Frivolous and Trendy?

Derek surprised me this 'So Goth I'm Dead' bag by Killstar Clothing months ago, because he knows my sense of humor. The bag was seen with an outfit in this blog post and I realized that I haven't included it on the blog nor chatted about it. 

A lot of Killstar fashions have shown up on Youtubers, bloggers and instagrammers and I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about this brand and/or brands like Killstar. These types of brands can be pricey and a lot of people are wearing the fashions, so is it frivolous to own trendy brands? Nahhhh, I say if you like something that could be considered trendy within a subculture and you really like it, buy it! Personally I wear whatever I like and I like a variety in my closet.....especially when it has kitsch value!

I believe the key to shopping the trends is to incorporate these "trendy" pieces into your own style, so being particular and educated when shopping (i.e-read reviews, use coupons, shop sales, etc.) can only benefit you. BUT-I always advise to not get too wrapped up in the 'must have it' mindset that trends can generate and only buy if it's something you really want, even if it seems frivolous. Gotta live a little from time to time! Hehe!

Wearing: white blouse (Bettie Page Clothing via clothing swap), cropped pants (thrift), concho belt (Target), bat flats (Iron Fist), hair scarf ($1 estate sale buy), coffin pin (gift from Derek), So Goth I'm Dead (Killstar, gift from Derek)

A little health update: After seeing one doctor and ruling out what I thought it was (pre-existing issue), I then had to wait to see a new doctor, and in the mean time I was suffering everyday. Yesterday I left work and  went to the emergency room for the health issues I've been experiencing since I just couldn't take the pain any more. (This was the outfit I wore to work, so at least I had a cute outfit for the hospital.) Happy to report that after blood work, testing and a cat scan, everything will resolve itself in time, which I am so relieved! I will still be seeing the doctor at the end of this month, to follow up and chat about some questions and other health concerns. 

It's been a crazy few months and I'm ready to have some boring down time! Hahaha!

Thank you for reading, until next time!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Things That Make Me Go Hrmmm : Adora BatBrat Video

                        

I was inspired to post this video by Adora BatBrat to prompt discussion of style.

Working in a retro boutique our style's mostly focus on 40s, 50s and 60s clothing, but I don't just lump everyone together into a 1950s look. Hell, I'm a goth and I love retro cuts and styling because it is classic in the sense of the way the clothing is designed!

The pin up and retro rockabilly look has become more popular with "former goths" and I don't agree with Adora just generalizing that we have "lost goths to this look". We have had many discussion's (at work) as to why a lot of people make a transition to a more retro style and I personally believe it makes sense. If you want to (or have to) wear more color, still want a dramatic look and wear clothing that still makes you feel unique, retro clothing styles make sense to me. But, no one said that you can't infuse multiple styles into your own personal style! Keyword : personal!

I do have to express that anyone is allowed to change and evolve their look/tastes/style/etc, but it disappoints me when people look their noses down at styles (*cough goth cough*) that they think are immature or childish. Your style is not a costume, it's an extension of you and how you like to express yourself.

In closing, I'm not condemning Adora BatBrat for her opinion, but I thank her for inspiring me to write this blog.

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

Adventures : Dead Can Dance In Philadelphia

photo I took after their performance, before their 3 encores.

Derek and I bought tickets to see Dead Can Dance in Philadelphia, PA rather than Toronto, ON (Canada- it's only 1 1/2 hours away from Buffalo vs. 6 hours to Philly), because my brother's wedding rehearsal was the same day as the Toronto, ON show and there was no way we were going to miss seeing DCD live. I'm a big fan of traveling to see shows and we have the luxury to do it every-so-often, so off to Philly on the Megabus we go! 

They performed at the Kimmel Center, it was amazing!

Never in my wildest dreams did I never think I'd get that choked up over seeing a band's performance, I was completely blown away. Lisa Gerrard's voice can only be described as magical and angelic, while Brendan Perry's voice is smooth and powerful, combined together gave me goosebumps. Hearing them on record is nothing compared to seeing them perform live with the many talented musicians accompanying them on stage. It was totally worth the ticket price, the trip, the effort, it was a magikal experience.

There set list for the Kimmel Center performance was posted here: click here for the DCD set list.

I was really blown away by "Cantara" live, one of my personal favorite songs to dance too, many memories of twirling on the dance floor at our defunct goth club.

Here is a photo that Derek snapped on the streets of Philly after the performance, at least second I had to control my dress from a giant gust of wind. I think some passers-by got a flash of my knickers, oops!

When I travel, I like to pack light, so dresses are usually my go-to look. This dress was a sale item at $15 at Marshall's (it's a designer discount store), I was drawn to the way it looked like two pieces with the crocheted overlay top. It looked a little too frumpy on me, so I wore an elastic belt (which is on the mannequin, yet covered by the overlay) to give me more of a waist. I'm a sucker for babydoll's and I have found my way back into loving them more and seeking them out while shopping.

Is there any clothing that is an essential for you when you travel? Are you a Dead Can Dance fan?

Thanks for reading!!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

One Look : Styled Two Different Ways

I have to admit I'm sorta cheap, not in the 'I stand on the corner' sorta way, but in the pocket book sort of way. I went through a chunk of my life living paycheck-to-paycheck, not knowing where my next meal or how to put gas in the car was going to come from. These hard times in my life made me appreciate every little thing I had and thus made me have to get creative in the fashion department. I think in the goth subculture we get hung up on labels and spending loads on frillynilly garments. Not that I don't like to support independent designers, but let's get real, it's expensive. To fill my closet with ultra expensive designer goth labels equaled a few years later having to sell it all because I'm an ass who used credit cards to buy all the pretty. My best advice: don't do it. Save your pennies for the few things that you really want and ignore the rest. Use a little savy and make the most out of your wardrobe; reuse, renew and refresh. Infuse a few new things here and there to give a 'breath of fresh air' into your closet.

A casual day look

Base outfit is a lace tank, black shirts with studded details and black/grey leggings.

Evening aka club look with thrifted $4 grey booties

I would amp up the look with a little more dramatic make up and a dark lip.

I know there isn't a ton of difference in the two looks, but to me heels vs. flat boots and more elaborate accessories, like the bondage belt, is more club attire. I'm not saying you can't wear a bondage belt and heels during the day, but it's just not my average 'day look' style. I like to get the most out of my wardrobe and I've broken the 'this is only club wear' and 'this is only day wear' rules. The 20-something year old me would have been screaming from the rooftops in angsty disdain, but the old me was in debt up to her eyeballs and the 30-something me is debt free and still stylish. *Wink*

Learning how to use your wardrobe to your advantage and perhaps wearing pieces in different combinations, different settings, or dress pieces up or down is extremely beneficial! Besides, you'd be surprised at how creative you can be when you revisit old clothes and perhaps pair them up with new ones, it's a lot of fun!

Thanks for reading! Have fun exploring your closet!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla

Hair Talk : My Hair Inspiration

I often find that people automatically call me 'deathrock' just based on my mohawk or death hawk (as some may call it) either of which I don't mind. Is the difference between a mohawk and a death hawk based on the  little 'dog ears' that I have or because I have a texturized teased mop? Who knows! My look is definitely inspired by the 80s batcave goth era, yet I don't like to limit myself.

I'll admit I swoon over big hair, vintage styled hair and New Wave hair do's. I have always been into trying different and dramatic things with my hair over the years, so at 31 having a mohawk just seems like the perfect fit for me. Besides, I personally think I look better in shorter styles.

Some of my hair inspirations:

(top) left to right: Siouxsie Sioux, 80s London gal

(bottom) left to right: Daniel Ash (Bauhaus), Awesomely 80s goths

Why can't I be the 4th member of Skinny Puppy?

Too awesome, look at that hair!

What are your hair inspirations? Are there any hair style you would love to try?

Thanks for reading!

XOXO-Meagan Kyla