DIY: 4 projects for your to do list

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Now that I’m fully settled back into my academic course and Dundee, the way I spend my time has gradually moved from marathoning episodes of Teen Wolf to ward shifts and socialising (a.k.a. adult life). I do actually appreciate it, as I’m ready to start back at medicine and see friends again, but I forgot what it’s like having no time, at all. Still, even if I can’t find the time to actually do them I’ve been dreaming of all the new projects I want to start.

My recent DIY interests have tended a lot towards interior design, as I’m currently decorating my new flat and remembering that decorating is expensive. I collect knickknacks the same way other people breathe, but there’s a lot of empty wall space for someone who is too skint for the picture framers – I realized that I have quite a few rolls of electrical tape though, and wondered about making a mural out of it, maybe in the shape of a stag’s head or more abstract geometry like the above pre-made one from Urban Outfitters. I also recently got a new/second hand desk (thanks, Uncle John), which (having been reading The Interior DIYer’s post) I might cover with some contact paper so it better matches the furniture the flat came with; contact paper and electrical tape are both perfect DIY tools for the renter, as they won't mark and can be changed whenever I feel like an update.

It’s probably no surprise that I own a couple of veils already, but it probably is that I don’t own a true bird cage one – I really like the vintage feel they lend to all outfits, but all of mine are actually attached to hats. Most DIYs I’ve found for this are on wedding blogs like this double clipped version, but you’d better believe that mine is going to be black and firmly everyday wear. For the coming months, I actually really like this vintage babushka pattern, but I’m so woefully inept at knitting I feel like it might be a daydream project for now. Experienced knitters, any advice? 

Is anyone else looking forward to future DIY projects? Can anyone train me up in knitting, please? Hopefully I'll be posting all my projects on instagram when I finish, so keep an eye for them on there! 

     

Links a la Mode

Well, shit. I didn't expect that one. Independent Fashion Bloggers is a great resource for fashion bloggers of all levels, with an extensive back catalogue of advice, and for some reason I got selected for their weekly Links a la Mode! I'm very grateful - particularly because it's great to see such a well respected blogging resource taking the issue seriously - and would like to congratulate everyone else who was featured. Find their links below!

What Truths Beneath

Underneath all the glamor and glitz of fashion and beauty, there is the truth. We're all just winging it. Whether you're thinking you need to get your act together in making better decisions, or you need to get your closet all organized there are things you can do to get straight in your head that will inevitably make you straight with your relationship to fashion. This week we have some fantastic links that help to think about fashion in a completely new way. So grab your cup of iced coffee and read these amazingly thought provoking posts.

Links a la Mode: June 26th

• A Dash of Fash: 10 Blog Photo Tips & Tricks
• Adorned in Armor: Believers Shall Perish, But Not Forever 21?
• A Glamourous Revelation: What Would Beyonce Do?
• Al Balsam Life: Get Perfect Skin in 3 Steps
• An Honest Drug: Skinny, White and Blogging
• Attire Club: The Best Looks from London Collections Men
• ChicFB: The Bucolics of Chic
• Fchx: Me, Myself and My Bipolar
• Happy Pretty Sweet: DIY Embellished Sunglasses
• Indivisual: 5 Ways to Reinvent Yourself for Summer
• Les Assorties: A Long, Hot Greek Summer
• Lil Miss Bianca: Fab Finds: Rosie Assoulin Resort 15
• Loser Girl Wins: 15 Quotes Guaranteed to Make You Smile
• Save, Spend, Splurge: Why Does Everyone Keep Asking Why I'm Dressed Up?
• Tech Techie: Google Glass Gets a Fashionable Makeover
• That Paki Blog: 5 Innovative Collections from London Collection Mens
• The Anonymous Beauty Blogger: 3 Ways to Digitize Your Closet
• The B Team: How to Make a Dress Without a Pattern
• This is Simply Me: Staying the Low Back Body Suit
• Trend Survivor: 10 Stylish Ways to Wear Denim Shorts

SPONSOR: Shopbop Bottega Veneta, Volley Australia, Jennifer Behr, Hipchik, Les Coquines, Chie Mihara, Kurt Geiger, Phaidon, Puma Select, Men's Sneakers & Fashion


I hope to see everyone for my monthly wardrobe feature as scheduled for the first, and thank you again to IFB for featuring my article!




Fee

June Round Up

It's weird to me that June is nearly over; with university finishing and Sophistique Noir's Red and Black Week, it's the busiest blogging month.

On An Honest Drug this month, I moved to a four day blogging schedule, which has proved more difficult than expected, but not impossible. I've also added a new social network in the form of Instagram to my Facebook, Twitter and Google+, increasing the number of places you can see selfies, dog photos and snapshots of my life which you don't get on this blog. Something else that you can find on my Instagram and Facebook is my progress towards my One Summer, One Hundred Crafts challenge, which everyone is gleefully reminding me is an insurmountable task - something that makes me want to do it even more, as much as I agree with them.

Elsewhere on the web -

• Something I've not talked about on the blog before; I am very interested in stage make up, and was part of the make up team for stage productions in school. Haute Macabre recently posted images from "A Complete Guide to Special Effects Make Up' that reminds me of why I love it so.
• Gothic Charm School celebrates its five years publishing anniversary, still in print and still one of the best resources for an introduction to goth out there.
• Though I remain steadfastly interested in equality and feminist discourse, this article on A Thousand Flowers highlights very well some of the problems within feminism; for the record, I am vehemently against transphobic sentiments, and this blog will reflect that.
• On the lighter side of things, I love Good Morning, Angel's instagram round up - particularly her pearl make up and her PVC skirt. If someone can tell me where to get a skirt like that, I will be a very happy camper.
•  Whether you're still suffering withdrawal from the demise of Flappy Bird or have a deep affection for all things Lovecraftian, The Pop Culture Cynic offers something for all in the form of Flapthulhu.
• Finally, though 'job' to me currently means shorts, old t shirts and getting a fright when frogs hop out of plants unexpectedly, Victorian Kitty of Sophistique Noir remains my number one favourite for darkly elegant work wear.

Next post is on the first of next month, when An Honest Drug will be back with the monthly wardrobe feature!





Fee

September blog round up

The first month of university has passed quicker than ever, and it was a shock to realise that my birthday is in two weeks. It's been a difficult September, but also rewarding; although I'm still stressed and harried as ever, I do feel more prepared and organised, and have a stronger support group than I did when I started university.

September hasn't been quiet on the blogging front either; there's been plenty of good posts this month -

• The Green Fairy of 'If Only I Were a Goth' posted about her trip to a taxidermy art exhibit, which looked amazing; I really want to see more of a revival in the art, as it can be used to such great effect.
• Stuck for blog post ideas? Fear no more, as The Everyday Goth has compiled a list of 50 gothic blog post prompts, some of which have given me ideas (though lord knows I have too many ideas to post about already).  
• I only recently discovered Haute Macabre, which has made me wonder where I've been all my life, as this blog is gorgeous. They posted a nail art collection inspired by the evil eye of Turkish origin, which I want to try.
• Also by Haute Macabre, they have a feature about the work of artist Choi Xoo Ang (TRIGGER WARNING: artwork featuring body parts), whose macabre yet beautiful sculpture pieces look at the human body and human rights abuses in Korea. Haute Macabre also published an article on the work of Fuyuko Matsui  you should read, because I cannot recommend this blog enough.
• The Mutant Stomp Friends recently posted about the harness trend that went crazy after the 2011 Alexander McQueen fall show (love that designer), and reminded me that I very badly want a harness of my own to wear over dresses and stuff. Excellent craft project to give a go.

As for me? I will remain busy this month as I'm starting a new block of teaching, but in the future keep an eye out for my Halloween plans, a review of Body Jewellery Shop's products and plenty more. I am so excited for October!




Fee



P.s. - If you're looking for something for my birthday, I'm loving the jewellery by Arthlin, who Coffin Kitsch featured a bit ago. Just saying.

P.p.s - Fiftieth post!

August Blog Round Up

It's time for the monthly blog round up! As ever, there were plenty of interesting posts on my feed this month, so here's some of the best -

•  Ra posted her latest custom corset acquisition, of which I am intensely jealous. It's so stunning that it makes me wonder why we don't use sari fabrics and embroidery more in corsetry.
• I feel like every time I do one of these things I end up including something from Meagan at Coffin Kitch, but LOOK AT HOW CUTE SHE LOOKS. Here's hoping her move goes well!
• Frannie of the Curious Professor Z has recently restarted BatFit, and recently posted on her opinions on dieting, and how she want to stay healthy rather than focus on losing weight - something I support far more.
• Tarot is an interesting art whether you believe in fortune telling or not, and 1666 x 30 at The Mutant Stomp Friends discusses her feelings on the artwork of cards and what makes a good deck.
• Bane, known for her blog GIY: Goth It Yourself has taken a break from the internet, but her etsy store The Batty Crafter has recently been launched! If you're over state side, it's worth buying some of her stuff for the beautiful fabric.

This is a little shorter than normal as I need to get some packing done, but I hope you enjoy anyway; until next time!






Fee

July Blog Round Up

Bleh, this blog round up was a chore. No idea why, as there was plenty of excellent posts to feature this month, but I really couldn't be arsed this time around (even the post image was a pain to do - I eventually gave up and settled for this, but I plan on changing it in future). I'll see how I feel about doing it next month, and see if I want to continue doing the round ups (seeing as I'm blogging as a hobby, I'd rather not make it a chore).

Anyway, onto the summary of the month!

• Fly, Songbird compiles her selection of plus sized fashion bloggers, and these ladies look amazing. Look Sharp, Sconnie posts on a similar body positive note, addressing size and human bodies in fashion, and how she plans on dressing to make herself happy.
• Sary Walrus at The Walrus Room wrote about the lessons the be learnt from awesome alternative characters. The quote from Elvira, in particular, is one I've always loved.
• VictorianKitty of Sophistique Noir posted her club outfit for a dark eighties night, and dat corset. Unf. (I also seem to have a thing for boat necklines? Hmm.)
• Madam Noire of Make Up Artist Madam Noire posted this night sky lip design, which - as someone who loves night skies - I really want to try. She also did this Twin Peaks inspired eye make up design, which I'm equally fond of. 
• My friend Ben (from IRL, shock horror) reviews the video game Alan Wake at his blog I should be paying attention to this lecture in what is probably his best post yet. He's only recently started blogging, so be nice to him. (Or don't. He wouldn't be nice to you.)
• Juliet's Lace has an article on the basics of 50s women's wear and where to buy here.
• Ms. Lou of the Neo-Victorian Parlour writes about the Victorian fascination with 'fasting girls', and relates this to current diet and body image trends.  
• A Thrifty Mrs compiles the best summer DIY projects, which can be edited as pleased to match your own aesthetic preferences.
• I love Victorian Mourning traditions. Gothic Tea Society has written about some of the weirdest ones here, including post mortem photographs, hair jewellery and coffin alarms.

Aaaaand that's all for this month!


Fee

June Blog Round Up

As you've probably noticed, I am terrible at sticking to my blogging guns during term time. I was planning a relatively strict blogging schedule of monthly wardrobe features, link posts and other things, but it rather fell by the way side in the face of, you know, passing my exams.

None the less I intend to prepare early for next semester by queuing up plenty of posts, and getting back into the habit of blogging by schedule. So without further ado, here's my round up of June links!

• Meagan over at Coffin Kitsch posted about the amazing Etsy Shop Carousel Ink, which I could almost kill her for, as despite being absolutely skint, I know that I'm going to buy something from there, very soon. :P
• My favourite post of Sophistique Noir's Red and Black Week was surprisingly the most unexpected; The Curious Professor Z blogged on the last day of the week about the cicadas which spring up every 17 years in Staten Island to mate and die off (link not for the bug phobic).
• Mary Rose of The Everyday Goth posted this month about one of my favourite artistic movements, Art Nouveau, and how you can incorporate it into your outfits. 
• Sary Walrus at The Walrus Room is starting a series of interviews with plus size goth bloggers about their experience within the scene - I'm really excited for this, as it's a topic that has only recently started to be addressed and like she says, you can never have too much body positivity. 
• On a related note, Natalie at Gothy Two Shoes posted a list of plus size online clothing stores and her experiences there of. One to add to if you have your own experiences of buying plus size fashion. :)

Until the next post!




Fee


P.S. If you're feeling like film and video game reviews with more snark than there is in a Lewis Carrol poem, my fluffy haired compatriot Ben (mentioned briefly in this post) has started up his own blog, I should be paying attention to this lecture. Just don't listen to a word he says about me.

Links and gigs from around the web

Happy birthday, Siouxsie!

Whilst I do have outfit photos in the works, for various reasons (crappy camera, no one to take photos) they aren't quite top notch and I doubt I'll post them just yet - plus, you're likely to be sick of my face by now, so I'm trying to get a little more variety into my posts. :P


So in lieu of a blog round up, here's a list of many a silly post on the interwebs and Scottish gig I found during exam leave -

 

Interwebs

• Buzzfeed's post 'BEAUTY DARE: Siouxsie Sioux Eyeliner' made me giggle - compared to original banshees lead's make up it looks a little heavy and clumsy to me (the look could have been softened with thinner lines and far more eyeshadow, personally), and the statement 'for most of us, this isn't exactly an everyday look' was amusing. Still, the tips that they recommend are useful, and I can testify that gel liner is glorious stuff for dramatic looks.
• Buzzfeed do, however, have the glorious photo sets Goths of the '80s and Goths of the '80s, Part 2, which have some magnificent pictures of our trad ancestors. For a more complete collection of photos, I recommend the Post Punk Project, an amazing collection of photos and memorabilia of all things dark and post punk from the 80s. 

 

Scottish Tour dates

• The Damned have new UK tour dates! Well, not brand new, but I'd recommend getting your grubby little hands on them regardless. I went to see them in December last year, and I can honestly say that it was the best gig I've ever been to; my uncle has nabbed me tickets for their Glasgow gig, and you can bet your skinny arse that I'll be saving for the Edinburgh one in December too.
•  Peter Murphy is coming to the Oran Mor on the 15th June. I won't lie; for £20, I am indeed tempted. I'm not entirely certain if I'll be on holiday during this or not, but there's also an Amanda Palmer Edinburgh gig on the 17th, so we'll see.
• The Edinburgh Fringe is springing up in Edinburgh (oddly enough) over the 2nd to 26th August in various venues. While some of the shows do require you to buy a ticket, as far as I'm aware they're still running the 'Free Fringe' programme, which includes many amazing free of charge shows (from memory, the steampunk bands The Mechanisms and The Men Who Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing both played in the free fringe, but don't quote me on that). I'm going to scour the programme and check for anything of interest and blog about it later. :)

Now, Game of Thrones is calling, so I'm off to go bond with the family over brutal fantasy violence. Ta for now!



Fee

February Blog Round Up

This is just going to be a quick link round up, as I have work in the morning and haven't really been keeping on top of the blogging!

• If you follow my tumblr you will know that I am very fond of the Everyday Goth's feed (read: I reblog pretty much everything she posts), but you have no idea how much I love her writing - she manages to surmise the problems associated with fatphobia in the gothic subculture in her post Fat Goths magnificently, addressing many of the problems with beauty standards and the hypocrisy of some goths.
• Multiculturalism for Steampunk's Art Challenge: Japan. Okay, so this was last february, but I'm ignoring that because I think multiculturalism is such a key concept to steampunk that often gets overlooked in favour of the traditional cogs and victorian inspired fashion. I especially love Miss Kagashi's Bat Brigade design. 
• While not a member of the Kink culture myself, I love the ideals of consent and negotiation that lies at the heart of the community, and Cliff Pervocracy's post on Getting Negotiation Going is excellent, for both established relationships and those just setting out. Cliff recently spoke at the University of Chicago Sex Week on sex and relationships, which is also surmised on her blog and is well worth a read.
• Ra's post Porphyrogennetoi on the recent trend of the Byzantine on the catwalk is dear to my heart, being a lover of the near east myself (I never did get the classics out my system). I'd wear the hell out of this trend, if only I suited gold. Sigh. 

And finally, since I didn't do one of these for January, my featured post for last month is Coffin Kitsch's very trad goth club outfit post - I love the original eighties look, and damn she looks awesome here.



More tomorrow, hopefully, with my wardrobe feature post!





Fiona