Christmas Grump

Bah humbug and black cats. My preferred Solstice tree looks very much dead.
Maybe with some glittery skulls...

Christmas isn't my thing.

Not in the least bit. I find the culture around it sort of unpleasant. I hate Christmas music (save for the occasional song that is anti-Christmas or makes fun of the occasion or something to that effect). And the traditional decorations make me cringe.

I do however celebrate winter solstice, and I do follow the practice of gift giving, because I like to make people happy. I try very hard to avoid the consumer culture of the Holidays, but I fully support any one's personal beliefs or desires to celebrate as they choose. I just don't like celebrating Christmas traditionally I suppose. Maybe it's just that Christmas starts too early. You start to see decorations in stores by September, and are forced to listen to the bad music through November until December, sometimes earlier. Two full months of this kitschy holiday is too much for me.

One of my coping mechanisms is putting up spooky decorations and using this as an excuse to put up glittering Halloween decorations and dead things covered in glitter. (Dead trees with glitter? I can dig it.) And also to watch movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas. And to wear headphones everywhere in public to avoid the bad music. And I try to be polite and accept people's well wishes for the holidays, they mean no harm.

I also like making crafts. Some of my crafts pertain to creating witchy things for my Winter Solstice Alter, or to give as gifts, or as offerings to people's homes when they invite me. I also like to create little items to hang in doorways and in windows. Anything to invite creative and positive energies into my life when I'm surrounded by glum weather and (what I find to be) an emotionally draining atmosphere.

One cute craft inspiration I found were these "anti-Christmas" ornaments from EvilLilyOriginals. It inspires me to make some of my own "anti-holiday" ornaments. Perhaps they'd make a cute gift for a friend.

How do you guys survive the holidays? Or do you love the holidays and think I'm just being a grump ?

-Twiggy
Listening to "Control" - The Birthday Massacre

Sad Announcement

Both goth nights in Ottawa are done for.

As you may already know, Death Disco at Swizzles (which used to be held every saturday night) was official ended a few weeks back.

And now, I've just learned that Industrial Strength Tuesdays at Zaphod's will be officially ending next Tuesday. I've heard that Zaphods may host a retro alternative night and a gamer-goth night (Geeks & Bleeps) on the first and last Tuesday of each month respectively. However, I'm not sure that has been confirmed and presently I believe that the club will simply be closed on Tuesday Nights.

 I've heard that there is an alternative / underground music night at Swizzles on Saturdays. I can't confirm that yet though.

I feel great sadness to see these events go. They were the few weekly events keeping goth and industrial alive in Ottawa. The punk scene seems to be doing alright, with the Dominion thriving, House of Targ growing in popularity and Mavericks continuing to host shows. Cafe Decuf has also hosted punk, goth, industrial and other alternative bands in the past. And for now, Zaphods remains open and may still be a potential venue for goth bands. that being said, I feel that the alternative scene in ottawa is slowly shrinking.

Please, if you are located in Ottawa and feel a love for the alternative, come out to events and support local venues, bands and artists. The alternative scene is only what the local community makes of it.

For now, I will continue to scan the horizon for events and shows and keep you updated.

This upcoming weekend is PopExpo. For those geeky-goths in Ottawa, make your way out. Dress up in your most splendid cosplay, lolita, steam-punk or post-apocalyptic attire.

Next week, go out to Zaphod's for the final Industrial Strength Tuesday. Go out and party twice as hard for me, since unfortunate circumstances are keeping me from attending. I'll be there in spirit.

Goodbye to a beloved event.

-Twiggy

My Ice Queen Halloween Costume!

This costume was so much fun to make, and I got to wear a very odd amount of white. 

I had two versions of this outfit, princess mode and full-out vampire queen mode.

For both outfits I wore my white lingerie bodice which is very lacey and frilly and I love wearing it at any chance I get. I also wore a black wig, a pair of Scarecrow-brand vampire fangs, and some DIY accessories such as my icicle crown and my lacey-queen-collar, which doesn't show up great in this. I will be making DIY tutorials for those two items in the future.

More details after the break!

Costume Idea

I'm not sure what I'll be for Halloween this year. I'm not even sure if I'm going to dress up and go out...

But I do have the sudden desire to craft and make sparkly crowns and beaded capes. So I think I'll start making an evil ice queen costume. Maybe I'll buy fangs and be an ice vampire.

So this weekend I will be making a trip to the craft store to buy paint and sparkles and rhinestones.

What are you going to be for Halloween? Any plans, are you going out?

Cheers,

Twiggy

Geek Market 2014!

I got all dressed up and went to see all the local fun!

Giant Jenga! (And I wasn't even the one to knock it down.)

This weekend I attended the Ottawa Geek Market. The Geek Market allows local vendors and artists to sell their goods to the nerd community. The vendors included toys, art, costumes, clothing, books, comics, manga, vintage video games, new video games,  board games, card games, LEGO, and more. Cosplay is encouraged, and many steampunks, goths and lolitas were also in attendance. It was great seeing some of the local pro-cosplayers such as Kudrel and Detailed-Illusion. Several panels and workshops were held, such as "cosplay ettiquette" and "plushie making."

 There was also a gameboard section where you try out all kinds of strange games and even play giant games (like giant jenga!). AND 8-bit Bazaar was there with screens and consoles galore with all kinds of different games.

Halloween! Things I found at the Dollar Store:

Fishnets and skull Patches. :)

Also Plastic Tubing... This is the first time I've seen the dollar-store carrying  this stuff, but I might make some cyber falls with these, or just some funky head gear. And a shiny purple pumpkin and some plastic skull cups.

Feather eyelashes! I love these things, and they are best when found at the dollar-store at Halloween time, good quality and the best price.

I have a weakness for pretty masks. I might add some extra rhinestones to this one when I have a chance.

I found these pretty arm warmers too! They are surprisingly decent quality. Normally These types of accessories aren't the nicest when they are costume pieces but these are quite nice. Soft fabric and they don't feel flimsy like they'll fall apart after one wear.

Back to school

Farewell my Darklings!
I'm going back to school this week and I will miss you dearly.
I won't be gone completely, but I will be quite a bit busier and will likely not be able to keep posting regularly.


Oh but I will be back soon. And they are somethings to look forward to - Halloween is only a couple months away after all.

-Twiggy

Listening to: "Sugar" - Kerli 

Do not want: Doc Marten Sandals

These actually exist. 

The Bernadette boots combine the worst features of boots and sandals into an unfortunate franken-shoe.

The thing is, I love combat boots. And Doc Martens normally produce fantastic looking boots and shoes that I would love to wear. But these are not that. These are combat boots that look like they wear half eaten by a dog, with large sections missing. And then someone decided to pass that off as a sandal. I'm really disappointed that Doc Martens would produce such an unfortunate shoe. Not that they are the only company to produce the awful design...

This is a trend that I'd like to see pass soon please.

Usually, I'm not a fan of sandals. They do not protect your feet; they generally provide an uncomfortable, flimsy walking experience; I hate not being able to wear socks; etc. But they do have some upsides, and in the right context (at the beach or pool) they aren't a horrible thing. They let your feet breath and are great for the summer.

Boots, on the other hand, are my go to shoe always. They provide ultimate sturdy travelling experience; they are perfect protection for clubs and shows; and provide warmth on cold days. Unfortunately they do not breath (prepare to suffer in the summer); once wet they take forever to dry; and if you wear them to the beach they will be awful and fill with sand.

These awful shoes/sandals/boots seem to combine the worst aspects from both shoe types. They don't look like they breath well, they look like they'd take forever to dry one wet and fill with sand easily (so the beach is out). They also look flimsy and hard to walk and run in, provide no foot protection (so no good for clubs and shows either).

Do you see my issue with these?


Personally, I would never wear these. I just really can't see these being comfortable.  But hey, that's just me.

Would you wear them? Is there an upside to these shoes that I'm missing?
Let me know in the comments!

-Twiggy
Listening to: "sing sing sing" - Jazzbit

Zombies and Freaks at the fair

The Annual Capital Fair (formerly Gloucester Fair) is a 10 day event in August with events such as monster trucks, midway games and rides, food etc.

... in 2014, moving to a 10 day event in August The Fair still invites you to come see, smell and taste real competition BBQ delights at the D&S Southern Comfort BBQ Restaurant's "Smoked to the Bone" BBQ competition.  Roam amongst the smokers and grills where you can talk sauce, ask for advice, taste samples and vote in the People's Choice Award or jump right in and enter the Fair's Amateur Chicken and Rib Competition and see where your backyard rubs and sauce really stand. 

...The World's Finest Midway features the Scooter, the Scrambler, Fireball and much more, all for the low price all-day ride bracelet price of $20. - from the website

Zombie Night by the Midway LightMore info here.

This year they are hosting a zombie night. Arrive in costume and terrorize the fair, ride the ferris wheel and eat far too much food. The Zombie event is organized by the same group that organizes the annual Ottawa Zombie Walk. 

When?
August 19, 2014

Where?

Rideau-Carleton Raceway
4837 Albion Rd
Gloucester, Ontario

Freakfest 2014 in the GAS Bar! (Gloucester Ag Society)

Saturday, Aug 23rd
More info Here and Here

What else is happenning? Freakfest. Which I can only assume consists of sideshow-like acts and freaky performances. Could be interesting...

When?

August 23, 2014

Where? (same place!)

Rideau-Carleton Raceway
4837 Albion Rd
Gloucester, Ontario

I believe tickets to the fair are $36 (but currently 50% off if you buy online). However, the ride bracelets seem to be sold separately for $20 ??? That doesn't seem right but I'd definitely double check that before going if you want to ride rides. Visit the Capital Fair site for more info:

http://www.capitalfair.ca/index.html

I'm not sure if I'll go, but it looks like fun. Will you be attending? Which day/event would you rather attend?

Things I did this weekend:

I went to the nature museum to see the bio-luminescence show.

The museum is basically a giant castle and it's gorgeous. - No pictures of the show though, none were allowed to be taken :(

I tried to take some pictures of steampunk-men on stilts that I saw wandering around the Fireworks Festival at the History Museum. (Two museums in one weekend!?) (And fireworks!?!) - yup

My phone fails at night-time photos though.

I wandered around the marketplace and saw some pretty new artwork / crafts

I made a pink ice-cream float in a magnificent skull mug...

It was delicious

I think I had a fairly eventful weekend. Lots of fun was had. The fireworks were gorgeous, and the bio-luminescence show was fantastic. Go have a look while its still happening!

Go see!

Also Check out the  "Casino du Lac‑Leamy Fireworks Grande Finale" :
http://www.feux.qc.ca/fireworks-and-performances/grand-finale/





How was your weekend?


-Twiggy

Places to go: House of Targ

The Venue:

House of Targ is an Arcade / Bar. Before nine, the arcade is open to all ages and family friendly. After 9pm, the venue becomes 19+, but the arcade stays open all night long. The bar features vintage games and pinball machines. The arcade has over 50 playable games; a full wall of the bar is lined with pinball machines of every kind. Throughout the rest of the bar, old-school machines such as Mortal Combat, Turbo, Tron, Tetras and more can be found and played.  The staff is friendly and  the people/customers are always lively. Live bands play most evening after nine.

(More after the break)

OOTD: Happy Canada Day!

All dressed up for a day with some friends and then later the fireworks. Ready to brave the chaos of Ottawa on Canada Day. It will probably rain all day though so I might just hide inside.

Freedom! and also picnics.

School is finally over. Well the summer course is done at least. One more full year of university and then I get to be a "real adult."

But for now I have some time to relax and work and pursue some of my own interests. And also go camping.

To celebrate the summer solstice, the end of school, and the warm weather than has finally arrived I 've decide to go on a picnic tomorrow. At the beach. Sooooo goth, right?

Hula hoops and picnic baskets are also a must. I'm looking forward to it. I love being outside when the weather is nice. I don't mind the sun, but it's not my favorite thing. So I'll also be bringing a parasol, and loads of sun screen.

Do you guys have anything you love to do in the summer that is far from goth?



Twiggy
Listening to: "Bernadette" - IAMX

Boo

So I am alive.
I haven't posted in while because I'm taking a summer course for university and working every other day and dealing with some other stuff.
You know, average goth stuff (not really)...

I will return to my regular posting schedule mid June. Hopefully.

For now here's a picture of my cat:

Music that i've been listening to, in no particular order.

Disclaimer: Most of the music below is not Goth. Many would say that none of it is goth. It's just a variety of music that I've been listening to a lot lately.

Bad List - Ayria 

Seems like a good revenge song, good for when I'm feeling angry (which is always).
((I'm not actually always angry I swear.))

Come on forest Fire, Burn that disco Down - Rae Spoon 

An amazing song by an amazing non-binary Canadian artist, that is super catchy.

Pon Pon Pon - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

Proof that I'm not always angry.
Seriously though, this song always makes me happy.

Cubicle - Angelspit

I currently have an office job. I'm also a student. Sometimes I feel angsty about it.
Sometimes I listen to music that hates on capitalism and cubicle-jobs.

Scars Forever - Frank the Baptist
I dunno, I like this band, despite the angst.

March of the Dead - GothMinister
Dark, spooky and fun to groove to.

Virgin State of Mind - K's Choice
I first heard this song while watching Buffy many moons ago.
I've loved it ever since.

Thnk fr the sins/ Mmrs not Tragedies - Fallout Boy vs Panic! at the Disco

Panic at the disco is one of my guilty pleasures.
I'm kind of indifferent to fallout boy, but this is pretty cool. And Catchy.

My taste in music is questionable at best. But I get bored easily so I listen to a lot of different music.
What have you been listening to lately? Do you listen to more than the typical "elder-goth-approved" music?

got recommendations?

-Twiggy Pop

Antigen Shift @ Zaphods Ottawa

There's a thing tomorrow!
A thing for nerds and goths

A thing with industrial music and video games and cosplay!

Come out and have fun!

DIY Flower Crown

I finally got around to making my flower crown a couple weekends ago. I've been wearing it every chance I get, I feel like a fairy wearing it.

AND
I remembered to take process pictures!

DIY instructions after the break

Goth on a budget: Part 3

Lust/Must Victorian Inspired Tops by goth-proxy featuring black crochet tops


 
While these two tops aren't identical they are a great example of 
how one might be able to achieve a similar look for a lot less money. 

Steampunk Gala 2014

Photo Credit to  Petr Maur.

 The steam punk Gala was a fabulous fun. When I arrived I felt like I was walking onto a movie set, the costumes and decor was very well planned. The Gala was held at the RCAF Officer's Mess, it was the perfect setting. The building maintains a turn-of-the-century aesthetic which seemed entirely appropriate for the occasion.

Spring Trends To Take Advantage Of

Spring trends are always tricky to deal with when you fall into the darker alternative scene...
Florals, Pastels, Bright prints, sundresses, peep toe shoes.... Many things that don't fit into my wardrobe at all. However, there are some ways to make the latest spring trends work for you:

Trends to Take Advantage Of. by goth-proxy

Goth on a Budget Part 2

Goth on a Budget 101 by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

Examples of clothing under $50 (most under $30 with a couple of more formal items thrown in) that could easily be part of a goth/alternative look.

Goth on a Budget Part 1 Here

Goth on a Budget

Goth on a Budget by goth-proxy

This post provides a list of cheap places to get goth / alt clothes.
But first a mandatory incoherent rant that you can skip if you'd like:

Okay . So.

The other night I was out at a bar doing my thing. And a girl came up to me and complimented me on my style and was very kind and then :

"I always wanted to be goth but I couldn't afford it."

Steampunk Gala

Bought my bicket(s) today !

And this is what I wore today. 

Bought my bicket(s) today for the Annual Steampunk Gala! (Ticket buttons= bickets)

How to wear a spiked bra!

Ways to wear a spiked bra. by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

In response to a comment left on my DIY to do list by 1666 X 30, here are six ways I would suggest wearing a spiked bra.

Personally, I would like to wear it with my underbust corset, but I know that's not for every one. Spiked bras are pretty versatile though. They are easy to wear under an open jacket or vest with jeans (depending on how much skin you want to show), but can also be worn under loose fitting / off-the-shoulder shirts. Get an over sized t and snip until it fits!

-Twiggy Pop


Listening to : "Beware" - Bitter Ruin

To Do List: DIY's

DIY to do list by goth-proxy 

So I really do need to do more DIYs.
And I have quite a few planned.
Here's a few of my current inspirations / Goals:

1. Dangly Chain Collar

2. Lace Choker

3. Goth Hand Candy

4. Black Flower Crown

5. Body Chain Jewellery

6. Leg Garters

7. Studded Bra

I need to order a ton of cone stud beads for the bra. And I'll have to make a trip to a dollar store for some fake flowers... I'm not sure if I'll find them in black... that might have to wait until halloween to find those.

Fun plans!

Listening To : "Skinny Little Bitch" - Angelspit

Twiggy

DIY: bustle skirt

DIY bustle skirt made from an ankle length peasant skirt. the DIY was pretty simple, just a couple of areas needed sewing. See more before and after pictures after the break!

Winterlude

 Winterlude was very pretty. I'm really glad I got to see it before it melted. I was really crowdd so I think I need to go again in the evening soon to see the sculptures when less people are around, and all the lights are on and vibrant. Pictures ahead!

Printables! Valloween cards

Print out and give to your dearest dead freinds.

 

And if you'd just like some silly poems try these: 

Roses are Red

Zombies are Green

Won't you be mine

This fine Valloween

 -(Credit: I have no idea where I first heard this version, if you know it's origin I'd like to know who to credit :) )

Or the less friendly version:

Fresh hearts are bloody
Bruises are blue
You think I'm cruddy
And I hate your guts too

-(Credit: Me, although I'm sure there are similar versions out there)

How do you plan on spending this Valloween? With a darling, some buddies or alone? Or is it just another Friday for you?

Listening to "A little priest" - from the Sweeney Todd soundtrack

OOTD

Boots: Browns / WishBone Collection

Tights: DIY

Dress: DIY/ Altered vintage slip

Necklaces: DIY

Winterlude!

Winterlude is possibly one of the best things about winter in Ottawa. Beautiful ice-sculptures, lights, festivals, snow castles, skating... it's magical and delightful and a perfect way to fight off the winter woes.

I snapped this picture on my way home from work a couple of days ago. A throne fit for a forest ice queen.

I'm planning an outing to winterlude soon, hopefully this year the ice sculptures don't melt before I get to go see them. I will share lots of pictures when I go!

Listening to "Kings" - Chelsea Wolfe

a haunted house of my very own

Goth Home 1 by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

Lately I've been fantisizing about obtaining my very own space. I'm kind of living in limbo right now,as my internship is only temporary until I go back to school. And when I'm in school I shan't be making enough money to afford my own place. So my current living arrangement is a temporary one, although I'm very fortunate to have a roof over my head and a bed.

That being said I can't wait until I get to move out and decorate my own place. Black sheer curtains, black pillows, black blankets, black furniture.... Pumpkins and cute bats and fancy artwork and thrifted furniture and re-purposed items. I really can't wait.
One more year... and then I can find a more permanent job and hopefully a place of my own. Growing up isn't sooo bad.

Listening to - "Buried Within" - by Bella Morte

Office Goth 2013

Office Goth #16-30 by goth-proxy on polyvore.com

Office Goth Outfit #16-30. I do enjoy making these alot.
I love pencil skirt and long sleeve button up blouses, they are so versatile. I'm also a fan of blazers. I've discovered that (almost) any outfit becomes more professional looking with the right blazer and pair of shoes.

Check Out Office Goth #1-15 here

Listening to - "Spirit"-Bauhaus
Twiggy

Let's go buy some useless mall junk.

Old Horrorpops and New NIN.

The sweater is uber cozy, and the top is gothy and work appropriate. Excellent :)

These were all on sale for 94 cents. Grey fishnets, and mesh tights in 2 shades of pink. Strange colours, but I like them.

Soooooocks. Thigh High socks, toe socks and a pair of lacey tights from Ardene's.