A Chain of Flowers

I would be lying if I didn't admit that I bought this shirt (thrift find), because it reminded me of the floral shirts that Robert Smith wore in the very early 90s. I think everyone from The Cult to The Mission were wearing floral fashions at that time.

This outfit is the same idea as last Thursday's work outfit, I think Thursday unofficial 'pants day'. 

I'm wearing floral button-up shirt with oversized cardigan (both thrift), trousers (H&M), shoes (Shoe Cult by Nasty Gal). Earrings and brooch (thrift) and necklace from Siren, old and now defunct goth store in Toronto, ON.

Lipstick color is garnet by NYC Cosmetics (gift from a friend)

Do you like florals?

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

I've Got Pacman Fever

Wednesday's work outfit revolved around this Pacman themed button-up shirt that I got at the thrift store. It's an H&M brand shirt that I spotted while scouring the racks and immediately starting giggling in store, "Pacman Fever" started playing in my head.

I had the 45 record when I was little kid. Ahhh, the 80s.

Sweater (H&M) paired with Pacman shirt (thrift), black circle skirt (Steady Clothing), studded belt (thrift), black leggings and boots (6pm.com).

I can't forget to mention the rad pizza pin that my best friend Danielle gave me. Pacman sorta looks like a pizza, at least in my mind. Then again, I always have pizza on my mind. Mmmmmm.

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

I Love Pizza

I wore this casual outfit on Monday to run some errands and do a little thrift shopping with Derek. The Killstar Pizzagram Oversized Tank Top appeared in this past post and I haven't gotten a lot of wear out of it until now. I realized I can wear the tank top over a long sleeve t-shirt and throw on a long-line cardigan. Voila! Excellent casual and comfy outfit.

Ta-da!

I really like Killstar's designs for the pure occult kitsch (as I like to describe the style), I have a few things on my radar; Bony Collar Top, Thelema Sheer Shirt, Wednesday Addams Tank Top, So Goth I'm Dead handbag. 

And in true 'me' fashion, I was goofing around and I pulled a muscle. Apparently I need to stretch before taking outfit photos. LOL!!!! Oh boy....

Yeah, fuzzy leopard slippers. FTW!!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Rad Reads

Hello dear readers! Just sharing some articles that I deem "Rad Reads", I hope you enjoy!

Ashes to Ashes : A Timeline of David Bowie's Influence on Goth "Goth fashion traces itself way back past glam rock, of course, but there’s a good chance no teenagers would be walking around in Victorian funeral attire in 2015 if it wasn’t for Bowie, and his influence on the early Goth rockers — they gave us all permission to be strange in bold daylight, to re-imagine ourselves as scary monsters and super freaks."

Buried Under a Bridge in Paris: The Misfit Mausoleums of Montmarte "....many families of the 19th century Parisian elite paid top dollar for prime plots near the entrance of the cemetery where the sun would always shine on the graves of their ancestors and honour their family legacies for centuries to come."

What You Have Is More Than Enough  "Instead of constantly focusing on what to buy next, why not opt instead to think about ways in which to replenish some of the joy that constantly comparing yourself to others has robbed you of, that cost little to, ideally, nothing?"

Side note: Jessica's post (I know it's an older blog post) really struck a cord with me and have been reflecting on how being a blogger can make people feel 'less than' or not good enough, which saddens me. I was so moved by her post I even filmed a video, but was quickly deleted as no one needs to listen to me ramble on...I swear it was positive. Hehehe!

Strega Fashion 101 "The look itself is certainly not new in any way. I love how the Internet will take looks that have been around forever and rename them so they appear new and exciting."  "

My Style-Shelley Long, Forest City Fashionista "I am 54, and I generally don’t think about whether I am dressing “age appropriately” – I am more concerned about whether I am dressing “me appropriately”

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Happy Skeletons

The skeletons on this dress are so happy! Happy dancing skeletons, yay! I layered the dress (Folter Clothing) with a black and white stripe shirt (thrift), black leggings, slouch socks and buckled creepers (TUK Shoes).

I would have been frozen without a sweater, so I put on my trusty wool sweater (thrift) and adorned it with my rhinestone dangle skeleton brooch. More skeletons? Why not!

Shout out to my readers who have been effected by Winter Storm Juno, apparently our Buffalo winter wanted to come visit you. Stay warm and safe!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Late Nights

Last night Derek and I met a bunch of friend's out for a Skinny Puppy vs. Frontline Assembly night. It was a lot of fun and we stayed up way past our bedtimes. I had to work today, so even without getting a lot of sleep, I functioned pretty well! *Applause Applause* I remember the days of yore when I would be out till 4:30am and have to work at 9am, I was a trooper and it was less painful.  Ahhhh youth.

As I've mentioned before in previous blogs, I'm perfectly content with quiet weekends and getting together with friend's rather than constantly haunting a club. Though I love to dance and I love music, I value my sleep and sanity more than the chaotic atmosphere. 

I never thought I would be saying any of these things, but it's still a lot of fun and I've still got it in me. *Wink*

Happy Saturday my dear friends!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Polka Dots, Stripes and Red Creepers

I put on this outfit on and I was instantly in a great and goofy mood! I have to thank everyone for giving me helpful suggestions on yesterday's post and I have to apologize for being a negative Nancy. It's going to happen, I don't like when it does, but moving on. *Wink*

Shirt and sweater (thrifted) paired with black trousers (H&M), red creepers (TUK Shoes) and adorning myself with geometric brooch and silver hoops (given to me by Julie Ann), layered silver chain necklace (gift from my Mom) and polka dot scarf by Sourpuss Clothing.

The black and white button up shirt is by Esprit from the 90s and I have to laugh as I couldn't afford to shop at Esprit and now, several years later, I bought an Esprit top for $1.50. Fashion is a funny thing.

And funny that I was looking through my 'outtakes' (which are always plentiful) and I couldn't contain my laughter, my pose looked like one of my favorite photos of Robert Smith! Oh Robert, you crazy man. <3

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

I Hate Makeup

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!!!! I said I hate makeup, but I have to direct more of my disdain to foundation. I am 35 years old and I am still trying to find a foundation that is my holy grail. I am very, very, very fair, yellow undertones, have a lot of redness and my skin is dry and sensitive. I moisturize like it's my second job, use primer, concealer, foundation, powder, etc. etc. I drink TONS of water, I always take my makeup off (and moisturize!) and have done so much research on foundation that I can write a dissertation. 

I am tired. I feel defeated.

I've been battling foundation woes since I was 16 and would use my part-time job paycheck to buy $50 foundation. I would have to go to Macy's department store and buy the absolutely lightest shade of foundation. The gal's that worked the makeup counters were baffled by my skin, "Omg you're so pale!" Ugh. I spent so much time being upset about being embarrassed about my skin AND spending so much money trying to cover it up.

Foundation does not make me feel pretty. It makes me feel ugly, self conscious and frustrated. I don't want to spend loads of money on something that makes my skin crawl. I don't want to buy a product that I feel 'does the job' only to have it discounted. I'm sick of watching and reading reviews of beauty guru's who only confuse me more, I just want one product to use everyday!!! I have mixed foundations, used all the recommended makeup tools, tried different application techniques. I've been there, I've done that....over it.

I hate you foundation, you are the bane of my morning routine. As for the rest of the makeup, I'm okay with you....as long as you behave.

Your pale annoyed friend.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Jawbreaker Bats

I've been trying to style this crop top sweater by Jawbreaker Clothing since it first appeared on the blog. I had a sudden brainstorm and remembered my favorite 80s skirt was high waisted, perfect! 

Bella Crop Sweater 

Adding a few belts, layered some jewelry and I threw on my cowboy boots to go out with some friend's in the evening. It was fun to get dressed as Saturday's afternoon was lazy time. I don't like being idle, but I'm learning it's okay to tune out every now and then as it's good for my mental welfare.

Sunday was spent doing not-so-fun adult things, like paperwork and organizing our files. We desperately need a filing cabinet as our former system of organization is not cutting it any more. Ugh, adulting. Hahaha!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Belted Sweater

Not a very exciting outfit for work, but I re-discovered that I could belt this sweater that I have had forever. The sweater originally came with a knit belt, but that has vanished long ago as I didn't intend to ever belt said sweater, (oh, how our tastes change) so one my favorite black vinyl belts did the trick.

leggings by Sourpuss Clothing

I also want to point out my new Madden Girl Corporal tall boots that I picked up from 6pm.com for $19.99. My other Madden Girl boots got destroyed after years of winter wear and I was feeling their loss. They are pretty comfortable, yet having a back zipper on a boot is new to me and I'm experiencing some rubbing and discomfort. Oh well, joys of new boots.

I also need a hair cut. My bangs are out of control. Ugh, I feel like an overgrown plant.

Soooo, now it's time to find something to do, since I normally don't have Saturday's off!

I hope you enjoy your weekend!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Escapism At It's Finest

I am working on launching a new home Tiki bar series over at the Cats Like Us blog and will be starting with exploring our little slice of escapism....."The Hut". I just wanted to share a photo snap of Derek and I in our vintage Hawaiian garb. I am grateful that is 19 degrees (F) that we can be in the garage due to the warmth of the wood pellet stove. 

Side note: Very excited about the barkcloth muumuu I'm wearing, it has really neat cut-out sleeves!

Alooooha!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Edit: Here is a link to the Cats Like Us blog post.

Casual Weekend Outfits

I also don't brush my hair.... 

Sundays and Mondays are what we consider our weekend due to both Derek's and my work schedules. This past weekend was low-key and relaxed, so it called for some comfy outfits. For Sunday I wore my leopard hi-low dress (Forever 21), my new not-that-warm waterfall cardigan (H&M), cross belt (Forever 21), onyx crystal necklace (etsy) and black leggings.

Monday was filled with running errands in cold weather, so I busted out my long sleeve hi-low sweater dress (H&M), burgundy sweater (by Blue Platypus), crystal necklace (etsy?) and black leggings. A note about the cardigan=it says, "Let's Go Where We've Never Been". I love air stream trailers, so I was pretty tickled when I found this cardigan. I think it would be pretty rad to own an air stream and have a hearse to tow it around. Hey, a gal can dream. *Wink*

What do you wear for low-key weekends?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Red Leopard Dress

I believe this is another dress that has not yet been featured here, but one that has been in the work clothing rotation. I got the dress a size too big (d'oh!), but since it is a knit it makes a nice winter dress that I can (you guessed it!) layer.

I feel like I 'layer' is the word of the day like on Pee Wee's Playhouse, and we should all be running screaming whenever I write it. Hehehe!

I am wearing a black thermal under the red leopard dress (Jawbreaker Clothing), black leggings, black cameo sweater, paired with; polka dot scarf (Sourpuss Clothing), 80s earrings (thrift), atomic brooch (The Crave Yard), black vinyl belt and really beat up black boots that need to be replaced. 

I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. We've been keeping a low profile and haunting the house as we have a trip planned in early February. We are going to visit my parents as my Father is having some health issues and we decided that the trip was a no brainer. 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Layer, Layers, Layering

Oh Winter, thou art a cold Mistress! *Ahem* Apparently I've been so chilly I'm starting to proclaim in Shakespearean! So yes, layering. I have to thank long sleeve t-shirts, thermal undershirts and leggings for helping to chase the chill away. I also have to give a shout out to wool socks, even though I have a hard time finding them in stores and I have NO idea why. And here is a side rant....

Women's winter clothing. Unless I'm finding wool sweaters at the thrift store or wearing vintage, nothing seems to be made in materials that are the least bit warm!? I was searching for some warm sweaters (i.e. not "fine knit") a few months ago and came up with NADA. Nothing. Zip. Zero. I had to settle for a waterfall cardigan that was somewhat warm......... *grumblebats* I'm just going to wear a blanket with a bunch of safety pins.

dress also featured here

I'm wearing the Skeleton Dress over a long sleeve t-shirt and leggings, paired with my cowl neck buckle sweater, spider pendant that Derek sculpted for me and Dr. Marten boots.

I love the pixie hem on the bottom of the dress!

I also would like to mention the lipstick I'm wearing is the NARS velvet matte lip pencil in Cruella which I received from Sephora (free gift!) for my birthday. I really love the color, yet I'm starting to realize matte lipsticks may not be for me as they are very drying and I hate having dry lips. I do use a lip primer and dap a little lip balm on throughout the day, so matte may only be a type of lipstick I may wear from time to time. But, the color and product=awesome!

Do you have any tips or advice for wearing matte lipsticks?

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

2015 Black & White

I was reviewing my pinterest boards and there was one blaringly obvious theme of 2015, black and white. Though it's not entirely a surprise to me as I love black and white as a clothing combo and gravitate towards black and white graphics, patterns and designs.

It's pretty cool to put photos in groupings and review what outfits I wore throughout the year. I really enjoy seeing my blogger friends do a year in review, so I thought I would join in the fun!

What was your favorite clothing combo in 2015?

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Tiki Tiki Tuesday!

I just realized I've never featured this Voodoo Vixen dress on the blog. I've had this dress since summer (which I got from work) and it's perfect to wear to an event like CanTiki Tuesday's at Cantina Loco. Mmmmmm, Tiki drinks and tacos!

I layered the Voodoo Vixen Hula Girl sundress with a t-shirt underneath and fleece leggings. I am also wearing a wool cardigan (thrifted) with my shrunken head brooch (Charcoal Designs), vintage gold/black earrings (antique mall), cluster of red hibiscus flowers (work) and vintage Dr. Marten mary janes (eBay).

Who says you can't wear tropical ensembles in winter? I like to think of it as escapism at it's finest. Muahahahaa!!!! 

I need to give a shout out to my tacky 80s dangle earring collection. I love you, I love that I find you for $1-$3 and you all help fuel my love of kitschy dress.

Alright, it's time to go drink out of a mug garnished with paper umbrellas and delicious fruit.

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Welcome To My Closet

Hello dear readers! I've been tidying up our closet (room) and thought I'd share a glimpse into my wardrobe and how I like to organize my clothing. With my 'I have enough, I am enough' frame of mind, I've been mixing and matching up my clothing and re-discovering some favorites.

+Top rack (left to right): cardigans w/graphics, pullover sweaters & plain cardigans, two piles of jeans/pants, and two piles of leggings at the end.

+Hanging (left to right): dresses are organized by strap style (spaghetti strap, sleeveless, sleeve type, collared and long dresses) next to dresses are; kimono's, skirts, short sleeve blouses, long sleeve blouses, blazers and long style sweaters.

+Short bottom row: vests and short skirts

Since our upstairs is divided into three sections, we decided to use the central room as our bedroom and use the front room as my sewing room and the back room as our closet. The room is meant to be used as a 'bedroom', so we had to come up with a way to store all our clothing and shoes. Derek graciously installed a Rubbermaid custom closet system to the wall to create hanging storage. The system was a pain in the royal arse to install as we have plaster and lath walls, but Derek is a rock star and has the patience of a saint. We plan to install more of the closet system on the opposite wall, so Derek can hang/organize more of his clothing than what is fitting on the double rolling rack....plus I has some clothing taking up room on the rack as well. Eeek! LOL! Basically we're still working out the kinks.

My part of the "shoe room" contains my boots and shoes, a few of my hats, belts and small purses. I try and keep my shoes in order (and not piled on each other) to keep them in good condition. I also polish and winterize my shoes as well as go to a cobbler to get soles re-attached or just for general repairs. Shoes are an investment, so we try our best to prolong the life of our beloved footwear for as long as possible. 

Not the prettiest of corners, but I used the storage I already had to keep all my hair scarves, belts, stockings and jewelry in order. I took pant hangers, that we had no more use for, and they now are my necklaces and sunglasses holder's. I have my paper parasols and two wide brimmed hats stacked on a styrofoam head. Oh, and the orange bouquet of flowers is from our wedding, they are fake and I will have them forever. *Wink*

And finally, here is the top of my dresser. I have a two-tiered silver tray (thrift store find) that I keep some of my brooches on, wooden jewelry box, the black ceramic cat holds my bracelets, ornate necklace stand on the back left, and the plastic box on the far left (thrift store find) keeps my dangle earrings organized in the little interior spaces.

Thank you for spending some time in my closet with me! 

Any tips or storage ideas you'd like to share? I'd love to hear them!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla