Twas the Night Before Advent…

and all through the sim
not a creature was stirring,
not even him (sigh)….

I arose from my bed,
moved the cat to the floor,
and peeked out the window
to see 24 doors!

On the snow that was glistening
in the light of the moon
were two giant kittens
and a calendar too!

The kittens were cute
though size-wise quite scary;
the calendar was pretty
and really quite merry.

With doors for each day
in a cool winter drift
from wonderful designers–
click once, get a gift.

Christmas boots, a new pose,
some furniture too!
All crafted with love
for people like you!

Callie dragged me over to the KittyCatS Winterland sim the other night to show me what trouble the KittyCatS folks had been up to. As part of an ongoing effort to spread the joy of KittyCatS, they and a bunch of clever KittyCatS owners set up holiday vignettes with their KittyCatS. Yeah, I thought the same as you—lots of kittens in icky-cute scenes. But I was pleasantly surprised–I truly laughed at loud at the ingenuity and cuteness of some of them. Consider a kitty doing snow angels or cats playing poker, and you will get the gist. It’s truly worth a trip.

And when December 1 rolls around, what will make it an even better trip is the KittyCatS Advent Calendar, full of 24 little gifts from 24 spectacular designers, each programmed to release on your click, one a day. Miss a day? You can go back and get the past ones, but you can not click forward (unlike the chocolate Advent calendar, which you can eat in one sitting if you choose). Callie told me they are hiding the best gift for the 24th, but she won’t tell me what it is (and she wouldn’t let me shake the package either!).

Who are Santa’s elves for the calendar? Well, it’s quite a line up:

Amaliscious Destiney for La’licious, maker of home decor
Andel Rhiadra for ADD, maker of seasonal items, decor
Aurora Jacks for JJ Lanes, maker of home decor
Barnesworth Anubis for ba prefabs, maker of prefabs, home decor
Callie Cline for Callie Cline, maker of women’s clothing and accessories
Caroline Apollo for Caroline’s Jewelry, maker of jewelry
Clementine Ishtari for Awesome Blossom, maker of furniture, accessories, decor
Gospel Voom for GoS, maker of ladies’ footwear
Helyanwe Vindaloo for Ploom, maker of hairstyles
Ifoni Kembla for London Look, maker of piercings, jewelry
Isla Gealach for Cheeky Pea, maker of home decor
Julliette Westerburg for Tres Blah, maker of clothing, accessories, skin, eyes, make-up
Katey Coppola for Glitterati, maker of poses
Katharine McGinnis for Intrigue Co., maker of 80’s accessories, clothing, nostalgia items
Kayleigh McMillan for ByKay, maker of women’s jewelry
Khea Karas for Malt, maker of women’s clothing
Melanie774 Kidd for Poseur, maker of poses
Nyte Caligari for Nyte n’ Day, maker of  women’s clothing & fashion
Pitsch Parx & Ulyth Hax for UrbanizeD, maker of  outdoor, urban, industrial decor and accessories
Ravyn Hines for Mudhoney, maker of prefabs, home decor
Sileny Noel & Airedine Poe for Adore & Abhor, maker of women’s clothing, accessories and make-up
Ulaa Coronet for Funky Junk, maker of prefabs, home decor

I’ll be first in line each day to click on the calendar and get a little treat. Waiting for Santa is all the sweeter when there’s a little surprise each day.

Are you a blogger or press and want a sneak peek? The sim will be locked down to the fashion bloggers’ group (search “fashion bloggers” under groups), from midnight, November 30 to noon, December 1, to present the calendar and offer the first gift. If you are a qualified press person or blogger and would like to join the fashion bloggers’ group in-world, drop a notecard on SexyPandora Bailey for an invite.

A ton of great presents
as my inventory bulges.
A month of good cheer
and all it indulges.

Where does it all happen? At the KittyCatS Winterland

Hair: Clawtooth: Louise Brooks – Snow by Bubbles Clawtooth for Clawtooth

Skin: -Sorry.Asia- LANA T3 with -Sorry.Asia- LANA T3 by SORRYASIA for sorry.asia

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

Jacket: Agnes Serenite Fur Jacket Cream by Agnes Finney for My Precious

Skirt: The Sea Hole – Getaway Pencil Skirt – Meadow by Drinkenstein Sorbet for The Sea Hole *

Earrings: : Amorous : Sieben (Boxed) by Matchbook Monday for : Amorous :

Shoes: BAX Booties Margo by Bax Coen for Bax Boots

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression

Philosophia

But in time a thought comes tugging on the sleeve edge of our minds
Perhaps no perfect way exists at all, just many different kinds
Oh but if it’s just a thing of taste then everything unwinds
For without an absolute how can the absolute define…

I can be kinda bookish (duh). This look resonates with me. From the expertly rendered turtleneck from Nicole David (now on sale at the big Warehouse sale) to the skirt from AvaGardner Kungler (which is part of a dress, but it is just perfect here.. I love how Ava does the pleated look on the prims) to the glasses (mesh—from Rob Moonites), I can walk around SL in my real state of being—nerdy and sexy all at once. I am a work of art!

The sexy comes first of all from the skin, which is a light and lovely beauty from Gala Phoenix. What really makes it pop is the blue eyeshadow and smoky liner on the eyes. Gala knows to leave everything else neutral on the face so the eyes pop with color. Also sexy is this multicolor hair from Queue Marlowe with its separate braid on the shoulder. I was able to walk around the grid with this hair and look cute without worrying about my braid poking me through the shoulder.

Finally, the sex appeal is in the boots. Yes, I know—flat leather boots seem antithetical to the idea of sexy but I was assured that they were indeed VERY sexy. Of special interest is the incredibly versatile script Gospel Voom includes in these boots—change colors on the boot or sock, resize (or oversize as I got a little click happy in front of Callie last night because she said they were too small), and change from tight to loose with the click of a button (and the sexy sound of a zipper opening—that little detail made the boots so much more for me).

A work of art, oh to be a work of art

~ “Philosophia” by The Guggenheim Grotto

Hair: ciera marsala with ciera braid marsala by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: :GP: Sundust [Dark] GoGo-Velvet Morning 2 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

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

Sweater: {Gisaci} Classic Cashmere Turtleneck – Chocolate by Nicole David for Armidi, available at theWarehouse

Skirt: (Kunglers) TDRB #40 – Bandage dress by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers, available at The Dressing Room

Glasses: *FIR & MNA* The Caine Glasses Black by Rob1977 Moonites for *FIR & MNA* *

Boots: [Gos] Aviator Boots – Amelia Fatpack [Bagged] by Gospel Voom for Gos *

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression

Vanilla Sky

The chef prepares a special menu for your delight, oh my
Tonight you fly so high up in the vanilla sky
Unbearable or great
You gotta love every hour, you must appreciate
This is your time
This is your day
You’ve got it all
Don’t blow it away

~ “Vanilla Sky” by Paul McCartney

I had a weekend of Vanilla Sky. I was the chef who planned the menu (with my mom and dad, actually) and it was quite a feast. The holidays make us think so much of what we don’t have or what we want but really they should be a time to enjoy what we do have. We have shelter, food, and clothing and we have a wondrous fantasy land like SL to stretch our imaginations and friendships across the world. Where else could I find such a gorgeous gown than SL. I have combo’d a dress from Nicky Ree with a gown from another dress (because the lace was so lovely). In white, it is a precursor to the white that will cover the ground soon enough.

The reason I wanted white is because of Helyanwe Vindaloo’s beautiful skin, which was one of the several half price offerings during the Skin Addiction Black Friday. (You should have joined the group—you would have picked up some beauties at a discount.) I enjoy this one because of the eyes and lips, which have an almost ethereal look and could quite possibly suit a sort of goth look if a girl styled it right. I chose to style it more elegantly with new jewelry from Mouse Mimistrobell and this flippy hair from chiaki Xue in a true platinum tint that looks amazingly rich.

The chef prepares a special menu for your delight, oh my
Tonight you fly so high up in the vanilla sky
In the vanilla, in the vanilla, in the vanilla sky

Hair: *Dura-Girl*28(Platinum) by chiaki Xue for Dura *

Skin: .ploom. Lea_Cream – DB – Chill by Helyanwe Vindalo for .ploom.

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Silver&Rust 3 by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: *DNR* Joaquim Orchid with *DNR* Ingrid V2 Svelte Long Skirt Train by Nicky Ree for Designing Nicky Ree *

Jewelry: Dark Mouse – Cursed Pearls Necklace and Earrings by Mouse Mimistrobell for Dark Mouse *

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression

Look at Miss Ohio

Oh me oh my oh, look at Miss Ohio
She’s a-running around with her rag-top down
She says I wanna do right but not right now

The day after Thanksgiving and I wanna do right, but now right now. Still have dishes in the sink to do, probably a hundred presents out there I could buy on the cheap at all the sales, but I just want to be at home and rest… or play. A little shopping in SL is a heck of a lot easier than battling the crowds, in my opinion. I got this cute dress from moca Loup which features a netted and flounced neckline and little bloomers underneath—perfect for a Lolita look or something more sophisticated. My shoes are mesh goodness from Siddean Munro, who offers a HUD on the multipack that allows you to change the color of the shoe OR the bow so there is a ton of options.

My skin is HALF PRICE TODAY from Carina Larsen for the Skin Addiction Black Friday sale. You have to join the group and wear the tag and pay the full price but it kicks half back to you instantly. It’s quite a deal considering all you have to do is join a free group. I love the intensity of the eyes, the luscious lips and the perfectly shaped body. My hair is one of Truth Hawks’ newest with a lovely loose hank looped over the shoulder. Earrings are gorgeous pieces from Weronika Pobieski.

I know all about it, so you don’t have to shout it
I’m gonna straighten it out somehow
Yeah I wanna do right but not right now

~ “Look at Miss Ohio” by Gillian Welch

Hair: >TRUTH< Clara – chocolate by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: Amacci Skin – Liane (Nutmeg) – Black Friday by Carina Larsen for Amacci *

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

Dress: tram Narcissus dress (red) by moca Loup for tram

Earrings: Silver Crochet earrings by Weronika Pobieski for WERTINA *

Shoes: Slink Glitter Peeptoes Multipack by Siddean Munro for SLink *

Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose

PS I don’t live in Ohio.. or Austin. Just love the song ;)

My Doppelganger

Everyone has someone in SL who has their name (unless you are say, AtomicSparkle, and even then, someone stole her name I am sure). My SL doppelgänger is Harper Ganesvoort, SL blogger, bon vivant, and generous soul. She blogs about OTHER photographers and bloggers with attention and appreciation for their fine work in her column, “Contact Sheet.” She keeps her photo studio out with poses and offers use of it to anyone any time. She shows up in Fashion Emergency chat full of good advice and help. And she never fails to read my blog, often comments, sometimes IMs me in world to say a good thing, and always always favorites my blogs and photos. I could not have a better lady share my name.

In honor of Harper, I wear a bright colorful cozy outfit, kinda whacky, kinda fun, which is just what she is. (OK, I would say she has a bit more dignity than “whacky” implies, but she really is a warm soul.) I start with this groovy poncho from Maya Levane, a sculpty with a perfect knit texture. I wear it with a skirt I found on the same sim from nene Flores—one of those stores with 5 shirts, 4 skirts, a handful of poses and some other little stuff. My tights came from my stop at the gacha.. which always get me! Little suede ankle boots from Pixieplumb Flanagan suit this outfit perfectly and I dress it up (ha!) with a whimsical owl purse from Myvegancookbook Bolissima (you know I bet he regrets having to type that in to log in).

My skin is a luminous youthful look from Gala Phoenix. I have noticed that more and more creators are really pushing their limits by looking at different complexion types. It’s easy to do tan, but what about truly pale or really dark? We have such a wide variety of skin tones that people wear, let’s get them in SL! My bright hair (kind of like the bright aura Harper wears) is a cute cut from Kavar Cleanslate.

“I don’t look to Second Life for huge insights, or even small ones…. I take it as it comes to me, day by day that I get a chance to enter the virtual world; and perhaps that’s an insight.” ~ Harper Ganesvoort, Around the Grid with Harper

Hair: ::Exile:: Miu:Roots-Nectar by Kavar Cleanslate for ::Exile:: *

Skin: :GP: Sundust [Dark] GoGo-Pure 2 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

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

Poncho: (TokiD) Poncho (knitted) (no script) by Maya Levane for (TokiD)

Skirt: [solita]sk.003 by nene Flores for [solita]

Tights: (TokiD) un tights -orange 1 by Maya Levane for (TokiD)

Purse: Lucy In Disguise – Night Owl Box Purse – Orange by myvegancookbook Bolissima for Adjunct

Boots: BM Kerris Boot by Pixieplumb Flanagan for Baby Monkey *

Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose

Venus in Fur

 

I read an article in the New Yorker about a hot star in a great play on Broadway. Nina Arianda, only 27 years old, is burning up Broadway as Vanda, the star of “Venus in Fur,” a play by David Ives that has been widely acclaimed. Now, I don’t live in NYC nor do I follow the theater world generally, but enough has been written about this that I caught wind, so when my friend went to NY for a weekend, I suggested he see the play. He did so, reluctantly ($125 a head!), but came back telling me it was the best money he spent. All he could do was go on and on about Nina Arianda and the character, Vanda. (He got brilliant seats, by the way—second row—from a last minute cancellation.)

I am showing you my version of Vanda, based on Nina Arianda’s interpretation (because really, there IS no other Vanda). Vanda spends a large portion of the play in a corset and stockings. And high heeled boots. (And now you’re no longer wondering why my friend enjoyed the play so much.) The play is about an actress arriving late to audition for a playwright’s version of Sacher-Masoch’s “Venus in Furs,” so as expected, there are thigh high boots in the play, a collar, and a little bit of power play.

I spent a lengthy time looking for the right lingerie and found it with Mariska Simon. Of course, Mariska is one of the top lingerie designers in SL, so I should not be surprised and this cute little number with its lacy insets and decollatage is perfect for our actress turned 19th century dominatrix as she auditions. Consider the details—the lace, the bow, the garter, the ruffles. Mariska has a wealth of imagination about women’s sexiness and how a woman clothed is sometimes sexier than a woman unclothed.

Vanda/Nina is brought to life by Mallory Cowen’s newest skin, a sublime beauty for blondes or redheads. I have added one of Mallory’s excellent makeup layers to make  the eyes smokier. I admit I modified my shape to mimic Ms. Arianda’s beautiful Slavic features—it’s not easy with the tools provided and my poor skills, but I think I got close. Truth Hawks’ curly blonde Tatiana ‘do mimics the actress’ beautiful hair. And, oh, no sexy look is complete without Bax Coen’s iconic ankle boots.

Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girlchild in the dark
Severin, your servant comes in bells, please don’t forsake him
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart

~ “Venus in Furs” by the Velvet Underground

Hair: >TRUTH< Tatiana – platinum by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: LAQ ~ Ebba – [Milky] – 04 with LAQ ~ Eye makeup 01b by Mallory Cowen for Laqroki

Shape: made by me

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

Lingerie: ~Blacklace~ Rizzo: Silver Satin & Floral Lacing Corset Set by Mariska Simons for ~Blacklace~

Collar: DRDdeadlycatchcollar by Jaimy Hancroft for Death Row Designs

Boots: BAX Ankle Boot Black Patent by Bax Coen for Bax Boots *

Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose

The Silk Road

Afghanistan, a country of mountains and rocks, caves and plains, is actually one of the critical junctures for many trading routes and has been for centuries—since the Silk Road. Perhaps it’s the rough terrain, the harsh conditions, the many peoples passing through, the general forceful nature of the cultures, but Afghanistan certainly seems a formidable place.

Trill Zapatero thinks it’s a land of her dreams, specifically the amazing people in this land and their artistry. That is why she has built the Afghanistan Museum in SL, a beautiful space of mountains and caves with rivers and buildings that give a snapshot of Afghanistan. What really interests Trill are the embroideries and textures of Afghani clothing, so she uses this in all her designs. This outfit is a complete ensemble from her newest collection for her store, Meena, and shows all the beauty that Trill sees—intricate textures, bright colors and beautiful silhouettes. Who would NOT want to  see themselves in SL this way—colorful, vibrant and full of life? Sissy Pessoa’s new boots add to the look with an amazing texture that would brighten most any outfit.

I wear a skin from Crushed Clarity that has a very blank makeup so you can overlay other makeups, which is much appreciated. The skin itself has great eyebrows and beautifully lined eyes and a great little beauty mark. I chose glossy lips from Mocksoup Graves, which adds a little dimension to the face and an additional touch of prettiness. I tucked hair from moca Loup under my kufi. It required a little modification but works so well!

I have not told half of what I saw. ~ Marco Polo

Hair: tram  A405 hair / black by moca Loup for tram

Skin: [Ill] Illusory Skin – Paige_Milk – Soft Touch by Crushed Clarity for Illusory Skin, available at Collabor88mi

Makeup: M.O.C.K Cosmetics- Mizu Gloss Camelot (Mock Lip) by Mocksoup Graves for MOCK Cosmetics

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

Outfit: 13. Turkoman chyrpy and kufi by Trill Zapatero for Meena *

Boots: Baiastice_Charros boots-red by Sissy Pessoa for Baiastice *

Taken at Trill Zapatero’s Afghanistan Museum

Let’s Save Tony Orlando’s House

We proudly welcome Tony Orlando
The state fair marquee reads
Inside 1000 people with yellow ribbons sing
and clap on 1 and 3

Watch him burn
He’s dropping to his knees
Watch him burn
A medley: hits from Grease
Watch him burn
He never fails to please

~ “Let’s Save Tony Orlando’s House” by Yo La Tengo

I am not beyond choosing a good song to catch your attention. This week Stephen Metcalf endorsed this song on the Slate Culture Podcast, and so I am, in turn, also endorsing. I also endorse this beautiful dress from Mami Jewell. I remember meeting Mami quite a while ago before she had a separate store, and I was just blown away by her beautiful avatar, the gorgeous dress she wore, the wonderful workwomanship on it. She has only improved in the years, presenting us with some of the most beautiful dresses the grid has seen. This beauty has a perfectly textured sequined bodice and skirt with gorgeous sapphire highlights.

My vintage skin from Gala Phoenix makes the look all worthwhile. With pretty red lips and nicely lined eyes with very little other makeup, it’s a sexy look for a gorgeous dress. My hair is an older ‘do from Truth Hawks but still pretty darn current with its gently gathered bun in back and wavy locks.

Meanwhile in Taho outside Casa Tony
Wetting rags in gasoline
A jealous Frankie Valli says
“Dawn, I want you back”
Lights a match and counts to 3

Watch it burn
Reluctantly he leaves
Watch it burn
Acrid smoke making him wheeze
Watch it burn
Humming “Sherry,” splits the scene

We’re sorry to inform you
Tony Orlando has been postponed

Hair: >TRUTH< Eva – chestnut  by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: :GP: Sundust [Dark] Vintage-Hotsy Totsy 2 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

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

Dress: -AZUL- Isabella<Rev> /Sapphire by Mami Jewell for AZUL *

Ring: FuLo – “Tina” ring – Sapphire by Dita Tran for FuLo *

Poses by Rogan Diesel for Diesel Works Animations

Staying at the Waldorf Astoria

It’s always been my dream to stay at a really high end hotel. I have come close. I’ve stayed in some pretty nice places but nothing like the Ritz or the Drake or the Waldorf Astoria. I can only imagine the hustle bustle in the lobby, the gleaming brass in the elevator, the hushed silence in the hallways, the handsomely appointed room with its plush towels and huge cushy bed and perfectly arranged perfumed soaps and lotions.

What do ladies who stay in such hotels wear? OK, don’t blow it for me by telling me “really expensive velour jogging suits.” Let me imagine elegant, designer gowns and grand dramatic gestures, like in the old movie, Grand Hotel. This dress from Su Scarmon might be appropriate. With its subtle gold color, shimmering lace layer over a solid satin skirt, lace bodice with sexy open back and ribbon choker, this would be suitable for sweeping into a room and saying, “Beauregard, dahling, where is the ice bucket?”

Gala Phoenix has been making girls all over the grid sigh in happiness with her new skin releases. This is from her GoGo collection, a beautiful smoky makeup with ginger brows and her sexy glossy lips. I really like where she has been going with her lips lately—it’s not easy to do gloss and make it look “real” rather than cartoonish. My hair is a lovely updo from Truth Hawks and earrings are pretty daisies from Mouse Mimistrobell. As she charms a the concierge or winks at the bellboy, a lady must always look good.

“This is an elegant hotel! Room service has an unlisted number.”
~ Henny Youngman

Hair: >TRUTH< Leighton 2 – carrot by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: :GP: Sundust [Dark] GoGo-Secret Agent 2 by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

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

Dress: *LaLei*Adele dress-gold by Su Scarmon for LaLei *

Jewelry: Dark Mouse A Daisy for you Earrings by Mouse Mimistrobell for Dark Mouse *

Poses by Diesel Rogan for Diesel Works Animations

Your Boyfriend’s Suit

Girls, so much good can be found on the men’s rack….

I tried on the new outfit which is the result of a collaboration between the gorgeous Raven Pennyfeather and devastatingly handsome Ramses Meredith, and this is what I discovered yet again: it’s ok to wear men’s clothes sometimes—especially this outfit. Raven’s texturing talents are out in full force on this jacket with its sumptuous brocade pattern and sexy lined decollatage. Ramses great prim work is evident throughout. I made a few adjustments (which were easy because Raven has left these modifiable for once). Girls, trust me… say you’re getting it for him but keep it for yourself ;)

I show with one of Hart Larsson’s sexy sensuous hand drawn skins, this one a limited edition he sold for the Truth District. I love how Hart’s skins are so lovingly hand drawn with beautifully rendered lips and eyebrows. An updo from Parvarti Monday does the trick with a hairbase from Queue Marlowe worn beneath.

Sometimes it pays to rummage in his closet…

Hair: fri. – Jules – Thoughtful Brown by Parvarti Monday for fri.day

Hairbase: AD hair base – cocoa by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog

Skin: [PXL] GAIA SK LE01 MEB C2 by Hart Larsson for [PXL] *

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

Jacket and pants: !RFyre & Egoisme Alliance Fire by Raven Pennyfeather and Ramses Meredith for House of RFyre *

Jewelry: *CentoPallini* iL Bosco [Earrings and Necklace] Rusty by caran Juran for *CentoPallini*

Boots: *YS&YS* Yeti Boots TDR by Monica Benelli for *YS&YS*

Poses by Rogan Diesel for Diesel Works Animations