoulders might be too big, but it fits okay. I'd have preferred it a bit bigger as it's a bit snug on my hips (I can wear the smaller set of buttons comfortably on my bust and waist but definitely not on my hips!). However I imagine I'll be more likely to wear it undone to avoid looking like a huge furry tube, so it's not a huge issue. They definitely aren't flattering when done up as they mask all curves.


There are two outer pockets and one small zipped one inside the lining. I think the hood is super cute, but I'm not sure about the body. Sadly you can't really keep your hands in the pockets like I would in a hoodie as they're too high up and due to the lack of looseness. Need to wear it a whole bunch of times to give it a proper test drive!

Somewhat irritatingly, a Galaxy Wolf 2.0 was announced the day this arrived. I wouldn't have bought the jacket if I had known it would be back! I managed to get one too, but customs is pain. So I might sell the coat after all...

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 ✌

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!

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!

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!

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!).