Skulls and Roses and Bats, Oh my!

The Aconite dress by Hell Bunny was a dress I loved when I first saw it in the Hell Bunny catalog. One of the many lovely things about my job is being able to preview clothing collections and help with the ordering....this dress was a must! We got it in around Halloween time and though I had tried it on, it took me until a few weeks ago to take it home with me and I'm glad I did!

The lovely thing about dresses is that they are one piece, throwing it on with a few accessories and new lace flats=I'm ready and out the door in no time. I have to admit as much as I love styling everyone else, when it comes to myself I'm just like 'whatever' and want something easy. 

Wearing; Aconite dress (Hell Bunny via Cats Like Us), bat necklace (???), earrings (Toxsin Designs), lace hair bow (Hot Topic), lace bow flats (eBay), belt I always wear (Target)

The dress is super comfy with one exception, due to the width of the straps, it digs right into my armpits. I was a little raw and sore after a full day at work, so I'm going to have to do a few modifications, but the rest of the design is wonderful! The dress is lightweight, has a nice 'puff' to the skirt, lovely sweetheart neckline (that looks flattering on everyone) and POCKETS! 

I'm trying to contain my excitement about the pockets.....LOL!

Another winner added to the work wardrobe, but I'm not the hunt for a few flowy dresses for the summer as it's been HOT here. I'm not complaining, but it crept up so fast! Oh well, just another excuse to use my bat parasol. Hehe!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Coffin Kitsch etsy: Now through 5/30/16 use coupon code MEMORIAL15 for 15% off 

items over $15 

This Monday is Memorial Day and I want to thank those who have lost their lives serving their countries. 

Kitsch Picks: Cat Coven

+white creature of the night pillow +cat coven-limited print gold screenprint

+coffee or death (small patch) +creature of the night pin

(click on bold text to link to product)

Oh yes! I love when I find shops that speak to me on so many levels! The Cat Coven design's are a mix of witty, creepy and kitschy....everything I love!!! Check out all their offerings and see if find something you love!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Hibiscus Skirt

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you will know that my husband and I are total Tikiphiles. I love dressing in my vintage muumuu's while sipping on tropical cocktails in our Tiki Hut (aka garage), or I will incorporate some pieces like this Hell Bunny hibiscus skirt into my work wardrobe. Tropical print just makes me so happy, I think it appeases my inner tacky old lady.

Future me. Hahahaha!!!! 

(Even though I want my muumuu to have bats AND hibiscus flowers all over)

Wearing; t-shirt (H&M), hibiscus skirt (Hell Bunny), Tiki necklace (Charcoal Designs), earrings (vintage), piece of tulle used as a hair scarf.

We have an Ice Bat that lives in the Hut, adorned with a necklace! 

I can't wait to hang out and have some friends over once we get our sewer fixed (construction happening in one month!), as I love our backyard oasis. Summer is almost here!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

NGSD Prom Dance

dress also featured here

Sunday evening we got gussied up for Next Generation Swing Dance, prom theme! Since we've been taking date lessons and we missed last month's dance, we got to cut a rug and know what we are doing. Hahaha!!! Chuck Chaz (who is our teacher/runs the dance) he taught a Foxtrot lesson before the dance started and man, I was having a tough time! I am definitely interested in learning different dance styles, but I think my brain was so focused on Swing that I couldn't make sense of it. "Come on feet, work with me!!!"

PROM POSE!!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!!

Thank you for reading, until next time.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Happy World Goth Day!

Cheers!!!!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Deviously Divine (Accessories) to Soothe the Sinners Soul: Se7en Deadly Clothing

My first blog featuring Se7en Deadly Clothing had me comfy and casual with their awesome hangover lounge pants, yet their accessories have us feeling fancy! Oh yes, their awesome designs don't stop at apparel, they have some amazing hair bow offerings under the "oddities" section.

One way I like to get maximum use out of hair bows is by attaching them to a sweater, dress strap, scarf, etc., I feel like it's just another fun way to accessorize! I am loving the Broken Cherub Bow clipped onto my shrug sweater paired with the Repent Creepy Doll Bow in my hair. Since the bows are mounted to alligator clips, they really stay put! I tend to wear hair accessories close to my shaved side, so a secured clip helps me to..well, feel secure! Nothing like being totally bummed after realizing you've lost one of your favorite hair accessories. Sigh...

"Oddities"

When Derek saw the Date Night Necktie, he said "Ohhhhh!", as he also enjoys wearing black and white ensembles. The silky white tie has a retro image of guy and a gal playing around with the Ouija board. Does that sound like a fun date night to you? Hehehe! There is nothing boring about Se7en Deadly's necktie selection, as Derek is overjoyed to find men's accessories that fit his macabre sense of style. 

Date Night Necklace 2.5" Skinny Necktie

Look into his eyes...maybe not too close. LOL!

Ummm, so Derek looks a little crazed, but I think it's because he is excited to share with my readers a discount code from Se7en Deadly! Enter COFFINKITSCH into the discount code section at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order. Say what?! Awesome.

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Goth in the Garden

Landscaping in the backyard is done....for now! My low maintenance rock garden dream has been made a reality. I didn't think I would get it all done yesterday, yet I was motivated and had a good night's sleep. 

I threw this outfit on after showering and washing my hair (it's soooo flat, lol!), to run errands. I have a new favorite clothing combo! The meshy sweater was a thrift find that was floating around for years until I realized the long unflattering style was begging to be cut into a crop top. Voila! 

dress also styled here

The cross print dress was an eBay buy from last year. It's a Forever 21 dress that I bought for $5 off a seller and I like it because, it's a little different as the crosses are a floral print. Add leggings, a necklace, some cowboy boots, a hair bow and I'm out exploring the world-which means grocery shopping. I've been in mostly grimey clothes on my days off, so it's nice to show a nice casual outfit that isn't a work outfit. *Wink*

I hope everyone is having a rad week so far!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Backyard Adventures: Now with Moai!

Our Moai arrived yesterday! He's small and made of light weight resin, but we still love him all the same. As you can see this section of our yard is now filled with pea pebbles as this is my solution to dealing with weeds as well as our vision to put a water feature in this area. In the process of buying the house, the previous owners wanted to take their Japanese Maple tree, which was planted in this corner and we agreed. I didn't care for the landscaping and plants they had in the back and front yards, so at the end of last summer we dug up a lot of the plants up and gave them away. Derek and I are not gardeners and pretty much have black thumbs (no goth pun intended), yet we want to have some plants that are low maintenance and luckily there are a lot of Hostas around the house!

The rest of the small garden in the backyard will be weeded, some Hostas moved to look more balanced, weed barrier put down and then pea pebble. We've had our eyes on some planters, including this skull planter to have some visual interest our backyard oasis as well as keeping plants neat and organized..if that makes any sense. 

What I really want our backyard to look like. Hahahaha!!!

Back in the garden today, I hope I get a lot accomplished as I can't wait until the weather gets warmer and we can sit in the yard with a Mai Tai and just watch the world go by. Hehe!

Are you working on any gardening projects?

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks: Winklepicker Shoes by Goth Pikes

+winklepicker shoes

(click on bold text to link to product)

I'm sure you've seen a lot of popular Youtuber's rave about Goth Pikes, and I have to say I'm quite smitten myself! I've been eyeballing all their designs, but keep coming back to the Winklepicker Shoes with bat buckles and Bat Kitten Heel Winklepickers (in black leather, please!). It's really exciting to be able to find companies currently making some of my favorite shoe styles!

*A pair of my winklepicker boots, for eye candy. Wink wink*

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Featuring Se7en Deadly Clothing

When Jodi from Se7en Deadly clothing contacted me I was super stoked as I've been a fan of their clothing line for years. In fact, I've gifted Derek a few of their men's items including a necktie and a button up shirt. She offered to send me a few things including the Medical Malpractice Hangover Lounge Pants, which I am excited about because it's not too often you find neat super casual lounge items with neat motif's like antique medical instruments!

Medical Malpractice Hangover Lounge Pants are 90% cotton, 10% spandex. 

Sizes S-3XL. c/o Se7en Deadly 

I am also excited as we are collector's of medical instruments (see bone saw on wall), teeth related items and taxidermy...just to name a few. Why not wear your interests on your clothing and perhaps raise an eyebrow or two?! 

Since these are super stretchy and super comfy lounge pants, they would be great for; yoga, running, working out, or......

What I would really be doing, lounging on the couch watching Netflix and drinking tea. Hahaha!!!

Stay tuned for some other Se7en Deadly items that will appear on the blog, but in the meantime be sure to take a look the rest of their macabre and beautiful designs. Coffin Kitsch approved!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Natural Narratives: Artwork by Brian Dickenson

On Friday evening we went to our friend Brian Dickenson's art show. We have the honor of owning a few pieces of Brian's artwork including this gaff that I got as a birthday gift. Brian's artwork is macabre and beautiful, with elements of found objects, pieces of nature, taxidermy and antiques. I really enjoyed the art show and it so awesome to see so many people appreciating Brian's many talents.

The artist himself. :)

I opted to wear some bone jewelry, since I knew I was going to an art show with lots of bones. It's fun to dress in theme, hehehe! I'm also wearing a sigil t-shirt that is for my husband's tattoo shop. It was a fun limited addition t-shirt that he had printed up from sigil artwork a friend of ours did specially for Derek.

Weaing; bone earrings and wrist cuff (Derek got from Renn Faire), bone cross necklace (made by Derek), sigil t-shirt (Ink, Inc. Tattoo), studded belt and skirt (thrift), boots (Shoe Cult by Nasty Gal)

I hope you have a great Monday!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Matching Spiders

It's funny that I have had the cardigan and the skirt for quite some time not realizing they basically match! Both the sweater and the skirt have black widow spiders on them and both pieces are from Sourpuss Clothing from two different Halloween seasons. Yay, for new outfit ideas!

p.s-those are pig skulls in the background, my husbands project.

Wearing; spider cardigan and skirt (Sourpuss Clothing), button-up blouse and silver hammered metal necklace (2nd hand), knee socks (Target), studded creepers (TUK Shoes).

Derek was taking out the recycling and garbage, so I (naturally) flashed him and then asked him to get in the photos. Hahahaha!!! Oh yeah, I always wear shorts under my skirts and dresses.

Have a great Saturday!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks: Jewelry by Purgatory Plaything

+chainmail choker +crystal chain choker

_+coyote toes necklace +gothic schoolgirl choker

(click on bold text to link to product)

The etsy shop Purgatory Plaything is chalked full of amazing jewelry pieces, like these necklaces I've featured and they also have some lovely home decor pieces! I really enjoy the way the bone pieces are elegantly put together, it's like wearing a wonderful piece of macabre artwork.

Do you have a favorite?

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan  Kyla

A Touch of Pizza

top styled here and here.

Hello friends! Happy Thursday and Cinco de Mayo! Yesterday's work outfit was a simple one, lightweight sweater top, cotton skirt and Mary Janes. Simple, comfortable and work appropriate. Miss Frilly Frenchie commented on my last outfit blog about not looking 'over the top goth' for work and the dress code at my work being pretty cool, which it is! Since I work at a retro clothing store (Cats Like Us), my clothing choices do reflect the style of the store. I like retro fashion silhouette's, so I blend my kitschy goth style with the silhouette's I enjoy. In turn, a lot of the brands we carry (Sourpuss Clothing, Hell Bunny, Voodoo Vixen, etc.) are what I wear to work.

Wearing; checker top (Voodoo Vixen), button front skirt (eShakti), Mary Janes (vintage Dr. Martens), checker earrings (80s vintage from Julie Ann), enamel pizza pin (Sourpuss Clothing), ant bracelet (souvenir from Dali Museum).

I added the pizza pin as I wanted a 'touch of red' and the little pepperoni's were perfect! It's also just fun to add a touch of pizza to any ensemble. Mmmmmm, pizza! My brooch collection has been growing as it's an inexpensive (and fun!) way to add some fun and diversity to my outfits. We also carry a lot of brooches at work and it inspires people to purchase our brooches and gives them ideas on how to style them.

Have a wonderful day my dear friends, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

This Old Goth Haus: Flooring and Other Bits and Bobs

Our floor in the living room, bar area and dining room is almost complete! Last week was a mentally and physically exhausting with doing this project and I have to say that I hope to never have to put flooring down again. Though I love to tackle DIY projects in general, I have even more respect for people who work physically demanding jobs that involve flooring, tiling, etc. 

The house is still a bit of a mess as we took a break this week, yet on Sunday we'll start putting in the quarter round moulding and put everything back. Another positive thing about throwing the house into chaos is rearranging furniture and getting a fresh perspective.

Derek came home last Tuesday to a defeated wife and a mess everywhere. I'm very grateful that he didn't let my frustration get the best of him and he was able to finish up the bar area. 

If you're wondering what product we are using, it's the TrafficMaster Allure vinyl plank flooring in the color Teak. I would not recommend this product if you have radiators unless your radiators are enclosed. Pain in the ass. Haha!

I was also inspired to look for some new end tables. I wanted something that would compliment the flooring and would look nice with our Mid Century Macabre decor. I was drawn to the LOVEBACKEN design and thought the price was right. So, we took a trip up to the IKEA in Burlington, ON in Canada. The exchange rate is fantastic right now and traveling to Canada from Buffalo is as easy as crossing a bridge that is ten minutes from our house. Much love to Canada!!!

We also came home with one of the derpest bats I've ever seen, look at those upside down wings! That's ok, derpy bats need love too. Hehe!

Oh yeah, Game of Thrones is back on and we're pretty darn excited! 

Have you been working on any house projects?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla