Mode Merr: Accomodating Women of All Shapes and Sizes

A very good morning to you, Dear Readers, 

Leopard Perfect Skirt

    On Monday, Angela posted this on Mode Merr's Facebook page, "For the first time ever, Mode Merr is offering custom plus sizes for our Perfect Skirts. Any color and style for $88. This is just $20 more than our stock sizes. Interested customers please email angela@modemerr.com to place your order. We will need your waist and hip measurements to get started. No size will be excluded." You have no idea how happy I was to have read this!

   For the majority of you that do not know, I have struggled with weight for my entire life. I am now at what seems to be a reasonable weight for me. I still think I could stand to lose more weight (doesn't everyone?). I am currently dieting, something I do a few times a year. The reality is that I have lost 70 pounds (that's about the size of a 4th grader) and have a relentless phobia that I will regain that weight. Once the scale starts to creep up even a little bit, I start up the diet again. I will not get into actual numeric figures, but I generally take a size 14 jeans and either a large or x-large in tops. In the world of Mode Merr, I am generally an x-large. 

UNSIGHTLY. Minus the goatee, this was me.

  As an over weight teenager, I struggled to find clothing that I liked and that fit properly. Thankfully, Grunge was in then, so I was always wearing baggy men's t-shirts and lots of men's flannel. Not the most flattering look, but it hid me, which, at the time was SO important.  

  When I got a little older, I started noticing that whatever clothes I would have liked to wear were always either way too small or way too large. There was no middle for me. I noticed that the majority of the the plus size stores' clothes were shapeless (Even at my heaviest weight, I had an hourglass figure) or the arm holes were teenie tiny. The clothes did not look right on my particular shape in the least.  Needless to say, finding clothing, whether casual or formal wear, was a struggle and a nightmare. 

   I began to obsess about wanting to have my own clothing line and shop that would carry clothing that I wanted to wear, but that would fit all kinds of women's shapes and sizes. Of course, I had no sewing knowledge or design experience. 

Ghetto Bootie/Mediterranean Ass in Mode Merr

  Then, when I was about 24, through diet, exercise, hard work and a lot of tears, I lost 20 pounds. I proceeded to loose another 25 pounds. In the years after that, I have kept losing weight, bringing my total loss to 70 pounds. I don't want you to think that I lost all this weight, and BOOM clothes fit properly. Nope. I still struggle with fit. I have a particularly broad back and long arms. (Winter coats are an issue.) I have what the Piratical Boyfriend calls a "Ghetto Bootie" and the rest of my family calls a "Mediterranean Ass" (say that with a Greek accent for full effect). Sometimes I cant get jeans to go up past my thighs. As Angela put it once, "Wow, you have a tiny waist." Do the math. To fit my butt, the waist in jeans is generally HUGE. And so the struggles with fit continue. Needless to say, these struggles afflict not only plus size gals, but gals of all sizes. (I don't want to exclude anyone.)

The Stunning Dita Von Teese

   And then along came Mode Merr. Once I learned about the line and discovered that Angela makes sizes xxs-xxxl, that made me love the brand (and Angela) even more. (And it took the pressure off of me to start my own clothing line and open a shop ;) ha-ha.) Not only does Angela make an vast array of sizes, but her clothing also fits other problem areas. Boobies are also difficult to fit. (Have you ever had the unsightly gap on a buttoned blouse? I have.) The peasant tops stretch to fit the girls and make them look great! The day I met Angela at her studio there was another lady there. She was absolutely gorgeous (she had a face like Dita Von Teese, who Angela has made clothing for, by the way) and she was buying a peasant top for an event that evening. She revealed to me that her problem was getting clothes that fit her bust, and that the Peasant Tops always fit. <3

  When I talk about Mode Merr to other ladies, I constantly hear, "She has cute things, but nothing that will fit me." WRONG! The reality is that something will fit you. (Just about all, if not all, of Mode Merr designs have a little stretch and give to them.) And if nothing fits, Angela has given you another option. I think it is truly wonderful that Angela is going to be taking custom orders. You have her email above (in the quote). What you must realize is that no size (no matter how large) will be turned away. Also, the custom work is just $20 more than the regular price. That price will not miraculously double or anything like that. YAY ANGELA!! (Also, please realize, that for now, Angela will ONLY be doing custom orders for The Perfect Skirt. Perhaps in the future, she will expand to custom orders for her other styles. But for now, it is just The Perfect Skirt.)
 
   In my last blog, I told you we sold sizes xs to xxxl at the SOWA Open Market. The majority of the clothing we sold was in size xxxl. Unfortunately, many larger women didn't buy anything. Hopefully, with the custom option, we will be able to accommodate a wider range of gorgeous ladies.

Venus of Willendorf

   I also want to point out, that Big is Beautiful. There is nothing like a woman with some curves. Weight loss is something I had to do. My blood pressure was through the roof in my early 20s, my knees always hurt, I got winded easily and I always felt rotten. My blood pressure is now normal all those aches and pains that I had from the extreme weight are gone. I feel better.

  Remember, Angela and Mode Merr will be at TT the Bear's this Sunday, October 16th from 11 am to 4 pm. Go have a Bloody Mary and say hi to Angela.

Booze and Flea Market. What more could you want?

Until next time. <3 

Mode Merr and the SOWA Open Market

Good Morning, Dear Readers,
  
    Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with Angela (and 2 of her friends) at SOWA Open Market at the Mode Merr booth. It was the first time that Mode Merr was at SOWA. For being rookies at SOWA, business was pretty good. 

Mode Merr Booth at SOWA

   It was a hot and sunny day, unusual for October. The Mode Merr booth was located directly across from the Roxy food truck, which made for a lot of wonderful smells floating by. The shop was set up with the ever popular bargain bin section. (Everything for $20 and organized by size.) As well as 2 racks of clothing from the new Fall line. We did a lot of chit-chatting with patrons and even more people watching. There was even the added bonus of running into a High School friend and her family. <3

Mode Merr Fall Line

  The best part of our day was helping gals of all shapes and sizes find clothes that fit their particular body types. We sold sizes xs to xxxl. It's very rewarding to assist women find the right fit for them and answer all their questions (and maybe concerns) about fabrics, fits and care of their new purchases. Some ladies even stepped outside their comfort zones and holding their new purchases told us, "I don't own anything like this!"

   Probably the funniest thing that happened is an older lady came by to search through our bargain bins. Suddenly, she tipped over what looked like a child's sippy cup (you know, the kind with the bendy straw). It fell on the ground and she hurriedly picked it up and scampered off. About a minute later we knew why. The odor of cheap booze started to permeate the air around us. The reaction was a combination of giggles accompanied with feeling bad for the lady who obviously has a problem. 

$20 Bargain Bins. Wildly Successful!

  Next weekend, Sunday the 16th, Angela will not be at SOWA. She will be at TT the Bear's Place from 11 am to 4 pm. Even though we had great sales at SOWA, there are still tons of great clothes to buy and we will still have $20 bargain bins filled with clothes.

Here I am in the booth, staying cool with my parasol.

   Angela and I will be back at SOWA on Sunday, October 30th. It is the last day of the season for SOWA, so come visit us!


  Until next time. <3

   

What's Going On

Another Good Morning to you, Dear Readers,

    I realized a couple of things slipped my mind while I was writing my last blog post. Here is what is going on...

    This weekend, Sunday, October 9th, Angela will be at SoWa (South Washington) Open Market, in Boston. (www.sowaopenmarket.com) She will be there from 10 am to 4 pm. If you do not know what SoWa Open Market is, or have never been there, it is all sorts of art and design vendors. There are t-shirts, jewelry, baby clothes, etc, and now Mode Merr! There is also a Farmer's Market and lots of food trucks. All of this is outside. However, if you go inside, there is quite a large Antique Market. It is great for dates, girls' afternoon out, or a family outing. Admission is free and it is dog friendly. What more could you want? 

SoWa Open Market!

    
    Next weekend, Sunday, October 16th, Angela and Mode Merr will be at TT the Bear's Place (www.ttthebears.com) for the Rockin' Indoor Flea Market and Bloody Mary Bash from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be vintage clothing, records, books, art, face painting and most especially Mode Merr fashions. Admission is also free. Go support Angela, buy some Mode Merr and have a Bloody Mary. Everyone wins!!

Rockin' Flea Market and Bloody Mary Bash!!

JP Rocks and Rolls!!

   I am going to try to make it to SoWa this weekend.  However, I have my own event coming up on Sunday, November 6th. It is called, JP Rocks and Rolls. (www.jprocksandrolls.com) It will be at Spontaneous Celebrations in Jamaica Plain from 12 pm to 4 pm. It is a craft show featuring DIY artists. I will be selling my own hand embroidered pillows and hand made barrettes. 

JP Still Rocks and Rolls!!

   All of these events are a great way to get all or most of your holiday shopping done or maybe just spend an afternoon. Either way, come meet us. We definitely want to meet you.


Until next time. <3

Spectacular Adornments

Good Morning, Dear Readers,
    Yes I know it's the ass-crack of dawn. Yes, I know it's chilly out and my bed and the Piratical Boyfriend sleeping in it are very warm. What am I doing up? It is something called insomnia. When your eyes pop open at 4 am and you can't get back to sleep, and your only 2 options are either staying in bed and asking your significant other really weird questions and not letting him sleep or getting up and doing something productive, well, my dears, the only solution is to get up, put on a fleece bathrobe and post in your blog.

   As most of you know from a few blogs ago, I am moving soon. I am a creature of habit and dislike change very much, even though I know change is good and healthy. This move sets off all sorts of anxieties. How will everything fit? Can I afford all of this? What if I hear a noise that I can't explain? What if the gleaming and brand new hardwood floors in this place get scratched? (No wonder I cant sleep at night!) This (and other) impending changes have been making me think of who I used to be/what I was like in years past. In the previous blog, I gave you a dissertation on my hair. Naturally, that made me start thinking about the jewelry and accessories of my past. 

Tall Dr. Martens

   When I was in High School, I almost exclusively wore Dr. Martens. I wore them all year round and even did the Walk for Hunger while wearing them. It was an obsession that turned into a collection. I think at one point I had about 40 pairs. I still wear Dr. Martens although, I have whittled down my collection over the years and now generally only wear them in Autumn and Winter. I now have very vast collection of heels. I don't need to wear heels (I am 5'9") but I NEED to wear heels. There is something about them that just changes everything about an outfit (and makes me tower over just about everyone). You wont believe what heels go great with. Mode Merr, of course! I have this fantastic pair of Tahari, black patent leather, peep toe heels. They look fantastically retro and go with everything. I have a great pair of nude, platform, stiletto Guess heels. Also perfect, as nude goes with everything and also elongates your leg. Perhaps not the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, but damn, do they look good! I have yet to try wearing Dr. Martens with Mode Merr. Have you done it? Has it worked? I do pair Dr. Martens with dresses and skirts (how 1990 of me!). I just cant bring myself to wear them with Mode Merr. I suppose that I think they wont look right, or that maybe beat up boots have no place with a satin skirt or slinky dress.

Nude Platform Heels by Guess

    Another thing I have been thinking of has been my choice of jewelry over the years. I had always worn rings, but starting in High School, I started wearing MANY rings. I think by the time I got to college I wore 8 rings all the time. Those rings (the same ones) stuck with me all through Graduate School, Student Teaching, and finally when I started teaching my own classroom, 8 rings some how turned into 12. They were  great hit with my students, some of my friends and especially with fussy babies. If you ever have a fussy baby, wear a ton of rings. Tap them on the table. Open and close your hands so the rings clink together or just let them look at them. Trust me, no more fussy baby. When I moved back to Boston, both my parents begged me to take off the rings. To make them happy, I relented. All the rings were gone. I didn't even wear one. Well, they didn't like that either. One was fine. Two were okay. I think it took about a year or so to even put on one ring. When the second appeared, my father, very characteristically said, "Don tell me you gonna put all those rings again?" (For full effect, say that with a Greek accent.) No, I did not put all those rings again. I have a skull ring on one finger and a Celtic band on another, that belonged to the Piratical Boyfriend ages ago. I have lots of rings, but like I said, I dislike change. 

   While in High School I also wore 4-5 necklaces at a time. This also lasted until I came back to Boston. I now wear a mere 3. I have a labradorite pendant given to me by my mom on a previous birthday and 2 skulls, also given to my by my mom, just because, which she regrets giving me. All three stay on all the time. (Unless I am going to a job interview, then the 2 skulls come off.)

Owie Face. Getting keloids removed by my dear friend Jae.

   Then there are my ears. My ears were pierced when I was 2 and a half. I remember the piercing gun and that the earrings I was pierced with were little gold hearts. Yet again in High School, I was desperate for more holes in my ears and was not allowed to have them. I took matters into my own hands with a thumb tack. Please, please, please, I beg of you. Do not pierce your ears with a thumb tack. I gave myself terrible keloids that have been cut out numerous times. I am currently suffering from quite a large one that has decided to have a growth spurt in the last 2 years. It is disgusting and it hurts, so please go to a professional piercer. 

  I digress. The keloids having been cut out the first time, I decided to start stretching those 2 holes. My right ear has 3 holes, the second 2 are stretched to a size 12 gauge. My left ear used to have 7 holes, but now only has 6. The family dislikes this as well. My dad asks why I put plastic through my ears. I patiently explain each time that it is not plastic, but bone. My aunts in Greece watch me put in my larger earrings and get grossed out each time I do it. However they cant look away. It's like a car wreck for them. 

   When accessorizing with jewelry, it doesn't matter what I am wearing as far as clothing. I wear what I like. I don't match my jewelry to what I am wearing (just like my make up). Some of my friends do. Which is all a matter of taste and preference.

Vertebra Cuff Bracelet by Martha Rotten

Bone Stretch Bracelet by Martha Rotten

I know that generally when I blog about Mode Merr, I talk up the retro aspect of the fashion. But really, there are 2 (maybe more) themes there. Mode Merr is hugely Rockabilly and Psychobilly. Jewelry and accessories should (but don't have to) reflect this. Have you heard of Martha Rotten? Go to the Mode Merr website (www.modemerr.com) and check her out. She is a great jeweler with really cool things. I have never seen Angela without a Martha Rotten piece on. 

Swarovski Cherries

Maybe Martha Rotten is too much for you? How about some cherry accessories? I have a great Swarovski cherry pendant. Can't go wrong with that. Or what about just some more classic pieces? Pile it on like I used to (and still sometimes do) or go a little more subtle. What is right is whatever holds your fancy my dears. 


   Until next time. <3

Hair, Make Up and Mode Merr, Oh My!!

Good Evening Dear Readers,
    I was at a birthday dinner for a dear friend last night. One of the best things about going to birthday parties is that you get to meet new people and make new friends. One of the couples at this party had an adorable 2 and a half year old. In addition to being a happy and beautiful little girl, she had amazing hair. Her hair was all natural ringlets. The really special part of her hair is that it was a lovely caramel color with honey blond running through it. (That sounds like a dessert, doesn't it?) I could not stop looking at this little booger's hair all night. I leaned in and said to the birthday girl, "I hope she never dyes her hair." The little girl's mom heard what I said and gasped, "Oh, no!" This made me start thinking about my own hair. I think about my hair often enough. I am very vain about it. But this got me thinking about my hair's past. 

   I have my father's hair. It is fine in texture and straight as a pin. When it was not dyed, it was a stunning shade of medium brown with natural red and gold hi-lights. I had a horrible salad bowl hair cut when I was small. (It was the 80's and I am sure you had it too!) When I was old enough to voice my own opinions, I started growing my hair long. I must have forgotten about it or something, because it wasn't styled until I was about 25 years old. From Elementary School to beyond Graduate School, my hair was all one length, all one color and hung down below my waist. When I got my hair trimmed once a year I cried. It was a situation. At age 22 or 23 I dyed the bottom 6 inches of my hair purple. I kept this up for some time, only cutting it off when I had to go to Greece and visit family. After I started getting my hair styled, I experimented with quite a few styles. I had a side part, red hi-lights, a few botched jobs and who knows what else. 

My inspiration

     I met Daria when I was working at a restaurant (she was the bartender). Daria was opening her own salon and I started getting my hair done there. It was Daria who first gave me Bettie Bangs. The story is long and complicated, but I will tell you I looked at myself in the mirror and hated it. Daria suggested dying my hair black. Sure. Why not? About an hour later, I was in love with what I saw in the mirror. I no longer go to Daria, as her salon is on Nantucket, but the Bettie Bangs are going strong. So is the black hair dye. It's been 4 years plus now and it doesn't look like this do is going anywhere. 
  
    My mother was absolutely horrified when she saw "what I had done to my hair". She is still absolutely horrified. I get reminded about how pretty my hair was. During holiday dinners, she asks family members if they remember how pretty it was. They do, of course. My father wasn't thrilled about it either. However, 4 years later, he is on a crusade for me to change my hair style. Remember, I am a Greek raised by OTB (Off the boat) Greeks. It is my parents right to express their displeasure and make helpful suggestions on their 32 year old daughter's hair style. They were the only 2 who didn't like my hair. The Piratical Boyfriend said the only reason he ever went out with me was because I had black hair and Bettie Bangs. 

    After all those years, I have graduated to Blue Black dye (the bluer the better). And most recently, I have gotten a massive amount of layers cut into my hair, much to the glee of my hair stylist, Erin (go see her at Station 8 in JP).  My bangs have gone from blunt to Vampy (they are back to blunt right now). The biggest trouble is styling my hair by myself. 
  

Priscilla Presley with HUGE hair. Isn't she beautiful?

Bump Its...My dirty little secret

   Like I said before, my hair is pin straight. That means it will not hold a curl to save its life. I have tried all sorts of curlers, curling irons, and even used to have my grandmother put my hair in braids, so that in 24 hours I could set the braids loose and have an obscene bush of curls, which of course, I thought was very glamorous. I had someone teach me once how to tease my hair out and do a Priscilla Presley. (My dad said that the big hair made my face look longer and that I looked like a horse. Sigh.) That was great fun but did a lot of damage to my hair. I am going to bare my soul to you now and tell you that I swear by Bump Its. You do less damage to your hair with less teasing and you get that great vintage do. Most people love when I wear my hair teased up and even ask to touch it or how I do it. If the Piratical Boyfriend is around, then he blurts out that I use a Bump It or 2. Sigh.

Vintage Victory Rolls.

    I have found that vintage inspired styles really compliment Mode Merr ensembles. Mode Merr's style is a bit retro itself, so it just makes sense that an older hair style would compliment the look. So, what if, like me, you don't really have a clue about doing vintage-inspired hair? Well, you go to YouTube, of course. Here are a couple of suggestions and ideas for hairstyles to experiment with:

She makes it look so easy: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAPjWluRF9s

This is super quick and super cute: 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV0BhbnyUps

Bat Bobby Pins. Shameless self promotion

   What if all of this is still too much for you? You are no good at styling hair? You are running out the door with zero time? Maybe you are just having a bad hair day? The answer to this, My Dears is...cute barrettes or embellished bobby pins. Clip a bow on one or both sides of your head. Attach a flower barrette behind one ear or slide in some ornamental bobby pins. If you don' t have anything like that, make it! Or better yet, buy a pair from me. I do make them you know. ;)

Last year's birthday dinner. Note the neon yellow eyeshadow.

Liquid Liner and Red Lips

   What about make up? I have always notoriously worn too much make up. I don't glob on foundation (I don't even wear it). But what I do is wear entirely too much eyeshadow in entirely vulgar colors. I am good friends with lipstick as well. Sometimes when my face is completely on I think I look like a Drag Queen. (This is a self proclaimed comment and I mean it as a compliment for both parties involved.) I love liquid eyeliner I use all colors and insist it looks best flipped up at the end Cat-eye style. I like to draw on my eyebrows, only when they have been freshly waxed. Red, bright pink or dark purple and sometimes black lips are the only way to go. Granted the purple and the black aren't so vintage-y and are more gothy. (I have been described as Gothabilly, so that works for me.) If you ask Angela, and I have, red lips are always good. 

Here is a basic tutorial: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1dIBQuWPw0&feature=related

   I prefer to use colors that match my outfit, rather than stick to shades that match my brown eyes, black hair and relatively pale skin. You can always use make up colors that compliment your particular skin tone, eye color, etc.


   Or you can do what I did last night for my friend's birthday party. I brushed my hair. No teasing, no hairspray, no Bump It. Not even a barrette. I used some liquid eye liner, no Cat-eyes, no wings. I managed to throw on some purple eyeshadow. No mascara, no drawn on eyebrows, even though they were freshly waxed. My lips had clear flavored lip gloss instead of a ruby stain. I was wearing a Mode Merr top, as my friend pointed out the instant she saw me, skinny jeans and some heels. The outfit worked. When the Piratical Boyfriend saw me later in the evening, he asked, "Where did you go looking all dolled up?" I didn't argue with him. I let him think that I was indeed dolled up.

  Until next time. <3
 

Mode Merr and the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Good Afternoon Dear Readers,

Halloween Pin Up

   The last few weeks, I have been struggling with an impending move as well as finding a job. Needless to say things have been a little stressful. But in times like this it is important to have family and friends that love you and are there to help. It doesn't hurt to have something to look forward to as well. For me, that something is Halloween. 


   Halloween is my most favoritest holiday. I look forward to it all year long. My house is full of bats, gargoyles, pumpkins and all things Halloween as part of its decor. It helps that the Piratical Boyfriend's birthday is October 30th and Halloween is his favorite day of the year as well. Generally, I think about my costume as well as plans for that all important day all year long. I don't know about you, but I try to make or piece together my costume with things from my existing wardrobe. Last year for example, I got a bridesmaid's dress from Savers (that is a fantastic thrift store for those of you who don't know). I ripped out the tacky beading and sequins on the bodice, made some satin black bows, affixed them to some rouching along strategic parts of the hem to expose the tulle underneath. I made a bouquet and veil and styled my hair into a sort of beehive with some white streaks. The Piratical Boyfriend did my make up....and low and behold, I was Bride of Frankenstein. Of course the Piratical Boyfriend was Frankenstein's  Monster. I don't have any of the pictures from that day handy, but if you are interested in seeing it, here is a link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=445044476019&set=t.1273880979&type=3&theater

This year's potential Halloween costume

   Sometimes what happens is I plan a costume around one special piece alone. This year's piece is a gray top hat. I have been desperate for a top hat for years and early this summer, I found a great top hat at a yard sale in addition to a pair of knee-high black Dr. Marten boots. Later on I wound up scoring a discontinued, red, Mode Merr, sleeveless dress at The Garment District. And so Dear Readers, this year's Halloween costume was born. The red Mode Merr dress will be paired with a black bolero I got on sale at Hootenanny last Spring and the top hat and stompy Dr. Martens. In addition to that, I made a mustache out of wire mesh, polymer clay and acrylic paint. That will go on a ribbon around my neck instead of drawing on a mustache. My hair will be slicked down and in a bun at the nape of my neck so the top hat fits properly. Basically, I will be a feminine version of the traditional Circus Ring Leader.

Traditional Ring Leader

   
    But my ideas didn't end there. I thought maybe I could be Little Red (or Dead) Riding Hood. Add a basket and a cape to the dress and I am all set. I started looking at my Mode Merr Peasant Tops and thought, maybe those could be used for a Gypsy, Pirate, Wench or Barmaid costume (paired with a flowing skirt, some big hoop earrings and a head scarf). A Mode Merr Perfect Skirt (with some spectacles and a tight fitting sweater and favorite book) easily becomes a Naughty Librarian. Maybe you just want to be a non-descript Pin-Up or a character from Mad Men. Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure you can find it with Mode Merr.

Classic Witch?

Absinthe Witch?

   Just about any of Mode Merr's dresses can, with very few accessories, become a Witch costume. Go to A.C. Moore, pick up a small doll witch hat, add a comb or clip to it, decorate it, and you are good to go.

    Get the new Tarzan top. Angela has designed it to be one-shouldered and leopard fabric. Be Jane. Be Bettie Page. Be a Prehistoric Cave-woman. Just know that you will look fabulous doing it.

Jungle Bettie Page

Tarzan Top

Cowgirl

Sailor Girl

   If you want to be a Cowgirl, Mode Merr has a fantastic skirt with a horseshoe on it. Pair it with our Fitted Bandanna or Checkered Peasant Top and maybe a hat, star pin, toy gun and cowboy boots and you are ready. What if you want to be a Sailor Girl? Mode Merr has a solution to that too. How about our Anchor Skirt? Throw on a sailor hat...maybe a rope bracelet. Instant Sailor. Just add water!!

    The beauty of all of this, is that not only will you have a stunning Halloween costume, but you also have an outfit or part of an outfit that you can wear to a multitude of other events and situations. Instead of spending money on one of those prepackaged costumes and never using it again, you are saving your hard earned cash. What are you going to be for Halloween this year? I'd love to read about your ideas.


Until next time, Dear Readers. <3

Mode Merr Pop Up Boutique Boston...Have Any Ideas??

Good Afternoon to You, Dear Readers,

    Since the debut of the fall line at the Boston fashion show almost 2 weeks ago, we at Mode Merr have been thinking of ways to bring our product to you. We think the best way to go about this would be for a pop up boutique, similar to what we had set up at the fashion show.

Old School Tupperware Party

    Basically, a pop up boutique would be held in the Boston area at someone's house or perhaps a local clothing store. (This would a great alternative to all the press, scheduling and general hullabaloo of a pop-up boutique at a venue.) Think of it as Tupperware party. (Are you old enough to remember Tupperware parties?) That was when ladies used to get together, without men, and go to a friend's house, have a glass of wine and shop for nifty containers and cookware. That was a long time ago. Maybe you you can relate to a sex toy party better. Ladies get together, have drinks and buy some nifty sex toys. 

She has pretty new things. Why shouldn't you?

   Our pop up boutique would go something like this: We would have a location (preferably someone's home) where you could invite your girlfriends (as well as some gals that Angela knows) and other ladies (co-workers, book club buddies, family members,etc) you might know who would like to buy some Mode Merr, experience Mode Merr or that have a special occasion to shop for. Knowing who would be on your guest list, Mode Merr could make sure to bring specific sizes as well as specific styles to fit the needs of the ladies invited. (Can you imagine, a pop-up boutique that caters to YOU!!) Angela would bring her beautiful merchandise as well as some lasagna, snacks and perhaps some champagne. The boutique would be set up in the living room or dining room, whichever is more conducive to shopping. (I am sure we could have one of those folding curtains to make a dressing room for the more modest ladies.) The ladies arrive, (remember, this is a no boys allowed event. However, maybe they could be allowed to come over and hang out after 11pm) have a nosh and a drinky-poo and start shopping and chatting. The great thing is that you can get the opinions of your girlfriends right there. If something doesn't fit you quite right, pass it on to one of the other girls. At the end of the night, you have a full tummy, a quenched thirst, some gorgeous new outfits, and have spent a quality evening with your friends. Maybe you have made some new ones as well. Everyone wins!

A lady in a varying stage of undress

   As you can already begin to imagine, it would be much more fabulous than a Tupperware party and less smutty than a sex toy party. However, I will warn you that there may be ladies in various stages of undress at any given time.

Don't make these fashion mistakes!

   Remember, the holidays are coming up. You probably need a new outfit or 2 for all those parties and family dinners. Besides, life is so hectic lately that time is precious. Shop and see your pals at the same time. If you shop at the pop-up boutique, you'd save money, since there would be no shipping charges. That extra money could certainly go to more Mode Merr clothing!


   If you would be interested in hosting a pop-up boutique (there would be something in it for you) at your home or know of a local shop that would like to, please let us know. You could let us know through the blog or you could send a message or post a comment on Facebook. What's that? You aren't friends with us on Facebook? Well, what are you waiting for? If you have not already friended us on Facebook, please do so. 

  We look forward to hearing your ideas and  suggestions about our pop-up boutique. As always, we appreciate Mode Merr fans, supporters and readers of this blog. You are all great.

Until next time. <3


  

Yet Another Gentle Reminder and What to Wear With Your Mode Merr

Good Evening Dear Readers,
  
     After the glamorousness of modeling at the Fall Fashion Spectacular I am left feeling very un-glamourous on this humid Wednesday. I found myself folding the Piratical Boyfriend's work clothes and thought, what happened? I was a fashion model this weekend! Reality happened, my dears. I figured the only way to feel more glamorous was to fix myself a cocktail, drink it out of a fancy glass and write a Mode Merr blog. (It seems to be working!)

    I would like to remind you all that Angela will be at the Bust Magazine  Craftacular in New York this very weekend. Here is all the info:

The BUST Magazine Craftacular is thrilled to be a part of the 2nd Annual World Maker Faire New York! Stop by for the best in handmade jewelry, specialty foods, cards, clothes, posters, and housewares. Plus: DJs, demos, and more!

For more information about World Maker Faire, including how to purchase tickets, visit makerfaire.com.

Saturday and Sunday, September 17-18, 2011

New York Hall of Science

Flushing Meadows, Corona Park

Queens, NY

     For those of you who were too far away, maybe in New York, to have joined us last weekend, this is a great way to redeem yourself! Go say, "Hey" to Angela. Introduce yourself. Tell her you love her clothes. Tell her you read the blog. At the end of it all, you should buy something, because, damn it, you deserve to look super hot in Mode Merr!

The author wearing Mode Merr at a photo shoot

     Now, where exactly should you wear your Mode Merr? I have worn my Mode Merr literally everywhere. I have worn it to job interviews, holiday work parties, my father's birthday dinner, dinner with the Piratical Boyfriend's family, out clubbing (of which I am proud to report that I had the longest skirt in the club!) out shopping, photo shoots, on a merry-go-round (which I don't recommend, as I had to do some repairs to the slit in the skirt as I was not allowed to sit side saddle and everyone behind me got a free show!!) and I even plan to wear it to Temple with the Piratical Boyfriend's 90 year old grandmother. 

The first 2 would be very appropriate for work

   I prefer to wear Perfect Skirts to job interviews and work situations. Basically, wear them where ever you want to impress and look polished. Stick to the more neutral or basic colors. You can never go wrong with black Perfect Skirt, which is my go to piece. Of course, I wouldn't pair that with a Peasant top for an interview or work. Select a nicely tailored blouse or a cashmere sweater if it is cold out. Of course there are some really great pieces in the Fall line for the office. 

Sacred Brocade. Aren't you feeling holy?

   A friend who was at the show wants to get (we were out of her size) a black Mode Merr dress that has a lace top and a lace hem to wear to a winter wedding. You could wear the new Sacred Brocade Skirt to Church (the institution, not the bar!!) or any type of Christian religious occasion. However, for going to Temple, I am going to stick with a Perfect Skirt.
 

The top on the first model is work appropriate!

   Our Fitted Peasant Tops are probably not what you want to wear to job interviews or work (unless you wear them under a jacket). This of course depends on the type of job interview or the type of job. Realize that I myself wore a black peasant top to my most recent interview. It was for a nannying position and on a very hot day. Mode Merr does make other tops that are more professional (See above).  

    Mode Merr can be worn to a variety of places, situations and events. They are very versatile clothes meant to be worn to more places than just car shows and roller derby, although those are excellent places to wear Mode Merr. Just be sure to always dress for the appropriateness of the occasion as well as what image you would like to project.

Snow White...NOT wearing Mode Merr

    You will notice that when you wear your Mode Merr, people look at you differently. They react to you differently as well. Is it because the clothes are so different and pretty? Do the ladies that wear Mode Merr seep a certain air of confidence? I don't know the answer. What I do know is that this stuff will get you noticed. Complete strangers will tell you they love your outfit. At the holiday party a co-worker told me I looked like a doll. At the family dinner with the Piratical Boyfriend's family, I was told by his father that I, "Look like Snow White...if she was a big girl."  Aside from both of us having puffed sleeves, red lipstick and black hair (and I think I was wearing a bow in my hair that night) there is no comparing us. She has a yellow skirt. I had a green one. She has a blue top. I had a black one. She has a cape. I had left my cape at home that night. Night and day. But then I thought, maybe Mikey has a point. I could always ask Angela to make a blue peasant top and a yellow skirt...I could be Snow White for Halloween. (My favorite holiday.) I took Mikey's observation as a compliment. I tell this story all the time. It is my favorite Mode Merr clothes story so far. Do you have a Mode Merr clothing story? If you do, I would love to hear it.  


    One more thing. We sadly have only 3 followers for our little blog. (That makes my heart hurt.) I know you all are reading it. So show your Mode Merr pride and follow us. It would make all of us at Mode Merr feel so much better. (I appreciate the 3 of you that are following as well all of you who are reading and saying such wonderful things about Mode Merr and this blog! You keep us going!)


  Until next time, my dears. <3