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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Wednesday Link Round-Up & February Theme : Rings


Photo : My husbands art work which covers the bar at
our friend's Mexican restaurant, Cantina Loco
+Gay marriage being compared to paganism?! Someone please shut this man up!
+"What do you tattoos mean?" I think I'm going to join her by getting some pepper spray too. Please don't touch me, it's not a petting zoo. *Wink*
+I love this tumblr and if you love Victorian imagery take a peek.
+A wonderful collection of dark 80s music all in one place.


This month I decided the participate in Sophistique Noir's monthly theme and February's theme is rings. The only rings I wear everyday are the ones near and dear to me and those are my engagement and wedding rings. 
My husband proposed with a onyx and diamond vintage ring (30s-40s era) on Memorial Day weekend in 2008, which was a total and utter surprise. We have known each other for quite a few years and had only been technically dating for a few months when he 'popped' the question. I said "yes" to marry one of best friends and the rest (as they say) is history. We had the jeweler make my wedding band to match the shape of the engagement ring and he even mimicked the markings on the wedding band to match the vintage ring. I prefer onyx over diamonds and never in a million years did I ever think I'd see an onyx ring this beautiful be given to me, my husband has good taste. The main reason why I love these rings is for what they stand for, they were given to me by one of the kindest, most patient and loving man, who treats me like a queen. Thank you Derek, I love you.

Okay, now you're all puking, I don't blame you! I rarely get mushy, so I've filled my quota for the year. As a side note I'm wearing Rogue Fatal by Chanel which was given to me as a birthday gift from Miss Elizabeth from Bethezda's Preoccupation's.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Power of Encouragement

A lot of things roll around in my head about why I like being a stylist, dealing with clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. The idea of creating a 'look' and feel to an outfit from a creative view point, but the reality is I love to dress people to make them feel good. There is nothing like feeling good from the inside and letting that shine through to the outside. I find this also to be true when you communicate with someone through compliments, encouragement, and just general nice banter as those small exchanges may brighten their day as well as yours.

I have a lot of female friends that are so judgemental on their looks, they are always comparing themselves to my other friends who may be taller, thinner or perhaps dress a little more flamboyant or unique. It seems written in the sands of girl-dom that we all must put our selves down, all the time. You may not notice it, but when you do it all the time other people do notice when you consistently are negative all the time. It seems like it's uncontrollable word vomit that comes up without even noticing, almost like a nervous tick or prompted recorded message. My advice : STOP. You're NOT perfect, that person who you wish you were is NOT perfect, it's asinine to even think that any person who walks this earth is perfect. Am I sounding harsh, it is my point, living in la la pity party land won't do you a world of good. Stand up straight, shake it off and let's continue. *Wink*.
by bluntcard.com
Just a little humor :)


Why are you hating on yourself? Is it that you think your ass is too big? You think you are considered fat? You have small breasts? "Nothing ever fits me"? And so on and so on and so on. I'm not here to get all women's lib on you and tell you about women power and all that jazz, I'm simply saying that if you cave into to the voices in your head (hello? anyone in there...) or what people may have or had said to you about your appearance then they win. You are giving the power to someone or something else and in turn you are not enjoying life, you're not enjoying your beauty and you certainly will never try anything new with a crappy attitude. I'm not saying that you may have deep rooted issues and skeletons in your closet that can't be fixed with a snap of the fingers, but you need to start somewhere and self loathing is just not a fun way to live.

Celebrate something about yourself! Do you have fantastic skin and you don't need to wear makeup? Do you have long luscious eyelashes that other ladies would love to have? Are you an hourglass figure and can wear a killer corset with ease? THEN CELEBRATE IT! Don't hide in over size clothing=you will look even bigger. Don't hide your face with your hair=you are beautiful! Don't worry about your small breasts=you don't have to worry about being saggy and can wear cute summer dresses with ease. You aren't tall enough=there are so many cute platforms out in the world! My point is, there is a solution to your 'wardrobe woes' if you work at it. Knowing yourself on the inside really can impact your outward appearance and let your personality be expressed through your clothing. You may think "this is all such vanity", but in reality spending a little time on yourself and taking care of YOU will in fact impact others around you. Think about it, but don't obsess about it.

So start living for today, don't think, "I'm not going to buy myself anything new until I lose X-amount of weight" or "By this time next year I'm going to be size _____, before I get myself a make over". DO IT NOW. Living for the person and shape, size, etc. at this current moment is what you should do. Pamper and love yourself now, not the future you, not the past you, YOU NOW! If I had a dime for every time I heard "I will buy this when I'm thinner" or "I will try new things in the future", you are cheating your current self at really enjoying the present time. Be good to yourself, be good to others in need, and for the love of the Gods pass that encouragement onto others!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla




Sunday, January 29, 2012

Fashion Inspirations


I'm 31 and a product of the 80s. I remember a time before surfing the worldwide web, twitter, tumblr and facebook. I remember watching MTV in my upstairs neighbors apartment, staring into the flickering screen while bands like Poison, Adam and the Ants and Boy George assaulted my young tender mind. I remember my head banger neighbor showing me pictures of hair metal bands and trying to figure out if the pretty boys in makeup were indeed men. I remember sitting up on Sunday nights listening to a Toronto (Canada) radio station that broadcast their alternative radio show in which I heard Front 242 and Ministry for the first time. I remember running out to our local dirt mall and picking up a used My Life With the Thrill Kill Cult cassette tape because it had a hot Bettie Page on the cover, then running home to read the liner notes. My point is, I felt inspired by all these experiences, images, sounds and memories, it's pretty much made me the women behind the fashion blog.

I wanted to pay a little tribute to the people who have inspired me in terms of fashion, attitude and BIG HAIR (or lack there of).

Robert Smith of The Cure
I think this one is pretty self explanatory as Mr. Smith is one of my style icons. Not only does his lovely rat's nest make me have hair envy, but his voice makes me swoon like a little gothic school girl. The Cure is my favorite band, as I know some of you may have a special place in your heart for them as well. Oh, Robert *Sigh*

On the left: My 2010 Halloween costume dedicated to Siouxsie 
On the right: Miss Siouxsie Sioux

What can I say about Siouxsie, other than her style never ceased to amaze me. Her iconic eye makeup, crimped and teased hair, and edgy fashion choices make her my post-punk queen. Of course, I love her voice and commanding stage performances. Siouxsie, would you please Kiss Them For Me?


Yes, that is indeed Billy Idol. I know, this picture is HOT! With Billy's sneer, fist pumping and bleached blonde hair, has me doing the Rebel Yell. I freakin' LOVE his videos, his music, and it's nice to see him in some tight leather pants. *Wink* I used to wear my hair very similar to his at points in my life, my own regret is not dressing up as him for Halloween, that would have been so neat!


Miss Annie Lennox is my queen of androgyny. Seeing her wearing tailored mens suits with buzzed hair and leather gloves intrigued me. Her femininity and power were not based on being over sexualized like a lot of her peers during the 80s, and I enjoyed that was a wee girl. I think I have to thank her for making me love a well tailor blazer. 

Who are your style icons? 

I'll leave you with one of my favorite videos:


XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Saturday, January 28, 2012

What's Up With the Name Coffin Kitsch?

Logo by (c) Melanie Beitel 

So, what is up with the name Coffin Kitsch? Well, when I started making pillbox hats, fascinators, hair bows, etc. I was having a hard time thinking of a name to call my humble little creations. I wanted something that played into the two sides of my personality and style, so I put 'coffin' for my love of the spooky ooky and creepy along with 'kitsch' as I am a cheese ball who adores tacky things of the past and present eras, thus Coffin Kitsch was born. I like infusing vintage styling with a dark twist, adding bats to fascinators, attaching spiders to little hair clips, and using skeleton hands as accents. My designs aren't cutting edge, but I like to put my own spin on hair accessories and I even make everything from scratch! All my pillbox hat frames and fascinators are made from sturdy millinery buckram from my own patterns, then covered with fabrics and then added details. It's a lot of work, but when I feel inspired and it comes out just right, it's all worth it! I love seeing gals wearing Coffin Kitsch designs!
Model: Vanity Kills
Photography : Zach Rose
Hat : Coffin Kitsch


I've been D.I.Y-ing a lot of my own clothing as of late, which is something I used to do in the past, but I'm feeling inspired to sorta 'upcycle' my own closet. I have been finding that I am wearing a lot more of my old clothing because I have sewed on a patch or revamped the style, my pocket book has been very happy. *Wink* I've also been more seriously thrifting and picking up some nice jackets and started offering my hand crafted D.I.Y patches in my etsy shop. You know, it keeps me busy and off the streets.




The patches aren't perfect, but that is sort of the point, I wanted them to look D.I.Y and have a hand made look to them. Well, they are literally hand made with the help of my machine and my crafting fingers. The jackets are laundered before hand, so it gives me a nice crisp palette to work with, nothing like a fresh, clean, and naked jacket! Check out my etsy page www.coffinkitsch.etsy.com.

My own vest I often wear to the club. I love all the pockets, no need to carry a purse!

Thanks for reading a little about some insight into me and some of my passions.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Friday, January 27, 2012

Cocktail Friday : Fünf Sassy White





This week's Cocktail Friday is not a cocktail, but one of my favorite wines, Fünf Sassy White. If you like sweet white wines that are Riesling-esque, then you should give Fünf a try. The fruity and light taste is easy to drink and when served to guests they often exclaim their delight of this sassy white. At a $6.49 price tag at our local liquor store, we often have to buy more than one as this wine goes down so smoothly. I may or may not be on my second glass as I'm writing this. *Hiccup* Teehee!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla 

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Shoes! OMG! : Lace 4 Buckle Boots by T.U.K



Oh boy do I love lace, and when you put lace on boots AND add buckles, makes these boots worthy of drooling over for Shoes! OMG! Thursday. The Black Lace 4-Buckle Boots by Anarchic T.U.K Shoes are vegan friendly, have a cheater zipper and 4 metal buckle details. Wear these combat style boots with jeans, skirts, or your favorite black babydoll dresses, as these boots are pure old school gothy goodness. I owned a pair of leather T.U.K boots very similar in design to these and I was a sad monkey when they went to the garbage grave. Thank you T.U.K for making some of my favorite shoes and boots!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Link Round-Up : Things That Make You Go Hrmmmm?



New boots chains added to my cowboy boots

That's right my deary's, I love cowboy boots! Now I'm not going to be hopping on a horse any time soon (I'm too much of a city slicker), but I love the look of boot chains on boots. I picked up these leather beauties on ebay for $16. Enough about me, here's some fun things that I found on the worldwide web.

+The Lady of the Manner talks about goth styles and labels, I love her point of view. 
+Everything you know about corsets is wrong, they aren't as evil as one may think.
+Has anyone tried this makeup trend? I have to admit, it weirds me out!
+This youtube video helped me figure out how to use all my loose pigments. Great tutorial!
+Trailer for a new documentary due to come out Spring 2012, my heart skipped a beat!
+Disney is selling a Joy Division Mickey Mouse shirt?! WTF?!

Thanks for reading! Please visit me on my Facebook page.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

What's Cookin?

Striking a pose in a typical everyday outfit. I love my house slippers,
I think the old woman in me is dying to get out.
Today was a day of running errands, cooking and just being my dorky ole' self. I know a lot of people are participating in Bat Fit and I thought I would share what I made for dinner tonight. My hubby is on weight watchers and has really been enjoying the program and says, "It's like a game!". Since I'm the main cook in the house, I like to try to find delicious recipes we can both enjoy.


I made baby pasta shells with asparagus and marinara sauce, yum! yum! yum! The recipe is from Gina at skinnytaste.com and I am in love with her blog. Simple, easy and healthy foods that aren't over complicated, yet are jammed packed full of flavor. Her blog is helping me to step away from exclusively using weight watcher recipes and have some diversity and more choices on what is good to cook. Even though I'm not  on a diet to lose weight, it's nice to support my husband's journey to eat healthy and be happy about what we put into our bodies.

Want to know more about Bat Fit? Check out Le Professeur Gothique's Bat Fit Facebook group and join in  on the fun and support.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Sunday, January 22, 2012

My Style : Leopard Print Tie


The husband and I decided to venture out into a snow covered Friday night and go to a local goth/industrial event. Since it was about 17 degrees out, I knew layering was the best option and I choose my creeper 2" boots rather than my 6" platforms. Nothing's worse then falling on the ice, yet falling on the ice in platforms can equal a trip to the emergency room. 






What I wore:
+Blazer-Switchblade Stiletto (bought off ebay, $7)
+Black military button up-Lip Service from Hot Topic
+Leopard print tie-Tripp NYC
+Short black skirt-thrifted
+Leggings-Target
+Bone bracelets-sales rack from Claire's
+Black bead bracelets-Target
+Earrings-Forever 21
+Creeper boots-Demonia

I rediscovered my collection of ties when I did a closet overhaul, so the leopard print tie became the main focus of the outfit. My personal style has always focused on accessories, I just can't get enough!

What is your favorite way to accessorize?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla