Looked Over

It is better to be looked over than overlooked. ~ Mae West

I never understood why someone would be upset about be examined or being looked at in SL. I have seen the silly prims that cover everything and been asked why I am looking at someone because they can see my crosshairs. Why wouldn’t you want people to look? You are showing an avatar style—isn’t that your intention?

I have no problem with being looked over, today especially. This sexy open top from Liziaah Levecchia with its black detailed plackets and cuffs is a winner, especially with its insouciant drape and tight fit across the bust. Paired with the best booty in SL—jeans from Paul Lapointe, it insists on being looked over.

And what a bust, courtesy of Voshie Paine. I have worked with/for Voshie in the Skin Addiction group for over a year and it’s been a pleasure. Voshie hand draws her skins, so she is the first person to know the difficulties and art of making great skins. This one, which is her newest, includes character-defining moles, well arched brows and a sexy, seductive smile that says, “Look at me!”

Look your best–who said love is blind? ~ Mae West

Hair: >TRUTH< Marley w/Roots – caramel by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: .la petite morte. birgit tone 3 M3 DB CL by Voshie Paine for La Petite Morte *

Eyes: IKON Eternal Eyes – Brown (ML) by Ikon Innovia for IKON *

Top: [LIZ] MESH Rock Allure white blouse by Liziaah Lavecchia for LIZ

Jeans: .:L&B:. S’Wear Mesh Womens Jeans Skinny Zip  (black) set by Paul Lapointe for Lapointe and Bastchild *

Shoes: N-core SEDUCTION XtremeHeel “Silver” by Claire Messenger and Nuria Augapfel for N-core

Poses by Rogan Diesel for DieselWorks Animations

O What A Thrill

Woman words fail me
Your skin is sweet and warm
I want to console you
And hold you in my arms
O once you were my baby
You’re my baby still

~ “O What A Thrill” by the Mavericks

I know y’all think I’m a city girl. Well… I am but sometimes some country gets into me, and I feel like talkin’ about what Momma’s taught me and callin’ everyone “Darlin’.” When such a thing happens, I put on a pretty frock and some cowboy boots and get it out of my system by listening to some Mavericks (and Raul Malo’s luscious voice). Luckily Arianrhod Garnet made this dress that makes my country girl perfect in every way with its sweet floral pattern and darling cap sleeves. JB Gazov makes THE BEST cowboy boots in SL (Dex told me so and he knows cowboy boots) so I just slip these on and feel so country.

My skin is a new one from Rosemary Galbraith, who is coming out soon with a set of skins sold under her own Cupcakes label that won’t go full perm. She’ll be adding further makeup enhancements and eyebrow options very soon. I chose this skin because of its lovely hue and pretty features. It was perfect for my country girl.

My long lovely locks are from Truth Hawks and a Truth specialty, flowing over shoulders and in a tangle of wavy beautiful curls. The hair band is, of course, color change, and this new style does feature streaks (which I don’t show).

O what a thrill
O what a thrill
Stars in the sky
Stars stand still
O what a thrill

Hair: >TRUTH< Lacey (Upper) – copper by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: *CUPCAKES – Abigail – Pale:Limey by Rosemary Galbraith for CUPCAKES *

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

Dress: suzy / french sleeve dress * palegreen by Arianrhod Garnet for suzy

Earrings and ring: Ear Candy ~ Chunk of Jade Earrings and Chunk of Jade Ring by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy

Boots: J’s WesternBoots ( 10Colors ) by JB Gazov for J’s

Sugar Buzz

Oh, sweet thing,
You’re just like a Sugar Buzz
Doing to me just what sugar does.
The heart is full as it ever was,
I so high like I was on some devil’s drug
You lift me up straight to the top
Suspended bliss until I drop.

~ “Sugar Buzz” by K.D.Lang and the Siss Boom Bang

Taking a break from story-telling to share a song I have been listening to over and over and a look, something so sweet it gives ME a sugar buzz. I start with a new vintage dress from Neferia Abel, the queen of fashion history in SL (well at least for the 20th century). This simple little pink frock is the basis of my sweet look, accompanied by platform shoes from Cerberus Noel (with a color change rose!) and pink gloves from Jill Lemon (who has, indeed, reopened though you won’t find these gloves at her new store).

Ponytails from Truth Hawks give me a girl-like attitude and one of Gala Phoenix’s new lustrous summer skins provides a sweet and pretty complexion. Sachi Vixen has come out with a set of glittery, glitzy eyeshadows and I wear one here, which is the sugar on top of an already pretty sweet look.

Can’t get enough,
Can’t get enough!
I can’t live without it.
Can’t get enough!
What this love does to me, sugar buzz?

Hair: >TRUTH< Cleo – seaspray by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: :GP: Petal [Light] Summer-Pebble 2 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

Makeup: Adam n Eve Eye Tattoo Glitz d by Sachi Vixen for Adam n Eve *

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

Dress: ~Ivalde~Laiqa hotpink by Neferia Abel for Ivalde *

Earrings: *UnTone Quilt*Free gift drop Earring by Cocomitsu Mayo  for *UnTone Quilt* (no longer available)

Gloves: *+*JILL*+*ribbon gloves-Pink by Jill Lemon for *+*JILL*+*

Shoes: *GF* Platform Shoes “Rosette” -black- by Cerberus Noel for G Field

To Tell the Truth

I remember when Truth Hawks was some back alley guy who would plop a wad of prims on your head for a couple hundred linden. Then he got to be a kind of underground sensation—people in the know shopped Truth. His store got overrun with hair—hair hair hair. He made it so quickly he grew out of the store. Forget the clothes and accessories—everyone wanted that hair. Now he’s a Big Deal with a store built by Barnesworth Anubis, massive traffic (more than Franks), and a huge rep. When people ask, “Where can I get hair?” the answer is always “Truth.” This is the thing: he’s still a nice guy. If I contact him (which I do seldom as I figure he’s busy), he always answers cheerfully and with <3s. Which just goes to show—nice guys CAN finish first.

The reason I share this is because Truth is opening a NEW sim on July 1 at 9 am slt, sharing space with several designer friends. With stores like Nardcotix, Curio, Mudhoney, League, Earthstones, Miel and Miamai, Truth is packing the sim with heavy hitters, and he could do this because HE IS A NICE GUY. How else could someone gather this caliber of designers?

Today’s look was made entirely from purchases on the new Truth District, which was built by the very charming Cory Edo. (She’s REALLY NICE too.) Big kudos to Sophia Harlow, who is doing all the grunt work for this. (Yes, she’s REALLY NICE.)

My dress is a fashionable and sexy piece from Milla Michinaga, who was the original daily look blogger (and my idol). From her blogging, she learned what needed to go into the best garments and she transferred that knowledge to her products. Exacting and fashionable, Milla always provides top notch stuff. (And she is SUPER NICE.)

My belt and sexy boots are courtesy of Gospel Voom, who makes high-quality shoes and accessories. Gos’ textures are unsurpassed and the versatility of his fat pack pieces are amazing (many color options on each piece of the item). Gos is .. UBER NICE. (And he is always up for a little randy repartee.)

My skin is one of Gala Phoenix’s newest releases. One of MANY. I saw all her new work and felt that sickness from eating too much candy—it’s all so delightful. I wore this particular skin because it’s cute but the name really appealed—Grouch. (I want no comments from you, Callie.) Gala’s skins have become.. luminous is the best word I can think of. I am so glad she has moved in this direction. And Gala? WICKEDLY NICE.

My eyes are from Hart Larsson, who is also selling skins on Truth’s sim. I love their brightness and opacity. Hart is a TRULY NICE man (and a great artist). My poses are from Katey Coppola, who is SASSILY NICE. My hair is Truth’s GIFT to us all. In fact, many of the designers are going to be offering gifts in celebration of the opening. You HAVE to join the Truth Update Group to click on the special vendors and they will only be out til July 5.

Below TPs go directly to stores in Truth District.

Hair: >TRUTH< Becky – quince by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH<, gift at the Truth District

Skin:  :GP: Petal [Dark] Pout-Grouch 1 by Gala Phoenix for Curio, available at the Truth District  *

Eyes: [PXL] SOUL  Eyes – Blue (M) by Hart Larsson for PXL Creations, available at the Truth District

Dress: MichaMi: Leather Dress in Black by Milla Michinaga for MichiMi, available at the Truth District

Belt: [Gos] Cinch-Belt – FATPACK by Gospel Voom for Gos, available at the Truth District *

Cuff and earrings: erratic / cuff / silver (L) and erratic / hoop earrings / silver by Erratic Rain for erratic, available at the Truth District

Boots: [Gos] Curvaceous Boot – FATPACK by Gospel Voom for Gos, available at the Truth District *

Poses by Katey Coppola for glitterati, available at the Truth District

Peachy Keen

“The ripest peach is highest on the tree.” ~ James Whitcomb Riley

Nothing like a sweet peach in the summer. In a short little ruffle-tiered skirt from Su Scarmon in the prettiest shade of rose, our peach is ready for a summer soiree. I like how Su has used highlights and lowlights to make the fabric really satiny and the ruffles flouncy. The summer’s sexiest shoes, from Siddean Munro, turn the look from sweet to sumptuous.

The peachy part of the blog is really this new skin from Heather Beebe. With its peachy skin tone, languid eyes, and full and juicy lips, it’s a sexy and fresh look from Heather. (A friend who had not been in SL for a couple months saw me in this and said he couldn’t stop looking at me. That should tell you how good the skin is ;)) I show with a sexy loose updo from Truth Hawks.

“Life is better than death, I believe, if only because it is less boring and because it has fresh peaches in it.” ~ Thomas Walker.

Hair: >TRUTH< Alison – sandlewood by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: [ROCKBERRY] Apple A/Natural/BLK by Heather Beebe for [ROCKBERRY] *

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

Dress: *Lalei*Nadine dress-dark rose by Su Scarmon for *Lalei* *

Necklace and bracelets: *League* Wanderer Jewellery Set -Golden Oak by Nena Janus for League

Shoes: Slink Lulu Stilettos Beige by Siddean Munro for SLink *

No Blog Is An Island

It would be a complete lie if I said that I do my blogs completely alone. I do a lot of the work on my own—searching for items to show, photographing, posting, etc. But I spend a lot of time talking to friends who give me feedback about my blog. For example, my blog from a couple days ago about Grayness was heavily influenced by the feedback and contribution of a friend, who also contributed the background of the photo. I have found more and more that the discipline of writing I wanted to find with my blog has turned out to be a process that involves many friends and mentors.

I don’t think a single thing in SL is made without some sort of collaboration of that sort. A blog, a piece of art, a piece of content—they are all products of social action and interaction. They all want to say something and be spoken to (hence “Comments” sections on blogs, for example). No blog is an island, as it were. Why would I bother doing this if I didn’t want to speak to you and have a discussion? I am very mindful of you, Dear Reader, and because of this, I do this blog every day as carefully as I can.

My look today is the product of a friend’s input. As I was at Tiphares, I donned this dress, having purchased it at Sonatta Morales’ garden party to launch her new collection. I was so excited to see how it would look on me. (And let me say, Sonatta Morales’ new collection is jaw-droppingly cool. She makes the most exquisite historically accurate 20th century period fashion in SL.) It looked amazing on me. Sonatta has rendered elegance complete on the SL avatar. I was wearing the hair I show here, and my friend, Todd Action, IM’d, “You look like Florence Welch. She might wear a dress like that.”

I set to making my look more like Florence Welch, with Todd’s feedback. Fortunately, Maximillion Grant had sent over his newest set of skins, the Grace collection. Max’s collection, I know, is made in collaboration with his wife and many friends. He reaches out for feedback from customers and incorporates them into his work. Therefore, he offers a wide variety of choices with his skins. I was able to layer on different eyebrows, liner, blush and lips with Todd looking on to approve. (I did also try to change me shape to match Florence Welch’s longer face and nose but that was for naught. Todd said, “Just be Harper as Florence.”)

I may look like like “Harper as Florence,” rather than Florence proper. This look is the result of my collaboration with Todd and all the designers who contributed to this work (as their content made it). That is why their names always appear in credits below.

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” ~ John Donne

Hair: >TRUTH< Kitty – carrot by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: LOGO Grace Bloom Skin – Carbon Base (No Brows) with LOGO Grace Bloom – L08 – Brows Style 5 Brown and LOGO Grace – L03 – Soft Liner plus LOGO Grace Bloom – L02 – Blush 2 and LOGO Grace Bloom – L01 – Lips – Vamp (Matte) by Maximillion Grant for LOGO *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Silver&Green 3 (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: Peach by Sonatta Morales *8* by Sonatta Morales for Sonatta Morales

Shoes: Gossip Pumps – Silver Peony by Teresa Republic for ! haut.monde *

Scootin’

Summer vacation is the perfect time to get the scooter out and run around town.

Naturally, a girl wears something casual—shorts, a little tank top, flats. My tank top is retired as far as I know—a cute little striped one from Juju Armidi, who is wandering the grid and making content under an alias, I am sure. My shorts were Rob Moonite’s offering for 50L Friday. Rob is great for making items that can be worn by girls or guys and these shorts are no exception. My shoes are an inexpensive pair from Renee Harvy, who makes some really nicely priced shoes in great styles.

My skin is Mallory Cowen’s newest—a fresh face for women who want to be on the grid with a youthful look. There’s no pretense to this skin—it’s simply young and clean with a much more subtle glow than Mallory’s previous skins. This is not about the makeup or the fashion—this is about dressing down and being casual. The eyebrows took a bit for me to get used to—I like mine more refined and groomed but they actually are a bonus. This skin is not like all the others and this young face is fresh and beautiful.

I wear a new ponytail hair from Truth Hawks with streaking and color change ponytail bands. And I have been holding this calculator watch forever. It’s so dorky it’s cool. And don’t you love my posing scooter? I tripped across this in my sim wanderings. Suri Yangtz loaded it with lots of fun poses (more than you see here) and it comes in five colors—all for the price of one.

A visit to the bookstore, pick up some spices for dinner tonight, get those knitting needles I need… errands around town ;)

Hair: >TRUTH< Astrid Streaked – cherry by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: LAQ ~ Mini – [Nougat] Brown HB – 01 by Mallory Cowen for Laqroki

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

Top: (Elephants Outfitters) Ribbon Tank – noir blank  by Juju Armidi for (Elephants Outfitters) (no longer available)

Shorts: *FIR & MNA* The Heathersfield Shorts White Long by Rob1977 Moonites for *FIR & MNA* *

Earrings: ++Je veux_earring_diamond++ by sucreee Menges for Je veux (no longer available)

Bandana: MTP Bandana neck wrap by Jon Ree for Mustang Trading Post

Watch: **SB** Calculator Watch by Adelaide Dae (unavailable)

Shoes: ::Duh!:: Spring Flats – Ink (Black) by Renee Harvy for Duh!

Scooter: [socialANGtz] scooter red by Suri Yangtz for [socialANGtz]

Mood Indigo

You ain’t been blue; no, no, no.
You ain’t been blue,
Till you’ve had that mood indigo.
That feelin’ goes stealin’ down to my shoes
While I sit and sigh, “Go ‘long blues”.

~ “Mood Indigo,” as sung by Nina Simone

There’s a reason I chose this particular version of “Mood Indigo.” While it talks about the blues, it’s really a peppy number as done by Nina Simone. It starts off in a Duke Ellington style (as well it should as he wrote it) that moves through at a energetic pace, which belies the lyrics. It suits our beauty as shown here.. she sparkles and is the epitome of brilliance but underneath she may be a “poor fool that’s bluer than blue can be.” While I realize this gown is not indigo, it certainly is blue. Her elegance is provided by saby Clary in this satiny sleek gown with silver lace highlights and sheer bodice panel and heels from nut Barak.

Her beautiful skin is another skin tone from Monicuzza Babenco’s newest releases, a shimmering makeup on a beautiful tan skin. I donned piercing light blue eyes from Ikon Innovia and earrings from Alienbear Gupte that are a couple years old but still amazing today.

I’m just a poor fool that’s bluer than blue can be
When I get that mood indigo

Hair: >TRUTH< Eden – pearl by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: *YS & YS* Linda – 14 Ice by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS* *

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

Dress: Utopia KATHLEEN azure by saby Clary for Utopia

Earrings: Frideswide Earring (white) by Alienbear Gupte for Alienbear Gupte’s Designs

Shoes: #OC# Crush heels – Azure by Nut Barak for Orange Creations *

Meg

Her name was Theresa but everyone calls her “Meg,” because she is so much like nutmeg—brown, spicy and warm—and she smells faintly of spices. That’s because she works at the spice store around the block from me—one of my favorite places. She knows cooking back and forth, taught to her by her gramma, and she gave me the best recipe for banana bread that has among it’s spices.. well, what else but nutmeg.

Meg is wearing a darling retro skirt from Maya Levane, something she picked up at a vintage store topped by a comfy tank from moonbubble Gothly (whose store she loves). She loves jewelry and she has been to the Accessory Fair several times. She has a great set from Mouse Mimistrobell on—necklace, earrings and bangles. The set is as eclectic and funky as Meg herself. A pretty little ring from AvaGardner Kungler punctuates her look.

Monicuzza Babenco’s newest skin is an ideal visage for Meg with its sweet nutmeg tone and beautiful glow. The lips and eyes on this skin are sublime, incredibly attractive and sensual. Her hair is a beauty from Truth Hawks with its woven-in braid and streaks (which I changed to auburn for subtlety). Her toes are gloriously rendered by Siddean Munro in a pair of Siddean’s newest flat sandals.

Full of sugar and spice and everything nice.

Hair: >TRUTH< Clementine Streaked (Upper) – mocha by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: *YS & YS* Mary – 01 Nude by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS* *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Dark Hazel (M) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Top: [bubble] Basic Top Brown 2 by moonbubble Gothly for [bubble] *

Skirt: (TokiD) le frills skirt – light flowers by Maya Levane for TokiD

Necklace, earrings, and bracelets: Dark Mouse Waves & Sun Necklace, Bangles and Earrings by Mouse Mimistrobell for Dark Mouse, available at the Accessory Fair *

Ring: (Kunglers Extra) Lotus – ring 2 by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers Extra, available at the Accessory Fair *

Sandals: Slink Cassia Sandals Choc by Siddean Munro for SLink *

Eclecticity

I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific. —Lilly Tomlin

When someone new meets me in SL, I want to say, no, I don’t look like this. I am constantly in a state of half-dressed, shoeless, wrong hair, mismatch because I am rifling through my inventory looking for another outfit to make. The truth is, I don’t really know what “Harper” looks like anymore. All I know is she is pretty eclectic.

For example, today’s look is a tan, dark-haired, almost-mysterious beauty. With a well-made top from Anouk Spot (and perfectly fashioned with cap sleeves and a pretty bow at the waist), billowing knickers from nakajima Villota and cute granny boots from Cerberus Noel, our girl has a fashionable flair.

The beauty of this ensemble is in the details—the eyebrow-grazing straight black hair from Truth Hawks and the smooth skin from Alexandra Barcelos. The real beauties of this look, however, are the accessories. First, the eclectic necklace and bracelet from Danielle Astonia with their varied beads and layers of leather wrapped to make a terrific look. Then there are the nails and rings from Chrome Runner, which fit almost perfectly and with a lot of versatility. The set includes a script that allows you to turn on up to five various rings on each finger. I am impressed.

Eclecticism is the word. Like a jazz musician who creates his own style out of the styles around him, I play by ear. ~ Ralph Ellison

Hair: >TRUTH< June – espresso by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: Ana . Tan . Ice by Alexandra Barcelos for Filthy Skins *

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

Top: {mon tissu} Park Avenue Top – White by Anouk Spot for {mon tissu}

Pants: ::bb:: black pants 1030 by nakajima Villota for BEGGARS BANQUET

Necklace and bracelet: *Esmeralda Bracelet Black (Left)* and *Esmeralda Necklace Black (Long) – Chest* by Danielle Astonia for La Forgia Jewels

Nails and rings: [:S&V:] Egyptian Rings & Nails – Silver by Chrome Runner for Sin & Virtue

Boots: *GF* Short Lace-Up Boots[V2] –Black- by Cerberus Noel for G Field

 

By the way, I want to give a shout out to our friends at Linden Lab, especially Oskar (who has put his neck out to let residents chop his head off). It appears that group chat is NOT LAGGING! Muah muah, Seattle and SF!