Styling As A Stylist

I wanted to share some insight into some of the projects I've worked on over the past few years. I worked on a great project, Auxiliary Magazine, in which a bunch of friends got together to create a spin on what alternative fashion, culture and lifestyle meant to them. One of the reoccurring projects I was most proud of was the style article in which I paired my writing with an outfit I pieced together with clothing, accessories and footwear. It was a lot of fun and often challenging as I was limited to the designers I would find (and were willing to be featured) that would fit my vision. I would spend hours upon hours scanning etsy, the internet, blogs, etc. to find the unique independent designers who's creations needed to be seen by everyone! I like to root for the "underdog" as there are so many talented people who need to be recognized and praised. These images below are in no particular order as they appear in several issues of Auxiliary Magazine, all images were photographed and composed by Jennifer Link, editor-in-chief of the magazine.

Enjoy......



Sorry that the photos are so large, but I think they look best viewed this way even though it doesn't work well with my blog layout. I'm using photobucket with the impending doom of blogger charging us for photo usage and storage once we reach a certain limit. Photobucket is frustrating and archaic!!!

If you'd like to view more of my stylist work, check out my facebook and my model mayhem.

Thank for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Cocktail Friday : Apple Swizzle

We bought some Applejack (Apple Brandy), so I checked my trusty Mixology app on my 'smart phone' and gave the Apple Swizzle a try. We bought a small size Applejack which is always a good idea when you're trying a new drink, so won't be stuck with a lot of liquor just in case you don't care for it. 

Apple Swizzle:

2 oz. Apple Brandy (I used Applejack)

1 1/2 oz. Light Rum

3 dashes Angostura Bitters

1 oz. Lime Juice

1 tsp. Sugar Syrup (simple syrup)

Mix with ice and serve in a chilled old-fashioned glass or you're favorite cocktail glass!

I enjoyed this one, yet I mixed in a little club soda as it's pretty limey and sweet. The next one I make I may cut the lime juice to a 1/2 oz. so I can taste the Applejack a little better.

I hope you enjoy my Cocktail Friday posts! What is your favorite cocktail?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! Omg! : Cadillac Short Booties

I'm in love with anything 80s goth-esque, especially foot wear! As a young girl I always wore little fashion boots and booties and preferred to wear these styles rather than tennis shoes. I still dream of my red leather boots I received on my 7th birthday. Sigh. Anywho, the Cadillac Short Booties by ZigiNY are on my 'wish list', I may not need another pair of boots, but then again what's the fun in being practical!? I own a similar pair of buckle boots that are my everyday shoes, you can see me wearing them below.

My hubby snapped this picture of me outside our apartment building, rockin' a typical casual day look. Since I've been on this casual goth subject in my blog posts, I wanted to share my day-to-day fashion. It was super windy out and for some reason I look pregnant (no preggers here!), hehehehe! It was a bandana day as my hair needs to be washed and I'm feeling a little under the weather, so I needed to cover up my mop.

I snapped a photo of Derek as he always looks nice, even though I'm realizing I should hem those pants for him. I love that he wears the bat necklace I bought for him everyday. :)

Thanks for reading!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Wednesday Link Round-Up : Back To Basics

While reading a discussion on a Facebook group of ladies about 'feeling frumpy' or hating what they are wearing, a question popped up about casual goth wear. This conversation and the comments back and forth really struck a cord with me, because as a stylist I strive to help people feel and look their best all the time and try to give suggestions and helpful tips about dressing for all occasions....most of us don't walk around wearing 8" New Rock boots and PVC corsets everyday. Looking to blogs, websites and tutorials. can leave you feeling down about your day time look, but remember in "real life" there is not enough hours in the day to dress like you're going to a club or concert all the time...and if you do, I applaud you. *Wink*. So this week's link round-up is all about dressing casual, but feeling fab-u-lous!

+These two eBay stores, here and here, are awesome for basics. Lots of black, cotton blends and comfy casual.
+Another great eBay store that has basic shoes like flats and nice layering pieces.
+If you're feeling a little more edgy, give Tambukiki a try. Just remember to pay close attention to sizing!
+Amy talks about casual goth fashion in her blog post, as well as Juliet's Lace.
+When in doubt, accessorize! Pair a black ensemble with some statement jewelry, like this bow and crystal necklace.

Good luck with your casual shopping!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Hare? Herr?! Hair! Let's Talk About Hair, Baby

People ask me about my hair, and away I go............!


Of course these are all my opinions, I'm a not hair stylist by any means. I am a hair enthusiast and love big fluffy, puffy hair!

Thank you for watching and reading!!! :)

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

My Friday Night In Culottes

My Friday night was filled with friends, dancing to some old industrial and goth music and hulk smashing a drinking glass with my bare hand (I didn't cut myself in the freak accident!), while screaming "It's Skinny Puppy Far Too Frail", as my husband didn't hear me the first time when he asked. The smashed glass was a result of me slipping on a slick wet floor and trying to brace myself on the mirrored wall. My friend Sarah said it was pretty hilarious after checking to make sure I wasn't cut up. Definitely can't say I don't have fun when I go out. Hehehehehe.

I'm wearing culottes that I picked up at the thrift store for $3. Unbeknownst to me, culottes are now in style.......are they a skirt? No, they are easy breezy shorts! So, this is how I rock a trend that I was unaware of, coming to a goth club nearest you! Dun, dun, dunnnnnnnn!!!!

My lovely friend Danielle snapped this photo of me. I'm giving you my serious model pose and that face......yeah, not really. *Wink*

What I wore:
Leopard vest: Forever 21 (most recent purchase)
Tank top: Forever 21
Pinstripe corset: Corsetdeal.com, gift from my dear friend Melanie
Culottes: $3
Boots: Pennangalan, second hand

I also wanted to share a drawing my husband did for me:

He sure knows how to cheer a girl up when she's feeling down. I believe this may turn into a thigh tattoo in the future.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

[Dark] Sunshine Award

Do I need to wear sunscreen while receiving this award? *Wink*

I was nominated by SaryWalrus and Miss Snowhyte, thank you so much ladies! I am flattered and once again thankful that people enjoy my little slice of the internet. So, go forth and and visit their lovely blogs!

Rules for the [Dark] Sunshine Award:

1. Post the award with the backlink to the person who nominated you.
2. Answer the ten questions posed to you.
3. Pass on the award to ten more bloggers.

Questions:

• Favorite color: Red, which I barely ever wear ;)
• Favorite animal: Do Ice Bats count?
• Favorite number: 7
• Favorite non-alcoholic drink: Italian sodas, especially black berry!
• Facebook or Twitter: Facebook, I don't have Twitter. Facebook serves a purpose, yet can be annoying.
• My passion: Fashion styling, music, being a good centered person.
• Getting or giving gifts: Giving, I'm still working on excepting gifts without feeling ashamed or guilty.
• Favorite pattern: Damask, gingham and animal prints.
• Favorite day of the week: Friday [I'm in love]
• Favorite flower: Calla Lillies

My nominations:

Once again all this blogging on blogger is sorta new to me, but I wanted to give a shout out to all my readers and give you this award! It takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there and share your talents, words, etc. with the world. It's unfortunate that there are people who want to say hurtful things of cyber bully people just for being themselves. Just know that whether you're just starting to blog, want to blog, or are a seasoned blogger, your words can and may touch someone reading them :)

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Sassie-11 Mary Jane Flat

You may hear me talking and lamenting over the usual warm weather for a while and thus talking about what to wear to stay cool and still feel fashionable. This is the year where I take my own fashion advice and *gasp* shop for summer clothing. My head has been swirling with ideas and I've come to the conclusion that I need to take a tip from my teenage self and go back to flowy cotton skirts, China Doll flats, and embellished tank tops. I do own a few summer dresses, but sometimes it's annoying to have to wear a strapless and/or special style bra with some of my dresses....and I'm too small in the boob department to go bra-less. Bra-less=flatsville, baby. *Wink*.  So, the Sassie-11 Mary Jane Flat by Demonia is a cute idea to pair with a few things I already have in my closet or with what I may possibly purchase in the not-so-distant future.

Here is a dress that I think the Sassie-11's would look darling with......

My pomped hair doesn't translate well in photos
Oh well ;)

I purchased this dress as it's the right mix of 50s housewife meets....well, spiders and a spiderweb. I bought this dress last year and the jury is still out on how it looks on me mostly due to the waist seam hitting me at a weird spot for my figure, and the seam doesn't meet up properly and looks messy. I tried wearing an elastic waist belt to trick the eye and hide the messy seam, but it looks bulky and ackward as well, perhaps I'll try tying a bow around my waist with a fabric belt. Fashion-it's all trial and error!

What I wore:
Dress: Steady, purchased from ebay brand new $20
Lace trim leggings: cheap-o clothing store $5
anne klein leather flats: gifted to me by my friend Julie Ann of Cats Like Us
Hair flower: Claire's, forever a day ago

Do you have something in your closet that you like, but just don't love it on you?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Wednesday Link Round-Up : Feels Like Spring!

My pals Ugly Ghost and Ice Bat

It most certainly feels like spring in Western NY, also summer-like too! I'm so unprepared for bearing my skin to the world, not because  I don't have a tan (thank goodness!), but it just feels odd in March to be sleeveless and walking around without hats and gloves on. I'll stop complaining and prepare myself to do some summer clothes shopping, what's a goth to wear in the summer?!

While I ponder what to wear, here are some links to enjoy:

+These Prada shoes are ugly you say, well I think they are hot.....in a hot rod sorta way.
+Miss Emma Aime is embracing the 1920s look this summer, it's a hot trend this year and I love it!
+I'm looking forward to getting older and never giving up my love for dressing for myself (and I'm sure I'll look even more wonderfully tacky), this blog by Ari Seth Cohen is truly inspirational!
+David Mitchell is a British actor that I find hilarious, this article about him made me laugh out loud.
+Mistress Mystral is posing in a snow covered cemetery looking ravishing! Her ensemble is to DIE for, yes the pun is definitely intended. *Wink*

Thanks to my friend Julie Ann who helps me to scout the internet for interesting tid bits!

What advice do you have for a goth to wear in the warmer weather? Do you wear all black?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Before I Stepped Into the Darkness.....On My Head

Pulling these photos from early in January 2012 right before I dyed my hair from red to black and went for a full mohawk or deathhawk or whatever. Admittedly I don't miss my red hair and the crazy up keep and hair routine I went through (like washing my hair in ridiculously cold water to help keep the color), so I am content with looking back with fondness for the red, yet not missing it. *Wink*

I'm not a huge fan of taking photos of myself in the mirror, but it happens occasionally when the silliness hits me....oh wait, that's all the time. :) This outfit was so comfortable, yet I still felt like I was "dressed up" enough to go out dancing.

What I wore:
Tombstone print hoodie: Lip Service, ebay $11
Cut-out mini skirt: Charlotte Russe
Spider web stockings: Cats Like Us www.catslikeus.com
DIY "bumflap": Deathrock Magazine t-shirt I DIY'ed into said flap for my bum
Elastic garters:gift from my best friend Melanie
Black knee socks: ????? probably Target
Pennangalan platforms: bought 2nd hand off an internet community years ago
Multi cross necklace: gift from hubby from www.dysfunctionaldoll.com

Thanks for reading!

What is your favorite club comfy outfit?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Cocktail Friday : Flamingo Cocktail

Ooooh! This is a very yummy drink for this week's Cocktail Friday, the Flamingo Cocktail. Now my love for pink flamingo's can translate into delicious alcoholic appreciation! Yum! Yum!

Ingredients:
1/2 oz. Apricot Brandy
1 1/2 oz. Gin
Juice of 1/2 limes
1 tsp. Grenadine

Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker, pour into your favorite glass, and then stand on one leg like a flamingo while enjoying it. *wink*

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Burgundy Suede Leopard Print Creepers

I have a love affair with the creeper style of shoes, and I am realizing that I've featured this style the most for my Shoes! OMG! Thursday. If you're not familiar with the history of the creeper or brothel creeper, check out the wiki link for a brief summary of my favorite style of shoes. The triple sole Burgundy Suede Leopard Print Creepers by Underground made my heart skip a beat, as not only are they slightly ugly, they are mostly awesome. Hehe. 

What is your favorite style of shoe?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Link Round-Up : Etsy!

Cleaver-age. Necklace by Spragwerks

I absolutely love Etsy as a place to find interesting and unique items and to help support independent alternative designers. When I was styling for Auxiliary Magazine, I would spend hours upon hours scouring Etsy's website finding new designers to work with and feature their creations. This week I dedicate Wednesday's Link Round-Up to things that I admire and I think you will too!

+I pretty much drool over everything Martha Rotten makes, especially these bangle bracelets.

+Gorgeous handmade neck ruffles that are made with care, I own one and the craftsmanship is amazing!

+Soft, romantic, gothy. If this describes your fashion tastes, then be paired to admire this skirt and the rest of the items that this designer has to offer.

+Accessories, accessories, ACCESSORIES! Sweetheart Sinner offers something for everyone and their items make great gifts at very affordable prices.

+If you're creepy and kooky, and you like your hair to be the same, then check out Miss Elizabeth's hair creations.

+If you like sleek cyber, futuristic garb, I highly recommend splurging on these guys.

Happy Etsy-ing!!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Club Diablo : The Funeral

Last night my husband and I attended what would be the last night at a local club in Buffalo named Club Diablo. The sad part is that we now have no dedicated alternative club and/or bar in the greater Buffalo, NY area. Our beloved goth club closed quite a few years ago and Diablo opened with a hope of continuing some sort of sense of a dark alternative scene, well you need to actually GO to an establishment in order for it to make the owner money and stay open. The case with Club Diablo is that the owner wasn't losing money, but hadn't made any money from the club in the past two years. Unfortunately when people don't bother to attend events, a place closes, people seem to come out when a place closes in Buffalo....ugh.

We didn't stay out too late as the place was packed, the music was loud and I'm starting to feel like an old lady. I saw a lot of old faces from our beloved goth club gang and it was so awesome to reconnect and catch up. As much as I love to think about the past, I'm happy with my current life and where I am today. It's crazy to think I met some of those people at the ripe age of 19!

                                                              So, R.I.P Club Diablo

             

One Lovely Blog Award

I am completely floored that Miss Mary of Le Professeur Gothique nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award, it seriously brought tears of joy to my eyes (shhhh, I'm secretly a softy). I started my blog in December over at Wordpress and I just really wasn't feeling the love or the ease of blogging, so I moved over to Blogger after realizing how easy it was to use, and that a lot of the blogs I read were hosted over here. Well, I lost about a month's worth of blogs after I transferred over, but it was well worth it as I was welcomed with open arms into a little community of gals who are phenomenal from all over the world. I regret nothing and am happy that within almost 3 months of solid blogging, I'm having fun and enjoying my little part of the internet. [big smile]

The rules of the award is to present it to fifteen bloggers and list seven random things about yourself, hrmmmm, I am pretty random in general. Hehe. Let's see.......

-I love Ice Bats, like a lot. I have sort of an obsession with them as they make me smile.
-I have an irrational fear of worms, I know, it's ridiculous!
-I've never broken a bone in my body which is sorta awesome since I'm a clutz.
-I'm always singing little songs, to my husband, in the car alone, or while showering, etc.
-As much as I love fashion, I hate shopping in stores for clothing. Haha!
-I consider myself a Gnostic [Pagan] with Thelemite undertones.
-I am of Polish and Irish heritage. My mother is Polish and was born in Germany and immigrated here when she was 1 1/2 years of age.

My nominations for the One Lovely Blog Award are less than 15 since I've only been on blogger for a short period of time and I don't even follow 15 lovely lady blogs!

1. Le Professeur Gothique: Miss Mary, you are one of the reason why I love this blogging community! You are smart, sweet and real, I always enjoy hearing your views on the world and the insights into your life. <3

2. Bethezda's Preoccuptions: Not only do I know you personally beyond the internet world (yay!), you are a makeup inspiration, a hot lady friend, and I love your snarky sense of humor. I always enjoy seeing how creative you are and what you've been cooking up. Love you girl!

3. Sophistique Noir: Your elegance is unmatched and I appreciate your lovely photographs as well as showing the world that you can shop smartly and be sexy without being slutty. I've been reading your blog before I joined Blogger and I'm glad I've getting to know you through this great community!

4. G.I.Y: Goth It Yourself: Your blog is wonderful, insightful and just visually amazing! I love making something "mine" and you've given me so many new ideas, thank you!

5. Dark Entries: I think you are adorable, stylish and I love your jacket collection *wink*

6. Gothy Two Shoes: You are so down to earth, have a good sense of humor and awesome style! From one backcomber to another, with love!

7. Mustaa Pitsia: What can I say, I adore you style and your knack for finding amazing 2nd hand goodies. I think we'd make a good shopping duo *wink*.

8. Bones and Lilies: You have fabulous makeup skills, lovely fashion sense and I really enjoy your blog as a new reader!

9. Cemetery Dreams: I think you're adorable and I love your outfit skills. Keep the outfit pictures coming my dear!

10. Craft For Misfits: Michelle you have the BEST taste in music and of course you cover things in bats, how can I not love you to pieces! Hahahaha!

Sorry my list is so short! Now the ladies that I nominated: go forth and nominate 15 bloggers for this award and list 7 random facts about yourself and don't forget to link back to the one who nominated you in the first place.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Super High Flamingo Wedges

Skeletons and Flamingos!? Are they reading my mind!? I'm a huge fan of wedges as an alternative to a stiletto heel as you still get the long leg line look of a heel with a little more stability (I'm always falling anyways), so I'm in love with the Super High Flamingo Wedge by Too Fast Clothing. Spring is in the air and I'm thinking about cotton dresses, little high waisted shorts and more leg tattoos......well, I'm being honest. *Wink*

I would love to pair Flamingo wedges with the Spare Me Ruffle Dress by Steady, making the shoes be the focus of the ensemble.

Thanks for reading! Join me on Facebook as I like to talk about the deals I find!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Wednesday Link Round-Up? Now For Something Different!

For this Wednesday's link round-up I decided to do a little something different and load some Youtube video's about the Batcave era. I'm very inspired by all the music, hair, make-up, and fashion of the period, and since I've been re-watching a lot of these interviews and snippets, I thought I would share them with you all. Whether you're into goth or not, it's awesome to see a flashback in time!








Thanks for reading!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla