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

Dress

Put on that dress
I’m going out dancing
Starting off red
Clean and sparkling he’ll see me
Music playing make it dreamy for dancing
Must be a way that i can dress to please him
It’s hard to walk in the dress, it’s not easy
I’m spilling over like a heavy loaded fruit tree

If you put it on
If you put it on

~ Dress by P.J. Harvey

If you put it on, will he notice? I am guessing in this dress from monica Outlander, there is a good chance he will. When we dress up to get a lovers’ attention or just attention, what do we focus on? Some people think it’s all about showing some skin. I think it’s about showing something less overt—the curve and sway of a feminine body, the very subtle cultural cues—a slit up the leg, an open back. Monica’s dress quite effortlessly achieves this.

My skin is another glorious example of Gala Phoenix’s newest releases, a beautiful soft skin with an underlying sensuality and a fresh freckled countenance. I have been resorting to overlying the dark brows from the Chic series on her skins—I really want a darker brow when I wear dark hair.

And my dark hair is a beautiful sensuous style from Queue Marlowe’s latest line. I think this style really has that sort of Mary Louise Parker look to it—loose curls flowing down in a sexy silhouette.

If you put it on
If you put it on

Hair: .b – tavern house wine by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: :GP: Petal Frex [Dark] Candy-Licorice Whip 1 with :GP: Chic-Dark Brows (Tintable) by Gala Phoenix for Curio *

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

Dress: Miamai_Aralee Blue by monica Outlander for Miamai *

Bangles: Ear Candy ~ Special Silver Bangles L by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy

Shoes: Maitreya Gold Aequus Blue *V2.0 Boxed* by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Poses: Diesel Works Railing (Straightened) by Rogan Diesel for Diesel Works

Why we are in Fashion for Life

Dear Readers–

As many of you might know, I have been leading the organization of Fashion for Life for the past three months, and honestly, it’s been a lot of work and stress. Nevertheless, I think it will be worth it.

I decided to take this on for a few reasons: First, I personally know Nevar Lobo and Amethyst Starostin, and I know they were straining under the weight of the RFL Clothing Fair. They truly needed to take care of things for themselves in their “real lives” and when they dropped out, I didn’t want to see all their hard work and the momentum that the RFL Clothing Fair had gained go to waste.

Second, I knew Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society had a top-notch reputation in SL, and I knew that my personal standards for how charitable donations would be collected were in place. I feel very strongly about this. I know SL can be a great place to raise funds, but I think oftentimes it is done poorly. The RFL in SL has the structures in place and a professional representative in world to make sure it’s done right.

Most important, however, was that I knew the cause was a truly worthy one and one that people across the grid from around the world could engage with, regardless of politics or religion, regardless of class or gender. Cancer touches many lives and is something, we have discovered, can truly be combated with research and knowledge, technology and development.

The funds raised during the Fashion for Life will be contributed directly to the American Cancer Society to go towards prevention, support, lobbying and research. And these funds’ positive effect can be seen: When my grandmother had a cancerous tumor in the 80s, her diagnosis was bleak and her treatment painful. I see how much tings have improved now when my dear friend Raven’s father beats breast cancer after chemotherapy without substantial nausea, when my friend Nadya gets effective lung cancer treatment from radiation, when my neighbor Lynne goes into remission from a rare and generally deadly form of blood cancer after treatment–and all of them retain a quality of life much better than my grandmother had.

This is much more than a virtual fashion event–it’s a fund raiser that has makes a tiny little dent in a very big problem. It was worth it to me. I hope it’s worth it to you to join us and enjoy the beautiful and hard-made creations of over 190 designers and 8 builders.

Harper

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One of our missions for Fashion for Life is to have fun, but underneath all the fun is a very serious thing. We are making money for the American Cancer Society because so many people are touched by the effects of cancer around the world. Turn to anyone you know and they will tell you of someone they loved or knew that was lost to cancer.

Many of the designers participating in Fashion for Life are doing so for very personal reasons. A few have been gracious enough to share their stories…

Five years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, ten years after my first battle with the disease. Thanks to breakthrough cancer research, the biotherapy drug Herceptin had just been approved for general use after successful clinical trials, and my cancer was treatable with Herceptin. I am still in remission, thanks to this drug. My sister-in-law and a dear friend are both cancer free after Herceptin therapy also. We are the “miracle sisters.” In 2009 I was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma which was treated successfully with surgery. Sarcoma strikes especially hard at children, and most are not as lucky as I was. Cancer research saves lives. I want to help. That is why it is so important to me to be part of Fashion for Life.

~ Kerryth Tarantal

My father is treating cancer now. He became large intestine cancer the year before last. The cancer is serious. And, he underwent a difficult operation lasting for several hours. Afterwards, he was treating anti-cancer drug. Cancer seemed to have cured last year. However, cancer relapsed several months later. He came to have to fight against cancer again. I want to help my father. Therefore, I wanted always to participate in this “”Fashion of the life”.

~ Saya Littlething

Cancer has touched a lot of lives in my family…from my Grandfather who died of pancreatic cancer to my Father’s colon cancer and my Mother’s recurring bouts with skin and corneal cancer, we’ve experienced the devastation from every angle. Several years ago I had a lump in my breast and I was terrified. Only in my early 30s, I thought I wouldn’t have to worry about anything like this for a very long time. I was so wrong. I did my research and found out how many women AND men get cancer at a very young age. The numbers were mind blowing. I was so fortunate and it turned out to be a small treatable issue, but it’s affected me so much. It’s so important to spread the word about early detection and help to raise funds to combat and finally some day cure this incredibly devastating disease. It’s important for me to do my small part. If everybody does we can change things.

~ Ivey Deschanel

I lost four family members to cancer including my father and my maternal grandmother.  I am grateful for the opportunity  to be a part of Fashion for Life so that I can help to support those working on a cure for cancer to help keep other families from facing the losses my own family has faced.

Adrianna Marquez

Fashion for Life, March 12-22 is SL’s biggest fashion fair on 9 sims hosted by the American Cancer Society and SL’s Relay for Life. Proceeds from all donated items and sponsorships go 100% to the American Cancer Society.

Photo 1:

• Hair: [e] Mood – Blonde 03 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: -Glam Affair- Mary Light – E/Bl/A 05 by aida Ewing for Glam Affair, FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Dress: *FFL EXCLUSIVE* Spyralle Enruffled – Hope by Kerryth Tarantal for Spyralle, FFL Store Sponsor on the Irving Penn sim

Photo 2:

• Hair: ::DBS::Mona-black by DBS Heart for Bishwear, FFL Store Sponsor on the Irving Penn sim
• Skin: I ALEIDA I Inga SUNKISS – make up 3 by Aleida Rhode for Aleida, VIP Sponsor and FFL Store Sponsor on the Helmut Newton sim
• Dress: *FFL EXCLUSIVE* ::Schoen:: IbizaMoon (LoversNight) ladies by Saya Littlething for ::Schoen::, FFL Store Sponsor on the Mapplethorpe sim
• Shoes: N-core ILLUSION XtremeHeel II Black by Claire Messenger for N-Core, FFL Store Sponsor on the Helmut Newton sim

Photo 3:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:.  * CANDY * / black-blue by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Skin: :::Sn@tch Plush Skin (Tone 3-Hope)::: by Ivey Deschanel for Sn@tch, FFL Store Sponsor on the Shulman sim
• Top::::Sn@tch Fling Cropped Top (Purple)::: by Ivey Deschanel for Sn@tch, FFL Store Sponsor on the Shulman sim
• Pants: :::Sn@tch Tapestry Pants (Purple)::: by Ivey Deschanel for Sn@tch, FFL Store Sponsor on the Shulman sim
• Gloves: :::Sn@tch Wrist Warmer (Eggplant Leather)::: by Ivey Deschanel for Sn@tch, FFL Store Sponsor on the Shulman sim

Photo 4:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * AGNES * /brown by Mirja Mills by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor on the Stieglitz sim
• Skin: Adam n Eve Skin – Jasmine t3 Natural by sachi Vixen for Adam n Eve, FFL Store Sponsoron the Ansel Adams sim
• Outfit: [A&k] Dahlia by Adrianna Marquez for A&k Designs, FFL Store Sponsor on the Bourke White sim
• Jewelry: Ear Candy ~ Bottlecap Set in Burnished Copper by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy, FFL Store Sponsor on the Arbus sim
• Boots: Ear Candy ~ Brown Belted Sweater Boot by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy, FFL Store Sponsoron the Arbus sim

Morea Style at Fashion for Life

French fashion has always been the cornerstone of the industry. France is the home of couture, of elegance, of clothed sexuality. It’s also the home of Morea Decosta, the owner of Morea Style.

Morea Decosta represents her vision in translucent flowing prims, delicately decorated textures and seductively designed system pieces. Morea, like the finest French couturiers, understands a woman needs to feel sexy and needs to feel light, sensual fabrics against her skin. She also understands a woman wants to show off her best features.

She also recognizes that a woman needs different looks for different occasions, so she doesn’t only provide dramatic ball gowns. Cocktail dresses and pant suits also feature in her fashion, all carrying the same stamp of sensual elegance and beauty.

Morea Decosta has participated in Fashion for Life for several years. This year, Morea Decosta decided to donate for a store space at Fashion for Life but she generously added a personal donation to become a VIP Sponsor. She did this because she knew many would see her brand and because she knew contributing to the American Cancer Society through this program insures all donations go directly to the ACS without passing through anyone else’s hands.

Make sure you attend 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:

• Hair: .::MADesigns HAIR::. ~ ANESSA ~ ST I by Maddox DuPont for .::MADesigns HAIR::., Sim Sponsor for the Helmut Newton sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: -Glam Affair- Castalia- MedTan – 07 by aida Ewing for Glam Affair, FFL Store Sponsor
• Eyes: TBA FFL Store Sponsor
• Dress: Collection MOREA STYLE EVENING * INSOLENCE black gold* by morea Decosta for *MOREA STYLE*, P Sponsor and Store Sponsor for Fashion for Life
• Shoes: *GF* Ribbon Slingback Shoes -gold- by Cerberus Noel for *G Field*, VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life

 

Photo 2:

• Hair: [e] Rumor – Blonde 07 by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, Sim Sponsor for the Bourke White sim at Fashion for Life
• Skin: Style by Kira – Elora Skin 01F by Kira Paderborn for Style by Kira, FFL Store Sponsor
• Dress: Collection MOREA STYLE EVENING* EVANGELINE Rose* by morea Decosta for *MOREA STYLE*, VIP Sponsor and Store Sponsor for Fashion for Life
• Earrings: * Donna Flora * ARTE earrings by Squinternet Larnia for Donna Flora, FFL Store Sponsor
• Shoes: ! RFyre Iced Rose Stiletto Boots (P) by Raven Pennyfeather for RFyre, Sim Sponsor for the Stieglitz sim for Fashion for Life

 

Photo 3:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * ISABELLE * /red by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor
• Skin: (AMD) Ava – Tan – Lustrous *Leaf* by Apple May for Apple May Designs, FFL Store Sponsor
• Dress: Collection MOREA STYLE Cocktail* JULIA mutlicolor* by morea Decosta for *MOREA STYLE*, VIP Sponsor and Store Sponsor for Fashion for Life
• Earrings: Ear Candy ~ Triple Tear Drop  Earrings by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy, FFL Store Sponsor
• Shoes: *GF* Ribbon Slingback Shoes -dark green- by Cerberus Noel for *G Field*, VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life

 

Photo 4:

• Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * ANGIE * /black by Mirja Mills for .:EMO-tions:., VIP Sponsor for Fashion for Life and FFL Store Sponsor
• Skin: Adam n Eve Skin – Portia – Tone 3 Dark Hair – Rouge by sachi Vixen for Adam n Eve, FFL Store Sponsor
• Outfit: Collection MOREA STYLE CASUAL* NOLWEEN BLACK* by morea Decosta for *MOREA STYLE*, VIP Sponsor and Store Sponsor for Fashion for Life
• Shoes: Baiastice_Bow-back Ankle Boots-crotalus by Sissy Pessoa for Baiastice, FFL Store Sponsor

Tea Party

No this is not about the political party–we won’t even go there. I have never been to an actual tea party but I was recently invited to one so I went. I was told to wear my best party frock.

I put on this cute dress from Miko Omegamu. Miko is one of the original perfectionists of SL. Every system piece is just so, every prim is in its place—always. And her textures are amazing. In this beautiful dress, we see a gorgeous floral print on a body-conscious dress. Miko has managed to run the crossover line from the top into the skirt. Lining things up this precisely on system pieces is very difficult work but Miko makes it look easy. Then she runs the ribbon from the other side under as if it’s seen through the fabric. The top worn underneath can be seen under the print in back as well and a darker red ribbon runs along the hem on the skirt. It’s in all these little details that the marks of a great designer can be seen.

The tea party was hosted by sachi Vixen, in honor of the release of her new skin Lauren. I showed the skin a couple days ago and I show here a version of the skin she gave out to tea party attendees and is now selling for a mere 150L for the next day or so at her sim. Go get it and then check out the other Lauren skins. I am wearing a new hair from Truth Hawks. He was smart enough to include optional bangs with this style, which makes it sweet.

If we are talking about skill, let’s talk about my great shoes as well. Fallingwater Cellardoor is the mother of all pumps in SL (imho). Before there were prim toes and stiletto heels, there was Shiny Things with Fallingwater’s shoes, patiently assembled from prim pieces. Now she has adopted sculpties in her work and she textures her shoes with the most evocative and perfectly rendered textures. Get close to these shoes and you see the stitching, the tiny scuffs from walking, the pretty little buckles. There is no reason to spend your money on anything less than these works of art.

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.  ~Henry James, ‘The Portrait of a Lady”

Hair: >TRUTH< Odette – seaspray with >TRUTH< Odette Bangs – seaspray by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: Adam n Eve Skins – Laurel Natural Cupcake by sachi Vixen for Adam n Eve

Dress: *ICING* Imperial Blossom – Pink by Miko Omegamu for *ICING* *

Gloves: P.C. Pica white gloves by Ava Lu for Paper Couture

Earrings: Ear Candy ~ Simple Emerald Cut Diamond Stud by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy

Shoes: (Shiny Things) Delphine pumps – sand by Fallingwater Cellardoor for Shiny Things *

Say a Little Prayer

The moment I wake up
Before I put on my makeup
I say a little prayer for you
While combing my hair, now,
And wondering what dress to wear, now,
I say a little prayer for you

Whenever I hear the song “Say a Little Prayer,” I think about the woman in the song—a pretty young Marlo Thomas type (even though it’s always an African-American woman singing it.. hmm) with white Mary Jane platform heels and a jar of bobby pins on her dresser and nylons hanging to dry in her little apartment. But who is she saying a prayer for and where is he? She goes off to work on the bus, has a coffee break, and says a prayer for him. He’s on her mind. Considering the song came out in 1967, I am guessing he is away at war. Of course, Burt Bacharach wrote the song—he was the master of catching the zeitgeist of his age and rolling it into a catchy pop tune.

This outfit really has nothing to do with the song except I was hearing Aretha Franklin singing it when I took the photos, and the kind of retro jacket from monica Outlander with its big buttons and oversized Peter Pan-shaped collar and my little plaid mini skirt from Anyusha Lilienthal seem a little 60s. (Now the front cut up to there on the jacket, the drawstring waist on the skirt and the decidedly 2010s technology of sculpties is hardly 60s. Come to think of it, remember when polyester was the new space age material in the 60s. I consider sculpties our polyester—wait until meshes come. We’re gonna seem so old fashioned!)

I have donned one of Tuli Asturias’ revised Eva skins. It seems she has extracted the lip colors and cleavages to put them on a tattoo layer to match the tattoo layer technology of SL. I have also tried on one of her simple eyeliners, sold for a reasonable price. If you’re going to wear her skins, might as well grab the tattoo layers.

My darling believe me,
For me there is no one
But you.
~ “Say a Little Prayer” as sung by Aretha Franklin.

Hair: >TRUTH< Riley – java by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: [:T:] Eva / sunkissed / br :: 03 Lavish with [:T:] Eyeliner 3 by Tuli Asturias for Tuli

Jacket: Miamai_Lenore Purple by monica Outlander for Miamai *

Top: :. WoE .: Manda Butterfly Tank (Purple) by Dick Wiesel for :. WoE .: *

Skirt with Tights: Ibizarre Kayla Mini Skirt – Vichy Mauve by Anyusha Lilienthal for Ibizarre *

Earrings: Ear Candy ~ Fascinating Purple Diamond Earring by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy

Bracelet: Ear Candy ~ Fascinating Purple Bangles by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy

Boots: Ugh – Lilac by Eponymous Trenchmouth for Jeepers Creepers

Hand-Knit Sweater

As many of you know, I have become a wee bit obsessed with knitting. I have joined two knitting groups, meet with them twice a week, spend other stolen moments in my new favorite store, the Knitting Knook, and go to sleep reading knitting patterns. (Yes, really!) I have made quick friends with Aphrodite, who is an avid knitter and spinner and who often gives me sage advice (like, “aw, rinse it in conditioner and it won’t itch so much.”) Some day, when I am feeling adventurous and more able, I will knit a sweater.

Until then, I will have to enjoy the handiwork of artists like Dick Wiesel. Dick has fashioned a set of sweaters that are absolutely glorious in his use of colors. I am guessing he purchased some fine self-striping wool, a blend that makes the sweater less itchy but just as warm and wearable, and whipped out these sweaters while watching a few football games. (And if you don’t think men can knit, they sure can!) I love this sweater—it will be one of those favorites I wear over and over—a comfort sweater. My pants are actually capris from Maya Levane with a great subtle plaid.

My glorious hair is from the equally glorious Queue Marlowe. The hair base you see on my head is actually from a set of hair base tattoos that Queue is offering for free to be worn with her hair. They are incredibly well done and match her prim hair perfectly. This way you don’t have to settle for the dark hair base on the skin you bought—your hair will match. This bouncy and charming ponytail is one of Queue’s new offerings as well. My plain and pretty makeup is an offering from Rhapzody Wilde, who offers an alternative set of skins for girls who don’t want to be so much glam as just plain pretty.

Gauge swatch!!!

Hair: AD – manhattan cinnamon WITH AD hair base – cinnamon by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: Sophie~Nude~Brown Brows by Rhapzody Wilde for Mynerva

Sweater: :. WoE .: Ginger Sweater (Green) by Dick Wiesel for :.WoE.: *

Pants: (TokiD) rolling pants (dust) by Maya Levane for Tokidoki

Earrings: Ear Candy ~ French Writing Earrings by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy

Boots: *YS&YS* Big Sur Boots Goblin by Monyka Benelli for *YS&YS*

Fall

… And every year there is a brief, startling moment
When we pause in the middle of a long walk home and
Suddenly feel something invisible and weightless
Touching our shoulders, sweeping down from the air:
It is the autumn wind pressing against our bodies;
It is the changing light of fall falling on us.
~ from “Fall” by Richard Hirsch

Fall is the poet’s favorite time of year—bright colors, bold scents, and the idea of death lingering over everything. It’s a delicious sort of melancholy really, an indulgent state of emo. It requires long walks through the fallen leaves, squinty gazing up in the now-bare trees, and a pensive expression.

It also requires, as with everything I do, a good wardrobe. In this case I shrugged on a great jacket from kinbo Akina, which comes in three colors (get the fat pack at only 400L for versatility). I layered it over a spankin’ new sweater from Anyusha Lillienthal, which sports a cute sculpty front pocket and slouchy waist. I had a little trouble adjusting this prim at first but layered under the coat it looks dandy. Leggings also from Anyusha keep me warm.

My skin is a beautiful freckled fall wonder from Trin Trevellion. This particular line is suitable for redheads or brunettes and has a beautiful skin tone with pretty lips and gorgeous eyes. My pretty earrings are from Maeve Mortlock, the goddess of fun and inexpensive jewelry. (She said her RL sister is a RL jewelry maker but Maeve herself is too “tomboyish” to make silver do what she wants so she does it in SL.) I would buy a lot of this jewelry if it were available in RL–it has a beautiful hand-crafted look.

My boots, which are perfect for fall leaf kicking, are from Siddean Munro, who is just in the middle of spring on her side of the world. With their luscious leather textures, the great zipper, and the really easy resizer hud, these boots are a deal. (And I love the styling—check the strap running under the boot!)

Written while listening to “Broken” by S.Carey.

Hair: >TRUTH< Paige – copper by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: -sD- Wichita [Tan.Freckles – Spring] by Trin Trevellion for ::Sindecade:: *

Jacket: oyakin*linen-coat(beige by kinbo Akina for oyakin

Sweater: Ibizarre Mara Jumper (Woodbine) by Anyusha Lillienthal for Ibizarre *

Pants: Ibizarre Romy Leather Pants (black) by Anyusha Lillienthal for Ibizarre *

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

Boots: SLink Mieke Riding Boots – Brown by Siddean Munro for SLink *

Soul Sister

Ever meet someone in SL and feel they were you psychic twin or soul sister or something? I have had that happen a few times (Raven, Callie, KK, Chatty, Lanna, Eshi, Delora) but recently it has happened again—that magic of friendship. (And isn’t that what SL is about, deep down? Making friends.) I met my latest “soul sister” through a series of unfortunate events which led us to talking and then laughing and then just liking each other.

I am taking it casual because with your sisters, you can be casual—you can take it easy and be yourself. You can show up in a casual tank top (this from Dick Wiesel), put on your cords (made by Janie Marlowe) and slip on some cute deck shoes (such cute ones from Renee Harvy) and run over and hang out, sip some wine, and chat and commiserate and laugh.

My jewelry is from Maeve Mortlock, who just knows what girls like me like. I love how she has handcrafted the pieces, making them LOOK handmade with eclectic findings and beads and a collage of textures. She is offering this set at the 2010 Jewelry Fair, and I highly encourage you to visit her there or at her store because each piece is a very reasonable 59L. She has branched out beyond earrings, blessedly, and this set even includes a cute purse with sunglasses.

Finally, my hair.. my luxurious curly locks that look remarkably like my real life hair. This beautiful head of hair comes courtesy of my aforementioned soul sister, Queue Marlowe. (Am I allowed to speak so enthusiastically about a friend so soon? Is it creepy?) Queue started working on this hair, sent it to me saying she was naming it “Harper” (which made me nearly dance around the room). I sent a RL photo of my RL hair late one night, taken right then and there, and she had to agree it looked very similar. It was kismet. Queue “got” something about me right off and channeled it into this hair. It shows her amazing curly textures, her skill with shaping hair in SL, and her terrific aesthetic. Thank you, Queue.

This is for all of you:
In thee my soul shall own combined the sister and the friend. ~ Catherine Killigrew

Hair: AD – harper cinnamon by Queue Marlowe for Analog Dog *

Skin: []::Tuli::[] The Dressing Room LE :: Gina 03 by Tuli Asturias for Tuli *

Top: :. WoE .: Madison Lace Cami (Mustard) by Dick Wiesel of :. WoE .: (not a soul sister but good enough ;))*

Pants: JANE – cozy corduroy.khaki by Janie Marlowe for Jane

Jewelry set: Ear Candy Vacation Set by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candyavailable at the 2010 Jewelry Fair *

Shoes: ::Duh!:: Women’s Deck Shoes Fall Plaid by Renee Harvy of Duh!

Rehab

Harper: I am going out of town this weekend for vacation and won’t have Internet.
John Z: That’s not vacation; that’s rehab.

I *will* be out of town this weekend because I will be enjoying the natural beauties of the upper Midwest, visiting roadside stands, breathing in the fresh air, and going absolutely berzerk without Internet access. No worries—you’ll be getting my blogs fresh every day on time.

Today’s look starts with Dakota Buck and beanster Potato, two casual pieces perfect for vacation days. I love the pull-on leggings from beanster—they look horribly casual in RL but perfect in SL because we have the bodies to wear them. The top, which includes a beaded yoke, is a lovely piece with well-drawn wrinkles and shadows.

The skin is a new one from Mallory Cowen, a fresh-faced woman of color. I am glad to see Mallory is concentrating on the different colors and styles that beautiful women can come. This skin, made for a more Asian looking avatar, has a rich hue and luscious make up. This cute hair is from Kavar Cleanslate and blessedly modifiable so I could darken it slightly.

My boots come from the gacha at Marea Kirax’s store. In this case, I have jammed all my quarters into the machine in order to shake out boots in the colors I want. This only took—3 tries—and friends got my repeats. I love the crocheted texture, the great shape around the ankles and the brown suede on the feet. Funky and comfy and fun.

Hooked on Internet?  Help is a just a click away.  ~Author Unknown

Hair: Exile Bianca/dark brass by Kavar Cleanslate for Exile, exclusively at The Dressing Room (modified)

Skin: LAQ ~ Mima 10 [Nougat] Glow skin (hairbase) by Mallory Cowen for LAQ

Top: [W&B] Neelia Beaded Yoke Tank DUST by Dakota Buck for Whippet & Buck

Leggings: Leggies – Brown by beanster Potato for Ducknipple

Jewelry: Ear Candy ~ Hunk of Pink Earrings Set and Bangles Set by Maeve Mortlock for Ear Candy

Boots: “anuenue. Patchwork knit boots-PINK by Marea Kirax for anuenue