“Only mystery allows us to live, only mystery.” ~ Federico García Lorca
Hair: LeLutka.H-NV-0001 with .LeLutka.H-NV-0001.flowers by Thora Charron for LeLutka *
Skin applier: #08 Essences [ArwenM02] by Inka Mexicola for Essences *
Mesh head: .LeLutka.Mesh Head-KARIN v1.6 by JadenArt for LeLutka *
Eyes: .ARISE. Lana Eyes / Olive by lonlysoule for Arise
Mesh Body: Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara V3.5 by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya
Top: *GF*[Mesh] Elwyn Off-shoulder Tops –red by Cerberus Noel for G Field
And a single small cottage, a nest like a dove’s,
The one only dwelling on earth that she loves.
~ William Wadsworth
Mystic Realms Faire and Body Modification Expo both open today at noon. This should not be a huge problem for most because both fairs are open for a couple weeks, but you know it will become a huge thing trying to in. And frankly, I can see why. I got this darling little mesh dress from Cerberus Noel, which comes in four colorways, and it’s an ideal dress for a saucy wench or a spirited elf or a hunter. Paired with this intriguing and gorgeous necklace from XanXan Jervil and the awesome pirate boots from Jackal Ennui (which come rigged and unrigged so yes, Dorothy, you can adjust them to your Belleza body as I did), the look is fantastic and beguiling.
What is also beguiling at Mystic Realms Faire is the great furniture you can get for roleplay. Cherelle Capra is offering this amazing bookcase with all the books and a scale at super low prim count plus an amazing desk. Artizanmesh has made an incredible furniture set that includes in some pieces, single and couples poses. I was absolutely charmed by Tree of Life chair.
Seasons Story opened today too and Umazuma Metaluna has come out with a set of two fantastic skins for the event, both in fall colors. The coloring is warm with her typical beestung lips and provocative brows and eyes. My hair is Shylah Honey’s gorgeous look for the Body Modification Expo, a side-parted long ‘do with a beguiling wisp of hair across the face. I love this hair and think it could be worn over and over with many looks, especially with the great textures.
Hair: *~*Damselfly*~*Jojo Rigged-Mesh Big Pack by Shylah Honey for Damselfly, available at the Body Modification Expo *
Skin: [theSkinnery] Hazel – Autumn (toffee) DB CL1 by Umazuma Metaluna for [theSkinnery], available at Seasons Story *
Body: -Belleza- Venus by Tricky Boucher for –Belleza– *
Eyes: #adored – cloud eyes – pine – b by Constance Daehlie for #adored, available at the Mystic Realms Faire *
Outfit: *GF*[Mesh] Elwyn Outfit –chestnut by Cerberus Noel for G. Field, available at the Mystic Realms Faire *
Necklace: :(SH): Anniana Rune Necklace – Rust by XanXan Jervil for Sad Harlekin, available at the Mystic Realms Faire *
Ring: Ariskea [SkyStone ] Gold Ring 1 [Add me] by Diaxm for Ariskea, available at the Mystic Realms Faire *
Boots: lassitude & ennui Captain’s boots crimson by Jackal Ennui for lassitude & ennui, available at the Mystic Realms Faire *
Poses by Valencia Southard for Marukin
Furnishings:
*AF* Balloch Perch Collection by Artizanmesh for Artizan Fantasy, available at the Mystic Realms Faire *
[CIRCA] – “Traveller’s Discovery” Tall Shelf by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA], available at the Mystic Realms Faire *
You don’t have a clue
What it is like to be next to you
I’m here to tell you
That it is good
That it is true
~ “Fresh Feeling” by the Eels
I am going to reframe the winter. I will see the cold air as “fresh” air. After all, the sun is out, the snow has stopped falling. Put on a warm coat and boots and take a walk. In this warm coat with lace hem from Circe Ishtari, it can be a fresh day and cute too. Circe is presenting this darling coat for the Style Icon. She has included a hud that changes the colors of the lace, cuffs and body of the coat to preset neutrals or you can tint yourself. LacunaInc is selling these stockings with hearts up the seam at Style Icon as well. And Cerberus Noel just rereleased the Nancy boots in additional colors with a color change hud to control your laces, cuff and toe colors.
Lutricia Roux has created a skin for the Style Icon fashion fair inspired by Audrey Hepburn. With her classic dark brows and pretty lashed eyes, this skin evokes the delicacy of Hepburn’s features. A darling cut with buns and a color change hairband from Truth Hawks completes this look.
Words can’t be that strong
My heart is reeling
This is that fresh
That fresh feeling
Hair: TRUTH HAIR Althea by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *
Skin: [DBF] Audrey skin #3 subtle cleavage by Lutricia Roux for Deluxe Body Factory, available at The Style Icon *
Eyes: [Brixley] Mist Eyes – brown by Isabelle Requiem for Brixley, available at Kustom9 *
Coat: Tokyo.Girl – Lirit Coat by Circe Ishtari for Tokyo Girl, available at The Style Icon *
Tights: *LACUNA* Sheer Heartseam Pantyhose – Chocolate by LacunaInc for Lacuna, available at The Style Icon *
Nail Applier: Nailed It – Slink – The Style Icon Set HUD by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It, available at The Style Icon *
Boots: *GF*[Mesh] Wedge Boots “Nancy” -white- by Cerberus Noel for G Field
Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose (no longer available)
:*
“Stars will blossom in the darkness, Violets bloom beneath the snow.” ~ Julia C.R. Dorr
The beautiful little dark purple violet is a flower of early spring, the first color to emerge after a long winter. This beautiful coat by SamanthaSJones reminds me so much of that beautiful little flower, especially with its deep lovely brocade texture with glistening accents. The buttons, the wide collar, the pocket plackets are all a romantic’s dream. The HUD comes with color change so you are not limited to just the violet—there is a deep green, gold, etc. Get the coat—you get a HUD with six colors in total. (And secret: if you rush over there you may still find it out for 55L if they didn’t pick it up yet!)
I wore Maxi Gossamer’s lovely little dragon’s egg pendant, which she is featuring at Collabor88. The stone, as you can see, has materials features so the light plays off the surface in a way you won’t see on most jewelry. I accessorized with tights from Bax Coen and fur boots from Cerberus Noel I chose especially for this look.
Aida Ewing is releasing a “prerelease” line of skins at The Secret Story. Get the sneak peek on this new line in several different darling makeups. And Mirja Mills is up to sleek again with her updo, made for Amita Yorcliffe for the Miss Virtual World Challenge. Side swept and sophisticated, this style finishes my look with elegance.
“The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks.” ~ Tennessee Williams
Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * AMITA* by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:. *
Skin: – Glam Affair – Magenta skin – Asia – 03 B by Aida Ewing for Glam Affair, available at The Season’s Story *
Eyes: PC Jaded Eyes – Violet – medium medium by Lano Ling for Poetic Eyes
Coat: [LG] Boutique-[ WINTER-13] Trip To Your Heart by SamanthaSJones for LIV-Glam *
Necklace: MG – Necklace – Jewelled Dragon’s Egg – Short – GOLD by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at Collabor88*
Stockings: BAX Ornament Leggings Scalloped Wisteria long LW by Bax Coen for Bax Coen Designs*
Nail Appliers: Nailed It – Slink – Baiastice’s Yara Set I HUD by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *
Boots: *GF*[Mesh] Fur Cuff Boots “Sasha” -purple- by Cerberus Noel for G Field
Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose (no longer available)
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev’rywhere you go;
Take a look in the five and ten glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in ev’ry store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.
~ “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (version by Bing Crosby)
My studio has been taken over by the coziness of Christmas. My KittyCat, Calliekins, pops up from time to time to cuddle with me on the sofa while I am planning my holiday lists. The countdown to Christmas, my seasonal target date, is getting hectic. All these Advent Calendars are not making it any easier!
First, we have KittyCats’ Advent Calendar, which is offering a darling gift from a KittyCats friend every day. Today’s gift was a darling antique cabinet with doors and a drawer that open and close from Bebe Begonia. I put books in but you could put anything you like in this antique cabinet.
Speaking of Advent calendars, Cory Edo is offering a great one at the Arcade, which offers 12 gifts for the 12 days of Christmas. You pump your quarters into the gacha machine and it spews out keys that can be rezzed to open the doors. DO NOT rez a key for a door you have already opened. You will render it unusable—one key opens one door once only. I rezzed the #1 key and got this darling holiday bird with frame.
If you hadn’t noticed, I decided to begin to look a lot like Christmas myself with this short sleeved turtleneck from LacunaInc. The weather being what it is today, short sleeves would not do well for me in RL but in SL, it’s always the perfect temperature, so I could snuggle up on a Holiday-theme sofa with Calliekins and enjoy the twinkling lights on the holiday tree from Cory Edo, both offered at FaMESHed. Ceberus Noel is offering these cute cuffed boots for the winter season made from mesh.
Finally, I gave myself a holiday appearance with green eyes from Audrey Lamede and one of the Shyla Diggs/Tricky Boucher skins being offered at the Arcade. With beautifully lined eyes and a deep red mouth, this ones a keeper if you only get one. And I am wearing the rare long hair from MissAllSunday Lemon in Ash, which is also being offered at the Arcade.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that will make them ring
Is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart, right within your heart
Hair: /Wasabi Pills/ Kira Mesh Hair – Ash – RARE by by MissAllSunday Lemon for Wasabi Pills, available at The Arcade *
Skin: -Belleza- Tara Arcade 14 by Shyla Diggs and Tricky Boucher for -Belleza-, available at The Arcade *
Eyes: .ID. Shades of Green – Olive II by Audrey Lamede for Insufferable Dastard
Top: *LACUNA* Two Tone Turtleneck M – Olive & Samba by LacunaInc for Lacuna *
Jeans: *Shai* Slim Jeans Mesh by Shai Delacroix for Casa del Shai *
Boots: *GF*[Mesh] Wedge Boots “Nancy” -charcoal- by Cerberus Noel for G Field *
Sofa: Trompe Loeil – Holiday Couch With Pillows by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
Holiday tree: Trompe Loeil – Holiday 2013 Tree Blue Spruce – Scripted Lights by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
Advent Calendar: Trompe Loeil – Advent Calendar 2013 by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at the Arcade *
Rug: Persian Rug Blue and Cream by Nuala Shippe for Kunstkammer (no longer available)
Books: :CP: Hemmingway Book Pile by Isla Gealach for Cheeky Pea and Dutchie row of books by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie
Gifts: {what next} Fancy Christmas Giftboxes by Winter Thorn for {what next}
Cabinet: {CdB} Vintage French Painted Cabinet by Bebe Begonia for Casa de Bebe, available at the KittyCats 2013 Advent Calendar at KittyCats Winterland *
Summer is putting me in a haze. The humidity, the heat… for some reason purple seems the antidote.
I conveniently found purple in a new dress from Dolce Blackflag. Now, Dolce’s brand, PixelDolls, is one of the grand dames of SL fashion. It’s the second place Ireland Barrymore took me shopping in my early days of actually spending linden (right after Artilleri and right before RFyre). The colorful little outfits, so cleanly done on system pieces, the flirty skirts, the funky separates—they were delicious and filled my wardrobe. And Dolce is still at it with her great fashion skills in this cute dress with its pretty flowered sculpty skirt and sleeveless top. I top the outfit with a funky fringed sculpty vest from Trill Zapatero, whose bohemian clothes are just my speed. A pretty little anklet from Belle Roussel’s sparkly collection gave me the final touch I needed.
My skin is from the makeup lovers’ fantasy of Maximillion Grant’s Grace set. In Firestorm, I was able to put on lipstick, new eyebrows, blush, dimples and liner! (Optional dimples—c’mon and admit you would do it too.) I love pulling this out when I just want to play and change up my look in a myriad of ways.
Purple haze all in my brain
Lately things just don’t seem the same
Actin’ funny, but I don’t know why
‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky (Which I always heard as “kiss this guy…” which I kind of prefer ;))
~ “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix
Hair: fri. – Cassidy – Passionate Red by Parvarti Monday for fri.day
Skin: LOGO Grace Bloom Skin – Amethyst Base (No Brows) with LOGO Grace Bloom – L02 – Blush 4 and LOGO Grace Bloom – L07 – Dimples (For Blush 4) plus LOGO Grace – L03 – Extended Liner Black, LOGO Grace Bloom – L08 – Brows Style 5 Light Brown and LOGO Grace Bloom – L01 – Lips – Dazzle (Matte) by Maximillion Grant for LOGO *
Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Celtic Green (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *
Vest: BoHo HoBo purple fringey vest by Trill Zapatero for BoHo HoBo *
Dress: (PixelDolls) Vigne/Tart . Violet by Dolce Blackflag for (PixelDolls)
Earrings: *Primagine* Gypsy Hoops Silver Amethyst by Trixie Bumbo for *Primagine* *
Bangles: ::eLDee:: Line bangles (plum) by Lilyane Dryke for ::eLDee:: (no longer available)
Anklet: The Lass of Richmond Hill Slv Ankle by Belle Roussel for Chop Zuey
Shoes: *GF* Knot Wedge Sanal –purple by Cerberus Noel for G Field
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
Azriel Demain is not a stranger to Fashion for Life. For many years running, he has contributed generously of his time, content and donations. This year he graciously opted to sponsor a sim. He explained it to me in a chat:
My RL family has had quite a few struggles with cancer, and my close Aunt beat breast cancer just last year! I think she was the first in my family to actually win her battle with cancer, she lost her hair but she didn’t lose her life. And now her hair is growing back curly *chuckles* So, I am all for events like this :)
Azriel again has outdone himself with his creations. Offering a wide variety of pieces exclusive to Fashion for Life, Azriel gives his best talents to his creations when he donates them for Fashion for Life on behalf of the American Cancer Society. His rich textures, complex but perfect silhouettes, wonderful prim work all add up to fantastical combinations for a fantasy world.
Every single outfit you see here is an exclusive for Fashion for Life. That’s how good Azriel is and how important this is to him.
Azriel was kind enough to give me some information:
FallnAngel Creations was created in July of 2006, the same week that its owner and sole creator, Azriel Demain, came into world. An artist by profession, Azriel used his years of knowledge in photoshop and his self-admitted tendency to “never leave well enough alone” to create items that he could not find elsewhere in Second Life. He started off with a small parcel in Euiryeong and a handful of items, his store sharing the plot with his home. By December of 2006 he bought his first sim, Falln Sanctuary. Time flew as his productivity and skill level continued to increase, and soon he was able to move his main store from Sanctuary to its own sim; eventually acquiring two more store sims. He moved his skins, hair and other avatar appearance items to Falln Sanitarium, and his furniture, decor and full buildings found a home on Falln Amusements. FallnAngel Creations has become well known in Second Life for Azriel’s singular vision, productivity, and attention to detail. Whether you seek disturbing horror items, colourful kimono, inventive silks, or something to make your dream a reality in world, you are sure to find it at Falln. Azriel’s talent and sheer range of selections is sure to draw attention and compliments.
When you go shopping at Fashion for Life, you will find yourself so immersed in the beautiful sims and great shopping that you might forget why over 200 people volunteered considerable amounts of time and skill to be here. They have not forgotten, however. They know 100% of the funds from their donations go directly to the American Cancer Society though the avatar relayforlife AmericanCancer.
Join us at Fashion for Life, going on NOW through March 22.
Photo 1:
Photo 2:
Photo 3:
Photo 4:
Photo 5:
Poulet Koenkamp has snuck onto the grid and into the evening wear fashion arena with some gorgeous work, exquisitely detailed and careful considered.
With her sense of proportion and color, prim and texture use, Poulet understands what women in SL often want—something that goes beyond the average evening gown, something that makes her feel spectactular.
Poulet’s particular talent lies in creating a proportioned silhouette—nothing is overdone or underdone, nothing is out of whack. Her outfits fulfill the sense of drama many women want in SL without becoming temper tantrums or romance novels.
The dresses shown here are all colors exclusive to Fashion for Life this year. Poulet has decided to be a VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life as well as having a store on the sims because she knows that all donations go directly to the American Cancer Society, and that their good work touches many people.
Poulet will have many more items for sale this year at the Fashion for Life, March 12-22, SL’s biggest fashion fair on 9 sims hosted by the American Cancer Society and SL’s Relay for Life.
Photo 1:
Photo 2:
Photo 3:
Photo 4:
Tucked away on sims you may not visited are entire untapped cultures with their own manners and mores, language and fashion. The Land of Gor is one such place (along with the Underground Neko Empire and Fashionista Fantasyland). In Gor, men wear tunics and abas, women wear kirtles and camisks, veils and robes. Gutterpup is a conveyor of fine Gorean fashion for women and has pieces for all types of women.
This is not to say that Etalena Lane’s work is not accessible to others. Take for example, this beautiful dress with its subtle golden print and beautifully ruched bodice. Gorgeously rendered, this could take a woman out of Gor to any classy ballroom once the modesty undershirt is removed (as I have done).
Of course, Gor has dancers and dancers have to dress in a manner that is revealing. Gutterpup has a lot that will appeal to those that want to look sexy and show a bit of their expensive skin. Etalena’s textures are rich and enticing, mostly in the earthtones that show a life of living off the land.
Etalena once in a while pulls out a trick with something a little more contemporary, like this cute mini with tights. She also makes lots of camisks that could double as sexy tops or swimsuits, as I show below.
Etalena asked to be a VIP Sponsor as well as a Store Sponsor for Fashion for Life because she knew how important the work of the American Cancer Society is for people’s health around the world. She also knew she would reach a much wider audience by being in Fashion for Life. She wants you to see her great work—come to Fashion for Life!
Etalena will be one of the many designers at the Fashion for Life, March 12-22, SL’s biggest fashion fair on 9 sims hosted by the American Cancer Society and SL’s Relay for Life.
Photo 1:
Photo 2:
Photo 3:
Photo 4:
A Passion for Virtual Fashion 