Unique Photography with a Touch of Mode Merr

Good Sunday Morning to You, Dear Readers.

Spring Hue

My amazing bosses had a family vacation in Florida, so I had a much needed 5 days off. Plans to visit friends in Nantucket fell through. There was a lot of house cleaning, resting, Etsying, etc. Probably the most fun I had during these days off was going to Unique Photography's Spring Hue opening last Friday night.

One from my shoot

Unique Photography is my friend, Tracy King's business. She is a very amazing and talented photographer. I was flattered when she asked me to model for an upcoming show at Flat Iron Restaurant in the Bullfinch Hotel. The photo shoot was held at UMass Boston (my Alma Mater). (And yes, I did wear a black Mode Merr Peasant Top for the shoot.) All the models' make up was done by Makeup by Mau (pronounced Mo).

Getting ready to go. Candid shot.

The Piratical Fiance and I got ready for a fabulous evening. He wore spiffy new black and white Dr. Marten wing tips and a crisp new black shirt (both acquired at Hootenanny's going out of business sale. You have until May 5th to shop and get some great bargains. Get thee to Harvard Square and the Garage!). I wore a blue Mode Merr Perfect Skirt with a sugar skull applique and some cool hanging pompoms and ric rac. I had never worn that skirt before. I absolutely loved it and I am confident in revealing to you that I did indeed feel a very tiny bit like a pinata! 

New shoes!

Posing with my shots

Upon arriving at Flat Iron, I was instantly taken with the lay out of the show. Tracy had meticulously placed her framed and mounted photographs in strategic places on the walls. Some were on narrow strips of wall while others were on broader walls. Although all the photos were framed and mounted in the same way, they were all different sizes, which was very pleasing to the eye. There were snacks and very delicious cocktails and lots of people to schmooze with. (Oh yeah, I had 2 shots in the show!)

Tracy and I

The very best part of the evening was when Tracy's 4 year old niece came up to me (holding her uncle's girlfriend's hand) because she wanted to tell me (through her uncle's girlfriend, who she hid behind the entire time) that she really liked my skirt, my handbag and the flowers in my hair. I of course turned into a pile of goo! <3 I love kids and I love that they all like my Frankenstein purse! I think she may be a future Mode Merr customer. (I know her mom is one for a fact!)

Another from my shoot

If you were not at Flat Iron last Friday, and I know you weren't because I didn't see you there, Tracy's photography will be there for another month or two. You should go have some dinner at Flat Iron (I recommend having an Espresso Martini) and look at some beautiful art. If you happen to like a particular piece, they will be auctioned off, with all the proceeds being donated to charity. You will have amazing photography and you will feel good about your money going to charity. Everyone wins! (Just stay away from my shots...I want those.)

There are future plans for more photo shoots as well as an engagement photo shoot. I am excited about more modeling with a talented photographer. The bottom line is if you want family photographs, a portfolio, a wedding, baptism, party, or really any event that needs a photographer, do yourself a favor and get in touch with Tracy. She's amazing! Go like her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/uniquephotobytk


Until next time, my dears. <3

New Shoes and Spending the Holidays With Mode Merr

A very heart-felt Good Evening to You, Dear Readers,

Passover Table

Kiddie Table

  I hope your Spring Holidays were all wonderful and blessed. This year, I celebrated Passover (my favorite Jewish holiday) at the Piratical Fiance's Grandmother's house. I am not Jewish, but the Piratical Fiance is half Jewish, and so he says I am Jewish by injection. This year, since Grandma Betty had invited many guests to the Seder, the Piratical Fiance and I as well as his cousin were all banished to the Kiddie Table. I have never sat at a Kiddie Table, even when I was a kid, so it was kinda fun. Unfortunately, Elijah did not show up AGAIN! (I honestly do wait for him with anticipation every year.) The food was amazing as always. I don't know what everything is called, but I do like it all. (My boss insists that I am the only Gentile in the world that likes Matzoh and Gefilte Fish. He is Jewish and likes neither.)

Fabulous shoes and clothes!

   In addition to all this celebrating and fun, I looked fabulous! I threw together an outfit around an new pair of shoes. The shoes are Iron Fist mules. (A little side note here. I am a fan of Iron Fist. I love their clothes, however, I have a hell of a time fitting into their shoes. The Piratical Fiance has bought me 2 pairs as gifts and both had to go back, as they were too small, even though they were my size, which is an 11, for those of you who dont remember. I even spent an afternoon in Hootenanny in Harvard Square trying on every single pair of size 11 Iron Fist shoes they had with no luck and a lot of tears.) They are black and white plaid, with some ruffly yellow lace, a pink velvet bow and a pink skull to finish the whole look. I paired these with a bright blue Mode Merr Perfect Skirt, a black Old Navy mini cardigan and a lace camisole acquired at a thrift store. It was a perfect outfit and the ladies who were at Passover (all octogenarians) were amazed that I could walk in such tall heels and were all curious as to how tall I was without heels (5'9"). 

Walking Harvard Square

  The next event we had was a visit from the Piratical Fiance's younger brother from California. This demanded a family dinner out as well as another outfit centered around new shoes. This pair was also Iron Fist. These mules have red and black sequin skulls on them. (So cool!) The outfit that went with these shoes was a black Perfect Skirt and a red velvet Peasant Top. (When I chose this top, Angela looked at me and said, "Were you a romantic Goth?" How did she know? Since high school, I have had quite a weakness for all kinds of velvet. I suppose it has carried over to my adulthood. <3) Grandma Betty was horrified when she finally noticed my shoes on the walk back to her apartment through Harvard Square. She insisted that I would turn my ankle as well as ruin my feet. I did not turn my ankle that night, although she is probably right that I will at some point ruin my feet. The truth is that I have been wearing heels for so long that walking in flats is the tricky part for me. 

Cuz Ange says I am a Romantic Goth

   I need to say, Xpistos Avesti to all my Greek readers, although there probably are none. Greek Easter was last Sunday. Greek Easter generally falls after Catholic Easter and very rarely on the same Sunday. This year was the first year we ever had brunch out on Easter Sunday. We went to Stephie's on Tremont. I wore my black Mode Merr Perfect Skirt as well as a blue and white with black accents Sour Puss nautical shirt. This went with slightly more sensible shoes and one of my Victorian parasols. Sadly, no pictures were taken. I can tell you I got a lot of strange looks and even some rather rude comments. (Pssst...the secret to criticizing strangers in public is to WHISPER to your friends, not shout it at the top of your lungs.) I felt amazing, despite the comments and the looks and the enormous blister forming on my pinky toe, despite the deceiving sensibility of the shoes.  

Passover Dinner

   Life has been very busy this spring and it only seems to be getting busier. This weekend is the Boston Comic Con. I will be going with the Piratical Fiance and some friends. The Piratical Fiance will be pirating along with our friends. I however have elected to go as a Victorian Lady. I realize that it is not very comic-y, however this is not my scene. This will also be my first Con. I will most certainly be blogging about this impending adventure. 


   A friend also has an event coming up called, Spring Hue, Photography by Tracy King. http://www.facebook.com/events/190645637715916/ 
It will be held on Friday, April 27th at the Bulfinch Hotel. I modeled for this event (in Mode Merr of course) so come on by and take a look at some great photography. 

  Angela is finally home safe and sound from Viva Las Vegas. She came down with the flu while there and is finally on the mend. I will be posting more Mode Merr events as they arise. 


  I hope you are all well and enjoying this gorgeous weather. 


  Until Next Time, Dear Readers. <3

Mode Merr and Adventures in California

Good Saturday Morning To You, Dear Readers, 

Keloid stitches. Two of them.

    Once again, it has been entirely too long. My last blog was just over a month ago. I have no excuse, aside from being super busy (aren't we all?). As you know, the Piratical Fiance and I went on vacation for a week to California. Upon returning, I got sick, had ear surgery to remove a growing keloid on my ear, I had a hearing for a mystery parking ticket that I had never gotten in the first place, 3 dinner parties, my birthday, a photo shoot, work, etc, etc. 
  

Satin Perfect Skirt & Black Lace Peasant Blouse

   California was interesting to say the least. The weather was beautiful. Our first night there, we went to the symphony. We were exhausted from traveling all day and we both sorta fell asleep during the symphony, but damn I looked good in some Mode Merr! By the time we were back in bed, it was 2 am Eastern Standard Time, which if you do not know, is WAY past this girl's bed time. 

Gingerbread Model of the Winchester Mystery House

   The very next morning, we drove to the Winchester Mystery House. Do you know what that is? You don't? Well, let's fix that...www.winchestermysteryhouse.com
The short version is, Sarah Winchester, (heiress to the Winchester fortune through her husband) believed she was being haunted/cursed by the spirits of victims shot by Winchester rifles. A medium told her the only way to confuse the spirits that haunted her was to never stop construction on her house. For the next 38 years, she had work done on her house 24 hours a day, year round. She told her workers what to do based on what the spirits told her to do. The result is a bizarre Victorian mansion with stairs and doors that go no where, cabinets that had opened to the wall with no storage space, etc, etc all to protect her from spirits. It is one of 2 houses in California that is legally haunted.  

Me in one of the odd touches of the WMH an unnecessary inlet.

   Although he it was not allowed, the Piratical Fiance, lagged behind on the tour in every room. I could not understand why. Turns out, he was taking pictures with his cell phone! Which I have to admit I was thrilled with because I decided that I would really like to live in the Winchester Mystery House. As that is not possible, at least we have pictures. :) This was one of the best things we did all vacation! If you have not done so, go to the Winchester Mystery House if you are ever in San Jose. It is really tons of fun. If you go, try to get on the tour with Donald. He is great!

Medusa Mural First thing I saw on Haight Street

   My next most favorite thing in California was Haight Street. We were lucky enough to go twice. I think I could have stayed there forever. I stumbled upon Loved To Death (who I follow on Etsy) while looking for Post Mortem photography. They did not allow photography in the store (they had a baby coffin that I was obsessed with) but everything was so incredibly cool! There were mounted heads, lots of taxidermy, and exquisite jewelry! I also found tons of great vintage shops (all too expensive for my wallet, but super fun to look through). I did make a purchase on Haight Street. Billy dragged me into the John Fluevog store where I made the elaborate purchase of a pair of Baby Cake boots!!! It was my splurge for the year and I am in love with them. <3

   While on Haight Street, I popped into the Bettie Page store. Ladies, do yourselves a favor, do not buy from this line. I went in because the clothing looked cute in the window. Basically it was all a lot of over priced stuff, that was constructed out of cheap looking and feeling materials. I hate to knock a brand that I was so excited about and desperate to like. :(

Red Velvet Peasant Blouse with Snakeskin print Skinny Jeans

    The Piratical Fiance and I also got to spend 2 days and 1 night in Venice Beach. (If you are old enough to remember Three's Company, the title sequence was filmed there.) Basically its a bunch of drug addicts and homeless people, who are not really homeless (we know because we saw quite a few of them drive to "work") who panhandle. We walked along Venice beach and came across Muscle Beach (no meatheads were working out, though). We even went to the Santa Monica Pier (you know...where The Lost Boys was filmed!) where we found a really terrible Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator. The best part of Venice Beach was going to the Piratical Fiance's brother's pop up restaurant. If you are on the West Coast, google Ari Taymor. You will find out everything you need to know about pop up restaurants as well as how wonderful Ari's food is! And yes, I wore Mode Merr to dinner! How could I not?

Bridgette Blouse and Perfect Skirt

   One of our last nights in San Francisco, we took my future in-laws to a Greek restaurant. (A very modern Greek restaurant.) I took the opportunity to show off yet another Mode Merr creation. (Just a little aside: You can literally wear this Bridgette Blouse with EVERYTHING. I have matched it with just about every Perfect Skirt I own. I am hoping to wear it with jeans in the near future, because, hey, it's just that fabulous!) Needless to say, with all the eating out (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as consuming insane amounts of ice cream, I have porked up a bit. Thanks to Mode Merr garments having the super power of stretch, this has not been too much of an issue. Be forewarned, after next Friday's Passover Dinner, I will be going on a diet. There are a few upcoming events that I simply must look my best for!

    Please remember, Angela and of course, Mode Merr will be at Viva Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 5th to the 8th! (www.vivalasvegas.net) I know for a fact that Angela has been working her fingers to the bone for the last month making stock for this event. I am disappointed that I will not be able to attend, but if you are in the area, do yourself a favor and check it out. It promises to be a great event! 


  Until next time!! <3
  

Mode Merr Pop Up Boutique in Glamorous Roslindale Square

A Very Beautiful and Bright Sunday Afternoon, To You, Dear Readers,

Where I wish I was this afternoon

I would like to report to you that I am sitting down to write this blog entry at a street side cafe, sipping a coffee and eating some fabulous pastry. As I type, I watch couples stroll by on this perfect Sunday afternoon. I am of course outfitted in a new Mode Merr outfit, with perfect hair and perfect make-up and perfect heels. I serenely sip my coffee and delicately nibble my pastry. I am inspired by what I see around me and life is wonderful.

How I looked LAST night

I would like to report this to you. Really I would. But the reality is that I have a head cold and I am sitting on the couch in my living room. I have a glass of orange juice next to me and I can barely breathe. My hair is a mess and I am wearing cozy Halloween jammies. There is nothing glamorous going on here. However, that was not the case last night. 

Bargain Bins

Last night I hosted my first ever Mode Merr Pop Up Boutique. I have been giddily looking forward to hosting this event for months. I have always enjoyed hostessing and you all know how much I love Mode Merr. It just seemed to make sense to put the two together. 

Green Leopard, that was not worn Friday night

Angela called me Friday afternoon and wanted to know if she could swing by so we could set up the Boutique that night so I could have all of Saturday to ready the house. We decided to go to dinner (which I desperately needed, as I had had a rather difficult week). Luckily we had a quick phone consult to decide on outfits. If we hadn't, I would have greeted Angela in black skinny jeans and a black and green leopard cardigan...exactly the outfit she was wearing. Phew...fashion faux paux avoided. We quickly unloaded the car and configured where we should place the clothing rack and the bargain bins for optimal shopping. We had an absolutely wonderful dinner at Rattlesnake, where the Piratical Fiance is the Sous Chef. It was great to have an adult beverage and talk and laugh and find parking spots in Downtown Boston a stone's throw from the restaurant. 

The amazing Johnny Depp as Ed Wood

Saturday evening came. For awhile it was just Angela and I. It felt like we were unpopular girls at school and no one had come to our party. We were looking gorgeous and sitting around watching Ed Wood. We figured if no one showed, we were still having a great time. Slowly but surely, the ladies started showing up and the shopping and Mimosa drinking began.

The lovely Anna, digging

Everyone chatted and dug around in the bins. My dining room chairs slowly became shopping baskets for the clothes that were to be tried on. The gals went into the bathroom one-by-one to try on their selections. Outfits that were possibilities were modeled for the rest of us to see and offer opinions on. I myself, felt like a salesgirl at the Gap. I found myself repeating, "If you need a different size, just let me know!" 

Too cute Haley, modeling

It was great to see women of different ages and body types ALL find something that they liked and that fit them. (I feel like this is such a common theme in my blogs!) It was so much fun to see how great everyone looked in their new clothes. A common question was, "What would I wear this with?" The answers ranged from skinny jeans to sundresses and tube dresses. All very helpful suggestions.

More Bargain Bins

We ended the evening sitting around my living room each eating a slice of scrumptious fruit tart. Not only was the evening a great success, but it was so much fun to visit with everyone as well as help them shop. Angela and I will definitely be doing this at my house again.

I want to thank all the ladies that came out last night and made the evening such a great success. We appreciated it so much.

Until next time... <3

New Events With Mode Merr and Antique Adventuring

Good Evening to You, Dear Readers.

Mode Merr has some upcoming events. Pull up a seat and take a gander.

Philadelphia Tattoo Convention

Mode Merr will be at the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention... www.tattooedkingpin.com. Mode Merr will be sold out of Miss Ruth's Time Bomb Boutique. Take a peek here: www.missruthstimebomb.com. Angela will be there. She will be helping out at the Martha Rotten booth. Martha Rotten makes really beautiful jewelry. Find it here: www.martharotten.com. Have fun perusing all these great sites. If you find yourself in Philadelphia February 10th -12th, go to the Tattoo Convention (they are tons of fun, trust me!) and get you some Mode Merr!

The next event is Viva Las Vegas! What is Viva Las Vegas, you ask? Well, it's a Rockabilly weekend, in where else, but Las Vegas Nevada! www.vivalasvegas.net. Angela has been vending at this event for the past 6 or 7 years. She will be selling Mode Merr there once again. This event (that I really, really, want to go to) will be held April 5th to the 8th. There will be burlesque, music, a car show, etc. I am salivating as I type!!

Angela also wanted me to whisper in your ear that something is in the works for a Mode Merr event in Providence, Rhode Island. Things are in their early stages, but once I know what is up, so will you. 

We will be inside, not getting snagged on fences

Probably the most exciting news I have to relay to you is that I am hosting a Mode Merr Pop Up Boutique at my home on Saturday, February 18th. The event will run from 4pm till whenever we are done. There will be some munchies and some drinks. There will be over flowing bargain bins, as always, regularly priced merchandise, tattoo prints, and Martha Rotten jewelry. Most importantly, there will be a lot of really great ladies having a really great time! It is a private event, but if you would like to be invited, please get in touch with me and I will invite you. 

Amazing Surrey

Now that all the business stuff is out of the way, I must tell you about my adventures at the Antique Show last week. It was a learning experience, as I had never seen some of the items that were being sold. I saw a Colonial Era silver serving dish with dragons on either side of it, a Pre-Civil War Era leather pouch, which had all its everything (fascinating), white wedding slippers, etc. etc. The most interesting thing I saw was a black surrey. It was museum condition. Asking price was $3000. The seller was willing to sell at a lower price, but alas I have no place to store such a huge thing. I was completely taken with the oldness and grandness of it. All it needed was a horse, a driver and me riding in it.

My Hair Wreath

Sadly, there were no parasols nor was there any Post Mortem photography, although I asked till I was tired of saying, "Post Mortem Photography" and repeating that phrase, since no one ever understood what I was saying the first time around. I did however find an ABUNDANCE of Victorian Mourning Jewelry. (Yes, the kind made of hair.) The majority of it was in good shape, but vendors were asking rather high prices. I stumbled across a seller who had books. I found tucked among the books an oval frame. In the frame was hair arranged in a floral design. Next to the hair was a picture of a little girl. On the back was written a date and "Florence, aged 5". I brought it up to the man and asked how much. Because I was overwhelmed with sorrow for poor Florence, aged 5 who was so young and had such lovely blonde curls, I began to cry. Yes, the girl asking everyone for Post Mortem Photography, wept openly for little dead Florence, aged 5. However, little Florence, aged 5 was not dead the seller told me. He had gotten the floral hair from her mother. Aged 5 was when Florence's hair was cut. Well I hate to sound like this, but all appeal for Florence, aged 5 went out the window. My tears dried instantly. The very nice man smiled and said, "Well I do have something morbid for you, if that is what you like." He directed me to the floor, where he had placed a shadow box, quite out of sight. (Perhaps to keep it from public view, where people may recoil at it, but I like to think that he placed it there so it could wait for me to buy it.) In the shadow box was a Victorian Mourning Wreath made of hair with a little white ribbon. I instantly wanted it even though the shadow box is banged up and there is some staining inside. (I brought the wreath home for a whopping $50 dollars. The man dropped the price because he liked me and he didnt want to cart it back and forth.) I am madly in love with the piece and cannot wait to hang it on the wall. 

I also managed to get the Piratical Fiance his anniversary gift. I will not tell you what it is here, just in case he reads this Blog entry, but I will tell you it used to be alive!!!

And so, dear readers, I hope to see you at some of these events, although I will only be at the ones local to Massachusetts. (No funds, no time!!)

I hope you are all well and just tucking into your dinners. 

Until next time... <3

    

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
 

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