And this year it's long trousers and a very smart tie.

[reddragdiva]

I got my BOOTS and I am even taller and enormously happy. Also, they make me walk like a mincing faggot (yes, even more), waggling my arse and waving the cigarette hand in the air. This is particularly effective with the new PVC trousers and will certainly do the right thing with the skirt.

I met quiet000001 at Euston and presented her with her Nice Boots outside: size 39 New Rock Formulas with side buckles and red flames edged in yellow. She put them on and wore them through the day's shopping, saying they were actually more comfortable than her Doc Martens (as well as making her two inches taller).

We stopped and got my BOOTS. The guy tried to sell me a New Rock coat for Kris. He offered us a substantial discount on the £550 ticket price, knocking off I think a large chunk of his markup. I still said no, I really couldn't, but I really WANTED to, and so did Kris. But I really should get paid for the renewal of my contract first ... If you want Formulas in sizes other than 37 to 42 — mine are specially-made size 47s — go to Future Designs.

We wandered the stables market looking for a present for Kris' mother-in-law and several presents and/or a top for redcountess for New Year. I didn't find one, but I found something that will help. I didn't manage to get a replacement shoulder bag either, which is bloody annoying, but I can borrow Liz's Jack Skellington bag in the meantime. Fairy Gothmother has dark purple padded PVC walls. Perfect for the goth in your life. (Except that the ones who need it don't think they do.)

Black Rose actually had some Phaze PVC trousers in stock. My indisposed Phaze trousers are damned fine and have put up with three years' serious goth mistreatment without problems and I recommend Phaze to everyone, but the zip was craptacular. And one of the pairs I tried on today broke its zip too. The 34 was too tight and the 36 too loose, but I got the 36 and will just have to wear a belt with them. They go very well with the BOOTS, which is why I put them on in the shop.

We repaired to the Dev where I had a much-needed pint and clove (I have been smoking like a chimney of late; I expect this to slow way down when the festering season is out of the way) and painted my nails black again, since I'm on holiday. kitty_goth was wrapping the one present he's giving and gave Kris his surplus wrapping paper. Kris got pics of me in the new boots and trousers.

I staggered home, narnee was just getting dressed to go out to glitchdrei's birthday drinks (happy birthday Zazz!) and I have collapsed in a heap. Tonight I get to sleep. Tomorrow I get to run around some more. Yay!

p.s.: Did I mention the BOOTS? I'm really quite pleased with them.