A Spring Fairy

Spring has arrived here in sunny Australia, and it feels as if it were never cold at all, let alone less than a week ago. I have spent today dressed in a black lacy mini skirt and black singlet, only putting on a casual black and silver striped hoodie when the sun went down. When we set out for coffee and burgers for a late lunch I slipped on a T shirt and pinstriped shirt for modesty.

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 The sun is out, flowers are beginning to bloom again and everything has a 'touch of spring'.
Now, I am a Goth who loves her cliches; I don't like the sun and prefer to maintain a ghostly pallor, I love winter and don't handle the heat of summer. I love the concept of snow (something that is rare unless you live in the mountains here).
However, I do like spring weather, because it means that I am not required to wear thick tights and a jumper every time I leave the house. I like the touch of warmth while still being able to wear tights or long sleeves if I choose, as I am not veyr confidant show mass amounts of skin. I feel as if I have more freedom when choosing clothes, as the weather is not quite into the extremes of summer and winter yet.

Not to mention that the weather and abundance of floral in the natural world has certainly but a spring in my step (pun not intended). While I still am my mopey, misanthropic self (something that I hope doesn't come across too obviously on my blog), with moments of sadness and depression like any other human, I've been looking at my life, university work and relationships with more positivety. I tend to be a very negative, cynical person, but I have been making progress to become overall a more positive person.

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Oh, and yesterday I ventured to the Illamasqua counter and Kryolan Cosmetics in the city. I've purchased cosmetics from these brands in the past and have been so very pleased with the quality.
I purchased dark green lip gloss from Illamasqua for general lovely club makeup, and White Aquacolour from Kryolan (to be worn with the white Dusting Powder I got a week ago) for my Conservatorium's annual ball to be held next week, with a Film Noir theme this year. Do expect a post regarding that in the near future. I'm intending to recreate a 'black and white' film look, with a splash of colour. XD

xxx Lilly

Clubbing Advice for Newbies

By Newbies I simply mean people who are new to the dark, scary world of Goth Clubs, nothing more. I consider myself a newbie in this perspective, but I have recently  been going more and more regularly to clubs (for the remainder of this blogpost, when I say 'club' I mean 'Goth Club' specifically, unless stated otherwise, just fyi =D), and have picked up a few little tricks over time. I don't mean that these points must be followed, but they simply are guidelines more or less.

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 1. Dress comfortably and sensibly. It would be a good idea to wear clothes that sit well against your frame, don't itch or irritate your skin and you feel you could wear them for extended periods, ie. a few hours at least. Also, take note of the weather and dress appropriately. I personally deteste cloak rooms, but if it is raining or snowing outside then an overcoat might be a necessity. Wear comfortable shoes; with all of that dancing and standing around, rest for you poor feet is something of a luxury, so if you can bare it, leave the spiked heels or too-tight pumps at home. I tend to favour nice witchy shoe or plain upper-calf Docs, but I do tend to favour more of a minimalist style anyway. Also, considering I don't know of clubs that operate during daylight hours, a parasol would be better left at home, which brings me to...

2. Consider minimal accessories. By this I mean avoiding canes, hats that are not pinned to ones' hair or anything else that requires at least one hand's full attention. This may be counter to one's personal style, which I don't want to cramp or invade, but just think about how you will wrangle things. Things can get lost, stolen or broken, and really, you don't want to be having to keep an eye on things when you want to be dancing and relaxing. Further more...

3. Necessary objects. Things that really are required to be brought to a club, e.g. money, house keys, ID, a mobile for meeting friends or emergencies, maybe a spot of makeup, require secure holding. Gentlemen often have things easier here, as pockets that are frequently added to clothing of a more masculine nature can be utilised with ease, however if your clothing has no pockets a bag is then required. I personally favour a small rectangle bag that sits across my shoulder leaving both arms free. It's pretty secure, small and light, and doesn't require removal for dancing as it won't swing out and hit the Rivet-head next to you (a bad idea... XD). Considering investing in a bag that will work for almost every outfit (mine is in black with a red satin and black spiderweb lace.) so there is no fuss.

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 4. Don't go out if you don't feel up to it. Headaches, overtiredness, period pains or general sickness can really ruin your night, and while a dose of painkillers may make you feel a little bit better, they are not overly healthy and if you body is telling you to take it easy for a weekend then listen to it! Also, be flexible. If you originally intended to stay out a while but then decided you need to go home early, then just do it rather than pushing yourself too hard unnecessarilly. Trust me here.

5.Respect your friends. If you are going with anyone else (something I recommend for safety) then respect them. If they are feeling less than perky then take them home. If you arrived with them then you should leave with them, especailly if sharing accomodation or transport. It's just respect and common courtesy.

6. Be safe. I could ramble on about the dangers of being out and about at night, but I don't want to scare or bore anyone away, so instead I'll just say remember to stay smart, aware and look out for each other. If you are old enough to go to nightclubs, you are an adult and deserve to be treated as one, so I won't patronise you any further by going into more details, unless that would be appreciated. Let me know. I've certainly had enough experience with creeps to last a life time.

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Oh, and by the way, on Friday night I attended a burlesque show at Bohmeia Cabaret Club complete with cabaret, comedy, magic and oh-so-tasteful stripping. Apart from some less-than-charming behaviour from some members of the audience (who were promptly asked to leave the premises) it was truly a fantastic and enjoyable night. I shall certainly be attending future shows there.

xxx Lilly

Philosophical Adventures

Good evening all. I hope things have been treating you well enough. I've slowly been getting on top of my assignments and uni work, but there's so much, I've barely had the time to relax and draw, let alone continue to publish on my blog!
And, rather than do my usual 'cannot-think-of-anything-to-write-so-post-a-whole-lot-of-other-peoples'-photos'  mentality that I tend to possess on my usual Sunday night writings, I decided to simply write an introduction. Later in the week, when this horrible headache fades and I'm feeling more creative, I'll finish this post, but in the mean time, I'll let things breathe. Please just think that, while you're reading these words, that there was between one and seven days inbetween the phrases, and think about everything that both you and I have achieved or learnt in that amount of time. I'm sure you will suprise yourself, as I will myself.

Goodnight, and 'too be continued...'

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 Now Tuesday evening at 10:00pm, not a lot has really happened. It seems strange to be posting now, when I have a headache ever so slightly and feel a little vague; I just had to stop my flute practice half way through as my brother had gone to sleep, but I felt like I was 'in the zone' and now feel slightly flat. Anyway, tonight after my lecture and choir rehearsal I had a lovely glass of mulled wine and some popplers, sorry, I mean fried squid in a gorgeous bar (with red velvet couches!) before heading home.
Last night, however, I saw The Dark Knight Rises for the second time in a theatre with my boyfriend and his friend, and had my first glass of French champagne. I am more partial to red wines, but oh my goodness this drink was nectar from the gods. So delicious and complex. On Friday I shall be attending a burlesque evening, so that shall be very exciting and charming.

Goodnight again, my dear friends. Please share your charming adventures as well in the comments.

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xxx Lilly

Corset Purchase

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I am currently writing thins while completeing an assignment for uni at the moment, so you'll have to excuse me. =D
Life in general has been very hectic and crazy lately, with assignments pileing up and me getting quite sick during this winter. During the rare moments when I have been ill or swamped with work that needs completeing and could possibly take the time out to blog, I've been completely out of ideas, and in general I do enjoy writing semi-decent content for all of you lovelies to read.

As well as my study at the Conservatorium and everything that involves, I've certainly been more interested in exploring the side of my personality that enjoys going out clubbing, socialising and buying lots of pretty clothes and things. I tend to go in 'waves' if you like, where I'll be a hermit that stays at home, not dressing up at all and instead spending my spare time playing games, or where I'll be going out regularly and generally putting more time, money and efford in my appearence.

For example, about a week and a half ago, I purchased my first corset; a beautiful satin and brocade steel boned one by Dark Muse Corsettery. I am very much in love with it. XD
I've also been exploring more of a 'Trad' aesthetic in to my everyday and clubbing attire. I've always loved Trad Goth, Romantic Goth and Deathrock as visual aesthetics, but lately I've been exploring even more creative ways to express myself through these styles of clothing, and have been having lots of fun in the mean time.

I've been thinking that I would like to make this blog more personal, including photos and such, but I'm very tempted to remove all of my personal photos, as recently some of my photos were stolen and edited without my permission. The solution would be to edit some watermarks, but I don't have a piece of suitable photo editing software yet that would make that possible. If anyone has any suggestions, do let me know. I'd be ever so grateful. 0=D

In the mean time, I'll continue to post pretty pictues I've found on Tumblr. As always, I don't own these photos. If you are the owner and want them removed, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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xxx Lilly

Inspiration Post

Ocassionally I go through 'phases' in my internet use where I'll be on Tumbr and just be inspired by so many photos. I still pick and choose, so to speak; I only noticed/ like/ reblog/ decent/ interesting and beautiful photos with aesthetics that are similar to my style. I've been so inspired to really begin developing and refining my personal style even more. In the past few months my Tumblr has been getting a lot more attention than this blog, and I'm sorry for that. In compensation, I thought I'd share some of my delicious finds. I don't own any of these photos, so if you are the owner and want them removed please contact me.

I love the carnival nature of this look.

Have I mentioned how much I love vampires? This is very similar to my ideal look, only with natural eye brows.

So beautiful! That make up is extreme, but enchanting.

I personally don't like the cyber fasion, but I think this is so creepy and cool.

Masses of tutu and lace!

Very sexy and cute!

I believe I saw this designer in an edition of Gothic Beauty.

Collar envy. And, hair inspiration.

I love the simple, striking makeup. Good for wearing to uni during the day.

Ok that's enough of the picture spam. There are so many more photos I want to share with you all, so I think I'll make a 'part 2' and maybe even a 'part 3'. I'm also sorry that this doesn't really redeem myself  from a 'real' post.
In the mean time, please go and visit my Tumblr, located here.

xxx Lilly

Fear Tag

 I was tagged by Kraven from The Queen of the Damned, who I saw at Requiem recently. I had a lovely time there; the music and atmosphere were perfectly balanced, and many sweet people said my 'stockings over face' eyeliner and eyeshadow was really pretty. =D

 P.S I won't be tagging anyone. Please tag yourselves as you please, and let me know. I don't want to double tag anyone, or make anyone feel obliged to complete. And, I'm really lazy. XD

Rules:

Do this tag with the lights on. You may be facing your worst fears in this room...

Answer the questions!

Tag however many others as you want and link them in your post.

Tell the others you've tagged them on their blogs.

If you read their posts and notice you share the same fears, give them a virtual hug. :)

Questions:

1. Three things you're afraid of for a very good reason (in order).

2. Three irrational fears of yours (in order).

3. The medical term for one of your fears.

4. Are you superstitious in any way?

5. Are you easily startled?

6. Do you have any common fears (heights, bugs, etc.)

7. When you watch horror movies, are you better at dealing with suspense or gore?

8. Are you afraid of ghosts?

9. Are you afraid of any animals?

10. What was your scariest nightmare about?

My Answers

1.  I'm afraid of being spoken to by strange, drunk old men who clearly have one thing in mind being a young lady in this society and all...
I'm also afraid of having my personal posessions stolen. I've had my wallet stolen only once, but I know it does happen fairly often. However this transcends into an obsession of mine; I will constanly check or grope my bag for my wallet and phone, and I will avoid cloak rooms or leaving my things unattended.

I'm scared of drowning.

2. This one is easy. I'm struggling to choose only three.

Having any kind of dental surgery. The only dental work I've ever recieved has just been the regular check up and clean, but I am so very paranoid about anything to do with my teeth or jaw. Interestingly enough, I'm not all that scared of going to the dentist.

Diving into water. I don't think I've successfully dived since I was around six or seven. The entire 'head before feet' thing really really bothers me.

Computer viruses. Strange, given my background, but I'm paranoid about getting computer viruses. If you'll remember my posts from last year in my school library where I was writing instead of studying, the level of stress expressed in those posts doesn't even begin to represent my feelings in the moment of my life, possibly hightened by the stresses of year 12. I losts nights and nights worth of sleep, I cried many an irrational tear ( or thousands) and refused to use the internet for months. I think this one really is a phobia of mine.

3. Odontophobia- Fear of teeth or dental surgery. Source.

4. Not in the slightest, but I do find them facinating.

5. It depends. If I'm sleepy then not at all; in person I am often rather vague, but sometimes I can be startled.

6. Not really, except for the standard 'raped, death, unwanted pregnancy' type fears most young women my age experience.

7. Suspenseful movies don't really affect me at all, so that's easilly what I deal with better, but most gorey things don't bother me either, with quite a few exceptions. I watch film to escape, so I find things to be most frightening when they're so very real. E.g Wolf Creek. I can understand if this movie didn't scare some overseas readers, but considering I used to live in a rural situation very similar to that in the film (though much further south), this movie was particularly close to the bone. I was around thirteen or fourteen when I watched it, and had a nice fun time all the same.

8. I don't believe in ghosts, so no.

9. I'd be afraid of animals if there was a serious risk of me being harmed or killed in the particular situation, such as a wasp or lion bite . I've been bitten on the thumb by a European wasp when I was ten, and the scream that escaped my lungs possibly badly hurt the ears of the kids sitting next to me in class due to the sheer pain of that bite, so I guess I'm afraid of wasps now. I think they awesome little creatures, I just don't like them near me.

10. Suicide. Doesn't need to be further explained at all.

Well, lovely readers, that's the second post for this Sunday evening. Both have been far more personal that what I'd usually blog about, but considering I'm attempting to 'jump start' my blog back into it's former glory, I feel it's rather fitting. Please comment with your responses and opinions. 

xxx Lilly

Acceptance within the scene

Reading back on my old posts and reflecting how I felt while writing, I remember feeling quite apprehensive about being a 'Younger Goth' and having just moved to a new city, Melbourne, after spending 12 or so years living out in a rural environment. I felt that I did not fit in to my school and had no like minded Goth friends who I could share my life and interests with. I would be lying if I said that my time spent on the internet didn't help to fill that void.

Anyway, fast forward back to now, after living in Melbourne for the second time (I was born here), for almost three years, I've certainly felt more comfortable being a Goth In Melbourne. I've been clubbing (five times only!), been to a picnic or two and spent much time in the local shops, immersing myself in the culture as much as I can and meeting new people. I've also became quite good friends with a fair few lovely ladies from the internet, and became 'internet friends' with many more, as well as had relationships developed with other Goths in person.

No longer do I avoid eye contact with older Goths or make stuttered conversation with anyone who strikes up a conversation. I used to feel that my personal style was secondary to the others who had access to the shops to develop their wardrobes for years while living in a city where there was lots of variety, while I barely could (and still cannot) afford clothes from op shops.
Now I have the confidence to dress up, dance and have a nice old time while out and not feel like I'm being judged for being myself. Men have asked for my phone numbers, and I've been photographed and complimented on my clothes and my makeup which has definately helped my confidence and sense of self identity. I feel like an adult now, despite being only 20 in 9 months, and I can be a mature adult while not sacrificing any part of me that helped to shape and develop my identity as a child and a younger teenager. I also feel that, mainly having spent time looking at pretty pictures on the internet and on others at clubs and events, my tastes in clothes have developed, matured and become more sophisticated. Now I put a lot of effort into my appearence while being out in public, and over time I feel that has paid off, despite my frequent masses of torn clothing, smudged makeup and matted hair.

I still feel very young, but feel so at home in my scene now. It's embarassing, but when I walk into a club I think to myself, subconsciously, 'Yay, I feel comfortable here.' and it's such a good feeling.

xxx Lilly