Status Update:

Bored.

It's Chrrristmaaas!

This is my 2009 Christmas effort. Some might say lame, most would say tacky. The fake tree compliments the fake flowers, no? Shame you can't see the effective sparkly lights, I didn't know which setting to use on the camera - can you capture the sparkle on camera? Hopefully I'll learn by next christmas.

I ♥ Etsy

I am addicted, this US site has so much amazing vintage and is sooo cheap compared to the vintage shops over here. Even with shipping included! These are my latest finds..

These leather boots came first in the post...

..Then the pretty buttercream sweater with peter pan collar...

...Next was this cute lil' googly owl brooch..

..This leather belt I got for £5.00 (inc shipping)!!! Dirt cheap..

..The gold Maria star necklace I got made was a bargain too...

...Last to arrive - my musical notes sweater, ♪ ♫ ♪ ♬...

BIG

We received a delivery at work today - around 10 BIG boxes. I'm not even exaggerating when I emphasise the word 'big' with big bold capital letters. Let's say each box was about the size and weight of a BIG chest of drawers. So anyway, thankfully our security man helped take the boxes in while the delivery man watched. It was just me and another girl at work today - the other 2 girls were off sick (well that's another story!). I popped my head outside to see how many boxes were left, the delivery man standing in the doorway of his van spotted me "HEY YOU! Come here and help!" He shouts. What a horrid man I thought to myself as I walked towards the van frowning at him. "Why don't you carry some boxes? Do you expect me to do it? I just deliver" He says impolitely, I look at him holding my arms open and shout back "DO I LOOK LIKE I CAN CARRY THESE BOXES???" it's plain to see I don't have the physical strength to carry the boxes, seriously! Let's make this clear - I'm not one of those girls who is worried about chipping her nails or getting her top dirty, I'll get stuck in and do what I have to do if I can, but this man was expecting me to lift these BIG boxes by myself - while he just watched, what an a***hole. The security man who talks like Rocky backed me up and told the man to just stop talking and help him at least take the boxes out of the van, he did so, begrudgingly. Grrr!

Day of the Dead

On November 1st and 2nd, the Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead (All Soul's Day). Rather than it being a sombre event usually associated with death, it has more of a 'family reunion' atmosphere with bright colours - pinks, yellows, greens, orange - you name it... Like a sweet shop explosion! When I was at school we did a project about this, I remember being fascinated with the amazing colours and vibrant decoration used for this occasion like the joyous little skeleton figures - calacas (Tim Burton's characters in Nightmare Before Christmas are very calaca-like), the sugar skulls and artwork. It's a technicolour halloween!

A sugar skull mound - yes you can eat it!

Sunny Spells

Last night we saw the Dead Weather perform at Brixton O2. It was a great gig - the band were mesmerising. Alison Mosshart is a fantastique performer. Oh and of course Jack White. Whenever he went to the front to sing the crowd went crazy for him. But let's not forget the other two! Without them the weather wouldn't be complete, there would be partial cloud - ain't no sunshine when they're gone... Err yeah, got carried away there.

Close Ups

Big bro gave me a proper 'grown ups' digital SLR camera - Nikon D50 - thanks bro :) I've never owned a camera that takes amazing pictures and such great close ups...

This is a Schleich toy figure, I want a dinosaur to place in my plant pot...

...They make great display props

Old BT phone (yeah I know it needs dusting!). I prefer vintage stuff.

A fragrance I bought from Fenwicks with vouchers I found!

Mmmn Garlic Sauce from a fast food joint - 'It's really superb'! (It really isn't!). Looks kind of retro, no?

How Bloody Exciting!

It's always exciting when receiving a parcel you have been waiting for. I bought a bargain pair of vintage leather boots from Dores Vintage on Etsy for £28.00 and it finally arrived a few weeks ago...

...lovingly wrapped in gingham paper and ribbon (with a sweet handwritten note too). It was my first ever Etsy purchase and it certainly won't be my last!

I ♥ this outfit

By Vivetta

"New Shoes Again?!"

Whenever I visit my parents, my mum always looks me up and down and when she gets to my footwear she ALWAYS says "New shoes again?!" even if they're not new. Of course if they actually are new, I always deny it (especially if they were expensive... Or I lower the real price). I lie because my mum makes me feel I shouldn't be 'wasting' money on more shoes/clothes or other material things. Unless it's £10.00 or under. If I say my shoes were £30.00 she'll say "My god, I wouldn't pay five pounds for that!". Ahh my mum makes me laugh.

Once You Pop...

Why didn't I know there has been an Eley Kishimoto pop up shop in Kingly Street since September?! I'd better pop in...

!!!UPDATE 7/11/09 - I popped in, I couldn't even afford a pair of socks! Oh dear..!!!

Take Care Garnier

Up until recently I was quite often asked to provide evidence of my age when buying alcohol or cigarettes. Sometimes I would be prepared for this inquisition with my passport, sometimes not. When I wasn't prepared I would find it an inconvenience, why can't I just buy a bottle of wine when I feel like it? I would leave in a huff and feel stupid after a useless exchange of words....

Shopman: "Do you have I.D?"
Me: "No.. I'm 29"
Shopman: "I need I.D."
Me: "Do I look that young?!"
Shopman: "Yes you do"
Me: "Oh okay, well thanks for the compliment."
(Exit in a huff)

I haven't had this kind of conversation in a while, the last time was on my birthday regarding a lottery ticket. But since then I've managed to buy cigarettes without a suspicious look or even a hint of disbelief. This is not a good sign. Do you know what this means? It means I look my bloody age! I must be showing the first signs of ageing. Oh dear. The other week I somehow expected a confrontation, so I took my passport with me, but alas to no avail. Yesterday, I 'risked' buying a pack without bringing I.D, I needn't have worried! When people used to say 'you should appreciate it' I would just shrug it off and think 'yeah whatever'. Now whenever I buy a pack, I wait in anticipation to be asked THE question.

!!! UPDATE 21/10/09 - I was asked for ID when buying cigarettes today, it turns out I was actually quite annoyed about it !!!

♫ Sale Away Sale Away Sale Away ♪

Today I went to Fenwick department store in Bond Street. I made a beeline for the sale socks and was glad to see that they still had the ones I was after. Clutching my sale sock selection I wandered around... The large sign at the back of the store declaring 'Final Clearance' drew me towards it. Beneath the sign, four sad rails of sale clothing which were not good enough for the posh ladies were left hanging in dismay as if in a charity shop. I rifled through it hoping to find a good bargain (Missoni scarves for £9.95!) and noticed that I was the only one in that section, apart from an old Asian lady whose daughter was standing away from her looking embarrassed that her Mother was looking at further reduced rejects. Also, was I being paranoid or were the sales assistants looking over and smirking at us like we were sale scavengers? Wouldn't surprise me. In a place like Fenwick I expect a bit of snobbery....

My sale sock selection

And here comes a rant...
Two weeks ago at the aforementioned shop, I picked up a lovely Sonia Rykiel top (from the sale rail of course) and asked the younger of the two sales assistants standing at the counter what the price was, there was no ticket attached to it and I was curious. She says there should be another one on the rail so I follow her, I hear the elder French sales assistant say "Oh it's quite expensive.." Okay whatever. So the young assistant is looking for the other Sonia top on the rail when the old assistant butts in and says "It's going to be expensive, I think it might be down to £68. It's Sonia Rykiel. It's designer." Arrrgh! "Yes I know thanks." I reply. The young sales assistant finds the other top and confirms the price, "See I told you!" exclaims the arrogant busybody, then walks back to the counter. Unbelievable! Did I look like I couldn't afford it or something?? I left feeling disgruntled.

Mark Twain

I found this book outside a charity shop in Mitcham, no one there reads so I didn't think it would make a difference if I took it. Classic book... I also like the illustration and retro look of this edition, published in '66.




Rush - Tom Sawyer

Ugly Shoes

I was in the attic at my parents house, searching for vintage goodies to sell on ebay. I came across some interesting stuff... Some old school reports, a collection of sweatbands, letters, LA Gears... After some lengthy rummaging I sat back to admire my findings. I scanned the room one last time before exiting with my valuable treasures... I spotted a vintage stereo c1970s, Readers Digest books, suitcases, The Big Yellow Teapot, a scary looking doll, Mamas & Papas 12"... and SHOCK HORROR behind me are a pair of my shoes, but not just any old shoes, damn UGLY shoes circa '96. I had to rub my eyes to make sure I wasn't imagining it. They were truly awful. They were yellow and black, with a bulbous front like something Mickey Mouse or a clown would wear, oh and extreeemely chunky. Thinking back, those beasts did turn heads (mostly OAP heads) and obviously not in a positive way. I remember my mum recoiling in disgust. What was I thinking? Probably "Oh these boring-loafer-wearing-normal-people don't understand. I'm unique." Unique I sure was. Funny thing is, I wear loafers these days.

♫ Against All Odds ♪

The other day I was chilling at home watching X-Factor like you do, there was nothing else on (honest!) and it coaxed the inner Phil Collins in me. So during the ad break I sang a heartwarming power ballad thinking it would warm boyfs heart but before I even got to the second line boyf interrupted me and told me to shut up! Heartbreaking.

South x South West

Yesterday - bank holiday Monday - we went on a lovely bike ride. Usually we would cycle aimlessly not really knowing where to go, this time I decided we would have a mission to accomplish and thus a destination. That mission was to buy some pretty socks from Peter Jones in Sloane Square*.

So off we cycled to Chelsea. It was a beautiful day and a very pleasant ride. En route I discovered a vintage shop and purchased a 1980s wool turquoise cardigan for the princely sum of £1 - yes ONE pound! Of course the cardigan came with the regulation 80s shoulder pads which I later removed as I don't think I need to enhance my shoulders. Maybe when I'm much older.

After Sloane Square we ventured further south until we reached Putney, a place I'm fond of as I grew up there. At this point things started to go downhill. We went to a pub by the river. At the bar we wait... and wait.. and wait a bit longer...We should be next.. The bar man finishes serving his customer then totally ignores us and turns his attention elsewhere. So bloody annoying! We leave in a huff.

We end up at another poncey pub. We're sitting outside with our stupidly expensive pints, when Craigski finds freshly chewed chewing gum stuck to the bottom of his precious rucksack. He was not a happy bunny, understandably. I know I shouldn't have but I couldn't help but laugh. This annoyed him even more, understandably. We sit in silence. He decides to buy cigs and as he picks up his rucksack it knocks his half empty drink to the ground and it smashes! Oops.

WHY!!? Because we're in South London, is his conclusion. And so he declares that he will never ever step foot in South London again. Ever...

Fast forward to later that day and we're in the Hard Rock Cafe. I'm eating a scrumptious cheeseburger and watching Extreme 'More Than Words' video on the screen... Ah bliss! We lived happily ever after :)

*Mission was not accomplished, they didn't have the socks I was after.

Modern Age

As you know, I turned three (uh)oh yesterday and I've got a floating three oh balloon at home to remind me. Anyway yesterday I had a lottery ticket to cash in. Unfortunately it wasn't a life changing amount, let's say it was enough to buy nine packets of wasabi peas from M&S. So I hand the man my ticket and he gives me a suspicious kind of look and says "How old are you?" whenever this happened in the past purchasing cigs or alcohol (unfortunately I don't win lottery money often), I would get annoyed, but yesterday my thirty year old face couldn't help but crack a smile "Actually I'm thirty today, it's my birthday!" I said feeling jolly "Oh happy birthday, you really don't look it you could be eighteen" he says. He knocked TWELVE years of my age people! As he hands me the tenner he says "Spend it wisely." I end up buying cigs and somehow feel guilty about it, as if I have just turned eighteen and it's the first thing I buy. Not wise.

Woman in the Mirror

I'm the so-called 'big three oh' today. Turning three oh and the week leading up to it, has been... Scary? Hmmn not sure if that's exactly the right word to describe it. Last night I felt a tad bit down, but mostly because it's that time of the month, so that combined with the transition of becoming officially an old woman made me a miserable old bag. As I was getting on with my subtle boohoo-ing last night, my boyf said to me "When you were a kid did you use to look at yourself crying in the mirror?" this comment converted my crying to laughter. I happened to be standing near a mirror, I looked at myself and realised how ridiculous I was being and how funny I looked.

Any Fun

♥ this song (and video) by Coconut Records which is Jason Scwartzman. The video (see below) features Chloe Sevigny and Mark Gonzales, it reminds me of the good old 90's. Haha.. The 90's, a decade when I tried to dress like Axl Rose (plaid shirts, denim shorts and doc martins) then Take That (plaid shirts, boot cut jeans, clothes from C&A) and then the Beastie Boys (plaid shirts, chinos, old school Adidas). Yes I was a bit of a tomboy attracted to skaterboys, ooh la la... Hmmmn Take That in between G'n'R and Beasties?! Bit of a glitch there. Doesn't quite fit in or make sense does it? Story of my life.


Film by William Strobeck and Mark Gonzales.

I met Mark Gonzales once. Where am I going with this? Oh yeah.. He held an art exhibition at a place I used to work at....

Megga America Communion Priests

...he customised something like 1000 plastic limited edition bubble blowing 'Megga America Communion Priests' (his trademark character) and etched the number and his signature on each one, all in just a few days (with a lil' help). Harmony Korine dropped by too.

Sock It To Me

These polka dot ruffle socks are le magnifique. Socks are underrated don't you think? We should flaunt them more. They're from Tabio, a Japanese sock shop. Japanese people are good at absolutely everything. They specialise in specialist shops and they do just that - make it special. It's their speciality. We have 'Sock Shop' (does it even exist still?), it's not very special, it's all about novelty Homer Simpson socks galore (yawn) and beige socks (ZZzzz).

Lovely Evening

I was in Sainsbury's. If you must know what I was buying it was organic milk and popcorn. So anyway I went to the cigarette kiosk and was next in line to be served, I looked over to see which assistant I would be interacting with.. Either the Long Haired Geezer or the Petite Asian Lady, the latter was rather chatty I noticed. Her customer walked away. Petite Asian Lady it is. I headed towards her and could hear her chatting away. To who? I wondered. The previous customer had already departed their point of contact and now I was positioned in front of her "..Lovely evening..Yes.. Lovely..... So how are you then lovely?" she says. As she was already talking before I even got to the counter, I was unsure whether she talking to me, or to her colleague. I guessed she was talking to me, so I replied "I'm good thank you!".

This is how the rest of the conversation went (bear in mind she was talking quite fast and was a bit jittery)....

Petite Asian Lady: "So what are you doing this evening?"
Me: "Oh nothing much, just going home and relaxing"
PAL: "So what are you doing? Will you be with the honeys?"
Me: Slightly confused "Um.. Yeah"
PAL: "Aah I knew it, so you'll be hanging out with the honeys?"
Me: ?
PAL: "So how many? Children?"
Me: ? "I don't have children"
PAL: "Lovely evening isn't it?"
Me: ? "Yes it is"
PAL: "So do you have twins?"
Me: ???! "I don't have children"
(Her colleague sniggers)
PAL: "Oh yeah you said that didn't you?"
Me: Smile politely and nod
PAL: "So that's £1.59.. It's a lovely evening"
Me: I give her £1.60 "It is lovely"

I take the change and receipt, say thanks and scurry off like a frightened mouse.
In the distance I can hear her "..Nice to meet you. Have a lovely evening, it is a lovely evening..."

This is a totally true story folks!