A Well Loved Repeat

dress styled here and here

I realized this red skull dress by Folter Clothing hasn't been featured on the blog since January 2014! Sheesh, it's gotten a lot of use over the years as it's a well loved favorite for work outfits. Great piece for layering and I love this cut on me. I like to call them 'jumper style' dresses, yet I know the term jumper holds a different meaning for my friends across the pond. *Wink*

Wearing; boat neck top (Target), red skull dress (Folter Clothing), hearse necklace (via Cats Like Us, I changed the chain), velvet bone bow (DIY), engineer boots (Target).

Other reasons why I love this dress; it's cotton, washable, made in the USA and the dress has pockets. I've had this dress for 3 years and the zipper, stitching and fabric has held up beautifully! There is something to be said about a well made garments....I say, "Woooohoooo!".

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

PS-Thank you to everyone for your kind words, thoughts and positive energy regarding yesterday's post, I truly appreciate all of you <3

Just Life Stuff

Derek and I cutting a rug this past Sunday at The Next Generation Swing Dance

Life. Life has been full of worrying, planning and bad news. Trying to keep my sanity and to keep our chins up. So, in no particular order, here are some things that have been going on in my world. Yes, I don't just worry about fashion. Hahaha!!!

-My Father under went a second surgery for the bladder cancer. The cancer cells are still present, so he is going to start a regime of chemo therapy that will be injected into bladder in hopes it will finally get rid of all the nasty cancer cells. My parents are positive and happy with the team of doctors that are taking care of my Father. As a side note-my Father is 78 years old. (13 year age difference between my parents, he got married later in life and there is almost a 10 year gap between my older brother and I, hence the age of my Father)

-We came to a very upsetting realization regarding the house issues we have and the way we were asking for help. In short, we applied for a housing grant to get our sewer, roof and broiler fixed and after jumping through hoops, sleepless nights and frustration, we are deciding to opt out. They are asking for too much personal financial information and we are feeling like we're being punished since Derek is a self employed tattoo artist. They are asking for other personal information that we are not comfortable with as these specific things weren't needed we got our mortgage! I understand that a grant to essentially a 'forgiven loan', but we are going to look at other options. Besides, the sewer issue can't wait a year for grant monies. At least we tried....

-We have been keeping a low profile. We have been buckling down, spending less and choosing to stay in rather than go out to every event we had planned to attend. We're not starving ourselves nor stopped going out all together, but rather opting to get home projects accomplished rather than roaming antique and flea markets on the weekends. It's amazing how much money you can save by not indulging in little unnecessary purchases.

-We're going to start taking dance lessons. After all these years, we're going to start lessons thanks to my bosses (Christmas) gifting Derek and I lessons with our friend Chuck Chazz who runs The Next Generation Swing Dance. We've been going to the dances off and on for several years, but it will be awesome to hone in our skills and cut even more of a rug. We love to dance!

-Lightening the load. I helped Derek go through his hoards of clothing. Bins and bins of clothes!!! I was pretty proud of him for getting organized and we had fun as he gave me a fashion show! It's awesome that we both love fashion, but it can get overwhelming when one person is more organized than the other (*cough me cough*). I even weeded through my items and put some things in the donation pile. Unfortunately I can't get all my Spring/Summer items out of bins as it's still too chilly. The great closet rotation is paused for now.

So yeah, that's life. The gal behind the blog is just plain tired, but relieved that we are taking a hold of whatever life throws at us. 

What's happening in your world?

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Chain, Chain, Chains

Hello friends! On Friday Derek and I went out to a friend's goth/punk night, chatted with friends and danced our bums off. It was a blast! I haven't danced that much in a very long time and I loved every minute of it. 

dress also shown here

Wearing; cropped cardigan (Le Bomb Shop), tulle dress (Allentown Dress shop-local to Buffalo), chain collar (Spikes and Studs), cross belt (old, Forever 21), bat belt (eBay), winklepickers (vintage, Underground boots via etsy).

I constantly get asked where I got the leather bat belt from, so here is the eBay seller: SilverSpider2000. I can't give away all my secrets, but there you go! Hehehe!

I also need to give a shout out to my Mom who gave me birthday money (several birthday's ago) to buy myself something and I got this collar. When my Mom asked what I got myself with the money, I replied "A collar" and she wasn't surprised at all. Hahahaha!!!! Oh Mom, you know your daughter so well.

My dapper date <3

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Binge Watching RuPaul's Drag Race

This outfit was definitely inspired by Derek and I binge watching RuPaul's Drag Race. I was feeling fierce, hunty! We started watching the show when it first aired in 2010 and got really into it, but my interest faded around season 3 (even though I love Sharon Needles!), which I think was due to whatever was happening in my world at that time.

I really love the message that RuPaul spreads as well as the other queens, "If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else!". Very true Mama Ru, very true. 

Wearing; peplum jacket with faux leopard fur collar (thrift), bone hoop earrings (Martha Rotten, etsy), leopard cropped pants (Sourpuss Clothing), silver spiked bracelets (???), tall boots (Madden Girl, 6pm.com)

We've been staying home a lot and getting good use out of our Hulu and Netflix accounts. We've been picking one thing to do on the weekend and the rest of the time has been spent doing household projects....like putting bats on the wall. Hahaha!

I opted to leave the walls of my sewing studio blue as it's painted really well and I just wanted to go ahead and get the room together. My materials have been living in boxes for well over a year and I just wanted to get organized! So, Derek helped me to build a cutting table out of ikea desk parts and put up a accordion door that replaced the curtains I had hanging in the doorway. Our upstairs is a converted attic space, so regular doors weren't working for us, as we use the middle room as our master suite. When we had "regular" doors up, they just made the whole upstairs too closed off for our tastes.

Yeah. RuPual's Drag Race and home projects. I can't complain! I'll just Sissy That Walk all over the god damn house!!!!! *Wink*

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

"You Look Very Hell Bunny Today"

Is what Julie Ann said to me when I first got to work last week Thursday. Yeah, it just sorta happened that way. I was planning on wearing a different skirt, but the outfit just morphed into a Hell Bunny-centric outfit. 

I own a lot by Hell Bunny due to working at a store that sells the brand and I'm a fan of kitschy and creepy clothing items, so it works for me! I have to admit this skirt is not my favorite due to the very narrow waist band making it hard to wear a belt without covering up the bat pockets. The skirt is adorable and I have the dress that is from the same line, but it's one of those garments that's not 100% comfortable (for me) while working all day.

Wearing; cardigan (Hell Bunny), Vampiress skirt (Hell Bunny), 80s-tastic earrings and bead necklace (thrift), spiked creepers (TUK Shoes).

I live for when Hell Bunny comes out with their Halloween line of cardigans. I think I might have a slight problem, especially when you realize you need a plain black (long sleeve, non-cropped) cardigan in your wardrobe.....some day. Hahahaha!!!

Warning: Hell Bunny's buttons pop off easily, so be prepared to sew!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

My Favorite Type Of Outfit

The question is, how many Peter Pan collar items do I need in my closet? The answer, all of them. I totally dig 60s-esque fashion (pinterest inspiration board) and I just can't control myself when I see a little black dress with a white collar.

Wearing; sleeveless black & white collar dress (hottopic.com) with long sleeve t-shirt layered underneath, haunted house cardigan (Hell Bunny via Cats Like US) striped leggings (Sourpuss Clothing), boots (6pm.com).

I've got to give mega props to this little dress, it really comfortable, lightweight and I really love that the neckline is up higher than most of my other Peter Pan collared garments. I'm looking forward to wearing this little dress in the warmer months, as I have a feeling it's going to be a summer favorite. 

My favorite type of outfit!!!

What is your favorite type of outfit?

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks: Tropical Star Wars Accessories by Fancy Fruits

+primitive darth vader necklace +primitive darth vader earrings

+primitive storm trooper necklace +primitive storm trooper earrings

(click on bold text to link to product)

This hasn't been the first time I've mentioned Fancy Fruits amazing designs, I got to wear my pieces to the last Ohana: Luau at the Lake. Amazing work and very clever combining Star Wars characters with tribal jewelry, LOVE IT! 

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Stripes and a Shrunken Head Skirt

Last week's theme of work outfits sorta just happened to have two shrunken head garments worn in the same week. With my mind set of 'wear everything', I pulled out this (old) skirt by Mode Merr that Derek gifted to me after wearing it for a photo shoot.

photo by Jennifer Link Kieffer 2009

Jennifer had some clothing left over from a shoot that we did together (I was the stylist), so I got step in front of the camera for a little fun. This also was gifted to Derek in a frame, which (I think ) still hangs in his tattoo studio at work.

I'm wearing; black and white stripe shirt (thrift), shrunken head pencil skirt (Mode Merr), vinyl belt (from Julie Ann), buckle creepers (TUK Shoes), filigree bat necklace (?), black spike earrings (etsy) and green enamel bat hair clip (Sourpuss Clothing).

I don't know I really shy away from wearing fitted skirts....oh wait, it's because I ripped the back slit while getting out of my car. ARGH!!! Not the first skirt I've ripped and I'm sure it won't be the last. D'oh!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Wearing All Black Is Not Boring.

I read a lot of articles about fashion and style as it's relevant to my interests and it's part of my job as a stylist, but the one thing that drives me bonkers is RULES. The assumptions that fashion rules give me, is that we need to be ruled by what is 'right' by the fashion gods. We must bend to their every whim and cower by their knowledge and expertise. Pppppffffffttttt.

Some of the reoccurring subjects I do see is that; wearing all black is boring,  wearing all black is harsh, wearing all black is depressing, wearing all black automatically makes you goth. A big NOPE. There are plenty of people from the beauty industry to the arts community and beyond who enjoy wearing all black, it's not some sort of special club. 

Wearing black makes me happy. It makes me feel beautiful and elegant, edgy and playful. It's all in the way I style my all black outfits that gives it personality and substance. Adding patterns, texture, shine and accessories are some style suggestions that I will often agree with, but how I choose to wear them will always be my choice. That is what I believe is a big difference between following trends and doing your own thing: personal style. In the same respect, I don't need to follow the rules of whatever 'fashion tribe' I may relate too.

Even as a professional women of 35, I will always have the angst-ridden 16 year old me in the back of my mind. I will always say, "Wear that makes you happy and screw everyone else". I think if I had a dollar for every time I said that at work I would be rolling in John Fluevog boots. 

I love fashion, but it will never rule me enough to stop dressing how I love....

and I hope it never rules you neither.

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

**I'm wearing cotton shirt dress (eShakti), cardigan (Le Bomb Shop), concho belt (Target), stockings (old, Lip Service), cowboy boots (ZigiNY), Lydia brooch (Jubly-Umph), tombstone necklace (borrowed from Derek) and spiked bracelets (???)

Kitsch Picks: Spider Web Cardigans by Mischief Made

+coral pink spider web cardigan +black spider web cardigan +jade spider web cardigan

(click on bold text to link to products)

I've seen Mischief Made t-shirts being featured on other fashion blogs, but I didn't know they had these adorable cardigans! I'm glad I took a really good look at their awesome etsy shop as I instantly feel in-love with the black spider web cardigan. But, I couldn't deny that I think the jade and coral pink are too cute not to also be featured! Creepy and cute? I'm in!

Which one is your favorite?

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Minimum Exposure

Minimum exposure meaning my shins are out and so are part of my forearms!!! They have come out of hiding from the winter sweaters and coats, it's crazy! Thank you 60+ degree weather, it was nice that you visited even though it was too windy to take pictures outside. Oh well, can't get too greedy.

The Shrunken Head Circle Skirt by The Oblong Box Shop was featured here and despite my disappointment with the material, it's still a fun skirt to wear. I paired the skirt with a black 3/4 length sleeve top (Target), enamel creeper pin (Last Craft designs, featured here), assorted bracelets and zebra creepers (eBay). 

On Monday my friend and hair wizard Bryan, helped me to bleach away my nasty-lookin' roots and tone my hair to a silvery lavender. I got a trim and my side buzzed down and I feel refreshed! It's amazing how a little pampering can may you feel so good. 

Shout out to Wet n' Wild's Megalast Lipstick color Spiked with Rum. The megalast lipstick, when used with a lip primer, stays put for me all day.

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Mid Century Macabre : I Love Home Decor

Our Adrian Pearsall chair was purchased by Derek for $5 (about 12 years ago), 

will be reupholstered soon.

I snapped a few photos to load and share about living room decor and design over the Retro Renovation blog. I absolutely love how informative and resourceful the blog has been to me and many of their readers. I love mid century design, but I also love the macabre, thus our home decor style has always been blended. So, I thought I would share my snaps with you all and show what we've been up to inside the house. 

The bar stools are from Derek's Nana. She sold her home in New Jersey that she built with her husband in 1954 and moved down to Virginia to be closer to Derek's parents. We are honored to have them in the house as shortly after their basement bar was built (in the 70s) Derek's Grandfather was hit and killed by a drunk driver at 45 years young.

Gotta love when you find coffee table for $9 while thrifting. To think, I almost passed it up until I picked it up and realized that it is solid piece of furniture! 

My gawdy lamps fit into the Mid Century Regency look I had in mind. We've have the couch for years, bought second hand and it's a solid piece. I am dreaming of a new couch, but am grateful this old soldier has been with us for years.

Very new-to-us piece that I picked up at a consignment shop for a song. We need more bar storage and this bamboo shelving unit was perfect. I'm really glad I waited other than settling, as this adds some 'light' into the bar area. Still hard to believe the bar area of the living room was Pepto (ab)ismal pink and an awkward room off the kitchen. Knocking down the walls was the best idea ever! 

barkcloth curtain panels were made by me

Our dining room got a new carpet! I was trying to figure out how to tie the room together and taking inspiration from the colors of the barkcloth curtains, I choose a shag green carpet. Now our black dining set 'pops' and it's the perfect compliment to the colors in the plamp (plant lamp) and all the black velvet paintings that are hung on the main wall (not pictured). 

Derek's face, hahaha!!!!!

Here's an example of our 'wall-o-velvet' in the dining room. The latest addition has been a cute blue-eyed puppy with a basket of flowers and a few others hanging about the room. What can I say, we love kitsch!

Even if you don't like our decorating style, it's just an example of how you can put together a whole house while being thrifty and unique. I love home decor and I love to see how others design their space. I believe it's an extension of your personality and that you should surround yourself with things (and people) that you love. 

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Last Weeks Work Outfits

Pardon my lack of enthusiasm, I was feeling pretty down last Wednesday and was still reeling from (last) Monday's sewer estimates and roof repair. I got really down on Tuesday evening when my positivity about the house issues had a major down turn. I know everything will be OK, but adding to the list that we need a new roof sorta pushed me over the edge.

In fun news, a new tattoo piece was started last Tuesday by my friend Bryan and once it's finished I would love to show you. Seeing as I was healing a fresh leg tattoo, I wore mostly pants last week which resulted no photo worthy outfits. The outfit above is an example of pants/blouse/sweater combo I was rockin' to work.  

Wearing; a geometric print bow blouse (80s, thrift), black sweater I have been wearing all the time (thrift), pants (H&M), zebra print creepers (eBay), earrings (thrift), brooch (from Julie Ann), hair scarf (Sourpuss Clothing).

Saturday I was able to wear leggings as my thigh tattoo was healing nicely, so I opted to pair a t-shirt over a long sleeve shirt, tucked into my favorite black circle skirt by Steady Clothing. I like to wear belts to break up the black, so I added a studded belt that I picked up at the thrift store. I'm also wearing a Black Widow cardigan (old, Sourpuss Clothing), "Kiss My Woof Woof" Eddie Munster t-shirt (Rock Steady via Cats Like Us), faux pearl necklace (thrift), cameo earrings (Target?) and boots from 6pm.com.

I'm feeling a lot better this week and keep telling myself to just take one step at a time. *smile*

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks: Spooky Shades

+anatomy lamp shade

(click on bold text to link to products)

There are so many neat lamp shades from Spooky Shades on etsy, it was hard not to choose them all to feature, but the Anatomy Lamp Shade is really relevant to my own personal decor tastes. I also would think the spooky at heart would love to have this in their home.  *Wink*

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Batty Kalconia Dress by Hell Bunny

Hello everyone! This past weekend was fulls of events, which included another club night that also featured my work as part of the vendor themed evening. I wanted to wear a Cats Like Us garment that represented my tastes and the shop, so choose the Batty Kalconia Dress by Hell Bunny. He got this dress back around Halloween time and I knew it had to be mine. (Plus I help with buying for the shop, so I had it on my radar. Hehe!)

I'm wearing Batty Kalconia Dress by Hell Bunny (Cats Like Us) paired with; black cropped sweater (le bomb shop), floral head band (Spirit Halloween store), spiked platform creepers (ebay?), and purple bat purple (Dungaree Dolly).

Circle skirts are so much fun!

And pockets are rad!

The white embroidered bats on the collar are a great detail.

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla