The Last Beat of My Heart : Robert Smith

My bosses gifted me this awesome magazine all about The Cure, which inspired this Music Thursday to feature two of Robert Smith other projects.

Siouxsie and the Banshees-Robert was the guitarist in the band from 1982-1984.


The Glove-Side project of both Steve Severin (Siouxsie and the Banshees) and Robert Smith released Blue Sunshine in 1983.

Just a little insight into Robert Smith's amazing musical career!

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks: Striped Cotton Dress

This Striped Cotton Dress from H&M is adorable! Looks like the full size run is available at the awesome price of $12!! Adjustable straps too! Snatch one up now!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

A Wonderful Photo by Zach Rose

A few weeks ago I was helping Derek and his co-worker Jason set up for a promo photoshoot for the tattoo shop. Derek and I took the opportunity to have a few photos snapped by our talented photographer friend Zach Rose. We didn't have a pose planned, so this just sort of 'happened' which turned out to be the first photo Zach took and I loved it the most!

Derek and I are usually really goofy in photos, which shows off how much we have fun together, yet it's nice to have something that's a little more serious and artsy! I think this one is going into a frame in our living room.

Check out Zach's work:

Tumblr

Behance

Facebook

Thank you Zach and thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Those 80s Earrings

I'm a big fan of wearing large earrings with short hair, so I've been on the hunt for bold 80s style earrings on my vintage shopping travels. Something about the geometric design of these $3 beauties made my heart skip a beat! Finding these earrings instantly made me regret passing up some brooches (of a similar style) on our last trip to Cleveland, Oh. Oh well, it's not the first time I've had to live with shopping regret.

I'm hoping I'll find some more crazy geometric earrings to add to the small collection. Ohh, I would love some gaudy leopard ones or zebra or glitter! Hahaha! 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Last Beat of My Heart : Death in June

I was pretty damn excited last week when I ran out to my local record store to pick up a copy of Death in June's "Nada Plus" on vinyl. I'm a DIJ fan and though there is a lot of controversy surrounding Douglas P, I enjoy the music at face value rather than getting involved with the political view points that are neither self imposed by the band or by outside individuals.

This is a rare strange fan made (?) video to one of my favorite songs on the album.

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Subatomic Necklace by Lemantula Designs

I featured Lemantula Designs in a past Kitsch Picks and the designer Stephanie contacted me and thus we decided to do a collaboration! I was excited when I opened up the package that contained the Subatomic Necklace. The piece is so nice and lightweight and I am so impressed with Stephanie's attention to detail with her use of 3D printing technology. 

Stephanie is a trained metalsmith and with her exploration into CAD and 3D printing, she's created these wonderful accessories with polymer, acrylic and sintered nylon. Her unique visions came to life as Lemantula Designs in 2013 and she is now offering the world her wonderfully wearable geometric-inspired creations.

Stephanie writes about her jewelry:

"It has since become my passion. Constructing beautiful and unusual jewelry is one of the most satisfying processes I can imagine."

The Subatomic Necklace's atomic mid-century design intrigued me as it was so modern and current using 3D technology to make such a retro-inspired piece. I really enjoy atomic print and adding a little touch to any outfit was like an accessory lover's dream come true. I'm always on the hunt for the 'darker side' to the retro aesthetic and Stephanie must understand gals like me. *Wink*

The necklace makes a great statement piece, so styling my outfit around it was a lot of fun. I went for a dress with a plunging necklace to ensure you can see all the unique features of the Subatomic Necklace and added some striped leggings to infuse a little kitschy fun to the black and white motif. My wedge creepers and a few bracelets complete the look and a new favorite outfit is born!

Lemantula Designs is offering my readers a rad $5 off coupon on your etsy order! Just use the coupon code COFFINKITSCH13. Offer expires 10/31/14, so make sure you check out the Lemantula Designs etsy shop!

I got some new sunglasses that I had to share!

Want to know what's happening with the designer? Check out Lemantula Designs Facebook page and follow her on Twitter. 

Thank you Stephanie, it was a pleasure featuring your awesome designs on the blog!

And to my lovely readers, thank you for reading.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Night Lace Oversize Tunic by Carousel Ink

Carousel Ink design's are not a stranger to the blog, yet I fell in love with the Night Lace Oversize Tunic and I needed to share. The tunic features drawings of owls, moons, bats, cats and spiders all original artwork to Carousel Ink! 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Revenge of the 80s Part II

After a long week of work brought me to Saturday and it was time for the second Revenge of the 80s night. I was pretty exhausted, but was ready to have a few drinks and dance! 

My outfit was pretty simple; my favorite thrifted high waisted skirt, ruched lace top, pointy boots, my trusty hat, and lots of jewelry. Last 80s night I dressed more 'in' with the New Wave vibe of the event, but this time around I just went with something more typical me, 80s goth! Hehehee!

Today I'm walking around like a zombie from the lack of sleep and drinks that were imbibed, but it's always totally worth it. Like, totally!!!!

I was really excited when the dj's played "Flesh for Fanstasy" last night!

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Self Introspection.....and Pizza

For about the past month I've really been inside my own head, thinking, thinking, thinking. Over thinking is not something that is foreign to who I am, but I've learned to control and quiet the over-zealous trains of thought. Lately I've been really evaluating life, friendships and the general events of the world around me. I don't mean that these thoughts are of a depressed nature, yet they have lead me to realize I need to spend a little more time on myself and the little things that make me content. This little introspection has helped me to just say "fuck it" to a few of the nagging worries I've been having. I think it's good to have these little periods of reflection and get some comfort or resolution.

Like reflecting on how much I love pizza! I'm sure you've seen this image floating around the internet and I just had to indulge myself when Sourpuss Clothing started to carry Killstar clothing and the Killstar Pizzagram Oversized Tank Top. Derek laughed when I got the tank in the mail and agreed that is was perfect for me. Hehe!

Did someone say pizza!?!?!?!?!

As cheesy as it sounds, putting on something as silly as this tank makes me smile. No matter how much I get inside my own head I will always be a goof. I blame my Dad for the levels of goofiness and now my husband who always brings me back to reality with bad puns and bad jokes. I think I'll keep them both around. *Wink*

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Last Beat of My Heart : Industrial

I love industrial music and I not-so-secretly want to be the fourth member of Skinny Puppy (while Dwayne was alive *wahhhh!*), or at least take my hair and some of my fashion inspiration from them.

I'm not really up to snuff with that's current in the industrial scene, but I am enjoying the "classics" this week.

Skinny Puppy


Ministry


Front 242


Nitzer Ebb

What industrial bands do you enjoy?

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Model in a Bottle Eyebrow Sealer

I ordered Model in a Bottle Eyebrow Sealer a few weeks ago and I don't know how I've lived this long without it. Actually I know how long, as I've smeared my eyebrows one too many times. 

From their website:

"This Holy Grail product sets and holds both natural and made up brows. Whether you use pencil, wax, powder or go au naturel, your eyebrows will stay your way until you decide to take them off!"

It really is now one of my personal Holy Grail beauty products! A little goes a long way, it does not flake or smear, and dries clear. Wooo!!! Best sealer I've ever used!

Thank you for reading! 

*Not a sponsored post, but gets the Coffin Kitsch seal of approval!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla 

Leopard and Lace

Two things I love together, leopard print and lace. I am enjoying some cooler summer days when I can layer my vests over dresses.

I wish I could find another lace maxi dress as comfy as this one, yet I would love for it to be sleeveless and/or have short sleeves. I like to think that with my second-hand shopping skills, this dream will come true...some day!

Do you have a piece in your closet that you'd like duplicates of?

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Vampira's Ghoul Gang

Vampire top, necklace and earrings by Kreepsville 666

It was a beautiful day and my photographer (aka Derek) was around to led a helping hand.

I'm wearing pants this fine summer day as I had some tattoo work done to the back of my calf, and a got a new addition on my ankle. 

I thought this was a nice compliment to the 'Everyday is Halloween' tattoo on my right ankle. I've been talking about this tattoo for a few years now, so I was grateful when Derek made this part of my collection. 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla 

This Week's Vintage Finds

Derek and I work weekends, so Sunday's are usually reserved for antique malls, thrift store shopping and estate and/or yard sales. This past Sunday was one of my favorite days of the summer months, garage sale day at the Clarence Flea Market. Yay! The first Sunday of every month equals treasure hunting and getting a good deal makes me a happy gal. We spent $15 and came home with a vintage muumuu, Tiki mug and a set of wooden mid-century wall sconces. 

Tuesday was filled with taking Derek to the dentist and me wandering around the Orchard Park Antique Mall. I am a little bummed about the trip as the antique mall moved locations and is now much smaller and not filled with as many wonderful treasures that the former location possessed. I did manage to spot a sterling silver Tiki necklace and awesomely 80s earrings for a total of $8. Derek's eye's lit up when he saw the necklace, but I don't know if I want to share. *Wink*

I'm pretty happy about this rad necklace! 

I'm doing some massive Spring...errr, Summer cleaning, so out with the old and in with the.....old! Hehe!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Last Beat of My Heart : UK 82

Cute punk kitty is cute!

I listen to a lot of UK 82 punk which is also known as; second wave punk, No Future punk and UK Hardcore. I love the 80s, so I don't think it would shock too many people that the punk I like is from my precious era. Here are a few bands I've been listening too this week:

Charged GBH


Vice Squad


Blitz

I have a tendency to enjoy bands that lean more towards (what people would consider) Oi! and anarcho- punk, but it's all punk to me. *Wink*

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Favorite Auxiliary Magazine Editorials

My friends over at Auxiliary Magazine have launched a crowd funding kickstarter project to take the magazine to the next level and they need all our help! Auxiliary Magazine focuses on alternative fashion, lifestyle and music, they have been producing content for five years and still going strong! 

I took part of the magazine for the first three as the Fashion Editor and in-house fashion stylist. I got to work with a lot of amazing talent, designers and contributed my fashion vision to the magazine. It was a lot of hard work, but I learned a lot and created many fun memories as well as images and articles.

Boudoir-December 09'

Boudoir was inspired after I watched Marie Antoinette (for about the hundredth time) and finding these amazing masks on etsy by Sweet Ruin. A lot of my inspiration comes from a single piece I find from a designer and then build a whole "fashion script" for an editorial. This shoot was a lot of fun as not only is Agata a great model (I think this was the first time she was featured in Auxiliary), but building such a soft and elegant look, with a great team, has produced these beautiful images.

Monster Mash Up-October/November 10'

Before Coffin Kitsch was a blog, I made kitschy handmade pillbox hats and some of my pieces were featured in Monster Mash Up! Styling this editorial 'mash up' with so many kooky spooky prints was just too much fun! The bright and bold prints mixed with some retro elements makes this another personal favorite editorial. I think both Jennifer and I own both of those Dungaree Dolly purses. Hehe! 

Anticipation-December/January 10'/11'

I loved this editorial as I got to dress three models up in some fancy holiday finery. Ben, Kerry and Sarah all looked so elegant and relaxed with each other on camera, and behind the scenes we all just had a blast. I really enjoy working with a crew who gel well together, as there is a lot that goes on to produce the images you see in any magazine, newspaper, music video, etc. The final results involve a lot of talent and labors of love!

Saturnine-April/May 11'

I got to work with Sarah once again on the editorial Saturnine which involved a lot of lovely mesh and lace. I love how Sarah's hair was such a bold contrast from the black ensembles, as her hair style gave the editorial a deathrock-esque edge.  I was so lucky to get to work with some iconic gothic fashion designers like Kambriel and Rose Mortem, their designs are so elegant and darkly romantic.

Thank you for helping me have a look back at some of my favorite fashion editorials that I've styled in Auxiliary Magazine. So, please check out Auxiliary Magazine's kickstarter to help them to reclaim the alternative fashion world and to continue to bring us all wonderful photos, content and art.



Auxiliary Magazine Kickstarter 
Auxiliary Magazine website
Auxiliary Magazine Facebook

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Get What You Wish For

I was literally complaining/discussing with my husband about not finding black summer clothing that suit my tastes (i.e. maxi dresses, tops, etc.) and then the next day I found this dress at Target. I really like the crocheted tank style on top, while the rest of the maxi dress just flows nicely and isn't clingy which is a bonus! I think the Gods were telling me to shut my trap. Haha!

I have to admit I've been browsing the Free People website after I was admiring a gorgeous mint colored dress at T.J. Maxx. I was singing "I want to paint it black" (in my head) the whole time I was browsing. Only if that dress was black or grey or burgundy. Le sigh.

We were headed to our friends for a 4th of July bbq and it was quite chilly, hence the sweater and cowboy boots. Drapey and flowy has been a theme this week.

A few gals commented on how vibrate my hair color is (thank you!) and I wanted to share that Matrix SoColor in red red is the best permanent red hair color I've used. It's a pro color that I find on ebay or amazon and it costs about $10-$14 a tube. Totally worth it in my book!

And I found my first grey hair. Right in the front. Front and center. I'm a natural blonde, but it definitely isn't a blonde hair. Perhaps a really awesome natural grey streak will appear, Lily Munster style!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Dodging Raindrops

Wide Leg Satin Pants are from H&M, paired with an older tunic from Target and thrifted flat sandals. Another flowy outfit that was fun to wear while dodging raindrops and enjoying walking in the wind.

I'll be joining some friends for a bbq in celebration of the 4th of July. I hope you enjoy the beginning of your weekend!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla 

The Last Beat of My Heart : Music Thursdays

Gotta love a little Sisters of Mercy humor!

Normally Thursday's are dedicated to shoes and my love for them, but I've hit a wall. *Gasp* I know. In reality I'm a huge, huge, HUGE music nerd. I love listening, researching and talking about music. I'm not a musician, or a music critic, but I'm just someone who really appreciates music......and yes, I listen to bands other than The Cure. Haha!

On these hot summer days I've been inspired to listen to a lot of ethereal, world beat, atmospheric type sounds or driving tribal rhythms. Here are some bands I've been enjoying this week:

Cocteau Twins

Dead Can Dance


Bel Canto


Delerium

These are to just name a few bands as I've also been listening to Slowdive, Ride, Lush, and My Bloody Valentine which are more on the Shoegaze side of the spectrum.

I'm looking forward to sharing and discussing music with you all!

Happy Music Thursday!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Too Hot For Socks

I know it's too darn hot for me when I opt for an open-toe shoe option. I'm a fan of having cozy sock clad feet, but when temperatures soar it's time to wear as little as I can while within my comfort zone.

This is the second time I've had the chance to wear this rad H&M tunic that I snatched last year off the clearance rack. The flutter sleeves make my heart sing, yet it's not a piece that I could layer with a sweater, so it patiently sat in the closet throughout the cold months.

I really dig this minimal look, just really easy to throw on and head out the door. I even went to the mall to get away from our hot apartment with the hopes of finding some nice flowy garments to add to the summer collection. Nope. Nope. Nope. Most things were super ugly, too complicated or too hot/tight to wear in warm weather. I never have high expectations when browsing mall stores, but argh! At least I got some exercise and the air conditioning was nice and refreshing. Hehe!

What is your favorite thing to wear when it's too darn hot?

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : MD Sewing Aletier by MD House

Though I'm sitting here in 90 degree weather, it's not stopping me from looking at long beautiful garments like the Lovely Long Maxi Skirt by MD Sewing Atelier. I have a soft spot for the ruching details and the fact that it's a high waist design makes it look so comfy and versatile.

I first came across MD Sewing Atelier by MD House on pinterest when I saw a pin of this gorgeous sweater. I don't want to be thinking about sweaters at this time of the year, but it's always good to think ahead. *Wink*

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla