This Blog- What is is, and what it isn't

Well, I don't really think it needs to be mentioned but there are a few things that my blog will never contain partially due to disinterest and also due to lack of time (as I type right now I should be drawing, Bah! Real life taking away from my internet life!)

1. Just outfit posts- I love outfit posts! I love posting them, but as you can tell they are infrequent. I don't feel a need to post my outfits on a regular basis. Usually because I look absolutely awful and stand in some weird hunched stance while wearing a vacant expression, but also because my blog isn't just about clothes. Particularly my clothes.

2. Daily posting- I'm sure this grates on some peoples nerves, and if it does. You can feel free to leave, nobody's stopping you. But I for one, will not post daily for a few reasons. Why? Because I don't have the time, and also because I like to ensure that what I post has purpose and meaning and isn't just me posting for the sake of posting.(I'm not saying that people who do manage to post daily, post crap by any means. But for me, it would be crap). Therefore i'd like to think that this blog is more focused on something people would want to read, versus me blathering on about what a shitty day I had. I prefer to think that for me, I choose quality over quantity. I make sure you have something vaguely interesting to read, once a week or so.

What I am interested in adding

3. Vlogging- I'm interested in vlogging. A lot! There are so many things I could share with you guys through vlogging. Especially since I plan on tackling the sides of my head into cheetah print here in the next 2-3 months (once I find a job). Complete with purple spots with a pink outline and blue hair, with black sides. SO MUCH COLOR! I'm also interested in tackling make up, as in, recreating deathrock/goth make up from models and such.

4. Places- posting about places/reviews. Like a guide of cool gothy spots here in town as well as, music venues, and parks/graveyards.

5. More etsy suggestions- I did this a bit over winter break '10, and i'd like to pick it up again. I've already got a reading tab full of places to share.

6. film reviews- What's goth friendly but not in theaters? What can you find through independent film festivals?

7. More pagan stuff- how descriptive of me?! For this one, i'll take suggestions as well. Anything anybody is confused about or is interested in learning about. I'll tackle.

And yes, every once in a while I will have a complete bitchfest rant (like my hipsters one below this), it's gotta be at least interesting to read me coming up with colorful illustrations of how I perceive hipsters in relation to me.

An Art School Rant- Hipsters

So, i've only been in art school officially since this past Thursday.

I've been in Boston for officially a week (woo!), and I finally got my alarm clock, pillow, and spiderweb sheets to put up as curtains -in the mail today!

And my Misfits wall clock.

Anyhow, so as I said, i've been at school quite a bit lately to familiarize myself with the campus, especially the library.

One thing I knew to expect in art school above all - was the number of hipsters to increase.

As i'm beyond sure you're all well aware, of the hipster invasion.

I have to say, their numbers are rather impressive even though them existing does agitate me a bit.

What's impressive about it?

The sheer magnitude with which these "individuals" seem to multiply - think back to Amoeba's in Biology.

They seem to absorb and recreate anyone and everyone around them who doesn't already have a refined sense of "place".

As an art student, I feel it is safe to say that over 75% of my school is covered in Hipsters, in a place that was once a huge stomping ground for punks, goths, geeks, and other such populations.

Now that isn't to say there aren't any of these people in art school- certainly, I go to art school as do a number of other individuals who place themselves into these co-cultures.

But, it isn't as common now, as it used to be.

I feel like for every 7 hipsters you see, you'll find one alternative soul.

What pisses me off? And or agitates me?

Their ability to steal and claim as their own.

Anything from the number of people wearing Doc Martens and other such boots [mine are the highest though ;) ], to the amount of individuals with undercuts and new wave hair.

Or all the flannel! My word! So much flannel (not to say I don't own flannel, but Jesus!).

Even down to the way they do their make up, or the accessories they wear.

Beyond the aesthetics, I get pissed off by the overwhelming need to be an "individual" that they possess - and therefore their obsession with shock.

There is a difference between TRYING to be an individual and actually BEING one - which seems to be something that younger people and many hipsters (of all ages), have issues differentiating.

Why does this irritate me?

Because i'm in art school, where these people get to draw graffiti penises on lockers in sharpie, and think they're cool because they have swirly introspective tattoos - and walk with their heads down, so they look sullen and artsy.

Another thing, is that I obviously get somewhat uncomfortable initially by how much I have in common with these people - since they steal a lot from punk and goth.

The boots, the hair, the ripped tights - even down to the sudden surge in people who are interested in using taxidermy and organs in their art (i've met over TEN people), and the ideas of sexual provocation.

Now, I know by no means are these things exclusive traits- but it irritates me when people do things such as the aforementioned simply to shock others.

OMFG LUUK AT THAT PENIS I DREW IT IS SO ORIGINAL AND REBELLIOUS GUYZ!!

Now, if you can draw or paint a photorealistic penis than bravo! That's awesome!

But if you spend your free time drawing penises as line work in marker - I can't help but think you have the sexual maturity of a 12 year old pre-pubescent boy.

Why do I get enraged by people who use shock as the sole means to gain attention? In this case, it's because it's like spitting in the faces of people who do exhibit those traits or are genuinely interested in these ideas.

We spend so much time working our way up the ladder to be taken seriously, only to have people who couldn't give a shit stomping around -making us look bad.

It's just like what I touched on before in my post about Nu Goth, and why many Goths are up in arms about it.

I will say that I like them being here in some ways - so I can prove that my artistic voice is different (which is vital to becoming successful) from them, and through that I can kick mud in their face with my knee high Docs on my way out.

Bye bye Bitches!

Goth Community: Re-inventing Yourself

I've been going through phases lately where I feel somewhat unsatisfied with my clothes.

Now I know Amy, from Ultimate Goth Guide, touched on this a bit - and much to my surprise I found myself in a similar situation.

I've been through my own phases of feeling dissatisfied, and wearing nothing but baggy black hoodies, pinstripe pants, and demonia boots.

But, what happens when you wake up and realize that you're missing something?

And how does one go about finding it?

Well, I think that for most of us, it begins by seeing photos or movies where people are wearing something we respond to.

Whether you're someone who has spent your entire goth life wearing nothing but corsets and petticoats - and suddenly find yourself having plenty of daydreams about wearing custom leather jackets, exposed garters, and lots and lots of ripped tights.

Or it's as simple as adding a couple of items to your wardrobe without having to completely change your sense of style.

Now this one is a big one, and it's rather important.

When one gets farther along in the Goth world, they come to a conclusion that they don't HAVE to deck themselves out to go down the street to the laundry mat or wear make up if they are staying inside all day. It's more about personal choice, than proving ones gothy-ness to those around them.

There comes a point when you realize that even though an important factor within goth is appearance (it is how we presumably notice fellow goths), that you're not any less of a goth because you decided to wear PJ's all day or your bed sheets are white with pastel flowers.

As i'm sure we are all well aware, there is much more to Goth than simply being Goth.

As odd as that may sound to someone who isn't experienced within the scene.

It's important, but the things you enjoy outside of what's considered to be 'goth or not' is just as important as the gothy things you surround yourself with.

Now, that being said.

I'm finding myself really drawn to certain items of Goth lolita - the petticoats, little bonnets, gloves, and awesome shoes. The combination of black, gold, and white - I can't explain to you how much I love this color combination (which is also found in Steampunk wear).

Steampunk- I have fallen in love with cream, olive green, and certain shades of brown. As we as, newsprint fabrics and blimps (i've developed a slight obsession with machines, sci fi and dirigibles). I've actually been considering getting my own pair of goggles, and experimenting with brightly obscene shades of docs.

So, what's a goth to do? When they realize that their style is changing?

I don't view this un-coordinated sense of in between as being a bad thing, and it shouldn't be a time of woe for anyone!

You aren't giving up your gothy-ness (unless that's your intention and then by all means, feel free), you are adding to it.

And in some ways, making your wardrobe just as complex as your personality and personal interests.

Which really, has a LOT to do with why we dress the way we do in the first place, right?

I've decided to either start a tumblr, or a sub-blog to dedicate as a lookbook of sorts.

This way, I can keep track of things that interest me fashion wise, and discuss where and how to find/afford these items.

On that same note, in no way shape or form, should you spend all of your money on tons of new clothes to substitute for your present style.

That's under the, "what not to do when adding complexity to your style" portion of this entire situation. I feel like there should be pamphlets...

You remember being a babybat and throwing away or giving away everything in your closet that didn't have a goth seal of approval (aka wasn't black, fishnet, or lacy)? Let's not repeat ourselves again.

Instead, opt to save up or splurge on one or two even three items of choice.

If you end up at a second hand shop and find yourself surrounded by petticoats, but you have no real experience wearing them.

Don't buy all of them at once on the spot.

Buy one or two, to see how you like it and whether or not you feel comfortable in that garment.

You don't want to spend all of your money on clothes that you end up hating because they aren't what you expected - or it turns out that the item of clothing doesn't really 'fit' you.

Which can prove to be a bit sticky for those of us who buy clothing off of the internet.

Also, don't ever forget about accessories!!

These include make up choices, sometimes simply trying out a new make up choice can do great things for spicing up an outfit.

Same with adding an extra belt, or putting on a few more rings.

My suggestions?

1. don't buy in bulk if it is unfamiliar to you

2. beware of where you are getting an item from

**which is basic online shopping, but beware of this for more than just money reasons. You may find yourself with a garment that isn't fitted to YOUR body type, and it may deter you from buying that same type of garment again. Remember that like all forms of shopping, you have to shop around. Just because this pair of pants didn't fit you, doesn't mean you can't find pants that will!

3. Be comfortable with yourself, there is no shame in trying out something new!

4. Wait it out. If you suddenly got bitten with the shopping bug and feel a need to buy anything and everything that looks like it could be considered Cyber-wear. Stop, take a step back, breathe, and come back. If it isn't an item you've had a lust for for longer than two weeks, wait to buy it. (Assuming it's not at a second hand shop). It's very similar to the feeling after you get your first tattoo, and you suddenly know every tattoo you'll ever want on your body for the rest of your life -within an hour after finishing up. Just wait, you don't want to spend 60+ on a piece of clothing you can't be 100% sure you would really wear it - or how often you'll wear it.

Questions for you -dear readers:

What is your present style?

How is your style impacted by the style choices you may make in the future?

What kinds of combinations can you think of, to mix them together?

What are some new styles or items that you've developed a sweet tooth for?

How has your style evolved since you began as a goth?

What have you retained?

P.s. Re-inventing Blog

Outfit Post: Orientation Take One

Today was orientation at my new art school in Boston, my first time actually in the city since I got in town late last night.

Shirt: Joy Division-angryyoungandpoor.com

Jacket: Black Denim-Ragstock Chicago,IL

Shorts: Union Bay-Kohls

Tights: Fishnets and Opaque-sockdreams.com

Boots: Doc Martens 16 eyelet-drmartens.com

Hair dye: Punky colors Turquoise-eBay (there's a little purple there too, which is Manic Panic but I can't remember what the name is)

BatFit 2012: Challenge One

This goes a bit more in depth as to my weight and general unhappyness with my body, and has documented proof of my current figure.

):

So, I know i'm really late making this post.

It's been hard to keep track of everything I need to do, since I move next week *Runs around screaming from room to room, before settling back to the comp*.

And I won't lie, I haven't been eating well.

But, what's good about that, is that it has helped me to solidify my need to change my eating habits as well as exercising more.

I hate how disgusting and bloated I feel after eating something really greasy, food shouldn't make you feel terrible after you finish eating it!

Anyhow, yesterday I made a private blog on tumblr called, Namaste, [which you can access by typing in "BatFit2012", as the password] and I've started reposting tons of fitness and dietary recipes to get myself started.

My health goals for 2012 are:

*to start running, I really want to start running. I’l start tonight!

*Whenever I want a snack, to eat a healthier snack or a smaller portion of something unhealthy (A reese cup or what have you)

*To spend time actually MAKING my own food, instead of always taking the easy route out with something cheap and unhealthy.

*I want to eliminate unnecessary sugars and fats from my diet. No more soda of any kind, not eating cheeseburgers every week etc.

*Portion control! Have the willpower to NOT eat that last piece of chocolate, because you already ate enough for the day.

*To meditate more often. I don’t do it nearly often enough!

*To do more yoga, bellydance, and to see about experimenting with taking a class in one of them. I know they offer Aerial Yoga in Boston!

*Do NOT loiter around on the internet, if I notice i’m loitering. I immediately shut down, and go find something productive to do with my time.

*I’m not sure how much weight i’d like to loose, I want to shed a few inches, and i’d like to become more toned and muscular. I’d like to feel confident in whatever i’m wearing, and that includes a swim suit this summer!

2.What is good health? What does it mean to you? How does it relate to the above?

Good health, to me, is more than just eating better -it’s a spiritual or mental fitness as well. I want to be able to wake up and not be extremely tired. I don’t want to be afraid to jog or skate to my destination, due to fear of shortness of breath and exhaustion. I think being healthy is directly related to being able to listen to how your body feels on a regular basis, as well as, after certain events. What recharges you? What makes you feel successful? What disagrees with your body, and why/how? What makes you feel awake? etc.
As I said, I also mean this spiritually and creatively. As an art student, I fully intend on approaching myself as a creative person, in a healthy way. No negative or demeaning comments. How to say what I want to say in a constructive way instead of a demeaning one. And spiritually, to reach an even more beautiful sense of one-ness.

And this is the start of my BatFit 2012 extravaganza!

I'm gonna go put some sneakers on and go for a run!

Happy 2012!

Me, attempting to show my new 4g earrings, in both ears.

Hey friends!

I know i'm a few days late, but i've been rushing around like a mad woman.

I leave for Boston in a week and a half, and i'm still not packed yet.

I'm so good at this, it's impressive.

So, I don't know about you, but i'm wishing for a fantastic 2012, full of new experiences and other such crazy shenanigans.

I've gotten the opportunity to talk to my roommates(I think I mentioned that in a previous post), which everything seems to be going as smoothly as it is capable of going, at this point.

I've spent much of my time hanging out with friends, trying to squeeze in time with everyone important to me; which is kind of obnoxious, due to the amount of people and the short number of "me's" in the world. [There's only one in case if you weren't aware ;) ]

I spent my New Year's Eve and New Years day with one of my best friends at her house, we shot off fire works and watched anime all night.

I'm on a huge anime kick right now -I've finished both seasons of "Vampire Knight" and i've started watching "Death Note".

I've also been catching up on some reading, i've got more commissions, and other such crazy-ness.

I've stretched my ears to a 4g, as you can see above.

Now that i've given you a really scrambled recap, i'm going to mention some of what I hope to accomplish/expect from 2012.

Surface Goals:

I'm dedicating this year to horror, old school style.

1. I want to spend a lot of time reading, I want to go through a lot of older horror novels.

2. I want to watch even more necessary movies.

3. I want to get two tattoos, my chest piece, and words on my left inner arm.

4. nipples pierced, stretch lobe to 00g, septum piercing?

Other Goals:

I'm really interested in working as either a bartender (once I turn 21 in June) or in a fetish shop. I'm hoping to be able to come back in town over summer for a short while, i've got a good friend getting married and i'm hoping to surprise her by crashing her wedding-in a good way, I swear. I'm really looking to use this year as a spring board to get me even farther as an artist, of course.

Blessed Be, 2012!

Movie Review: Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

As most of you are aware i'm sure, that the original "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is a swedish film, with English subtitles, based on a novel with the same name by Steig Larsson. I recently saw the American remake on Christmas Eve. Now, i'm going to do another post where I compare the two of them together, but this post will just concern the English one.

First off, Lisabeth Salandar, played by Rooney Mara, is a deliciously Gothic character. She has a harsh punk nature, but is sure to be an instant hit with any Goth friendly guy or gal. Seriously, she's the most well written Goth girl i've ever seen. Rooney Mara, gives her a slightly different flavor than in the original Swedish version, in that Rooney has a softness to her that peaks through a few times during the movie. Which really, I don't feel is bad at all; it helps to add more depth to her character. Now, if you are someone who has seen the Swedish version and you are wondering if this is worth it, it is. Go see it.

American film finally got a remake right, in my opinion, it does the Swedish film justice.

They expand on a few areas of Lisabeth that I think become really important in understanding her character. They do change a couple of things, but none of it detracts from the movie. They keep the graphic scenes, and if anything make them even more disturbing, if that's possible. The end doesn't leave off quite the same as the Swedish one, they expand on her travels, as well as, the relationship between her and Bloomkvist. They also included the relationship between Bloomkvist and the female editor, which is in the novel, but not apparent in the Swedish movie.

They also have the BEST intro i've ever seen in a film, there's oil, things are on fire, hands and body parts slithering around. It's intense and I loved it, and the song in the background is a version of the Immigrant Song, by Led Zeppelin. It's absolutely beautiful.

If you haven't seen either version, i'd suggest seeing the Swedish one first, just for good measure. The movie follows a girl who is a ward of the state after going in and out of foster homes and mental institutions, for anything ranging from drug abuse to violent behavior. She rides a motorcycle, has badass hair, and can handle her own. They call her, "Wasp" at the computer firm she works for as a hacker. Bloomkvist begins by going through a scandal related to his magazine, the Millennium, and is then offered a job at a remote island occupied by a long standing old Swedish family. He is hired by the eldest family member to investigate a murder. Bloomkvist tracks down Lisabeth after learning of the intensive illegal research she provided concerning him. They run through a series of events, especially near death experiences, and eventually find the conclusion they were looking for, among other things.

This is a movie worth seeing.

No really, get your ass to the cinema, you'll thank me later.