Happy New Years Eve!

Derek Art (one of my favorite artists)

I hope everyone has something fun planned with the special people in their lives or at least get to enjoy yourself this evening! I can't believe it's going to be 2013, I remember celebrating when it was going to be 2000! Yet I gotta ask, Where are all the flying cars? The movies and books lied to us! Hehe!

Making New Year's resolutions seems to be on a lot of people's minds, but to be honest I don't believe in them, yet making goals is something I can get behind. So here are mine:

-Start sewing clothing for myself, baby doll dresses and simple skirts. I know I can do it, but I've been scared since a sewing meltdown I had over ten years ago. Eeeeek! It involved cutting out a pattern, then my  machine breaking and I went into a fit of rage. Yeah.....I'm a lot calmer of  person now.

-Make a custom bar for the Tiki room and rearrange EVERYTHING. I want to be able to display all our Tiki mugs (I'm panicking just thinking about it). We're obsessed and it needs to more organized.

-Become more awesome and tacky as I want a 60s gold lam'e dress. (I had to come up with something else, I like things in 3's)

Not too bad, huh? What are your personal goals this year?

Now I will leave you with some fun photos with friends from this past year, 2012........

Michigan madness with Sarah

NYC fun at Otto's Shrunken Head

Derek and I-just a regular day

Miss Alyssa and I interpretive dancing at Vertex

Lovely ladies at Radiation

Goth "festival" (definitely created a lot of memories!)

Thank you for reading!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Matchy-Matchy, Oh My!

My coat is from Target, a few seasons ago

While getting ready to go out to run some errands, I realized I was very 'matchy-matchy' with my Rosie head scarf and bag (both by Dungaree Dolly). I'm usually not one to plan on being that coordinated, but dang I love this print!

Insert love ----here---- <3

I wish I would have grabbed up some more Dolly items made in this print, alas it's long gone, gone, gone.

Derek said, "Don't show my ugly snow boots". Haha! He's such a fashionista, even in his old man coat. 

I kept thinking that tonight is New Year's Eve, and I was panicking as we had to shop for ingredients for the dish we're bringing to our friend's party. I've been so messed up with my days of the week since Christmas! I let out a sigh of relief as we shopped till we dropped, which included stocking up the liquor cabinet and raiding Target's Christmas clearance. We're all set for the next few years with gift wrap, bags and ribbon, I can't say no to paying 30 cents for a gift bag. Did I ever mention I love a good bargain and Target is at the end of my street? Hahaha!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Charlotte Sometimes.....

Friday was our monthly goth/dark electronic dance night-Radiation-so it was time to pile on some extra makeup, dust off the platforms and pile the hair up high. I had a little help with the aid of some tracks of hair that I attached (with bobby pins) to one side of my hair to give me some extra volume. I used to wear all sorts of hair pieces, so it was fun to take some tracks of human hair, crimp it and tease it to blend in. Voila! even bigger hair!

It was ridiculously cold outside and snowy, so layering and warmth was on my mind, but I didn't want to overheat at the club. So I reached into my closet for one of my favorite dresses that I bought on the clearance rack ($7) at Forever 21 some years ago. I like to think that this dress was meant to live in my closet as I found it crammed in a corner. I sorta had to 'unearth it' in the clearance pile insanity. SCORE! This dress is sleeveless with a cute collar, so a knit shrug does the trick (thrift store 99 cents), add some patterned leggings and my platform boots.

Though my personal style may seem a little basic with my clothing pieces, I like to play up my look with accessories. I like the look at silver or metal jewelry again black or mixing in organic piece like bones or feathers, and I'm still a girlie girl and love some sparkle here and there. I also like to wear a red, burgundy, or purple lip to enhance my gothy pout. *Wink*.

I was so comfortable and felt pretty after feeling like garbage for over a week. I also missed the comfort of my platforms when dancing, I was looking for an alternative to wearing them to the club all the time, but everything else I try to wear tears up my poor feet. I think there is a reason why I've been wearing platforms to the club for over ten years! My experimentation period is over, haha!

What's you're favorite outfit to wear that makes you feel effortless pretty?

Thanks for reading!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

My favorite Cure song <3

Just Crimped

I love black and white photos

I decided to test out my new crimper which was a birthday gift from my best friend Melanie, I have to say I am enjoying the results. 

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Winter Boots

As I'm sitting here I can hear the blaring of snow blowers, as the sky opened up and Buffalo has been dumped on by a large amount of what we're famous for having.....snow. It's definitely a winter wonderland and though I'm not a huge fan of snow, I am prepared with winter gear for when I have to venture outside. I live in the North East (United States) and I'm still in shock when people tell me they don't own a pair of winter boots! I hate being wet and cold, so you bet your sweet bottom I have winter boots to keep my tootsies warm! Though they may not be the most visually fashionable of items to have in your closet, warmth and function is always super fashionable in my book.

Click on photo to take you to Polyvore for more info on the boots

I have two pairs of winter boots, one for function and one that are a bit more fashionable. The functional boots are much like the ones to the left in the collage, they are like a chalet type boot that are water-resistant. They are not very pretty, but they are warm with a faux fur interior. I wear these for when it's snowing and I have to run errands, I want to play in the snow or when it's extremely cold out.

I bought mine at a thrift store, they are a discounted boot.

You can find more fashionable winter boots, but they usually aren't going to keep you as warm and dry as the mighty beastly snow boots. I have a pair that are trimmed with faux fur, are knee high and have a slight wedge. They are warm, but if I stood in snow for too long the wetness will seep in and I'm one sad lady. I usually wear the more fashion ones when the sidewalks are clear, when we're going to and from the car and I can slip into a change of shoes, or when it's not that cold out. 

The biggest saving grace when buying winter boots is that most boots are black, yay!!!!

What sort of footwear do you wear when (or if) your area has snow or cold weather?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Back From The Dead, Sorta.....

Happy December 25th my dear readers and new readers too, yay! I'm back from sicklandia.....sorta. I am still dealing with sinus issues, coughing and a general 'meh'ness, but that's enough complaining! Moving along....

I'm wearing:

-red suede creepers by T.U.K

-little black dress, Deb Shops

-rib cage cardigan by Too Fast Clothing from Cats Like Us

-spider web bandana from Cats Like Us

I'm in love with my new T.U.K. creepers, I'm excited to have some everyday red shoes! Red is my favorite color and though I barely wear it, it's nice to have a spiffy new pair of red shoes to add a 'pop' of color to my ensembles. My love affair with red shoes started when I was 7 and got a red pair of red fashion boots on my birthday, I thought I was the coolest kid ever. *Wink*

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

From Darkness To Light : Merry Winter Solstice!

Merry Winter Solstice and Happy Yule to all my readers! The longest night in which to celebrate with a feast filled with light, celebrate with laughter and reflection of the past year and what's to come....

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Under The Weather

image source:Facebook 

I love this photo!

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful well wishes for my birthday yesterday, I am very touched! Still crazy to think I'm 32 when I feel more like a teenager now than when I was one. I have to admit I love being in my 30s!

My birthday was nice despite being sick with a stupid chest cold. I hate being sick, it's such a waste of time and being that it's so close to the holidays has me a little bummed out. This week has been spent resting and trying to find the energy to run to the post office and tie up last minute details.

To cheer myself up, I painted my nails a shimmery red color called Red Carpet by Sally Hansen. This is about as exciting as I got for my Tex-Mex birthday dinner, thus no outfit photos. It's the little things that help you feel a little glamorous. *Wink*.

Thanks for reading and I hope everyone is well!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Happy 32nd Birthday To Me!

Look what Robert Smith sent me!

Okay-I made this for myself, but can't a gal dream!? 

32 year old Meagan and 22 year old Meagan

I used to be so cute, what happened!? Hahaha!

It's my birthday which means I better finish up my holiday shopping, wrap gifts and Solstice is soon!!!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Adventures : Trip to Rochester

I've sorta been a mopey mope lately as the holidays seem to always bring me down. I'm not a 'bah humbag' lady, but I just can't seem to love this time of the year. Derek sensed my stressed and general "meh" attitude about doing anything this weekend to celebrate my up-and-coming birthday, so he surprised me by booking a hotel in Rochester, NY, which means a trip to Vertex Nightclub. Rochester is about an hour and a half away, but driving late at night all the way home after clubbing for hours is not something I can do too often. This lady has had her years of doing that and let's just say I tire a lot more easy than I used too. 

Vertex gnome collection? I've never noticed this after all the years of going there.

Haha!

Obligatory club bathroom bum shot

We had a blast and our friend DJ Darkwave even wished me a happy birthday on the video screen, I felt special. *Wink*. After a few tequila shots, dancing to Christian Death (and other various gothy goodness), and some laughs with friend we crashed out hard in our hotel room. So many soft pillows to rest my deathhawk upon, ahhhhhhh.

Derek snapped this photo after the club, my hair had a mine of its own.

It was freezing out, so I wore:

-modified Miguel and the Living Dead t-shirt

-ruched leggings

-vest

-bondage belt with batty bum flap

-new wedges (not pictured)

-lots of jewelry!

I had a great time, but it's nice to be home and have a lazy day with Derek (mostly to recover). We reflected on this past year's adventures and what we're planning for the new year, always exciting and never a dull moment with Derek aka my partner in crime!

I found this photo on the camera!!!!! Haha!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

GothBarbie Crochet Creation

I was excited when Sara of GothBarbie contacted me about sending one of her beautiful handmade crocheted creations. I told her to pick something out for me and she sent me the Alien Green and Black Fishnet Neckwarmer. The cowl is soft, luscious, warm, and wonderfully hand crafted. I wear a scarf that my sister-in-law made for me, so I truly appreciate people's crocheted craftsmanship, GothBarbie is no exception!

The neckwarmer is reversible, but I wanted to show the awesome fishnet crocheted pattern. I think is looks great draped over my winter coat, as I feel very stylish and I like that it's not fussy to wear. Put it on and voila! instant chic.

Isn't the green just a fun 'pop' of color against my black jacket? 

Her items would make a wonderful gift for both men and woman, definitely check her out!

Visit GothBarbie's etsy shop : www.gothbarbie.etsy.com

Check out her awesome fashion blog: www.glamcrab.blogspot.com

Thank you so much Sara! Thanks to Derek for being my photographer and thank YOU for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

I Went To See The Business

Derek and I went to see The Business last night at Mohawk Place, which will probably be one of the last shows I will see there before it closes. I am devastated for sure, yet The Business were amazing and I'm so glad I got to see them. Derek said, "that's another knotch on your punk rock belt". Hahaha! Derek says the darnest things!

Check out my new back patch that I am so incredibly excited about, Demented Are Go! are in my top 3 favorite bands and I had been searching for a patch with just their logo on it. My search has ended thanks to Punk and Pissed which turns out to be an online store that is located very close to Buffalo, so I got the patch in record time! Oh yes, I love psychobilly.

Nothing too exciting here in terms of my apparel. When I go to a show I usually don't wear anything too nice as the potential for beer being spilled on me or sweaty men rubbing against me, so I usually keep it casual. When I am going to a dive club to see a band, especially a punk band, I'm not looking to win any fashion contests. I always wear close toe shoes or steel toe boots, I've had my foot stomped on once (really bad) and that's all I needed to learn my lesson. I've had chairs throw at me, been launched out through doors and caught in the middle of fights, in other words- I've been hurt at shows-so, me wearing hoop earrings and a hip belt was taking a risk!  I made it out alive, but as soon as that dance pit started right in front of us, I was out of the way like a shot. My dance pit days are long over, but I like to watch everyone singing along and dancing. 

Thanks for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

My B.U.T.T. Birthday Outfit

Yes, you read it correctly, my B.U.T.T. birthday outfit! B.U.T.T. is the acronym of our little Tiki group in Buffalo and it stands for Buffalo United Tiki Talk, you can check out our antics in this blog post. We got together to celebrate my birthday (early), which is a good excuse to get together to have a few drinks and eat pizza! 

No Tiki garb here, but I am wearing a fun outfit I threw together after having a dress mishap that involved a new dress and some makeup, which then equaled a bummed me and an outfit change. 

-ruffled tunic dress  

-long black lace cardigan

-stitch leggings 

-new wedge boots

Good times were had and yours truly is moving at a snails pace. 

Thanks for reading!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Coffin Kitsch Being Festive, Well Trying

I worked a holiday party on Saturday and was asked to dress "festive", I panicked a little because there is a serious lack of red and green, or even blue in my wardrobe. So, I wore the only red top I own and layered it under my new skater style (why do they call it that!?), lace back cardigan and tied it all together with black and white striped knee socks and Rosie head scarf. Can't forget my snowflake pin, which I believe is in the festive holiday spirit for sure! I put on some rhinestone earrings, for extra sparkle!

The dress, oh the dress! I was searching fruitlessly for a black skater style dress (AKA a gathered waist a-line skirt dress) and Google helped me location this dress via their shopping tool. I ordered the skater dress from Deb Shops online, which I have to admit I can't remember the last time I shopped at Deb or had even been in one of their stores, so I was a little surprised they had an online store! The dress was on sale-$14.75-but it was sleeveless and I wanted sleeves, but I said "screw it" in my head and went for it. I'm glad I did other than the fact I stupidly ordered a large thinking I'd give myself some extra room because they are junior's sizes and you-never-know, Holy roomy boob room Batman! I was wrong! The dress was HUGE on top, but I like the fit in the waist which allows for me to layer comfortably, so I took in the bust area on my sewing machine. Easy fix, I'm happy and now I finally have a dress that I can wear with just about everything. Phew! I have been victorious and under my budget!!!!

How do you dress when asked to be "festive"?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Merry Gothidays : Suggestions On What To Wear

My serious 'Merry Gothimas' face

I know some people may get all in panic when it comes to dressing for the holidays when you're a goth or an alternative type, you are faced with family gatherings, work parties, and generally being around people who may not know you. Just relax, breathe, it's going to be OK! The key to keeping yourself comfortable, yet still within your taste/style and working around it. I'm not telling you to not be yourself, but sometimes we need to make slight adjustments to our styles.

I've put together a few suggestions for the Gothidays, I hope you find some inspiration!

I envisioned a woman going to an office party or a family function. I've based the outfit around the burgundy dress with faux leather accents as I like the simple silhouette of the dress, but the faux leather accents give it a harder edge. I like mixing textures and shine to give visual interest and to stand out without giving up looking polished and chic. I think the key to keeping your fashion identity is picking things that really speak to you and looking for those elements anytime you shop. These items aren't from a goth store, but I can see a raven haired beauty with tattoos rocking this frock and looking as good as any other woman.

I had the more classic Gothic Victorian ladies in mind when I was putting together this outfit. The red blouse from Retroscope Fashions is my main focus of the outfit, building from there I could see the blouse being paired with a jacket and a skirt and/or black trousers. I liked the idea of breaking up all the black with a patterned shoe and adding some texture with the grey tapestry clutch. I've been finding myself more drawn to grey as it's a great netural and it looks great with black! Oh, and let's say I'm drooling over those cameo earrings!!!

I like to call this 'Punk Does The Holidays'. I think people forget that red tartan is very festive for the holiday season, it makes me think of Charles Dickens and Victorian Christmas carolers. I have to admit I don't wear plaids, but I do like their allure and the way I paired this ensemble would make me reconsider giving plaid a try! This look is a little more edgier with studs and spikes, but I think the cut of the dress along side pairing it with a peplum jacket softens the look. I would definitely wear my mohawk up for this ensemble, perhaps decorate it with some festive blinking light!? *Wink*

There are numerous ways to dress for the holiday season, yet it's fun to play dress up and perhaps think outside of the box. I purchased a few fun new things to wear for the Gothidays that you will see in the coming weeks!

How do you like to dress for the holidays? 

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla