Flashback: Victorian Dress

I've been going through some our two external hard drives and I came across these photos I snapped in 2011. I have no clue why I took them, but I'm glad I did as it's fun to look back in time!

Beautiful Lip Service Victorian style dress with a long crinoline slip underneath. 

I just realized how naked my right arm looks!

I may find some more oldies as I'm going through files in preparation for my new Surface 3 which will be picked up today. I finally have to retire my almost 8 year old laptop as the system is starting to fail. *Sigh* I am not a technophobe, I just don't really care for change when it comes to my media. I certainly know Derek is excited to not hear me screaming, "I hate YOU" every time my laptop freezes or decides to just stop working. Hahaha!!! Movin' on up!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend! 

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

PS-Cats Like Us cyber Monday sale 25% off (going on now thru Monday 11/30)

Use code: HOLIDAY25

An Outfit and Memento Mori

Last week/this past weekend was filled with; fun, friends, family, food and finds. Phew, that's a lot of F's and alliteration! I took a moment to snap a few photos of my outfit for Friday night dinner with my in-laws, who were in town for the weekend. 

I found this gorgeous lightweight velvet swing coat at a thrift store on Tuesday and I welcomed it into my wardrobe. It's the perfect compliment to a drapey lace dress and winklepickers and it's fun to twirl around in. Hehehe! I like to layer different textures together, especially when I'm wearing an all black ensemble. 

I also welcomed a new addition to my Memento Mori collection, a Victorian hair wreath. If you're not familiar with hair art, than this is a great blog post to read. Derek and I took a trip out to an antique shop that we saw advertising on Craigslist, the shop is called "Weird, But True Antiques". About an hour away from Buffalo, we drove out last Sunday and were not disappointed. The small shop was filled with antique taxidermy, skulls, casket plates and had the beautiful hair wreath which is now displayed on our living room wall. (Here is an interesting article about why it's called a living room). Derek was already arranging for the hair wreath to be picked up at a later date when I asked, "Can this be my Yule gift?!". I normally don't ask for such things, but I had already fell in love.

Now it's home. I never thought I'd own a hair wreath, let alone one that is so beautiful and well displayed.

 Derek did turn to me one evening (after I was gushing over the piece) and said lovingly, "You're a weird girl". No shit, you married me! Hahahaha!!! 

Morbidly Yours,

Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : The Spangled Maker

+Victorian Bat Girl Brooch +Victorian Vampire Bat Necklace

+Palmistry Wood Cut Brooch +Black Heart Anti Valentine Necklace

(click on bold text to link you to products)

Let's all take a moment to 'ohhhh and ahhhhh' over The Spangled Maker's designs. Kitschy vintage illustrations you can wear?! Yes, please! I've got my eye on the Victorian Bat Girl Brooch and am already styling her into outfits as I type this. Hehe!

Which one is your favorite?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Sonnenberg Gardens

The Mansion at Sonnenberg. Queen Anne style mansion was built in 1887 by 

Fredrick Ferris Thompson and his wife Mary Clark Thompson. 

This was their summer home.

Yesterday you saw me posing around some of the lovely grounds at Sonnenberg Gardens and as promised I am sharing some of the wonders of this beautiful estate in the Finger Lakes. One thing that I love is history, especially when history involves getting lost for a day in a place that can transport you back to a by-gone era. Le sigh.

Warning: picture heavy post....

We started the journey with a wine tasting in Sonnenberg's wine cellar and this wonderful stained glass adorns a whole wall of the cellar. 

The Japanese Gardens are my favorite:

I felt like I was at a kegger carrying this cup around. Next time I'm bringing a chalice to carry around my

Italian soda.

Derek in front of the tea house, he was also invited to the Sonnenberg kegger. 

LOL!

Buddha

What's left of the Roman bath. So amazing to think of people swimming in this beauty.

One of the greenhouses.

Inside the mansion on the 2nd floor looking into the Great Room. 

I love the peacock!

Beautiful white peacock

Gorgeous bedroom. The wallpaper is amazing!

Portrait of Mary Clark Thompson (I wanted to move the tour sign so bad!)

I've been visiting Sonnenberg since I was a little girl and I don't recall this 

beautiful garden named The Blue & White Garden

Another view of The Blue & White Garden

Beautiful fountain on the mansion's patio

A view of the Italian Garden from the mansion

There are so many more photos and so many wonderful delights at Sonnenberg. It's one of my favorite places to visit and I'm so thankful that it's being preserved and restored.

Thank you for reading and letting me share!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Victorian Stripe Wench Skirt

Heart of Haute's Victorian Stripe Wench Skirt is part of their amazing Riveting Gallantry Collection. I have the pleasure of selling Heart of Haute's clothing to my customers at work and I never have enough nice things to say about their designs. They are made with care and fit amazingly!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Arthlin

+Dark Victorian Lace Collar +Intricate Lace Collar

+Bib Lace Collar +Floral Victorian Lace Choker

I stumbled upon Arthlin's etsy shop and my jaw dropped, page after page of amazing pieces that I had to share with all of you. These handmade pieces are so romantic and elegant, it's hard for me to choose which one is my favorite! 

Also, check out and "like" Arthlin on Facebook here.

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Sinister Vanity

+Victorian Bird Skull Hair Clip +Skull Cameo Choker

+Gothic Spider Cameo Ring +Antiqued Animal Tooth Cameo Necklace

Sinister Vanity pieces are wonderful and so is the lovely lady Eleasa Beth who is the designer and artist behind these creations. I featured her designs in a small designer feature blog last year and have been smitten with her designs ever since she started selling on etsy. 

What is your favorite piece?

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

*Please click the bold text to take you to links

Kitsch Picks : Carousel Ink

+Black Corset T-Shirt +Burlesque Leggings

+Filigree Art Nouveau Mini Dress +Black City Leggings

I am in love with Carousel Ink! I wanted to share their awesome designs with my dear readers, I hope you enjoy taking a look at their fabulous etsy shop. I need to get myself into some of their leggings asap!

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Vintage Galeria

+"Riding Shotgun" Horror Monsters Dress +"Twist-Her" Sacred Heart Milagro Skirt

+Skull & Roses Full Apron  +Victorian Messenger Bag

I've loved Janet Zuniga's work since I featured her in a style article featured in Auxiliary Magazine a few years ago. Her designs and choice of fabrics are wonderful!

Check out the items by clicking the descriptions or shop her etsy here, VintageGaleria.

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-

Meagan Kyla

Show and Tell : Neck Ruffles and Hats

neck ruffle compliments of Misfit Chic

I stumbled upon this photo of me goofing around with my Misfit Chic neck ruffle paired with one of my favorite vintage hats and I got to thinking about how much I adore the look of neck ruffles and hats. When I had more hair, I used to adorn my head with hats, fascinators and hair decor, I think it adds so much variety to outfit possibilities and it's just fun to dress up!

Image from Auxiliary Magazine September 2009

Photographer Luke Copping

The thought then led me to a shoot I styled with my talented friend Luke Copping, in which I paired this gorgeous Hey Sailor! magenta top hat with this light blue Misfit Chic neck ruffle. I really love using color when I style as it gives me the opportunity to explore outside my own personal style. 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Persephone Plus

+Immaculate Crowned and Winged Set +Victorian Bat Girl Earrings

+Gemini Conjoined Twins Earrings +Marie Antoinette Brooch

Oh etsy, how I love thee! Shopping via etsy allows me to appreciate all the lovely crafters and designs like Persephone Plus. I'm sure you will find something that you will fall in love with, I know I sure have!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Merry Gothidays : Suggestions On What To Wear

My serious 'Merry Gothimas' face

I know some people may get all in panic when it comes to dressing for the holidays when you're a goth or an alternative type, you are faced with family gatherings, work parties, and generally being around people who may not know you. Just relax, breathe, it's going to be OK! The key to keeping yourself comfortable, yet still within your taste/style and working around it. I'm not telling you to not be yourself, but sometimes we need to make slight adjustments to our styles.

I've put together a few suggestions for the Gothidays, I hope you find some inspiration!

I envisioned a woman going to an office party or a family function. I've based the outfit around the burgundy dress with faux leather accents as I like the simple silhouette of the dress, but the faux leather accents give it a harder edge. I like mixing textures and shine to give visual interest and to stand out without giving up looking polished and chic. I think the key to keeping your fashion identity is picking things that really speak to you and looking for those elements anytime you shop. These items aren't from a goth store, but I can see a raven haired beauty with tattoos rocking this frock and looking as good as any other woman.

I had the more classic Gothic Victorian ladies in mind when I was putting together this outfit. The red blouse from Retroscope Fashions is my main focus of the outfit, building from there I could see the blouse being paired with a jacket and a skirt and/or black trousers. I liked the idea of breaking up all the black with a patterned shoe and adding some texture with the grey tapestry clutch. I've been finding myself more drawn to grey as it's a great netural and it looks great with black! Oh, and let's say I'm drooling over those cameo earrings!!!

I like to call this 'Punk Does The Holidays'. I think people forget that red tartan is very festive for the holiday season, it makes me think of Charles Dickens and Victorian Christmas carolers. I have to admit I don't wear plaids, but I do like their allure and the way I paired this ensemble would make me reconsider giving plaid a try! This look is a little more edgier with studs and spikes, but I think the cut of the dress along side pairing it with a peplum jacket softens the look. I would definitely wear my mohawk up for this ensemble, perhaps decorate it with some festive blinking light!? *Wink*

There are numerous ways to dress for the holiday season, yet it's fun to play dress up and perhaps think outside of the box. I purchased a few fun new things to wear for the Gothidays that you will see in the coming weeks!

How do you like to dress for the holidays? 

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Coffin Kitsch's New Decor

I gave my blog a little update which included the background and my newest banner by Melanie Beitel design, who happens to be one of my bestest friends in the world. I LOVE the new banner as I'm a sucker for that creepy font.

Since I'm in the decorating sort of mood and Halloween is almost here, I wanted to share a little bit of my home with some photos. It's definitely "Everyday Is Halloween" in our household, but we don't keep our Halloween decor out all year long....we just sorta live it. I'm very much into Victoriana, Memento Mori art and making Mid-Century Modern creepy. I'm always moving things around in our apartment to keep things fresh and since we have such a small place it keeps me from going mad. There are a lot of photos, I hope you enjoy my passion for DIY home decor.

That 50s shadow box was picked up by Derek at a garage sale for $10! 

Bones, skulls, Gorey books and taxidermy. We love books too! 

Framed vintage medical instruments, Madame Talbot prints, and various memento mori items

Closer look of the shelf with the Boney Bunch

Closer look at the wall

50s corner table that we got for free from a kind lady at a garage sale. Cleaned it up and it's perfect!

The Elvi are Derek's creations, he makes satirical Elvis busts under Suffering From Elvis Disease.

The red and black striped Skullvis was made for me <3

This is a small space right by our apartment door. The little box reads "In case of monsters, Break Glass"

Thanks for visiting my living room! I'm looking forward to shopping the stores for Halloween items to add to the kitchen and bathroom. I really like to use spooky hand towels, oven mitts and glasses all year round. If it's got a bat, coffin or spider/spider webs on it, it's like my kryptonite!

Photo of my first Target haul. The spider web item is a mini throw rug for $2.50!!

How do you like to decorate your home?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla