We Didn't Buy Anything...

...on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. As I have mentioned previously, Derek and I have a savings goal, so we've been ignoring all the emails about sales, coupons, etc. What we did not ignore is the sales at our local flea market.

Derek and I went out on Sunday and we did really good. I picked up a 1950s dark wood tall boy dresser and matching vanity with mirror and stool for $100. I love when a vendor takes your offer and even helps carry it out to your vehicle! I shop flea markets, thrift shops, estate and yard sales to furnish our place, because not only are we getting unique pieces, it saves us A LOT of money. We also love a good treasure hunt!

The vintage Halloween noise markers were both bought for a song and we even got 20% off! Score! Vintage Halloween items are always priced so high, so we often just stare at the vendor cases who have large collections for sale and we just cry Robert Smith tears. I spotted these two beauties and was told that the witch was broken, but we didn't care since they will most likely be put into a shadow box to be hung on the wall.

We also visited the record man and I got a Danse Society record for $1 and a Nash the Slash record for $5.50. Yesss! The record man even played some Spencer Davis Group for us while we shopped around, which made us very happy. It was funny when he got a few comments, "So you're listening to Mod music now". Hahaha! Sorry record man, we're not trying to mess up your garage rock Mojo. *Wink*



Check out Vix's awesome dining room make over for under 10 pounds. She's a vintage/upcyling/repurposing queen!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

This Week's Vintage Finds

Derek and I work weekends, so Sunday's are usually reserved for antique malls, thrift store shopping and estate and/or yard sales. This past Sunday was one of my favorite days of the summer months, garage sale day at the Clarence Flea Market. Yay! The first Sunday of every month equals treasure hunting and getting a good deal makes me a happy gal. We spent $15 and came home with a vintage muumuu, Tiki mug and a set of wooden mid-century wall sconces. 

Tuesday was filled with taking Derek to the dentist and me wandering around the Orchard Park Antique Mall. I am a little bummed about the trip as the antique mall moved locations and is now much smaller and not filled with as many wonderful treasures that the former location possessed. I did manage to spot a sterling silver Tiki necklace and awesomely 80s earrings for a total of $8. Derek's eye's lit up when he saw the necklace, but I don't know if I want to share. *Wink*

I'm pretty happy about this rad necklace! 

I'm doing some massive Spring...errr, Summer cleaning, so out with the old and in with the.....old! Hehe!

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

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

Dressing For Wacky Weather

It was 65 degrees on Sunday, 65 degrees in JANUARY. Totally and utterly nuts for Buffalo, even with the past two years winters being incredibly mild.

I'm wearing shorts, no winter jacket, no boots, I'm wearing shorts! Grant it, I am layering the shorts with leggings, but I think you get the point. I was given the Broad Minded Clothing shorts from my friend (and boss) Julie Ann and they are pretty darn cute and comfy. You can purchase them here.

I'm not usually one for tucking my tops in, but I was feeling playful, and I was digging the sailor-ish vibe going on pairing the shorts with a long sleeve striped top. My shoes weren't the most chic choice, but since we were going to some antique shops, I wanted to be comfortable. Yes, comfort sometimes out weighs fashion when I want to enjoy myself. *Wink* 

Monday was another day off for Derek, since he's back to his old schedule (Sunday and Monday off, woo!) we try and do fun activities and get out of the house. Unlike Sunday, it was much colder and I needed to layer. 

I went nuts with patterns and I like the way it turned out! I purchased this skirt dress from Target and wore it for Christmas Eve dinner, once again I got it at a super price. I had admired the dress in-store when it was full price, but held off because the white sorta scared me away. I tried it on when the dress went on sale and I knew it had to be added to the closet. It's so easy to wear, to layer, and I really like the geometric patterns.  Could 2013 be the year of the patterns? Eh, who knows.

The dress came with a fabric belt made of the same pattern, but I put on a skinny black belt with a silver buckle to break up the dress. I do enjoy a good belted in waist! 

Derek and I went to the Buffalo Museum of Science to check out the Egyptian Mummies and all the other exhibits, it was a ton of fun! Here is my silly video of me 'broadcasting the weather'. Hahaha! Oh boy.

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Grey Seems To Be The Theme! : Weekend Looks

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! We're having an unseasonably warm weekend in Buffalo (today it got up to 60 degrees!) and pretty much all the snow has melted. I worked at Cats Like Us Friday and today, and snapped some mirror shots of what I wore. As you can see I dyed the sides of my hair black, I'm letting the shaved parts grow in a little as my head was too cold. None more black!

In the top two pictures I'm wearing an awesome grey Kirna Zabete dress from Target, so cute and comfortable, and I got it on clearance for $17.48. I was worried about guessing which size to order, but I lucked out by choosing the size 6 and it fits just right. I love that I can layer it over a long sleeve shirt and leggings, plus I love the zipper front detail.

The bottom two outfit photos is a combination of a black dress, cardigan, leggings and cropped leopard vest. I have a tendency to neglect my vests in the winter, but I realized.... I shouldn't! Haha! I'm also wearing a pair of shoes that I rarely ever wear, though they are comfortable.

These grey studded flats are by Blowfish and even though I really like them, they don't pair well with a lot of my outfits. I don't if it's because they are pointy, the color, or the fact them are flat mary janes, but they tend to just look awkward. I'm glad I got to wear them on this Spring-like day and get them out of my closet.

Do you have shoes that you like, but just seem ackward with your wardrobe?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Outfit Of The Day : Leopard Hi-Low Dress

Derek said to me on Friday, "I would like to go to the mall", well I almost fainted as Derek never suggests going to the mall! He wanted to go to The Art of Shaving store to check out their products as they specialize in....well, shaving. It's an incredibly neat store and I think it's important for men to take care of their skin and have choices in terms of skin care and shaving aids. 

I decided to wear my new leopard hi-low dress from Forever 21, it seems like leopard has become a theme for the new year! I purchased this dress right before Christmas and am incredibly happy with the fit, I wish they made the dress in plain black as I love the sleeve length! I added the black stretch belt to give my waist more definition, then layered with black leggings and wore my Docs to stomp through the snow.

Weeeee!!!!

The trip to the mall was fruitful as I *finally* got a new battery for my coffin watch which was a gift from my friend Bryan. The coffin open's to revel the watch face in which a little spider is the seconds hand, too cute! I cherish this gift and I'm glad it's back to working condition so it can help me stay on time.

It was nice to get out with Derek (even if it was the mall) as we've both been busy with work and recovering from the holidays. Did I mention I now work part time at Cats Like Us? Pretty cool huh?!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Bowtie Wedge

I just figured out that the modern term for these style of shoe is called a flatform!? I learn something new all the time! Any who, the Bowtie Wedges by Restricted caught my eye this week. I'm a sucker for anything with a little platform and something out-of-the-norm, add a bow and I'm a fan. These little shoes would look so cute paired with just about anything, I could see a gal who likes Lolita styles pairing these with a cute dress.

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Coffin Kitsch Being Festive, Well Trying

I worked a holiday party on Saturday and was asked to dress "festive", I panicked a little because there is a serious lack of red and green, or even blue in my wardrobe. So, I wore the only red top I own and layered it under my new skater style (why do they call it that!?), lace back cardigan and tied it all together with black and white striped knee socks and Rosie head scarf. Can't forget my snowflake pin, which I believe is in the festive holiday spirit for sure! I put on some rhinestone earrings, for extra sparkle!

The dress, oh the dress! I was searching fruitlessly for a black skater style dress (AKA a gathered waist a-line skirt dress) and Google helped me location this dress via their shopping tool. I ordered the skater dress from Deb Shops online, which I have to admit I can't remember the last time I shopped at Deb or had even been in one of their stores, so I was a little surprised they had an online store! The dress was on sale-$14.75-but it was sleeveless and I wanted sleeves, but I said "screw it" in my head and went for it. I'm glad I did other than the fact I stupidly ordered a large thinking I'd give myself some extra room because they are junior's sizes and you-never-know, Holy roomy boob room Batman! I was wrong! The dress was HUGE on top, but I like the fit in the waist which allows for me to layer comfortably, so I took in the bust area on my sewing machine. Easy fix, I'm happy and now I finally have a dress that I can wear with just about everything. Phew! I have been victorious and under my budget!!!!

How do you dress when asked to be "festive"?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Being Practical Is Hard

With all the cyber sales, it's making my head spin as I love a good bargain....but it's only a good bargain when it's something that's on my mental checklist. For instance Solestruck is having a crazy sale, 50% their  sale items and I restrained myself so passionately to NOT buy shoes that I'm not going to wear on a regular basis. Like these Spiked Lita's which are only $64.97, my size is sold out now. Phew!

Grant it, my red Fakery Campbells are extremely uncomfortable, but I don't NEED another pair of shoes I'm only going to wear once or twice a month. Being practical is really hard when shiny spiked things are involved. I keep telling myself that my lifestyle has changed and I'm not the clubbing maven I once was (no more goth club in Buffalo) and I need practical, yet fun, footwear. 

Now, these types of shoes are on my mental checklist.  A colored creeper to add a 'pop' of color as I wear creepers for casual everyday, when going to shows, or paired with pencil skirts and dresses. I would like a pair of black lace-up wedge booties that I can wear with skinny jeans, dresses, etc. I want wedge booties to fill my need for something with a 'heel' to pair with my skinny jeans and a blouse for feeling a little dressy for the holidays.

Sigh. Being practical and using self retraint. Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.

On the up side I'm defining my wardrobe and identifying its weaknesses, so I'm not having any melt downs while getting dressed. I think (as a goth) I'm always making a statement, so I just want to get the most out of my wardrobe as I can.

Do you have self restraint while shopping?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Black Friday?! Blech!

Black Friday stay away from me!

I hope all of my United States readers enjoyed Thanksgiving in which ever way they celebrated (or didn't). As someone who worked retail for years, I detest Black Friday with all my little black heart. I think it's ridiculous to kick off the holiday season with greed and malice, I want to kick the person who started this phenomena a kick in the pants. On the flip side-I do understand people's want and need to shop within their budgets (heck my blog is all about this), but when retailers fuel the insanity and then people eat it up, I find it upsetting.

So, I suggest thinking about shopping small! Here are some of my favorite stores that you may find some fun gifts on a budget:

Plasticland: www.shopplasticland.com

Gorey Details www.goreydetails.net

Sweetheart Sinner Creations www.sweetheartsinner.etsy.com

Se7en Deadly www.se7enDeadly.etsy.com

Madame Talbot www.VictorianLowbrow.etsy.com

Sourpuss Clothing www.sourpussclothing.com

Angry, Young and Poor www.angryyoungandpoor.com

Other ideas are to watch out for sales, coupons, etc. by signing up for the stores/designers newsletters/mailing lists or 'like' their Facebook pages so you can jump on the savings. 

In my opinion the most important thing is the thought and effort behind a gift, so think about making something for those special loved ones in your life. My most precious items were made by my husband and friends from their owns hands and it shows me how much they love me. :)

Go forth and enjoy the holiday season!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Frankenstein Heels

Ohhhh! I was searching for TUK creepers and stumbled upon these Frankenstein Monster Heels by TUK for $25! The lovely lace pattern combined with the mary jane heel style and the Frankenstein bow detail made me a tad bit giddy. I love being a girl. *wink*

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Outfit Of The Day : Bones And Stripes

The weather was so wonderful on Tuesday that I had to make myself look nice for no reason at all, perhaps I just want to bask in what's left of this lovely Buffalo autumn before the cold hand of winter is upon us.

I took my camera and tripod outside, to take advantage of the weather and our lovely courtyard. I always feel a little weird snapping photos of myself when others could be looking, "I have a blog, I'm not that vain!"-or so I want to proclaim. Hahaha!

You will see I paired the XRay Doll Parts Dress very differently then in my Creepy Cocktail Blog. I'm wearing the dress over a short sleeve collared shirt, a little button front sweater, and leggings with slouch socks and little buckle boots (which I got for $11 on Target's website some months back). My striped Rosie Scarf is my newest addition to my hair scarf and Dungaree Dolly collections. I feel so comfy!

Thanks for reading! 

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Sanrio Sweaters

+Badtz-Maru Comic Strip Sweater +Houndstooth Hello Kitty Cardigan

+Chococat Dropped Shoulder Cardigan +Two-Tone Badtz-Maru Sweater

Sanrio has made it's way to Forever 21's website and I love the Badtz-Maru items! I've had a love affair with Badtz-Maru way before Ice Bat, just don't tell Ice Bat!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Makeup Purchases : E.L.F Cosmetics

I had done a silly make up review of my last E.L.F cosmetics order back in an April blog, so I thought I would share some items I reordered and a few thoughts on newest additions.

I'm not going to lie and say I really know what I'm talking about when it comes to makeup, I have acquired quite the collection over these past few years, yet I'm a creature of simple habits. I like a value for my money and I also like to splurge from time-to-time, so I'm not totally cheap *wink*. I became smitten with E.L.F cosmetics simply on a whim at Target one day, I'm glad I tried their products and my wallet is happy too!

Reordered:
Mineral Foundation SPF 15 in Porcelain-Great value at $5, the container is small and can make a mess, but the color is dead on for my hard to match 'death warmed over' complexion. I have dry skin and when this mineral foundation is used over a primer it's quite nice. Not recommended for someone who wants full coverage.

Makeup Lock & Seal-$3 I damp my brush with the lock & seal and use it with my gel liner for my eye brows. I've also used it with my bolder eye shadows looks which have helped my makeup stay put even after hours of sweating on the dance floor. This product is not a miracle worker, but it's a nice sealer for the money.

New purchases:
Studio Lip Balm SPF 15 in Plum-$3 I was on the fence about this product as I'm picky about anything involving color on my lips. As much as I'm addicted to chapstick (I know, it's terrible), I am not a fan of the feel of lipsticks, lip stains, etc., but I love the way it looks. I was pleasantly surprised with the Studio Lip Balm, feels nice with sort of a minty tingle, moisturizing and the color is lovely! Nice for a simple day or evening look.

Studio Stipple Brush-$3 I didn't expect much from a $3 brush and well, it's nothing to write home about. It's my first stipple brush, so it could be that I just haven't gotten the hang of it, I'll chalk it up to an inexpensive practice brush.

Have you ever tried E.L.F cosmetics?

Thanks for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : TangoJane Pumps

Me-OW! Check out the TangoJane Mary Jane Pumps by Isabel Toledo for Payless Shoes. Though there is limited sizes available online, I love the $39.99 price tag and that it's part of their BOGO sale! With the holidays coming up these would be a perfect shoes paired with your party dress.

Happy Shoes! OMG! Thursday!

Thanks for reading,

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Outfit Of The Day : Sweater Dress

The weather went from last week being almost in the 70's (F) down to the 30's this week! Crazy weather Autumn weather, oh boy. It was a great time to wear my new black sweater dress I picked up from H&M for $25. I paired the dress with this zip-up sweater with Juliet style sleeves found at the thrift store for $2.50. I know I may be layering too much knitwear together, but who cares, I'm cold! 

I think I will be living in this dress all winter long as I wanted a long sleeve dress for warmth, and a style like this for comfortable and versatility. I've been  updating some basics in my closet as I just want something effortless that I can pair with my ever growing legging collection. I also like that the dress is longer in the back to cover up my caboose.

This is what I *really* look like in person

"Heyyyyyyy!"

Thanks for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Kitsch Picks : Crosses, Crosses, Everywhere!

+Linen-Blend Cross Print Tee +Cross Pattern Cardigan

+Garia Gothic Cross Dress +A-Cross the Universe Dress

I can't help but be smitten with all the lovely crosses!

Thanks for reading!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Evolution Dress Boot

I was drawn to the Evolution Dress Boot by Journeys as I like the graphic design and geometric shapes on the boot. I could picture a lady wearing these with a sleek modern look through to an 80s goth inspired outfit. Versatile and chic and the price is right at $59.99!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

An Old Goth In A Nu-Goth Sweater

I posed this question to my Facebook friends, "If you're an old goth who wears a nu-goth top, does that make you a born again goth?" Of course I say these things in jest as I have a really good sense of humor about my tastes, lifestyle and fashion. I don't normally like to feed into the 'what is this and what is that' monster machine, but I since my most recent purchase made me giggle about the nu-goth trend and how upset people get over it.

Cross Sweater, Forever 21. I love the inside details

The question is, how could I not love this sweater, it's covered in crosses! My little gothy heart went a flutter when I saw this on Forever 21's web site and the price was right at $25. I'm impressed with the quality!

Now my opinion on the nu-goth trend is this, if I can walk into a store or shop online to find things that are my taste and style, how could I not enjoy it? Though this trend is based on just fashion and not focused on the other aspects of goth including the music and culture, that would have to be another discussion for a different blog (there are plenty of people bitching all over the internet). -Shrugs- I bought this sweater because it has giant crosses all over it, which is in my tastes and I like black and white. I also really love crosses, a lot. Hehe!

Thanks for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla