Kitsch Picks : Beetlejuice Patch by Kreepshow Kouture

Awesome Beetlejuice back patch by Kreepshow Kouture! 

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Last Beat of My Beat : Wire

So good.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

The Last Beat of My Heart : UK 82

Cute punk kitty is cute!

I listen to a lot of UK 82 punk which is also known as; second wave punk, No Future punk and UK Hardcore. I love the 80s, so I don't think it would shock too many people that the punk I like is from my precious era. Here are a few bands I've been listening too this week:

Charged GBH


Vice Squad


Blitz

I have a tendency to enjoy bands that lean more towards (what people would consider) Oi! and anarcho- punk, but it's all punk to me. *Wink*

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

I Dream of Shoes : Studded Red Tartan Creepers by TUK Shoes

I think Tartan is pretty rad on others and I love creepers, so the Studded Tartan Red Plaid Tartan Low Sole Creepers get my vote for this shoe Thursday.

I think I've been listening to too much of The Exploited. Hahaha! *Wink*

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

I Dream of Shoes : I Like the Katherine Engineer Boots

I had featured the Katherine Engineer boots a while ago on Shoe Thursday and these boots have been on my mind ever since. I ordered the boots in a size 7.5 and they are a perfect fit, no pinching or rubbing and are comfortable even before insoles-I always put insoles in my shoes. I wasn't expecting much at the $69.99 price tag, but I was willing to take the risk on these leather boots. Not only are they exactly what I wanted to add to my shoe wardrobe, but I'm impressed with the quality and how easy they are to wear. I'm happy with my purchase, very happy. *Big smiles*

**Leggings are by Lip Service

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Katherine Engineer Boots

Oh, sorry I'm a day late for Shoes! OMG!, but I have a good excuse seeing as I was showing out-of-town friends around Buffalo. We had a great time and it made me realize (once again) that Buffalo is pretty rad. Anywho...

The Katherine Engineer Boots caught my eye as I've been looking for a pair of engineer boots and these are leather! The price is right and I like that there are no extra bells and whistles on the boots, perfection!

Thank you for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : Misfits Heels

The Misfits Heels by Iron Fist were pointed out to me by one of best friend's John (Hi John!), who is not only awesome, but reads my blog and loves Shoes! OMG!. I know if John still wore heels, he'd totally rock these with a latex mini skirt. No, he's not a cross dresser, just really enthusiastic.

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 Is BUSY!

My etsy shop has been rockin' (I don't want to jinx it!) as I have been busy in the Coffin Kitsch sweat shop a.k.a my hot apartment, sewing up a storm! I also had my first attempt at hand dying denim (black!) with much success, yet I learned it's messy and I am going to improve my technique. I try to work smart not hard!

Distressed and Dyed Vest

This one sold in less than 24 hours!

Collection of instagram photos of my vest creations.

I really enjoy upcycling items and making them into something fresh and new! As I was sewing yesterday I thought, "Wow, I'm really doing what I love to do", the 16 year old girl who dreamed of being a fashion designer would have been proud. I'm feeling pretty accomplished lately and though I'm not doing anything ground-breaking, I like to make things for people who enjoy something different than the norm. DIY FTW!!!!!

Visit my etsy shop www.coffinkitsch.etsy.com

Vist my Facebook page www.facebook.com/CoffinKitsch

Oh! a photo of me popped up on Deathrock Fashions's tumblr and Facebook page! Pretty crazy and very flattering, it's just nerdy ole' me! *Wink*

Thanks for reading!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoe! OMG! : Copper Flock Leopard Boots

I am a huge fan of T.U.K shoes and boots. Not only have a owned several pairs of T.U.K's over the years, I have also had the pleasure of working with them as a stylist and writer. This week's pick are the Copper Flock Leopard Boots, which I would LOVE to have for my own collection! "But, Meagan it's too warm over here on the East Coast for boots". Pfffffffft, you're talking to a girl who's summer footwear includes a pair of cowboy boots, no fashion rules over here!!!!

Thanks for reading!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Shoes! OMG! : New Rider Platform Bootie

I must admit I am a sucker for red shoes, even though I only own one pair (D'oh!). The New Rider Platform Bootie by Iron Fist caught my attention as I love booties, buckles and red with black. I have to admit I'm not too crazy about the skull print, yet I think it works with the design of this particular bootie, as the black buckles and folded ankle details take center stage. I would pair these with some black skinny jeans or leggings and a moto style jacket to put emphasis on the booties while pairing together an outfit.

                                       French Terry Moto Jacket from Forever 21-$19.50

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

What's Up With the Name Coffin Kitsch?

Logo by (c) Melanie Beitel 

So, what is up with the name Coffin Kitsch? Well, when I started making pillbox hats, fascinators, hair bows, etc. I was having a hard time thinking of a name to call my humble little creations. I wanted something that played into the two sides of my personality and style, so I put 'coffin' for my love of the spooky ooky and creepy along with 'kitsch' as I am a cheese ball who adores tacky things of the past and present eras, thus Coffin Kitsch was born. I like infusing vintage styling with a dark twist, adding bats to fascinators, attaching spiders to little hair clips, and using skeleton hands as accents. My designs aren't cutting edge, but I like to put my own spin on hair accessories and I even make everything from scratch! All my pillbox hat frames and fascinators are made from sturdy millinery buckram from my own patterns, then covered with fabrics and then added details. It's a lot of work, but when I feel inspired and it comes out just right, it's all worth it! I love seeing gals wearing Coffin Kitsch designs!

Model: Vanity Kills
Photography : Zach Rose
Hat : Coffin Kitsch

I've been D.I.Y-ing a lot of my own clothing as of late, which is something I used to do in the past, but I'm feeling inspired to sorta 'upcycle' my own closet. I have been finding that I am wearing a lot more of my old clothing because I have sewed on a patch or revamped the style, my pocket book has been very happy. *Wink* I've also been more seriously thrifting and picking up some nice jackets and started offering my hand crafted D.I.Y patches in my etsy shop. You know, it keeps me busy and off the streets.

The patches aren't perfect, but that is sort of the point, I wanted them to look D.I.Y and have a hand made look to them. Well, they are literally hand made with the help of my machine and my crafting fingers. The jackets are laundered before hand, so it gives me a nice crisp palette to work with, nothing like a fresh, clean, and naked jacket! Check out my etsy page www.coffinkitsch.etsy.com.

My own vest I often wear to the club. I love all the pockets, no need to carry a purse!

Thanks for reading a little about some insight into me and some of my passions.

XOXO-Meagan Kyla