At The Shop with Bear Knuckle Brawlers

Hello friends! Boy, it's been a while. Today I'm sharing the rest of the awesome package I received from Bear Knuckle Brawlers. Derek and I choose the tattoo shop as a back drop as BKB clothing themes and Ink, Inc. Tattoo Parlor's style, is a great combination. We love; creepy, esoteric and dark, which reflects in the tattoo shop's decor. *Wink*

Derek is wearing the Men's Black Tee-Grin in an XL. Though he really liked the softness of the cotton and LOVES the design, yet the very slim fit made him a bit uncomfortable. He says to size up for larger chests. I'm wearing the Women's Black Rolled Sleeve Tunic T-Shirt-Creep in a large. I choose a larger size as I like to wear my tops a little looser. I've already worn this top a few times and the graphic is perfect after washing!

When I showed Derek and graphic on the Men's Black Crewneck Sweatshirt-Church, he said, "Ohhhh!". Though not normally a sweatshirt person, he exclaimed, "I will wear this one!". I choose the sweatshirt in a XXL and unfortunately Derek doesn't care for the slim fit. Of course, this does not reflect badly on the quality or design, just simply a matter of taste when it comes to fit. I think he looks great, always. Hehehe! <3

If you recall the awesome print on the last Bear Knuckle Brawlers post, the same moon print is on the Women's Black Lightweight Sweatshirt Dress-Moon. This style fits very close to the body and BKB sent me a Medium based on my measurements, so I don't believe wearing this tunic dress oversized would be flattering. I have to admit wearing long line fitted garments makes me a little uncomfortable, yet when I paired this dress with jeggings, it eased my body insecurities. (Our brains are so stupid!!!!) Super comfortable and a lot lighter in weight than the longline hoodie styles. 

Outtakes!

Thank you to Bear Knuckle Brawlers for sending us both some awesome casual clothing! They offer a 15% discount off your first order, use code FIRST15.

Thank you for reading, until next time!!!!

A little update on what I've been up to: between basically working three jobs, I've been dealing with chronic digestive issues. Ever since going gluten-free last year, I've had some relief, but I'm still on a slow journey to find out what combination of diet and natural digestive support in order to stop the constant yo-yo weight gain/loss and to just feel "normal". So, you could imagine that I haven't really been feeling my best for a fashion blog. Yes, this is vain and I try not to focus too much on weight and body image, but I have to admit it's a gnawing subject in the back of my mind. As a person who grew up with a Mother who has severe Crohn's Disease and saw her suffer (yet, is one of the strongest people I know) and almost die, I know that vanity is trivial. It's all perspective and staying positive can help me find some answers. <3

80s Knit Dress

Since I've been amping up my thrift hunting, I've been finding a few treasure to add to my own personal closet, like this 80s button-up knit dress. Warm, cozy, has pockets AND shoulder pads. Hehehe! I've given myself a sort of a light "challenge" to only purchase second hand clothing and stay away from tempting online shopping (unless it's eBay or etsy). I tend to prefer to buy things second hand and thrift, but have been more conscious of it and thus keeping my money in my wallet rather than impulse shopping.

Well my friends, I've been battling terrible sinusitis and I'll be happy when I look normal enough to perhaps photograph some more of my recent thrift finds. I hope you all have a happy and healthy weekend!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

It's Sweater Weather!

I am happy that I get to dive into my sweater collection, we've been having the weirdest Autumn so far and from day-to-day I have to double and triple check the weather channel in order plan on how I should dress. Last week we had a very rainy and cold days, which made me happy since I could wear my leather jacket. Hehe!

Wearing; sweater (old style, Sourpuss Clothing), dress (TOBI clothing), leggings (Carousel Ink), boots (6pm.com) earrings and necklace (thrifted)

The dress was the last one featured in my blog post about TOBI clothing and it's proving to be a wonderful dress for layering. They still have the dress on their website and it still gets two thumbs up from me!

When we got this cardigan in at work (last year), I thought that I didn't need it, but then I realized I was crazy. Of course I need a sweater with coffins on it, it's part of the name of my blog, I have many coffins tattooed on me (including my chest) and I LOVE coffins. 

Wearing; coffin sweater (Hell Bunny), stripe top (thrifted), skirt (eshakti), boots (6pm.com), spider necklace (Pier 1), coffin bead earrings (Sourpuss Clothing), and eyeball fascinator (hat=made by me, eyeball=made by Derek).

Speaking of coffins, I was very happy to now to wearing my Mordaunte's coffin gem ring that was a 5 year anniversary gift from Derek. I hate to say that it sat in the box for 2 years before I realized that it does fit my right ring finger. When Derek first gave it to me, we thought it was too small and need sizing, well I finally took it to a jeweler to only realize that we were wrong and I've been now happily wearing it everyday! Shout out to Sharon (Goth Gardening) for inspiring me to finally take my ring to a jeweler after seeing her amazing Instagram post about her Mordaunte ring along with another gorgeous cameo ring. Thank you dear!!!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

Reader Question : Handbag Help

I got an email from a reader, Andra and she asked me this question:

I read your blog quasi-religiously and I love you style. I was hoping I could talk you into doing a special about handbag and outfit combinations. I feel that when I put together an outfit my handbag of choice is often forced. I would really like to see how you put handbags and outfits together. 

Thank you Andra for reading and for writing to me!

This is a great topic as I actually really love handbags and I believe that can really add pattern/texture/shine to an outfit! Other than using a handbag/purse or tote for a day-to-day purpose (like schlepping my lunch or change of shoes for work), I like to use a handbag to as an extention of an outfit or sort of like putting a period at the end of the sentence.

Just like any accessory to fashion, it's personal taste that always should be the winner, but here are a few ways I would pair a purse with an outfit.

Large Print

Polka dots are a neutral in my world, along with leopard print and bat print. Hahaha! Since I'm wearing such a large print, I have paired the outfit with either the Edward Scissorhands handbag, due to the shine of the vinyl matching my belt and the one large graphic complimenting the black and white dress, or I would use a 'pop' of color and go with the purple sparkle Hold Fast Handbags purse. I wouldn't choose a bag with 'too much going on' in terms of hardware or print, yet seeing as I am wearing a large neutral print, playing with color, shine or sparkle makes for endless possibilities.

LBD

When it comes to a solid black dress, the sky is the limit in terms of pairings, but I like to put the focus on my shoes and accessories when I am wearing basic black. So I would either pair this casual LBD with a handbag with a pattern, like the Grey Doll black and white stripe handbag or with a novelty bag like the Coffin Handbag by Killstar. I love the coffin purse, because it adds some real visual interest and I like coffin-shaped things. Hehe!

Casual

I realize my definition of casual is a little different, yet I wanted to show what I would wear with this outfit if I took off the hat and replaced the shoes with little black sneakers or flats. I would wear the top/jacket/pants combo for casual days of running errands, going thrifting or just hanging out. I would wear a cross-body bag like the Wink-Wink cross body bag or the leopard bag, because I like to have both my hands free and this style tends to be more secure when maneuvering through crowds. I don't think the bag needs to match the outfit persay as it's more for function over fashion, but if you like to use this style of bag all the time (which I tend to use the most), I like to choose one that is fun and neutral that 'goes' with most everything.

There are so many more outfit combo, but I wanted to highlight three general looks to generate some ideas! I hope this helps Andra!

Are you a one bag sort of person? How do you like to pair your handbags with your outfits?

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

The Red Jacket

I love the color red, I love read shoes, my hair is red, but for some reason when I wear red I feel like it's screaming, "LOOK AT MEEEE!!!". Well, I've got to get over this as my faithful black jacket (exactly the same as the style above) is getting retired. I bought the black Tripp NYC moto jacket about seven years ago and even though it's still in good shape, I'm not a size small jacket. I have never been a size small jacket in my adult life (wide shoulders), but it fit better back then and now it's just too tight. We had our fun together, now it's time to except I'm losing a wardrobe staple and to move onto wearing jackets that I do have and that do fit comfortably. I am one of those people who wear their favorite things until they are almost to pieces, I try to mend the item or re-purpose it into something, but I will also admit defeat. 

I also lost a favorite button-up "Robert Smith" over-sized shirt in the great spring closet clean out. Sigh. 

But obviously I'm not that broken up about it. Haha! I've just more shocked that the jacket hoarder needs to buy a new black jacket. Let the hunt begin!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

I Dream of Shoes : YRU Black Lavish Flats

It's the first day of Spring and I'm celebrating by looking at flats and sandals. I am loving the YRU Black Lavish Flats, I think it's pretty obviously why. (Pssssst bones! ) *Wink*

Happy Vernal Equinox!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Black Netted Skirt

I'm pretty lucky that I have awesome friends who not only love clothes, but love to give me their clothing. (Thanks Julie Ann!) This especially makes me happy since I'm having a no buy clothing/shoes March, so I did some shopping in my closet. I decided to do some wardrobe brainstorming during a snowstorm...heyyyy, it's March and it was just 45 degrees on Tuesday. Ugh.

Yeah, I'm complaining about the weather again. I'm over it, I put up the white flag. Meh's all around.

I wanted to dress down this long black netted skirt (from Julie Ann) by Free People, so I paired it with my new Christian Death t-shirt (made by my friend Jason) and I added a stretch belt to cover the drawstring on the skirt. I think it works and I like the silhouette, but the belt kept sliding around which got to be quite annoying.

lip color : Celebrate by NYX Cosmetics

Do you ever have closet brainstorming sessions?

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Hard to See Purple Velvet Dress

After reviewing the photos, I realized that you can't tell that this dress is dark purple, haha! It makes sense as Derek didn't realize it was purple until he saw the dress in direct light and exclaimed, "Wow, it's purple!". It's a sleeveless stretch velvet dress that I picked up at a thrift store for a few bucks. You know, the ones I used to wear in the 90s that's (now) considered retro. So weird!

Pretty simple outfit for a warm day, which made me happy that I didn't have to sport five layers of clothing. The Spring Equinox is eight days away and I'm looking forward to packing away all the heavy sweaters and pulling out my cotton dresses and wearing my vests. Positive warm thoughts!

Shoe cam!

In other randomness, I've had "Barbarism Begins At Home" stuck in my head ever since last Friday's The Cure vs. The Smiths dance party. It's one of my favorite Smiths songs played at one of my favorite dance nights of the year.....but you know I love The Cure more. 

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Death in June Tee

I'm pretty excited about my new Death in June t-shirt that our friend Jason made for me, I love the silver ink!

Awesome cotton skater skirt from H&M $12.95

I'm finally starting to feel more human after last week's sinusitis, so a cute outfit was a refreshing change from wearing my bum-around-because-I-don't-care clothing. 

shoe cam!

I hope everyone is having a great week! Thank you for reading!

PS-Check out the new CVLT Nation Deathrock Mixtape 2014, there is an interesting cover of Death in June's "Heaven Street" by the band Peg Leg Love amongst other awesome music. 

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : ASOS Skater Dress in Bird Print

The animal craze is all over the place and this dress caught my eye, because one of my best friends loves owls! The ASOS Skater Dress in Bird Print is a super cute dress for under $50, bonus!!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Inspired by Robert Smith

When I spotted this floral top while thrift shopping, I instantly thought "Robert Smith!". I snapped up the shirt for $3 and knew I could make it work in my wardrobe. When I choose to wear loud prints, I often will tone down the other elements of the outfit in order to draw the focus to the print. In this case, I paired the top with some high-waisted black skinny pants and an oversized black sweater. A long strain of beads, 80s style half hoop earrings and my spiked creepers completed the look 'a la inspired by Robert Smith.

                                                                    Shoe cam!

I have a big red smile (Black Cherry by NYX) due to getting a wonderful hair cut by my friend Lauren. Though it's not a huge difference in style, she took a huge bulk out of my over-grown sections, gave me a cute little side bang and she gave my grown out side some TLC. Yay! When my hair is happy, I am happy.....

....so happy that I'm falling over in mid-photo. Yep, I was dancing and then the timer went off. Haha!!!

Do you find fashion inspiration from your favorite musicians?

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Lizzie Dress by Sourpuss Clothing

I am over the moon for the Lizzie Dress by Sourpuss Clothing. I had been searching for my perfect peter pan collar dress, so when Sourpuss previewed the Lizzie Dress on Facebook and Instagram, my heart skipped a beat!

When the package arrived at my doorstep, I ripped it open to immediately try on the dress. Well, my dress prayers have been answered! The dress fits like a dream (size small) and is extremely comfortable. I am impressed with the material, the fact that the dress is lined and it's not uber short on me. L-O-V-E!

PS-Derek and I found some awesome vintage sofa's (pictured-green) for the Tiki room. I'm so excited!

In my hair: Va Va Verterbre hair bow by Kustom Voodoo

Happy! Happy! Happy!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Ready For Spring

(click on bold text to link to products)

+Good Mourning Dress +Midnight Doll Dress

+See Through Me Dress +Release the Bats Sweetheart Dress

The title says it all...I'm ready for Spring. Please give me all the dresses!

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

My Style Essentials

I've been using Pinterest a lot and I've discovered that not only do I love to use it for internet window shopping, but it's given me a really objective look at my tastes and style in fashion. Though I'm not oblivious to what's in my closet, it's nice to hone in on what's the pulse of wardrobe and what makes me happy. From time-to-time I think to myself, "Am I being so predictable?", but then I get real with myself and realize that I'm drawn to certain cuts/patterns/material/etc.because, it's taken a lot of trial and error to get to where I am today.

So here's my personal style essentials broken down, because I find being analytical about fashion is just as fun as wearing something because it's aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

1) Dresses. I love them, can't get enough of them and my favorite style is the A-line aka skater dress. I love to layer them with cardigans and patterned leggings/tights with boots. If I could I would have a black lace dress for every day of the week!

2) A-line Skirts. I like a high waisted, A-line skirt as it's figure flattering, comfortable and versatile way to wear everything from my t-shirts to my sweaters. 

3)Jackets. Well, blazers and moto styles to be specific, are plentiful in my closet. I like the structure of a blazer, it nips in and defines my waist line and I can wear them with t-shirts to bow-front blouses. I feel confident and tidy even when I wear a jacket with patches and artwork all over it.

4)Patterned Leggings. I often like to add patterns to my (mostly black) outfits and adding patterned leggings is an easy and effective way to do so. It's usually an inexpensive way to indulge in something new to spruce up an old ensemble.

5)Collared Shirts. I am obsessed with collars whether it's on a dress, sleeveless blouse or on a jacket, I like the structured look which I attribute to my love of menswear and infusing it into my style.

6)Leopard Print. It's the one pattern that has followed me since high school. My love affair with leopard started with a vintage faux fur that I got for $20 at the Clarence Flea Market. I wore it until the sleeves fell of.....multiple times.

7)Cardigans. I live where it can be four seasons in one day, so layering is essential and a cardigan is one piece that gets used year round. I have cardigans in every style from cropped to long to over-sized, I always want more!

8)Ankle boots. I wear them with leggings, jeans, skirts, dresses, etc. I've worn "fashion boots" (as I called them in the 80s) since I can remember. They are versatile and they fit into most of my style combinations effortlessly.

Other style elements include:

-a plethora of accessories

-black and white

-Peter Pan collars (I'm always on the hunt!)

-vintage touches influenced from the Victorian Era, 50s, 60s and 80s

What are your style essentials? I'd love to see yours!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Outfit of the Day : Slouch Socks, Chococat's and Cowboy Boots

The Chococat bow blouse was another piece I picked up at the clothing swap from a few months ago and though it's not a normal color I would be attracted to, I thought, "It's cute, why not!"

I tried on several shoe combos and nothing really excited me until I threw on some slouchy socks and my cowboy boots. One of the reasons why I pair slouch socks with shoes like my cowboy boots is because I have thin ankles and I like to "beef" them up to make wearing wide ankle style boot's more comfortable. Oh, and I love slouch socks. *Wink*

Overall I was very pleased with my outfit that I threw together and I was very comfortable for work. I don't think I would ever wear a blush-ish color (of the blouse) on it's own, but with the black bow framing my face and adding the black blazer made the color of the blouse 'pop' without being to overwhelming. Those little Chococat's just make me smile!

Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla