One Look : Styled Two Different Ways

I have to admit I'm sorta cheap, not in the 'I stand on the corner' sorta way, but in the pocket book sort of way. I went through a chunk of my life living paycheck-to-paycheck, not knowing where my next meal or how to put gas in the car was going to come from. These hard times in my life made me appreciate every little thing I had and thus made me have to get creative in the fashion department. I think in the goth subculture we get hung up on labels and spending loads on frillynilly garments. Not that I don't like to support independent designers, but let's get real, it's expensive. To fill my closet with ultra expensive designer goth labels equaled a few years later having to sell it all because I'm an ass who used credit cards to buy all the pretty. My best advice: don't do it. Save your pennies for the few things that you really want and ignore the rest. Use a little savy and make the most out of your wardrobe; reuse, renew and refresh. Infuse a few new things here and there to give a 'breath of fresh air' into your closet.

A casual day look

Base outfit is a lace tank, black shirts with studded details and black/grey leggings.

Evening aka club look with thrifted $4 grey booties

I would amp up the look with a little more dramatic make up and a dark lip.

I know there isn't a ton of difference in the two looks, but to me heels vs. flat boots and more elaborate accessories, like the bondage belt, is more club attire. I'm not saying you can't wear a bondage belt and heels during the day, but it's just not my average 'day look' style. I like to get the most out of my wardrobe and I've broken the 'this is only club wear' and 'this is only day wear' rules. The 20-something year old me would have been screaming from the rooftops in angsty disdain, but the old me was in debt up to her eyeballs and the 30-something me is debt free and still stylish. *Wink*

Learning how to use your wardrobe to your advantage and perhaps wearing pieces in different combinations, different settings, or dress pieces up or down is extremely beneficial! Besides, you'd be surprised at how creative you can be when you revisit old clothes and perhaps pair them up with new ones, it's a lot of fun!

Thanks for reading! Have fun exploring your closet!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Aggy Tall

 

On our trip this weekend to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania we did a little shopping and I instantly made a b-line for the Dr. Marten store. The store in Philly was amazing, filled with dark woods, soft lighting and of course many lovely Dr. Marten shoes. The Abby Tall caught my eye as it's an over-the-knee boot style with a heavy duty double sole. I picked up the boot to investigate and looked at Derek and said, "I would totally wear these", Derek replied with a sigh, "I know". Hey, can't a girl love some thigh high combat boots?! Hehe.

I also snapped this photo in the Dr. Marten store, the shop was filled with amazing black and white photos. I especially liked this one as skin head culture is one of the many subcultures that originated in England that fascinate me.

Thanks for reading! Please 'like me' on Facebook. 

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Sophistique Noir's Monthly Theme : Someone(s) Special

When Miss VictorianKitty of Sophistique Noir announced September's monthly theme was 'Someone Special' of course my husband Derek comes to mind, yet I have some very special ladies in my life and it's hard to just talk about one! Please bare with me while I gush over some of my amazing friends who put up with my crazy antics and jabbering on and on and on and on...okay I'll stop, hehe!

Miss Danielle and I have been friends since I was about 16/17, we met at my boyfriend-at-the-time's apartment and we glared at each other in 90s goth-girl vs. Mansonite death match. (for the record SHE was wearing the Manson t-shirt, hahahaa!). Not only is she one of my oldest and dearest friends, she's an amazing person who is starting a new life chapter and journey in life, I'm proud of her and all that she has accomplished. We have the type of friendship that we can truly be *ahem* not lady like, we let it ALL hang out. Hahahaha! We're both sorta tough girl's who don't take shit from no one, yet we're sensitive and very caring. Danielle and I can laugh for hours and hours at just about anything and if there is booze involved, we'll most likely get you drunk too.

 More recent photo of Danielle and myself

Melanie and I met through a mutual ex-boyfriend (weird I know) when I was 19. I remember sitting in the University at Buffalo's dining hall anticipating meeting her, I had had bad experiences with mean 'goth girls', so I was nervous. Needless to say the experience was a life changing one and thus I forged a long-lasting and meaningful friendship with an amazing person. Melanie has been with me through thick and thin. She's seen me yell, cry, freak out, be crushed, heart broken, happy, drunk and half-naked, she's helped me work through life's problems and has shared in my many happy moments. She's an amazing person who many be quiet around those who doesn't know her too well, but trust me, she remembers and sees EVERYTHING.She's like a sister and a member of my tight-knit group of people who I hold true to my heart.

We love tacos, what can I say.

Miss Beth and I met at Hot Topic when she worked there, I believe she was 18 and I was 19 when I frequented the store. She was a cute girl with a great smile and a bubbly personality. Though we lost touch for a few years, we got reacquainted and started to see each other at more and more at social events and thus started to get together for dinners, hangouts, etc. We have become very close over the past few years and she's one of my bestest friends in the world. Miss Beth is such a caring, sweet, loving and funny gal who sees the world in a good light. She is always an ear when I'm feeling low and brighten's my day with her inquires as to how I'm doing via email or a text message. I like to think that we can tell each other anything without judgement or fear, it's a pretty awesome thing! If there were more Miss Beth's in this world it would be an amazing place!

Beth's wedding day!

Terri!!!!! I met Terri through Danielle many, many moons ago at our now defunct goth club the Continental. Terri was a party animal and I always thought of her as 'Danielle's crazy fun friend'--in a good way of course! Terri would always appear out of no where at the club and dance the night away while encouraging everyone to "drink more!". We always had a blast when Terri was around and she's always up for an adventure. I went through a really difficult time in my life and Terri and her husband Jim opened up their home to me, though I really didn't know them all that well. Living with them was touching and awesome, I got to become closer to the two of them and really felt safe and like part of the family. Terri and Jim were both part of Derek proposing to me and thus helping shape my life that I have now. I don't know where I would have been if Terri hadn't been such a caring, self-less and amazing person that she is, parish the thought! They really broke the mold when they made Terri. *Wink*

Terri threw me a bridal shower AND she's feeding me, see how awesome she is!

I really could go on and on talking about all the lovely ladies in my life, but that could take a really long time and I don't want to gush too much! I'm REALLY luck to have so many amazing gals (and guys) in my life, I am forever grateful. <3

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Dressing For A Wedding: Vintage Chic

Phew! I just got back from a whirlwind of my brother's wedding festivities and our weekend trip to Philadelphia. Though I'm happy to add more fun memories from our adventures, I'm glad to be home, sitting in my favorite chair and catching up on internet follies. Do you ever feel you need a vacation to recover from a vacation?

My brother's wedding was on Friday the 24th and it was a lovely (and quite hot) day in which he married his wonderful fiance Jennifer. My brother is about 9 years older than me and though he told me several years ago he was going to swear off love after a bad relationship, I gave him a little sister pep talk and now years later he found his perfect match in life and love. The ceremony was filled with touching words and tears, such a happy day! 

I found a smashing dress by pure luck at a small vintage shop at our Olcott Beach trip. The dress was $20 and in mint condition, fit like a glove and I was happy since what I planned to wear from my closet was just a purely black dress. I really wanted to wear something special and different to the wedding as my normal look is a black palette, so gold and black with a paisley pattern was love at first sight. I paired the dress with one of my special Dungaree Dolly purses which Dolly gave to me as a gift to wear with my dress for her wedding. The patent leather Mary Jane wedges are from my closet, as they are nice for dancing and comfortable enough to wear the whole evening. I think a patent shoe instantly dresses up an evening look and it's a classic shoe to style with a vintage look.

My hair was a bit of a challenge with the mohawk, as my last hair trim was more texturized and thus more layers to tame. I swept my hair up and to the side using my natural wave in my hair, essentially I have big front wave going on. I used Elizabeth Taylor's hair as an inspiration for my vintage-esque short hair styling for fancy occassions. *Wink* I am wearing a vintage hat that I trimmed down the old damaged cage veil to make it look a little more current and fresh. 

Derp!

I know special occasion dress can often be a challenge for us less-than conservative types, so my best advice is to not go so totally opposite of your style that you look and feel strange. Perhaps try a classic vintage styling like a nice A-Line dress for the ladies or a classic black suit coat and pants for the 'gents. Frankly you're going to stick out like an alternative sore (yet awesome!) thumb at the event, but stand out stylishly and respectfully. I keep my spooky spiders/bats/skulls out of my dressings and amp up the bows, lace and luscious textiles instead. I keep my hems-lines longer and my shoes on the classic side and keep my make-up elegant yet glamorous. Be the best you without compromising, just don't dress like you're going to a concert or goth club. Most importantly, be comfortable and enjoy!

Do you find it challenging to dress from a more formal occasion?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Boney Brit Loafer

I love my readers sooooo much I'm willing to share where I bought these little wonderful boney flats! Yes, even I get greedy from time-to-time and won't share my little fashion gems, but come on, everyone needs these! I was browsing Amazon.com for flats and without a thought I bought the Women's Brit Loafers by Not Rated. I've been seeing this shoe style everywhere from Target brands to the higher end shoe lines like Jeffrey Campbell, but not in bone print! Wooohooo! I ordered a 7 1/2 (US sizing) and they are true to fit and comfortable, not too big and not too small. I have this weird issue with flats, it seems like my big toes are too big!? I have narrow feet, so flats without a strap run the risk of flopping off, but my big toe seems to need more room at the top of the shoe. Does this make sense? Do I have freaky toes?! I groom my toe nails and make sure they aren't too long, darn toes being a problem.

My parents are in town and we're taking them out for a casual dinner, I decided to bust out my cotton culottes and I know they are oh-so-not in style. Who cares, I never said I was cool! 

I've had those damn culottes for years, they are easy to wear and comfortable for when I'm having those moments were I'm not in the mood to wear restrictive clothing. Besides I can be a mega pig and let it all hang out, ahhhhhhh! But seriously, I think the key is pairing something so casual with a more structured item, so I choose a ruched button-up top and wore a long line tank top under and make sure you don't see my crack when I bend over. No one ever needs to see anyone else's crack, seriously, no butt cleavage!

No butt cleavage. Hrmmm, maybe that should be my blogs new slogan. Just kidding! Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Look Of The Day : Dagger Leggings

I went to get my hair done for the first time by my friend Erin Mosher of Chez Ann Salon. It was a nice day of beauty and got to chat it up with Erin and the gals at the salon. I am very happy with my hair!

It's not a huge change, yet the back bulk of my hair is gone which has lightened my hair load. Ahhhhhhh! I am letting my hair grow as I would like a long luscious and teased mohawk. I suppose getting my hair done is approperiate after yesterday's hair inspiration blog.

I'm rocking my Lip Service dagger leggings, tunic tank from H&M (basic's for $5.99!) and cowboy boots. Nothing too exciting, but comfortable and easy to wear for day-to-day. I've been starting to wear my longer necklaces in which I've been frankensteining various necklaces and putting them back together. The necklace I am wearing has a crucifix that I attached onto a layered necklace. I often will buy necklaces at thrift stores or Antique shops to use them for parts, or even pick up cheap and/or clearance accessories at mall stores to make them more personal. All you need is some small pliers to bend, patience and jump rings (little metal rings that attach pieces together), then let your imagination take you to unique jewelry heaven!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Hair Talk : My Hair Inspiration

I often find that people automatically call me 'deathrock' just based on my mohawk or death hawk (as some may call it) either of which I don't mind. Is the difference between a mohawk and a death hawk based on the  little 'dog ears' that I have or because I have a texturized teased mop? Who knows! My look is definitely inspired by the 80s batcave goth era, yet I don't like to limit myself.

I'll admit I swoon over big hair, vintage styled hair and New Wave hair do's. I have always been into trying different and dramatic things with my hair over the years, so at 31 having a mohawk just seems like the perfect fit for me. Besides, I personally think I look better in shorter styles.

Some of my hair inspirations:

(top) left to right: Siouxsie Sioux, 80s London gal

(bottom) left to right: Daniel Ash (Bauhaus), Awesomely 80s goths

Why can't I be the 4th member of Skinny Puppy?

Too awesome, look at that hair!

What are your hair inspirations? Are there any hair style you would love to try?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Tiki Is Around The Corner!

My lovely friend Beth informed us that JinLan Chinese restaurant (that is literally around the corner from us) serves Tiki drinks! How did we not know that Tiki was right under our noses!? Needless to say we had to investigate and though the food was 'meh' the drinks made us happy Tikiphiles.

Still trying to figure out what year the restaurant was built, the menu is 

ancient!

I was giddy that our Zombies were served in Tiki mug, believe it or not we do not own these particular style pictured, I am going to have to work on that. 

The restaurant is pretty dark and dank, yet filled with kitschy Chinese decor. I wanted to explore more, but we walked over for a late dinner and didn't want to hold up the wait staff by being a Lookie Lou.

Lantern above our table

Derek and I have been doing some exploring in our fine city and trying new and different things this summer. I think it's important to sorta take a stay-cation in your home city, do things off the beaten path or even do the tourist things as you may learn something new. Don't get me wrong I like to travel OUTSIDE of Buffalo, but for now I'll settle for fun day trips.

Thanks for reading and sharing my adventures with me!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Feeling Peppy In My Peplum!

I've noticed some new reader subscriptions, hi everyone!! Thanks for joining my blog!

There is a current trend of peplum's making their way back into clothing designs and it has made its way into my closet. Peplum's are most widely known for being popular in the 1940's, yet they have been around for hundreds of years as the peplum originated as a Greek tunic.

The peplum top is from Target ($14.99) which is paired with a thrifted black banded skirt, slouched socks and creepers. My friend Beth picked me up for a gals night and she thought I was wearing a dress, which is the look I was going for with the two pieces. I have also worn the top with shorts, pants and well, I wear it all the time....it's comfortable!

I liked this top as soon as I put it on, the peplum sits a bit higher than my natural waist line and the peplum is just the right length without looking like a pregnancy top. Proportions are key to choosing the right peplum flounce for you. I'm a little on the longer torso side, so I find the tops, jackets or dresses that have a very high peplum looks like I have gills or have side wings. Hahahaha! I also enjoy wearing this top as it's very forgiving and it hides my taco tummy (my affectionate name for my little pooch) as the top accents my small waist and the peplum flows away from my body, which lays very nicely without accentuating my "problem areas". 

Miss Karoliina of Bones and Lilies is wearing a peplum top in this outfit of the day. She looks so cute!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Auxiliary Magazine Feature

(click the photo to go see the whole issue online for FREE)

I'm in the latest Auxiliary Magazine August/September 2012 issue! It's so totally crazy and flattering that I was asked by Jennifer Link to model for the Gloomth designer feature. I was extremely nervous as I am far from a model, yet luckily there was an amazing team that helped me look snazzy! Miss Vanity Kills wrote an awesome interview about the Canadian clothing designer, I love Vanity Kills writing style.

Photographer: Ian Gattie

Make-up: Leane Steck

Creative Director & Fashion Stylist: Jennifer Link

Hair, Fashion Stylist & Hair: ME!

Here is the press release:

AUXILIARY MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE OUT NOW

The August/September 2012 issue of Auxiliary Magazine is out now!  It is available as a free pdf download at www.auxiliarymagazine.com and in print through MagCloud.  Information on purchasing print copies also can be found at www.auxiliarymagazine.com.

The August/September 2012 issue is the twenty third issue of Auxiliary, a magazine dedicated to alternative fashion, music, and lifestyle. This issue features an interview with Amanda Palmer, an interview with Yeasayer, an interview with x-Rx, a designer spotlight on Gloomth, an icon feature on Vampira, a brick and mortar feature on Plastik Wrap’s new boutique We Are Radar, and Sophie Nova as our PinUp. The issue also contains a rebellious youth men’s fashion editorial, a fine art inspired women’s fashion editorial, a revisited cybergoth aesthetic beauty editorial, a beauty editorial featuring Rockeresque Beauty Co., and a villainous style article. It features photography by Kim Akrigg, Sequoia Emmanuelle, Derwei Chan, H. James Hoff, Saryn Christina, Ian Gattie, and Bailey Northcott and features fashions by Abigail Greydanus, Adala Latex, Dr. Martens, S&G Clothing, David C Wigley, Norderm Hirst, WES MiSENER, Zoa Chimerum, Beserk, edmdesigns, DylaniumKnits, Fluevog, Jeffrey Campbell, and much much more.

Check out the issue at www.auxiliarymagazine.com.

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Under The Weather Chic

Derek brought home the sick the other day and I awoke with the germ invasion! ACK! I utterly hate being sick as it's a waste of time, yet I know if I don't rest then the sickness is prolonged. Meh to the germs! I decided to play around with Polyvore and make up some fun outfits. I haven't styled a photo shoot in a long time, so I've been feeling the inspiration bug.....umm, no (sick) pun intended.

I styled the dress two ways. Left side is a more feminine/soft and the right side is accessorized with an edgier feel. *I would change the lace in the leopard Iron Fist boots to black so it doesn't break up the leg line.

I can't help but love stripes, bones and cheetah print together! Little hints of red here and there. ;)

A spooky lady who is classy with some retro chic. I really love the bat purse and boots!

If you're interested in where I picked out the items from just click on the photos and it will take you to my Polyvore page that will give you more details. Give Polyvore a shot, it's a lot of fun!

Thanks for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Rogue Buckle Boots

Yes ladies, those are PURPLE boots! The Rogue Buckle Boots by T.U.K come in purple and black, yet the purple really jumped out at me. I drooled over this style last year when I received T.U.K's style catalog and I stumbled upon them while looking at Sourpuss Clothing's website. What a great way to add a little 'pop' of color to an all black ensemble! 

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Professor's Monthly Homework Assignment: Purses and Bags, Opening Up Pandora's Box

Oh my, The Professor doesn't realize that her monthly homework assignment will be opening up my Pandora's Box. Oh my. Oh my. Oh my.

See that chest? It's my Pandora's Box

This month's homework assignment theme is purses and bags and let's just say I'm a huge fan of both. My purses, bags, wallets, makeup bags, and other assorted bags live in a chest in my living room. I have so many bags that I can't keep them in the bedroom as it's so overwhelming due to the volume. *Breathe just breathe*

All by Dungaree Dolly

I decided to just show you my Dungaree Dolly collection....well most of it. The ones pictured above live in the chest with my other non-Dolly bags and these are used sporadically. So many different shapes, sizes and patterns, I just want to dive right in!

These Dolly bags are the ones I use very often, the black ruffled bag (City Bag) with lace is my current flavor of the week. *Wink* I know I have mentioned Miss Dolly and her lovely creations a lot on my blog, but I guess you now see the true extent of my love affair. I have a variety of purses and bags as this is a way I like to infuse patterns, texture and color into my outfits. A 'pop' of color and fun added to a basic all black outfit makes me smile. I'm already thinking about my next Dungaree Dolly bag, because I really need another one! Ok, I'm being dramatic. Hehe!

Shop!
Dolly's website
Dolly's etsy

Please note she does NOT do custom orders, so a lot of the bags I own are special and/or older designs/prints.

Thanks for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Tiki! Tiki! : Now With A Spam Volcano!

Spam Volcano!

Derek and I attended our fellow B.U.T.T's (Buffalo United Tiki Talk) Mike and Judy's luau last weekend. Derek decided to make a Spam volcano, why? Well, why not! Spam is a traditional food of Hawaii and thus it's a typical food item to have at a luau, so we were those jerks who brought it! The great thing about being an adult is you can play with your food and light it on fire! Hooray! I did not try the Spam volcano as I was a little grossed out, but everyone liked it and perhaps I'll give it a try next time.........maybe.

Tiki room!

I kept my Tiki garb for the party to a minimum, as it was hot out and wearing vintage bark cloth is not a very cool (temperature wise) fabric to wear. I'm wearing a bark cloth button-up top, shorts and sandals, paired with some Tiki-perfect accessories.

Tiki purse by Dungaree Dolly

We had a great time at the luau, which was Voodoo themed and since Mr. Derek loves theme parties, he naturally dressed up!

Dr. Dzzzz's mixed up some tropical libations

There were so many delicious things to eat at the luau, I definitely felt like a luau pig. Hehe! Of course I had to sample a little of everything, it's my duty as a good guest.

Mmmmmm!

Damn it, now I want a Tropical Itch and it's only 11am! Well, it's got fruit juice in it, we'll call it an early lunch. Just kidding, *Wink*.

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla