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




      

ModeMerrPinUpFashions: A Mode Merr Affair to Remember...

ModeMerrPinUpFashions: A Mode Merr Affair to Remember...: Good Afternoon, Dear Readers, Last Saturday was the Mode Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular. For those of you who were not able to come, ...

A Mode Merr Affair to Remember...

Good Afternoon, Dear Readers,

      Last Saturday was the Mode Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular. For those of you who were not able to come, we hope you will be able to join us next time. If you missed out, here is the Fashion Show in Blog form...

Pop Up Shop Dresses

    Angela and models all arrived about noon to unload and set up the pop up boutique. Everyone was busy unloading the clothing and racks and organizing inside. I was given the title "Bag Lady", as I was responsible for collecting all the clear bags that the clothing was stored in to arrive from the long journey from New Hampshire safely. One o'clock rolled around and we all got carded (that is such a good feeling at my age!!) and were given red paper bracelets. (Thankfully most of the gals were wearing red lipstick, so our new accessory matched at least!) The shop and register were set up. Pabst Blue Ribbon sponsored the event and had some free goodies to hand out. Guests and entertainers were starting to arrive. There was no turning back now. People were starting to shop and schmooze. Most were getting drinks as they were making new friends. The event had a really great vibe to it. 

Steamy Bohemians

Through the Keyhole Burlesque

    The Steamy Bohemians were on first. The ladies entertained the crowd with jokes and songs. Next up were Through the Keyhole Burlesque. They did an adorable sailor number to "The Cutest Little Dinghy in the Navy." 

The author in her outfit

   All too quickly models were spirited away downstairs where our transformations would occur. (Basically Church's dry storage area.) My outfit was an orange Perfect Skirt and black and lace Peasant Top. (So Halloweeny!) Downstairs were all these gorgeous girls in varying stages of dress getting ready very quickly. I was impressed with our speed dressing skills. We were lined up and with a few instructions from Angela, we were on our way up the stairs and ready to strut our stuff. 

Fashion Show

Fashion show

   I have to take a moment to say that while I have modeled before, I have never been in a fashion show. I was terribly anxious. Luckily I was not alone in my nervousness and that helped. We were lead into the "Green Room" and one by one, pranced onto the stage to show off Mode Merr's stunning Fall 2011 line. After being on stage for a little minute, the nervousness wore off and I was able to enjoy myself. I did not realize how quickly it would be over. But just like, that it was. All the lovely ladies went back through the "Green Room" and back down the stairs into the bowels of Church. It was very Alice in Wonderland. 

   After all that was squared away, it was time for more Burlesque, which meant more boobies and more bums...fantabulous!

Add caption

  The Piratical Boyfriend got me a Bloody Mary with Kettle One Vodka, which also served as my lunch for the day. (It was delicious!) There was even some great punk music from The Skeleton Beats to accompany my cocktail (although I know a Bloody was not very punk of me). I haven't been to a punk show in awhile and I really enjoyed liked them. Punk at its finest, with a kick-ass front-girl. What more could you want?


   Guests started to disperse and continued onto whatever else they would be into for the rest of the evening. What did not sell was being compacted and put away. And that was it. A perfect and fun afternoon spent in the name of fashion. 

Old tag on top. New tag on the bottom!

   I almost forgot...Mode Merr has very pretty new labels. Take a look!! 


   For those of you who were able to come, we at Mode Merr would like to thank you for your support. We would like to also thank all the models and entertainers who lent their talent. Thank you to all the friends and family that came out to help out and cheer us on. Thank you to Church for being our venue and for Pabst for sponsoring. Mode Merr would also like to thank Mick Murray for taking amazing pictures of the entire show. (All the pictures in this Blog are courtesy of Mick, except the one of myself and the one of the new Mode Merr labels.) If you would like to see all the pictures from Saturday, and I strongly suggest that you do, check out his Flickr page...http://www.flickr.com/photos/mgmphoto/

   Remember, Angela will be at the Bust Craftacular, this weekend, Saturday the 17 and Sunday the 18th. It will be at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, NY. Go check it out!   
http://makerfaire.com/newyork/2011/

    Until next time, dear readers. <3
 

Don't Forget to Be Specatacular Tomorrow...

Good Morning, Dear Readers,
   

    This is a quick reminder for tomorrow. The Mode Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular will be tomorrow, Saturday, September 10th from 1pm to 6pm. Our event will be held at Church at 69 Kilmarnock Street (between Peterborough Street & Queensberry Street) in the Fenway area. Their number is: 617.236.7600. Remember, they have really convenient parking in the lot right behind the bar. 

    If you have not gotten your tickets in advance they will be $15 at the door. (This is a 21+ event, so bring your ID and leave the little ones at home.)

   There will be music and burlesque, booze, a boutique (remember to bring cash or credit cards, unfortunately we do not accept checks) and lots of smexy girls. (Wow, what a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!)

   Also, for you New York people, or those of you who are roadtripping that weekend, Mode Merr will be at the Bust Magazine Craftacular on Saturday and Sunday, September 17-18, 2011 at the New York Hall of Science Flushing Meadows, Corona Park Queens, NY. If you follow the link below, you can find out everything you need to know about the Bust Craftacular.
   
http://makerfaire.com/newyork/2011/

    I myself am getting ready for tomorrow. My hair is dyed, toes are about to be polished. Make up has been selected. Clothes for the piratical boyfriend have been laid out. <3 I hope to see everyone there tomorrow. 

Until next time. <3 

Mode Merr... A History

Good Morning dear Readers, on this dreary day,

      Recently, while on the phone with Angela, I told her that for the longest time after I discovered her line that I was pronouncing it's name incorrectly. I insisted that it was pronounced Mode Mare. This is what sounded right to me. 

A mare is a horse, silly girl, not a fashion line!

     I had popped into the now extinct "Horror Business" in Allston one day and started talking to the sales girl about Mode Merr (pronouncing it all the while as Mare). The girl had met Angela and agreed with me about the fabulousness and versatility of the clothing. As we continued our conversation I noticed that she said, "Mode Mirr" (emphasis on the rrr). I didn't correct her and she didn't correct me. But she did give me something to think about.

    At home that evening I told the piratical boyfriend what had happened. Could it be that I, a former English Teacher, had been pronouncing Merr wrong this entire time? We both agreed that Mare sounded much better than Mirr. And I was happy.

    Fast forward to this past June. I am in the Mode Merr studio doing some serious shopping only to hear Angela say, "Mode Mirr". Not wanting to question Angela and certain that she knew how to pronounce her company's name, I, from that day on, pronounced it correctly...Mode Mirr. Only when the piratical boyfriend and I were in the car driving back to Boston, did I admit defeat.
 
     After Angela and I had a good laugh about my confusion with Merr/Mare/Mirr, I asked her, just exactly what did the words, "Mode Merr" mean? "Well, Mode means fashion," and then a lot of laughter, "Merr started in High School." I felt a story coming on. Angela's parents allowed her to be herself growing up, which meant she could dye her hair and wear all the interesting, fun clothing that she wanted to. (I'd like to give a shout out to Mr. and Mrs. Zampell for being cool and progressive parents and giving us the super-cool lady that is Angela.) Apparently, Angela went to a rather preppy High School, with less than kind class mates. You can imagine what went on. Angela, instead of telling her tormentors to just, "Fuck off," chose the high road and retorted to their harassment with, "Merr". 


   We had another good laugh about this. This lead into when Mode Merr was born. Angela started her clothing line in 1989 when she was still in High School. She started selling her clothing to Allston Beat on Newbury Street (where we coincidentally, years apart, both got our first pair of Dr. Martens). She even told me that she had a fake ID, not to drink, but to get into clubs, like Axis (do you remember Axis??) to sell her line. 


   Doesn't that story make you feel good? It has been 22 years and Mode Merr is still going strong. 

    And if you would like to go to the Mode Merr studios like I did, you can! (We ask that if you would like to visit, please call in advance.)
We are at:
1 Winter Street

Suite 3B

Rochester, NH 03867

Tel: 603.335.7875

Fax: 603.335.1790

 

    My final agenda for this morning is to remind you about the fashion show this weekend. Are you ready for it? (I am not. There is still hair to dye and nails to polish.) If I have not mentioned this before, we will have a Mode Merr boutique set up in Church for your shopping convenience. There will also be a $20 bargain section. (Who doesn't love that?)


    So remember, when you come to the Mode Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular this Saturday (September 10th) at Church, say Mirr!


Until next time. <3
   
 

What to Wear with Mode Merr

Dear Readers,

The author, ready to go to a job interview. 

   
   I was faced with a challenge this morning... What to wear to a job interview. I was tired of wearing the same black and white polka dotted dress and thought, what would go with gray skinny pants? Of course, a black Mode Merr peasant top! Much to my delight, it really did look fantastic. (See the picture to the right, but please do ignore the orbs, they tend to follow me around.) Granted, I was going for what I did not realize was a "working interview". Sure, I looked great, but running around a yard in heels and finger painting wearing such amazing clothes, was perhaps not the best idea. (It was a nannying interview.) Hind sight is 20/20, after all. Luckily, there was no casualties or paint splatter. But this brings us to the real question...What do your wear with Mode Merr? Of course, the best thing to wear is simply more Mode Merr. But what if you only have bottoms or tops, or just one piece (what a horrifying thought!) or what if the coordinating piece is in the laundry? What to do then?

The author, rocking Mode Merr and Banana Republic

I resolved this problem early on in my affair with Mode Merr. I had one red skirt (completely horrifying). That was all. I liked pairing it with either black or white tops as there was black and white in the jaguar design. In the image to the left, I have paired a black Banana Republic sleeveless summer top. I have also used a black halter top, and a white top that was quite fitted with twists at the bust and on the sides. When I pair tops with Mode Merr skirts, I tend to stick with form fitting styles. I would avoid baggier looks (unless it was one of those bat wing tops) and definitely avoid t-shirts. Cute spaghetti strap tank tops work as do fitted long sleeve tops or blouses. 

What about those cute Mode Merr tops? I have paired Peasant Tops (the only Mode Merr tops I own) with skirts that were not Perfect Skirts, but were similar, as in they were high waisted pencil skirts. This summer I also wore Peasant Tops with capris. This look has a completely retro 1950's feel to it. Lately, with the impending Fall, I have taken to wearing Peasant Tops with skinny jeans and heels. You really cant go wrong with this look at all. The finished outfit has a very stream-lined look to it. For this reason, I would suggest not wearing bell-bottom, boot cut, or trouser cut pants. I feel as though they do not offer a balanced look.  And of course we have what I did this morning. The top was my newest Mode Merr piece and the pants were Guess Skinny pants with zippers on the back of the leg. Too cute!


Don't be afraid to mix it up a little. Mode Merr's style is kinda retro. Try finding some vintage pieces (thrift and consignment stores are great sources of vintage clothes as is Etsy) to go with your Mode Merr. Use main stream, modern pieces as well. As for color, match colors, contrast colors...whatever you like. Remember this is fashion and there is no one way to do it. Try a few styles out and go with whatever works for you. It is your body after all. You don't have to follow any of my suggestions. This is what works for me and my body. I will leave your art up to you.


Don't forget, the Mode Merr Fall Fashion Spectacular will be on September 10th, (do you realize that that is exactly a week away?) 1pm to 6pm at Church in the Fenway area.

And one more thing...

"The BUST Magazine Craftacular will be held outdoors at the New York Hall of Science, on the site of the original World's Fairgrounds in Queens, NY when it joins the second annual World Maker Faire New York. In addition to over 50 crafty vendors, the event will offer a line-up of amazing DJs, hands-on crafting demonstrations, food from around the city, and lots of fun. 

World Maker Faire is a newfangled outdoor fair that brings together science, art, craft, engineering, and music in a fun, energized, and exciting public forum. The family-friendly event showcases the amazing work of all kinds of makers and the DIY spirit! For more information about World Maker Faire New York, visit makerfaire.com." -Bust Magazine 

Guess who is going to be there? Yes, Angela will be there! (You are so smart!) She will have a Mode Merr booth and will be selling her gorgeous designs. For those of you in the area or for those of you that want to go on a road trip that weekend, check it out!


Until next time. <3