Happy Autumnal Equinox!

Happy Autumnal Equinox my dear friends! Or to my friends in the Southern Hemisphere, Happy Vernal Equinox! For those that celebrate Mabon, I wish you glad tidings, reflection and wonderful feasting! 

With the temperature reaching 84 degrees, it wasn't exactly Autumn weather, yet I reached in the closet and pulled out an old work horse. This eShakti dress was one of the best purchases I've made and its made its appearance many times on the blog. (Latest appearance here.) Such a versatile piece that fits me perfectly! I love you black dresses....sigh.

I threw on a Sourpuss Clothing scarf that was from last year's Halloween offerings. I love the vintage Halloween cat print, but the yellowish cream colored background didn't thrill me, yet I decided to take a chance and add it into the accessory mix. It works well with a all black outfit and Derek even complimented me on the way the scarf looked in my hair. *Shrugs* I've been taking alot "risks". LOL!

And of course, I can't forget to talk about my jack-o-lantern brooch by Summer Blue Jewelry., the main inspiration and focus of today's outfit.  I don't see this brooch in her shop (I bought it last year), but her shop is chalked full of amazing Halloween goodies. It has been really hard to self control at this time of the year. So. Very. Hard. 

Anywho, thank you for reading and I hope you are well and happy.

We'll Miss You

Thank you for the awesome photo Jen!

A few friend's surprised Melanie with a party to wish her well with her new job and move to New Jersey. It's bittersweet for Melanie as she really didn't want to have to move, yet it's a great opportunity for her. My friend that I have know for 17 years, we've been through a lot together and may not always see eye-to-eye, yet always have a lot of love for each other. I will miss her, yet I'm looking forward to some Skye antics that will hopefully not make her so homesick.

We had the party at Victory Studios, where our friend Luke has his photography studio. Luke and his wife Erin put together the surprise and they did a great job on a last minute shindig. Luke thoughyfully set up a photo booth and snapped some photos for Melanie to have, unfortunately a few a of the friend's had to leave before the photos happened. 

There was this amazing throne prop that I had to take a photo sitting on it. I felt like a queen! 

I wore a basic knit dress that has made it's first appearance on this blog and has become a wardrobe staple. I was basically running from work to the party, so I picked something that would be truly comfortable all day and it was a great choice!

Wearing; dress (eShakti), necklace (made by Derek), polka dot scarf and dangle coffin earrings (Sourpuss Clothing), beaded bracelets (thrifted), studded creepers (TUK).

I tend to forget to include my handbags in my outfit posts as I am a 'one bag' sorta gal. I just switched out my crossbody bag and am using a fun Halloween print bag that is made by Dungaree Dolly. I love the green!!!

Melanie, you will be missed, but I'm happy for you to start this new chapter in your life. 

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Hair Blog: Bandana's and Scarves

A few weeks ago Julie Ann and I hosted a in-store event at my work, Cats Like Us, all about bandana's and scarves. We get asked to do a lot of in-store demonstration's on how to tie a bandana and tie a giant 'Hello Kitty' tie bow using a scarf, etc. We decided to have the event and also have it filmed so we can share with all our customers and I'm now sharing it with all of you! Fun fact: Many, many years ago I shaved off all my hair and while it was growing out I wore a bandana in my hair everyday for a year. 

My new growth is out of control, so while I wait to get my roots bleached and toned, a hair scarf with a faux beehive is what I have been rockin'. It's been so humid as well that I just want my mullet off my neck. Now employing 8 million bobby pins! Hahaha!!

Wearing; dress (eShakti), scarf, bangles and bamboo earrings (Cats Like Us), shoes (H&M, elastic added by me)

Full outfit wasn't very interesting yesterday, but I like my surroundings. Yeah, there is a weird white hole in the wall, we need to patch it...including the other little projects that I moan about and then just ignore it instead. It will all get down some time! 

Happy Friday everyone! 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

Some Weekly Work Outfits

Hello friends! Just some outfits I've worn to work this week. Trying to dress for weather that has been Spring-like, but still has a chilly breeze that has been chilling me to the bone!

I purchased the handmade felt Star Trek Next Generation Combadge pin from a local artisan Lumpy Buttons. Check out her etsy shop here. The pin reminds me of watching the show with my Father, so it makes me smile. (Psssst-I love Jean-Luc Picard and The Borg)

Wearing; sweater and lace t-shirt (H&M), red atomic space skirt (Steady Clothing), lace tights (Leg Avenue), comfy Mary Janes (T.J. Maxx) combadge (Lumpy Buttons)

Yeah, I wear a lot of black and white. I've gotten over it. I like what I like and I won't be stopping any time soon. Hahaha!!!

I finally got a chance to incorporate this layered chain necklace into an outfit. I purchased the necklace from Romwe.com several months ago. I usually don't order from websites like Romwe, but I really wanted this sweatshirt and took the risk in ordering. I didn't have any issues, didn't take a long time to get to me, yet I don't think ordering from Asian fashion websites is for me.

Wearing; shirtdress (eShakti), vest with patches sewn on my me (Sourpuss Clothing), belt (thrift), necklace (Romwe.com), pewter bone hoop earrings (Martha Rotten), boots (Dr. Martens via ebay)

I also wanted to take a quick moment and say thank you for all your support, comments and conversations we have on this blog. I really don't feel very supported at times (though Derek is my rock!), especially with all that I have done on previous or on-going projects. Sorta been feeling a little defeated lately, so even though this is just a 'silly little blog', it is important to me and so are all of you. 

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Spider Webs and Stripey Socks

I had this weird aversion to wearing horizontal striped socks or tights for the longest time, I don't know why as I used to wear striped tights all the time! Well, it was time to take the stripe knee socks out for a ride and I'm lovin' it....especially with Mary Janes.

Wearing; spider web cardigan (old, Sourpuss Clothing), babydoll dress (eShakti), Sister of Mercy necklace (???, etsy), striped socks (Sock it to Me), Mary Janes (Dr. Martens, ebay).

I'll always be amazed at how simple accessories or details on a garment can really pull an outfit together, even one as simple as what I am wearing. It makes me very happy!

If you wear stripey knee socks, how do you like to wear them?

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Happy World Goth Day!

Happy World Goth Day! Though I've never celebrated the day per say, yet it's still nice that people are coming together throughout the world! Just don't hug the goths....unless they like it. Hehe!

My goth "coming of age story" is not really clear. I was in High School and was alternative, I started going to raves at 14 and was into going to local shows. The 90s were a weird time, but a time where none of my friend's defined themselves as 'this or that', we just all hung out together. One big motley crew!

I don't know if it was fate when I had a guy come up to be at a hardcore show (we later "dated", I was only 14 and nothing happened other than hanging out) and asked me "Do you like The Cure?". Which I said, yes. Turns out he was a HUGE crazy Cure fan and gifted me with all sorts of music. I remember the one time we were hanging out listening to music and he turned and looked at me and said, "You are like Charlotte Sometimes", I had no idea what he was talking about other than The Cure song. Later on, after really listening to the lyrics of "Charlotte Sometimes", I understood and it has became my favorite Cure song. It was as if a seed had been planted......

My journey into goth wasn't really an exciting one, just a series of discoveries into industrial music (techno music was the gateway drug), than goth, and then the black fashion followed. Music has always been the number one influence on me as well as spending hours watching music videos and reading magazines and books about our beloved subculture. 

So, Happy World Goth Day dear readers! Now let's all go dance to the record version of, "Bela Lugosi's Dead"...all 9 minutes and 30 seconds of it. Phew! 

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

A Red Neck, Sewer Problems and Sinuses

Weird title, I know, but this is everything that has been going on this week. To start I rubbed a sample of neck cream all over and now I have an irritated neck and chest area. The little voice of reason said, "Don't do it! Remember the chemical burn you got from the sample of Oxy Pads?!" I was a teenager then and thought my adult skin was tougher than that. Wrong. My neck/chest is fine enough, I'll just keep moisturizing it and I'll just ignore the little lines that are developing. 

These faux knee high stockings are so RAD!

We've also been dealing with major sewer issues. In short, our 'poop hole' as we've been affectionately calling the drain in the basement, likes to say "HELLO!" too much. I know, TMI, but this thing happens to houses and we're getting it taken care of, but it is still upsetting and annoying. Basically I just want to have a shower, do laundry and flush the toilet without it being a major event. 

This is my 'I'm over it' face.

And allergies. And sinuses. I have terrible sinus issues and it came on strong and fast on Tuesday. Luckily it's not terrible sinusitis, just mild. 

Flash!

+sweater: Jawbreaker Clothing +dress: eShakti +loafers: Y.R.U

+stockings: Be Wicked

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Little Pineapples

I didn't get a chance to wear this eShakti pineapple sleeveless shirt dress last season, so this was yesterday's work outfit. I paired the dress with a thrifted short sleeve cardigan, slim belt and vintage wooden earrings and bangles, along with my Y.R.U crossbone loafers. 

It felt really weird being so exposed! I did get cold during the middle of the day, but lucky we have a lot of clothes to choose from at work. Let's just say I added another black cardigan to the collection. Hehe! I did try to embrace the 60 degree weather, but a chill is still in the air and I'm still going to wear stockings and/or tights until it's unbearable. 

A sense a theme of eShakti shirt dresses for the week.....

.......but that's okay, because PINEAPPLES!

Have a great Friday everyone and thank you for the well wishes from my previous blog.  Luckily I don't stay bummed out too long. I'm back to my goofy self. *Wink Wink*

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Rough Week

I'm having a bit of a rough week already and it's only Wednesday. Just general melancholy over some minor health issues I've been having which lead to doctor's appointments. My energy level towards figuring out outfits and has been low to none, so I threw on this shirt dress from eShakti. My go-to for work=a shirt dress.

Time for work, but I need to still need to find a sweater.

Sisters of Mercy tile necklace from etsy (I forgot the seller)

I realized I forgot to put earrings on! Hahaha!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Merry Samhain and Happy Halloween!

Wishing you all merriment on one of my favorite days of the year! 

My day will be filled with finishing up our costumes, spending the day with Derek and going to a few parties. I'm going to try and behave and not eat too much candy! Hehe! 

Happy Halloween! XOXO-Meagan Kyla

A Peter Pan Collar and Bats....All Over!

I'm finally starting to feel human again....sorta. I was feeling pretty cute in this ensemble which was worn to work. Since the weather has drastically taken a turn (starting to feel like Autumn!), I was happy to wear the Sourpuss Clothing bat cardigan with the darling peter collar Abigail dress and crossbone YRU loafers that I got for a steal on eBay. I also couldn't resist wearing a pair of spider web tights, because..well why not?! Hehe!

I couldn't find the bat cardigan on Sourpuss' website. Booo, must

be sold out!

We always joke that there are two seasons in our house, Tiki and Halloween-even though we never stop having both on our mind- and we're excited to see all the Halloween goodies and treats that make our wallets cry candy corn tears. I am in need of some hand towels, so this is the time of the year that I stock up since I use Halloween-themed items all year round!

PS-Check out my work and their Halloween Boo-tique, so many awesome treats!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

A Day At Sonnenberg Gardens in eShakti

Derek and I took a day trip to Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, NY. The lavish 19th century estate has a mansion surrounded by lovely gardens and is one of my most favorite places in the Finger Lakes. I decided it was a perfect back drop to share with you my newest eShakti dress addition.

An eShakti media relations rep contacted me and asked if I'd like to pick out a dress to customize and share on the blog. I was thrilled as I've mentioned and have shared my eShakti purchases on Coffin Kitsch, so why the heck not! I decided upon the Banded Waist Cotton Knit Dress as I've been wanting a black day dress that I wear with just about anything. I find myself always hunting for the perfect 'little black dress' and since I never thought about customizing my perfect day dress, so this was a perfect opportunity! 

I decided to change the cap sleeve to a short sleeve, change the neckline to a sweetheart and shortened the length to be above the knee. I have to admit I was afraid that my 'frankensteined' dress was going to be ugly, hahaha! I was quite wrong and was so happy when I first slipped on my customized dress, I love the comfortable cotton knit fabric too!

Just a few photos in the Secret Garden at Sonnenberg Gardens

+dress c/o eShakti +loafers: YRU +necklace: gift from Derek

+cross fabric bow: DIY +sunglasses: AJ Morgan

I was so happy and comfortable to wear this beauty all day long while frolicking on the grounds. I recommend eShakti to find your perfect little black dress! In fact I'm waiting on another eShaki order (paid by me!) as we speak. I'm okay with drowning in dresses. Hehe!

What would be your perfect little black dress?

I will share more about our day at Sonnenberg Gardens tomorrow. Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla