I've had a bit of an outfitting dilemma because of the gorgeous splint I've been wearing on my leg. Anyone who knows me, knows that trousers aren't really something I own or wear. I've mostly been rocking my longer circle skirts to cover it as much as possible, but it's pretty huge. My other issue is that I have really struggled to put socks, tights, stockings, etc. on as I can't reach my feet! So leggings have been my best friend this week. The world is not ready for my pasty legs and I'm not ready to get that cold!
This brings me onto feminist hardcore and shiny things...believe it or not!
Since starting out in Take Warning (debut E.P. available here), we have received and overwhelming amount of support from all the bands we've played with. I've found it incredibly refreshing to meet so many talented musicians with similar views to me. One of the bands I was most excited to play with were the feminist hardcore band, Petrol Girls (digital download of their album is here). They are so passionate and their music really hit home with me....and hardcore isn't usually my cup of tea. They really are incredible and have such awesome messages behind their music. On top of that, they are lovely, genuine people who have been so lovely to chat to. I sincerely hope that we will get to play shows together more and more.
After we played, I pottered over to their merch to grab a copy of their vinyl and a tshirt, when I noticed lots of pretty, shiny patches and things. I still kick myself now for not snapping up the gold patch with an anatomical heart or the cheshire cat back patch to put on my 'leather' jacket. I grabbed some fliers and carried on enjoying the music.
When I got home, I read over what I'd picked up and it turns out that not only are they undeniably talented musicians and lovely people, but they run a company which creates 'cycle friendly street wear' that has a strong, feminist theme behind it. Now, I'm not a cyclist (a couple of accidents when I was learning and a distinct lack of balance has put me off for life) but I am trying to get back into yoga (when my knee allows it) and like good quality leggings to wear when I am working out. I usually go for dance brands, but I love the idea of small, UK based brands. When they released their kick starter to print high quality leggings with feminist statements, I immediately put some money in.
Reading around the subject, I can really see where they're coming from. I know that drivers can be terrible to cyclists, but I didn't realise how bad it is for women cycling around. Thinking about it, I don't know why it didn't click. A long time ago, I gave up going to the gym on my own and I try to avoid going to mixed swims because it makes me feel uncomfortable. Reading blogs like Stop Street Harassment make me so angry. The messages that House of Astbury has printed on their leggings - 'Thunder Thighs' and 'Eyes on the Road' - are there to enforce a message; women are powerful and not their for you to look at. After much um-ing and ah-ing, I chose to go for the 'Eyes on the Road' leggings.
The leggings (much to my excitement) arrived this morning along with a really cute hand written card. They have genuinely put a lot of thought into the whole endeavour. They are made of really high quality material - something I would have quite happily used back in my dancing days and I know would have lasted a long time. They were tricky to get on - a good sign that they will hold up! - and they are really thick, with well sewn seams. The screen printing on them is the reflective part - the slogan runs down the left leg and there is a paint streak design down the left leg. Having bought lots of DIY screen printing over the years (mostly band shirts), it is safe to say that this is well done and will hold up well. All in all, a good start. The design is a silvery grey which flashes up white in bright lights.
I've been wearing them for a couple of hours now. They are actually really warm and comfortable. I can see them becoming a staple in colder months when I like to wear leggings under skirts and dresses, with thick socks and boots.
I have taken a few photos of them on with the flash. I apologise for the quality. I would quite like to get out and take some photos in these, but I took them quite quickly as I wanted to have my splint off. I will try to update in a couple of weeks with some proper photos. (Also, excuse the mess behind me!) The flash shows how well the reflective part works.
(Worn here with my Petrol Girls T-shirt)
As I am going out tonight, I thought I would put the dress I planned on wearing (a Deadly Dames piece from quite a long time ago - sorry, I can't find anything similar; the necklace is Bete Noire - £11 from here) with them to see what that looks like - you can't see the design too well because I had to put my little splint back on but I will definitely be flashing the design tonight at the Harry Mac Ep launch.
So if you want some awesome cycling/work out gear, definitely hunt them out. These leggings will last years and are definitely worth buying. Also, if you want to listen to some really passionate hardcore punk, you can't get any better than Petrol Girls!
Hopefully I'll be able to get out and get the photos I had originally planned for this week soon.
Laura xx
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