Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum.

“Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise.” ~ Margaret Atwood

Today is Margaret Atwood’s birthday—she is 74. She is one of my favorite authors and has shown that one’s light doesn’t necessarily burn out as she becomes older and more successful—it can burn brightly, provocatively and thoughtfully. She writes literary fiction, critical thinking, and science fiction. I am particularly fond of her science fiction work, which seems to have become her genre in the past few years. I recently just read her two latest offerings, which are shorts offered via amazon.com for the Kindle–I’m Starved for You and Choke Collar—and they are witty and edgy dystopian chapters in a serial novel—a bit kinky, a bit surprising and a bit funny in a sort of dark way. I would want to be Margaret Atwood when I grow up if I had the least bit of chance.

But no, I am simply a fashion blogger and what you see here is the combination of a few elements from great SL designers, including a mesh dress from AvaGardner Kungler, showcasing her ease with elegance and color mixing. The assymmetrical silhouette of this short skirt lends it an air of insouciance. I accessorized with a darling clutch from Renee Harvy and these charming pumps from Betty Doyle, featured at the Zodiac, with a curling tongue on the vamp.

My hair is one of Queue Marlowe’s newest, an update on the Harper model, now including sculpties and a slightly different shape. I am hoping to see this around the grid more—it’s darling. My skin is one of Aida Ewing’s beautiful glowing skins.

The title of this post, incidentally, is from the book, The Handmaid’s Tale. “Don’t let the bastards get you down.” It’s a phrase I have internalized.

“What am I living for and what am I dying for are the same question.” ~ Margaret Atwood

Hair: cray sandy by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: Glam Affair – Roza Basic – Jamaica01 D by Aida Ewing for Glam Affair *

Eyes: IKON ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Dark Brown (ML) by Ikon Innovia for IKON *

Dress: (Kunglers) Veronica dress – S – Lavender by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers *

Clutch: ::Duh!:: Little Clutch  – Color Change by Renee Harvy for Duh!

Shoes: Ingenue :: Scorpius :: Water by Betty Doyle for Ingenue, featured at The Zodiac

Dress

Put on that dress
I’m going out dancing
Starting off red
Clean and sparkling he’ll see me
Music playing make it dreamy for dancing
Must be a way that i can dress to please him
It’s hard to walk in the dress, it’s not easy
I’m spilling over like a heavy loaded fruit tree

If you put it on
If you put it on

~ Dress by P.J. Harvey

If you put it on, will he notice? I am guessing in this dress from monica Outlander, there is a good chance he will. When we dress up to get a lovers’ attention or just attention, what do we focus on? Some people think it’s all about showing some skin. I think it’s about showing something less overt—the curve and sway of a feminine body, the very subtle cultural cues—a slit up the leg, an open back. Monica’s dress quite effortlessly achieves this.

My skin is another glorious example of Gala Phoenix’s newest releases, a beautiful soft skin with an underlying sensuality and a fresh freckled countenance. I have been resorting to overlying the dark brows from the Chic series on her skins—I really want a darker brow when I wear dark hair.

And my dark hair is a beautiful sensuous style from Queue Marlowe’s latest line. I think this style really has that sort of Mary Louise Parker look to it—loose curls flowing down in a sexy silhouette.

If you put it on
If you put it on

Hair: .b – tavern house wine by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: :GP: Petal Frex [Dark] Candy-Licorice Whip 1 with :GP: Chic-Dark Brows (Tintable) by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Azure (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: Miamai_Aralee Blue by monica Outlander for Miamai *

Bangles: Ear Candy ~ Special Silver Bangles L by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy

Shoes: Maitreya Gold Aequus Blue *V2.0 Boxed* by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Poses: Diesel Works Railing (Straightened) by Rogan Diesel for Diesel Works

Copenhagen

But you, you have disappeared
You have been released
You are flecks of light–you are missed
Somewhere, spinning round the sun
Circling the moon
Traveling through time
You are missed

~ “Copenhagen,” by Lucinda Williams

Two people I know in SL have lost parents recently in the past couple days—both losses sudden and unexpected. One of these people was a dear friend of mine and his father lived a full life to raise two good sons and enjoy 58 years of marriage (and a brownie sundae when they went out to dinner to celebrate their anniversary the weekend before). The other person I don’t know as well but she is a great creator in SL, and I am sure her mother was a lovely person because she certainly is. This poignant song from Lucinda Williams has a beautiful message for a lost loved one which I hope will bring comfort to both of them.

It’s a rather clumsy transition to go into talking about a mere virtual dress after such weighty subjects, but this is a fashion blog after all. I start with Mami Jewell’s beautiful gown recently released, the gown created for Miss Brazil in Miss Virtual World. It has all the hallmarks of Mami’s incredible styling—great textures, glittering touches (but never over the top), lush coloring and an incredible silhouette. From the cap sleeves to the full skirt, it’s sexy and elegant.

I chose to wear with one of Queue Marlowe’s new hair releases under her brand, .b. Her blondes are to die for—not at all “yellow” and full of depth and shine. I love how Queue does waves and curls in her hair—no one’s hair is uniformly one curl and she shows that perfectly in this style.

My skin is from a creator I tripped across—Marisa Felia. I rather like her work with its elegant face and very subtle sprinkling of freckles and gentle blush. I hope to be showing more.

My necklace, from Kesseret Steeplechase, says it all—love—and is perhaps a message to one cherished and remembered rather than a simply a lover.

Somewhere, spinning round the sun
Circling the moon
Traveling through time
You are missed

Hair: .b – quiver raw honey by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: [MyDear]Natalie Skin– Pale #5(Cleavage) by Marisa Felia for MyDear Skin *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Absinthe (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: -AZUL- J.e./Jade (MMV2011finalist/MissBrazil) by Mami Jewell for –AZUL- *

Necklace: =^^= MIAO Gidge Sweetheart Necklace by Kesseret Steeplechase for Miao

My heart reaches across several oceans for you and your family, Michael.

Fiona

Why can’t I be more conventional
People talk
People stare
So I try
But can’t be
Cuz I can’t see
My strange little world
Just go passing me by

Today’s look is named after Fiona Apple because I was listening to Fiona Apple and this looks like a Fiona. In fact, this Fiona likes blossoms. My top is from Teresa Republic—a form fitting top with a panel of flowers running down the middle. I paired it with a skirt from Mikiya Alter with golden blossoms running along the hem.

I have two pieces of good news in this outfit. First, Queue Marlowe has been up to tricks, and my ‘do is from her newest line, which is a breath of fresh air from her with 92 color choices (talk about upload charges!). Queue has been working hard on this new line with new textures, new shapes and a new brand name for this line: Point B. She has more coming out soon… join her group to keep apprised.

My second piece of good news is Siddean Munro’s platform flip flops. Siddean has tried to address the same problem that Oct Oakleaf did with his sandals—trying to eliminate the “ankle join” for prim feet while making them easier to match. Her solution is smart and makes matching easy. The great thing about Siddean’s work is that she never sits back and says, “OK, I am done.” Continuous improvement is Siddean’s ethos, and that’s why she’s always one step ahead (gah, no pun intended).

So let people wonder
Let ‘em laugh
Let ‘em frown
You know I’ll love you
Till the moon’s upside down
Don’t you remember
I was always your clown
Why try to change me now

~ Fiona Apple, “Why Try to Change Me Now”

Hair: tavern passion by Queue Marlowe for .b *

Skin: #5 LaVie Asia -Tiffany- Light by Pompeja Rossini for LaVie *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Turquoise (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Top: haut.monde – Mariska Blouse – Blue Cacarao 2 by Teresa Republic for haut.monde *

Skirt: ****em**** Bohemian Skirt(Turquoise) by Mikiya Alter for ****em****

Necklace: *HD* Bertille Pendant by Delora Starbrook for Haven Designs (no longer available :( )

Shoes: Slink Shaz Platforms Teal by Siddean Munro for SLink *

Make New Friends…

 

So this is what happens when some upstart blogger IMs you and gets all sweet and nice and funny. She lets you steal witty things from her profile. She dishes with you about her partner. Then, she sneaks up and asks to take your photo because of a blogger challenge. She asks you to look like yourself (whatever that is anymore, I am not sure). And then she takes your photo and you look like a billion bucks (see below).

Rainey Manx, authoress of No Rainey Days, IM’d me and flattered me with her request to take my photo to answer Harlow Heslop’s question about what blogger inspires her. I was thrilled because Rainey’s work is incredible—she puts beauty into every piece she does (and I am incredibly envious because my PS and art skills stink). I was putty in her hands.

Did we intend to dress to match? Nope. But that’s how similar we are in aesthetic–it all seemed to work. I can only talk about what I threw on; Rainey’s babeitude speaks for itself (and she has more at her blog). I started with a minidress and scarf from Trill Zapatero, who tempted me with several things at her store. I love the funky look of her things, their casual sexy hippy dippy coolness. All proceeds from sales at her store go to help Afghan women, so it appeals to my charitable side as well.

My hair is my namesake from my someday partner Queue Marlowe (whenever Callie dumps me). Queue made the hair and then I sent a photo of RL Harper and we agreed—it matches. My skin, like Rainey’s, comes from Nena Janus’ beautiful mind.

Most importantly, our eyes come from a man we both hold dear to our heart—Ikon Innovia. I would like to think I am the reason they are together but I am guessing it’s more because of his devastating charm and her incredible wit and spirit. It seems Ikon lucked out. So did I in making a new friend :)

… but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold.

On Rainey:

Hair: Magika – Luna Roots Edition by Sabina Gully for Magika

Skin: League – Sia by Nena Janus for *League* *

Eyes: Fashism – Custom by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Sweater & Tank Top: Sn@tch – Church Sweater & Butch Tank Sheer by Ivey Deschanel for Sn@tch

Jeans: L.inc – Tyra Jeans by CK Winx for Luck Inc *

Belt: Coco – Calf Leather by cocoro Lemon for *COCO*

Necklace: Dark Mouse -  I’ve Lost My Way by Mouse Mimistrobell for Dark Mouse*

Bracelet: Sigma – Siren by Sofi Trenkins for ~SIGMA~Jewels

Pose: !Bang – Promises by Triest Minuet for Bang Poses

 

On Harper:

Hair: AD – harper brown sugar by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: *League* Amber Br Sunkiss -Smoky- by Nena Janus for *League* *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Steel Blue (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Top: BoHo HoBo minidress (tealquarks) by Trill Zapatero for BoHo Hobo

Jeans: Maitreya Skinny Jeans by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Scarf: BoHo HoBo skinny scarf (blue) by Trill Zapatero for BoHo Hobo

Ring: ::je suis::Gacha::tente::sky::ring by Julia Merosi for je suis

Boots: BAX Prestige Boots Blue Suede by Bax Coen for Bax Coen Designs *

Queen Annalea

As the head parson placed the crown upon her head in front of all the citizens in the arena, she felt its weight.. not just on her head but down her spine, running through her body, deep in her soul. As the chains were settled into place, the crenellated horns adjusted, the warrock tails thrown over her shoulders, she knew her lazy afternoon lessons, her idle needlework, her gossip and girlish pastimes—all were gone and over. That was another life and it was far behind her.

She gazed out into the faces of the thousands of people. Her mother, Queen Dendra, gazed up at her from the foot of the stage; her younger brother, Rance, watched her keenly. She thought about the death of her father, King Timmott, in the hands of the enemy.

The head parson announced, “All hail, Queen Annalea.”

The people cheered. “All hail, Queen Annalea. Long live the Queen!”

Our queen comes courtesy of June Dion, whose considerable line of inexpensive and amazingly rendered garments is an incredible addition to SL content. This ensemble, part of a set with several colors, includes sculpty belts, ties, and a beautifully textured skirt. Echoed through the garment are Asian motifs all jumbled up in a complicated but beautiful look fit for a young warrior queen.

My hair/headpiece comes courtesy of Tekelili Tantalus, whose unique vision provides amazing fantasy wear that includes incredible versatility with a built-in color-changing script that operates most elements separately. Look closely at his textures—they gleam and shine with depth of light and dark. Tek is at the Hair Fair this year, and he will be, without exception, the most amazing and fantastic artist there. Indulge in one of his pieces—they go beyond hair to art.

Her blue eyes locked with Rance’s eyes as the arena filled with the fierce chanting. Unspoken but agreed between them at that moment was that vengeance was inevitable and it would be theirs.

Hair: Ashtoreth – Black by Tekelili Tantalus for Tekeli-li!, available at Hair Fair 2011 *

Hair Base: AD hair base – black by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog

Skin: :GP: Petal [Dark] Pout-Melancholy Baby 2 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Blue (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Outfit: :: B@R ::: CODE Qipao Blue by June Dion for Bare Rose

Boots: [NeurolaB Inc.] Activa Ankle Boots Black by Ono Zinner for [NeurolaB Inc.] *

Pink Funk

There is definitely something sexy about a girl with an attitude and a pair of leather pants. ~ Eliza Dushku

LeeZu Baxter does it again—making something so drop-dead sexy that I can only stare at myself. First the top, which was released a couple weeks ago. She combines a drapey bodice barely clinging to the body, held on by a zippered collar and wonderfully textured in her inimitable way. Then there are the leather pants, integrated with the boots and textured with a stylistic contrasting leather. Honey, does my ass look TOO wonderful in these?

Atomicsparkle Skytower has released a new set of skins. One of the more beloved skin makers on the grid, she offers this set with its full lipstick on tattoo layers. I opted to don a full wavy style from Queue Marlowe, who keeps threatening to come out with more hair soon (once she recovers from her whirlwind trip to Europe). My eyelashes, from Viola Leigh, have little specks of glitter.

Look at these boots once more. Rowr!

Not sure I am ever taking them off ;)

Hair: AD- dive black by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: AtomicBambi-Tania-Pale-Dk-Blush with AtomicBambi Tattoo – Tania Lip – DUSTY PINK by Atomicsparkle Skytower for Atomic Bambi *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Blue (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Eyelashes: Eyelashes -20- DiamondDust *REDGRAVE* by Viola Leigh for Redgrave

Top: [LeeZu!] Cloe Top /champagne by LeeZu Baxter for LeeZu! *

Pants with Boots: [LeeZu!] Florentine High Heel Pants /pink by LeeZu Baxter for LeeZu! *

Tattoo: AITUI TATTOO – Zodiac – ASF Taurus I by Jesseaitui Petion for AITUI

Nails: (complate/R) Hand size 20 [MANDALA]Milky Nails/White and (Nail Only/L) Hand size 20 [MANDALA]Milky Nails/White by Kikunosuke Eel for [MANDALA]

Bracelets: !COMPLATE(L)[MANDALA]Milky Way Bangle/Polly white (worn on left forearm), D(R)[MANDALA]Milky Way Bangle/white (worn on right upper arm), and G(R)[MANDALA]Milky Way Bangle/white (worn on right forearm) by Kikunosuke Eel for [MANDALA]

PS Great thanks to IG, who helped me tune up my blog a bit. I’ll be back for more ;)

A Heartbreaking Blog of Staggering Genius

“She needs a new journal. The one she has is problematic. To get to the present, she needs to page through the past, and when she does, she remembers things, and her new journal entries become, for the most part, reactions to the days she regrets, wants to correct, rewrite.” ~ Dave Eggers

Since I was talking about crushes a few days ago, I have to bring up Dave Eggers, who I admire greatly. He wrote the book for my generation in the US—A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius when he was a young man—a sort of diary but so much more. After that, rather than self-indulgent Generation Y writing, he chose to reach out to the bigger world in his novels and his work. Now he leads 826 National, a non profit writing and tutoring center for kids in San Francisco. I could go on and on about how inspiring this man is. And his writing is damn good too ;)

Apropos of nothing about Dave Eggers, I show a pretty summery look. Well actually this is the kind of girl I think would like Dave—a beautiful sophisticated but not pretentious lady in a simple summer dress from AvaGardner Kungler and little shoes from Elikapeka Tiramisu.

A pretty summer skin from Gala Phoenix with bold flowery colors to match the colors of the dress and my namesake hair from Queue Marlowe, and it’s a pretty look for a fangirl for a pretty awesome person.

“Still though, I think if you’re not self-obsessed, you’re probably boring.” ~ Dave Eggers

Hair: harper mahogany by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: :GP: Sundust [Light] Chic-Flair 2 with :GP: Chic-Dark Brows (Tintable) by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Pale Absinthe (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: (Kunglers) TDRB #26 – Summer Dress by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers

Necklace: NHA! Necklace Samy by kyrha Bouscario for NHA!

Shoes: [e] Flair Flats – Watermelon (SoM Gift) by Elikapeka Tiramisu for [elikatira]

Sofa prop: [Starstruck] Langar Sofa Green Sequin RARE by Cyclic Gearz for Starstruck

Dress Up

One of the most appealing features of SL, of course, is the ability to dress up our avatars. This game of dress up is an entire dissertation in itself. Let’s just leave it at liking to put together pretty colors for today ;)

I got this little dress from youki Cioc’s eclectic store a while ago and have been trying to find a time and place to show it. I love the multiple layers of prims, the big blooming cabbage rose print, the lovely use of the shoulder pieces and armlets. I had been wearing Pixieplumb Flanagan’s new little sneakers and the color matched perfectly while the style was a tomboyish juxtaposition, so why not? A pair of lacey ankled socks from Naoki Ninetails just made the look complete.

When I put together outfits it’s always an odd process. I have to be inspired by something—a song, a quote, the start of look. This time it was the freckles I got from Launa Fauna. I had seen freckles on another avatar as a tattoo layer and I found them charming. This inexpensive tattoo layer really did the trick layered over Alexandra Barcelos’ new Kiona skin (which I am wearing twice in a row here, but isn’t it just perfect?). Then I popped on this ginger hair from Queue Marlowe (who is off to the Continent for a few weeks—I miss her already) and this darling hat from siestabrill Nitely. What a gorgeous face.

And she was fair as is the rose in May. ~ Geoffrey Chaucer

Hair: AD – ginger chestnut by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: Kiona . Pale . Passion by Alexandra Barcelos for Filthy Skins*

Tattoo Layer: L.Fauna EXTRA FRECKLES [Tan] by Launa Fauna for L.Fauna Skins

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Mint (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: xxYOMESHOUJOxx *ViR* by youki Cioc for YomeShoujo

Socks: >GG< Vicki Lace Socks by Naoki Ninetails for Locke Couture

Hat: Oiseaunoir_*Headdress*PK by siestabrill Nitely for *un Jour*

Shoes: BM Candi Lo-Top Sneakers Aqua by Pixieplumb Flanagan for Baby Monkey *

Spring Fresh

Designers are introducing a bunch of new content for this spring, bringing a new fresh look to the season. (Now if the sun would come out….)

For example, LeeZu Baxter has been on a tear, producing new content like a woman on a mission. Are the hyacinths and tulips popping out of the ground inspiring her? This pair of shorts with their color-changing texture belt is a fresh look for spring. I show here with a burgundy silk texture but it comes with a whole handful of looks that can accent an outfit. I wear it with a gacha sweater from Memai Avon. Blessedly, LeeZu did not put loops on the belt so I could wear this sweater out.

Tricky Boucher came out with a new line of skins a month or so ago and I was remiss in not showing his group gift, which is truly lovely. Queue Marlowe just released a new set of sexy up-dos with her characteristic messy and sexy curls. Ikon Innovia has released new hazel eyes in five shades with his typical five sizes (there you go, Ms. Alchemi!) which are absolutely hypnotizing. And goodness, Bax Coen is hard at work applying her new metallic look to everything in sight—this time her Prestige boots. These are color changing and this particular set has three colors, all distinctively different. And as always, you can fit the boots via Bax’s brilliant fitting system.

Every spring is the only spring – a perpetual astonishment.  ~Ellis Peters

Hair: AD – ginger maple by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: -Belleza- Erika Med group gift by Tricky Boucher for -Belleza-

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Light Hazel (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Top: [ Last Period ] tops 0021 gacha Pink by Memai Avon for Last Period (no longer available)

Shorts: [LeeZu!] Cortez Pants /blue jeans by LeeZu Baxter for LeeZu! *

Boots: BAX Prestige Boots Violet Metallic by Bax Coen for BAX Boots *