New Year’s Eve

Ah, the promise of a new year. The promise of a new decade! I have a good good feeling about things. My horoscope says things are getting better, the stock market is going up, and even Tateru Nino almost sounded positive.

I searched for a dress that would start my year off right—I wanted something that would take me from this decade to the next in style and quality. I spent a fair amount of time looking and finally found the answer with Digit Darkes. Known for her fantastic textures and great silhouettes, Digit brings it all together in this dress. From the absolutely perfect system pieces to the perfectly assembled skirt, the rich color and textures, the beautiful whispy underskirt, the stunning diamonds along the shoulder strap—this is one of Digit’s finest pieces. Which means it’s probably one of the best on the grid.

I show with it a new hair from Truth Hawks, who persists in cranking them out, giving the women (and occasionally men) of the grid what they need.

The skin is a lovely Belle from Tuli Asturius. The glow from this skin perfectly compliments the dress.

I am wearing a ring from Abraxxa Anatine, given to me for Christmas. I am not quite sure if Abraxxa wears a loupe when she makes these pieces—the prims are tiny and exquisite. Having worked with tiny prims a couple times myself, I can tell you quite positively that this is painstaking work.

Finally the shoes. These lovely sandals come coutesy of Claire Messenger and are one of several new pieces at N-Core (I had a little shopping spree). These beauties come in 20 different colors with a variety of nail shades, gem shades, and a newer hud. I still found adjusting the foot color more difficult than other shoes, but I managed. And for the price-to-sexiness ratio, I can deal.

Ring it in with me!

Hair: >TRUTH< Lillian – burgundy by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: []::Tuli::[] Bella (fair/br) F.Y.L.O. copper by Tuli Asturias for Tuli *

Dress: Digit Darkes-Andreas Dress-Copper (V) by Digit Darkes for Digit Darkes

Ring: EarthStones Hera Diamond Cocktail Ring – Bloom by Abraxxa Anatine for Earthstones

Earrings: {JUNK} Diamond and Pearl Earrings by Koge Cleaver for {JUNK}

Shoes: N-core SOUL XtremeHeel II “Chocolat” by Claire Messenger for N-Core

Tandoori and Naan

I get a craving once in a while for a really good piece of naan—hot out of the oven, golden with brown freckles, soft and flavorful, buttery and chewy. And I want to eat it with a spicy tandoori and a cool tangy raita. The beautiful post-processing that my friend Ikon Innovia did for this photo reminds me of that craving.

This outfit also reminds me of that craving. Zaara Kohime has brought in elements of Indian and the West to create beautiful fusion clothing in SL. Using the motifs of beautiful Indian fabrics and making them the essential elements in her clothing, Zaara has rocketed to the top of the design world in SL.

Consider the satiny texture in the skirt, the deep rich color, the clever use of the system pieces to portray a belt and a bow at the collar, the excellently built skirt (Zaara builds a skirt and then builds the texture to fit the prims on the skirt—she doesn’t just slap a texture on—she makes the prims and textures work for her).

Then consider the jewelry. Zaara made the hair jewelry, earrings and bracelet I wear. She combines absolutely gorgeous textures with great prim building and wonderfully imaginative fashion that any female would look wonderful in.

I accompany it with pieces by Onyx LeShelle. I have already given my two cents about the shoes. Let me speak quickly about the hair. This style, while not extravagant, is simply beautiful. The textures are exquisite and the style speaks to most women nowadays with its casually pinned up ponytail. The hair frames the face and makes one think that if it were let down, it would be thick and gorgeous. That’s a lot to convey in a few prims and sculpties. But Onyx LeShelle has cornered the market on elegant and evocative in SL, top to bottom.

Dreams of India:

Hair: Maitreya Aisha II (jewelry fit) – Autumn by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Skin: []::Tuli::[] Bella (fair/br) F.Y.L.O. copper by Tuli Asturias for Tuli *

Top: Zaara : Kavi top *charcoal* by Zaara Kohime for Zaara

Skirt: Zaara : Larin Skirt *copper-rust* by Zaara Kohime for Zaara

Hair jewelry: Zaara : Nizam Jhoomar+Tikka (head jewel)  *white* by Zaara Kohime for Zaara

Earrings: ZC : Anaya Onyx Earrings by Zaara Kohime for Zaara

Bracelet: Zaara : Vyomini chained bracelet *onyx* by Zaara Kohime for Zaara

Shoes: Maitreya Gold – Salience Brown by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Feeling Like a Schoolgirl

Truth is, I have been feeling it—fresh and young and excited. That’s because a new year is coming, new opportunities, new ideas. It’s all a good thing. I can’t help but feel positive. This schoolgirl is ready for a new year!

This sexy schoolgirl look comes together with each element playing its role. First we have the dress from Bou Smythe, which is a prim and proper outfit with its peter pan collar and soft gray texture. Then we have the lunchbox, a dollarbie from Ellide Grau. (Packed with peanut butter and jelly, an apple, and a juice box, of course.)

Then we have the beautifully glowing skin from Gala Phoenix. My first purchased skin, way back when, was a Gala skin. It was the state of the art for its time. Then other skins took over the market. But Gala has emerged like.. well, a phoenix.. with a new line of skins. Dewy and girlish, with bee-stung lips and a subtle blush, they are not quite like anything else on the grid.

I wear braids from Parvarti Monday, who makes very beautifully textured and built hair for fri.day. This most recent incarnation is available with a cute stocking cap or with bows as well.

Finally, the deciding factor—the shoes. machang Pichot offers these delectably textured loafers as an exclusive at the Designers United III event. With their not-quite-dowdy bow and sweet laced and flowered ankle socks, they are the ideal for pretty schoolgirls everywhere.

You make me feel like a giddy schoolgirl:

Hair: fri. – Jennifer.2 – Jealous Red by Parvarti Monday for fri.day *

Skin: :GP: Sundust [Dark] June-Geranium 1 by Gala Phoenix for Curio

Dress: *Bou!Tique* Grey Flannel Ghosts – The Ladytron Dress by Bou Smythe for

*Bou!tique* *

Shoes: DU<3-ANEXX_VaudevillianShoes/Black by machang Pichot for Aoharu (part of Designers United III until January 6)

Lunchbox: [][]Super Mario Lunchbox Dollarbie by Ellide Grau for 8-BiT ME!

Gig

It’s funny how some things in SL remind you of other things. Weird neural connections.

This outfit by Kru Flan reminds me of the movie 200 Cigarettes, which takes place on New Year’s Eve in NYC in the 80s. The reason is the guitar case and the punk look—the plaid and the dark stockings, the collar, the piercings up the ear. Kru Flan really hit on a great punk look.

Kru includes some awesome accessories with this outfit: a guitar case with pose, a clove cigarette (yes, clove!) with appropriate “ashing” animation and a pack of cigarettes. You get the collar, the bracelets, the belt—all in one outfit. You also get some boots which are not so fabulous, but replace them as I have, and you have a complete punk look, quick.

I show it with spiky hair from Zero Style and skin from Lorac Farella. Plus my ever favorite boots from Fallingwater Cellardoor.

Punk:

Hair: * 0 Style * Euphoria *(Black Cherry) by Rei Gully for Zero Style

Skin: Pulse Skin-Life/Tone 5 Warm m1 Black brows by Lorac Farella for Pulse Skins *

Outfit: *Black Stones Outfit by Kru Flan for Kru’s Boutique

Boots: (Shiny Things) Old Boots – black by Fallingwater Cellardoor for Shiny Things

Fur Chic

One of the things a girl always wants is a chic fur coat. In SL, it’s possible to have a fur that is chic and doesn’t hurt any animals (except pixel ones).

This cute little bolero jacket from Mavis McGettigan was sitting in my inventory, waiting for a moment when I needed that touch of chic, and when I pulled it out today to go dancing to the blues at Hotlanta, it was just what I needed. The shape lends a weight to the top of my body that emphasizes the hourglass shape of my waist and makes the rest of me look sleek and sexy. The sculpty prims are used ingeniously so the arm can hinge and still look like it’s in a fur coat and the texture follows suit.

I furthered the long with leggings from Milla Michinaga. With their slight sheen and well- defined wrinkles and pulls, they add to the illusion of lean. A sexy black corset from NovaStar Shilova covered the bare midriff from the jacket as the jacket alone would not have suited my purposes. Finally, I ended these with the boots from Enktan Gully and LeeZu Baxter that keep getting press here. I am finding more and more uses for them.

And check out Tuli Asturias’ newest skin, Eva, which was a group gift this month. This is a preview of the updated version. I can’t wait to see what she has coming down the line.

No animals have been harmed for this blog:

Hair: >TRUTH< Jess – cocoa by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH<

Skin: []::Tuli::[] Eva (tone 4/br) dec VIP gift by Tuli Asturias for Tuli

Jacket: Skin Flicks Zena Fur Jacket by Mavis McGettigan for Skin Flicks

Corset: (nova) suede cincher BLACK zipper back 1by NovaStar Shilova for (nova)

Leggings: MichaMi: Laila Skinny Pants in Gray (Pants) by Milla Michinaga for MichaMi

Ring: Glass Chunk ring – b&w by Fallingwater Cellardoor for Shiny Things

Boots: .*Courtisane*. La Vivien /Blacks by Enktan Gully and LeeZu Baxter for *Courtisane*

Precious Purple

After all the reds and greens, golds and silvers and blues, I am feeling like seeing a little purple.

Evangeline Miles makes very beautiful, very exquisite dresses for fae and humans alike. With their elaborate textures, feminine shapes, and fantastic motifs, how can a woman NOT feel so pretty in a dress like this? Note the absolutely perfectly rendered embroidery on the bodice, the carefully constructed belt, the attention to the details of the sleeves and the beautiful choice of colors.

I accompany it with a skin from Mallory Cowen. For the longest time, I was a Raq girl (before Laqroki). It was my only skin for a long time and I was reluctant to tell anyone what I wore. Mallory’s skills have only increased as  she’s perfected her skins. With their luster, sensuous lips, and beautifully framed eyes (and eyebrows), they are a gorgeous alternative in the overburnished world of skins.

Clothed in purple and fine linen:

Hair: ETD Anisa – Blackberry by Elikapeka Tiramisu for ETD

Skin: LAQ ~ Alison 04 [Peach] Glow skin by Mallory Cowen for Laqroki

Dress: *EC* Romany Kiss – Passion by Evangeline Miles for Evie’s Closet

Earrings: Eclectica Purples- Wistaria by Tiffy Vella for Eclectica *

Written while listening to “I Idolize You” by Lizz Wright.

Black and White

You know, you always wish it could be, but it’s not…

I am showing LeeZu Baxter’s newest dress, the Lily, in black and white, in an untouched photo (shot just like this in SL). The dress shows LeeZu’s definite attempt to push the edges all the time, to try new things, be innovative with her design. She scores on the top, which has a wide boatneck with three-quarter length sleeves and a high sash. The skirt is a mix of sculpty and flexi, bordering on the disastrous but she pulls it out of the danger zone with great translucent flexis and a cool texture that shades it.

I have had this very cool skin by Mochi Milena in inventory for a while and have found the ideal use for it. It’s really for an artistic look, a startling different representation. Even walking around in the stark colors of SL, this skin made me look very different, as if in a different story or time. It’s quite beautiful, especially with its faint blush.

Finally cute little flats from Fallingwater Cellardoor. This sweet dress shouldn’t have heels or fancy boots. Simple flats is where it’s at.

There is no black-and-white situation. It’s all part of life. Highs, lows, middles.
~ Van Morrison

Hair: BP* OKAPPA Hair by BettiePage Voyager for BP*

Skin: [PF] Skye  <Grey> by Mochi Milena for [Pink Fuel]

Dress: [LeeZu!] Catch Lily Dress /black by LeeZu Baxter for LeeZu! *

Shoes: (Shiny Things) Saturday Flats – black by Fallingwater Cellardoor for Shiny Things

Hey, Red!

It’s interesting. You walk into this world. You have to make a “self.” When I first walked into SL, it was clear to me that I would have to have red hair. I am not sure what decided this for me so distinctly, but there you go—I had to be a redhead.

I have since diverged from this, of course. I have even worn blonde hair, which was a huge step for me personally. (Nothing against blondes. I just never saw myself as having light hair. I can’t explain it.) And I always go for the easy choice in clothes—red. (Which looks good on me in RL too.) So today, I went the easy route and chose red.

I found this dress at a store on a new sim called Period. The creator, Memai Avon, presented a number of great separates—skirts, tops, tights, leggings. Nothing was outre or niche. She offered simple, inexpensive separates that could serve in many circumstances. I purchased this pretty dress with it’s red rose motif. My shopping partner and I agreed that the flat black through the dress was kind of a cheat (black hides a lot of mistakes and problems), but the dress was reasonably priced and looks great worn, and she has a lot of other great pieces that show quite a bit of skill.

At the same mall we found some spectacular hair by Ilze Erin. Offering several styles that frame the face in a most complimentary fashion, her store deserves attention and I hope we see more from her. I dressed up this ensemble with jewelry from DarionMonkee Levitt. It’s really cute stuff made by a person who clearly has incredible patience.

And check out these shoes. Red straps, red nails—*click click* and I have them on these sexy sandals from Maris Kanto. Maris is a scripter extraordinaire (or knows one) because these shoes have a great hud for adjusting skin tone (a notch at a time so you can SEE what it will look like), nails, and hardware and size. Add to that the fun of shopping at Kalnins—regular shoppers get discounts and points based on the scripts used in the vendors. It’s all about the experience, from shopping to wearing.

“Out of the ash I rise with my red hair
And eat men like air”
~ Sylvia Plath

Hair: :Liriope: ELN red by Ilze Erin for :Liriope:

Skin: []::Tuli::[] Bella (fair/br) F.Y.L.O. red by Tuli Asturias for Tuli *

Dress: [ Last Period ] onepeace 0014 Red by Memai Avon for [ Last Period ]

Jewelry: **DM** Lena Fire by DarionMonkee Levitt for DM Designs

Shoes: Kalnins Shoes – Empress by Maris Kanto for Kalnins

Last Minute Christmas

I have been a very lucky woman this holiday. I have been surrounded by friends, filled with holiday warmth, and the recipient of some amazing gifts. However, I am scrambling like everyone else to fill out my list. I have some ideas….

Shiryu Musashi passed this over today—a limited edition of his Tender Blossoms dress—this time in the Winter Night version. The interesting thing about this is that it will only be offered tonight, starting at midnight and ending at 6 am. He will sell them til he sells 200 and then it’s done. Amazingly, the dress is available for a mere 169L and it’s TRANSFERABLE. That means, for that low price, you can get yourself or your friend something that no one else on the grid will be wearing (except me… and my secret Santa recipients).

I am showing Elizabeth Tinsley’s exquisite earrings and ring, which are a seasonal offering. Random Calliope’s protege and butterfly launcher, Elizabeth carries on the tradition of tiny prim torture and placement with her lovely work. Additionally, shopping at her store gets you a bonus—if you buy the set for a friend, you get one for yourself. How can you beat that?

Get a gift card at Tuli or Truth and let your friend indulge in their goodies (since skins and hair are never transfer). In this case I show one of Truth’s newest offerings—Anise with a color-change band. And I wear Tuli Asturias’ beautiful skin from the For Your Lips Only line.

Finally, a nod to Bax Coen’s Prestige boots in suede with color changing menus. I love these. I put them on, select “Night” from the blue collection, and I am good to go. Somehow I think Shiryu made this dress to be worn with these boots. Or was it vice versa? Bax made the boots for the dress? Well, who cares? They fit.

The clock’s ticking:

Hair: >TRUTH< Anise – mocha by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: []::Tuli::[] Bella (fair/br) F.Y.L.O. taupe by Tuli Asturias for Tuli *

Dress: Tender Blossoms (Winter Night) by Shiryu Musashi for Musashi-Do (200 available, only from midnight to 6 a.m. slt, December 24) *

Earrings and rings: ET~Waltz of the Snowflakes by Elizabeth Tinsley for Frippery *

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

The Art on My Back

I have always tried to be a proponent of the artistry of the people who work in SL, be they builders, graphic artists, virtual goods makers. Putting a cost on content is not a disclaimer for someone’s art—it’s the necessity of feeding the artist. So all the creations I show with my avatar are beautiful pieces of art that I collect and savor.

The first artist on tap is Anyusha Lilienthal, whose pretty dress is the basis of this entire ensemble. With its lovely paisley on green textures, almost Indian print, and its lovely skirt (with shifting alpha textures that are used in a very effective way to make the skirt seem light and floaty), this dress is a must have for the pretty and casual girl.

Then add on the wings that Feather Boa, the one self-proclaimed artist of the group, has offered as a gift at her gallery. With their steampunk aesthetic (a cool little engine on the back), whirring gears and pretty glowy animated sculpty wings, they are a lovely piece of wearable art that she is offering as a gift to friends and fans.

I show an absolutely beautiful necklace from Manna Yoshikawa. The textures have amazing depth and patina for both the metal and precious stone part of the necklace. And she cleverly includes a tie at the back with flexi tails, adding grace to an already lovely piece.

The beautiful boots from LeeZu Baxter and Enktan Gully that I have been so fond of showing lately make an appearance here. The textures and bohemian shape match the dress in their artistry and beauty.

Finally, I show a newer skin from Tuli Asturias. The freshness of the copper lip compliments the dress beautifully. I could not have had a better color combo.

Fluttering my wings:

Hair: [Uw.7R]  Hinata-Hair   size-L   Noble brown by Din Raymaker for Uw.St

Skin: []::Tuli::[] Bella (fair/br) F.Y.L.O. copper by Tuli Asturias for Tuli *

Dress: * Ibizarre Harlow Dress (green) by Anyusha Lilienthal for Ibizarre

Necklace: .:MANNA:. Mayween L’aventuriere (Necklace)  by Manna Yoshikawa for .:MANNA:.

Boots: .*Courtisane*. La Vivien /Greens by LeeZu Baxter and Enktan Gully for *Courtisane* *

Wings: Digital Angel Wings 3.0 by Feathers Boa available at Feathers Bay Gallery

Written while listening to Chuva by Luciana Souza. Thank goodness for songs in Brazilian.