What I Wore Today - High-Waisted Shorts

Hey there lovelies,

Technology is really conspiring against me this weekend. Everytime I tried to look through my Google Reader to find blog post for Best of the Interwebz, or to comment on blogs, my Internet Explorer kept crashing on me. So I thought, fine, I'll make up for it with two days worth of outfit posts. Much to my dismay, the pictures from yesterday all turned out unusable. But if you'll forgive me, read on and tell me what you think of my new favourite shorts.

Outfit Rundown:

Hyrule Crest T-shirt: Present from The Boyfriend, ThinkGeek
Shorts: Hand-me-downs from a friend of a friend
Socks: Target, $2

Docs: Shoe City, $200

Oh, and in answer to Thera's question last week - my beautiful Dr Martens are bright red. I considered both purple and pink versions, but decided that red suited my wardrobe better.

I was never much into (read sarcastically derided) high-waisted shorts until I put these ones on. Now I am in love with the beasts. Will these win a spot in the elusive Soundwave outfit? ONLY TIME WILL TELL. Also, I dyed my hair and cut my own fringe this weekend. My hair went delightfully more purple than I intended, and I cut my fringe shorter than I intended. But still, I'm happy.

Yup, these are the highlights of my exciting weekend. Well that and watching copious amounts of Glee (again), playing copious amounts of The Sims (again), reading my good friend Yen magazine from cover to cover and watching The Boyfriend play Fable 3. Anyway, what do you think of high-waisted shorts? Summer staple, or shameful closet secret? Let me know!

Until next time, xo.

Thought For The Day...

[when asked about her Halloween costume] I'm a homicidal maniac- they look just like everyone else.

- Wednesday Addams, The Addams Family Movie

Happy Halloween!

Until next time, xo.

Are You Ready Boots?

Hello lovelies,

My favourite Canadian linked me to these boots on facebook today. Now, I have to wonder why I don't have them yet. One look and I'm sure you will 100% agree with me.

Photo

Yup. I'm pretty sure everyone needs a pair of boots with Christopher Walken on them. Will these boots catch on as "the next big trend"? Only time will tell.

Until next time, xo.

Get Me A Drool Rag...

Hey there lovelies,

Usually I am a terrible fashion follower, with exactly no idea who or what is walking the runway at any given time. But, there are a few designers/brands that I love and find super inspiring. One of my favourites is Balmain. A few years ago, when I actually started paying attention to who designed the clothes in ladies mags, I quickly realised that almost everything I immediately fell in love with was Balmain. Of course, their Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is no disappoinment.

Photos via daily fashion and style.

So much love for the studded jackets, and cut-off shorts that feature heavily in this collection (incidently, I also really adore the haircut of this model).

Holy freaking amazing corset Batman! I think this piece may have been created from my adolescent hopes and dreams, at a time when I was famous for always having a safety pin on me. I'm also loving the crazy capris.

I'll just take this whole look please! One of these shirts would be so easy to DIY though. Jeeves, bring me a t-shirt, scissors and a bucket of saftey pins!

I affectionately call this look "Zombie Gladiator". I would love to recreate this skirt, and once I've sat down to think about it a bit I might even try it. From memory, there are a few similar tops to this in the collection as well, and I really love them.

Oh expressionless model, do you realise how close you are to having that jacket stolen? I don't think you do. I really like the classy but trashy feel of the white studded jackets. To me it says "I was on my way to a black tie ball, but I got bored and decided to hang with The Sex Pistols instead."

Now, just in case that's not enough Balmain for your eyes, take a look at this video of the collection (via Max California).

If you don't need a drool rag by now, then you're pretty much dead to me. And if you do, come over here! I've got plenty of spares. I've got to be prepared for future Balmain collections you know.

Until next time, xo.

What I Wore Today

Hey lovelies,

I realised this weekend that it has been FOREVER since I did an outfit post. So, I got my ass into gear and photographed both my outfits this weekend (man, I wish I could wear more outfits during the week - but you don't really want to see the same work uniform every day). I have now realised that both my outfits were freakishly similar, so go ahead and laugh at me.

Saturday Outfit Rundown:

Singlet: Trade Secret (Lovable), $5
Suspenders: Jay Jays, $5
Pants: Trade Secret (Otto Mode), $10

OH AND WHAT'S THAT ON MY FEET? You saw right ladies, I finally got myself a brand spanking new pair of Dr. Martens. When I went shopping for them (tax refund in hand), I was amazed by how many types there are. I'm thinking perhaps I should just buy an extra pair every year with my tax refund. Also, at $200, these replace my leather jacket as the most expensive item in my wardrobe. I love these things so freaking much that I would wear them to work if I could.

Suspenders from the back. I love these too. They have little hearts, diamonds, spades & clubs on them. I'm pretty sure they were left over from that Alice in Wonderland range that Jay Jays did. Anyway, onto the Sunday outfit, and my best superhero pose.

Sunday Outfit Rundown:

"Be Your Own Hero" T-shirt: Emily The Strange, $10
Suspenders: Jay Jays, $5
Pants: Trade Secret (Otto Mode), $10
Shoes: Shoe City, $200

Now for my tough face. CAN YOU BELIEVE HOW MUCH TOUGH I HAZ? Don't mind me. I'll just be over here in the corner with my lameness. I'll most probably be lovingly petting my new Docs. Oh, so now that's creepy too? Dammit.

And that, my lovelies, is the story of the two days in a row where I wore almost the same outfit. True story. Crazy right? So, how were your weekends? Crazy adventures? Lion taming? Vastly different outfits? Better tell me all about it!

Until next time, xo.

Godzilla-Obsessed College Professor

An article appeared at The Dallas Morning News online website on a college professor who has a "monstrous obsession with Godzilla":

Along his torn-up trail, the menacing brute also has created some major Godzilla geeks. One of them is Dr. William Tsutsui, the recently appointed dean of SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, whose obsession with Godzilla goes beyond campy special effects.

As he was growing up, his childhood fascination gave way to scholarly interpretation – and Tsutsui came to see the globally recognized monster as cultural ambassador, the therapeutic creation of a postwar Japan.

"I realized there was something more there than just a guy in a rubber suit," said Tsutsui, 47.

Tsutsui wrote the book, Godzilla On My Mind several years ago and appeared last summer at G-FEST.

To read the full article, go here.

Best of the Interwebz

Photo

Hello lovelies,

Hurray, it's the weekend! Of course, I had to go and sprain my ankle at work yesterday, so my weekend will be mostly spent sitting around the house. I don't even know how much sewing I can do because it is the ankle attached to the foot that works the sewing machine pedal. Completely devo right now. Anyhow, the weekend can and will go on, as will the links!


Props to Gala Darling for 10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Rescue Animal. There are so many animals out there that could use your love!

Cute DIY ahoy! Make Your Own "Floaty Clouds" Top by Drummbellina is one of the most adorable tutes I've seen in a long time.

It's Ok To Be Awesome is a downright awesome guest post at yes & yes, by Alexandra Franzen.

Check out these cute robot costumes, and the cool list of other Halloween costumes at The Dainty Squid.

Go read I'm Ok, by Anna of Door Sixteen. Great post, and after reading it I feel pretty ok.

I found Welcome To The Institute For Beyonce-related Cultural Studies, from Tiger Beatdown, a really good read about performing femininity.

I'm Dating Myself - hilarious or terrifying? You be the judge.

Riot Grrrl Culture is back, but where is the rage? is a really insightful look at the resurgence of certain aspects of 90's girl culture.

How To Make A Polaroid Magnet Frame is a quirky, and pretty easy tute found over at papernstitch.

Even better, learn how to make your own ridiculous swan dress from Syl & Sam of Lipgloss & Black.


I was possibly the most excited person in the world when I found out that Glee was going to do a Rocky Horror episode. After seeing this video of "Time Warp", I am pretty sure it isn't going to disappoint me (especially not with Kurt as Riff Raff). Or it better not.

Until next time, xo.

A Dose of Style - Katy Perry

Hey lovelies,

Now, let's get one thing straight. I don't like Katy Perry's music. It annoys me, and gets stuck in my head, making me want to blow my own brains out. If I have to hear California Girls play at work one more time, it is probably going to send me completely freaking postal. But, I have to grudgingly admit that I am a huge fan of her style!

Loving this crazy sweater/vest thing. LUCKY I DIDN'T SEE YOU ON THE STREET KATY, CUZ YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN RICKROLLED. Plus the cute little glasses and bag? Touche Katy, touche.

This outfit made me LOL so hard, back at whatever awards show she wore it at. (Probably the MTV Music Awards, looking at the background). It tickles my crazy buttons, that's for sure.

I am also a pretty big fan of the colorful retro deal Katy Perry has going on. She just always looks so dang bright, and cute. Favourite item from this picture has to be the heart waisted belt. Dang cuteness.

Oh no, now you're rocking nautical too? Jeez, do you leave any styles for us mere mortals Katy? Lucky you do it so well, or I might have to be really pissed. Or, you know, just wear lots of navy stripes until I feel better.

So, you need to make a red carpet worthy outfit out of only latex, and a lifetimes supply of bead necklaces? Just in case you ever find yourself in this situation, here is some inspiration. I am pretty sure that I need that top in my wardrobe.

Out to the masses! What do you think of Katy Perry & her eccentric wardrobe? Are you hot or cold? I know, I know, I should stop trying to make puns because it only ends in embarassment. But seriously, what's your take on Katy? Have you kissed a girl & liked it? Did your boyfriend mind it? Ok, yeah, it's bedtime for me now. I shouldn't be allowed near the internet when I'm sleepy.

Until next time, xo.

Godzilla 2012 To Have "Latin Flavor"?

by Armand Vaquer


This morning, I came across an article from Latino Review.com that speculates that Legendary Pictures merged a film project called Pacific Rim with their Godzilla project.

Their website claims:

Back in May Mike Fleming over at Deadline broke that Legendary Pictures picked up the sci fi pitch "Pacific Rim" from "Clash of the Titans" writer Travis Beacham. The deal was made based on Beacham's 25 page treatment.

"Pacific Rim" is pictured as a tentpole event film, set in a future in which malevolent creatures threaten the earth, the planet must band together and use highly advanced technology to eradicate the growing menace.

Well guess what?

We know who those "malevolent creatures" are because the folks at Legendary want to make "Pacific Rim" the basis for the "GODZILLA" REBOOT!

Apparently, according to sources, the current "Godzilla" draft they did get was not good and they wanted a writer/director to do a lot of work on it. Merging “Pacific Rim” with the Godzilla reboot solves that problem. That’s one of the options on the table.

We have also exclusively learned that Legendary just offered “Pacific Rim” to Guillermo Del Toro!

Now at press time, it's just an offer, doesn't mean that Guillermo will take it. With Guillermo doing "Mountains of Madness," I don't know if he will be able to fit Godzilla into the pipeline for Legendary's anticipated release date of 2012.

Sounds a little far-fetched to me. Also, Beacham's Clash of The Titans remake was received with mixed reviews. Some said it was better than the original, while others did not like it at all. How would he approach Godzilla if given the assignment?

To read the full article, go here.

UPDATE: HitFix.com has posted an article on the rumor(s) by Drew McWeeny (these are the main points):

Speaking with agency sources close to the process today, HitFix has been able to further clarify the situation regarding "Pacific Rim," an original screenplay by Travis Beacham, and "Godzilla," currently being scripted by Dave Callaham.

Contrary to the report yesterday, there are no conversations underway regarding the merging of these two projects.

Dave Callaham is in the middle of his process right now, and his work has Legendary happy enough that they're talking to directors and eyeballing a release date. He's still on the film, and suggestions that they're dumping him or taking the script away simply aren't fair or accurate.

"I am not involved in 'Godzilla' at all," Guillermo replied once I'd explained the rumor to him. "I haven't read it or plan to read it. Nor have I been approached to direct it."

To read the full HitFix article, go here.

Horrifying Trends That I Love #6

Hello there lovelies,

It's that time again. The time where some godforsaken trend sneaks it's sneaky way up on me, and all of a sudden BAM - I'm obsessed. It's a horrific cycle, and one not easily escaped by someone who works in retail. This time it's a little strange though. Perhaps even stranger than my obsession with harem pants, and heart-shaped sunglasses. I'm obsessed with owls. That's right, owls. On everything. Owl print t-shirts, owls on jewellery, owl-shaped hats. Well, actually, I'm yet to see an owl-shaped hat, but if I did I'd probably fall in love with it. Has anyone else noticed the plethora of owl-related fashion objects popping up all over the place? Just in case you missed the owl memo, here are a few cute owlish things to help you start your own obsessions.

Owl Ring by yakarina.

Owl Pocket Watch Necklace by lifelittle.

Owl Mary Janes by EmandSprout.

Owl T-Shirt by TeeShirtGnome.

What's your verdict guys? Are you also feeling the owl love, or are you thinking I've finally taken too many antibiotics this week? I figure someone else out there must be with me, because there are seriously about 10 t-shirts available at my work with owl prints, as well as piece of owl jewellery. Plus, regardless of their fashion abilities, owls are beautiful animals. However, I am also willing to accept the idea that I am just crazy, because lets face it, that's just the plain truth. Let me know anyway, because I'll have to tell The Boyfriend whether or not to ship me off to the crazy house with a trunk-full of owl-related goodies.

Until next time, xo.

Godzilla To Return To Comics Thanks To IDW

Sources: IDW Press Release / Avery Guerra / Mark Torchia

The biggest star in motion pictures prepares to wreak havoc once again! IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce a partnership with Toho Co., Ltd. to create all-new GODZILLA comics. Starting in 2011, Godzilla will smash his way back onto the scene with a cast of characters from his films never before seen in comics.

"This new series will be monsters and mayhem, but most importantly, it's going to be a lot of fun," said Yukio Kotaki of Toho. "Godzilla has been gone from comics for too long and we feel that IDW is the perfect company to welcome him back in 2011."

In addition to the King of the Monsters himself, the new comics from IDW Publishing and Toho Co., Ltd. will feature many of Godzilla's friends and foes, including MOTHRA, KING GHIDORAH, RODAN and more that have never before been featured in an American comic book series alongside Godzilla. With an impressive cast of monsters both old and new, IDW's series will treat fans to both familiar themes and original takes on the pop culture legends that have stomped, smashed, and fought their way across movie screens for over five decades.

"Not only is Godzilla known worldwide, he's loved worldwide, too. Having a film career with more than 25 movies and going on a 56-year span pretty much solidifies you as a legend, and IDW is really looking forward to contributing to that legacy," said Chris Ryall, Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in Chief for IDW Publishing. "We wanted Godzilla to return to comics, but this time we wanted him to have some company. I think fans will be pleased with the monster guest appearances, which will really offer something for every fan of these films. There are the classic characters, but there are also a few surprises, too."

Debuting in February 2011, fans can expect to see a number of unique storylines from some of the industry's top creators.

Best of the Interwebz

Photo by Monica C. Salomon

Hello there lovelies,

It's been an annoying week for me. A bad sinus infection put me off work for three days, and made me end up having to leave work early yesterday because of dizzy spells. That's some freakin' wicked blocked nose right? On that note, before this week I didn't realise it was possible to projectile sneeze. Yup, that is just as gross as it sounds. At least I had plenty of time to sew, and to find cool links for Best of the Interwebz. Enjoy!

If you love Mickey Mouse, check this out - Disneyland's Mickey Mouse Penthouse.

31 Things I've Learned in 31 Years from the wonderful Sarah Von of yes and yes could probably teach us all some valuable lessons.

Need a positivity boost? Check out kind over matter's positive printables. Cute stuff to psych you up, and you can print it? Why not.

Paper Sparrow presents this adorable tutorial for making a Paper Fox, with movable legs and tail (Also, a cute puppet show).

Reclaiming Confidence, from The Glamourous Grad Student is a really great read about having the confidence to wear whatever the hell you want.

Kasmira of What I Wore Today gives some great instructions on Machine Dyeing Clothing With Rit.

How To Host a Successful Swap Party - I've always wanted to host a big clothing swap party, but it's just never really happened.

More kick-ass tutorials! How To Sew a "Have You Seen My Eyeball" skirt is a cool (& detailed!) tutorial from Trisha of Mary Sew.

I found Ruth Fowler's article Heidi Montag and the Booby-pop (Huffington Post) to be a very interesting look at plastic surgery & Doctor responsibilities.

Cutest thing ever! Zombify Your Pet Plush, a one of a kind stuffed zombie animal, which can be based on pictures of your own pet!

And of course, don't forget to check out Sliced & DIYced. If you're not already a member, then you should be.

Lastly, you should totally watch this video of what is possibly the best moment in the whole first season of Glee.

Hope you're all having great weekends!

Until next time, xo.

Let The Stash Games Begin!

Hey there lovelies,

Now, this post is picture obsese. SERIOUSLY. I was on a crafty roll yesterday, majorly, and I have a lot of stuff to share with you. I also made quite a dent in my stash. Or at least, in my stash of t-shirts, since these are mostly t-shirt surgeries. I'm going to shut up and show you some pictures now though. Hooray!

This is the Wolverine Slasher Skirt Mark 2. I used up two t-shirts to make this (and, the last of my Wolverine t-shirts!). Also, the waistband is not actually lumpy like that. Dammit, I always stand wierd for my DIY photos.

Back view (shit, I only just realised that bottom strand was hooked under like that). The slashed strands are actually sewn into the seams between the skirt panels. Nice and tidy! Since I don't have an overlocker (serger), I zig-zag stitched the bottom hem to leave it looking unfinished, while actually being finished. Sneaky right?

This shirt I made from scratch, using the my last metre of this striped fabric, and the t-shirt patten from my TAFE course. The Marvel Superheroes graphic came from a thrifted t-shirt, which I'm pretty sure was a kids shirt. The little piece on the arm has their names on it: Storm, Phoenix and The Invisible Woman.

Coffee bottle bracelets! I used the beginning of Thera's upcycled bracelet tutorial, and then I just went crazy with the craft glue. The bases of the bracelets are made from Dare Double Espresso iced coffee bottles, courtesy of The Boyfriend. Notice that one has dinosaurs. This is because everything is better with dinosaurs.

Cat ear headband! I took a headband I never wore, and attached ears made from a thrifted leopard-print velour bag. BEST HEADBAND EVER.

The first of my random things necklaces. Made from plaited t-shirt scraps, gold, black & silver thread, and random embellishment things I found at Spotlight ages ago.

Again, plaited t-shirt scraps, silver & gold thread, and some random hearts.

When I bought the first season of Glee on DVD I got a free t-shirt, which of course was a Men's size Large. I resized it, and tried to make it a bit more nerdy/highschooly by adding the raglan sleeves & collar. The sleeve material & collar came from the free t-shirt I got when I bought House on DVD.

And, last but not least, a skirt made from a t-shirt and a wierd stripey tunic dress that I only wore once. You can wear it about a million ways (or even as a dress, if you so desire). It also has maximum twirl factor - see picture evidence below.

I don't really know how many points I get, since most of these were reconstructions/refashions, but I'm sure someone can fill me in. As for me, I'm back to planning more things. I already have a dress and a bag (possibly two) in the works. Keep hitting me with your DIY links, and don't forget to check out Sliced & DIYced for what all our other Stash Games participants are up to!

Until next time, xo.

22 Things Before 22! - Wardrobe Refashion

Hello there lovelies,

Here I am, half-way through my 2 months of Wardrobe Refashion. I have to admit, I caved after the first week. It's shameful. A top I liked at work was marked down to $5, so I thought it's only $5, right? It's only one top, right? Until the next week, when I bought a dress and a pair of pants. And jewellery. That is when I finally thought, "enough is enough." If I'm not going to take this seriously, then why should I take any of the goals I set myself seriously? Sure, the only one who loses out is me - but then, I'm the one losing out. I want to be able to make goals, and stick to them. I want to be able to stick to my goals just because I DAMN WELL MADE THEM. So I'm 'fessing up, and making myself a vow to stick this out, for serious this time.

A few months back I was spending anywhere between $30 and $100 a week on clothing. ON CLOTHING. That is ridiculous guys! Especially when I don't have the income to support that spending, the time to wear the clothes, or the space for them, and when I can make my own clothes. The worst thing was that I didn't really want or need anything, I just got into the habit of buying clothes. I've been doing a whole lot better - spending $30 or less every week. But still, this is a habit I'm determined to break completely. I want buying clothing to be something special again, instead of something I do every week. I want to improve our financial situation. And most of all, I want to increase my creativity/motivation to sew.

So, here are my own Wardrobe Refashioning goals (for life in general, not just the next month):

• I will not buy it if I can make it myself.
• If I think I could make it myself I will try to make it before buying.
• I will get more clothing and sewing supplies second-hand.
• I will not buy it if I don't really need it, or have other things exactly like it.
• I will not buy it if I don't really like it that much.
• I will not buy it if I just feel like buying something.

I'm so excited about these goals that I've already been refashioning like crazy! I can't wait to show you today's projects.

Until next time, xo.

Thought For The Day...

"Every moment in your life is an opportunity for fashion!"

- Kurt Hummel, Glee

Until next time, xo.

Hibiya's Godzilla Statue

by Armand Vaquer

This coming December 5 marks the 15th anniversary of the Godzilla statue in Hibiya, Tokyo.

The statue was erected on that date concurrent with the release of the final Heisei series Godzilla movie, Godzilla vs. Destoroyah on December 9, 1995.

I've visited the statue several times during my five trips to Japan, the first being my 2001 trip for the Tokyo International Film Festival premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. Of course, one must have a camera on hand (as I did) for the obligatory photos of the statue. Godzilla fans traveling to Japan consider a visit to the statue as a "must."






Left, my first visit to the Godzilla statue in Hibiya came in November 2001.



Above, the statue is visited by members of G-TOUR in August 2004.

Above, to kill some time before going to Toho International to meet with Masaharu Ina, I stopped by the statue and found a television crew conducting an interview in October 2005. The statue is in the background at left.




Using a digital camera in Japan for the first time, I took this photo (right) of the statue in April 2007. It was the photo used on the cover of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.



Information on how to get to the Godzilla statue in Hibiya is included in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.






Toho Co., Ltd. has erected a new statue of Godzilla at the front of the studio. Visitors can go there to view it along with a new mural of The Seven Samurai.




Above, also from my 2007 trip to Japan, Japanese office workers are taking cigarette breaks near the statue.

DIY Madness!

Hello there lovelies,


Remember that DIY that I've been promising you for aeons? Well, here it is. Or, here some of it is. I still have another t-shirt, a skirt, and t-shirt scrap necklaces to take photos of. Knowing me, by the time I've done that I'll have a whole new batch of DIY's waiting to be photographed. Note to self - be more organised (also, stop rambling and get to the pictures).

This dress, and the next one were bought for $5 each from my work, but they were so plain! Something had to be done about this. I let loose with my fabric paints on this white one, and I really like the graffiti effect that came out of it.

Next $5 dress was combined with an old Jay Jay's t-shirt to create The Monster Dress. Seriously guys, do you know how hard it is to applique monster shapes? Well, I can tell you right now it's pretty freakin' hard. I feel the mental pain, close calls between the sewing machine & several of my fingers, and inevitable descent into insanity were worth it. I love The Monster Dress.

The next two recons started life as men's t-shirts, once again from the $5 rack at work. This one I resized, and sewed a patch from another (free!) t-shirt onto. It says "Hi. It's like hello, only shorter- Dr Gregory House". The blues matched up really well, and I didn't want to waste a good slogan - no matter how poor the quality of said free t-shirt.


A note for others resizing man shirts into lady shirts - remember that men's shirts aren't made to stretch in the same places that ladies t-shirts are (eg. boobs & hips), so you might want to allow a little extra seam allowance in those areas.

Another resized man-shirt. Jeez, does it show that I've been mildly obsessed with sewing things onto other things lately? The My Little Pony graphic is from another old Jay Jay's t-shirt that didn't fit me very well anymore. I didn't want to give it away because I wore it in a photoshoot I did with The Boyfriend not long after we started dating, so I attached it to something else. Win-win? I THINK SO.

Now unfortunately, none of these count in the Stash Games, because they were all finished before it started! But I'm not going to rest until I'm all stashed out this month! Remember to show me your creations guys! You inspiring scallywags.

Until next time, xo.