I Wanna Be Your Lover

I want to be your lover
I want to be the only one that makes you come running
I want to be your lover
I want to turn you on, turn you out
All night long, make you shout
Oh, lover! Yeah!

~ “I Wanna Be Your Lover”by Prince

Oooo! Prince on the radio. Makes you want to put on a fur jacket, something sexy with knee-high latex boots for a little twist. Good thing I have all that. Start with the fur coat, one of 12 that Ramses Meredith has recently released. Ramses really understands luxe and its place in a glamorous woman’s (or man’s wardrobe) and his series of fur coats are perfect for a night out. A little wrapped bandage mini-dress from my original inspiration for blogging, Milla Michinaga, and gold accents from Ryca Doobie, and I am set for the club.

The news here are the new black latex boots from Bax Coen, which, of course, come with a sizing script. I put on an old pair, let them chat some coordinates and then my new boots “heard” the measurements and poof! All sized and set to go. My ruby red lips come courtesy of Carina Larsen and Truth Hawks’ newest long hair—this with a fringed bang dipping over the eyes, completes my look.

I want to be the only one you come for

Hair: >TRUTH< Gianna – raven by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: Amacci Skin – Liane (Nutmeg) – 12 Ruby by Carina Larsen for Amacci *

Jacket: Egoisme Fur Jacket – Honey Badger by Ramses Meredith for Egoisme *

Dress: MichaMi: Vee in Black by Milla Michinaga for MichiMi

Sunglasses: Sunglasses LS Black/Gold by Ryca Doobie for –RYCA-

Necklace: Necklace-CF2 Gold by Ryca Doobie for –RYCA-

Boots: BAX Prestige Boots Black Latex by Bax Coen for Bax Boots *

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression

Orange Juice

When life gives you lemons, make orange juice and leave everyone wondering.

It started with her shoes. She bought a pair of orange shoes from Nardya Rousselot and it brightened up an otherwise dismal day. She loved their assertive toc toc on the floor as she walked and got a thrill from looking down to see her bright shoes. So this led to purchasing an orange bag—this one from Iris Campese. Then she kind of tumbled down a hole of orange—a dress with orange polka dots from Tyr Rosenblum and matching earrings. But she felt so happy wearing them!

Then she found some luscious orange lipstick from Mocksoup Graves… a tasty lip-licking bronze, which she wore over her sexy skin from Agony Helse. She finally took the final, irredeemable plunge, cut her hair short and turned it auburn after a visit to BlueStarRUI Villota’s store. It all made sense now. She was orange inside and out—the brightness and cheer of orange made manifest.

Try not thinking of peeling an orange. Try not imagining the juice running down your fingers, the soft inner part of the peel. The smell. Try and you can’t. The brain doesn’t process negatives. ~ Doug Coupland

Hair: [ Love Soul ] Hair*030-A*Auburn by BlueStarRUI Villota for [ Love Soul ]

Skin: AKERUKA Lisa Lips 1 Tan by Agony Helse for Akeruka *

Makeup: M.O.C.K Cosmetics Lipstain  Brazen Bronze (Lipcolor only) by Mocksoup Graves for M.O.C.K Cosmetics *

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

Dress: Aura -Deschanel (Rigged Mesh) Dress  – Dot – Orange by Tyr Rozenblum for [Aura] *

Handbag: {SMS} Short Strap Tote Tomato no pose by Iris Campese for So Many Styles

Earrings: [Aura] Phosphorus – Club Hoops (Resizable!) – Orange by Tyr Rozenblum for [Aura] *

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

Shoes: NX-Nardcotix Rebekah Pumps Orange by Nardya Rousselot for Nardcotix *

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden

I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.
Along with the sunshine,
There’s gotta be a little rain sometimes.

~ “Rose Garden” by Lynn Anderson

Perhaps I never promised you a rose garden, but AvaGardner Kungler certainly has with this absolutely gorgeous gown she recently released. With its lush textures and colorwork, this breath of summer in the middle of our winter (but not hers) is a much needed piece of sunshine. I am particularly rapt with the intricate folds and the shimmer of light on the top and skirt. And the offset of pink with a verdant green warms my heart.

My look is made more beautiful with Sissy Pessoa’s latest skin release. With fresh colors, a well-defined eye and blushing cheeks, this skin stuns also with its attention to details such as the beautiful shoulder blades and arms. Sissy goes below the neck to give attention to the particulars of a woman’s beauty, and that puts her heads above. My hair is a clever updo from Carina Larsen with a beautifully drawn hair base sweeping up into folds of locks. My intricate and beautiful rose-themed jewelry comes courtesy of the steady hands and eyes of Tiffy Vela. Each piece Tiffy makes is a tiny work of portable art.

When you take, you gotta give, so live and let live,
Or let go.
I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.

Hair: Amacci Hair Lily ~ Mocha with Amacci Hairbase Tattoo – Mocha by Carina Larsen for Amacci *

Skin: Baiastice_Nico-sunkiss-make up 3- BR by Sissy Pessoa for Baiastice *

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

Dress: (Kunglers) Ingrid gown – old rose by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers *

Jewelry: Eclectica Vintage Rose (lumiere) by Tiffy Vella for Eclectica *

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression

Dark-Haired Girls

I don’t much like blondes;
they don’t know how to kiss.
What I like are dark-haired girls,
’cause from their mouths come kisses
that take away all sorrows.

~ Traditional Bulerias flamenco song from Flamenco Quote of the Day

A sexy Latina in a short lacy mini-dress singing a throaty love song and most straight men will have to concede there is something about a brunette. My Latina wears a cute lace dress from Weronika Pobieksi dressed up with pearls from Nena Janus. Brand new mesh boots from Camilla Yosuke (mesh!) complete the look.

The core of my Latina look is a brand new skin from Agony Helse. With its rich skin tone and sexy makeup (and body), I am top to bottom beautiful. My sexy long locks come courtesy of Queue Marlowe, who has just released two more charming ‘dos.

Written while listening to Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado by Claudia Acuna (“What a Difference a Day Makes”)

Hair: sapphire milk chocolate by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: AKERUKA Lisa Lips 6 Tan with Akeruka Lisa Mk 1 Tatoo Tan by Agony Helse for AKERUKA *

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

Dress: [Wertina Lace dress *Cream*] by Weronika Pobieski for Wertina *

Jewelry: *League* Pearls & Lace Bracelet and Necklace by Nena Janus for *League*

Boots: Christine White Mesh Boots by INSOLENCE by camilla yosuke for INSOLENCE *

I want to give a shout out to my pal, Harper Ganesvoort, who is running a Oscar Fashion Photo Contest and she is offering up 6500L in prizes to winners. Read more about it here (and knock her socks off!).

Fashionation

Fashion is so close in revealing a person’s inner feelings and everybody seems to hate to lay claim to vanity so people tend to push it away. It’s really too close to the quick of the soul. ~ Stella Blum

Ever meet a woman who is so interesting looking, who seems to put each element together so well, you just want to know her? It’s in her bearing, in her confidence and shining personality—she fascinating. The thing is, though, usually a woman like this is also warm and inclusive. You never feel like a lesser person in front of her because she lets you be you as she is she and she truly likes you for you.

Our woman of this sort likes to dress funky. Today she is wearing a great embroidered boho jacket from sookie Larnia, who has a store full of darling separates. Notice the fringes on the bottom. Her dress is one of Milla Michinaga’s sexy bandage minis, worn over tights from Romi Juliesse with funky boots from Emma Gilmour, which is the exclamation point on a pretty awesome fashion statement.

My skin is a beautiful gift Sachi Vixen made as tribute to Etta James. This skin is luscious and beautiful, just like Ms. James herself, reflecting the richness and beauty of her voice. Sachi includes a shape with it, but I was more inclined to use it as a beautiful skin in general—I love the brows and eye makeup, the subtle lip and the beauty mark. It just so happened that Mina Nakamura released Kezia—this wonderful hair that comes in “essential” colors. I did consider wearing blonde, in honor of Ms. Etta, but I preferred the black braids as they stand out beautifully and let me show off earrings from Matchbook Monday.

Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself. Fashion is not just beauty, it’s about good attitude. You have to believe in yourself and be strong. ~ Adriana Lima

Hair: MINA Hair – Kezia – Essentials (touch hair) with TanglesWeave_BG06 by Nina Nakamura for MINA *

Skin: Adam n Eve Skins – E by sachi Vixen for Adam n Eve

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

Jacket: ::TOXIC KITTY:: Boho Jacket Patterned by sookie Larnia for ::TOXIC KITTY:: *

Dress: MichaMi:Marinara in Brown by Milla Michinaga for MichaMi

Tights: [Little Romi] Knit tights_brown 1 by Romi Juliesse for [Little Romi]

Earrings:  : Amorous : Aphrodisia (Wood) by Matchbook Monday for  : Amorous : *

Boots: [SC] Surf Couture – Olea Boots – Worn by Emma Gilmour for Sand Shack Surf Co.

For Life

In the past few days I have been quite busy. Invitations for Fashion for Life 2012 have been sent out and we have been seeing people register at a very fast pace. This is the second year I have co-led FFL; last year Delora Starbrook snatched it from death when Nevar Lobo suddenly resigned and Syngen Sohmers helped me keep it going. This year Syngen is co-leading with me again, I am so pleased (and relieved) to say. It’s very gratifying to feel that all the work Syngen and I do up front is worth it when we see so many registering and cheering us on. Our work is 100% volunteer—I get nothing and make nothing from this. Syngen doesn’t, none of our builders or staff members do—it ALL goes to ACS. And it’s a lot of work and time for us.

Let me explain my personal reasons for helping run Fashion for Life. First, I have come to realize that service is very important in my life. Doing Fashion for Life is how I give service to my community in SL. It’s a good cause—I have been touched by cancer—my grandmother had a brain tumor, my aunt died from a brain tumor, and I have two friends in SL—one of them very dear to me–currently being treated for cancer. I hear nowadays from each about the pain of their surgeries, the nausea and fatigue caused by their chemotherapy, and the financial trouble the illness is bringing to them.

I know some people have reservations about giving money to the American Cancer Society because the administration of the society as a whole has not received the very highest grades for use of donated funds from some websites. Some are concerned that monies are given in grants to studies that will help big pharma, etc. These are potentially viable concerns. (I say “potentially” because *I* personally feel pharma has enough damn money to do its own evil without involving the American Cancer Society.)

The truth is that the American Cancer Society is a very big and very diverse organization. If you read their mission statement, you will see their statement is very compact but encompasses a LOT of actual programs (and encompasses a very broad health concern—cancer). It’s a BIG organization. As they state, “Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has 12 chartered Divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide, and a presence in more than 5,100 communities.” That’s a lot of employees, rent, paperwork, etc. And they spread their influence politically, financially, and educationally. If the ACS’s agenda of stopping cancer is not yours, then you shouldn’t donate. However, I can’t see how anyone could say they don’t want to stop cancer.

One of their main programs is the Relay for Life. Relay for Life is a grassroots effort that is organized in communities around the country wherein people get together, run together under the name of the American Cancer Society and also support each other and get more info about cancer. It’s really an ingenious program because while ACS is raising funds, they are doing a great service on the ground.

How is that? Many of the people involved in these fundraising efforts for Relay for Life have been personally touched by cancer—either as survivors or caretakers, friends or relatives. When they show up to do a Relay for Life event, they are touching a part of their own identities, a very personal experience they are sharing with the mass of people who are also participating. The effort behind Relay for Life is also a sort of big middle finger to cancer, saying they defy the pain and hurt it causes. When people show up, they provide community, support and vital information for each other.

This is the reason I support Relay for Life in Second Life. It’s not just about posting numbers—though I would like to see Fashion for Life smash our records. It’s also about supporting the members of our community in SL who have been touched by cancer—including me.

Fifty Two Names for Snow

I walked into work early in the morning and it was raining a little. The sky was dark (it was 5 am, after all) and it seemed balmy. When I walked out at 10 am, everything was covered in snow! I regretted wearing heels and not boots (as I had considered). Tomorrow I am going to wear something like this. Start with this brilliant mesh coat from Siddean Munro (who is in the midst of summer!) with its wooly collar and great double breasted cut and wide drapey sleeves. This is mesh as it’s supposed to be—not just another system piece but something with dimension.

My glowing skin is my namesake from Sachi Vixen, a perfect cold weather skin with its gentle blush and ruby red lips. I love this hair from Mina Nakamura. She provides a texture change script with the hat, so I can wear a hand-knit fair isle to keep me warm. Brilliant little mittens from Nena Janus and mesh boots from Gospel Voom and I am bundled up but still chic.

January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow. ~ Sara Coleridge

Hair: MINA Hair – Shara – BG06 with MINA TKO HairBase BG06 by Mina Nakamura for MINA *

Skin: Adam n Eve Skins – Harper Sunblessed Lemongrass by Sachi Vixen for Adam n Eve *

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

Jacket: Slink Marigold Winter Coat by Siddean Munro for SLink

Skirt: [ Last Period ] bottoms 0009 Black (mid length skirt) by Memai Avon for Last Period (no longer available)

Tights:Doppelganger Inc. – Knocked Up Knee Socks Black by Syler Morgaine for Doppelganger

Mittens: *League* Sheepskin Mittens –Berry by Nena Janus for *League*

Boots: [Gos] MESH Wellingtons – 12 Colour FATPACK v1.0 [bagged] by Gospel Voom for [Gos] *

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression

Beautiful

You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
Then people gonna treat you better
You’re gonna find, yes, you will
That you’re beautiful as you feel

~ “Beautiful” by Carole King

Beauty has a way of finding itself outwards as well as back inwards. Consider the study by Nick Yee and Jeremy Bailenson that found that when one represents with a taller or more beautiful avatar, one feels more confidence, what they call the Proteus effect. I certainly know I feel more generous and kind to others when I am feeling good about myself, and that includes feeling good about my avatar. This lovely dress from Geryn Sloane adds a definite sense of loveliness with its roses printed on a swirling translucent skirt. A bow at the waist makes it picture pretty.

What really makes the look is this gorgeous skin from Carina Larsen. I am not sure why more are not talking about these skins—they are blushingly beautiful with well defined lips, lovely makeup, and great eyebrows. Truth Hawks’ new hair, a sweet wavy pinned back style, suits this gentle look. I wonder—does he subscribe to hair magazines? Does he secretly photograph women? How does he come up with all these hairstyles?

I have often asked myself the reason for THE sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullaby
If there’s any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try

Hair: >TRUTH< Sophie – treacle by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: Amacci Skin – Liane (Nutmeg) – 02 Beauty by Carina Larsen for Amacci *

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

Dress: GSC Paper Roses by Geryn Sloane for G Sloane Couture *

Shoes: I ALEIDA I Malene pumps – pistacie by Aleida Rhode for Aleida *

Poses by Katey Coppola for Glitterati

Dishing It Up

Today I am simply dishing up a set of things I think you might want to know about. It’s a mash-up, a collage, a bricolage if we want to get postmodern and French.

First we start with this sexy little befurred top from Monica Outlander. Crisp textures made from rows of sequins, fluffy black fur (which also goes on the shoulders and neck but I didn’t wear it). Slim leggings from Neferia Abel and chic bowed boots from Dita Actor tie the look up plus a little pink sparkle from Dita Tran on my finger.

This gorgeous skin from aida Ewing with it’s dynamic makeup fits perfectly on this shape from Sophia Rossen. I like the face on this shape a lot—the eyes are closer rather than wide open as so many shapes show nowadays, she has an elegant thin nose and a lovely mouth. Her shape is a little thin—I like Harper with a little more in the booty—but it’s an expert shape maker at work here.

My wild and sexy hair is an offering from Neveah Niu, and it provides a color changing script right in the hair that lets me switch colors and shades.

“If one calls bricolage the necessity of borrowing one’s concepts from the text of a heritage which is more or less coherent or ruined, it must be said that every discourse is bricoleur.” ~ Jacques Derrida

Hair: ICONIC -Adrienne-MonoTones with HairBase_FortheBlack by Neveah Niu for ICONIC*

Skin: -Glam Affair- Linn Tan skin – Galaxy D by aida Ewing for –Glam Affair-

Shape: Sophistishapes – LEONA bodyshape by Sophia Rossen for Sophistishapes *

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

Top: Miamai_Rure Pink by Monica Oulander for Miamai *

Leggings: Lana black leggings by Neferia Abel for L’Abel (no longer available) *

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

Boots: Ribbon Boot :CooCoo Chanel Edition 1.0 by Dita Actor for Dita’s Diabolique

A Quick Dance

I’ve been working hard these past few weeks and just want to go out for a quick dance.

What to wear? Well this beautiful dress from Nicky Ree would do the trick. With its festive colors and pretty shape. I love how Nicky is willing to employ halters as well as other necklines in her dress and this one it’s especially intriguing with its sheer center panel on the bodice and sheer back. Sometimes not showing everything or making it peek-a-boo is more sexy then just putting it out there. I love the textures—a riot of colors, proportions and prints with a sheen over all of it that makes this dress pop.

This is the freshman effort from skin maker XXX. With its freckles and shimmering eyes, it’s a pretty accompaniment to Nicky Ree’s shimmering colorful dress. As with many first time skin makers, XXX has focused on the face, leave the body relatively untouched. Seams are mostly in place with a little discoloration under the skin. Eyebrows aren’t my favorite ever—too married to one hair color and too smudged, but nicely shaped. Facial features are nicely proportioned and drawn but still too smudgy or dry in places. I would give this first one a positive score but not outstanding.

My hair is one of Truth Hawks’ newest. Truth took a much-deserved break for a couple weeks and he’s now back into production with lovely new ‘dos for all of us. Yay!

There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. ~ Edwin Denby

Hair: >TRUTH< Evelyn w/Roots – chocolateby Truth Hawks for >TRUTH<

Skin: //-RS4U-\\ Jenny Green Mocha by RS4U for RS4U *

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

Dress: *DNR* Tayler Gown and Dress Red by Nicky Ree for Designing Nicky Ree *

Shoes: *GF* Ribbon Slingback Shoes[V2] -red- by Cerberus Noel for G Field

Poses by Katie Coppola for Glitterati