Weddings, Hens and NP Set

I haven't been around for a while I've noticed. This past few weekends have been hectic to say the least.

Three weekends ago was my friend Emma's hen's night. I was really fun until three moves into the pole dancing lesson and I think I may have broken my little toe trying to do something called the Corkscrew. It probably didn't help that I had had about a bottle of wine, two jelly shooters and a Jagerbomb before beginning the class. Still suffering slightly but even if I went to the doctors and it was broken there is little to nothing to be done about it so I'd rather save myself the $70 required to find it out. Lucky for me, the outfit was supplied by the lovely bridesmaids. Hot pink armwarmers, leg warmers and tutus. I was going to wear my new lime green chunky heels but chose wisely to bring flats when I tried to negotiate the staircase.

A fortnight ago was my friend Ebony's hens night. Train ticket to the city booked, bed early to catch said train. Wake up at 3am with a throat so swollen I can't physically swallow. What's a bridesmaid to do? Naturally, sacrifice her joy, her anticipation and her $75 to make sure the bride doesn't catch whatever the fuck she's got. I spent my weekend alone in my room with ibuprofen, juice and peppermint tea.

Now last weekend is when it all kicks off. Ebony and Emma both got married on the same day and (with timezones) the same time.
Emma was married in Victoria where she's from. She hasn't come home yet but from what I've heard, the wedding went well with only one hitch, the weather, causing the wedding to be held in the reception hall instead. 
Ebony was married at the Golden Valley Tree park about an hours drive from where I live. The weather was perfect, if a little warm, the setting was magical and the service went without a hitch. I'll have lots of photos up soon of my dress. It was a steel grey satin dress in an A line strapless style with an off white yellow lace bolero which took me a few hours to complete. :)

I had my nipples pierced two weeks ago too! I feel like such a bad ass. My left one is perfect and happy but my right has been a little touchy. I've had the balls changed once to a larger size but its still digging in. I'm putting it down to a little light swelling for the moment and if it hasn't settled down in a couple of weeks I'll see what I can do. I may come down to a longer bar or having to take it out and having it re-pierced.

My work life has changed dramatically lately as well. We're adopting a new view of the world at Target. We're now 1000000% focused on customer service. Not that we weren't before but now, as a customer assistant/ beauty assistant, my entire job is to serve customers and advise them. No filling, no leaving my department to work on registers, just plain old, helpful, informative customer service. Granted right now, it's boring because it's only been almost three weeks since this new system started and the public hasn't exactly gotten used to our new style (most of the time, when you smile at people they think you're retarded), but I'm hopeful that in the coming weeks and months, it will be easier to approach customers to offer advice and guidance.
Also, a nice little nugget, I've been trained to apply makeup. Last Tuseday, I was sent up Perth to attend the Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy for a short day course on how to use NP Set cosmetics. I really enjoyed the training and I learnt a lot. For example, I was unaware that it's better to apply your concealer after your foundation to avoid the white patches on your face. Generally the best way to apply makeup according to Napoleon is this:

• Cleanse
• Tone
• Moisturise (as much as your skin can take)
• Prime (face, eye, lip using only a very small amount. Applying too much primer will give you the sunburnt peeling effect on your face and ruin your makeup in the long run)
• Foundation (applied lightly to the triangle between the outer ends of your eyebrows and your chin and blend outward)
• Conceal (dabbing on with your foundation brush then using the warmth of your fingertips to blend into your foundation)
• Powder (applied to the concealer first to lock it in then applied to the rest of your face)
• Contour (darker shade to the line from your ear along the underside of your cheekbone in one sweeping motion and the tiniest amount between your hairline and eyes, highlighter applied to the area just under your eye and a natural (or pink/red/brown etc) blush applied to the apples of your cheeks and back to the hairline in a slightly upward motion, its best to smile to get it in the right position then blend with your powder brush. it doesn't matter if there's still product on there)
• Eye makeup (shadow, liner, mascara)
• Lips (lipstick/gloss followed by liner. Amy, the teacher, explained it as if you apply liner first and your lipstick fades, you'll be left with the strange line around your lips, but if you apply after, it fades with your lipstick thus still providing the anti-feathering abilities without any of the 90's fashion faux pas lips)

So far, I've had quite a bit of success with this method, though, as with all things, there is no one right way of doing anything. 

I believe I have rambled enough for one night

"Living past my use-by-date"

Livi DedGrrl

I'm a Zombie *uuuuuugh*

I've not been online lately. Several reasons. First of which, I'm lazy. My job has been mind numbing because we've only doing customer service. Second reason, I'm sick. And not just regular sick but really, "up at 3am in pain and coughing and throwing up" kinda sick. I've had to miss out on one of my best friend's bridal shower and hens night because I'm worried I'll make her sick. 

I blame my housemate, Shaun. What did he do when he got sick? He spent the day in the room next to mine, fermenting and incubating, even though it's my sister's room. So my sister got sick. And so I got sick. Fuck this! I have been looking forward to this for months. I've been planning, baking and spending money. Fucking ridiculous.

In other news, I have a new aqua blue wig. I'll have to take a photo when I look less disgusting :)

I'll probably just add another post sometime soon. I'm too sick right now.

<3

Livi

I'm A Mistress Again..

So yeah, been on Fetlife for a while.. Been approached by quite a few young (and some not so young) men and been asked to Dominate them. Its been a few years since I last played but its a little like the riding a bike thing, only its like riding a submissive boy :P

I might share a photo of him over time. He's been good but very frustrating so far.

Can't think of anything else to say lol

Livi

My hair takes.... aaaaages..

So I went to get my hair re-done today.. I was there for 3 hours.. A bit longer than usual but they were quite busy.. I thought I might share this process and experience with you, my small but awesome band of followers. :)

We begin with a 1/4 of foils in vivid red and a full hair colour in a plum purple black

Wash, blowdry and into the rollers (my hairdresser Emily has been 'super into rollers lately', her words. Don't look at the double chin!) 

And the finished product

Rightio. So its the second full week of using the Sally Hansen nail strength gel. I am seeing improved resilience in the nail about 3mm back from the tip so that's encouraging. But I spoke to my rep and she said that it would most likely take about 3 weeks before I saw anything really tangible. :)



I got creative with my hair yesterday before work. I've been doing the half ponytail (when you do a pony but on the last pull through the hair lackey you just take it halfway) and pining up the top half through the loop, for about two weeks now. I like the height it achieves without all the back combing etc involved. But I was playing with my fringe in the shower on Wednesday night and I had the urge so I made myself a quiff :) Covered it in hairspray at 8.30am and it was still perfect at 11.30pm after a walk home in the wind and being stuffed under a shower cap. Yes I am not ashamed of the fact that I wear a shower cap! :P Let's hear if for Tresemme Freeze Hold hairspray and lacquer!

QUIFF!! In all its quiffy goodness...

And on my way to work this morning I saw that all the flowers in our little garden has started to bloom so I took a photo so it could brighten your day :) Because who doesn't like pretty little flowers? :)

There we go


"Living past my use-by-date"
Livi DedGrrl

Obituary Challenge

So I was tagged by Sary.. Basically its this:

The Rules:
 Link back to whoever tagged you.
Put these rules in your tag
Write an obituary about yourself (it can be as funny or as serious as you like)
Write a paragraph or two (or more if necessary) in length.
You may tag up to 10 people, and be sure to link them.
Have fun, because creative writing is one of the greatest joys in life!

So here goes:

Caitlin was 23, when she passed away this Monday the 3rd of September. She was single with no children. Caitlin is survived by her parents and younger sister. Her job was boring and mind numbing. No doubt she will be easily replaced.  Life wasn't particularly good to her. She had been single approximately 4 and a half years when she passed from a heart attack brought upon by her comfort eating. Though she tried on more than one occasion to succeed but has never quite been accepted by society. Her creative designs never sold and she was never very popular. Caitlin was shy and uncomfortable in public and was paranoid about what people thought of her.

Her funeral will be held next Friday. She has requested that she be cremated on a funeral pyre. There was $300 bequested in her will for alcohol.

Tags:

Kitty

Vivi 

Dani

I dont like retagging so yeah lol

Livi DedGrrl

Outfit Post.. Awwwwwyeeeah.. ^^

So I went shopping yesterday.. Bought a black and white striped mini skirt and a mesh cardigan from Moda in Target and two U-Tanks from Free Fusion in Target in black and geranium (basically, halfway between pink and red, not actually as weird as it sounds).

So I made this for you :)

So the underbust corset is mine from Corsets Boulevard in the UK. Hope you like the outfit. I rather do like it. And it shows off my cupcake tattoos. :)

So I got back into making some fasinators yesterday too. 

Its not the best I've ever made but its nice. Blonde head piece with blonde knot thingy on top of a silver headband. Turquoise and black feathers with white feathers, forest green ribbon, white lace and alot of sparkly gemstones. 

Well I'm off to play the Sims 3. Yes its geeky, even for the gaming world but I love it. I'm looking forward to the Sims Supernatural in a couple of days. It looks interesting (having a big focus on vampires, werewolves and witches) but I'm more interested in the The Sims 3 Seasons. I love the fuzzy feeling I get from watching my sims garden in the rain, enjoying the snow etc. I'm looking very much forward to more interactive game play, the umbrellas in the rain, sunburn in the summer time, the festivals and that the whole town will get the weather, not just individual lots at a time. I know I'm getting far too excited for this but I've been a loyal player since the first Sims came out in 2000. Granted there are times when I would not play for months and months but then get the urge and play for days on end. I'm thinking I might have to purchase a computer to play with because my poor little trooper of a laptop might not be able to run all the games seamlessly. I'll probably go into JB HiFi next week and put a new computer on layby.

Anyhow..

"Living past my use-by-date"
LiviDedGrrl

My nails.. the sequel.. and other stuff.. I don't know.. I ramble..

Greetings.. ^^

So I've still been using the Sally Hansen stuff. so this is my nails after one week of use. I didn't expect them to be fantastic. I do work alot with my hands and they slinter at the tip alot.

So they don't look fantastic just yet. But hopefully we'll get there. :)

Box one of two arrived from England a couple of days ago. It was brimming with crin! Lots of crin! And this is only half of what I ordered. It's like a box of live snakes. I love how crin almost looks alive when its in motion. :)

                                      

Going to be making lots of fasinators this weekend since racing season, here in Australia, starts around the end of Sept and I'm hoping if I can get in early, people will design outfits around them rather than finding a hair piece to match. I don't hold much hope. I know my designs aren't very creative or very good. I kind of just do whatever pops into my head instead of making designs and planning.. I just unholster my hot glue gun and give myself third degree burns on my finger :P

Anyways.. I'm off to bed.

"Living past my use-by-date"

Livi DedGrrl

Just random stuff

So here's some photos...

 This is my housemate Sarah.. I did a trial run of her Halloween make up on Sunday.. I used Manic Panic goth white foundation with a light dusting of Pure White eyeshadow.. For her face framing and eyes I used Posh Peacock eyeshadow done over with a light dusting of Jet Black eyeshadow.. All the shadows are by Rimmel We're trying to go for a look of Emily the corpse bride.. I'm making her a black rose head garland and we'll do her hair in a fancy bridal fashion..

I've started to use nail hardener because I'm sick of my dodgy blunt and slintered nails.. I'm using Sally Hansen Triple Strong Advanced Gel Nail Fortifier.. This was taken on Day One after two coats... I'll take a photo next Wednesday and see how we're doing..

In the rest of my life.. Well, my job has been ok, though my feet have been killing me at the end of the day.. Waiting on a shipment of crin from Cyberlox Shop.. And I spent quite a few $$ on lots of pretty new panties.. When they arrive I'll be rating the sites I bought from.. I already got $10 off from HipsandCurves.com because when I first tried, it wasnt letting me add anything to my cart and they emailed me a $10 voucher.. :P

Anywho.. I'm rambling..

"Living past my use-by-date"
Livi DedGrrl

Well then, I haven't posted in a while so I thought I better do it..

I've been spending a bit this week..

I bought lots of crin to make falls and such..

I put some beautiful new shoes on layby.. Pastel lime green suede chunky heel platforms.. So so comfy and so cute..
Also some in fuchsia purple.. same style.. oh my god.. :)

I got Kate Moss by rimmel lipstick today.. in shade number 04

Be kind :P This is post work

So I think thats all for tonight.. Hopefully, my transformation of my housemate Sarah into Emily from The Corpse Bride as a trial run of her Halloween costume..

"Living past my use-by-date"

Livi DedGrrl

My first experience of MAC

As of today, Target sells MAC products.. Not the whole range just yet but we've got some nice stuff..

I put $97 worth on layby (some eye shadows and an eyeliner) and I spent another $90 on some lipsticks, another eyeliner and the studio fix powder plus foundation

I have to say that the lipstick is really creamy. Nothing like any of the other lipsticks I've ever used. I got Rebel and MAC Red shades. I quite like them but my application skills are lacking a bit..

 MAC Red

Rebel

Worst photos ever but its all I could be bothered with at the end of my day.

Sometime soon I'll be doing a trial run of some corpse bride makeup on my housemate Sarah for Halloween. ^^ hopefully she'll let me put photos up :P

Thanks for reading. :)

'Living past my use-by-date'

Livi DedGrrl

'These are a few of my favourite things'

Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens,

Bright coloured dread falls and goth stylin mittens,

White plastic packages all full of new rings,

These are a few of my favourite things,

Red coloured hair bows and cute little poodles,

Lipsticks and blushes and oodles of eyeballs,

Tight corsets that shine with the joy that they bring,

These are a few of my favourite things,

Goths in bright dresses with hair falls that clashes,

Make up and lashes that have neon splashes, 

Piercings and tattoos and body-mod blings,

These are a few of my favourite things 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

 ^^

You get the hint, I'm hoping at least.

Miss JamJam hair bows rock my little world. I'm a bit of an eyeball freak. Can deal with real eyeballs but I fucking LOVE these. I wear them to work most days ^^

Granted I love hair bows, head bands, hair colour and hair falls in general. I love hair falls above anything else. Mainly because my hair is so thin and gets so icky so quick. Hair falls with me the best volume, that makes me smile.

I love these ones I got for $1 (plus postage) off Ebay. I just happened to be the only person who bid. FTW!

with Miss Vivi 

And these Vixen falls cost me a bit. They were my first ones and I may have screwed up the elastic a bit (ok a lot).

And Cyberlox. I loooooove Cyberlox. My favourite ones are ones I make myself. The best supplier in the world is CyberloxShop on Ebay. They have 138 different colours of tubular crin, plus premade dreads, premade cyberlox and foam falls, goggles, clip in hair extenstions, clip in hand dyed human hair fringes, wool roving (the stage wool is at before it becomes wool dreads, felt etc), Kanekalon synthetic hair and tons of other stuff. It's a little expensive compared to other stores online for the paying price but once you factor in postage (they do free combined postage on bags of crin), its better than 90% of the other stores. 

Aaaaagh!!! Cyberlox craziness!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  

I know I've been really lazy this last few weeks. I have barely had the urge to do anything crafty. But I have a few costume parties to go to in the next few months which means its time to break out the sewing machine, hot glue gun and measuring tape. Viv's 21st birthday with a Sci Fi theme, our house is doing a massive Halloween party which I still only have no idea what I'm going to go as, I've got Bunny's wedding in October, which means a 'unofficial bridesmaid' dress I need to make (also which I am terrified of screwing up), a circus theme party sometime in summer and I have the most unbelievable urge to have a glam goth themed cocktail party.

So in the next few weeks I'll be attempting to make a stick on/head piece metal look cyborg scope style face detail. Chrome up some Nerf guns and make a couple of holsters, big boots, bullet belts and black corset etc.
I need to get a rockabilly outfit together for Bunny's Hen's night next month too. I like Inspired Insanity. They have larger sizes and a nice range. I'm getting a cute retro style dress for Marinda's wedding in February.
I'm assuming I'll be doing my regular zombie look for Halloween. Since The Walking Dead  season one DVD came out, I've learnt how to use gelatine to make flesh wounds. This, of course, makes my costume ideas a little narrower because I like to use new skills. I'll think of something, I'm sure.
I want a really classy cocktail party. I may have gotten the idea from Dani though. I want to get these glasses. Can you just imagine the absinthe cocktails in those????

*squeeeeeeee*

I was considering buying the Carnival Queen set from Lovechild Boudoir for it. Its got a classy yet skanky quality to it. Sounds just like me. ^^
Carnival Queen Wench Top
Carnival Queen tie On Bustle
Carnival Queen Governess Skirt
Carnival Queen Bustle Jacket
Carnival Queen Shrug

Anyhoo.. I've been writing and linking for too long and my fingers hurt.

'Living past my use-by-date'
Livi DedGrrl
<3

FYeah Finery Challange Day 1

Day 1 ~

Take a picture of you in your most cherished item of clothing (never mind the date!)
Give a little info on it - including where you bought it and why it means something to you (eg. is it sentimental?)


So I've been asked to give this a go..

These are some of my favourite falls. They're red (yes they look orange but they're red) and black 50cm long Vixen Falls from Miss Needles on Ebay

I got these syringe hair clips from No Human Intentions on Ebay. The needle has been removed and the centre filled with UV reactive fluid. ^^ 

The surgical mask I made my self. I'll be adding a tutorial on how to make a basic surgical mask in my next post. 

'Living past my use-by-date'

Livi DedGrrl

My Imagination is my Happy Place

So I figure I should start a more intelligent post..

I love bright colours. I guess you could classify me as a Cyber Goth primarily. I love Steam punk, Victorian and horror. 

Being a bigger girl doesn't help much, sadly, as alot of online stores and retail stores don't cater for anyone over a size 18AU. So I make my own. Naturally, some have worked, some have gone horribly wrong. Its all about creativity and having the time to make stuff.

My tips for making you're own clothing:

You can find amazing things in op-shops, $2 shops and dress making stores.
Over the Halloween period, $2 shops bring out all the tacky bat jewelry, cheap skulls and general 'creepy' stuff. Now add a blank generic facinator, feathers, sparkle and hot glue from a store that sells millinery, i.e. Spotlight, just after the spring racing season, and there's completely unique hair piece that everyone will want for under $25.
You can find bargains in Op-Shops that will not only make your day (Dotti hand clutch with a gorgeous Japanese Koi and cherry tree blossom design for $1... OMG!), but chances are, no one will be able to replicate your outfit. Just rip off the bits you don't want, sew on stuff that makes it uniquely 'You' and that's all you need.
I love going into dressmaking stores like Spotlight. I always hit the remnants basket first. Usually, every few months or so, they make up packs with not only chucks of fabric, but bits of elastic, Velcro, buttons, ribbon, trim, rolls of thread that got pulled apart and can't be sold. And you can get some real gold in some of those packs. Alot are made up of left over material that just can't be used, but always have a dig through. Having a pile of material at home to play with is always a good thing. :) And go through the clearance materials when you've finished up with the remnants. I found the best pinstripe suiting material for $2 a metre. I still haven't used it, but I know when I feel like it, I've got enough to make a blazer, a bustle skirt, a waistcoat or a full length skirt.

Do your research. There are some places online that do cater for larger sizes, and there are some places that do the most amazing hand made product that doesn't cost the Earth. Also, go through some of the other pages on Google, not just the first. You'll find alot of little gem stores with unique pieces. 

Some of my favourites:

A is for Arsenic - This is Amelia Arsenic's, singer of Angelspit, online clothing store. I love love love her Taxiderima range. She also has prints, tote bags and jewelry. She's also done collaborations with Sugar Pill cosmetics. Check out her blog on A is for Arsenic. She does tutorials on her model looks.

www.aisforarsenic.com

www.blackpillredpill.com

www.sugarpillshop.com

Lovechild Boudoir - I love love love this store. They cater for larger size, right up to size 24UK. I have one of their Darkly Noon short bustle skirts. They're all pinstripe but they only use whatever pinstripe they can get their hands on. Chances are, yours will be unique! :) Its one of the most luxurious pieces I own, its comfortable and looks AMAZING! My sister has a pair of the Lady Apprentice Victorian Breeches. They look awesome and gorgeous. 

www.lovechildboudoir.com

Killer Threads - Sally-Ann made me my first proper corset. She is awesome. I'm not sure if she's still doing the custom corsets but check with her via Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Killer-Threads/141653237765

And I cannot stress this enough. ETSY OVER EBAY!!! On Ebay, chances of you finding something that is amazing quality are usually slim. 90% of things are from China and are terribly mass produced. On occasion, you'll find an amazing store that you'll want to buy from more than once. I found Lovechild Boudoir on Ebay. 

Etsy is completely different to Ebay, where there are no 'auctions' and more often than not, pieces are unique and once they're gone, they're gone. Also, when listing products, you can't sell items that you're bought from some little shop and sell them in bulk. You have to make it, it has to vintage or it has to be a supply product i.e. bulk wool roven for making falls, or bulk buttons or make it yourself items. 

I usually live by this rule when shopping online, Ebay is for crappy products you don't intend to take care of. Etsy is forever costume pieces. 

Anyways, I hope you found this post helpful.

'Living past my use-by-date'

Livi DedGrrl <3

Next time, I'll be giving tutorials on how to make you're own costume pieces.

In the beginning, there was popping candy

So, I'm Livi..

I had my arm broken by some of my friends, who insisted I get on here.. So here I am..

For beginners, yes, I over use the '..'s. It's something I started when I first started using the net and it just kinda stuck.. My grammar isn't perfect and my spelling sometimes leaves alot to be desired, so sue me.. :)

I'm not sure what my blog will be about yet, but more likely than not, I will be sharing and talking about my costumes and life as a closet cyber goth, steam punk fiend and general dress-er up-er..

<3